Photo by ISI Photos
With one clutch header, Brian McBride helped the fortunes if five Americans Abroad. His game-winner for Fulham against Everton served as the top highlight of a good weekend for Americans in Europe.
All five Fulham Americans saw playing time, with Kasey Keller posting the shutout and Eddie Johnson enjoying his best game to date since arriving in England.
McBride wasn't the only American to score this weekend. Jersey-born Giuseppe Rossi converted from the penalty spot in Villarreal's 2-0 win against Real Zaragoza while fellow Jersey native Gregg Berhalter netted 1860 Munich's lone goal in a 1-1 tie against Neven Subotic and Mainz 05.
Here is how the rest of the Americans did in Europe this weekend:
ENGLAND
- Brian McBride started, played 88 minutes and scored the game-winning goal in Fulham's 1-0 win against Everton on Sunday.
- Kasey Keller started, played 90 minutes and made eight saves for Fulham.
- Eddie Johnson started and played 90 minutes for Fulham.
- Carlos Bocanegra came off the bench and played 16 minutes for Fulham.
- Clint Dempsey came off the bench and played two minutes for Fulham.
- Tim Howard started, played 90 minutes and made one save for Everton.
- Marcus Hahnemann started, played 90 minutes and made six saves in Reading's 2-1 loss to Liverpool on Saturday.
- Bobby Convey did not dress for Reading.
- Jonathan Spector started and played 90 minutes in West Ham United's 2-1 win against Blackburn on Saturday.
- Brad Friedel started, played 90 minutes and made five saves for Blackburn
- Eddie Lewis started and played 90 minutes in Derby County's 1-0 loss to Manchester United on Saturday.
- Benny Feilhaber did not dress for Derby County.
- Jay DeMerit started and played 90 minutes in Watford's 0-0 tie vs. Stoke on Saturday.
- Matt Pickens dressed but did not play in Queens Park Rangers' 3-1 win vs. Scunthorpe on Saturday.
GERMANY
- Steve Cherundolo started and played 90 minutes in Hannover 96's 2-2 tie vs. Arminia Bielefeld on Saturday.
- Sal Zizzo did not dress for Hannover 96. He is with the U.S. Under-23 national team.
- Heath Pearce did not dress in Hansa Rostock's 0-0 tie vs. Hertha Berlin on Saturday.
- Bryan Arguez did not dress for Hertha Berlin.
- Gregg Berhalter started, played 90 minutes and scored a goal in 1860 Munich's 1-1 tie vs. Mainz on Sunday.
- Josh Wolff started and played 90 minutes for 1860 Munich.
- Neven Subotic started and played 90 minutes in Mainz 05.
- Luis Robles dressed but did not play in Kaiserslautern's 2-0 win SV Wehen on Friday.
- Josh Grenier dressed but did not play in TUS Koblenz's 1-0 win vs. SPVGG Gruether Furth on Sunday.
HOLLAND
- Michael Bradley started and played 90 minutes in Heerenveen's 1-0 win vs. Groningen on Friday.
ITALY
- Gabriel Ferrari did not dress in Sampdoria's 3-1 win vs. Catania on Sunday.
- Danny Szetela did not dress in Brescia's 1-1 tie vs. Mantova on Saturday.
SPAIN
- Giuseppe Rossi came off the bench, played 27 minutes and scored a goal in Villarreal's 2-0 win against Real Zaragoza on Sunday.
FRANCE
- Andrew Jacobson did not dress in Lorient's 1-1 tie vs. Auxerre on Saturday. He is out with a broken foot.
- Quentin Westberg dressed but did not play in FC Troyes 3-1 win lost to Brest on Friday.
PORTUGAL
- Freddy Adu missed Benfica's match against Maritimo on Sunday. He is with the U.S. Under-23 national team.
BELGIUM
- Oguchi Onyewu started and played 90 minutes in Standard Liege's 2-1 win vs. Germinal Beerschot on Friday.
GREECE
- Clint Mathis did not play in Ergotelis' 2-0 win vs. Veria on Saturday.
DENMARK
- Danny Califf started, played 90 minutes and drew a yellow card in AaB's 1-1 tie vs. Odense on Saturday.
AUSTRIA
- Nate Jaqua started and played 90 minutes in SC Rheindorf Altach's 1-1 tie vs. FC Wacker Tirol on Saturday.
As you can see, I did add Austria and Denmark to the list, but that's because I have access to their results. This doesn't mean I'm ready to go scouring the globe for every single league. If you want to add some performances from the weekend that I didn't list then feel free to do so.
Share your thoughts on these performances in the comments section below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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Ives, knowing you draw the ire of many readers with the inclusion of Rossi in these updates, why would you put a pick on the front page?
How about McBride instead...he may have saved 5 americans abroad.
Posted by: Steve T. | March 16, 2008 at 07:04 PM
When the sweedish and norwegian leauges start you can add those too.
Posted by: j1 | March 16, 2008 at 07:43 PM
@ Steve T.
I think that Ives in some way relishes the criticism of his Rossi inclusion: it's his blog and it DOES say "Spanning the world of soccer with an American voice and a Jersey flavor" with an emphasis on "a Jersey flavor." I think the main photo of Rossi is ironic and funny. People should have a sense of humor. It's Ives, and it's the web. People (not you necessarily, Steve T. just people in general) should lighten up.
Posted by: MemRook | March 16, 2008 at 07:48 PM
No doubt. I myself don't mind Rossi at all. I just hate wading through all the anti Rossi comments when we have been through this many many times.
Posted by: Steve T. | March 16, 2008 at 07:53 PM
MemRook summed up my thoughts exactly. Now I don't have to type them all. Thanks.
Posted by: RS | March 16, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Off topic but, does anyone know when the MLS rosters on Fifa 08 will change over? I'm getting tired of seeing mathis on the bench
Posted by: patrick | March 16, 2008 at 08:05 PM
in the interest of full disclosure, ej just beat me for MLS cup title ive been playing for for like, 2 months
Posted by: patrick | March 16, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Whether anyone likes it or not, Rossi is American, this is an Americans abroad post, if anyone has a problem with it they are simpletons and that's that.
Ives certainly shouldn't have to change his own blog just because a bunch of idiots are idiots. Bitching and moaning like children isn't going to suddenly make him stop being American.
Posted by: kpugs | March 16, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Guys, I looked for a McBride photo and couldn't find one that I could use. Believe me when I say I would have preferred a McBride pic.
Posted by: Ives | March 16, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Patrick, the squad update was dated Feb. 29th, if you are playing on a 360 you should have it already. I don't have a PS3 so I can't help you there if that's the case.
Posted by: kpugs | March 16, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Rossi? He's not dead yet?
Posted by: Tavis | March 16, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Hey, what's the deal with Dempsey? Why isn't he playing?
Posted by: wrooby | March 16, 2008 at 08:16 PM
@wrooby
You beat me too it. Ives, any word on Dempsey? He falling out of favor? Injury? Thanks in advance...
Posted by: mikemc | March 16, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Wow. Canada just killed Guatemala, 5-0. I know Guatemala didn't care what happened except to stay healthy and not even start key players but I wonder what that does with the Mexico-Haiti match? If Haiti wins, they're in. Mexico needs to win HUGE to advance. Is that right?
Posted by: Dominghosa | March 16, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Who is this Giuseppi Rossi everyone keeps talking about?
Posted by: aristotle | March 16, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Dominghosa, yea. If Haiti wins.. they're in. Mexico has to win 5-0 just to tie the goal differential w/ Canada.
1st game - Mexico 1 Canada 1
2nd game - Mexico 1 Guat 2; Canada 1 Haiti 2
3rd game - Canada 5 Guat 0; Mexico vs Haiti
Dead even after first 2 games.
Posted by: Steve | March 16, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Thanks Steve, that's what I thought.
Posted by: Dominghosa | March 16, 2008 at 08:40 PM
Ives, I just sent you a McBride pic from foxsoccer.com
I like the updates, including Roxxi...err, Rossi updates. After watching the U23 games and our inability to finish, Altidore could use some help up top. I only wonder what he could bring to the U23 game...anything has to be better than watching Barrett struggle.
Posted by: blog | March 16, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Disregard previous about the pic...
Posted by: blog | March 16, 2008 at 08:51 PM
So Heath Pearce is not really out of the doghouse at Hansa Rostock, or what? Any info Ives?
Posted by: Modibo | March 16, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Any word on Lee Nguyen (sp)?
Posted by: Adam R. | March 16, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Rossi is an American by birth certificate only. When it comes to soccer, he is obviously Italian.
Posted by: metros11 | March 16, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Where's my BREDE HANGELAND updates?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Posted by: joey | March 16, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Ives!? why do you follow Rossi as an american player? hes tryin to be Italian and unless you know something we dont and he is gunna suit up for the usa...please answer me in why you keep considering him american
peace
Posted by: Benito | March 16, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Wow! Guatemala really screwed Mexico, and to a lesser extent, Haiti. You have to wonder how intentional this result was by Guatemala. Normally you wouldn't want to get beaten on purpose, let alone clobbered, but this was actually the best possible result for Guatemala. That is assuming Guatemala did not want to risk anything by going for a result, which was probably wise. Still, how often do you get rewarded so handsomely for being routed 5-0?
The only team who had a chance of catching them- if Guatemala lost- was Haiti. Now, Haiti could pass them with a win, but they have put Haiti in a position where they have to beat a Mexican team that has to beat Haiti by at least five goals to survive! To make matters worse for Haiti, which under normal circumstances would have just needed a tie to lock up second place, they now need to win against Mexico to survive. Canada, who looked like they were going to be eliminated, now looks certain to qualify! Canada should send Guatemala a thank you card, at the very least!
Posted by: aristotle | March 16, 2008 at 09:11 PM
please do some of us a favor and get rid of the "jersey flavor"
;-)
Posted by: brentmcd | March 16, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Once again, Ives, you failed to realize that Rossi is not an American soccer player. Please stop reporting on him in the Americans Abroad section. You can report on him in the Italians playing in Spain section instead.
Posted by: irishapple21 | March 16, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Benito and brentmcd must be new to the blog.
Posted by: Dominghosa | March 16, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Clearly Ives is prejudiced against Texans. . . otherwise, BREDE HANGELAND. . . .
;-)
Posted by: joey | March 16, 2008 at 10:21 PM
TAVIS YOU A PATHETIC PERSON
Ask for Forgivness for your HATE !
Stop wishing bad things to people.
Posted by: yo | March 16, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Listen folks, Giuseppe Rossi was born and raised in America to the age of 14, more than half his life. He is American regardless of what some of you may choose to believe.
As for Hangeland, he was born in Texas and left as a toddler (at least that's what I understand). His father was here temporarily as an Oil Company employee so Hangeland as an American is a reach.
Posted by: Ives | March 17, 2008 at 01:28 AM
DUDES,
It's called the AMERICANS Abroad Section. Not the US Mens National Team Pool of Potential Players as Hoped for by the Fans Section. Rossi is American. End of Discussion.
Posted by: Guiseppi | March 17, 2008 at 06:50 AM
Rossi may be American but as far as I'm concerned he's the Benedict Arnold of American sports. I will have a chuckle when he never makes the Italian National Team.
Posted by: Mike | March 17, 2008 at 07:29 AM
Okay folks, I was able to find a photo of McBride. Now you Rossi haters can relax for a bit.
Posted by: Ives | March 17, 2008 at 07:49 AM
I disagree with brentmcd. Keep the Jersey flavor
Posted by: Scott A | March 17, 2008 at 08:36 AM
lol on the pic situation. That yellow jersey gave me the chills yesterday.
Posted by: Dave Martinez | March 17, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I'm naming my first born Rossi Rossi, because just the first name isnt enough. Ives could you also do a report on Rossi Abroad, I think it would be welcomed.
As a Rossi hater, it would be a shame to take him off. While i don't care if he scores a hat trick or 2 own goals, the back and forth is gold, and has become the main thing i look forward to on the A A update
Posted by: reid | March 17, 2008 at 09:19 AM
hahahaha.
Good point Reid. Good point.
Posted by: Dave Martinez | March 17, 2008 at 09:44 AM
reid took the words out of my mouth. Couldn't have said it better. I watch plenty of football during the weekend so I have a pretty good idea of what the locals did overseas. Soooo, the only reason I read the AA post every Monday morning is for the Rossi back-and-forth.
I realllllyy hope he goes on some sort of sick goal scoring streak, which will really piss off a bunch of these readers. Has anyone noticed that the anti-Rossi posts are almost non-existant when he doesn't score?
Posted by: JH | March 17, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Oh, It's "Americans Abroad!" I thought it was American Soccer players abroad. If that is the case one of my friends, an American like me, Lou Gupper had a successful weekend in Paris. He went out partying and made it with a chick. Why is he not listed. Like Rossi he was layed up with an injury for a few weeks, so it's good to see him back on a roll again. He's out of the relegation zone.
Posted by: groovester | March 17, 2008 at 05:11 PM
ENGLAND
Zak Whitbread played all 90 for Millwall in their 1-0 loss to Leyton Orient. (League One)
Jemal Johnson played until the 81st minute in MK Dons 4-0 win over Dag and Red. The forward also had an assist.
Posted by: David Berger | March 17, 2008 at 06:44 PM
I agree with groovester 100%!!!
Posted by: Joe B. NYC | March 17, 2008 at 06:44 PM
IRELAND
American forward Ryan Guy came in as a substitute in the 81st minute for St. Patrick's Athletic, while American goalkeeper Chris Konopka sat on Bohemians' bench.
Posted by: David Berger | March 17, 2008 at 06:47 PM
yo, no. He's dead to me at least.
Posted by: Tavis | March 17, 2008 at 06:48 PM
thanks for including the Austria section!! I'm glad to see that Jaqua is doing well so far!
Posted by: kevin | March 17, 2008 at 06:54 PM
What about Max Cream?
Posted by: NateinSF | March 17, 2008 at 06:58 PM
the rossi bitterness is sickening; let him go. as for the site ives, keep doing what you are doing, its great.
Posted by: evan | March 17, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Rossi may be American but as far as I'm concerned he's the Benedict Arnold of American sports.
Posted by: Mike
_________________________
Mike
Benedict Arnold would have been an American hero but he felt backstabbed by General Horatio Gates ( the only American General to ever call in sick for a major battle) who took the credit for Arnold's victory at Saratoga. Apparently this caused Arnold to eventually decide to play for the equivalent of the Azzuri of his time, the British Redcoats. Perhaps Rossi saw Arena as the equivalent of Gates.
You could argue that the concept of being an American wasn't as fully formed then as it is now.
At any rate no one died because of Rossi's choice(unlike Arnold's case) so in the end I'd have to say Rossi (who apparently is still a citizen and may even pay New Jersey taxes [unless he spends 11 months out of the year abroad])doesn't belong in the same category as Ben Arnold.
He is still an American even if it is New Jersey. He should try to get to Milan because they need people who can score.
Posted by: DECO | March 17, 2008 at 07:19 PM