Americans On The Continent: Jozy Jubilation

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Jozy Altidore, Villarreal (Marca)

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By Aaron West

Jozy Altidore was handed a start by Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini and seized his chance with both hands as he played 78 minutes, creating a host of chances for the away side and threatening throughout.  Villarreal traveled to Andalucia to take on Recreativo Huelva, knowing that a win would probably take them to second in La Liga.

After only 14 minutes, Altidore nearly notched a goal after Javi Venta’s run and cutback into the box found him in with a chance to open the scoring.  However, Recreativo goalkeeper Asier Riesgo was able to save his low shot with his foot, denying the youngster’s attempt.  Nine minutes later, Altidore nearly turned provider as he found himself 10 yards in front of goal following a poor Recre clearance.  Showing excellent vision, he squared the ball, teeing it up for Spanish international Santi Cazorla who only managed to hit the side netting with his shot.

On 27 minutes, Cazorla put the Yellow Submarine ahead after latching on to a cleared corner to smash a long-range shot that took a positive deflection off defender Javi Fuego and hit the back of the net.  15 minutes later, stand-in centerback Pascal Cygan nearly gifted the home side an equalizer as he tripped over the ball at the edge of his own box, but Javier Camunas was only able strike directly at Villarreal ‘keeper Diego Lopez.  Just before halftime, Argentinean magician Ariel Ibagaza squeezed a free kick just past the left post after Giuseppe Rossi was tripped up on the edge of the area.

In the second half, Recre came out with a newly heightened intensity, pushing for an equalizer.  However, Villarreal stood strong, frustrating Recreativo’s attempts until eight minutes from time.  Pascal Cygan again made a strong bid to keep his king bonehead crown, unabashedly pulling down striker Marco Ruben for a penalty.  Adrian Colunga pulled back the spot kick, but Recre was unable to earn a home draw and Villarreal moved within four points of Barcelona at the top of the league standings.

Jozy Altidore, Villarreal C.F. (Spain)

vs. Recreativo Huelva, 2-1, 78 minutes 

See above.

Next up: vs. Getafe, Sunday, December 7

Oguchi Onyewu, Standard Liege (Belgium)

Away to Partizan Belgrade (UEFA Cup), 1-0, 90 minutes; Away to KV Mechelen, 0-0, 90 minutes, 1 yellow card

Standard traveled to Belgrade to take on hosts Partizan, coming away with a vital three points in the UEFA Cup.  Igor De Camargo’s header from Dieudonne Mbokani’s cross in the 36^th minute was enough to secure the win, and see Onyewu’s Liege side sit atop the group.  Returning to Belgium, Gooch again marshaled his side to a clean sheet despite picking up a yellow card and seeing his defensive partner Adama Sarr sent off in the 90^th minute.  Despite all his defensive efforts, Onyewu was unable to spur his side on to goals as they drew with lowly Mechelen, dropping to third position in the Belgian Jupiler League. Next up: vs. Sampdoria (UEFA Cup), Wednesday, December 3

Michael Bradley, Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany)

vs. Energie Cottbus, 1-3, 70 minutes, own goal

Michael Bradley endured a torrid time against Cottbus, scoring an own goal in the 17^th minute and being substituted off in the 70^th minute as M’Gladbach again fell 3-1 in the Bundesliga.  Bradley’s own goal and strikes from Dennis Sorenson and Emil Jula assured the win for Cottbus, despite Steve Gohouri’s 59^th minute strike.  Now dangerously close to the relegation zone, the Bavarian side faces fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen as they attempt to regain form. Next up: vs. Bayer Leverkusen, Saturday, December 6

Neven Subotic, Borussia Dortmund (Germany)

vs. VFL Wolfsburg, 0-0, 90 minutes

While Subotic and his teammates were able to achieve a third straight clean sheet, the match ended in a 0-0 draw with little to pique the imagination.  Wolfsburg dominated the shot sheet 13 to 6, but was unable to capitalize on any of their chances, especially thanks to Dortmund ‘keeper Roman Weidenfeller’s admirable efforts. Next up: Away to Arminia Bielefeld, Saturday, December 6

Steve Cherundolo, Hannover 96 (Germany)

vs. Karlsruhe, 3-2, 45 minutes 

Steve Cherundolo was withdrawn after 45 minutes after suffering a series of knocks, but Hannover was still able to pull out a narrow 3-2 victory at home against Karlsruhe.  Mike Hanke grabbed a brace within the first 20 minutes, and Mikael Forssell added a third just before half, and Hannover were cruising.  However, just after half, Karlsruhe snatched a penalty after centerback Frank Fahrenhorst fouled Michael Mutzel in the box.  Karlsruhe continued their assault on the Hannover goal, but was only able to net again in the 87^th minute.  Hannover held firm, and grabbed a vital three points after only taking one out of a possible nine in their previous three matches. Next up: Away to VFL Wolfsburg, Sunday, December 7

Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes (France)

vs. PSG, 1-0, 90 minutes

Bruno Cheyrou’s strike in first-half injury time and a battling defensive display from Bocanegra and company assured Rennes’ deserved victory over high-flying PSG.  On the strength of Rennes goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez’s inspired performance, Rennes now sits at fourth place in the French Ligue 1, and PSG falls to second position. Next up: Away to Caen, Saturday, December 6

Square Passes

Danny Califf and FC Midtjylland spanked FC Nordsjælland 3-0 in the Danish SAS-Ligaen, and they now sit in fourth position in the league.  The win keeps their slowly fading title hopes alive, but they will have to be nearly perfect the rest of the season to catch up to Brondby, Odense, and FC Copenhagen.

Aaron West's "Americans on the Continent" appears every Monday on Goal.com.