Americans In The UK: International Hangover

It was a tough week for the Yanks across the pond as the Premier League group went winless over the weekend.

Nov 22, 2009 10:23:03 PM

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Tim Howard - Everton
By: Matthew Braine

You can call it rust, a hangover, or just poor play, but any way you phrase it, the play by the Americans abroad over the weekend was either average, poor, or nonexistent. Tim Howard and Brad Friedel both played mediocre, but at least Friedel’s squad squeaked out a draw. Clint Dempsey’s squad could not find the net as they were shutout by Birmingham while Jozy Altidore and the Tigers battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw with West Ham.
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Altogether it was a very shaky week, with several DNP’s and a slew of forgettable showings.

Premiership:

Tim Howard, Everton.

Vs. Manchester United, 3-0, (90 minutes, 2 saves, 3 goals conceded)

Everton were outclassed badly on Saturday, falling 3-0 at Old Trafford. Goals from Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, and Antonio Valencia all beat Howard as United dominated the midfield and walked away with an easy victory.

Up Next: Wednesday, away to Hull City, and Sunday, home against Liverpool.  

Anton Peterlin and Cody Arnoux, Everton.

Up Next: Monday, home to the Sunderland Reserves.  

Brad Friedel, Aston Villa

Vs. Burnley, 1-1, (90 minutes, 3 saves, 1 goal conceded)

Villa was in severe danger of dropping a winnable match on the road but a late strike from Emile Heskey salvaged a point at Turf Moor. The Villains got behind early after Steven Caldwell netted after just nine minutes when the defender headed in a goal off a set piece. Friedel made a few fine saves including a late second half strike from Robbie Blake. Friedel will have his hands full next week against a Spurs squad that racked up nine goals against Wigan over the weekend.

Brad Friedel | Aston Villa


Up Next: Saturday, home against Tottenham  

Brad Guzan, Aston Villa

As usual, Guzan backed up Friedel.

Clint Dempsey, Fulham

Vs. Birmingham, 1-0, (90 minutes)

Fulham dropped a as Lee Bowyer’s 16th minute strike was enough to defeat Fulham at St. Andrews Stadium. The Cottagers had been unbeaten in their last five, but the rainy atmosphere must have clouded their lenses as they looked out on their feet and ultimately fell despite dominating possession and shots on goal. The visitors simply could not find the net.

Up Next: Wednesday, home against Blackburn, and Saturday, home against Bolton.  

Eddie Johnson, Fulham

Johnson did not appear for Fulham on Saturday.  

Jonathan Spector, West Ham

Vs. Hull City, 3-3, (DNP)

Spector was on the bench but did not get on for the Hammers, possibly getting some rest after appearing for the national team last week.

Up Next: Saturday, home against Burnley.  

Marcus Hahnemann, Wolverhampton

Vs. Chelsea, 4-0, (DNP)

Hahnemann played the reserve role on Sarurday as Wolves were crushed by Chelsea.

Up Next: Sunday, home against Birmingham.  

Jozy Altidore, Hull City

Vs. West Ham, 3-3, (74 minutes)

In what was an extremely exciting game from the beginning, Hull and West Ham split the points after a thrilling 90 minutes. Altidore had a few chances on goal but did not score, although Jimmy Bullards penalty strike was converted after Altidore lofted a high ball to Craig Fagan and was fouled inside the box. Altidore also drew a few fouls during the contest and played pretty well overall.

Up Next: Wednesday, home against Everton, and Saturday, away to Manchester City.  

Championship Round-Up:

Jay DeMerit, Watford

DeMerit, still absent due to an eye injury, saw his side defeat Scunthorpe United 3-0

Up Next: Saturday, away to Crystal Palace.  

Frank Simek, Sheffield Wednesday

Simek played the entire contest on Saturday as he helped maintain a clean sheet against Ipswich Town. Although the Owls failed to score as well, it was a good sign for the Wednesday defense as they steered away most attacks and allowed the midfield to control possession.

Up Next: Saturday, home against WBA.  

League One:

Jemal Johnson, Milton Keynes Dons

Johnson got on for the final eight minutes on Friday, but could not help grab a winner; in fact, the Dons dropped all three points in the waning moments as Lee Barnard tallied from a penalty kick in stoppage time. The team remains just four points out of the second spot in the table but has dropped three of their last four in league play.

Up Next: Tuesday, home against Carlisle United, and Saturday, home against Exeter City (FA Cup).  

Mike Grella, Leeds United

Leeds grabbed goals from Robert Snodgrass, Jermaime Beckford, and Neil Kilkenny as they cruised to a road victory. Grella, however, was not involved as he remained on the bench. The young striker has been getting playing time and was on the substitutes list.

Up Next: Tuesday, home against Leyton Orient, and Sunday, away to Kettering Town (FA Cup)

John-Paul Pittman, Wycombe Wanderers

Wycombe got a shocking 2-0 victory at Millwall on Saturday but lost Pittman to an injury in the first half. The severity of injury is not yet known but he was removed from the pitch via stretcher.

Up Next: Tuesday, home against Brentford.

League Two:

Eric Lichaj, Lincoln City

Lichaj was banned for Saturday’s contest, the final of three due to an earlier ban handed down. City drew 0-0 with Grimsby Town.

Up Next: Tuesday, away to Rotherham United, and Saturday, home against Northwich Victoria (FA Cup).  

Meanwhile Up In Scotland…

DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, Rangers

Rangers cruised to the top of the SPL with a 3-0 win over Kilmarnock but neither Edu nor Beasley were involved.

Up Next: Tuesday, home against VFB Stuttgart (Champs. League) and Saturday, away to Aberdeen.

For more on Americans abroad, visit Goal.com's dedicated page


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