Americans On the Continent: Back In Action

Back from the winter break, Aaron West's Americans on the Continent gives a full rundown of how the Americans in Europe did over the weekend.

Jan 19, 2009 3:21:04 PM

More On :  Oguchi Onyewu, Carlos Bocanegra, Landon Donovan
Ligue 1 : Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes)

By Aaron West

Returning from the long holiday break, action was limited for Americans on the continent.  Upon their return, Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes saw their incredible four-month unbeaten streak come to an abrupt end at the hands of Lille.

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Bocanegra put in another solid effort down the left side of defence, but he was unable to help his teammates secure another victory in the French Ligue 1.  Rennes forward Moussa Sow had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 17th minute.  The ageless Michael Pagis’ cross found Sow, but his header was denied by Lilles goalkeeper Gregory Malick’s fingertips. 

In the second half, the tide turned in Lilles’ direction and the home side grew more and more dangerous as time wore on.  With 15 minutes left in the match, second half sub Nicolas Fauvergue’s deflected shot took a more than fortuitous deflection past the helpless Rennes ‘keeper for the only goal on the day. 

Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes (France)

Away to Rennes, 0-1, 90 minutes

See above.

Next up: Away to St. Etienne, Saturday, January 24 

Oguchi Onyewu, Standard Liege (Belgium)

vs. Dender, 3-2, 90 minutes, own goal

Oguchi Onyewu managed to cancel out Milan Jovanovic’s third minute goal just two minutes later as he struck against his own side with an unfortunate own goal.  However, Dieumerci Mbokani put his side back in the lead on 29 minutes for his 12th goal of the season.  The relegation strugglers fought back again just one minute later as Daan De Pever notched the equalizer for Dender.  Young captain Steven Defour was on hand to grab the winner in the 58th minute and take the side one point away from the top of the league.

Next up: Away to Westerlo, Sunday, January 25 

Square Passes

Patrick Lane was only able to watch from the bench as Cercle Brugge defeated Anderlecht 2-1.

Landon Donovan has signed for German giants Bayern Munich on loan until the end of the season.  His arrival signaled the end of Lukas Podolski’s stay in Bavaria and he has decided to move back to FC Koln 

Wake Forest University star Marcus Tracy has signed for Danish giants Aalborg Boldspiklub.  The Houston Dynamo picked him at number 56 in the MLS Super Draft, and if he returns to the MLS within a two-year period, the Texas club will own his rights.

Aaron West's Americans On The Continent appears every Monday on Goal.com

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