USA vs Honduras: 5 Things We Learned About Jurgen Klinsmann's Team

Party on, Deuce.

And while we're at it—Prost, Klinsi, Prost.

The United States defeated Honduras 1-0 in an international friendly Saturday in Miami. For now, there's plenty to talk about, from strong debuts to blossoming stars to feel-good comebacks.

But in a few years, when the US is playing in its seventh straight World Cup in Brazil, the only two things we'll definitely, absolutely, no-doubt-about-it be talking about are these:

Jurgen Klinsmann finally got his first win as US manager.

And…

Clint Dempsey = pure awesomeness.

That's all.

Look, I know other things happened Saturday night. Brek Shea played a great game. And he could turn into an amazing left-winger over the next few years.

Yeah, Danny Williams did look pretty darn solid in his US debut literally weeks after getting his passport. It's going to be interesting to track his progress.

And we have to give props to Oguchi Onyewu for making a solid return to the US lineup after stinking up the joint last time out.

But all that is for the present. Going forward, it's most important to recognize greatness and give credit where credit is due.

The first part refers to Dempsey, a great player who has long lived in the shadow of Landon Donovan, but shined brighter than the Jumbotron while wearing the US Soccer Savior's No. 10 jersey Saturday night.

But the credit has to go to Klinsmann, who finally, after three disappointing results, got the one he wanted—and got it by playing the style of football he wanted to play.

Don't understand? Well, the US got lots of results just like this under Bob Bradley. But it didn't play this kind of football.

Over the the next two-plus years until the World Cup, though, we're going to see a lot more performances just like tonight's. I, for one, can't wait.

That's not to say it'll end up in some crazy, epic ride to a world title or anything. It just means this: Now that Klinsman is finally off the mark, look for the US to really take off.

It's Klinsi's world. We're all just living in it.

1. Brek Shea Has Arrived

Brek Shea is a funny-looking dude. But that funny-looking dude can play some ball.

On Saturday, he showed he's arrived at the international level.

His runs down the left flank gave Honduras a constant headache. His crosses menaced the visitors' back line and made the keeper make tough decisions. His touch was soft. He ran all over the field.

And most importantly, he set up the winning goal with a cross from the side opposite his starting position.

He faded a bit late in the second half, but for much of the game, Shea was the United States' most consistently dangerous attacker. He didn't hit the heights Dempsey did (more on that in a bit), but he showed he's ready for primetime.

Europe should beckon soon.

Welcome Home, Danny Williams

Danny Williams, the son of a US serviceman and a German mother, got his US passport very, very recently. And this article, from USsoccer.com, kinda makes it sound like a woman had something to do with his decision to play for the Stars and Stripes.

Whatever his reasons were, we should all be glad.

Williams made his debut for the US on Saturday, and he looked good. He normally plays a more central role for his club, Hoffenheim of Germany, but he looked very comfortable on the right side of America's midfield.

He showed good control, lined well with other players, moved quickly and briskly and found himself in several dangerous positions.

It looked for a moment like he might cap his strong debut with a goal in the 30th minute, but his wickedly curled shot flew over the bar.

No matter, though. Saturday served as a fine introduction of Williams to his new home.

Welcome Back, Gooch

I gave Oguchi Onyewu a harsh review last time he played for his country, way back in June.

Rightfully so, too. He was awful.

Saturday? Not so much. Gooch replaced the even-more-awful Michael Orozco-Fiscal (hereafter known as The O-F) at halftime and helped stabilize a shaky US defense.

Honduras threatened early in the second half, but the US held firm. Onyewu played a large role in the clean sheet, providing a strong presence in the center of the defense.

If he can keep it up, the US has a dependable, veteran option at centre-back. Even if he doesn't start, he could provide depth.

As an aside, Gooch did miss an absolutely glorious chance to score.

The Deuce Is Loose

So the Deuce didn't wear his customary No. 2 on Saturday.

Instead, he took over the No. 10 jersey from Landon Donovan.

Good thing, too. Dempsey was clearly the United States' most creative, most dynamic and most exciting player.

Just have a look at his goal. It was a thing of beauty.

So was his second, a towering, powerful header that was ruled out for a foul (probably a good call).

Even late in the second half, Dempsey looked fresh and ready to attack the Honduras defense. Whenever he was near the ball, the chances for excitement rose tenfold.

If he can keep up this form until 2014—and that's not a given seeing as he's already 28—it could be an interesting tournament for the United States.

Just think of what an in-form Dempsey, Jose Torres, Landon Donovan and Brek Shea could do to defenses. It should give you goosebumps.

The Future Is (Still) Bright

But in some ways, it's already going to be an interesting tournament for the United States.

At least it will be if Jurgen Klinsmann sticks around.

It took four games for Klinsmann to earn his first victory with the US, but it was worth the wait. Even while his team was struggling in its first three contests, Klinsmann had the players playing the kind of football he thought the US should be playing.

That means no more dour Bob Bradley, no more insane decisions and no more free places (though The O-F's continued inclusion has been mystifying).

Instead, we should see some of the best football the United States has ever produced, all the way to our country's seventh straight World Cup berth.

There's still work to do. Qualification hasn't even started and there were also some negatives from Saturday's match. The O-F was one, as was another meh performance by Jozy Altidore.

But with Klinsmann in charge, there's reason for genuine excitement with the American men's national team.