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Americans in the UK: Cup Duel
Tim Howard and Brad Friedel went toe-to-toe on Sunday for an FA Cup tie. While both keepers came into the contest in fine form, it was Howard who propelled his Everton into the quarterfinals.
Feb 15, 2009 7:55:21 PM
By Matthew Braine
Howard entered Sunday’s match with a fistful of confidence, riding a two game clean sheet wave, along with a superb international performance midweek, all the while playing inspired football. His Everton met Aston Villa in the FA Cup. Villain shot-stoper Brad Friedel was also on a fine run of form himself, having posted four straight shutouts. However, the Toffees came out flying and used the raucous crowd to their advantage, scoring in bang up fashion early on. After Tim Cahill’s header was cleared off the line, defender Jack Rodwell blasted one past the defenseless Friedel in the 4th minute. Everton’s lead was short lived, as just four minutes later James Milner slid one under Howard from the penalty spot. Oddly enough, the penalty goal by Milner was the first by an opponent in the FA Cup, at Goodison Park since 1946. It wasn't exactly the type of recognition Howard was looking for on the day, but he’d redeem himself later on.
Midway through the first half Everton reclaimed the lead as Victor Anichebe was brought down inside the box by Steve Sidwell, leading to a spot kick which Mikel Arteta slotted home brilliantly, sending Friedel in the wrong direction. Villa continued to put pressure on the Everton defense in the second half, and the American stalwart came up big in the 61st minute when he stopped a strong John Carew shot by flicking the ball just away from the net. Friedel countered with an impressive save of his own, stopping a powerful Cahill header. In the end, it was ultimately the Aussie that delivered the dagger in the 76th minute when an Anichebe cross was whiffed at by defender Curt Davies and met by the Cahill, who struck the ball home, unguarded, from 10 yards out.
Howard had suffered a leg injury against Mexico and went to bed with an ice pack on it. While the 'keeper was a game time decision, it’s unlikely that Timmy would have sat this one out unless he couldn’t walk. Consequently, Howard turned in one of his best performances of the season and helped send Everton into the quarterfinals where they’ll meet either West Ham United or Middlesbrough.
Premiership:
Tim Howard, Everton
vs. Aston Villa, 3-1, 90 minutes, 7 saves, 1 goal conceded.
(See Above)
Up Next: Sunday, away to Newcastle.
Brad Friedel, Aston Villa.
vs. Everton, 3-1, 90 minutes, 4 saves, 3 goals conceded.
(See Above)
Up Next: Wednesday, home to CSKA Moscow (UEFA Cup) and Saturday, home to Chelsea.
Brad Guzan and Eric Lichaj, Aston Villa
Guzan could suit up for the squad when they take on CSKA Moscow on Wednesday, but it’s unlikely given the importance of the match. Although the opposition hasn't played since December, they were in fine league form in 2008.
Clint Dempsey, Fulham
vs. Swansea, 1-1, 30 minutes.
Dempsey got a rest on Saturday after playing 90 minutes for the USA on Wednesday, but was called into action in the 60th minute to help Fulham win against Swansea. Unfortunately, the gritty forward was not able to create a winner, resulting in a home FA Cup replay next Tuesday.
Up Next: Wednesday, away to Manchester United and Sunday, home to WBA.
Jonathan Spector, West Ham
vs. Middlesbrough, 1-1, DNP-Unused substitute.
Spector was dressed for Saturday’s match with Middlesbrough but did not see any action as the Hammers grabbed a late equalizer to salvage a point at home. After Stuart Downing opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, the home side went on the offensive and finally got their answer in the 83rd minute when Herita Nkongolo Ilunga struck and secured West Ham another FA Cup replay.
Up Next: Saturday, away to Bolton.
Championship Round-Up:
Marcus Hahnemann, Reading
While Convey is now gone from the Royals, there is still one fine American playing for the club in Hahnemann. The keeper was scheduled to appear for the squad in a Reserves match on Wednesday against Gillingham, but the game was postponed due to weather. Either way, it sounds like the stopper should be back within a week or so.
Eddie Johnson, Cardiff
Cardiff is set to take on Arsenal in an FA Cup tie on Monday. Johnson, on the other hand, is the subject of an interesting transfer rumor. The striker, who has yet to score in English football, is apparently wanted by Swedish club Malmo. While this move is absolutely speculation at this point, it would be an interesting opportunity for Johnson. His playing time, now sparse, would certainly increase and could increase his confidence. However, on the other hand, it could be a black hole. Although Fulham still holds the players rights, Johnson’s failure in Sweden could spell disaster for his European career.
Jay DeMerit, Watford
Watford were blindsided on Saturday, allowing three goals in the span of 15 minutes, losing 3-1 at home to Chelsea. The FA Cup tie was tightly contested as Watford staked a 1-0 lead through Tamas Priskin midway through the second half. Suddenly, it became the Nicholas Anelka show. The striker netted in the 75th, 77th, and then 90th minute to give the visitors a misleadingly dominant victory, and progression into the quarterfinals. Watford has been valiant in Cup competitions this season, but their league form has been dreadful. They currently sit in the drop zone within the Championship.
Frank Simek, Sheffield Wednesday
Simek, still out with an injury, saw his side fall 1-0 to Doncaster Rovers as Paul Heffernan netted early in the first half.
Meanwhile Up In Scotland…
DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangers
vs. Celtic, 0-0, Both DNP.
Maurice Edu made a cameo on Rangers bench Sunday, but did not get on as the two squads battled to a 0-0 draw. News has surfaced that Beasley was close to a move to Schalke, but ultimately remained at Ibrox. His role there has taken a huge hit this season, after he performed very well last campaign.
Up Next: Wednesday, away to Forfar Athletic (Scottish Cup) and Saturday, home to Kilmarnock.
Discuss Americans playing abroad in the Goal.com Forums.
Matthew Braine's feature "Americans in the UK" appears every Monday on Goal.com. He can be reached at matthew.braine@hotmail.com
Howard entered Sunday’s match with a fistful of confidence, riding a two game clean sheet wave, along with a superb international performance midweek, all the while playing inspired football. His Everton met Aston Villa in the FA Cup. Villain shot-stoper Brad Friedel was also on a fine run of form himself, having posted four straight shutouts. However, the Toffees came out flying and used the raucous crowd to their advantage, scoring in bang up fashion early on. After Tim Cahill’s header was cleared off the line, defender Jack Rodwell blasted one past the defenseless Friedel in the 4th minute. Everton’s lead was short lived, as just four minutes later James Milner slid one under Howard from the penalty spot. Oddly enough, the penalty goal by Milner was the first by an opponent in the FA Cup, at Goodison Park since 1946. It wasn't exactly the type of recognition Howard was looking for on the day, but he’d redeem himself later on.
Midway through the first half Everton reclaimed the lead as Victor Anichebe was brought down inside the box by Steve Sidwell, leading to a spot kick which Mikel Arteta slotted home brilliantly, sending Friedel in the wrong direction. Villa continued to put pressure on the Everton defense in the second half, and the American stalwart came up big in the 61st minute when he stopped a strong John Carew shot by flicking the ball just away from the net. Friedel countered with an impressive save of his own, stopping a powerful Cahill header. In the end, it was ultimately the Aussie that delivered the dagger in the 76th minute when an Anichebe cross was whiffed at by defender Curt Davies and met by the Cahill, who struck the ball home, unguarded, from 10 yards out.
Howard had suffered a leg injury against Mexico and went to bed with an ice pack on it. While the 'keeper was a game time decision, it’s unlikely that Timmy would have sat this one out unless he couldn’t walk. Consequently, Howard turned in one of his best performances of the season and helped send Everton into the quarterfinals where they’ll meet either West Ham United or Middlesbrough.
Premiership:
Tim Howard, Everton
vs. Aston Villa, 3-1, 90 minutes, 7 saves, 1 goal conceded.
(See Above)
Up Next: Sunday, away to Newcastle.
Brad Friedel, Aston Villa.
vs. Everton, 3-1, 90 minutes, 4 saves, 3 goals conceded.
(See Above)
Up Next: Wednesday, home to CSKA Moscow (UEFA Cup) and Saturday, home to Chelsea.
Brad Guzan and Eric Lichaj, Aston Villa
Guzan could suit up for the squad when they take on CSKA Moscow on Wednesday, but it’s unlikely given the importance of the match. Although the opposition hasn't played since December, they were in fine league form in 2008.
Clint Dempsey, Fulham
vs. Swansea, 1-1, 30 minutes.
Dempsey got a rest on Saturday after playing 90 minutes for the USA on Wednesday, but was called into action in the 60th minute to help Fulham win against Swansea. Unfortunately, the gritty forward was not able to create a winner, resulting in a home FA Cup replay next Tuesday.
Up Next: Wednesday, away to Manchester United and Sunday, home to WBA.
Jonathan Spector, West Ham
vs. Middlesbrough, 1-1, DNP-Unused substitute.
Spector was dressed for Saturday’s match with Middlesbrough but did not see any action as the Hammers grabbed a late equalizer to salvage a point at home. After Stuart Downing opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, the home side went on the offensive and finally got their answer in the 83rd minute when Herita Nkongolo Ilunga struck and secured West Ham another FA Cup replay.
Up Next: Saturday, away to Bolton.
Championship Round-Up:
Marcus Hahnemann, Reading
While Convey is now gone from the Royals, there is still one fine American playing for the club in Hahnemann. The keeper was scheduled to appear for the squad in a Reserves match on Wednesday against Gillingham, but the game was postponed due to weather. Either way, it sounds like the stopper should be back within a week or so.
Eddie Johnson, Cardiff
Cardiff is set to take on Arsenal in an FA Cup tie on Monday. Johnson, on the other hand, is the subject of an interesting transfer rumor. The striker, who has yet to score in English football, is apparently wanted by Swedish club Malmo. While this move is absolutely speculation at this point, it would be an interesting opportunity for Johnson. His playing time, now sparse, would certainly increase and could increase his confidence. However, on the other hand, it could be a black hole. Although Fulham still holds the players rights, Johnson’s failure in Sweden could spell disaster for his European career.
Jay DeMerit, Watford
Watford were blindsided on Saturday, allowing three goals in the span of 15 minutes, losing 3-1 at home to Chelsea. The FA Cup tie was tightly contested as Watford staked a 1-0 lead through Tamas Priskin midway through the second half. Suddenly, it became the Nicholas Anelka show. The striker netted in the 75th, 77th, and then 90th minute to give the visitors a misleadingly dominant victory, and progression into the quarterfinals. Watford has been valiant in Cup competitions this season, but their league form has been dreadful. They currently sit in the drop zone within the Championship.
Frank Simek, Sheffield Wednesday
Simek, still out with an injury, saw his side fall 1-0 to Doncaster Rovers as Paul Heffernan netted early in the first half.
Meanwhile Up In Scotland…
DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangers
vs. Celtic, 0-0, Both DNP.
Maurice Edu made a cameo on Rangers bench Sunday, but did not get on as the two squads battled to a 0-0 draw. News has surfaced that Beasley was close to a move to Schalke, but ultimately remained at Ibrox. His role there has taken a huge hit this season, after he performed very well last campaign.
Up Next: Wednesday, away to Forfar Athletic (Scottish Cup) and Saturday, home to Kilmarnock.
Discuss Americans playing abroad in the Goal.com Forums.
Matthew Braine's feature "Americans in the UK" appears every Monday on Goal.com. He can be reached at matthew.braine@hotmail.com
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