Random thoughts:
Howard and the back four -- He didn't have much of anything to do the first 85ish minutes of the game, but wow what else can be said about the final five? Of course, it's also a testament to the back line that for all of the opposition's possession that they had few if any chances actually on frame until after the US had scored. Cameron deserves all of the accolades he's been getting for his performance, I'm looking forward to what he can do in the EPL. Some good showings in England and he could push Goodson for a starting job. Edu filled in well but didn't appear to be too comfortable as a CB. We'll see what happens once he moves to another club, but I think as of right now he'd really be about 5th or 6th on the depth chart at CB. His versatility obviously makes him very useful on the bench as well, perhaps his skill set would be better utilized as a fullback capable of joining the attack? Castillo looked better than he had, but almost the entirety of Mexico's crosses came from his side of the field. Not someone I'd expect to see next month in WCQs when more of the regulars are available. Fabian Johnson was great again, very little came down his side. However, he couldn't get forward much which may have been because he was playing RB instead of LB, but this shouldn't be an issue when the likes of Cherundolo and Lichaj (and with any luck, Chandler) are around.
Donovan -- On his one big rush with the ball at his feet, he elected to pass it out wide which I found disappointing. He's been impressive even by his standards for the Galaxy lately, and with the hamstring injury I'll give him a pass. However, this weirdness about him saying he's considering retiring in 2013 is not something you want to hear when you're still two years away from the World Cup.
Beckerman -- Not a whole lot got past him as the defensive mid, which is good, but he also wasn't very aggressive in taking balls away. Couple in a few weak passes, and it can't be called more than an average night. I think we have better options at CDM.
Danny Williams -- His quick throw in to Gomez was very clever, but otherwise he brings very little offensively. His night showed that his real use as a right winger is primarily in locking on to a particularly dangerous LM, but I think he falls into the category of "better options at CDM than Beckerman."
Jones -- Typical Jermain Jones kind of game. Hard work. Hard tackles.
Torres -- He has this reputation as a creative distributor, but honestly, I'm having trouble picturing any particularly nice plays he's ever made in a US uniform. This was another game that falls into this category. I understand that there's a paradox with having Torres on the field: He doesn't get many opportunities because defenders can't win back the ball to get it to him, and defenders can't win back the ball in part because he's a midfielder that doesn't do any defending. I don't think the solution to the riddle is more Torres.
Gomez -- He works hard, but not looking up to even see a wide open Boyd off of the Williams quick throw is inexcusable at the international level.
Subs -- Shea shows absolutely no fear, running at defenders with the ball yet still keeping his head up to find the pass. Hopefully this is the moment that turns around his disappointing season with FC Dallas. That little back heel pass by Boyd was a thing of beauty, too many forwards would have panicked and attempted to turn around with that ball. I have no idea how Orozco Fiscal ended up where he did, but I'm sure glad he was there. Beasley killed some time when he had the ball, getting his 97th cap in the process. Zusi had a solid clearance in the final minutes, not much else of note in his time.
It is difficult to tell how much to really read into friendlies, but getting road wins against Italy and Mexico where they've obviously struggled historically are both meaningful achievements. This is especially true considering how Klinsmann's first year has felt like moving one step forward followed by one step back. We'll see whether the confidence carries over next month against Jamaica.
