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Americans In The UK: Trio Of Goals For Yanks
Not one. Not two. But three Americans scored in England last week, as every goal either secured a victory or equalized the score.
Nov 9, 2009 3:44:06 AM
By Matthew Braine
Clint Dempsey scored his third goal in as many league games on Sunday, putting one in from the penalty spot to earn Fulham a draw on the road. The Texas native has been on a tear as of late and looks to be on pace to surpass his goal total from last season.
Two other Americans scored over the weekend, as Mike Grella and John-Paul Pittman tallied for Leeds and Wycombe respectively. Grella’s goal came in an FA Cup win over Oldham Athletic, while Pittman’s came in a thrilling 4-4 FA Cup draw with Brighton.
Premiership:
Tim Howard, Everton
Vs. Benfica, 0-2, (90 minutes, 9 saves, 2 goals conceded)
Vs. West Ham, 1-2, (90 minutes, 4 saves, 1 goal conceded)
Everton got thoroughly outclassed on Thursday, losing to Benfica at home. Howard made some great saves but, ultimately, the Toffees just got beat. Their hopes of progressing in the Europa League just got a bit bleaker, although they still remain in the top two of their group. On Sunday, Everton got their first league win in five matches as they defeated West Ham. Howard played well and only allowed an own goal from Tony Hibbert past him. Louis Saha and Dan Gosling assured the win, and Howard made a great stop late when Alessandro Diamanti unleashed a strong free kick.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Manchester United.
Anton Peterlin and Cody Arnoux, Everton.
Vs. Liverpool, 0-1, (Peterlin, 56 minutes, Arnoux, 23 minutes)
Both American reserves played on Tuesday as they barely lost to the Reds Reserves. Nathan Eccleston netted a penalty strike just before halftime.
Up Next: Tuesday, away to Wigan Athletic.
Brad Friedel, Aston Villa
Vs. West Ham, 2-1, (90 minutes, 5 saves, 2 goals conceded)
Vs. Bolton, 5-1, (90 minutes, 5 saves, 1 goal conceded)
On Wednesday, the Villains were shocked at Upton Park as the Hammers grabbed a late winner to steal three points. Zavon Hines nipped one past Friedel in the waning moments, sending the home crowd into frenzy. Friedel wasn’t bad on the day, however. Mark Noble got a spot kick past him after Hines was brought down inside the box. Ashley Young missed penalty kick but equalized for the visitors three minutes later before Hines did damage late. Villa thoroughly dominated Bolton on Saturday, cruising to a 5-1 victory. Friedel allowed one goal to Johan Elmander but otherwise played a solid match. Villa’s attack was in full force on the afternoon and, thus, they dominated possession and shots on goal.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Burnley.
Brad Guzan, Aston Villa
Guzan backed up Friedel in both of last week’s contests.
Clint Dempsey, Fulham
Vs. Roma, 2-1, (90 minutes)
Vs. Wigan Athletic, 1-1, (90 minutes, 1 goal)
Dempsey started on Thursday and played well but Roma took advantage of the 10-man squad to bury the Cottagers. Fulham took the lead via a penalty strike in the 19th minute when Diomansy Kamara netted from the spot. Dempsey nearly made it two before halftime but his effort was blocked. In the 49th minute, Erik Nevland was sent off, and Roma took advantage by scoring twice. Finally, Paul Konchesky was shown a straight red in the 90th, so the squad finished the match with just nine men on the pitch. Both red cards were especially harsh. On Sunday, Clint Dempsey blasted in the only goal of the match for Fulham as the Cottagers got a 1-1 draw at DW Stadium.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Birmingham.
Eddie Johnson, Fulham
Johnson did not appear in either of Fulham’s matches last week.
Jonathan Spector, West Ham
Vs. Aston Villa, 2-1, (82 minutes)
Vs. Everton, 1-2, (90 minutes)
Spector suited up against two American goalkeepers this week. The fullback came on early for the injured Herita Ilunga against Friedel's Villa but played very well during his time on the pitch. The Hammers escaped with a 2-1 win after Hines put one past Friedel late. On Sunday, Spector earned a start in the back four but the squad slipped back into the relegation zone, losing at home to Howard's Everton. Goals from Dan Gosling and Louis Saha spelled defeat for the London club.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Hull City.
Marcus Hahnemann, Wolverhampton
Vs. Arsenal, 1-4, (DNP)
Hahnemann played the reserve role on Sarurday as Wolves were crushed by the Gunners.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Chelsea.
Jozy Altidore, Hull City
Vs. Stoke City, 2-1, (83 minutes)
Altidore got a rare start on Sunday and played the majority of the match as Hull grabbed a late winner from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. The victory may have preserved manager Phil Brown’s job for another week as the Tigers moved out of the drop zone. Altidore had a few scoring chances but did not connect.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 home against West Ham.
Championship Round-Up:
Jay DeMerit, Watford
DeMerit, still absent due to an eye injury, saw his side defeat Preston North End 2-0.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 home against Scunthorpe United.
Frank Simek, Sheffield Wednesday
Simek got his second consecutive start on Wednesday and played 71 minutes of solid defense before being subbed off. Unfortunately for the Owls, Kaspars Gorkss scored the winner just 10 minutes after Simek’s exit, leaving the home side with a 1-2 loss at the hands of QPR.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Ipswich Town.
League One:
Jemal Johnson, Milton Keynes Dons
Johnson, who will be sidelined for a few weeks with a calf injury, watched on as the Dons advanced to the next round of the FA Cup by defeating Macclesfield 1-0.
Up Next: Tuesday, home against Northampton Town (JPT) and Saturday, away to Charlton Athletic.
Mike Grella, Leeds United
Grella came on with just four minutes remaining during Saturday contest with Oldham Athletic and sealed a Leeds victory with an injury time goal. Notching his second goal of the year, Grella shot Leeds into the next round of the FA Cup when he netted from close range following a nice Aidan White cross.
Up Next: Tuesday, home to Grimsby Town (JPT) and Saturday, away to Swindon Town.
John-Paul Pittman, Wycombe Wanderers
In what was possibly the most exciting FA Cup tie over the weekend, Brighton and Wycombe battled to a 4-4 draw at Adams Park. Pittman scored the sixth goal of the match when he equalized for Wycome in the 61st minute with a quality strike. A Glenn Murray penalty kick in the 83rd minute forced the replay.
Up Next: Saturday, away to Huddersfield Town.
League Two:
Eric Lichaj, Lincoln City
Lichaj, who transferred to Lincoln City on a one month loan a few weeks ago, is currently serving a three match ban after being sent off during a 3-1 loss to Morecambe. Lichaj tangled with Laurence Wilson and was immediately sent off. Lincoln defeated AFC Telford United 1-3 to progress in the FA Cup over the weekend.
Up Next: Saturday, home against Cheltenham Town.
Meanwhile Up In Scotland…
DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangers
Beasley was on the bench for Wednesday’s contest with Unirea Urziceni but did not get on as Rangers drew 1-1. Beasley came on at the start of the second half on Saturday and was involved in the second Rangers goal of the match in the 57th minute. Beasley found Nacho Novo, who threaded a ball across the face of goal and Kris Boyd did not miss, notching his second goal of the game en route to a 2-1 victory over St. Mirren.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 home against 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
Clint Dempsey scored his third goal in as many league games on Sunday, putting one in from the penalty spot to earn Fulham a draw on the road. The Texas native has been on a tear as of late and looks to be on pace to surpass his goal total from last season.
Two other Americans scored over the weekend, as Mike Grella and John-Paul Pittman tallied for Leeds and Wycombe respectively. Grella’s goal came in an FA Cup win over Oldham Athletic, while Pittman’s came in a thrilling 4-4 FA Cup draw with Brighton.
Premiership:
Tim Howard, Everton
Vs. Benfica, 0-2, (90 minutes, 9 saves, 2 goals conceded)
Vs. West Ham, 1-2, (90 minutes, 4 saves, 1 goal conceded)
Everton got thoroughly outclassed on Thursday, losing to Benfica at home. Howard made some great saves but, ultimately, the Toffees just got beat. Their hopes of progressing in the Europa League just got a bit bleaker, although they still remain in the top two of their group. On Sunday, Everton got their first league win in five matches as they defeated West Ham. Howard played well and only allowed an own goal from Tony Hibbert past him. Louis Saha and Dan Gosling assured the win, and Howard made a great stop late when Alessandro Diamanti unleashed a strong free kick.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Manchester United.
Anton Peterlin and Cody Arnoux, Everton.
Vs. Liverpool, 0-1, (Peterlin, 56 minutes, Arnoux, 23 minutes)
Both American reserves played on Tuesday as they barely lost to the Reds Reserves. Nathan Eccleston netted a penalty strike just before halftime.
Up Next: Tuesday, away to Wigan Athletic.
Brad Friedel, Aston Villa
Vs. West Ham, 2-1, (90 minutes, 5 saves, 2 goals conceded)
Vs. Bolton, 5-1, (90 minutes, 5 saves, 1 goal conceded)
On Wednesday, the Villains were shocked at Upton Park as the Hammers grabbed a late winner to steal three points. Zavon Hines nipped one past Friedel in the waning moments, sending the home crowd into frenzy. Friedel wasn’t bad on the day, however. Mark Noble got a spot kick past him after Hines was brought down inside the box. Ashley Young missed penalty kick but equalized for the visitors three minutes later before Hines did damage late. Villa thoroughly dominated Bolton on Saturday, cruising to a 5-1 victory. Friedel allowed one goal to Johan Elmander but otherwise played a solid match. Villa’s attack was in full force on the afternoon and, thus, they dominated possession and shots on goal.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Burnley.
Brad Guzan, Aston Villa
Guzan backed up Friedel in both of last week’s contests.
Clint Dempsey, Fulham
Vs. Roma, 2-1, (90 minutes)
Vs. Wigan Athletic, 1-1, (90 minutes, 1 goal)
 |
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Birmingham.
Eddie Johnson, Fulham
Johnson did not appear in either of Fulham’s matches last week.
Jonathan Spector, West Ham
Vs. Aston Villa, 2-1, (82 minutes)
Vs. Everton, 1-2, (90 minutes)
Spector suited up against two American goalkeepers this week. The fullback came on early for the injured Herita Ilunga against Friedel's Villa but played very well during his time on the pitch. The Hammers escaped with a 2-1 win after Hines put one past Friedel late. On Sunday, Spector earned a start in the back four but the squad slipped back into the relegation zone, losing at home to Howard's Everton. Goals from Dan Gosling and Louis Saha spelled defeat for the London club.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Hull City.
Marcus Hahnemann, Wolverhampton
Vs. Arsenal, 1-4, (DNP)
Hahnemann played the reserve role on Sarurday as Wolves were crushed by the Gunners.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Chelsea.
 |
Vs. Stoke City, 2-1, (83 minutes)
Altidore got a rare start on Sunday and played the majority of the match as Hull grabbed a late winner from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. The victory may have preserved manager Phil Brown’s job for another week as the Tigers moved out of the drop zone. Altidore had a few scoring chances but did not connect.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 home against West Ham.
Championship Round-Up:
Jay DeMerit, Watford
DeMerit, still absent due to an eye injury, saw his side defeat Preston North End 2-0.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 home against Scunthorpe United.
Frank Simek, Sheffield Wednesday
Simek got his second consecutive start on Wednesday and played 71 minutes of solid defense before being subbed off. Unfortunately for the Owls, Kaspars Gorkss scored the winner just 10 minutes after Simek’s exit, leaving the home side with a 1-2 loss at the hands of QPR.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 away to Ipswich Town.
League One:
Jemal Johnson, Milton Keynes Dons
Johnson, who will be sidelined for a few weeks with a calf injury, watched on as the Dons advanced to the next round of the FA Cup by defeating Macclesfield 1-0.
Up Next: Tuesday, home against Northampton Town (JPT) and Saturday, away to Charlton Athletic.
Mike Grella, Leeds United
Grella came on with just four minutes remaining during Saturday contest with Oldham Athletic and sealed a Leeds victory with an injury time goal. Notching his second goal of the year, Grella shot Leeds into the next round of the FA Cup when he netted from close range following a nice Aidan White cross.
Up Next: Tuesday, home to Grimsby Town (JPT) and Saturday, away to Swindon Town.
John-Paul Pittman, Wycombe Wanderers
In what was possibly the most exciting FA Cup tie over the weekend, Brighton and Wycombe battled to a 4-4 draw at Adams Park. Pittman scored the sixth goal of the match when he equalized for Wycome in the 61st minute with a quality strike. A Glenn Murray penalty kick in the 83rd minute forced the replay.
Up Next: Saturday, away to Huddersfield Town.
League Two:
Eric Lichaj, Lincoln City
Lichaj, who transferred to Lincoln City on a one month loan a few weeks ago, is currently serving a three match ban after being sent off during a 3-1 loss to Morecambe. Lichaj tangled with Laurence Wilson and was immediately sent off. Lincoln defeated AFC Telford United 1-3 to progress in the FA Cup over the weekend.
Up Next: Saturday, home against Cheltenham Town.
Meanwhile Up In Scotland…
DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangers
Beasley was on the bench for Wednesday’s contest with Unirea Urziceni but did not get on as Rangers drew 1-1. Beasley came on at the start of the second half on Saturday and was involved in the second Rangers goal of the match in the 57th minute. Beasley found Nacho Novo, who threaded a ball across the face of goal and Kris Boyd did not miss, notching his second goal of the game en route to a 2-1 victory over St. Mirren.
Up Next: Saturday, 11/21 home against Kilmarnock.
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For more on Americans abroad, visit Goal.com's dedicated page
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