United States 2, Azerbaijan 0: Relief and Questions

As would be typical for one of the last sporting events at Candlestick Park, the winds were literally swirling as the United States took on Azerbaijan last night, though more intriguingly, if not harrowingly for American fans, the figurative winds circulating over the span of ninety minutes brought forth varying degrees of bemusement, lamentation, concern and encouragement. In what was supposed to be the easy first leg of three pre-World Cup friendlies, this one was, in large portions, anything but.

In this morning after, Klinsmann and fans alike wouldn't be wrong to have some apprehensions about the display from Jozy Altidore last night. Yes, his struggles at Sunderland this term, whether by his own making or not, have been well documented and thoroughly discussed on this side of the Atlantic. Despite this forgettable season, however, we continue to hold out hope that some time back in a USA shirt will see him become reinvigorated and thus returned to the explosive form he was in last summer.

Last night, unfortunately for Jozy, did not look anything like a catalyst for such a renaissance. While Altidore did fill the role of the typical target striker at times, both by brandishing his physicality and holding up play, it was clear that the confidence he oozed a year ago is still some ways off from returning. There were times against Azerbaijan when a better touch would have set him up nicely for a chance, and still other times when that half chance was there and he just couldn't bring himself to take it. Confidence is so paramount for a striker, and it's clear that it is proving to be elusive for Altidore.

Conversely, Aron Johannsson might have done enough last night in his second half appearance to garner a start against Turkey in a few days' time. Forget the goal that he scored for a moment, because the marking was so awful that he should be scoring that one 98 times out of 100. Johannsson, as has been evident over the last couple of seasons at AZ Alkmaar and in friendlies against the likes of Bosnia previously, is a player who is single-minded in his approach and clinical in his nature as a striker. Some have wondered why he hasn't gotten more playing time under Klinsmann. Maybe that question will become obsolete.

In highlighting the positives of the United States' late show, Mix Diskerud naturally deserves his share of attention. He, like Johannsson, stood as one of the fulcrums of the second half improvements, both through his goal and facilitation. With Michael Bradley having the rare off-night (with emphasis on rare), this injection of life in the midfield was greatly needed. Larger stages against Turkey and Nigeria should give us more of an indication of if he will be given the chance to live up to the number ten shirt that now adorns him.

Perhaps more could be written about last night's win and more analysis could be divulged, but I think we'd be embarking on a bit of a tedious endeavor in doing so at this point. Last night, especially by way of Dempsey's late omission, ultimately became a chance for Jürgen Klinsmann to experiment with some of the pieces of the American puzzle. Late sparks brought forth a collective sigh of relief, though the next two friendlies, in which the rearguard will face greater challenges indeed, will allow us to know if this relief will board the plane with the United States or if it will be left standing at the gate.