West Ham @ Liverpool 4/19/10
Jonathan Spector and the Hammers went down 3-0. Spector started and played all but 10 minutes. After the game, Spector was looking forward to the must win match against Wigan.
Aston Villa @ Hull City 4/21/10
Brad Friedel started, and Jozy Altidore entered in the 55th minute in East Yorkshire. Friedel recorded the shut-out in the 2-0 win. If you ever spend any time in East Yorkshire, check out the Skidby Windmill.
Fulham @ Hamburg SV 4/22/10
Clint Dempsey’s squad managed a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Europa League match in Hamburg. Deuce came on in the 51st minute to help his side in the important away fixture. The return leg in Craven Cottage is on the 29th.
Hull City v. Sunderland 4/24/10
Jozy Altidore got the starting nod, but didn’t make it through the entire 90 minutes due to a 45th minute red, but that tends to happen when you go all headbutt to the face. Hull City is most certainly going to be relegated, but don’t say that Jozy went down without a fight. This was likely Altidore’s last match with Hull, but will likely find himself on loan to another team in the Premiership next season.
West Ham v. Wigan Athletic 4/24/10
Spector and the Hammers pulled out a 3-2 victory on the strength of a 77th minute laser-rocket off the boot of Scott Parker. Spector committed three fouls, earned himself a yellow on a late tackle, and put one in his own net. I know these things because I watched this game, you probably didn’t because of your Saturday morning hangover, but that is why you read this blog. It’s a good relationship we have.
Borussia M’gladbach v. Bayern Munich 4/24/10
Michael Bradley and homeboys were able to go toe to toe for 90 minutes with the leaders of the Bundesliga in the 1-1 draw. Bradley managed to get off a shot, unfortunately it was not on target.
Aston Villa v. Birmingham 4/25/10
Brad Friedel recorded his second shut-out of the week in the 1-0 win for the Villans. Friedel was absolutely magnificent, while recording seven saves.
Everton v. Fulham 4/25/10
Tim Howard conceded one goal to Fulham in the 2-1 Everton win. Timmy’s side was able to pull out the victory thanks to a Mikel Arteta 93rd minute penalty kick. Dempsey got off 4 shots for the away side and Howard made a pair of saves. Tim Howard is hopeful about Everton making it into the final Europa league spot. Dempsey is pleased with Fulham’s season despite this loss.
Rangers @ Hibernian 4/25/10
DaMarcus Beasley failed to see the pitch, but Mo Edu played the full 90 minutes as the ‘Gers secured the SPL title. However, the path to the title was forged by Edu’s extra time goal against Celtic in February.
Injured Player News
Stuart Holden is close to resuming training with Bolton.
Charlie Davies will not return for Sochaux this season, but the bigger question is if he and Onyewu should be included on the World Cup roster.
Dru Boyer is a contributing writer for The Yanks Are Coming. He can be reached at dboyer1122@gmail.com or on Twitter @druboyer.