Last Saturday, Jurgen finally got his first win.

It might not have been the lopsided scoreline many wish to have seen against a middling CONCACAF opponent on home soil, but there’s no question the margin would have been higher if the finishing had been a bit more crisp.

Getting the win is a positive step, despite the shaky moments and hiccups, all to be expected in the earlier stages of Klinsmann’s reign of change and tweaks.

What can be gleaned from the few months since the German has taken charge is that there’s a plan and place – a plan to revitalize the way the U.S. play soccer. Whether that is a good or bad thing won’t be learned until the results matter in 2012.

Tuesday night’s opponent, Ecuador, offers another step to take, another opportunity to move the Klinsmann project in another direction. Here are four things to watch tonight.

1. Offensive production

One trait that the U.S. has lacked, both at the moment and before Klinsmann, is consistent offensive production from strikers. And while it appears Klimsmann favors to only use one striker, at this point he’s got to pinpoint reliable goal scorers.

Clint Dempsey appears to be in position to benefit greatly from that, as he scored against Honduras and is being featured in more of a central role within a 4-2-3-1 of sorts. Formation aside, the need for goals is always going to be there and the likes of Dempsey and Jozy Altidore can continue to have their say on Tuesday.

2. Progression on style of play

So far, this is what Klinsmann is trying to do: place an emphasis on possession-oriented, build-from-the-back style of play that creates chances at the offensive end, and stifles the opposition because of the dominance in time on the ball.

In this game, will the U.S. progress forward in trying to do that? Because of the nature of international soccer, the time is limited for Klinsmann to work with his players and implement his system. With that in mind, moving in the right direction is important, even in a game where the result doesn’t matter.

3. More Michael Orozco?

For a player who wasn’t seen as a worthwhile option in MLS, many are perplexed as to the Mexican-American’s continued inclusion in not only the full U.S. roster, but also the starting lineup as well.

While clamors abound for another Yank of similar descent – LA Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez – Klinsmann’s preference for the former is clear, but if Orozco starts again versus Ecuador, his performance will be more and more under the kosh.

4. Give him a Brek

The minutes have piled up more and more for Brek Shea, and while he is obviously one of the biggest pieces of the U.S. future, there’s no reason to continue to run him into the ground in a meaningless friendly.

Obviously, playing Shea against Ecuador won’t be a huge blunder, but perhaps relegating him to a substitute role and playing him from the bench wouldn’t be a bad idea. What else is DaMarcus Beasley doing on the roster then?

by Travis Clark