|
|
Americans In The UK: Dempsey Continues Assault
Fulham shocked even their own fans on Saturday, as they defeated Liverpool rather easily 3-1, with Dempsey providing the final dagger.
Nov 1, 2009 10:06:50 PM
By Matthew Braine
Clint Dempsey scored his second goal in as many games on Saturday as Fulham rolled on to a 3-1 win over Liverpool at Craven Cottage. Bobby Zamora put the hosts ahead in the 24th minute before Fernando Torres equalized 18 minutes later. Erik Nevland regained the lead for the Whites in the 73rd when he slid the ball in from close range. After two Reds, Philipp Degen and Jamie Carragher, saw red late, it was Dempsey’s turn to shine. The gritty winger played a little give-and-go with Nevland, cutting down the middle to score the easy tap in.
Dempsey now has three goals on the season and has been especially aggressive in his last two contests, taking seven shots compared to just five in his previous three. The Texas native looks to be hitting his stride after getting off to a quiet start.
Premiership:
Tim Howard, Everton
Vs. Tottenham, 2-0, (90 minutes, 7 saves, 2 goals conceded)
Vs. Aston Villa, 1-1, (90 minutes, 3 saves, 1 goal conceded)
Everton got knocked out of the Carling Cup Tuesday, falling 2-0 at White Hart Lane. Tom Huddlestone opened the scoring with an impressive volley in the 31st minute. Robbie Keane approached the penalty spot in the 57th minute, but Howard saved his effort. He blocked efforts from David Bentley and Keane another time before Keane finally put one past Howard into the top corner. The Toffees did have chances but could not convert and were ultimately eliminated. On Saturday, Everton continued their season of mediocrity as they drew 1-1 with Aston Villa. Howard a made a few saves but couldn’t stop John Carew’s 46th minute effort, which wound up being the final goal of the match. The Toffees got a goal in injury time of the first half from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov who was later sent off. Despite efforts from Tim Cahill and Ayegbeni Yakubu, the hosts had to settle for the draw.
Up Next: Thursday, home against Benfica (Europa), and Sunday, away to West Ham.
Anton Peterlin and Cody Arnoux, Everton.
Up Next: Tuesday, November 3, home to Liverpool Reserves.
Brad Friedel, Aston Villa
Vs. Everton, 1-1, (90 minutes, 1 save, 1 goal conceded)
Friedel, making his 200th consecutive league appearance, held Everton to a 1-1 draw Saturday. Friedel didn’t make too many stops on the day but managed to easily handle a strong effort from Marouane Fellaini in the first half. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov stuck one past Friedel just before half, but John Carew gave the Villains an equalizer early into the second stanza to settle the score line.
Up Next: Wednesday, away to West Ham, and Saturday, home against Bolton.
Brad Guzan, Aston Villa
Vs. Sunderland, 0-0, (90 minutes, 8 saves, 0 goals conceded)
Guzan was the hero on Tuesday, halting Sunderland as Villa progressed into the quarterfinals of the Carling Cup. Not only did Guzan stop a potential game winning penalty kick from Kenwyne Jones in the 83rd minute, but he also deflected three of the Black Cats four spots kick in the shootout. It was certainly an eye-opening performance from the American but he won’t be unseating Friedel anytime soon as the number one 'keeper. Still, it’s nice to have an international talent like Guzan to handle the cup games and know that he’s more than capable of holding his own.
Eric Lichaj, Aston Villa
Up Next: Thursday, November 5, away to Blues.
Clint Dempsey, Fulham
Vs. Liverpool, 3-1, (90 minutes, 1 goal)
(See above)
Up Next: Thursday, away to Roma (Europa), and Sunday, away to Wigan Athletic.
Eddie Johnson, Fulham
Vs. Liverpool, 3-1, (DNP)
Johnson was not included for Saturday’s contest but might see action on Thursday.
Jonathan Spector, West Ham
Vs. Sunderland, 2-2, (90 minutes)
Spector started on Saturday and played the entire contest although the Hammers should have won instead of drawing 2-2. After claiming a 1-2 lead and seeing the Black Cats down to 10 men, the hosts somehow leveled when Kieran Richardson was left unmarked and poked on with 14 minutes remaining. Spector could be held partially responsible for the goal.
Up Next: Wednesday, home against Aston Villa, and Sunday, home against Everton.
Marcus Hahnemann, Wolverhampton
Vs. Stoke City, 2-2, (DNP)
As usual, Hahnemann played the back-up role.
Up Next: Saturday, home against Arsenal.
Jozy Altidore, Hull City
Vs. Burnley, 2-0, (31 minutes)
Hull manager Phil Brown is likely to be sacked by the club soon, as the Tigers continue to flounder in the EPL. Burnley dealt the latest blow as Graham Alexander’s double easily dispatched the visitors. Altidore didn’t do much during his 30 plus minutes on the field.
Up Next: Sunday, home against Stoke City.
Championship Round-Up:
Jay DeMerit, Watford
Without DeMerit in the defensive fray, Watford got crushed 5-0 by WBA.
Up Next: Saturday, home against Preston North End
Frank Simek, Sheffield Wednesday
Simek received his first League start of the season, third overall, and played the entire contest as the Owls drew 1-1 with Bristol City. It’s encouraging to see the young defender get some important playing time and, with it being early in the season, he could still find a steady role in the starting XI.
Up Next: Saturday, home against QPR.
League One:
Jemal Johnson, Milton Keynes Dons
Johnson, who will be sidelined for a few weeks with a calf injury, was not involved in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers.
Up Next: Saturday, home against Macclesfield Town (FA Cup)
Mike Grella, Leeds United
Leeds poured in the goals this past week, defeating Bristol Rovers and Yeovil town 4-0 apiece. Grella was on the bench for the latter match but did not appear in either contest.
Up Next: Saturday, away to Oldham Athletic (Carling Cup)
John-Paul Pittman, Wycombe Wanderers
Pittman came on with 17 minutes remaining on Saturday but had a late shot denied as Wycombe fell 2-3 against Walsall. Wanderers have just one win from their first 15 matches and looked destined for League Two right now.
Up Next: Saturday, home against Brighton.
Meanwhile Up In Scotland…
DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangers
Tuesday saw Rangers take on Dundee United in a CIS Insurance Cup fixture. Beasley got the start, making his first appearance of the season for the club. Rangers were level 1-1 early in the second half but Beasley made a solid pass to Steven Whittaker, whose cross into the box created massive problems resulting in an own goal and a 1-2 Rangers lead. The club went on to win 1-3. On Sunday, Rangers took a 1-0 lead into halftime but the pitch at Tannadice Park was so badly waterlogged that the match was abandoned. The Glasgow outfit will now have to make another trip back at a later date. Beasley was not included in the team.
Up Next: Wednesday, away to Unirea Urziceni (Champions League), and Saturday, home against St. Mirren.
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
Clint Dempsey scored his second goal in as many games on Saturday as Fulham rolled on to a 3-1 win over Liverpool at Craven Cottage. Bobby Zamora put the hosts ahead in the 24th minute before Fernando Torres equalized 18 minutes later. Erik Nevland regained the lead for the Whites in the 73rd when he slid the ball in from close range. After two Reds, Philipp Degen and Jamie Carragher, saw red late, it was Dempsey’s turn to shine. The gritty winger played a little give-and-go with Nevland, cutting down the middle to score the easy tap in.
Dempsey now has three goals on the season and has been especially aggressive in his last two contests, taking seven shots compared to just five in his previous three. The Texas native looks to be hitting his stride after getting off to a quiet start.
Premiership:
Tim Howard, Everton
Vs. Tottenham, 2-0, (90 minutes, 7 saves, 2 goals conceded)
Vs. Aston Villa, 1-1, (90 minutes, 3 saves, 1 goal conceded)
Everton got knocked out of the Carling Cup Tuesday, falling 2-0 at White Hart Lane. Tom Huddlestone opened the scoring with an impressive volley in the 31st minute. Robbie Keane approached the penalty spot in the 57th minute, but Howard saved his effort. He blocked efforts from David Bentley and Keane another time before Keane finally put one past Howard into the top corner. The Toffees did have chances but could not convert and were ultimately eliminated. On Saturday, Everton continued their season of mediocrity as they drew 1-1 with Aston Villa. Howard a made a few saves but couldn’t stop John Carew’s 46th minute effort, which wound up being the final goal of the match. The Toffees got a goal in injury time of the first half from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov who was later sent off. Despite efforts from Tim Cahill and Ayegbeni Yakubu, the hosts had to settle for the draw.
Up Next: Thursday, home against Benfica (Europa), and Sunday, away to West Ham.
Anton Peterlin and Cody Arnoux, Everton.
Up Next: Tuesday, November 3, home to Liverpool Reserves.
Brad Friedel, Aston Villa
Vs. Everton, 1-1, (90 minutes, 1 save, 1 goal conceded)
Friedel, making his 200th consecutive league appearance, held Everton to a 1-1 draw Saturday. Friedel didn’t make too many stops on the day but managed to easily handle a strong effort from Marouane Fellaini in the first half. Diniyar Bilyaletdinov stuck one past Friedel just before half, but John Carew gave the Villains an equalizer early into the second stanza to settle the score line.
Up Next: Wednesday, away to West Ham, and Saturday, home against Bolton.
 |
Vs. Sunderland, 0-0, (90 minutes, 8 saves, 0 goals conceded)
Guzan was the hero on Tuesday, halting Sunderland as Villa progressed into the quarterfinals of the Carling Cup. Not only did Guzan stop a potential game winning penalty kick from Kenwyne Jones in the 83rd minute, but he also deflected three of the Black Cats four spots kick in the shootout. It was certainly an eye-opening performance from the American but he won’t be unseating Friedel anytime soon as the number one 'keeper. Still, it’s nice to have an international talent like Guzan to handle the cup games and know that he’s more than capable of holding his own.
Eric Lichaj, Aston Villa
Up Next: Thursday, November 5, away to Blues.
 |
Vs. Liverpool, 3-1, (90 minutes, 1 goal)
(See above)
Up Next: Thursday, away to Roma (Europa), and Sunday, away to Wigan Athletic.
Eddie Johnson, Fulham
Vs. Liverpool, 3-1, (DNP)
Johnson was not included for Saturday’s contest but might see action on Thursday.
Jonathan Spector, West Ham
Vs. Sunderland, 2-2, (90 minutes)
Spector started on Saturday and played the entire contest although the Hammers should have won instead of drawing 2-2. After claiming a 1-2 lead and seeing the Black Cats down to 10 men, the hosts somehow leveled when Kieran Richardson was left unmarked and poked on with 14 minutes remaining. Spector could be held partially responsible for the goal.
Up Next: Wednesday, home against Aston Villa, and Sunday, home against Everton.
Marcus Hahnemann, Wolverhampton
Vs. Stoke City, 2-2, (DNP)
As usual, Hahnemann played the back-up role.
Up Next: Saturday, home against Arsenal.
Jozy Altidore, Hull City
Vs. Burnley, 2-0, (31 minutes)
Hull manager Phil Brown is likely to be sacked by the club soon, as the Tigers continue to flounder in the EPL. Burnley dealt the latest blow as Graham Alexander’s double easily dispatched the visitors. Altidore didn’t do much during his 30 plus minutes on the field.
Up Next: Sunday, home against Stoke City.
 |
Championship Round-Up:
Jay DeMerit, Watford
Without DeMerit in the defensive fray, Watford got crushed 5-0 by WBA.
Up Next: Saturday, home against Preston North End
Frank Simek, Sheffield Wednesday
Simek received his first League start of the season, third overall, and played the entire contest as the Owls drew 1-1 with Bristol City. It’s encouraging to see the young defender get some important playing time and, with it being early in the season, he could still find a steady role in the starting XI.
Up Next: Saturday, home against QPR.
League One:
Jemal Johnson, Milton Keynes Dons
Johnson, who will be sidelined for a few weeks with a calf injury, was not involved in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers.
Up Next: Saturday, home against Macclesfield Town (FA Cup)
Mike Grella, Leeds United
Leeds poured in the goals this past week, defeating Bristol Rovers and Yeovil town 4-0 apiece. Grella was on the bench for the latter match but did not appear in either contest.
Up Next: Saturday, away to Oldham Athletic (Carling Cup)
John-Paul Pittman, Wycombe Wanderers
Pittman came on with 17 minutes remaining on Saturday but had a late shot denied as Wycombe fell 2-3 against Walsall. Wanderers have just one win from their first 15 matches and looked destined for League Two right now.
Up Next: Saturday, home against Brighton.
Meanwhile Up In Scotland…
DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangers
Tuesday saw Rangers take on Dundee United in a CIS Insurance Cup fixture. Beasley got the start, making his first appearance of the season for the club. Rangers were level 1-1 early in the second half but Beasley made a solid pass to Steven Whittaker, whose cross into the box created massive problems resulting in an own goal and a 1-2 Rangers lead. The club went on to win 1-3. On Sunday, Rangers took a 1-0 lead into halftime but the pitch at Tannadice Park was so badly waterlogged that the match was abandoned. The Glasgow outfit will now have to make another trip back at a later date. Beasley was not included in the team.
Up Next: Wednesday, away to Unirea Urziceni (Champions League), and Saturday, home against St. Mirren.
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
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.