THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL TEAM lost 2-1 to a very strong Colombia team on Friday night at Craven Cottage in London. The game provided Jurgen Klinsmann's men with a valuable learning experience against a quality opponent.

There were both positives and negatives to take away from the contest, and with just one match remaining in 2014 and the next FIFA international window not until March, Klinsmann will have a lot to think about in the months ahead. Here are my thoughts on the game.

1. A tiresome trend

For the third straight game the United States scored early and for the third straight game Jurgen Klinsmann’s team was dominated in the second half and conceded a late goal—after the 86th minute. It is becoming a familiar storyline right now and while these are friendlies, it is an important thing to address right now.

Conceding goals will happen but the continued poor play in the second half of games reflects a mentality that points to a larger problem that this team can’t put together a 90-minute performance.

2. Nguyen shows well in U.S. return

In a year in which he could win the MLS MVP, Lee Nguyen finally made his first appearance with the U.S. national team since 2007. He did not disappoint. The Texas native was lively in the attack and made a series of good runs and smart plays. He will get more callups moving forward and perhaps can provide the team’s anemic offense with a much-needed spark.

Nguyen brings so much of what Klinsman has said he wants from players. The New England Revolution playmaker is not afraid to try things with the ball, he likes to take defenders on, and he is always looking for ways to be dangerous. Most importantly, he is confident. More, please.

3. Rubio Rubin looks poised

Not many 18-year-olds play for the national team and fewer earn a start in their first cap against one of the best teams the world. It wasn’t a perfect performance from the Oregon native—it would have been great to see him finish his two chances on goal—but Rubin played with confidence and did not look at all intimidated by the big stage. He drifted back into the midfield to help with defense and possession but he also moved forward effectively.

4. Johnson and Diskerud struggled

The most important reason why the U.S. team lost the midfield was due to a pair of off-performances from two of its more reliable performers. Fabian Johnson made the move back in the midfield and Mix Diskerud was coming off a series of strong performances since the World Cup. Still, both players delivered ineffective performances against Colombia.

Johnson simply could not get involved and was not part of any serious offensive chances. His costly turnover in the 37th minute resulted in a golden chance for Colombia and he was lucky that Carlos Bacca’s shot hit the outside of Brad Guzan's upright rather than the back of the net.

Diskerud, for his part, was not able to run the midfield as he has in recent games. His role in the formation was to be a leader in the playmaking duties and the athletic, technical Colombia midfield prevented him from doing that.

5. Jermaine Jones in central defense

Jermaine Jones was given a true test in central defense and the results were again mixed. When the U.S. was playing well early, so was Jones. But as Colombia raised its game, Jones' inexperience at the position was exposed. He should have been called for a handball penalty in the 45th minute, and on Colombia’s gamewinning goal, Jones was slow to react on the initial passing sequence.

The problem again with this experiment is that while Jones has positive moments, it is hard to see him improving at the position unless he consistently players there for his club. Jones is dominating MLS in the midfield, and New England head coach Jay Heaps will have little incentive to play him there. The position shift is not in his club’s best interest.

6. John Brooks stands out

John Brooks, on the other hand, was very strong in defense against Colombia. He has played in three games since the World Cup and all have been strong performances. It is worth pointing out that the United States' backline was extremely inexperienced. Fullbacks Greg Garza and DeAndre Yedlin are both in their first years as professionals and Jermaine Jones is new to defense. Brooks is still young but he was asked to provide some leadership in the backline against Colombia, and he did.

The big question will be whether or not Brooks can get back in the good graces at Hertha Berlin’s coaching staff. Even with good appearances for the national team, Brooks needs to play for his club. With all the hope among U.S. staff for players like Jozy Altidore, Bobby Wood, Timothy Chandler, and Julian Green to reverse their club situations, Brooks is the most important out of any of them from a U.S. national team perspective.

That's Brian Sciaretta's take—now share yours. The comments section is open for business.