Jurgen Klinsmann is fond of saying how the door is never really closed for a national team player. Last month, it was Sacha Kljestan who was living proof of that statement. In Friday's 2-0 victory over Cuba, it was time for Julian Green -- and to a slightly lesser extent, Chris Wondolowski -- to be held up as an example.

Green and Wondolowski were involved in both goals at the Estadio Pedro Marrero. It was Green's shot in the 62nd minute that was parried away by Cuba goalkeeper Sandy Sanchez, only...

Playing a rare friendly in the island nation of Cuba, the U.S. men's national team secured a 2-0 victory over the hosts. Second-half goals from substitute Chris Wondolowski and Julian Green proved to be the difference for the visitors. That said, the U.S. had to sweat some nervy moments on the defensive end, as Cuba twice hit the woodwork.

Here are three thoughts on an inconsistent performance:

1. U.S. made hard work of subduing Cuba

Let's be clear: The last time the U.S. had played a friendly...

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Sacha Kljestan's last trip to Cuba made a lasting impression.

It was just over eight years ago that the U.S. traveled to the island nation for a World Cup qualifier in the semifinal round. Kljestan recalled that the U.S. prevailed 1-0 on a Clint Dempsey goal. But what the New York Red Bulls midfielder saw around the game was burned into his memory as well.

"Things are different down in Cuba; you see all the cars from the 1950s, and stuff like that," he said prior to Monday's...