THE U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM wrapped up its annual January camp with a 2-0 win over Panama on Sunday—a result that should provide a brief respite from the back-and-forth bickering between Jurgen Klinsmann, U.S. soccer fans, and the media.

The past week did not represent a high-water mark for the U.S. Soccer Federation. Klinsmann blamed soccer domestic “culture” as to why some of the players on his team weren’t fit and also the MLS schedule. And in a recurring theme, he did not accept any blame for his team's failings, causing many fans and media alike to question his leadership.

All told, the 2015 January camp that will be remembered more for what happened off the field than on it. Here are four key takeaways on the last four weeks.

1. Klinsmann Maintained Status Quo

The U.S. needed that win over Panama, if only to prove that Klinsmann can still lead his team to victory. In case you hadn't noticed, it had been a while.

With just one win in its previous nine games, Klinsmann blamed the poor string of results on player fitness, the lack of a soccer “culture” that pressures players, and even the MLS schedule. For some fans it seemed curious that he never took any of the responsibility for the team’s shortcomings. And why didn’t he simply cut the players he thought were unfit? Or take ownership of the fact that they are his players now and he should know the player pool well enough to select those who meet his requirements?

The win over Panama was a decent showing but it was hardly inspiring and it served to maintain the status quo. Klinsmann apologists are no doubt still in his corner, and those who are ready for a change certainly didn't see enough against the 55th ranked team in the world to have a change of heart.

The march friendlies in Europe will present Klinsmann with tougher competition—Denmark and Switzerland—and if the U.S. does not perform well many of the same topics we've been discussing will resurface then.

2. Gyasi Zardes Has Arrived

Lots of players get opportunities with the national team. Gyasi Zardes made his count.

The Los Angeles Galaxy striker turned the Panama match into a personal showcase and made a case for becoming a regular player with the team. Playing out of position on the wing as opposed to his preferred forward role, Zardes was consistently dangerous in the first half. And his long run and assist to Clint Dempsey in the 37th minute stood out as one of the most impressive sequences in the contest.

Zardes made a move up the U.S. depth chart over the last month thanks to his showing against Panama but also because of his impressive minutes as a substitute against Chile. If he plays well in any of the upcoming friendlies, the 23-year-old has a very good chance to go to the Gold Cup this summer.

3. Michael Bradley looks fit

Michael Bradley did not have a spectacular 2014. He struggled in the World Cup. His MLS club, Toronto FC, failed to make the playoffs. And for what it's worth, the 26-year-old midfielder dropped to No. 5 in the ASN 100—his lowest ranking ever.

But he looked great against Panama, moving comfortably and taking command of the midfield and even delivering an Olimpico on a corner kick.

After undergoing surgery in October to repair a nerve issue in his foot, Bradley’s solid outing suggests that the problem is now behind him. We may never know how much this injury bothered him last season or during the World Cup but we do know he looked strong and confident at the StubHub Center. And that's great news for the U.S.

4. Where Were the Olympic prospects?

One of the most disappointing aspects of January camp was the fact that Klinsmann did not give many opportunities to the U-23 players he named to his roster. Ahead of January camp Klinsmann said that the U-23 team was one of the biggest priorities for U.S. soccer in 2015—but the two friendlies offered little insight into their capabilities.

DeAndre Yedlin started both games but he is a known quantity. Many of the young players initially named to camp were cut for the actual games and those who made the roster saw very limited action. Wil Trapp played part of the second half against Chile. Luis Gil only played 10 minutes against Panama. Shane O’Neill and Dillon Serna did not play at all.

Were those Olympic hopefuls so far behind the core team that they didn't warrant a start? Was Klinsmann so desperate for a win against Panama that he felt obliged to roll out a lineup that featured Dempsey, Bradley, Jermaine Jones, and Matt Besler?

Seems like a missed opportunity.

Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Follow him on Twitter.