RSS
ATOM
advertisement
Americans In The UK: Mike Grella Opens Account, Helps Set Record
Leeds United striker Mike Grella scored his first English goal and in the process powered his club to a new record.
Sep 13, 2009 10:07:52 PM
By Matthew Braine
New York native Mike Grella opened his English scoring account on September 5, helping Leeds defeat Stockport County 2-0. The striker, in his first league start, needed just nine minutes to give Leeds a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Bradley Johnson fed the 22-year-old a short pass inside the box where he easily curled a shot into the corner of the net. Leeds grabbed a second goal in the 37th minute when defender Lubomir Michalik scored from six yards out. The home side nearly added a third later on, but Robert Snodgrass’ spot kick was saved.
The win for Leeds was record-breaking as it was their 14th straight home league victory. That streak last occurred in 1969. Furthermore, Leeds recorded their eighth straight victory from the start of season, another club record. Although Leeds drew 0-0 at Southend United on Saturday, snapping the latter streak, the first one remains alive.
Grella, the former Duke University standout, got the start last week due to team injuries, but could see further starts as the season progresses. He’s clearly being used as a bench sparkplug right now, but if his outing against Stockport says anything, starting the young fellow might not be a bad option. His league starts to goals ratio currently stands at 1:1. Not too shabby at all.
Premiership:
Tim Howard, Everton
vs. Fulham, 2-1, (90 minutes, 2 goals conceded, 6 saves)
Everton added to their disappointing Premier League season on Sunday, dropping a 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage. Things looked good early with Tim Cahill giving the visitors the lead with a slick header, however, a 57th minute deflected strike from Paul Konchesky evened up the score. Howard could hardly be held responsible as the ball awkwardly came off defender Sylvain Distin. Finally, in the 79th minute, new signee Damien Duff unleashed a vicious strike that blew right past Howard and into the net for the winner. Everton have now dropped three of their first four EPL contests which isn’t that out of the ordinary. Last year, the Merseyside outfit dropped four of their first six league matches.
Up Next: Thursday, home to AEK Athens (Europa) and Sunday, home to Blackburn.
Anton Peterlin and Cody Arnoux, Everton.
vs. Manchester City Reserves, 1-4, (Arnoux played 45 minutes, Peterlin DNP)
The Everton reserves looked worse than the first team last week as they were crushed by Manchester City. Adam Forshaw cut the deficit to one after City netted twice within the first 17 minutes. However, the Blues boys never looked comfortable and lost by three. Arnoux played well, attacking aggressively. He drew a penalty appeal early in the second half but it was waived off. Peterlin was dressed for the contest but did not get on.
Up Next: Monday, away to Hull Reserves.
Brad Friedel, Aston Villa
vs. Birmingham City, 0-1, (90 minutes, 0 goals conceded, 3 saves)
Although City looked like they were going to win on Sunday, they simply couldn’t produce a winning touch to go with all of their possession. Villa snatched victory late through Gabriel Agbonlahor and, with that, earned bragging rights in the city of Birmingham. Friedel wasn’t really troubled too much but stopped what came at him to earn his second clean sheet of the season. That’s 180 straight minutes of shutout action for Friedel after keeping out Fulham two weeks ago. Combine that with his spectacular performance against Liverpool on August 24, and you’re looking at one of the best keepers in the league right now.
Up Next: Saturday, home to Portsmouth.
Brad Guzan, Aston Villa
vs. Birmingham City, 0-1, (DNP)
As usual, Guzan played the back-up role Sunday.
Eric Lichaj, Aston Villa
vs. West Ham Reserves, 2-1, (90 minutes)
Lichaj played the entire contest in defense for Villa two weeks ago when they beat the Hammers 2-1. Villa’s off to a fine 2-0 start in their Reserve League South campaign.
Up Next: Monday, home to Portsmouth Reserves.
Clint Dempsey, Fulham
vs. Everton, 2-1, (90 minutes)
Dempsey was solid on Sunday, threading some quality balls throughout the contest. Possibly a bit drained from international competition, Dempsey wasn’t as aggressive and scrappy as usual, but the Cottagers got the win and that’s all that matters.
Up Next: Thursday, away to CSKA Sofia (Europa) and Sunday, away to Wolverhampton.
Eddie Johnson, Fulham
vs. Everton, 2-1, (DNP)
Johnson was not dressed for Sunday’s contest.
Jonathan Spector, West Ham
vs. Wigan, 1-0, (DNP)
Spector was not dressed for Saturday’s affair with Wigan. The visitors went down 1-0 early into the second half after Hugo Rodalegga pounced on Jason Koumas’ deflected strike and sent in the eventual winner.
Up Next: Saturday, home to Liverpool.
Marcus Hahnemann, Wolverhampton
vs. Blackburn, 3-1, (DNP)
Hahnemann sat out a tough loss Saturday. Rovers scored their first win of the campaign, getting goals from El-Hadji Diouf, David Dunn, and Jason Roberts. Stefan Maierhofer netted a consolation goal in the 88th minute. Wolves have only one win on the season thus far and as the campaign roles along, Hahnemann could get the call if starter Wayne Hennessey’s average play continues.
Up Next: Saturday, away to Fulham.
Jozy Altidore, Hull City
vs. Sunderland, 4-1, (36 minutes)
The Black Cats handled their feline counterparts easily Saturday as they dismantled Hull 4-1. Darren Bent netted twice and Andy Reid chipped in one for the hosts, while Hull’s Kamil Zayatte sent in an own goal to make it four. Earlier in the contest the defender equalized in the 43rd minute but gave it right back to firmly seal the embarrassing loss. Altidore came on midway through the second half but the Tigers were beyond saving by then.
Up Next: Saturday, home to Birmingham.
Championship Round-Up:
Jay DeMerit, Watford
vs. Barnsley, 1-0, (DNP)
Sidelined by a groin strain, Demerit was not included for Saturday’s match against Barnsley. Danny Graham scored the winner early in the second half.
Up Next: Tuesday, away to Plymouth and Saturday, home to Leicester City.
Frank Simek, Sheffield Wednesday
vs. Nottingham Forest, 1-1, (DNP)
Simek was not dressed for Saturday’s contest with Forest. Dexter Blackstock opened up the scoring for the visitors just two minutes in but Marcus Tudgay equalized just before halftime to settle the score line on the afternoon.
Up Next: Tuesday, home to Middlesbrough and Saturday, away to Sheffield United.
League One:
Jemal Johnson, Milton Keynes Dons
vs. Dagenham & Redbridge, 3-1 (Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) (90 minutes)
vs. Huddersfield Town, 2-3, (90 minutes, 1 goal)
MK Dons progressed in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tournament two weeks ago when they defeated Dag & Red 3-1. Johnson played well but it was striker Jermaine Easter who really shined as his brace, combined with Dean Lewington’s opener, gave the hosts an easy win. Last week, Johnson opened the scoring for the Dons against Hudderfield, powering in a 22-yard effort in the 47th minute. Jermaine Ester regained the lead for the home side after Jordan Rhodes equalized for the visitors. Ultimately, the Dons fell as Theo Robinson tallied an equalizer in the 60th minute before Antony Kay’s winner sealed the win in the 78th.
Up Next: Monday, home to Norwich and Saturday, away to Wycombe Wanderers.
Mike Grella, Leeds United
vs. Stockport County, 2-0, (72 minutes)
vs. Southend United, 0-0 (8 minutes)
See above.
Up Next: Saturday, home to Gillingham.
Ian Joyce, Southend United
vs. Leyton Orient, 3-0, and Vs. Leeds, 0-0 (Both DNP)
Joyce likely won’t see much time this season, barring an injury, although, the FA Cup may provide him a start.
Up Next: Saturday, away to Brighton.
Meanwhile Up In Scotland…
DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangers
vs. Motherwell, 0-0, (Both DNP)
Neither American was dressed for Saturday’s contest. Rangers missed a huge chance to create some space in the standings between them and Celtic but James O’Brien missed a penalty in the 87th minute, leaving both sides with a point a piece in the end.
Up Next: Wednesday, away to Vfb Stuttgart and Saturday, away to Kilmarnock.
Matthew Braine writes the Americans in the UK piece every Monday. Contact him with your questions or comments at matthew.braine@hotmail.com
For more on Americans abroad, visit Goal.com's dedicated page
New York native Mike Grella opened his English scoring account on September 5, helping Leeds defeat Stockport County 2-0. The striker, in his first league start, needed just nine minutes to give Leeds a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Bradley Johnson fed the 22-year-old a short pass inside the box where he easily curled a shot into the corner of the net. Leeds grabbed a second goal in the 37th minute when defender Lubomir Michalik scored from six yards out. The home side nearly added a third later on, but Robert Snodgrass’ spot kick was saved.
The win for Leeds was record-breaking as it was their 14th straight home league victory. That streak last occurred in 1969. Furthermore, Leeds recorded their eighth straight victory from the start of season, another club record. Although Leeds drew 0-0 at Southend United on Saturday, snapping the latter streak, the first one remains alive.
Grella, the former Duke University standout, got the start last week due to team injuries, but could see further starts as the season progresses. He’s clearly being used as a bench sparkplug right now, but if his outing against Stockport says anything, starting the young fellow might not be a bad option. His league starts to goals ratio currently stands at 1:1. Not too shabby at all.
Premiership:
Tim Howard, Everton
vs. Fulham, 2-1, (90 minutes, 2 goals conceded, 6 saves)
Everton added to their disappointing Premier League season on Sunday, dropping a 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage. Things looked good early with Tim Cahill giving the visitors the lead with a slick header, however, a 57th minute deflected strike from Paul Konchesky evened up the score. Howard could hardly be held responsible as the ball awkwardly came off defender Sylvain Distin. Finally, in the 79th minute, new signee Damien Duff unleashed a vicious strike that blew right past Howard and into the net for the winner. Everton have now dropped three of their first four EPL contests which isn’t that out of the ordinary. Last year, the Merseyside outfit dropped four of their first six league matches.
Up Next: Thursday, home to AEK Athens (Europa) and Sunday, home to Blackburn.
Anton Peterlin and Cody Arnoux, Everton.
vs. Manchester City Reserves, 1-4, (Arnoux played 45 minutes, Peterlin DNP)
 |
Up Next: Monday, away to Hull Reserves.
Brad Friedel, Aston Villa
vs. Birmingham City, 0-1, (90 minutes, 0 goals conceded, 3 saves)
Although City looked like they were going to win on Sunday, they simply couldn’t produce a winning touch to go with all of their possession. Villa snatched victory late through Gabriel Agbonlahor and, with that, earned bragging rights in the city of Birmingham. Friedel wasn’t really troubled too much but stopped what came at him to earn his second clean sheet of the season. That’s 180 straight minutes of shutout action for Friedel after keeping out Fulham two weeks ago. Combine that with his spectacular performance against Liverpool on August 24, and you’re looking at one of the best keepers in the league right now.
Up Next: Saturday, home to Portsmouth.
Brad Guzan, Aston Villa
vs. Birmingham City, 0-1, (DNP)
As usual, Guzan played the back-up role Sunday.
Eric Lichaj, Aston Villa
vs. West Ham Reserves, 2-1, (90 minutes)
Lichaj played the entire contest in defense for Villa two weeks ago when they beat the Hammers 2-1. Villa’s off to a fine 2-0 start in their Reserve League South campaign.
Up Next: Monday, home to Portsmouth Reserves.
 |
vs. Everton, 2-1, (90 minutes)
Dempsey was solid on Sunday, threading some quality balls throughout the contest. Possibly a bit drained from international competition, Dempsey wasn’t as aggressive and scrappy as usual, but the Cottagers got the win and that’s all that matters.
Up Next: Thursday, away to CSKA Sofia (Europa) and Sunday, away to Wolverhampton.
Eddie Johnson, Fulham
vs. Everton, 2-1, (DNP)
Johnson was not dressed for Sunday’s contest.
Jonathan Spector, West Ham
vs. Wigan, 1-0, (DNP)
Spector was not dressed for Saturday’s affair with Wigan. The visitors went down 1-0 early into the second half after Hugo Rodalegga pounced on Jason Koumas’ deflected strike and sent in the eventual winner.
Up Next: Saturday, home to Liverpool.
Marcus Hahnemann, Wolverhampton
vs. Blackburn, 3-1, (DNP)
Hahnemann sat out a tough loss Saturday. Rovers scored their first win of the campaign, getting goals from El-Hadji Diouf, David Dunn, and Jason Roberts. Stefan Maierhofer netted a consolation goal in the 88th minute. Wolves have only one win on the season thus far and as the campaign roles along, Hahnemann could get the call if starter Wayne Hennessey’s average play continues.
Up Next: Saturday, away to Fulham.
Jozy Altidore, Hull City
vs. Sunderland, 4-1, (36 minutes)
 |
Up Next: Saturday, home to Birmingham.
Championship Round-Up:
Jay DeMerit, Watford
vs. Barnsley, 1-0, (DNP)
Sidelined by a groin strain, Demerit was not included for Saturday’s match against Barnsley. Danny Graham scored the winner early in the second half.
Up Next: Tuesday, away to Plymouth and Saturday, home to Leicester City.
Frank Simek, Sheffield Wednesday
vs. Nottingham Forest, 1-1, (DNP)
Simek was not dressed for Saturday’s contest with Forest. Dexter Blackstock opened up the scoring for the visitors just two minutes in but Marcus Tudgay equalized just before halftime to settle the score line on the afternoon.
Up Next: Tuesday, home to Middlesbrough and Saturday, away to Sheffield United.
League One:
Jemal Johnson, Milton Keynes Dons
vs. Dagenham & Redbridge, 3-1 (Johnstone’s Paint Trophy) (90 minutes)
vs. Huddersfield Town, 2-3, (90 minutes, 1 goal)
MK Dons progressed in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tournament two weeks ago when they defeated Dag & Red 3-1. Johnson played well but it was striker Jermaine Easter who really shined as his brace, combined with Dean Lewington’s opener, gave the hosts an easy win. Last week, Johnson opened the scoring for the Dons against Hudderfield, powering in a 22-yard effort in the 47th minute. Jermaine Ester regained the lead for the home side after Jordan Rhodes equalized for the visitors. Ultimately, the Dons fell as Theo Robinson tallied an equalizer in the 60th minute before Antony Kay’s winner sealed the win in the 78th.
Up Next: Monday, home to Norwich and Saturday, away to Wycombe Wanderers.
Mike Grella, Leeds United
vs. Stockport County, 2-0, (72 minutes)
vs. Southend United, 0-0 (8 minutes)
See above.
Up Next: Saturday, home to Gillingham.
Ian Joyce, Southend United
vs. Leyton Orient, 3-0, and Vs. Leeds, 0-0 (Both DNP)
Joyce likely won’t see much time this season, barring an injury, although, the FA Cup may provide him a start.
Up Next: Saturday, away to Brighton.
Meanwhile Up In Scotland…
DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangers
vs. Motherwell, 0-0, (Both DNP)
Neither American was dressed for Saturday’s contest. Rangers missed a huge chance to create some space in the standings between them and Celtic but James O’Brien missed a penalty in the 87th minute, leaving both sides with a point a piece in the end.
Up Next: Wednesday, away to Vfb Stuttgart and Saturday, away to Kilmarnock.
For more on Americans abroad, visit Goal.com's dedicated page
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
3 Comments
Advertisement
Inside Goal.Com
-
LABIDOU: Is MLS falling behind? The league's new younger direction
With high-profile players like Nicolas Anelka and Luca Toni rejecting MLS for other developing leagues, is the league falling behind its competition?
-
ROSANO: Mexican soccer needs to address referee treatment
Nick Rosano argues that Mexico's continued officiating problems may have less to do with referees themselves and more to do with how they are treated by the federation.
-
VERTELNEY: MLS owners take to Twitter to spread their team's word
"Any time you tweet, it's a mini press conference," says Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson.
-
ISOLA: Roma's De Rossi smart to remain with one club for career
De Rossi has a chance to build a lasting legacy at Roma similar to NBA veterans Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant, who have never switched teams.
-
RANKINGS: Torres breaks into the top 10 as Altidore drops out
The Pachuca midfielder is back on form, and with many of the USA's top players struggling, he breaks into the top 10.
Advertisement
Advertisement
