Americans Abroad in the EPL – May 1 & May 2

Clint Dempsey – Video Highlights

The Fulham midfielder started as a striker to fill in for the injured Bobby Zamora and scored a goal in the 45th minute. Fulham won the match 3-2 and will be playing in the UEFA Europa League Final on May 12. Dempsey scored the goal after receiving a pass, taking a good first touch, and then scored with a shot to the low left corner. It was his 7th goal of the 2009-10 EPL season.

Tim Howard – Video Highlights

The American goalkeeper earned a clean sheet as Everton played to a 0-0 draw against Stoke City. Howard made three saves and now has 10 clean sheets on the season. Everton will not earn a spot in the Europa League for next season and will finish 8th in the EPL table.

Marcus Hahnemann – Video Highlights

Hahnemann and Wolverhampton Wanderers lost 1-3 to Portsmouth on Saturday. The club has avoided relegation and the American goalkeeper was a major part of that. He had little help from his defense in the match but did make three saves in the match.

Jonathan Spector – Video Highlights

Spector played the full match and has established himself as the starting left-back for West Ham United this season. He’s had some ups and downs but overall is getting valuable experience with the club. West Ham lost to Fulham 2-3 largely because of an own goal by Carlton Cole in the 58th minute.

Brad Friedel – Video Highlights

Friedel and Aston Villa were outgunned by Manchester City on Saturday as they lost 1-3. The American goalkeeper made three saves and remains one of the best at his position in England. Villa are guaranteed a Europa League spot for next season.

Brad Friedel – Video Highlights

Friedel started in goal for Aston Villa as they won 1-0 on the road at Bolton Wanderers. He had five saves in the match and Aston Villa keeps their slim Champions League hopes alive. They are four points back of 4th place Man City and still have a shot at the Europa or Champions League for next season. For those who weren’t aware, Friedel has retired from international play so he’s not an option for the USA team this summer.

Marcus Hahnemann – Video Highlights

Hahnemann faced a lot of shots on Saturday as Wolves lost to Arsenal 1-0. The American played well but couldn’t hold off the Gunners for the entire match. He continues to start and perform well for Wolves who are in a relegation battle. They are five points above 18th place and would likely be safe with two more victories. Hahneman is likely to be on the roster for the World Cup (along with Guzan and Howard).

Jozy Altidore – Video Highlights

Altidore came on as a second half substitute but didn’t have any goals or assists as Hull City lost 2-0 at Stoke City. He didn’t have any shots in the match and Hull continues to struggle on the road. They are in the relegation zone and will need to get some results down the stretch to avoid relegation. Altidore has played in most matches but isn’t starting every match. He still is inconsistent at times and only score a few goals this season.

Jozy Altidore – Video Highlights

Altidore played 79 minutes and created several chances including the penalty that was converted by Jimmy Bullard in the 16th minute. Hull looked much better than they have in recent weeks and won the match 2-0 over Fulham to move up to 17th place and behind West Ham only on goal difference.

Clint Dempsey – Video Highlights

Dempsey played the full match as Fulham lost 0-2 at Hull. He didn’t play his normal wide midfield position but was up top as a striker with Zoltan Gera. He had a few chances but no clear cut opportunities. Fulham rested many of their key players due to the upcoming Europa League match on Thursday. Fulham remains comfortably in the middle of the table but falling off the pace for a Europa League spot.

Tim Howard – Video Highlights

Howard played the full match for Everton as the match ended in a 0-0 draw at Wolves. He had no saves on the match as Wolverhampton failed to get one shot on goal. Everton are only two points back of the last Europa League spot with six matches left in the EPL season.

Marcus Hahnemann – Video Highlights

Hahnemann was much busier than his American counterpart as he made 9 saves in the 0-0 draw against Everton. He was not the starting goalkeeper for the first part of the season but the American has earned the job and has four clean sheets in 18 matches. In his last three EPL matches, Hahnemann has a total of 25 saves. Wolves are now five points above the relegation zone.

Brad Friedel – Video Highlights

Friedel and Aston Villa had the match tied at 1-1 with Chelsea in the first half but ended up losing 1-7. The American goalkeeper was helpless on most of the goals as Chelsea outplayed Villa from the start. The win hurts Villa’s Champions League chances and they could miss out on the Europa League as well. They are trying to avoid a collapse like last season but are starting to show signs of fading. Friedel continues to play well but his defense has let him down in recent weeks.

Jonathan Spector – Video Highlights

Spector played the full match as West Ham lost 0-1 at home to Stoke City. He’s finally healthy this season and has the most matches ever in an EPL season (21 so far). As he continues to get regular playing time, Spector is likely the starting right or left back for the National Team in South Africa.

Clint Dempsey (MF) – Fulham beat Swindown Town 1-0, lost to Stoke City 2-3 – 1 goal – Video Highlights

Dempsey played the entire match against Swindon Town in the FA Cup 3rd Round as they won 1-0. Fulham failed to capitalize on a few opportunities in a match that shouldn’t have been that close. A few days later on Tuesday, Fulham played Stoke City in a Premier League match. Dempsey was given a rest as he’s played a lot of matches already but was brought on in the second half. He immediately made an impact as Fulham tried to recover from a terrible first half. Deuce scored Fulham’s second goal with a shot from outside the box that went just under the crossbar. It was a terrific strike by the American. Despite the goal from Dempse, Fulham lost the match 2-3.

Brad Guzan (GK) – Aston Villa beat Blackburn 3-1 – 3 saves

Guzan got a rare start as starting goalkeeper Brad Friedel was given some rest. The American made the most of the opportunity with a 3-1 win while making three saves. Guzan made his best save on a penalty kick in the 32nd minute that kept Villa in the lead (was 1-0 at that time). The former Chivas USA goalkeeper has done well in his chances and will likely be getting a chance at the starting job when Friedel leaves the club or retires in the next few years.

Jay DeMerit (D) – Watford lost to Chelsea 0-5 – Video Highlights

DeMerit and Watford were outmatched from the start as Chelsea crushed them 5-0 in the FA Cup 3rd Round. Watford were underdogs heading into the match and will now resume play in the Championship next weekend. They are in the middle of the table and within reach of a promotion play-off spot.

Tim Howard (GK) – Everton beat Carlisle 3-1 – 5 saves

Howard and Everton beat Carlisle 3-1 on Saturday to advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup. The American made five saves and Everton begins to slowly find their form after a terrible start in the EPL. They now have Landon Donovan available for the next few months on a short-term loan deal.

Jozy Altidore (ST) – Hull City lost to Wigan 1-4

Altidore didn’t start the match and was a late substitute (79th minute) in Hull City’s lost to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup. He didn’t have any shots in the match and Hull struggled after getting a 1-0 lead in the first half (4 straight goals from Wigan after that). Altidore has is still adjusting to the league and yet to show if he’s ready to be a regular starter in the EPL.

It was not a successful midweek for Americans as no one scored a goal and Howard (Everton) was the only player whose team won. Here’s a recap along with video highlights for Americans Abroad in the English Premier League on Monday, December 28, 2009 and Tuesday, December 29, 2009.

Tim Howard (GK) – Everton beat Burnley 2-0 – 7 saves - Video Highlights

Howard once again played the full match and earned his third clean sheet of the season for Everton in the EPL. The win extends Everton’s unbeaten streak to four matches and up to 11th in the league table. Howard will have a busy new few months with the FA Cup, EPL, and Europa League.

Jozy Altidore (ST) – Hull drew with Bolton 2-2 – 2 shots - Video Highlights

Altidore and Hull City came back from a 0-2 deficit to earn a draw against Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday. The American striker started but had yet to score a goal in the EPL for Hull. His performances have been inconsistent but he’s still adjusting the to the the league. Another reason for the clubs poor performance are key injuries to players such as Jimmy Bullard.

Clint Dempsey (MF) – Fulham lost to Chelsea 1-2 – 1 shot - Video Highlights

Fulham took an early lead in their London derby match with Chelsea but ended up losing 1-2 on Monday. After a recent run of 8 matches unbeaten until the loss, Fulham are 9th in the league table and in position for another top half finish.

Brad Friedel (GK) – Aston Villa lost to Liverpool 0-1 – 3 saves - Video Highlights

Friedel and Aston Villa lost their second match in a row as Liverpool’s Fernando Torres scored in the 90th minute. Villa has struggled to score goals in both of the matches and there was little Friedel could do in the match.

Jonathan Spector (D)- West Ham lost to Tottenham 0-2 – Video Highlights

Spector came on in the 19th minute as starting left back Ilunga was injured early in the match. At that point, Tottenham Hotspur already had a 1-0 lead and would add on more late in the match. It was the first playing time for Spector since being an unused substitute in the previous four EPL matches. He played solid on Monday’s match and remains a likely choice to make the roster for South Africa.

Liverpool beats Aston Villa 1-0 – Video Highlights

Fernando Torres grabbed the only goal of a tight match in the third minute of stoppage time, racing through the inside right channel and drilling low into the bottom left corner.

It was enough to give the Merseysiders a vital victory and close the gap on Aston Villa to just two points in the race for a Champions League place.

There were few clear chances in a tough contest although Pepe Reina somehow managed to keep out a fierce close-range volley from Villa winger Stewart Downing midway through the first half. Gabriel Agbonlahor went close with an angled shot which Reina did well to block 15 minutes from time.

Clint Dempsey (MF) – Fulham drew with Tottenham 0-0 – 4 shots – Video Highlights

Dempsey played the full match for Fulham as they ended in a scoreless draw against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, December 26, 2009. The American had a few great chances, including a free kick in which he hit the crossbar. It was a disappointing draw for Fulham who were the better team for the majority of the match but couldn’t convert their chances.

Tim Howard (GK) – Everton drew with Sunderland 1-1 – 3 saves – Video Highlights

Howard made three saves as Everton managed to get a 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Saturday. The team continues to struggle and is only two points above the relegation zone. The club will be joined by fellow American Landon Donovan in early January. Howard was influential in the transfer and believes Donovan can excel with the club.

Jozy Altidore (ST) – Hull City losts to Manchester United 1-3   – Video Highlights

Altidore started for Hull City as they lost 1-3 at Man U on Saturday. The loss puts Hull in the relegation zone and manager Phil Brown on the hot seat once again. Jozy had a decent game as he earned a penalty that was converted by Fagan for Hull’s only goal in the match. He had a few other chances but Hull were outplayed for most of the match as Man U showed they are the defending EPL Champions.

Brad Friedel (GK) – Aston Villa lost to Arsenal 0-3 – 6 saves – Video Highlights

Friedel made 6 saves on Sunday but Aston Villa lost to Arsenal 0-3. The match was scoreless into the second half until Arsenal scored on two goals from Cesc Fabregas and one from Abou Diaby. The American goalkeeper was not to blame as the goals were an example of great individual plays and poor defense from Villa. After a run of four wins in a row, Villa’s loss to Arsenal has them in fourth place in the league table.

Marcus Hahnemann (GK) – Wolverhampton lost to Liverpool 0-2 –  - Video Highlights

Hahnemann continues to start for Wolves but they lost to Liverpool 0-2 on Saturday night. Wolverhampton played solid for much of the match but things turned for the worse when Stephen Ward was given his a red card (second yellow) in the 53rd minute. The American goalkeeper was not to blame for either goal but generally played well to keep Wolves in the match. They remain 2 points above the relegation zone with 19 points.

Arsenal beats Aston Villa 3-0 – Video Highlights

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to inspire the Gunners to a 3-0 win over Aston Villa which hauls them back into the Barclays Premier League title race.

The Spaniard, who had been out with a hamstring problem, netted a superb free-kick on 65 minutes and then scored a fine breakaway goal before being substituted as a precaution.

Abou Diaby netted a third in stoppage time at Emirates Stadium, curling in a low effort from the edge of the area after a powerful run.

Villa – who had already beaten Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool this season – looked dangerous on the break but could not make the most of their best spell of pressure midway through the second half.

Arsene Wenger’s men are now just four points behind leaders Chelsea, and with a match in hand on the sides around them – a position which looked inconceivable following their defeat here against the Blues at the end of November.

The hosts started brightly and Brad Friedel saved well from defender Thomas Vermaelen at the far post following a corner, before Croatia striker Eduardo shot straight at the Villa keeper after collecting the ball from Diaby and turning in the box.

DIPPING EFFORT

However, Villa – winners at Old Trafford just before Christmas – are a well-organised unit under Martin O’Neill and the physical presence of England forward Emile Heskey caused the Arsenal defence cause for concern.

Following a swift counter-attack by the visitors, Ashley Young saw his shot deflected behind off Alex Song.

The Cameroon midfielder – set to head off to the African Nations Cup next month – was lucky to only get a stern talking to by referee Phil Dowd after hauling down Heskey as Villa looked to break quickly again.

From the resulting free-kick, Villa had the ball in the net, but only after Richard Dunne bundled into Manuel Almunia, the effort correctly ruled out for the foul on the Arsenal keeper.

Arsenal, though, were soon back on the offensive, with Nasri’s dipping effort deflected over and Song then just off target from the resulting corner.

Denilson was bundled down right on the edge of the penalty area but the Brazilian’s effort hit the wall, then Bacary Sagna’s follow-up flew over.

At the start of the second half, Diaby’s run down the right was halted by Young, who picked up a yellow card for his troubles which rules the forward out of the Liverpool match on Tuesday.

SWEPT HOME

Eduardo’s deep free-kick was pushed away by Friedel before the Villa defence scrambled the ball off their goalline following a corner.

With 33 minutes left, Denilson was replaced by Fabregas.

Eduardo was unfortunate to see his close-range effort cleared by Warnock after a clever exchange with Andrey Arshavin down the left.

Friedel then denied the Russian with a full stretch save after Fabregas had weaved into the area, and Dunne cleared as Eduardo looked to knock the loose ball in.

On 65 minutes, Arsenal were awarded a free-kick 23 yards out when Dunne tripped Fabregas – and it proved costly as the Spaniard stepped up to curl a sublime effort up over the wall and into the top left corner.

Arsenal were lifted by the goal and looked full of confidence as they poured forward – and fittingly, the skipper helped Arsenal wrap up the points.

In the 81st minute, after a spell of Villa pressure, Traore hit a long diagonal pass out to Theo Walcott on the right. The substitute dashed forward before touching the ball into the path of the onrushing Fabregas, who swept home a 12th goal of the season.

The Spaniard, though, appeared to have aggravated his hamstring problem and was replaced by Aaron Ramsey for the closing stages.

Almunia made a brave save to deny Gabriel Agbonlahor, before Diaby netted Arsenal’s third goal in stoppage-time, finishing low from the edge of the area.

On the continent, Michael Bradley and Steve Cherundolo featured in the German Bundesliga while Kenny Cooper remains out with an injury for 2 Bundesliga side 1860 Munich. Here’s a recap along with video highlights for Americans Abroad for Saturday, December 19, 2009.

DaMarcus Beasley (MF) – Ranger beat Motherwell 6-1 – 1 goal, 1 assist – Video Highlights

Beasley has earned a spot back in the starting line-up for Rangers and contributing with 2 goals and 2 assists in his last two Scottish Premier League matches. The goal for Beasley was after he made a great run, received a pass, and had a clinical finish to score in the 84th minute. With the Rangers out of European competitions, they can now focus on repeating as SPL champions. They currently lead the league table with 37 points through 16 matches.

Brad Friedel (GK) – Aston Villa beat Stoke City 1-0 – Video Highlights

Friedel had no saves on the match as Villa beat Stoke City 1-0 on Saturday. Stoke had no shots on goal and it is Friedel’s sixth clean sheet of the season. The club has now won four premier league matches in a row and is in 4th place and tied on points with 3rd place Arsenal.

Clint Dempsey (MF) – Fulham beat Man United 3-0 – 1 assist – Video Highlights

Dempsey played the full match for Fulham at left midfield as they crushed Manchester United 3-0 on Saturday. He had one assist in the match as he sent a header pass to Bobby Zamora who scored in the 46th minute. Overall, he’s in good form lately and was consistently creating good chances in the match. The club will have a busy schedule in the next few months with Premier League matches, FA Cup matches, and the Europa League knockout stage.

Michael Bradley (MF) – Borussia Monchengladbach lost to Bayer Leverkusen 2-3 – Video Highlights

Bradley played the full match for Monchengladbach as they feel to Leverkusen 2-3 on Saturday. He played in a holding central midfield position and the club looked on their way to a win with a 2-1 lead early in the second half. Unfortunately, Bayer Leverkusen scored two unanswered goals to win the match 3-2 and is now top of the Bundesliga table. Monchengladbach is in the middle of the table with 21 points through 17 matches.

Steve Cherundolo (D) – Hannover 96 lost to VfL Bochum 2-3 – 1 assist – Video Highlights

Cherundolo had an assist for Hannover 96 as they took an early 2-0 lead but ended up losing to Bochum on Saturday. Hannover had two first half goals but couldn’t hold off Bochum from scoring three unanswered goals in the second half. Hannover 96 is now 13th with 17 points, only two above the relegation zone.

Jay DeMerit (D) – Watford lost to Peterborough United 1-2

DeMerit played the full match for English Championship side Watford as they lost to Peterborough 1-2 on Saturday. After being out for a few months with an eye injury, the American has returned to the starting line-up. He’s likely to be on the roster for South Africa and has valuable experience as a center back.

Jozy Altidore (ST) – Hull City lost to Arsenal 0-3

Altidore did not start or even suit up for the match on Saturday. It’s not known why as he’s been a starter or second half substitute for most of the season.

DaMarcus Beasley (MF) – Rangers beat Dundee United 3-0 – 1 goal – Video Highlights

Beasley scored the game winning goal for Rangers in the 26th minute as he got a rare start for the reigning SPL champions. The American is slowly working his way back into the starting line-up for Rangers and now has 1 goal and 2 assists in his last 2 matches. His recent form should attract attention from other clubs as Beasley’s stated his interest to make a move in the winter transfer window.

Brad Friedel (GK) – Aston Villa beat Sunderland 2-0 – 2 saves – Video Highlights

Friedel earned his third clean sheet in a row for Aston Villa as they beat Sunderland 2-0 on Tuesday. He had two saves in the match and Villa is in great form with only 1 loss in their last 9 EPL matches.

Marcus Hahnemann (GK) – Wolves lost to Man United 0-3 – 7 saves – Video Highlights

Hahnemann and Wolverhampton Wanderers struggled against Manchester United on Tuesday night. The American goalkeeper played a decent match but his team provided little help. Wolves created few chances and were forced to defend for most of the match. Hahnemann was to blame for one goal as he got a hand on the second goal by Vidic but couldn’t keep it out. The other goals were a penalty (Rooney) and a volley shot from Valencia. Wolverhampton is in the relegation battle and currently 18th with 16 points.

Jonathon Spector (D) – West Ham lost to Bolton Wanderers

Spector suited up for the match but did not play against Bolton on Tuesday night. He has played in 9 matches for West Ham in the 2009-10 season.