3 things to watch for | USMNT vs. Costa Rica

The upcoming World Cup Qualifying match in Denver highlights a host of issues for a US team looking to recover from a surprising setback against a solid Honduras side in early February.

Not long after US Men's Coach Jurgen Klinnsman released the official game roster, critics and fans unleashed a fury of questions related to the apparent lack of depth along the team's back line.

The debate rages as injury and diminished playing time prompted Klinnsman to omit  previous defensive starters Timothy Chandler, Fabian Johnson and Carlos Bocanegra.

The absence of these players along with uncertainty surrounding forwards Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan leave the US vulnerable to a Costa Rican side keen to steal crucial qualifying points on the road.

With the match just days a way, the following seven factors will make or break the US team's chances in the upcoming showdown:

Can the team find an offensive rhythm in the Denver cold?

With local temperatures in a downward spiral, the US must find some sort of offensive punch from forwards Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson and Jozy Altidore. Despite noticeable contributions off the ball, Altidore's continued excellence at club level has yet to fully translate on the international scene.

Clint Dempsey returns from a prolonged injury hat saw him miss significant time at club side Tottemham.

Can he shake off any signs of injury and continue his run as the US' top offensive threat. The ability of the United States to avoid elimination for the first time in decades may very well depend on it.

What player will emerge to provide the spark the US needs?

Landon Donovan will not walk through that door. Not yet at least. As the US leading goal-scorer continues his sabbatical, the Jurgen's side needs someone to step up and place a personal stamp on this game.

Will that player appear in the form of current captain Michael Bradley?

Can Forward Herculez Gomez deliver a dose of second half magic against a game Costa Rica team?

Regardless, some one must step up to take the mantle of scoring or defensive leadership the US sorely needs.

Can Jurgen Klinnsman walk away from this qualifier more confident in his team’s chances?  

This is it, World Cup qualification versus a worthy regional opponent. Jurgen knows that his grand US experiment hinges on the results garnered over the next few games. If the US comes away with a point in Denver, many will breathe a sigh of relief. If his charges go down in defeat, then look for the hot seat to come to a boil. Either way, look for this portion of qualifying to test the Men’s Coach like never before.