Americans Abroad: Tuesday Rewind

By TRAVIS CLARK

Even though it was just a Tuesday, there was plenty of action to go around in Europe today, with Cup competitions calling American players into action. Tim Howard and Brad Guzan were both starters today as the Carling Cup resumed in England.

Backup U.S. and Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan got a rare chance to start in their Carling Cup match against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Guzan took his chance well, helping keep Sunderland at bay. Unfortunately, his club couldn't score either, and after 120 minutes the two sides headed to penalty kicks. Guzan eventually emerged as the hero, saving three Sunderland PKs as Villa moved on to the quarterfinals.

Things didn't go as well for Tim Howard and Everton, as the goals kept flying into Howard's net. After getting hit for three against Bolton on the weekend, the maligned defense of Everton continued to struggle Tuesday, losing to Tottenham 2-0 at White Hart Lane. Howard kept his side in it, saving a Robbie Keane penalty in the 57th minute, though Keane scored after the save, and Everton were knocked out.

A complete rundown of Americans in action on Tuesday is after the jump.

England

CARLING CUP

• Brad Guzan started and played 120 minutes and made eight saves, including a penalty, in Aston Villa's 0-0 draw (won by Villa on PKs) against Sunderland.

• Brad Friedel dressed but did not play in Aston Villa's 0-0 draw (won by Villa on PKs) against Sunderland.

• Tim Howard started, played 90 minutes and made seven saves, including a penalty, in Everton's 2-0 loss vs. Tottenham.

LEAGUE ONE

• Mike Grella did not dress for Leeds in their 4-0 win against Bristol Rovers

Scottish Cup

• Maurice Edu did not dress in Rangers' 3-1 win vs. Dundee United. He is recovering from a knee injury.

• DaMarcus Beasley started and played 75 minutes in Rangers' 3-1 win vs. Dundee United.

Portugal

• Kamani Hill did not dress in Vitoria de Guimaraes' 1-1 draw vs. Sporting Lisbon.

LEAGUE CUP

• Freddy Adu dressed but did not play for Belenenses in their 1-1 draw vs. Gil Vicente.

-------
What did you think of the Americans in action today? Will Guzan get more looks from O'Neill? Is Tim Howard at fault for all these goals? Anything else missed?

Share your thoughts below.