• by Cole O'Brien, writing from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

1-0. That was the score following the US's crash with Honduras. It wasn't the massive win some were hoping for, but it was a result, a result that would help the progress which must come if Jurgen Klinsman is to bring any kind of progressive change to an American side that has suffered through a roller coaster of performances under former coach Bob Bradley.

The win over Honduras Saturday night was a perfect example of what soccer fans are hoping to see happen under Klinsman. Possessive soccer that leads towards plenty of chances that will hopefully be converted into goals. While the stars and stripes did miss plenty of chances (yes that would be you Oneywu) there was still plenty of encouraging signs.

New Bundesliga recruit Danny Williams had an impressive debut for the American side. While he didn't display show-stopping dribbling like Messi he was exactly what we hoped for from an outside midfielder. He displayed smart passing and wasn't always trying to go forward not to mention his constant dangerous runs behind the Honduras back line.

Another fantastic star for the US was Oneywu. After coming on for the O-J he displayed the anchor the Americans have been missing in their back line. Sure he missed a volley into an open net from six yards out, but that doesn't put a damper on his brilliant second half performance.

One of the greatest highlights throughout the match was Clint Dempesy. He displayed a true Number 10 performance of which rivals those of his counterpart Landon Donovan who couldn't play in the match due to injury. Dempsey was helped out by the left wing tandem of Timothy Chandler and Brek Shea who protruded an onslaught of attacks to the Honduras back line. Not to mention it was Shea who sent in the cross that led to Dempsey's beautiful goal during the match.

Now we must see progress from this American squad. Klinsman's experiments with his Starting 11 must continue as they are the only way he will find himself the perfect lineup come World Cup Qualifying this spring. He must also learn to not give into the pundits that now plague the football world. They have already pressured him earlier than most expected given he went three games without a win and only one goal scored.

Now imagine the American squad come 2014. We are bolstering an attack that has Jozy Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Break Shea, and Landon Donovan. Our midfield will boast a recovered Stuart Holden and Michael Bradley. The midfield used to be a place where the US struggled and while we still don't boast a midfield capable of free flowing football such as the Dutch and Spanish we are making progress. This is only helped by the Latin and German flair our dual breed Americans have brought to the mixing pot.

Brazil will be an interesting tournament for the US. While we all hope for a breakthrough for our American side, like any other tournament it can easily turn into a disaster.

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