Americans On The Continent: Lackluster Showing

In a disappointing week for Americans on the Continent, none of the players based in Europe’s major leagues were able to come home with a victory although Michael Bradley’s Borussia Monchengladbach side was able to move further from the relegation zone with a 0-0 draw against Stuttgart.

Nov 9, 2009 3:18:02 PM

Players

By Aaron West

Michael Bradley played 90 minutes for M’Gladbach in their exciting nil-nil draw with VfB Stuttgart, putting in a strong performance. The all-action US international midfielder was involved heavily on both sides of the ball and was disappointed to see an exquisite through ball to Karim Matmour waved offside in the early running.

Both sides attacked freely in an open game, registering 19 shots each. However, the 90 minutes was not enough for either side to net and they shared the spoils going into the international break.

Michael Bradley, Borussia Monchengladbach (Germany)

Vs. VfB Stuttgart, 0-0, 90 minutes See above.

Next up: Away to Eintracht Frankfurt, Saturday, November 21

Steve Cherundolo, Hannover 96 (Germany)

Vs. Hamburger SV, 2-2, 90 minutes

Steve Cherundolo and Hannover battled to a chippy 2-2 draw against Hamburger SV on Sunday, needing an 88th minute penalty from Jiri Stajner to salvage a point from the match. Cherundolo played the entire 90 minutes in his customary right-back slot.

Next up: Away to Schalke 04, Saturday, November 21

Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes (France)

Vs. Valenciennes, 0-3, 90 minutes, Yellow Card

Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes conceded three goals for the second match in a row as they slumped to a 3-2 loss away to Toulouse. A first-half goal from Asamoah Gyan and a late strike from Abdou Kader Mangane were not enough to offset goals from young French star Moussa Sissoko, Daniel Braathen and French international Andre-Pierre Gignac. Carlos Bocanegra played the entire 90 minutes for Rennes at left back.

Next up: Vs. Le Mans, Saturday, November 21

Freddy Adu, Belenenses (Portugal)

Vs. Paços de Ferreira, 0-3, Did Not Play

Freddy Adu was again consigned to the bench as Belenenses fell to Paços de Ferreira.

Next up: vs. Maritimo, Sunday, November 29

Square Passes

Schalke’s Jermaine Jones is still recovering from his broken leg and took no part in the 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich.

Kenny Cooper was a 74th minute substitute for 1860 Munich but was unable to grab an equalizer as they fell 1-0 on the road to Energie Cottbus.

David Yelldell returned from injury but was unable to prevent TuS Koblenz from losing 2-1 to SC Paderborn.

Matt Taylor earned his first start of the season, playing 75 minutes and helping FSV Frankfurt draw 0-0 with league-leaders Arminia Biefeld.

Troy Perkins and Valerenga fell 2-0 to fellow Americans Hunter Freeman and Clay Goodson of IK Start to end the Eliteserien season.

Alejandro Bedoya played 87 minutes for Orebro SK as they drew 0-0 with Trelleborgs FF.

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

Get all the latest news on American players in Europe with Goal.com's Americans Abroad page.