Americans Abroad Recap – Dempsey & Tracy score – Sunday, November 9, 2009
Several Americans were in action in the European leagues on Sunday, November 10, 2009. Clint Dempsey, Jonathan Spector, Jozy Altidore, and Tim Howard were playing in the English Premier League while Carlos Bocanegra was with Stade Rennais in France. Kenny Cooper continues to play for Bundesliga 2 side 1860 Munich and Steve Cherundolo is a regular starter for Hannover 96. In the Danish league, Marcus Tracy scored for Aalborg and Michael Parkhurst played for FC midtjylland. Here’s the full recap for these Americans playing abroad in the to European leagues for Sunday, November 9, 2009.
Clint Dempsey (MF) – Fulham drew 1-1 with Wigan – 1 goal
Dempsey continues to play a major role at Fulham and scored their only goal on Sunday against Wigan Athletic. His goal on Sunday was off a penalty kick that he earned. It is the American’s third goal in three EPL matches as Fulham is in the starting to find their form of last season where they finished 7th in the league table. Dempsey has arguably been the most consistent and solid player for Fulham in the midfield this season.
Marcus Tracy (ST) – Aalborg beat FC Copenhagen 1-0 – 1 goal
Tracy played 74 minutes and scored the game winner in the 58th minute for Aalborg in the Danish league on Sunday. It was his first goal of the season for the club as he’s only played in 4 matches in the Danish SAS-Ligaen. The striker has a lot of potential but will need to get consistent playing time if he wants a shot at the National Team or one of the bigger leagues in Europe.
Tim Howard (GK) – Everton beat West Ham United 2-1 – 4 saves
Howard and Everton got a much needed 2-1 win over West Ham. The one goal conceded was an own goal and Howard had a solid match. Everton is in 12th after the win and has struggled to score goals in the 2009-10 EPL season. Despite conceding only 17 goals (in part to Howard’s solid goalkeeping), Everton has only scored 15 goals in 15 matches. The club seems heading in the right direction but has to face Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham within the next 5 weeks.
Jozy Altidore (ST) – Hull City beat Stoke City 2-1
Jozy finally got a start for Hull as the club beat Stoke at home on Sunday. He had a decent match and was subbed out in the second half. He’s still inconsistent at times and will need consistent playing time if he wants to be match fit for next summer’s world cup. Altidore should get some playing time in the friendlies coming up for the USA National Team as they play Denmark and Slovakia.
Carlos Bocanegra (LB) – Rennes lost to Toulouse 2-3
Bocanegra started the match for French Ligue 1 side as they lost on Sunday. With Rennes losing 1-3, Bocanegra was taken out for forward as the club needed a more offensive formation. Carlos remains a regular starter the club at left back but has been playing a center back role for the USA National Team. Rennes is currently in the middle of the Ligue 1 table through 12 matches.
Steve Cherundolo (RB) – Hannover 96 drew 2-2 with Hamburg
Cherundolo played the full match for Hannover as they earned a 2-2 draw against Hamburg on Sunday. The American is a consistent starter for Hannover who are in the middle of the German Bundesliga table. Cherundolo will likely be with the USA National Team for next summer’s World Cup and is a very experienced player.
Jonathon Spector (LB) West Ham United lost to Everton 1-2
Spector played the full match but the club lost to Everton at home. After struggling with injuries, Spector is finally getting regular time at West Ham United and performed well for the USA National Team at the Confederations Cup. The American has been competing with Steve Cherundolo for the starting spot in the back four and is very likely to be in next summer’s World Cup roster.
Kenny Cooper (ST) 1860 Munich lost Energie Cottbus 0-1
Cooper came on the 74th minute as 1860 lost on Sunday. After getting some a few starts for the club, he has been a second half substitute for the last month. Cooper will need to be starting for the club if he’s to earn a spot in the roster for next summer’s world cup. 1860 Munich is struggling in the Bundesliga 2 and currently in the relegation zone.
Michael Parkhurst (D) – FC Nordsjaelland beat Sonderjyske 1-0
Parkhurst has been a consistent starter for Nordsjaelland in the Danish League. As a central defender, he’s yet to score a goal and the club has struggled offensively. Currently they are in 9th place and 9 points above the relegation zone.
