Brad Guzan is absent from the new USMNT roster-- but this is more likely a nod to his fine form at Hull, and the notion that it is probably best he stay there.
by Dru Boyer
Welcome to another Yanks Abroad round-up. Not too much action with FA Cup matches taking place in England, but nearly every Yank in action performed for 90 minutes. Player of the week honors to Brad Guzan and his 13 saves. Consistent playing time has to be a huge plus for Guzan, and although he wasn’t called into the American friendlies next week, it is probably safe to suggest that jut like Eric Lichaj, Bradley felt Guzan was too valuable to his club at this juncture to call away for a week and limited playing time. Makes sense to me– and a hat tip to Bradley Sr.
Stu Holden went 90 minutes and drew 3 fouls as Bolton advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals, 3-2. Lee Chung-Yong scored a close range header in the 90th minute after coming on in the second half. Stu is pretty excited about the opportunity to play at Wembley in the next round of the FA Cup.
Jon Spector entered in the 35th minute for West Ham, who lost their FA Cup match 2-1 at Stoke. West Ham manager, Avram Grant was charged by FIFA after the match for comments relating to referee Mike Jones. Jones took the comments in stride, stating “back then they didn’t want me but now I’m hot and they all on me”.
Hannover and Steve Cherundolo paid a visit to Cologne and got drubbed 4-0. Despite the loss, Hannover remains in 3rd place in the Bundesliga. Captain Steve went all 90 minutes and earned a late yellow, probably out of frustration that the side he captains played inarguably its worst ninety minutes of the year.
Ricardo Clark played all 90 for Frankfurt in a 2-1 loss at Schalke. Clark recorded 4 fouls without drawing the ire of the referee. Considering Redcardo’s propensity for forcing the ref to reach into his breast pocket, that is an achievement in and of itself. So is playing, come to that.
Mo Edu put in 90 minutes work for Rangers in a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock. The win puts the Gers just 2 points behind Celtic in the SPL race, and since they still find themselves 10 points clear of 2nd place, they’ve virtually assured their place in the Champions League playoffs next year.
St. Etienne and Bocanegra picked up a 2-0 win over Brest (hehehe) marking their first victory in their last six matches. Carlos played the full 90 minutes.
Oguchi Onyewu ran all 90 as Twente overcame an early deficit to earn a 2-1 victory. Twente currently sit 1 point behind table leading PSV Eindhoven for the automatic Champions League bid and 2 points ahead of Ajax for the Champions League qualifying 2nd place spot.
Among the Americans who will be at the March friendlies is creative midfielder Sacha Kljestan, whose Anderlecht playing time is on the rise.
Sacha Kljestan played 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw for Anderlecht, who currently find themselves in a tie for 1st place in the Jupiler League. Kljestan’s playing time has been all over the place, but he plays more often than he sits as a general rule—and it appears Bob Bradley has noticed as he selected the creative midfielder for the upcoming friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay.
Brad Guzan made a whopping 13 saves for Hull City in a 1-0 victory. Not bad for Friedel’s former ball boy.
Conor Doyle came on in the 50th minute and assisted on one of Derby’s 2 goals.
Eric Lichaj put a shot on goal in a 0-0 draw for Leeds.
Eddie Johnson took 5 shots, putting a pair on goal in a 3-0 win for cellar dwelling Preston.
Jozy Altidore played 70 minutes in a 1-1 draw for Bursaspor.
Happy St. Patty’s Day. Get your drunk on.
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