USMNT: 6 Takeaways From USA v. Colombia

Nov 9, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution midfielder/forward Lee Nguyen (24) celebrates his goal against the Columbus Crew with forward Charlie Davies during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

3.  Lee Nguyen Is The Real Deal

If he didn’t have to play in perhaps the most important game of his life a week from now, Lee would have probably gone all 90 today in my opinion.  Mix Diskerud was virtually ineffective against Colombia, while Lee made an immidiate impact, feeding Bobby Wood a perfect ball that was excellently saved by Colombian keeper Camilo Vargas.

Taylor Twellman was the first to notice the newfound poise in his game, having been present on the 2007 Copa America squad that saw Nguyen suit up in the stars and stripes for the last time until today.  “He looks like a different player”, Twellman, who used to be a legend for Lee’s current club in New England, remarked.  “He’s smarter, more mature, and better with the ball than the 21 year old kid we saw in 2007.”

Now that it seems the attacking midfielder position is up for grabs, expect Nguyen to be a contender if he keeps up the kind of play that he showed today.