The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy began its Round 2 in the Northern and Section section on Tuesday, October 6, 2009. Most of the home teams advanced with a few exceptions. One match was postponed, Accrington Stanley v Shrewsbury Town, because of rain and the officials ruling the pitch unfit to play on.

Here’s a list of the results from Tuesday’s matches.

Johnstone Paint Trophy Recap – Tuesday, October 6, 2009

It’s a busy weekend with a many International fixtures but there were many of the lower divisions still playing matches. The English League One had a full slate of matches (as most rosters don’t have players who’d miss for WCQ) including Jemal Johnson playing for the Milton Keynes Dons and Mike Grella for Leeds United. Both players scored goals in their matches, the first for Grella in a Leeds uniform.

Jemal Johnson (MF) – Milton Keynes Dons – lost to Huddersfield Town

Johnson continued to be in the starting line-up and delivered for MK Dons with a 47th minute goal to give his team the lead. Unfortunately for the Dons, they conceded two late goals after having a 2-1 lead to lose 2-3. Johnson’s goal came from 20 yards out as he curled a shot to the upper left corner. The Dons are still in good shape in the league table and should be in contention for a promotion spot by May.

Mike Grella (ST) – Leeds United – beat Stockport County 2-0

Grella got a rare start for Leeds United and scored his first goal for the club in the 9th minute as they beat Stockport County 2-0. The win puts the club undefeated with a 6-0-0 record and they are in great form. Grella’s goal was from about 18 yards out to the lower right corner. With his strong showing, he should be getting more playing time and chances in the starting lineup.

LEEDS UNITED 2 (Grella 8, Michalik 37), STOCKPORT COUNTY 0

United: Higgs, Crowe, Michalik, Bromby (Robinson 64), Hughes, Snodgrass, Howson, Doyle (Kilkenny 42), Johnson, Grella (Showunmi 72), Becchio. Subs: Ankergren, Prutton, Kandol, Huntington.

Stockport: Fon Williams, Mullins (Griffin 78), Rose, Bridcutt, Vincent, Tansey, Baker, Poole, Pilkington (Johnson 59), Havern, Bignall (Thompson 85). Subs: Rigby, Turnbull, Halls, Rowe.

Referee: D McDermid

Booked: Doyle (United), Rose, Mullins (Stockport)

Att: 22,870

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Saturday was a busy day for Americans playing abroad in England as there was a full set of matches in the top leagues. In the Premier League, Jozy Altidore continues to make an impact for Hull City while Jonathan Spector started again for West Ham. Other players in England getting time were Jemal Johnson for MK Dons and Jay DeMerit for Watford.

Here’s a recap.

Jonathan Spector (D) – West Ham – English Premier League – draw with Blackburn 0-0 

Spector started again at left back for West Ham as they played to a scoreless draw with Blackburn. He had no shots on goal but earned a few free kicks. After many injuries in the past few years, he’s finally healthy and is getting significant playing time. He will be with the National Team but its not clear how much playing time he will get in the upcoming matches.

Jozy Altidore (ST) – Hull City – English Premier League – draw with Wolves 1-1 

Altidore came on in the 63rd minute as the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The American striker didn’t have any shots but has had a great start to the season and now will be with the National Team for the next week.

Jemal Johnson (MF) – Milton Keynes Dons – English League One – beat Exeter 2-1 

Johnson played 62 minutes as the Dons won 2-0 on early goals from Jermaine Easter. He had two shots in the match (one on goal) and the MK Dons are currently 3-2-0 on the season with 11 points and in third place.

Jay DeMerit (D) – Watford – English Championship – draw with Swansea City 1-1

DeMerit played the full game for Watford as they were lucky to get a draw at Swanseas City. Watford had less possession and less shot but still had a 1-0 lead heading the final minutes. Swansea were able to earn a draw with a 90th minute goal. The American has played every game for Watford and has recently been called up for the next two World Cup Qualifiers for the US National team.

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The English Championship and League One seasons have started with teams looking to be promoted to the next division. There are several Americans playing in these two divisions, including Jay DeMerit, Zak Whitbread, Jemal Johnson, and Mike Grella.

Here’s a recap of this past weekend’s action.

Jay DeMerit (CB) – Watford – English Championship – 1-1 draw with Doncaster Rovers

DeMerit proved he can be a top defender with his performance at the Confederations Cup and he is captain of Championship side Watford again for this season. The American started and played the full match against Doncaster as they drew 1-1 after both sides scored 1st half goals. Watford struggled last season and will be looking to earn one of the promotion playoff spots.

Zak Whitbread (CB) – Millwall – English Championship – drew 1-1 with Southampton

Whitbread has been injured during the preseason and missed the first match of the season against Southampton. Millwall has been in talks with clubs about a transfer but the only one interested so far is Peterborough. Speculation is that Whitbread’s history or injuries has scared off interest from several clubs, although when he is healthy he’s a solid centerback.

Whitbread should be available soon as he was almost ready for this past weekend’s match.

Jemal Johnson (MF) – Milton Keynes Dons – English League One – 0-0 draw with Hartlepool

Johnson was released from the Dons at the end of last season but both sides reached an agreement later in the summer to have him re-join the team. He played the full match as they earned a scoreless draw with Hartlepool. The American was the captain for MK Dons as regular captain Dean Lewington was injured.

There’s an interview with Jemal on the MK Dons website here. Last season Johnson was a solid contributor to the team but fell out of favor later in the season but its a good sign he was in the starting lineup for the full 90. In the match he had a few shots including 2 on goal.

Mike Grella (ST) – Leeds United – English League One – beat Exeter City 2-1

Grella continues to be on the bench for Leeds and he didn’t play at all in their opening match against Exeter City. He transferred to the club last winter and should gradually get more playing time as he gets adjusted to the Championship.

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It was a very successful season for several Americans playing abroad in European soccer. Tim Howard was one of the top goalkeepers for Everton, and Clint Dempsey played a major role in Fulham earning a 7th place finish in the Premier League. Oguchi Oneywu played for Standard and won another league title in Belgium, while Zak Whitbread and Millwall nearly  were promoted to the English Championship. Other Americans had mixed results as Heath Pearce was demoted to the reserve squad for German Bundesliga 2 side Hansa Rostock, Eddie Johnson received little playing time at Cardiff City, and Freddy Adu hardly played for AS Monaco. Here’s a full recap of the 2008/09 season for Americans Abroad in the top European soccer leagues.

Tim Howard (GK) – Everton – English Premier League – Howard had a great season for Everton earning 17 clean sheets in the Premier League and playing all 38 matches. He was arguably a top 5 goalkeeper in the league and continues to be the #1 choice for the US National team. A busy international schedule for Howard should keep him in good form for next fall’s start of the Premier League. Everton has qualified for the Europa League as well.

Clint Dempsey (MF) – Fulham – English Premier League – Dempsey played in almost all the games for Fulham in the Premier League as they had a terrific season, finishing 7th and qualifying for next season’s Europa League. He had 7 goals in the  Premier League and was one of the solid contributors at Left Midfield. With Fulham qualifying for European soccer, he will be likely to stay with the club but could attract offers from other clubs.

Brad Friedel (GK) – Aston Villa – English Premier League – Friedel had a solid performance as the Villa keeper and played all of the EPL games this season. He had 13 clean sheets and has arguably had the best career of any American in the EPL. Friedel could follow Kasey Keller and finish his career in MLS in a year or two but it definitely still good enough to remain in the Premier League.

Brad Guzan (GK) – Aston Villa – English Premier League – Guzan was the back-up to Friedel and received little playing time this season. Most of his starts were in the UEFA Cup and he only played in the Premier League in a game where Friedel earned a red card. He’s only 24 and appears to be in-line to take over the starting goalkeeper position when Friedel leaves Villa.

Jonathan Spector (D) – West Ham United – English Premier League – Spector was often injured and only played 9 games in the Premier League for West Ham. At age 23, he still has plenty of time to find his form and should get some significant time with the international team this summer.

Marcus Hahnemann (GK) – Reading – English Championship – Hahnemann started most of the season for Reading but they were unable to get promotion back to the Premier League. He had a solid season but the club struggled to get one of the automatic spots. Hahnemann has yet to sign with a new club but should be draw interest from several English clubs.

Jay DeMerit (D) – Watford – English Championship – DeMerit was captain for Watford and played most of the season as a centerback. He had a few injuries but helped Watford avoid relegation with a finish in the middle of the table. Unfortunately, Watford conceded 72 goals and never had any chance at promotion this season.

Eddie Johnson (ST) – Cardiff City – English Championship – EJ was at Cardiff this season on a loan from Fulham and only received 5 starts all year. He struggled to get much playing time and had 2 goals and 4 assists. It is not known if Johnson will have his loan extended at Cardiff or return to Fulham. However with Fulham qualifying for the Europa League they will need more depth and could have Johnson back for the 2009/10 season.

Jemal Johnson – Milton Keynes Dons – English League One – It was an up and down season for Johnson with the MK Dons. He started the season off strong and ended with 5 goals and 10 assists, but fell out of the starting lineup towards the end of the season. The MK Dons failed to win promotion and Johnson was not included in the roster for most of the last month. He has been released by MK Dons and it is not yet known where he will sign.

Mike Grella (ST) – Leeds United – English League One – Grella transfered to Leeds in the winter break and received playing time as a late substitute in most games. He never started but should get more playing time next year as he adjusts to English soccer.

Zak Whitbread (D) – Millwall – English League One – Millwall advanced to the final of the promotion play-offs but the club lost to remain in League One for next season. Whitbread was a crucial part of the defense and could get a call-up to the National Team with a busy internation schedule this summer.

The 90th Minute will be providing live game blogs of several key games during this week, including coverage of the League One and Championship Promotion Play-offs, and Manchester United looking to take one step closer towards another Premier League title. Here’s the full schedule, which can also be found on the LIVE BLOGS link at the top of every page. Each blog will begin around 30 minutes before kick-off with live updates.

Reading v Burnley – English Championship Promotion Playoffs – Tuesday – 19:45 GMT

Wigan v Manchester United – English Premier League – Wednesday – 20:00 GMT

Leeds United v Millwall – English League One Promotion Playoffs – Thursday – 19:45 GMT

Milton Keynes Dons v Scunthorpe United – English League One Promotion Playoffs – Friday – 19:45 GMT

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.

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.

It was a busy and eventful weekend in European Soccer for Americans playing abroad. Here’s a recap of Americans playing in the top European leagues.

Oguchi Onyewu – Standard Liege beat Royal Excelsior Mouscron 3-0 – Belgium Jupiler Pro League – 2 goals – 90 minutes – Standard won easily and are now tied atop the league table as Onyewu scored two goals. The first one was a header off a long cross after a corner kick was cleared out. The American centerback was still in the box and converted a nice header to beat the goalkeeper. The second goal, coming in the 65th minute, was a similar one to the first as Standard had a free kick about 35 yards out. It was played to the wing and then crossed in where the American centerback was unmarked and headed another goal. Overall, Onyewu has been a solid player for Standard and should be rewarded during the summer as he will become a free agent.

Maurice Edu (MF) – Rangers beat Hibernian 3-2 – Scottish Premier League – 1 goal – 90 minutes – Edu is taking advantage of his opportunity at Rangers with the game winning goal in the 73rd minute against Hibernian.

Tim Howard (GK) – Everton beat Manchester United 4-2 on penalty kicks – English FA Cup – 120 minutes – Howard was not tested much during the FA Cup semifinal against Man United during regular and extra time. It was a fairly defensive game for both sides but Howard did make the necessary saves as the game headed to penalty kicks. During the penalty kicks, Howard made a few clutch saves that helped lead Everton to the win, and a spot in the Championship against Chelsea.

Charlie Davies (ST) – Hammarby IF beat Djurgarden 3-1 – Swedish Allsvenskan – 90 minutes – Davies scored again for Hammarby and now has 2 in 4 games as the team got its first win of the season. Since last season, the American striker has been one of the top scorers in the Swedish league and could be attracting attention from bigger European clubs in the summer transfer window. Hammarby is currently in the middle of the table.

Brad Friedel (GK) – Aston Villa drew with West Ham United 1-1 – English Premier League – 90 minutes – Friedel made some key saves late after Villa conceded a late goal to give up their 1-0 lead. The American goalkeeper has seen his club’s Champions League chances falling apart with each week in the Premier League. Friedel and Villa are looking to hold onto their 5th place spot, which would at least give them a Europa League spot for next season.

Clint Dempsey (LM) – Fulham drew with Middlesbrough 0-0 – English Premier League – 90 minutes – Dempsey and Fulham drew against a struggling Middlesbrough team currently in the relegation battle. Fulham have struggled on the road but remained in 8th place, 1 point behint West Ham United. Dempsey continues to play at left midfield and nearly scored a goal in the final moments on a pass from Kamara. The American had a few shots and has arguably been one of the top contributors to Fulham all season.

Carlos Bocanegra (LB) – Stade Rennais (Rennes) lost to AS Monaco 1-3 – French Ligue 1 – 90 minutes – Rennes and Bocanegra conceded 2 late goals in Saturday’s league match. The French club is in 7th and their chances of European football are fading away. After a strong start, a top 4 finish seemed realistic but the team was unable to maintain form. Bocanegra seems to be fitting in well for Rennes, playing and starting virtually every league game this season.

Michael Bradley (LM) – Borussia Monchengladbach lost to Eintracht Frankfurt 1-4 – German Bundesliga – 90 minutes – Bradley and Monchengladbach had a poor game on Saturday, conceding 2 first half goals. Bradley had a penalty kick in the 65th minute but the shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Monchengladbach earned another penalty kick 10 minutes later that was converted to cut the lead in half. Frankfurt responded with 2 goals in the last 10 minutes to win the match 4-1. Bradley’s hot streak seems to have cooled slighlty but he’s still been a solid player for the Monchengladbach and could be transfering if the club is relegated. Currently the soccer club is in the last relegation spot at 23 points.

Eddie Johnson (ST) – Cardiff City lost to Preston North End 0-6 – English Championship – 24 minutes – Johnson came in as a late substitute as the game was already out of reach for Cardiff. EJ didn’t get any shots during Saturday’s match and Cardiff are currently 4th in the Championship table. Johnson has started 5 games this season for Cardiff and been a substitute in 23.

Marcus Hahnemann (GK) – Reading drew with Barnsley 0-0 – English Championship – 90 minutes – Hahnemann made 8 saves on Saturday as Reading earned a draw. The soccer club is now in 5th and only 3 points ahead of 7th place Swansea City for a promotion play-off spot. Hahnemann has been with Reading for several years and will be trying to return to the Premiership next season.

Jay DeMerit (D) – Watford lost to Birmingham 0-1 – English Championship – 90 minutes - Watford lost on Saturday and are in 16th place in the Championship table. DeMerit has played 30 league games for Watford this season  and does not have any goals for assists. Watford will be staying in the Championship for next season but has not chance of getting promotion to the Premiership.

Mike Grella (ST) – Leeds United beat Tranmere Rovers 3-1 – English Championship – 5 minutes – Grella was a late substitute as Leeds had a comfortable 3-1 lead at that point and held on for the win. Leeds are in 5th place at 78 points, and will be in the promotion playoffs for the last spot to the Championship.

Michael Parkhurst (D) – FC Nordsjælland lost to Odense BK 0-3 – Danish SAS-Ligaen – 90 minutes - FC Nordsjælland gave up an early goal and never recovered in Sunday’s match. Parkhurst again started and played the full game for FC Nordsjælland who are 8 points clear of relegation. The club has conceded 40 goals in 25 goals, second only to last place Sonderjyske.

Danny Califf (D) – FC Midtjylland lost to Randers FC 0-2 – Danish SAS-Ligaen – 90 minutes - FC Midtjylland and Califf lost and remained in 4th place in the league table. They are 11 points behind 3rd place Odense BK and 8 points ahead of Aalborg. Califf has started and played 19 league games for FC Midtjylland this season.

Marcus Tracy (ST) – Aalborg drew with Vejle 0-0 – Danish SAS-Ligaen – 30 minutes – Tracy came on as a second half substitute but wasn’t able to get anything going as the game ended in a scoreless draw. Aalborg is in 5th in the Danish league table and no chance of a top 2 finish or any danger of relegation.

Jemal Johnson, Jozy Altidore, Sal Zizzo,  Heath Pearce, Jonathan Spector, Freddy Adu, Brad Guzan, DaMarcus Beasley, and Steve Cherundolo all did not play in this weekend’s games for their European clubs.

There was a full set of Championship and League One games on Monday with several Americans in action. In Denmark, Danny Califf started for Midtjylland as they got a nice win. Here’s a recap.

Marcus Hahnemann (GK) – Reading drew with 2-2 with Blackpool – English Championship – 90 minutes – Hahnemann started in goal for Reading, as they scored 2 early goals but couldn’t hold onto the lead. After being relegated last season, Reading are in 5th with 70 points and have 4 games left in the season. With another victory, they will confirm a place in the promotion playoffs. and be two wins away from going back to the Premiership.

Danny Califf (D) – FC Midtjylland beat AGF Aarhus 3-2 – Danis SAS-Ligaen – 90 minutes – Califf started in defense for Midtylland who beat Aarhus in Danish league action Monday night. The club is comfortable in the middle of the table and no danger of being relegated or any chance of European football. Califf continues to be in the National Team mix and should get some playing time with the World Cup Qualifiers, Confederations Cup, and Gold Cup this summer.

Jay DeMerit (D) – Watford lost to Norwich City 0-2 – English Championship – 90 minutes - Watford got off to an awful start with an own goal by Danny Rose, and Norwich controlled over 60% of possession in Monday night’s game. DeMerit, captain for Watford, has been a consistent starter, and had a few chances including a header off a corner kick that just missed wide. Watford are 15th in the Championship table and are safe from relegation. DeMerit, like Califf, has been in the National Team picture but is a substitute on the depth chart as of now.

Eddie Johnson (ST) – Cardiff City beat Burnley 3-1 – English Championship – 5 minutes – Johnson came on as a late substitute and didn’t have any shots or anything as Cardiff had just scored in the 85th minute. EJ has yet to get substantial playing time for Cardiff but at least is getting on the pitch for a few minutes. It is unknown how long Johnson’s loan at Cardiff will last or if he will return to Fulham after this season.

Mike Grella (ST) – Leeds United lost 0-1 at Leicester City – English League One – 8 minutes – The game was scoreless when Grella entered as he’s been a regular late substitute for Leeds. Unfortunately United couldn’t hold on as Leicester scored a late goal in stoppage time to get the victory. Leeds are at 75 points and in one of the promotion playoff spots. Grella has yet to score a goal for Leeds in 7 appearances.

Jemal Johnson (ST) – Did not play for Milton Keynes Dons who beat Bristol Rovers  2-1 – English League One - Johnson has been a consistent starter for the MK Dons, with 5 goals and 10 assists in 33 league games. He’s started 20 and been a substitute in 13. The Dons are 4 points behind 2nd place Peterborough for the last automatic promotion spot in League One.