EJ scores two goals for Aris FC, Adu gets an assist – Video Highlights

EJ scored the first goal on a header from fellow American Freddy Adu (who played most of the match). It was a nice move from Adu to get space from his defender to send the cross into the box for Johnson’s header. The second goal was a result of a bad back pass from the Olympiacos defense that Johnson intercepted and scored.

This is great news for Johnson’s World Cup chances which are improving with the USA team lacking depth in the forward position. Aris won the match 2-0 and are off to a good start in their quest for Champions League football next season.

Adu’s contributions should be recognized as well and he’s playing regularly and could get an invite to the National Team camp. While he’s not at the level some though he would be at this point in his career, Adu provides an ability of creativity and dynamic play-making that is not common. The question is where he can show this on a regular basis and perform on the international stage.

Below are a recap and video highlights (not available for every match) of several of the Americans playing abroad in the top European leagues on Sunday, April 18, 2010.

Americans Abroad Recap and Video Highlights – Sunday, April 18, 2010

Brad Friedel – Video Highlights

The American goalkeeper played the full match as Aston Villa won 2-1 at Portsmouth. They are in contention for a Europa League spot and Friedel remains one of the top goalkeepers in the English Premier League.

Eddie Johnson

EJ has been a regular starter for Aris since joining around the same time Adu did. They lost Sunday 1-2 to Olympiacos as Johnson played 60 minutes. He has two goals for Aris but hasn’t scored since March 21. He has a good shot at making the roster with the USA team lacking depth in the forward position.

Freddy Adu

Adu didn’t play in Aris FC’s 1-2 loss against Olympiacos. He joined the club hoping to finally get consistent playing time to have a chance at making the World Cup roster but that appears unlikely. He has played six matches since joining the club, including two goals, and is showing some promise. He should get invited to a camp and has an outside shot of making the World Cup roster.

Benny Feilhaber

Feilhaber played the full match for AGF Aarhus who lost 0-1 to Brondby. They are only two points above the relegation zone with five matches left in the Danish SuperLiga season. The American is extremely likely to be on the World Cup roster. In 21 matches for AGF this season, he has scored one goal.

Michael Parkhurst

The former New England Revolution star played the full match for Danish SuperLiga side Norsdjaelland in their 4-1 win over Silkeborg. Overall, Parkhurst has played 17 matches for the club this season. He has a shot at a invite to the camp for the USA team but unlikely to get a spot on the final roster.

The goal was a result of a low cross sent in the box, Adu beating the defender to the ball, and scoring into the open net. It was not the greatest defense from Ergotelis but give Adu some credit for getting his first goal in the Greek Super League.

The goal is a much needed boost for Adu who’s struggled to find regular playing time since arriving in Europe. Fellow American Eddie Johnson has also scored for Aris and the two could be reviving their careers in Greece. Adu played 62 mintues in the match and also has an assist from an earlier match.

Is this the start of Adu starting to reach his potential or is it a result of playing in a weaker league? What do you think? Share your comments below.

The two will be joining Aris FC of the Greek Super League on loan. Fulham have already announced Johnson’s move while Freddy Adu’s is not yet official. There had been speculation that Adu was considering a move to EPL side Hull City but that seems highly unlikely. While not one of the three or four leagues, the Greek Super League will provide a test for both players. It is ranked around the same level as the Portuguese Liga, Romanian Liga I, Scottish Premier League, and the Turkish Super League (according to UEFA coefficient).

Here are a few reports from different news organizations with more details on the deals.

Eddie Johnson loaned to Aris FC

LONDON (AP) — American forward Eddie Johnson has been loaned from Fulham to Greek club Aris through June.

The 25-year-old has just four appearances for the Cottagers this season, making his first start since March 2008 in a League Cup match against Manchester City and entering as a reserve in Premier League games against Aston Villa and West Ham and a Europa League qualifier against Vetra.

Johnson left Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards to sign with Fulham in January 2008, then was loaned to Cardiff City for the 2008-09 season. He last month made his first appearance for the U.S. national team since June 2008.

Fulham announced the loan Thursday.

Freddy Adu loan to Aris FC

Freddy Adu is apparently close to signing a deal with Aris, the same Greek club that signed Eddie Johnson earlier in the week.

According to Goal.com Greece’s Michael Paterakis, Adu, who was released from his loan deal with Beleneses in Portugal, will have to wait until a non-European spot opens up on Aris’ roster, which should happen when the club releases Argentine midfielder Leandro Gracian, but that the club is “very close to Adu.”

Aris is one of two big clubs in Thessalonica along with PAOK and have routinely been a top-half side in the Greek Super League over the last four years. The club is on pace to continue their fine run again in 2010.

Adu’s finished at Belenenses – SoccerAmerica – http://www.socceramerica.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=36054

What does Freddy Adu do now? The Portuguese sports daily Record reports that the 20-year-old American is headed back to Benfica, the club that twice sent him off on loan. The move comes after new Belenenses coach Toni has decided to get rid of Adu and Brazilian Igor(sent back to Sevilla) to reduce the size of his roster.

Adu’s response on Twitter: “dont worry my friends this was agreed upon a while ago. Never even met this new coach at Belenenses.”

Adu made only three league appearances for last-place Belenenses.

The Lisbon club, which has one win in 14 games, named Toni as its new head coach, replacing Joao Carlos Pereira last week.

Belenenses hasn’t won since the second game of the season, on Aug. 24.

The Lisbon club is Adu’s third European club in three seasons at which he has seen limited playing time.

New Belenenses coach Toni sends Adu packing back to Benfica – Tribal Football – http://www.tribalfootball.com/new-belenenses-coach-toni-sends-adu-packing-back-benfica-538151

New Belenenses coach Toni has axed on-loan US international Freddy Adu from his squad.

Adu is on-loan at Belenenses from Benfica, but Toni wants to reduce squad numbers and has decided the American is not required.

Record says Adu will now return to Benfica, though whether he stays with his parent club for the second-half of the season is still undecided.

BENFICA PUZZLED BY ADU DISMISSAL – Yanks Abroad - http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=5659

Freddy Adu’s abrupt dismissal from Portuguese team Belenenses has come as surprise to more than just his fans, as an official at his permanent club, Benfica, told YA.

“Adu has a loan contract with Belenenses until June 2010,” a team representative who insisted on remaining anonymous told YA after hearing the news that the much-travelled forward was headed back to the Lisbon team after an unsuccesful spell in Belem.

Benfica would seem to have no room for the wayward Maryland native, who spent a frustrating year on loan at AS Monaco in France before the latest spell at Belenenses.

Adu played only 81 minutes in the fall term after what looked like a promising situation quickly went awry.

Newly appointed head coach Toni sent Adu, and Brazilian younster Igor, on loan from Spanish Liga team Sevilla, packing as he planned changes headed into the second half of the season.

Benfica’s ambivalence over the return of the former DC United and Real Salt Lake prodigy suggest another move may be in the cards in January. Adu has fallen completely out of the picture for the US World Cup team, and would need a near miraculous resurgence to make the plane to South Africa.

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.

Clint Dempsey (LM) – Fulham won against Manchester City 3-1 – English Premier League – 2 goals – 90 minutes – Dempsey and Fulham continued their strong season with a come from behind victory at Manchester City on Sunday. Fulham was down 1-0 at halftime but took control of the match with the better chances and taking advantage of Man City’s mistakes. Dempsey’s scored his first goal in the 50th minute to tie the game, and his second in the 83rd to seal the victory. The first goal was Dempsey following the play of Bobby Zamora and the ball bounced off the defenders to his right foot for a shot just outside the box and past Shay Given. The second was a result of a good pass to Zamora and a shot at close range through Given’s legs. Overall, Dempsey continues to a significant role for Fulham and now has 7 goals on the season. Fulham are up to 8th, only 1 point behind West Ham for 7th.

Charlie Davies (ST) – Hammarby lost to Gefle IF 1-2 – Swedish Allsvenskanliga – 1 goal – 90 minutes – Davies scored his first goal of the season for Hammarby but the team lost 2-1 in their home opener. The Swedish Allsvenskanliga season just started and Hammarby are in the middle of the table with a draw and a loss. Davies goal came in the 41st minute to tie the game but Gefle’s Amadou Jawo scored the game winner in the 65th minute. Davies could possibly be transfering in the summer window as he’s been a consistent goal scorer for Hammarby.

Tim Howard (GK) – Everton drew with Aston Villa 3-3 – English Premier League – 90 minutes – Howard and Everton had a chance to move past Villa for 5th but were only able to draw at Villa Park. Everton had a 2 goal lead but couldn’t hold it as Villa came back to earn a draw in a high scoring soccer match. Howard and Everton are still in 6th, just a point behind Villa, and will next face Man United in the FA Cup Semifinals.

Brad Friedel (GK) – Aston Villa drew with Everton 3-3 – English Premier League – 90 minutes – Freidel and Villa struggled in the first half as Everton took a 2-1 lead and then added one more early in the second. However, the home team fought back and took control in the second half to force a draw at 3-3. Friedel has been solid all year as the number one keeper for Villa but they are now 8 points back of Arsenal for 4th and their Champions League dreams for next season are all but over.

Jonathon Spector (D) – Did not play for West Ham who lost to Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 – English Premier League – After a season full of injuries, Spector was finally healthy and getting regular playing time for West Ham but was unavailable for this weekend’s match. Spector suffered a concussion in last week’s match against Sunderland and it is not known yet how long he will be out for West Ham.

Eddie Johnson (ST) – Cardiff City beat Crystal Palace 2-0 – English Championship – 13 minutes – Johnson came on as a late substitute as Cardiff had a 1-0 lead. Ross McCormack added the second goal in the 90th minute to give Cardiff a 2-0 victory. Johnson didn’t score any goals, but has slowly improved his form while on loan (from Fulham) at Cardiff. The Championship side are currently 4th at 70 points and in position for the promotion playoffs.

Marcus Hahnemann (GK) – Reading lost to Sheffield United 0-1 – English Championship – 90 minutes – Hahnemann and Reading have struggled as of late and are now 5th in the Championship after their loss to Sheffield. The club is at 69 points and comfortably in the promotion play-off zone. Hahnemann has been a solid goalkeeper in England for several years and currently is probably the 3rd for the US National team, behind Brad Guzan and Tim Howard.

Jay DeMerit (D) – Watford drew with Burnsley 1-1 – English Championship – 90 minutes – DeMerit started and played the full game for Watford as they moved to 9 points clear of relegation. Watford are likely to stay in the Championship for next season as they have no chance of moving up to one of the playoff spots. Watford has stuggled defensively, giving up over 60 goals this season. DeMerit had been injured recently but appears to be healthy and helped to anchor the defensive as Tommy Smith scored a late goal for Watford to get the draw.

Mike Grella (ST) – Leeds United beat Stockport County 1-0 – English League One – 4 minutes – Grella was a late substitute for Leeds who won 1-0 and are in one of the playoff promotion spots. Jonathan Howson scored the only goal in the 9th minute and Leeds were able to hold onto the win. Grella, who transferred in the winter, has consistently gotten time as a late substitute.

Jemal Johnson (ST) – Did not play for Milton Keynes Dons who beat Southend United 2-0 – English League One – Johnson has been a key contributer for the Dons who are in position for a playoff promotion spot.

Carlos Bocanegra (D) – Stade Rennais lost to Sochaux 0-3 – France Ligue 1 – 62 minutes – Bocanegra and Rennes lost in a tough match at Sochaux this past weekend. Rennes are in 7th and their chances of a Champions League spot are slipping away. Bocanegra was taken out of the game for tactical reasons, as Rennes were down 0-2 and needed to go with a more offensive lineup. Bocanegra is still one of the top centerbacks for the US National Team.

Freddy Adu (M) – Did not play for AS Monaco who drew with Lyon 2-2 – France Ligue 1 – Adu has rarely got playing time for Monaco and could be transfering during the summer window. For Adu to make the starting eleven for the US in next summer’s World Cup, he will have to be playing regular on a club in Europe.

Michael Bradley (M) – Borussia Monchengladbach lost to Wolfsburg 1-2 – Germany Bundesliga – Bradley played the full game for Monchengladbach who sit in the last relegation spot but only one point from safety. Wolfsburg scored a late goal to get the win as it was tied late in the second half. Bradley had one great chance in the first half but was denied by the Wolfsburg goalkeeper.

Sal Zizzo (ST) and Steve Cherundolo (D) – Did not play for Hannover 96 who beat Hertha Berlin 2-0 – Germany Bundesliga – Neither Zizzo or Cherundolo played for Hannover in this weekend’s Bundesliga match. Cherundolo was injured while Zizzo was available as a substitute but not used.

Maurice Edu (M) – Rangers beat Motherwell 3-1 – Scottish Premier League – 90 minutes – Edu earned several free kicks as Rangers to move within one point of Celtic at the top of the league table. He earned several free kicks during the match and has benefitted from Barry Ferguson’s two week suspension. Edu is starting to adjust to European football and could be a long-term player at Ibrox for Rangers.

DaMarcus Beasley (M) – Did not play for Rangers against Motherwell – Beasley suffered a rib injury after Wednesday’s game and was not available for this weekend’s game. He had x-rays but it showed no broken ribs or anything severe. It is still unknown how long Beasley will be out with this injury. The American midfielder is likely to transfer during the summer window.

Oguchi Onyewu (D) – Standard Liege beat KSC Lokeren 1-0 – Belgium Jupiler League – 90 minutes – Onyewu and Standard got another win to remain at the top of the table and tied with Anderlecht with 64 points. The American defender’s contract is up at the end of the season and will likely transfer to one of the bigger leagues, possibly Ligue 1. Christian Benteke scored the goal for Standard in the 6th minute and they held on to keep a clean sheet. Onyewu has helped lead a Standard defense who have conceded a league low 25 goals.

Jozy Altidore (ST) – Did not play for Xerez – Spain Segunda Division – Altidore has yet to suit up or play for Xerez since his loan from Villareal. It is unknown if he will play at all for the rest of the season but Altidore needs to get consistent time in matches to further his development and chances as a starting striker for the US in World Cup qualifying.

Michael Parkhurst (D) – FC Nordsjælland beat Randers FC 6-1 – Danish SAS-Ligaen – 90 minutes – Parkhurst, who transferred from Major League Soccer team New England Revolution, has consistently started in defense for FC Nordsjælland. The team won easily against Randers, with a hat trick by Martin Bernburg in the first half. FC Nordsjælland is now 5 points clear of relegation in the league table.

Danny Califf (D) – FC Midtjylland beat Vejle 3-2 – Danish SAS-Ligaen – 90 minutes – Califf started and played the full game as FC Midtjylland are 4th in the league table and safe from relegation. Vejle got a 2-0 lead until FC Midtjylland responded with 3 unanswered goals. Califf was called up for the national team in the recent World Cup Qualifiers and could be looking to transfer to one of the bigger European leagues during the summer transfer window.

Tim Howard (GK) – Everton won 4-0 against Wigan – English Premier League – 90 minutes - Howard played the full game for Everton and earned another clean shet. The team is now only 1 point behind struggling Aston Villa and in the last UEFA Cup spot.

Brad Friedel (GK) – Aston Villa lost to Manchester United 2-3 – English Premier League – 90 minutes – Friedel played the full game after his red card 2 weeks ago against Liverpool was rescinded. However, Villa were against a tough Man U who were looking to recover after 2 straight league defeats. The game was back and forth but United sealed the win with a late goal. Friedel has been solid the whole season but the team has struggled as of late and now in 5th, and out of a Champions League spot.

Jonathon Spector (RB) – West Ham United won against Sunderland 2-0 – English Premier League – 73 minutes – Spector is back from injury and starting to get regular playing time at West Ham. He was called up for the National team recently seems to be back on track to be in the mix for the 2010 World Cup.

Clint Dempsey (LM) – Fulham lost against Liverpool 0-1 – English Premier League – 90 minutes - Dempsey has been a regular starter at left midfield for Fulham and continues to contribute every game. The whole team struggled against Liverpool and never had many chances in the attack. Dempsey had a few chances but the defense could not contain Liverpool, who was clearly the better side on Saturday.

Marcus Hahnemann (GK) – Reading drew with Coventry City 0-0 – English Championship – 90 minutes - Hahnemann is now back to the number one goalkeeper at Reading who are looking to get back into the Premiership. Reading are currently in 3rd, and 3 points behind 2nd place Birmingham for an automatic promotion spot. There are six league games left in the Championship this season.

Jay DeMerit (CB) – Watford beat Doncaster 2-1 – English Championship – 90 minutes – DeMerit played the full game as Watford beat Doncaster and are 8 points clear of relegation. There’s little chance of Watford getting promotion to the Premier League and will look to finish strong for next season.

Eddie Johnson (ST) – Cardiff City drew with Swansea City 2-2 – English Championship – 3 minutes – Johnson came in as a late substitute as Cardiff tied the game with a penalty in the final moments. Cardiff are now in 6th and the last playoff spot, but need only 2 points above 7th place Preston.

Maurice Edu (RM) – Rangers beat Falkirk 1-0 – Scottish Premier League – 24 minutes – Edu has rarely started for the Scottish club but continues to get playing time as a second half substitute. Rangers scored early and held onto their 1-0 for the full 3 points.

Michael Bradley (ST) - Borussia Monchengladbach drew 0-0 with Karlsruher SC – Germany Bundesliga – 90 minutes – Bradley played the full game as the lone striker in a 4-5-1 formation. Lately, the American has been on hot streak but wasn’t able to score. Monchengladbach are in the last relegation spot but only 1 point clear of safety.

Carlos Bocanegra (LB) – Stade Rennais (Rennes) lost to Sochaux 0-3 – France Ligue 1 – 63 minutes – Bocanegra and Rennes have struggled after being in contention for a Champions League spot earlier in the season. However they are safely in 7th place, 7 points above Nice, and 5 points below Toulouse. Bocanegra has been a consistent starter for Rennes and the team could still fight for a UEFA Cup spot next season.

Oguchi Onyewu (D) – Standard Liege won against Germinal Beerschot 3-1 – Belgian Jupiler League – 88 minutes – Onyewu played almost the full game as Standard won comfortably. They are now tied with Anderlecht at the top of the table with 61 points. Onyewu will likely be changing teams as his contract ends after this season and he hasn’t resigned with Standard. It is not yet known what league but there should be teams from all major European leagues in the running for next season.

Danny Califf (CB) – FC Midtjylland won against AC Horsens 3-1 – Danish SAS-Ligaen – 90 minutes – Califf got a start for the US National team against El Salvador and returned to Midtjylland to play the full game. They are currently in 4th place and little hope of catching the top 2 teams for a European spot.

Michael Parkhurst (D) – FC Nordsjælland lost against FC Copenhagen 0-3 – Danish SAS-Ligaen – 90 minutes – Parkhurst, former New England Revolution player, started for Norsdjaelland but they were beaten by Copenhagen easily. They are only 3 points above the relegation zone with about 10 games left in the season.

Charlie Davies (ST) – Hammarby drew with Elfsborg 1-1 – Swedish Allsvenskanliga – 90 minutes – Davies played the full game but wasn’t able to score as the Swedish football season kicked off. The American is coming off a strong 2008 season, scoring 14 goals in 27 games.

Heath Pearce (M) Hansa Rostock beat FSV Frankfurt 2-0 - German Bundesliga 2nd Division – 3 minutes – Pearce came on as a late substitute as the game was already in hand for Hansas Rostock. The club is now 6 points from getting out of the relegation zone and have to continue getting victories to have a chance of staying in the Bundesliga 2.

Jozy Altidore, Freddy Adu, Brag Guzan, Jemal Johnson, Mike Grella, Steve Cherundolo, DaMarcus Beasley – All didn’t play in this weekend’s games.

United States – Trinidad and Tobago – 7:30 pm (eastern) – ESPN2

After a disappointing draw at El Salvador, the United States will look to get a win at home against Trinidad and Tobago Wednesday night.

The team looked flat and not sharp as they left El Salvador get a 2-0 lead and had to rally in the final 20 minutes to salvage a point. The man of the match for the Americans was clearly Frankie Hejduk who assisted the first goal, and scored the second.

Overall, the team should come out much stronger at home and with goalkeeper Tim Howard back after a one game suspension. The starting line-up could be modified but manager Bob Bradley is likely to keep the majority of the starters from Saturday’s game at El Salvador.

Oguchi Onyewu, who picked up an injury during training and sat out Saturday’s game, will likely be back in the line-up against Trinidad and Tobago. Onyewu will be partnered with Bocanegra in the defense, while Hejduk should get the start with Heath Pearce. Bornstein, Spector, or Califf could get time if Onyewu is still injured or as lat second half substitutes.

In the midfield, the Americans will have Bradley, Dempsey, Beasley, and the last spot could go to Torres after Kljestan has disappointed. Kljestan has started the past 2 games in midfield but has struggled since his hat trick against Sweden while Torres could get the opportunity. Freddy Adu could also be an option but didn’t suit up for Saturday’s match and probably won’t again.

Up top, Landon Donovan is a given to start but the other forward could be a surprise. Bradley has stuck with Brian Ching, who isn’t flashy, but is a physical presense for opposing defenses. Jozy Altidore, scored on Saturday, and should be given a serious look to start with Donovan. Either way, the attack should be able to give T&T problems for 90 minutes. If Ching starts, Altidore should be a substitute around the 70th minute. Here’s a projected line-up for Wednesday’s game.

Projected Line-up – Howard (GK), Bocanegra (D), Onyewu (D), Pearce (D), Hejduk (D), Bradley (D), Beasley (D), Torres (D), Dempsey (D), Donovan (F), Altidore (F)

Bradley could just as easily go with Ching and Kljestan, but I think at home its time to give young stars Altidore and Torres their opportunity to prove themselves. Altidore is much more dangerous in attack, and Torres should get a start after Kljestan’s recent drop in form.

Prediction – US wins 4-1 – The United States will be focused and eager to prove their dominance in CONCACAF, and unfortunately for Trinidad and Tobago, they do not  a deep enough roster to win this game.

Team	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
United States	2	1	1	0	4	2	+2	4
Mexico	2	1	0	1	2	2	0	3
Costa Rica	2	1	0	1	2	2	0	3
El Salvador	2	0	2	0	4	4	0	2
Trinidad and Tobago	2	0	2	0	3	3	0	2
Honduras	2	0	1	1	1	3	−2	1

With an impressive victory against rival Mexico in February, the team now faces their first test on the road against underdogs El Salvador. The United States is favored to win and is bringing a team near full-strength (Tim Howard will be out because of yellow cards) and many key players hitting their stride. The roster has a few surprises as well and players who will get a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.

First, Jonathan Spector gets a call-up after sustaining injuries for most of this season, and hasn’t made an appearance recently. Spector has started to get some playing time for West Ham United and playing at that level can only help the 23 year old improve as he’s likely to be a part of the squad for many years. Another young rising star, Freddy Adu, will get a chance to show if he’s ready to live up to the potential and hype that’s surrounded his career. Adu went overseas to Benfica but now is at AS Monaco but receiving little playing time. He’s shown a few glimpses of brilliance just as Jozy Altidore has but both need to be on clubs where they can receive playing time week after week to develop.

The game against El Salvador is a chance for head coach Bob Bradley to let some younger players get a chance to step-up and get valuable minutes on an international stage. Bradley wants to ensure a spot to South Africa so it is unlikely he will stray too far from the winning side against Mexico. Eddie Johnson is another player who’s starting to show good form in England playing for Championship side Cardiff City. Johnson had been on the bench but is starting to get some time and scored a goal recently as it seems he’s finally starting to adjust to English football.

Here’s a line-up that would be interesting to see and would go with a lot of the younger players -

Goalkeeper – Brad Guzan

Defense – Jonathan Spector, Heath Pearce, Danny Califf, Oguchi Oneywu

Midfielders – Maurice Edu,  Sacha Kljestan, Freddy Adu, Jose Francisco Torres

Forwards – Jozy Altidore, Eddie Johnson

This line-up would get a lot of experience to the younger players and those that haven’t had many caps but it would also be dangerous and leaving out the best talent (Donovan, Dempsey, Bocanegra, Bradley). Only after the US had clinched a spot to the World Cup will many of these players see a start in the game and Bradley will be open to giving other players more chances.

Here’s what the expected line-up will be for Saturday’s game.

Goalkeeper – Brad Guzan (because of Howard’s suspension)

Defense – Pearce, Hejduk, Bocanegra, Onyewu

Midfielders -Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley, Sacha Kljestan

Forwards – Brian Ching, Landon Donovan (might play below Ching as more of attacking MF)

There a few questions as to whether Kljestan will start or if Torres, Edu, or Adu will get a chance there. Also, will Hahnemann get a shot at goal or will it be Guzan. Its quite possible Hahnemann will get a shot as he’s gotten his starting spot at Reading back and getting time, unlike Guzan. Either way, this team should be able to comfortable win against El Salvador, even on the road. As far as substitutes, Johnson should come on for Ching and Altidore might get a few minutes with the game is in hand. Bob Bradley will want to win this game so there won’t be a lot of surprises in the line-up, especially on the road.

Prediction – USA wins 3-1 – The game could be close in the first half but the Americans are a deeper and better team overall.