Americans Abroad: Dempsey and Fulham win, Friedel earns a draw with Villa

It was a low key weekend for Americans Abroad this weekend as there were goals scored in the top leagues. Clint Dempsey started for Fulham as they earned a victory and moved into 7th place in the Premier League. Brad Friedel was able to earn a draw as Villa are in position for European soccer next season. Here’s the recap of Americans playing in the top European soccer leagues this past weekend.

Clint Dempsey (MF) – Fulham – English Premier League – Fulham won at home against Stoke City 1-0 and moved into 7th place in the Premier League table. Dempsey started and played the full game in left midfield, where he’s been for most of the season. Fulham’s goal was a counterattack from a Stoke City throw-in and scored by Erik Nevland. Dempsey had 3 shots in the game and could be attracting attention from other Premier League clubs during the summer transfer, but manager Roy Hodgson has stated his intentions to keep the core of the team together for next season.

Brad Friedel (GK) – Aston Villa – English Premier League – Friedel had 4 saves in a draw against Bolton as they remained in 5th, now 2 points ahead of 6th place Everton. The American goalkeeper played solid and the one goal conceded was poor defense. Villa will look to finish out the season strong and keep their current spot in next year’s UEFA Europa League.

Tim Howard (GK) – Everton – English Premier League – Everton had been in great form with a win over Man U in the FA Cup Semifinals and a draw against Chelsea, but lost Saturday 1-2 against Manchester City. Howard made 6 saves in Saturday’s match. The first was a goal from Robinho and arguably a shot that Howard would normally save. On the second goal, the defense didn’t mark Stephen Ireland in the box who beat Howard to the far corner. Overall, there were defensive miscues by Everton and Howard was hardly to blame for the loss.

Maurice Edu (MF) – Rangers – Scottish FA Cup – Edu got another start for Rangers as they beat St Mirren 3-0 in the domestic cup competition. The American midfielder played the full game and is starting to settle in at Rangers.

Michael Bradley (M/ST) – Borussia Monchengladbach – German Bundesliga – Bradley played center attacking midfielder/striker for Monchengladbach who drew with Arminia Bielefeld 1-1. The American started and played 69 minutes before being taken out of the game. He had a shot on goal but his form has dropped a bit since a terrific February and March for Monchengladbach and the US National team. The club is in the relegation zone, and 2 points from being clear.

Jeremiah White (MF) and Benny Feilhaber (MF) – AGF Aarhus – Danish SAS-Ligaen – White started and played 70 minutes as AGF defeated FC Nordsjælland 1-0 and Feilhaber came in the 70th minute, replacing White in Sunday’s match. AGF is in 6th place and is not in danger of relegation.

Michael Parkhurst (D) – FC Nordsjælland – Danish SAS-Ligaen – Parkhurst played the full game for FC Nordsjælland but they fell to AGF 0-1 on Sunday. The club is 7 points clear of relegation and should be safe with one more win this season.

Danny Califf (D) – FC Midtjylland – Danish SAS-Ligaen – Califf started and played the full game in Monday’s match against Sonderjyske. Unfortunately the team lost 2-4 and only 5 points ahead of Randers FC for 4th place. FC Midtjylland gave up 2 penalties that were ulitamately the difference.

Jay DeMerit (D) – Watford – English Championship – The Watford Captain started and played the full game in a 3-2 win against Coventry City. Watford are 15th in the table and will be playing in the Championship next season. DeMerit is likely to get a call-up to the National Team, who will have a busy schedule this summer.

Eddie Johnson (ST) – Cardiff City – English Championship – Johnson came on in the 76th minute but was unable to help Cardiff, who lost 0-3 against Ipswich Town. EJ had one shot on goal in the 84th minute but Cardiff were held scoreless in Saturday’s match. Cardiff City have earned a playoff promotion spot and could be playing in the Premiership next season.

Marcus Hahnemann (GK) – Reading – English Championship – The American goalkeeper earned another clean sheet as Reading prepare for the promotion playoffs and look to get back into the Premiership. Two goals from Shane Long helped Reading win 2-0 against Norwich City on Monday’s match and Hahnemann made 5 saves.

Mike Grella (ST) – Leeds United – English League One – Leeds had a 1-0 lead when Grella came on in the 80th minute of Saturday’s match against Hartlepool United. Leeds are 5th in the League One table and have guaranteed a playoff promotion spot.

Marcus Tracy (ST) – Aalborg – Danish SAS-Ligaen – Tracy came on in the second half as a substitute in the 70th minute, but had to leave in the 83rd minute with an injury. Aalborg lost the match 1-2, and are in 7th place in the league table.

Jozy Altidore,  Jemal Johnson, Carlos Bocanegra, Charlie Davies, Steve Cherundolo, Jonathan Spector, Brad Guzan, Sal Zizzo, Heath Pearce, DaMarcus Beasley, Freddy Adu, Oguchi Onyewu – Did not play in this weekend’s soccer matches for their respective clubs.

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