Americans On The Continent: Valentine’s Gift

Freddy Adu and Eddie Johnson were both handed the start at home against Ergotelis in the Greek Super League, but quickly found themselves up against it as the visitors grabbed a 1-0 lead within two minutes.  On 30 minutes, Eddie Johnson fed Sergio Koke whose strike from distance somehow squeezed underneath Ergotelis goalkeeper Zsolt Posza for the equalizer. 

Just before half, Brazilian Darcy Dolce Neto did well down the right side, squaring for Adu who coolly slotted it past Posza for the lead.  Just 15 minutes after half, midfielder Ronald “Nacho” Garcia was awarded his second yellow and Aris manager Hector Cuper promptly substituted the American pair in the 61^st and 62^nd minutes in hopes of shoring up the defense. 

Freddy Adu, Aris Thessaloniki (Greece)

Vs. Ergotelis, 2-1, 62 minutes, 1 Goal

See above.

Next Up: Vs. FC Xanthi, Wednesday, February 17

Eddie Johnson, Aris Thessaloniki (Greece)

Vs. Ergotelis, 2-1, 61 minutes, 1 Assist

See above.

Next Up: Vs. FC Xanthi, Wednesday, February 17

Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes (France)

Away to US Quevilly, 0-1, 90 minutes; Away to Auxerre, 0-1, Did Not Play

Fourth division minnows Quevilly stunned Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes in the Coupe de France, with the Bretagne visitors falling victim to a 44^th minute Gregory Beaugrard goal.  Les Rouges et Noir fought viciously for an equalizer but were unable to break down the dogged Quevilly defense.  Rennes then traveled to Auxerre looking for recompense but Bocanegra was left on the bench as they fell 1-0 once again. 

Next up: Vs. Lille, Sunday, February 21

Michael Bradley, Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany)

Vs. Nurnberg, 2-1, 90 minutes

Michael Bradley played the full 90, helping to set up M’Gladbach’s first goal with an exquisite through ball as the home side secured a deserved 2-1 victory.  Despite Borussia’s dominance, Nurnberg will feel hard done by with Rob Friend’s controversial 74^th minute goal as it appeared that their goalkeeper was fouled in the cross leading to the goal.

Next up: Away to TSG Hoffenheim, Friday, February 19

Steve Cherundolo, Hannover 96 (Germany)

Vs. Werder Bremen, 1-5, Did Not Play (Injury)

Steve Cherundolo was again sidelined with a shoulder injury as Hannover was crushed 5-1 at home to Werder Bremen.

Next up: Away to Borussia Dortmund, Saturday, February 20

Daniel Williams, SC Freiburg (Germany)

Away to Eintracht Frankfurt, 1-2, 90 minutes

Daniel Williams played well for 90 minutes but was unable to keep his side from suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 loss away to Frankfurt as Turkish international Halil Altintop snatched a 90^th minute winner.

Next up: Vs. Hertha Berlin, Sunday, February 21

Square Passes

Ricardo Clark was sidelined with a calf injury for Eintracht Frankfurt’s 2-1 victory over Dortmund. 

Jared Jeffrey did not dress for Mainz’s 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin.

Jermaine Jones is still recovering from injury and took no part in Schalke’s 2-0 victory over Cologne.

Goalkeeper David Yelldell returned from MCL injury to make the bench as TuS Koblenz drew with Hansa Rostock.

Matt Taylor did not dress for FSV Frankfurt’s 0-0 draw with FC St. Pauli.

Aaron West's feature "Americans On The Continent" appears every Monday on Goal.com.