From role player to indispensable, it has been quite a growth curve for Sacha Kljestan at Anderlecht. He and Stu Holden are our Yanks of the Week.
by Dru Boyer
The Yanks Abroad returned to action after the international break to positive results, for the most part. The biggest news of the week may be that Brad Friedel has been freed…now the man between the posts for Tottenham. The AmeriGers secured another victory and the Yanks of the week is Stu Holden for catching Jurgey’s eye, and Sacha Kljestan, for becoming indispensable in Belgium.
Tim Howard twice lost the lead in a 2-2 draw with Brad Guzan’s Aston Villa. Howard did not have much of a chance at stopping the second equalizer, a point blank header. Guzan spent all 90 minutes on the sideline. No word on whether he called Brad Friedel on his mobile to see if he could retrieve balls for him again. He did probably call his wife once or twice, since she was important enough to miss the Gold Cup over…
Clint Dempsey went 90 in Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Blackburn. Dempsey squeezed off a pair of shots (nearly bagging a winner) in a match that was preceded by a few moments of silence on 9/11 at the Cottage. I’m sure a similar scene repeated itself throughout Europe, however this was the only such incident I observed. It took me by surprise a bit and I was very happy to see it. Don’t tread.
Brad Friedel worked a 2-0 shutout, making 5 saves as Tottenham visited Wolves. The win marks Friedel’s first victory of the season. He had given up 8 goals in his previous two starts. However, The Farve of Villa Park White Hart Lane has taken over the number one keeper shirt…it should come as no surprise that Heurelho Gomes wants out. #”Freed”el.
Mo Edu and Carlos Bocanegra both were in the action for the AmeriGers in a 1-0 victory over 10 man Dundee. Boca drew a yellow in the 73rd minute and Edu came off in the 75th. Kyle Lafferty scored the lone goal for the Gers. Lafferty is a favorite of TYAC Editorial staffers Jon Levy and Neil W. Blackmon, who informed me that it was “always going to be lafferty.” Edu nearly earned himself an assist, but Naismith doofed it from tight range. The thing is bigger than a peach basket, there guy… (see if you can see what I did there….)
Captain Steve Cherundolo and Hannover took one on the chin in their first Bundesliga defeat of the season, 3-0 atStuttgart. Cap’t Dolo was slightly tardy arriving to the ball, thereby contributing to the inability to defend the initial goal forStuttgart. Bummer.
Timmy Chandler put in 90 minutes and a shot on goal in a 2-1 victory forNurnberg, both goals coming from the penalty spot and neither from Timmy. Joachim Low was so impressed he’s decided that may be Chandler shouldn’t play for theUS anymore. Double bummer.
Goals in the Dutch league should be worth half, given the scoring rates-- but Altidore's goal today provides more reasons to hope.
Jozy Altidore played the 1st half of a 4-0 win forAlkmaar. that makes 13 goals in their last 3 matches. Hopefully, playing with the Dutch version of the Bronx Bombers will continue to strengthen Jozy’s confidence to finish. Altidore did fire home a golazo earlier this afternoon—which should continue to brighten Yank spirits.
Sacha Kljestan’sAnderlecht squad earned a 2-0 victory at home v KV Vortrijk. Sacha went all 90 minutes and picked up a yellow in the victory. After spending last year as (albeit effective) role player—Kljestan appears to be relatively indispensable to this year’s version ofAnderlecht. And he surely has played his way into Jurgen’s good graces…. We’ll make him player of the week on an otherwise tough week for Yanks Abroad…
Jon Spector went 90 minutes in a 3-0Birmingham win..the 19 year old striker, Chris Wood netted a hat trick…and has 5 in his last 3 games. Wood is currently on loan from West Brom viaNew Zealand.
Additional Yanks
Stu Holden played 65 minutes for Bolton’s reserve team, which excited Jurgey...and teenage girls.
Zak Whitbread’s ankle and his hamstring hurt from getting run over by Didier Drogba. He’s trained but is doubtful for this week.
Jermaine Jones did not get to make a permanent move from Schalke, and remains inactive.
MB90 did not appear in Chievo’s Serie A opener.
How long until MB90 appears in Italy? When Jones ever make his way into the 18? Will Spector return to 1st team action next week? Come find out next week…until then follow me on the world wide web @swampjankins
Dru Boyer is a Senior Writer for The Yanks Are Coming. Follow him on Twitter above.