Americans Abroad: Spector and Beasley start, Dempsey and Fulham surprise
There were a number of Americans playing significant time in Europe this weekend. Here’s a recap of some of the Americans playing overseas.
Jonathon Spector – 90 minutes – West Ham United (EPL) – drew 1-1 with Blackburn – After being out for months and nagging injuries, Spector is healthy and got a start for West Ham at Right Back against Blackburn on Sunday. Spector was also called up for the next round of qualifiers with the US National Team and at age 23 could help solidify the defense.
Clint Dempsey – 82 minutes – Fulham (EPL) – won 2-0 against Manchester United – Dempsey has been one of the key contributors for Fulham this season and helped the team in a big win at Craven Cottage against the league leaders. After previous seasons of fighting relegation, Fulham are in 9th only 2 points from being in 7th place. Dempsey will be in the US Squad for the World Cup Qualifiers this upcoming week.
Brad Friedel – 62 minutes – Aston Villa (EPL) – lost 0-5 against Liverpool – Friedel has a nightmare on Sunday against a Liverpool squad that outplayed Villa from start to finish. It was hardly the goalkeeper’s fault and there was little he could to to keep his team in the game. Unfortunately he went for a save on Fernando Torres who was charging towards the goal but the referee ruled it a red card. Friedel was sent off and will be on a break as this upcoming week is full of international fixtures. Villa are in 5th and need to recover from a drop in form.
Brad Guzan – 25 minutes – Aston Villa (EPL) – lost 0-5 against Liverpool – Back-up goalie Guzan came into the game with a 0-4 deficit after fellow American was sent off with a red card. Guzan faced a penalty from Steven Gerrard but couldn’t make the save. He will be with the US National Team for the World Cup Qualifiers and could make a start as Tim Howard will be suspended for the El Salvador match.
Tim Howard – 90 minutes – Everton (EPL) lost 1-2 against Portsmouth - Howard played the full game for Everton but the team lost 1-2. Portsmouth scored two goals from Peter Crouch headers and the loss hurt Everton’s chances of catching Villa for 5th. Howard will be with the US Men’s National team but be unavaible for the first game against El Salvador.
DaMarcus Beasley – 74 minutes – Rangers (SPL) drew 2-2 with Hearts – Beasley got a rare start for Rangers and make an impact during the game. DaMarcus got an assist on a goal on a shot from Kyle Lafferty in the 9th minute. The American also took most of the free kicks and corner kicks for Rangers. Unfortunately Rangers couldn’t host their 2-0 lead after half time, giving up 2 goals in a 3 minute span to end up with a draw. Beasley will be with the US National team for the World Cup Qualifiers.
Oguchi Onyewu – 90 minutes – Standard Liege (Belgium) lost 0-1 to Royal Charleroi – Onyewu and Standard lost 0-1 to Charleroi and now are 2nd in the Jupiler League table. Onyewu continues to start and play several minutes for the club but is likely to transfer this summer when his contract is up. Onyewu will be with the US National team this weekend.
Carlos Bocanegra – 90 minutes – Stade Rennais (Ligue 1) drew 0-0 to Valenciennes – Rennes and Bocanegra continued their stellar defense this season in Ligue 1, keeping a clean sheet against Valenciennes. Unfortunately Stade Rennais couldn’t score any goals and are in 7th place, 5 points behind Bordeaux or the last Champions League Spot. Bocanegra will be back for the World Cup Qualifiers.
Michael Parkhurst – 90 minutes – FC Nordsjælland (Danish League) won 3-1 against Sonderjyske – The former New England Revolution defender played the full game and helped lead his team to a crucial victory as the club is fighting off relegation. Parkhurst was not called up for the National Squad.
Michael Bradley – 90 minutes – Borussia Monchengladbach (Bundesliga) lost 0-1 to Bocchum – Bradley and Monchengladbach lost and are still in the relegation zone. The team has struggled all season but picked up their form recently give them a slight chance to stay up in the Bundesliga. Bradley started at left midfield and continues to be one of the key contributors to the club, and will be in the National Team for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers.
Jay DeMerit – 50 minutes – Watford (English Championship) drew 0-0 to Ipswich Town – Team Captain DeMerit started and helped to keep a clean sheet for Watford. Ipswich had twice as many shots and more possesion but couldn’t convert. Early in the second half, DeMerit was subbed out because of a recent calf injury that kept him out the past few weeks. DeMerit will be with the National Team but it is unknown how is injury will affect his playing time.
Marcus Hahnemann – 90 minutes – Reading (English Championship) drew 0-0 to Crystal Palace – Hahnemann has regained his starting spot in goal for Reading and looking to get them back in the Premier League. Neither team could score and Reading are in 3rd, 4 points behind Birmingham for the 2nd automatic promotion spot to the Premiership. Hahnemann will be with the National Team for the World Cup Qualifiers.
Jemal Johnson – 90 minutes – Milton Keynes Dons (English League One) drew 0-0 to Yeovil Town – Johnson have been a regular starter for the Dons as they are near the top of the table and in contention for a promotion to the Championship. Neither team could score and now the Dons are in 4th, 7 points behind 2nd place Peterborough.
Mike Grella – 20 minutes – Leeds United (English League One) won 3-2 against Crewe Alexandra – Grella was a late substitute and helped United hang out for a 3-2 victory. Leeds scored 3 first half goals before Alexandra scored two goals from Tom Pope to make it a one goal game. Grella was not called up for the National Team for this upcoming week. Leeds are in 5th place and one of the playoff spots for the promotion playoffs.
Heath Pearce – 90 minutes – Hansa Rostock (Bundesliga 2) drew 1-1 against TUS Koblenz - Pearce played at left midfield for as they drew against Koblenz. Hansa are in the relegation zone and 9 points from being safe so it is unlikely they will stay up. Pierce will likely transfer to another team in the Bundesliga 1st or 2nd division, or possibly to another league. He will be with the National Team for the World Cup Qualifiers
Eddie Johnson – 14 minutes – Cardiff City (English Championship) lost to Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 – Johnson came in late in the second half but Cardiff were already down to 9 men, and down two goals. He committed a few fouls but the team had already received two 1st half red cards and had no realistic chance of winning. Johnson will be with the National Team for the World Cup Qualifiers.
Maurice Edu (Rangers, Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), Jozy Altidore (Xerez) – All of these players didn’t play this weekend but will be with the National team for the World Cup Qualifiers.
