Americans Abroad: Brad Friedel and Tim Howard earn clean sheets
Goalkeepers Tim Howard and Brad Friedel led the way in Americans Abroad as both earned clean sheets for their respective clubs. Here’s the full recap of Americans playing overseas in the top European soccer leagues.
Tim Howard (GK) – Everton – English Premier League – Howard had another solid game in goal as Everton defeated Sunderland 2-0 and the entire club has been in great form as of late. The American has tied the record with 15 clean sheets in the Premier League this season and continues to prove he’s one of the top 5 goalkeepers. Howard had 2 saves on Sunday’s game Everton are in 6th, two points behind 5th placed Aston Villa.
Brad Friedel (GK) – Aston Villa – English Premier League - Along with Howard, Friedel has been one of the best goalkeepers in Premiership, and continued his strong season with a 1-0 victory against Hull City. Friedel made 4 saves in Monday night’s win and Villa maintained their 5th place in the league table, assuring their Europa League spot for next season.
Clint Dempsey (LM) – Fulham – English Premier League – Dempsey played the full game for Fulham as they lost at Chelsea 1-3. The team struggled from the beginning, giving up 2 goals in the first 10 minutes, and unable to get any consistent attack. Dempsey had a shot on goal but it was a quiet game for the American. The loss dropped Fulham to 9th and they will need a strong finish to get a Europa League spot.
Jay DeMerit (D) – Watford – English Championship – DeMerit started and played the full game at Watford as they beat Derby County 3-1. Watford will remain in the Championship and DeMerit has been a solid contributer with the back four.
Marcus Hahnemann (GK) – Reading – English Championship – Hahnemann made 4 saves but Reading lost to Birmingham 1-2 on Saturday. Reading can clinche a playoff promotion spot with a victory in one of the 2 remaining league games.
Jemal Johnson (ST) – Milton Keynes Dons – English League One – Johnson came in as a second half substitute in the 52nd minute as the Dons won 1-0 at Hereford United. The American had 2 shots on goal and made an impact with 5 goals and 10 assists in 34 games in League One for the MK Dons. They’ve qualified in the promotion play-offs and will face Scunthorpe United in a home and away tie.
Mike Grella (ST) – Leeds United – English League One – Grella came on in the 77th minute as Leeds won their last league game and will now play in the promotion play-offs. He had one shot on goal and has yet to get a start or play significant minutes for Leeds. The play-offs begin with a home and away tie against Millwall.
Carlos Bocanegra (LB) – Stade Rennais (Rennes) – French Ligue 1 – Bocanegra and Rennes played a solid game but an own goal caused a loss to Paris St-German on Sunday. Carlos earned a yellow card in Sunday’s match and Rennes are in 7th, 2 points behind Lille and 4 behind Toulouse.
Michael Bradley (ST) – Borussia Monchengladbach – German Bundesliga – Monchengladbach lost to Bayern 1-2 and now are in danger of being relegated. With 4 games to go, the soccer club is 3 points from being clear and has a game against 15th place Energie which could decide their fate. Bradley had 2 shots on goal but Bayern dominated most of the match in shots on goal and possession. If Monchengladbach is relegated, Bradley will probably get offers from other Bundesliga clubs or the other to European leagues.
Oguchi Onyewu (D) – Standard Liege – Belgian Jupiler Pro League – Onyewu played the full game as it resulted in a scoreless draw. Standard is currently tied with Anderlecht for first in the league table with two games left in the season. Onyewu is almost definitely leaving the club after this season and the rumors have been he will be playing in Ligue 1 next season.
Maurice Edu (MF) – Rangers – Scotish Premier League – Edu started again as Rangers won 2-0 to keep pace with Celtic in the league table. The American midfielder had a shot on goal and is starting to earn consistent playing tie for the club. Next weekend is against Celtic in what might be the fiercest rivalry in European soccer.
Danny Califf (D) – FC Midtjylland – Danish SAS-Ligaen – Califf played the full game as FC Midtjylland won 2-0 against FC Nordsjælland. Califf was given a yellow card in the game and the club is in 4th place with 45 points in the league table.
Michael Parkhurst (D) – FC Nordsjælland – Danish SAS-Ligaen – Parkhurst played the full game against Califf as they lost 0-2. FC Nordsjælland are 5 points clear of relegation but need a few more victories to ensure their safety.
Jeremiah White (MF) and Benny Feilhaber (MF) – AGF Aarhus – Danish SAS-Ligaen – White played 65 minutes and Feilhaber replaced him for the final 25 as AGF was crushed by Odense BK 6-1. Feilhaber had struggled to get time while White has 3 goals and 4 assists this season.
Jonathan Spector, Freddy Adu, Steve Cherundolo, Brad Guzan, DaMarcus Beasley, Eddie Johnson, Jozy Altidore, Heath Pearce, Sal Zizzo, Marcus Tracy – Did not play in this weekend’s games for their respective clubs.
