Welcome back from the International EURO qualifying and friendly break. Not a ton of hot American on European (soil) action, but I’ll give it all I have just for you.
Aston Villa v. Chelsea 10/16/10
Brad Friedel kept the table leaders in check in the 0-0 draw, making four saves en route to his 3rd clean sheet in the EPL campaign. This was a vast improvement over Friedel’s efforts (or lack thereof) last March against Chelsea when he let 7 into the net. Brad Guzan continues to languish on the Villan’s bench.
Bolton v. Stoke City 10/16/10
Stu Holden started at center-mid for the home squad as the Wanderers pulled out a 2-1 victory on a 90th minute effort from the 77th minute substitute, Ivan Klasnic. Seeing that his job was completed, Klasnic promptly recorded back to back yellows and exited the pitch. That makes for a fairly eventful 20 minutes. Holden put a shot on goal but was unable to find the net. Bolton currently sit in a tie for 5th with Aston Villa.
Fulham v. Tottenham 10/16/10
Dempsey started and went all 90 while Eddie Johnson came on in the 84th minute in the 2-1 loss at the Cottage. Deuce picked up the assist on the Fulham goal in addition to putting a shot on goal, committing 5 fouls and picking up a late yellow card as he continues to prove his worth for the Cottagers. Eddie Johnson was unable to provide a late spark, as Fulham fell in controversial fashion.
Rangers v. Motherwell 10/16/10
Mo Edu and the Gers picked up a 4-1 win on the strength of 3 second half goals. Edu did not get in on the scoring action, but did pick up a yellow card for his efforts. Mo is feeling confident heading into this week’s Champion’s League match with Valencia.
Hannover @ Bayern Munich 10/16/10
The efforts of Steve Cherundolo and the observational skills of DaMarcus Beasley were not enough to overcome the Reds in front of their home crowd. Despite the 3-0 loss, the American-captained Hannover still hold a 2 point lead over Bayern but they are both looking straight up at the surprising first place duo of Dortmund and Mainz.
St Etienne @ Nice 10/16/10
Carlos Bocanegra played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 loss. Even after the disappointed defeat, Boca’s boys sit a mere 2 points out of the Ligue 1 top spot. I know there is still a ton of season to be played, but it would be great to see Bocanegra in the Champion’s League next season.
Borussia M’gladbach @ TSG Hoffenheim 10/17/10
To the surprise of no one, MB90 went the full 90 minutes in the 3-2 defeat. Junior recorded his 1st assist of the season in the losing effort. Despite the herculean efforts of Bradley, M’gladbach have only managed to win a single game this season and are currently sporting a -10 goal differential. I’d like to see Bradley make a move to another club, preferably in the EPL.
Derby County v. Preston North End, 10/16/2010
Derby County defeated Preston North End 3-0 on goals from Dean Moxey, Alberto Bueno and Robbie Savage. Conor Doyle was in the eighteen for Derby but did not play. He did feature a week earlier in a reserve side game for Derby.
AGF Aarhus vs. Hjorring, 10/16/2010
Benny Feilhaber played ninety minutes and helped Aarhus remain atop the Danish second division as they routed Hjorring 3-0.
IK Start vs. Konigsberger, 10/17/2010
Clarence Goodson played ninety minutes but his backline conceded three times as Start drew Konigsberger 3 goals apiece in Norway. His teammate, young American Hunter Freeman, was unavailable due to an injury.
FC Nordsjaelland v. Brondby, 10/16/2010
Michael Parkhurst played ninety minutes and acquitted himself well, helping Nordsjaelland hold off Danish powers Brondby and earn a point this weekend. Parkhurst continues to play well and a great deal, and all signs indicate he has no intention of forfeiting a spot on the USMNT to a young defensive “next big thing” type at the Gold Cup next summer.
AC Milan v. Chievo, 10/16/2010
Oguchi Onyewu was not included in the Milan squad that defeated Chievo 3-1. I’m sure that somewhere Gooch was lifting weights and wondering if forfeiting his salary was a good idea.
Everton v. Liverpool 10/17/10
Timmy Howard was in top form, making 6 saves in the 2-0 victory for the Toffees in the 214th Merseyside. I must admit, I was pulling hard for Everton after a certain bartender (and Liverpool supporter) responded to my affection for Timmy H with the clever ballad “F__k Tim Howard, F__k Timmy Howard, F__k Tim Howard!” Very creative, homeslice. Actually, I’m sure he was just having an off day creativity-wise or perhaps the alcohol had simply relegated his mental facilities into disrepair. Speaking of relegated….yep…looking right at you Liverpool. For his part, Mr. Howard is happy to have an owner that is more than just a financial investor without an emotional investment in the club.
If you could pull MB90 to an EPL squad, where would you like to see him go? I’d be pulling for Fulham…the Dempsey and Junior duo would finally make me pick an EPL side.
Dru Boyer is a staff writer for The Yanks Are Coming. He can be reached at dru@yanksarecoming.com or you can follow him in all his hilarity on Twitter, at @SwampJankins. No word on whether he has recovered from his post-Reds-elimination bender, but his Kentucky Wildcats did upset 10th ranked South Carolina Saturday.