Impressing Jurgen Klinsmann, or failing to: U.S. team's first steps in 2016

Gaining ground: David Bingham. This San Jose goalkeeper showed enough in camp to earn a start, and he made the most of that national team debut in the 1-0 victory against Canada. At 26, Bingham (pictured) is a good candidate to fill the void behind older veterans Tim Howard, Brad Guzan and Nick Rimando.

Losing ground: Bill Hamid. A knee injury cost Hamid a chance to shine in this January camp, and his subsequent surgery could cost him a large chunk of 2016.

Look out for: William Yarbrough. This Mexican-born goalie regained his starting job with Leon, and he could earn a call for the March qualifiers.

Gaining ground: Kellyn Acosta. This might seem odd given the fact Acosta started at left back in both recent friendlies, but right back is a more natural position for him, and one he impressed at in camp. Acosta is a strong candidate for a starting role in the Olympic qualifying playoff series in March, and he impressed enough to get another national team call.

Losing ground: Brad Evans. He earned the start against Iceland, and showed well before having to leave that match with hamstring tightness that forced him to depart U.S. camp early. He falls in this category for missing out on the chance to play two full matches at right back and increase his chances of starting in the March qualifiers against Guatemala.

Look out for: Steve Birnbaum. OK, so he's not really a right back, but he didn't look out of place against Canada. His future remains at center back, but with so many candidates in the pool, and so few right backs, perhaps this D.C. United defender has given Klinsmann something to think about down the road.

Gaining ground: John Brooks. Having an outstanding season with Hertha Berlin, Brooks should be called back into the U.S. group for the March qualifiers. His current form should make him a good candidate to start.

Losing ground: Geoff Cameron. Though he was having a strong season for Stoke City, an injury cost Cameron a run of matches. Stoke City's winter purchase of midfielder Giannelli Imbula could cost Cameron playing time. To his credit, Cameron withstood challenges before, and he could find himself playing more in central defense, which would only help his chances of staying near the top of the depth chart for the U.S.

Look out for: Omar Gonzalez. It's tough to think of many transfers that have worked out as quickly as Gonzalez's move to Pachuca. He settled in as a starter and helped that Mexican club to a strong start to the Clausura season.

Gaining ground: Jorge Villafana. This former Portland Timbers defender made a seamless transition to Liga MX, establishing himself as a regular starter for Santos Laguna and playing well in the process.

Losing ground: Edgar Castillo. In and out of the lineup for Liga MX leader Monterrey, Castillo has been out of the national team mix for some time. With other options emerging, he could be seeing the window for a national team return closing for good soon.

Look out for: Desevio Payne. Finally healthy, Payne earned two consecutive starts for Dutch League side Groningen — both victories — and just might earn a look from Klinsmann later in the year.

Gaining ground: Mix Diskerud. One good game in a friendly against Canada isn't enough to erase a disappointing 2015 season with New York City FC, but it did provide a reminder that Diskerud has had his share of strong performances for the U.S. He must have a good season with NYCFC in 2016, but he showed enough this winter to keep Klinsmann on his side.

Losing ground: Perry Kitchen. A player who is gearing up for a free transfer move this winter, Kitchen didn't earn many minutes in the recent U.S. friendlies. This might have been his last real chance to establish a stronger footing at a stacked position.

Look out for: Wil Trapp. It was surprising when he didn't see the field against Iceland, but Trapp did earn 13 minutes against Canada. He should be a key starter for the U.S. Olympic qualifying team in March.

Gaining ground: Ethan Finlay. His start against Iceland was active, if not totally effective, but his game-changing cameo late in the Canada friendly —  in which he assisted on Jozy Altidore's winner — should give Klinsmann reason to have another look at the Crew winger in March.

Losing ground: Graham Zusi. This veteran Sporting KC midfielder was left out of this January camp. With Finlay and Nguyen impressing in wide roles, Zusi could wind up waiting a good while for a recall.

Look out for: Jerome Kiesewetter. He made the most of limited minutes in both matches. His speed unsettles defenses, and his crossing ability is better than it is for some veteran U.S. attackers. He will be focused on the Olympic qualifying playoff against Colombia in March, but if he impresses in that series, he could be a sleeper option for the Copa America squad.

Gaining ground: Fabian Johnson. Yes, "holding steady" would be a better heading for this category, but it's clear there's no better left wing option in the U.S. pool than Johnson.

Losing ground: Gyasi Zardes. He started at forward against Iceland and on the right wing against Canada. Zardes continued to struggle with his touch and being reliable in the final third. His work ethic makes him a viable lineup option, but he will struggle to keep a starting role until he cleans up his possession and touch.

Look out for: Sebastian Lletget. Remember the LA Galaxy winger who tore up MLS upon his arrival from England? Well, he's someone who needs to be monitored. Lletget is one of the few Americans playing regularly in an attacking left-sided role.

Gaining ground: Lee Nguyen. No player boosted his stock more than Nguyen, who made the most of his appearances. Though deployed mostly on the left wing in the friendlies, Nguyen's passing touch, vision and confidence on the ball make him a viable playmaker option.

Losing ground: Darlington Nagbe. This one might seem a bit harsh considering he created danger when he came on in the recent friendlies. Nagbe makes this list because he didn't make the most of the camp — at least not how many thought he might. Word out of camp is that Nagbe had his share of struggles, and that shouldn't be a big shock for a player going through his first January camp. If anything, it might temporarily slow the Nagbe hype train. That said, he's too talented to bet against as a difference-maker this year.

Look out for: Christian Pulisic. This teenager is making waves by earning playing time for Borussia Dortmund. He might be some time away from the national team, but Klinsmann has said he's watching, and a call-up in 2016 is looking more and more inevitable.

Gaining ground: Bobby Wood. The goals keep coming for Wood, who is looking like a good bet to be called back in for the March qualifiers.

Losing ground: Aron Johannsson. A lengthy recovery from surgery has cost Johannsson quite a bit of ground, as well as potentially his starting role at Werder Bremen.

Look out for: Jordan Morris. This newly signed Seattle Sounders forward made things happen in his second U.S. start, though he needs polish. It's easy to forget that he has yet to play his first professional match, and playing time with the Sounders should only sharpen his game.