Clint Dempsey is ready to guide the USA national team to a big win over Jamaica in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday night.
The Tottenham signing scored early in Kingston on Friday as the US were beaten 2-1 by the Reggae Boyz but now he is determined to be on the end of a winning result so his side can regain top spot on the Group A CONCACAF table.
"I feel better. It helped me a lot and gave me more confidence," he told USsoccer.com.
"It's always good to get back on the score sheet. Also, it gets a better level of fitness and you're able to assess the speed of what it's like playing in a game.
"I think I benefitted a lot from that and I'm excited about the challenge of Tuesday."
And Dempsey is also urging the US team to play with a bit more patience so they are able to break down the Jamaican side.
"I think just keep moving and trying to find those gaps and pockets and trying to create better angles to get access to the ball," he added.
"Also, as a team we have to be more patient and not try to make the killer pass all the time and get past their first line of pressure. I think things will open up from there. We have to be a little more sharp on the ball when we do get it. I think it'll help being on a better field because you don't have to take as many touches to try and control the ball. We'll be able to let the ball do a lot of work for us.
"As opposed to taking too many touches and getting caught on the ball and getting ourselves into tackles and play that isn't what we're capable of. We know that we can play at a better level."
