United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann said there were plenty of positive takeaways in a 2-1 win for his side against Peru, adding "it was fun to watch" the team regroup after half-time and mount a comeback.
The Americans looked strong in the opening minutes, but Peru began to take control as the game approached the 20-minute mark, culminating with a Daniel Chavez goal to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the half.
However, Klinsmann said the team didn't panic and were supportive of one another in the locker room following the first half's closing minutes in which the team generated several legitimate scoring opportunities.
"We saw why Peru finished third in the Copa America. That's a very good team," Klinsmann said. "I think that last 10 to 12 minutes before the break we had a lot of chances, there was a lot of energy there, we pushed it higher up the field. That was the message at halftime, we got rewarded with two goals."
Jozy Altidore made his return to the U.S. squad after being left out of the team for the knockout stages of the Gold Cup, in which the U.S. finished fourth.
The national team veteran assumed the captain's role, with Michael Bradley taking the game off to play with his club side Toronto FC on Saturday, and he impressed, scoring twice to help the U.S. pull out the win.
"Obviously we're very pleased with Jozy. Coming back and scoring goals is the best medicine for every striker, there's no doubt about it," Klinsmann said.
Klinsmann also praised the energy the team showed in the comeback win and said it was the same kind of effort and desire he's seen in training in the lead-up to the friendly with Peru.
"The response from the entire team was very positive," Klinsmann said. "I was not upset at all at halftime being a goal down. I said 'it's a deflected shot it happens' and guys we're going to get back into this game. It was fun to watch."
Once again, the U.S. used multiple players in the backline, as Klinsmann tried to find the perfect mix for the upcoming Confederations Cup play-in game vs. Mexico on Oct. 10.
"We never have the same group together. We always have to make adjustments," he added. "We always have to move pieces around and we try to do that in the best way possible.
"I think Tim Ream played very, very solid this game, won many, many one-on-one situations, played really simple at the back. That's what we asked him to do, which he's known for and I think also Michael Orozco and Geoff Cameron did their job.
"Geoff came in there, he was hungry for that game and had very, very good moments. We feel good about our defenders, no matter if they're on the flank or in the middle, that they can get the job done."
Regarding Altidore's performance in the captain's role, Klinsmann hailed his No. 17's knack for playing with pride and stepping up when his team needs him to do so.
"Jozy was captain already several times in the last year, and also he has the most caps," Klinsmann said. "When he has that honor and he has that privilege of being captain he's full of pride. It gives him something very special.
"He's coming from a difficult couple of weeks or months with the Gold Cup and now getting back into rhythm in Toronto and coming off the bench here and there.
"I was actually surprised that he went all the way. It's a real good sign. It's just great to have him back."
The next match for the United States is on Sept. 8 versus Brazil in Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts (8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/WatchESPN).
ESPN FC writer Doug McIntyre contributed to this report.