YES, IT WAS JUST a friendly and yes, the first year after a World Cup is a time for experimentation.

So those factors need to be taken into consideration when evaluating the United States' their 3-2 loss in a friendly against Denmark in Aarhus.

Still, for all of Jurgen Klinsmann’s talk about fitness, and players testing themselves in Europe, and the disadvantages of the U.S. soccer calendar, it can’t be ignored that the worst players on the night were the German-Americans who are in mid-season form.

This loss can’t be pinned on all the uniquely American soccer problems. This was another in a series of frustrating outings in which the U.S. continues to struggle to hold the ball, is vulnerable defensively, and collapses in the second half. That’s not a one-off, that’s a trend going back to Brazil and the lone constant—the man in charge.

At some point, hopefully soon, he needs to stand up and admit he needs to be better. Here are our ratings.

STARTERS

NICK RIMANDO: Probably could have done better on the cross before the second goal when he was caught out but otherwise not much he could have done on the other two goals. He made several strong plays to bail out his shaky defense. Rating: 6

GREG GARZA: Hard to sing the praises of a defender who is part of a backline that allowed three goals. He was bailed out by Rimando after an awful give-away toward the end of the first half. While none were specifically Garza’s fault, he was exposed defensively several times, causing the backline to lose its shape while offering nothing going forward from left back. Rating: 4.5

JOHN BROOKS: Continues to be undone by mental lapses and ball-watching. Wasn’t solely to blame on the first goal but was too far away from anyone on it and then was caught napping on the game-winner before failing to convert a golden chance to tie in the waning minutes. Rating: 3.5

MICHAEL OROZCO: Was the best U.S. defender against Denmark—which is like being the tallest midget on the team. Several nice clearances and alert plays, though his marking wasn't exactly tight. Did nothing to hurt his cause to be the primary utility defender, especially given that when he left the game after 80 minutes the U.S. was still up 2-1. Rating: 6

TIMOTHY CHANDLER: He was spun like a top and beaten for a cross in the 16th minute. He had an awful give-away in the 18th that was neutralized by a Rimando bailout. He contributed to the U.S. defense losing its shape on the first Danish goal. Aside from those moments, Chandler had a good game. Had a nice give-and-go that led to his optimistic cross that set-up the first U.S. goal, but at some point he needs to show for the national team what he does in Germany. Otherwise, why bother? Rating: 4

FABIAN JOHNSON: A very poor game for someone who usually is one of the best American players. Seemed out of sorts at left midfield, which may have had something to do with it. But he offered little in attack, had some sloppy give-aways, and was turned badly on the build-up that led to the first Danish goal. Rating: 4

GYASI ZARDES: The darling of the January camp was nowhere near as dangerous against the Danes as he was in his previous two U.S. outings. Spent too much time pinched in centrally and didn't use his pace to stretch the field and was rarely a threat. Also partially responsible for first Danish goal after not tracking back well. Rating: 4.5

MICHAEL BRADLEY: The man with the armband was the best U.S. midfielder—he worked his butt off, he was (mostly) tidy on the ball, and he delivered a sweet pass for a secondary assist on the second U. S. goal. The least of the American problems on the night. Rating: 6

ALEJANDRO BEDOYA: In a rare chance to start centrally, Bedoya was solid enough defensively in his 45 minutes but offered little in terms of creativity or helping the U.S. maintain possession. We've come to expect more from him. Rating: 5

ARON JOHANNSSON: Yes, his goal was well-taken but otherwise he was quiet for far too much of the game. Rating: 5.5

JOZY ALTIDORE: It’s tough to argue with a goal and an assist. His strike put the U.S. up 1-0 and demonstrated a nice combination of effort and skill. Plus, he displayed smarts and awareness on the assist to Johannsson and he also worked hard to show for the ball and serve as an outlet. With a better effort from the U.S back line, he might have been Man of the Match.Rating: 6.5

SUBSTITUTES

ALFREDO MORALES: Sloppy early but got more comfortable as the game wore on. That said, he didn’t offer much in terms of creativity. Still, he flashed enough to warrant further looks. Rating: 5

BREK SHEA: A couple of nice crosses but not much else. Given his favorite son status with Klinsmann, he likely did enough to get more looks. Rating: 5.5

DEANDRE YEDLIN: The bar for Yedlin coming off the bench was set last summer in Brazil when he showed he could be a game-changer. Made nothing close to that impact against the Danes. Rating: 4.5

VENTURA ALVARADO: Is Alvarado why the U.S. lost? No. But when you play 10 minutes to help secure a lead and end up giving up two goals, a yellow card, and an awful turnover, it’s hard to justify a higher grade. He did show some nice feet and his club form suggests he’ll be much better after getting his international debut out of the way. Rating: 4

RUBIO RUBIN: Made little impact as an offensive sub. Rating: NA

THE COACH

JURGEN KLINSMANN: At what point is it unreasonable to expect improvement or progress or at least signs of a blueprint? Right now it just seems like he’s throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks—and not much is sticking. Also troubling is his inability to get improvement out of the likes of Chandler and Brooks. Rating: 4

OK, these are our ratings. Now we want to see yours. It's easy with our interactive Player Ratings tool. Do it.

Brooke Tunstall is an American Soccer Now contributing editor and ASN 100 panelist. Follow him on Twitter.