It’s gameday but as promised here is your update on notable Yanks playing abroad from the weekend of November 13-14. Only a few of these guys made the long trip to South Africa, but hopefully they’ll see some time down there and cure what is ailing them.
Aston Villa v. Manchester United 11/13/10
Brad Friedel made a couple saves, but let Man U off the hook with a pair of goals in the final 10 minutes in a 2-2 draw. Eric Lichaj came on in the 88th minute to restore order, and Man U couldn’t score again…yeah I know it was only 2 minutes, but facts are facts – Lichaj comes in and no more goals. All reports indicate that Brad Guzan did an exceptional job as Brad Friedel’s Ball Boy.
Bolton @ Wolves 11/13/10
Stu Holden scored a 67th minute goal, which proved to be the game winner after Wolves attempted a late rally but Bolton held on 3-2. Stu also picked up an assist this match, marking his first goal and assist of the EPL season. Holden is hoping to score some more goals now that he “broke his duck”. That is most certainly a new expression to me, I would have said I quacked my duck…get it like cracked instead of broke. I’m hilarious.
Fulham v. Newcastle United 11/13/10
Dempsey started up top in a 4-3-3 and was joined by Eddie Johnson for the final minute in a scoreless draw. Deuce dominated throughout, menacing the Newcastle defense and testing the goalkeeper with 4 shots on goal but he was unable to score, denied on two of the shots by marvelous goalkeeping. Dempsey has scored 4 goals through 13 EPL matches this season which puts him on pace to top his previous high of 7 goals in a campaign (in both ’08 and ’09). Fulham boss Mark Hughes is becoming increasingly worried that a player’s career is going to come to an end on a reckless challenge as exhibited by Essien’s two footed lunge at Deuce last week in the Chelsea match, which mystifyingly received only yellow. In related news, Essien is a douche.
Schalke @ Wolfsburg 11/13/10
Jermaine Jones started in midfield and played 63 minutes of a dramatic 2-2 draw. Jones committed 4 fouls in the match, but nothing amounting to a yellow (which he had been shown in his last 4 games).
Hannover v. Mainz 11/13/10
Steve Cherundolo earned himself a 57th minute yellow, which turned into a 68th minute red. However, Hannover had already scored a first half goal and they were able to hold on for a 1-0 victory. This was Cherundolo’s first Bundesliga red card since 2006, and as such, his first as captain of the side. DaMarcus Beasley chilled on the bench, in his defense though he only plays once a month and he put in 33 minutes against Dortmund on the 7th. Hannover coach, Mirko Slomka was not pleased with Captain Steve being sent off.
M’gladbach @ FC Cologne 11/13/10
MB90 put in a 70th minute goal, off a deflection and M’gladbach destroyed the only team looking up at them in the Bundesliga 4-0. Bradley has now equaled his goal total from last season. Perhaps he can figure out a way to keep the Foals up in the first division. The good news is that if he doesn’t, he won’t have to worry about getting them back up as he’ll just leave.
Everton v. Arsenal 11/14/10
Timmy Howard conceded a pair of goals in the 2-1 defeat. Howard has given up 13 goals on the season through 13 games…that works out to an average of 1 goal per game. David Moyes, Everton’s manager, has expressed his faith in Howard while acknowledging that he may be a little tired after the World Cup. It would be nice to see Timmy build upon his 4 clean sheets moving forward.
Anderlecht v. Ghent 11/14/10
Kljestan came off the bench and picked up a yellow in a 2-1 victory for the purple and white.
OTHER NOTABLES:
Jonathan Spector was in the 18, but didn’t appear for West Ham.
Jozy Altidore was also in the 18 for Villarreal, but didn’t appear at Camp Nou…at least he got to see Messi with a brace in person.
Carlos Bocanegra‘s squad, St Etienne’s game was postponed due to bad weather. Insert France World War II joke here.
Red-cardo Clark was active, but didn’t appear for Frankfurt, he has played 16 minutes this year.
Mo Edu has an x-ray scheduled for Monday, to determine how much time he will miss, but early reports from the weekend were positive.
Enjoy your weekend and feel free to wish me a happy birthday on Monday at www.twitter.com/swampjankins, or simply tweet at Lady Gaga, who the staff hopes to have sing happy birthday to me. In person.
On a side note, be sure to check out Betting Expert for the best in online betting.
Dru Boyer is a staff writer for The Yanks Are Coming. He can be reached at dru@yanksarecoming.com or you can follow him on Twitter at @SwampJankins.