TRANSFER: Erik Palmer Brown Checking out FC Porto

UPDATED:  !!!!!DONE DEAL!!!!!

Photo: KCUR.org

‏@BrianSciaretta is reporting the following;

 "A source has told me Erik Palmer Brown has left SKC's camp and is en route to Portugal to negotiate a potential move (or loan) with FC Porto"

The Kansas City Star is reporting a loan is in the works, if a deal can be cut before the transfer window closes on Monday

If this is true, its a great move for another US defender, FC Porto have one of the best records in Europe for 'bringing along' young players.....

Erik Palmer Brown has represented the United States at the U-15, U-17, U-18, and U-20 levels. He has made 6 appearances for the U-18 team up to this point, scoring his first goal for the team in a 1–0 win over the Czech Republic. In 2015, he was called to the roster that will play in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Across The Pond Launches - February 1

Our new blog - tracking US Players in Europe and Scandinavia - launches February 1st. We are about 85% ready to roll, so give us a week or so to get it straight. You will find a Daily/Weekend Wrap, that looks at all the playing time/goals/assist/cards for US Players, we will include Transfers involving US Players (to and from the US) Rumors of up-coming events and anything else newsworthy about our guys.

If you have any info, ideas, or requests for the blog just let us know - please. Its important to us that we get you info that is correct and timely.

Bookmark the blog to follow regularly, or follow on Twitter  @accrossthepond

We look forward to some great conversations and comments in the future

david

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 1/31/2016

Kyle Scott and Chelsea U21 visited Sunderland U21 and managed a goalless draw against the U21 Premier League leaders.

photo: Times of Malta         Gustavo Villalobos (right)

Gustavo Villalobos scored for his team Pembroke Athleta in Malta's Premier League, but Pembroke ultimately lost to #1 Valletta 2 - 3. This was Gustavo's 7th goal of the season

In England's FA Cup, Tim Howard was on the bench for Everton's 0 - 3 win at League Two, Carlisle

In U21 action, US U18 Brooks Lennon scored for Liverpool U21 in their 2 - 0 win over Reading and Andrija Novakovich

Cody Cropper was on the bench for MK Don's as they took on Chelsea in the FA Cup - MK Don's were on the end of a thrashing, as Chelsea scored 5 - Final MK Dons 1 - 5 Chelsea

Kenny Seif came off the bench in the 89th minute for Gent, and immediately  picked up a yellow card, as Gent went on to beat Waasland-Beveren in Belgium's Jupiler League 2 - 1

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 1/30/2016

Busy, Busy Saturday. Lots of US Players involved in games and newsworthy items - Matt Miazga has signed with Chelsea, Christian Pulisic and Joel Sonora debut for their clubs. Meaningful goal from Danny Williams, in the FA Cup, and 2 Goals from Bobby Wood in a friendly.......Lets go to the game action;

Marc Heider started and went 84 minutes in Kiel's 5 - 2 win over Chemnitzer in Germany's 3.Liga

Joel Sonora came off the bench at the 84th minute, for his first view of the action for Stuttgart II in 3.Liga, unfortunately Stuttgart II fell 1 - 0 to Aue

Devante Parker started and went 64 minutes as Mainz II had no answer for Dresden and dropped points in their 3.Liga game (the Mainz teams have had a terrible 2016 so far)

Ryan Malone did not dress in Magdeburg's 1 - 1 draw with Bremen II

Royal-Dominique Fennell started and went the full 90 minutes (Yellow Card) for Wurzburger Kickers in their 3.Liga match with high flying, Sonnenhof Grossaspach. Kickers won this one 2 - 1 despite being down to 10 men late in the game.

Robbie Kristo came off the bench in the 71st minute for Andria, in Italy's Lega Pro (Group C) as they hosted Paganese, and fell 0 - 1. Andria & Paganese are now on the same points, mid-table

In Bundesliga, John Brooks started for Hertha went the full 90 minutes as they visited Bremen and played to an entertaining 3 - 3 draw. Bremen's Aaron Jóhannsson is still injured John Brooks has signed a contract extension through 2017.

Timothy Chandler stayed on the bench for Frankfurt as they visited Augsburg, in a Goalless Draw

Christian Pulisic came off the bench, in the 68th minute, for Dortmund and Alfredo Morales (Yellow Card) started, and went 90 minutes for Ingolstadt as they faced off in their Bundesliga game, with Dortmund taking the advantage in a 2 - 0 win

In England's Championship, Jonathan Spector started on the bench and stayed there as Birmingham visited Bristol City and settled for a Goalless Draw

Duane Holmes was on the bench for Huddersfield as they host Cardiff, in their Championship game Huddersfield lost 2 - 3

In England's lower league, Grimsby visited Gateshead with Jon-Paul Pittman on the bench for the first half, but it didn't help as Grimsby fall 1 - 0. Grimsby maintain their 3rd place/promotion Play-off spot despite the loss

Big day in the FA Cup Out of favor GK Brad Guzan was given the task of stopping Manchester City, an almost mission impossible for the Premier League cellar dwellers Aston Villa, and as expected They are thumped 0 - 4 and are out of the FA Cup. It remains to be seen if Guzan will be at Villa much longer

GK Paul Rechubka is back to his 'stand-in' role at Bolton as they host Leeds, lose 1 - 2 and are out of the FA Cup

Geoff Cameron is still nursing an injury and was not with Stoke as they visited Crystal Palace and lost 1 - 0  putting them out of the FA Cup this year

Championship side Nottingham with Eric Lichaj (Yellow Card) starting took on Premier League Watford and lost on a last minute goal 0 - 1 - out of FA Cup

Adam Henley remained on the bench for Blackburn as they visited Oxford and came away with a 0 - 3 win and advance in the FA Cup

 
Danny Williams and Reading welcomed League One team Walsall to Madejski Stadium, in their FA Cup tie. Danny SCORED Reading's 3rd goal (above) as they enjoyed a 4 - 0 romp over the lower league side and advance to the next round of the FA Cup

Zak Whitbread took center spot for League One Shrewsbury as they faced Championship Sheffield Wednesday and won, on a 90+7 goal, 3 - 2. Zak went 90 as Shrewsbury advance in the FA Cup

In Scotland, up and down Gedion Zelalem, started on the bench for #1 Rangers as they hosted #3 Falkirk. Gedion came off the bench at 77th minute and Rangers scored a very late goal to extend their lead in the Scottish Championship to 8 points

Kevin Dzierzawski got the start for Peterhead as they welcomed Albion Rangers in Scotland's League 1 (3rd tier) Kevin left the game in minute 71, as Peterhead thumped Albion 5 - 1 and put Peterhead 1 point behind 2nd place Ayr in the Scottish League One promotion race

photo: SBISoccer

In a friendly between Union Berlin and Austria Salzburg - 3 goals in the first 8 minutes (4,6,8) put Union Berlin in the drivers seat. Bobby Wood (above) SCORED TWICE the 3rd & 5th goals for Union Berlin, in a 5 -0 drubbing handed to Salzburg

Desevio Payne started for Groningen

Desevio Payne started for Groningen and went the full 90, in Netherlands Eredivisie, as they visited Zwolle and came away with a 1 - 3 win

Alejandro Bedoya started for Nantes, as they visited Troyes in Frances Ligue 1, Alejandro went the full 90 minutes in Nantes 0 - 1 win

Some friendlies in Germany involving 2.Liga teams had Fabrice-Jean Picault starting for St.Pauli, Shawn Barry coming off the bench at 71st minute for FSV Frankfurt

Also...On Friday Mainz beat M'Gladbach 1 - 0 Fabian Johnson (playing out of position) went the full 90 minutes.

Late last week (Thursday & Friday)  Luca de la Torre went 90 for Fulham U21's defeat by Aston Villa U21 and Daniel Barbir came off the bench for West Bromwich U21's 2 - 4 loss to Newcastle U21.

Fewer games tomorrow - but check back to find out how our US Players are doing

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Huge Day for Young Americans in Europe

Three Americans, all at or below 20 years old, made news worthy appearances today.

• Everyone knows by now about, 20 year old, Matt Miazga move to English Premier League's  Chelsea, which is now completed

• The first senior squad showing for 17 year old Christian Pulisic, the 6th youngest player to play in Bundesliga, in Dortmund's win over Ingolstadt

• And totally overlooked, because of those to events, 19 year old Joel Sonora's first appearance for Stuttgart's 3.Liga team.

I can't remember a day when 3 such momentus stories appeared on one day. So where from now? Obviously this is tremendous news for US Soccer, for MLS only 1 of the three featured.

Matt Miazga transfer is complete

Matt Miazga who is a USA/Poland dual (although declared for USA) is a product of the NYRB Academy, and has played for the USA at, U18, U20, U23 & Senior (he also played for Poland U18) As for club experience , he has only played for NYRB.

Pulisic vs Ingolstadt (Home) [DEBUT] 15/16 720p by guba1a from Daniel Gubala on Vimeo.

Christian Pulisic, who is a USA/Croatian dual, has spent his time in Germany within the Borussia Dortmund program, playing for their U17 and U19 teams before playing today for the senior squad.

Christian represented the USA at U15 & U17 levels (Christian played for the U17's at age 14/9months) Like Matt Miazga, only represented one club

Joel Sonora with Boca Jrs.(left)

Joel Sonora, who is a USA/Argentina dual, came through the Boca Jrs. system (with Atletico de Lujan, Club Atlético Boca Juniors - 2011-2015)started 2016 with Boca Jrs. U20 team before transferring to Stuttgart, where he is set to play in there 3.Liga side Stuttgart II. Joel has represented the USA, debuting in 2014, at the U20 level, he last appeared in the U20 World Cup squad, playing in 4 of the 5 games that the USA appeared in.

CONGRATULATIONS to all three

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CONTRACTS: John Brooks Signs Contract Extension with Hertha

Photo: HerthaBSC.de

According to Hertha's Twitter account John Brooks has signed a contract extension, putting an end to transfer rumors (for now)

Some good news after the disappointing draw. John Anthony Brooks has signed a new contract with the club #hahohe

— Hertha English (@HerthaBSC_EN) January 30, 2016

 Good news indeed.

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RUMOR: SPOX.com Report Hannover 96 Interested in Jermaine Jones

photo: BigSoccer.com

Definitely in the realm of 'rumor' German outfit SPOX.com are reporting that Bundesliga team Hannover 96 the SPOX.com (a German Digital Media Company) report; <Translation>

"The US sports network ESPN reported Friday that Jones had inquiries from the Bundesliga. One of the interested parties is to SPOX information Hannover 96th..

The team after the transfer of Iver Fossum, Hotaru Yamaguchi, Marius Wolf, Adam Szalai and Hugo Almeida are still looking for reinforcements"..

Jones played for Schalke 04, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen 165 times in the Bundesliga, scoring nine goals. After his time in Germany, Jones first tried in Turkey for Besiktas and then moved to New England in the MLS."

New England Soccer Today, a New England soccer blog, are also reporting this, based on the SPOX article. They are quoting Jermaine Jones as saying;

“Now, I have good offers. I want to go back to Germany. At the end of they day, they don’t give me the chance to go. It’s tough for a guy like me that wants to play. If they don’t value my level here in the United Stats, then I want to go back to Europe, where the people respect that and offered me a good contract. That makes me mad.”

That Jermaine is not likely to rejoin New England Revolution seems fairly clear...the SPOX.com/Hannover 96 speculation, seems just that, time will tell.

Jermaine is currently in Florida with the US Mens National Team preparing for the friendly international against Iceland this coming Sunday.

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TRANSFER: Goal Keeper Ciaran Nugent moves to Ireland's Premier League

GK, Ciaran Nugent has left the Harrisburg City Islanders and moved to the Republic of Ireland's Sligo Rovers for the 2016 season, subject to international clearance.
Sligo Rovers play in the Ireland Premier League, which starts play in early March. 
24 year old, Ciaran joins Americans, Ata Ozbay (Finn Harps) and Morgan Langley (St. Patricks Athletic) and Don Cowan, (Longford Town)) Don is a New York born dual (IRE/USA) in the Ireland Premier League.

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FRANCE: USMNT U17 Timothy Weah Trying to Follow in his Fathers Footsteps

Top Draw Soccer, pointed its readers to a really interesting piece/video from Le Parisian TV , George Weah interviewed about his son Timothy, and his progress with PSG U17. Timothy Weah, at 15 years old is already an important piece in the US U17 team building up to 2017 U17 World Cup.
The video is in French (so be warned)

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TRANSFERS: Daniel Stevens joins GrIFK in Finland

GrIFK Grankulla have signed experienced midfielder Daniel Stevens. Stevens last represented Vikingit in Finland (prior to that PS Kemi and BK-46)  so he has a great knowledge of football in Finland. The Ykkönen (2nd tier) pre-season in Finland starts soon, so we will see if Daniel makes the senior squad. GrIFK are newly promoted to Ykkonen, after winning the Western Division of the Kakkonen

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RUMORS: Tim Howard to Leave Everton for Colorado in May

Photo: BleacherReport   Tim Howard, we will know in 4 months

The reports have been circulating for the last 24 hours, with the usual denials and speculation. But it looks like Tim Howard to Colorado Rapids has some "feet" to it.

Salary details here. Howard would make between $2-3 million if he signs with Rapids. #usmnt https://t.co/Om0UvHzQvv

— Doug McIntyre (@DougMacESPN) January 27, 2016

Can confirm @JPW_NBCSports report re: mutual interest btwn Tim Howard & #Rapids. Here are some other nuggets too: https://t.co/vURPnuz0mX

— Jeff Carlisle (@JeffreyCarlisle) January 27, 2016

So with NBCSports and ESPN reporting it looks like their is a good chance that this will happen
Still.....its still a rumor

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RUMORS: NYRB Matt Miazga to EPL?

Photo: Bigapplesoccer.com

ESPN FC are reporting that NYRB Center Back Matt Miazga will join an as yet unnamed Premier League Club...If the report is true then we should know in the next 24 hours. Here is a partial reprint of their report (full report here).

United States international and New York Red Bulls defender Matt Miazga is set to be sold to an undisclosed English Premier League team within the next 24 hours, multiple sources have confirmed to ESPN FC.
Miazga, 20, had less than a year to run on his current contract with the Red Bulls, and given his desire to test himself overseas, New York was left with little choice but to sell Miazga now rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the 2016 MLS season.
The Daily Mail, who first reported the story, says that the transfer fee is approximately $5 million. Miazga also possesses a Polish passport, meaning he will not have to obtain a work permit.

Taylor Twellman has tweeted:

Hearing within the next 24 hours Matt Miazga will be sold to an EPL club pending medical within the next day or 2. #RBNY #MLS

— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) January 27, 2016

Can confirm that Miazga left #usmnt camp this afternoon. https://t.co/UW35yN9re6

— Doug McIntyre (@DougMacESPN) January 27, 2016

More on this as we here more.....

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DAILY WRAP: 1/26/2016

A small number of games today, all but one game in England. Here is the rundown;

Photo: SBI

DeSevio Payne started (and stayed) on the bench for Groningen in Holland's Eredivisie, as his team drew with Willem II 1 - 1

Geoff Cameron was not in the 18 for Stoke, still injured? Stoke were knocked out of the Capitol One (League Cup) Cup Semi-Final on Penalties/Aggregate

Photo: Zimbio.com    Eric Lichaj

Eric Lichaj started for Nottingham in their England Championship game with QPR. Eric went 90 minutes in a 0 - 0 draw

Lynden Gooch made his 2nd start for Doncaster Rovers in their League 1 match with Port Vale, Lynden went the full 90 minutes in a 1 - 2 loss

Zak Whitbread started for Shrewsbury as they faced off with Oldham in League 1. Zak went 90 minutes in a 0 - 1 loss

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TRANSFER: Caleb Patterson-Sewell leaves Portugal for NASL

28 year old, American-Australian GK Caleb Patterson-Sewell is signing with NASL expansion team Rayo OKC

Caleb spent 4 years in Portugal after leaving the Carolina Railhawks in 2011.(also NASL) Caleb played for 3 teams in Portugal, Atletico, Vitoria Setúbal FC and Gil Vicente. Caleb has been out of contract since July 2015 when he was released by Gil Vicente.

Rayo OKC will open the 2016 season with a home match against FC Edmonton on April 2 at Miller Stadium.

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TRANSFER: Sebastien Ibeagha Leaves Iceland, Returns Home

Photo: BigSoccer

The Houston Dynamo have signed defender Sebastien Ibeagha, the club announced today. Ibeagha is a product of the Houston Dynamo Academy and enjoyed a stellar career at Duke University before beginning his professional career in Europe. The 24-year-old joined AC Horsens in Denmark in January 2014 and spent parts of the last two seasons on loan with FC Fredericia (Denmark) and Fram Reykjavik (Iceland).

“We are pleased to welcome Sebastien to the Houston Dynamo first team,” Dynamo VP/general manager Matt Jordan said. “Our staff had the opportunity to work with him during our postseason training camp in the fall, which provided the opportunity to see his progress after gaining valuable experience in Europe. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow in our environment and contribute to the success of the team.”

NB: With Sebastien's transfer there are no US Players in Iceland Division 1 any longer
        Sebastien's brother Christian play's for FC Suduroy in the Faroe Isles

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DAILY WRAP: 1/25/2016

Back to quietness.....only a few games again today, mostly U21. Let's just get straight to it

Daniel Barbir (left)

Daniel Barbir started on the bench today for West Bromwich U21 as they visited
Brighton U21 in the Premier League U21.

With Lynden Gooch loaned to Doncaster Rovers, no Sunderland U21 representative.

Robbie Kristo entered at 81st minute

Robbie Kristo came off the bench in the 81st minute as his team Andria visited Matera

in Italy's Lega Pro (Group C) game - that ended in a Goalless Draw

Cameron Carter-Vickers started for Tottenham U21 at Liverpool U21, in their Premier League U21 game that ended with a 2 - 0 loss for Tottenham

Gedion Zelalem started and went 58 minutes for Rangers in Scotland's Championship. Ranger's 0 - 2 win over hosts Morton put Rangers 5 points clear on top of the league.

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CONTRACTS: Is Paul Torres Future Back Home?

Midfielder, Paul Torres has left Sandnes Ulf in Norway. Paul spent 4 years in Scandinavia after leaving UMd. Paul represented 3 teams, all in Scandinavia -  2 in Sweden (Nykopings BIS & Landskrona) and 1 in Norway (Sandnes Ulf)

According to reports, Paul is trialing with DC United, at their Pre-Season camp in Florida

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 1/24/2016

Sunday's Weekend Wrap report has some action and quite a few no shows due to injuries. We do have a goal, gratefully we managed the day without any cards. Germany's leagues are re-starting, Finland has begun its (pre-season) cup games, although today we had no US players participating.
Here we go.....

Marc Heider, no goal today

Marc Heider started for Kiel, went 65 minutes as Kiel lost 2 - 1 to Bremen II in Germany's 3Liga

Tim Howard, Back in goal for Everton, as they lose 1 - 2 to Swansea in the EPL. Not a particularly good performance, although the goals were mostly defensive let downs, even the penalty that Tim gave up (IMHO I am not totally convinced it should have been given)

Dylan Alexis Romney, one of only a handful US players in Italy

Dylan Alexis Romney, on the bench for Savona, in Italy's Lega Pro (Group B) as they beat Maceratese 4 - 2

Timothy Chandler, did not dress, for Frankfurt

Ryan Malone, did not dress, for Magdeburg

Aaron Jóhannsson did not dress for Bremen, injured.

Rubio Ruben, did not dress for Utrecht, injured.

Jordan Siebatcheu started for Reims in France Ligue 1, as they took on St. Etienne.
Jordan left the game at the 32 minute mark, which probably indicates an injury
(looking for match report). Final  Reims  1  -  1 St Etienne
Jordan was injured during the game according to Ligue 1 site, no info of severity.

Christian Pulisic started for Dortmund in a friendly with Union Berlin
SCORED Dortmund's first goal as they went on to beat Union Berlin 1 - 3
(Christian was dressed yesterday for the Bundesliga game v M'Gladbach, he did not
play - so I guess Dortmund's coach decided to start him today - can't say I've seen
that before) This is Christian's 2nd goal this month.

Kenny Seif stayed on the bench for Gent, in Belgium's Jupiler League victory at Standard Liege 0 - 3. With the win Gent extended their lead atop of the Jupiler to 5 points.

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TRANSFERS: Carlos Montes joins Gzira United in Malta

Carlos Montes (Zuniga) has departed from Mosta FC in Malta's Premier League and joined Malta's First Division side Gzira United, who currently lead their division .

Carlos, 24 year old striker, didn't get much playing time at Mosta, playing in just 2 games (totaling 35 minutes) so this looks like a good move..Across the Pond will follow how he does for the rest of the season.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 1/23/2016

The first Weekend Wrap has quite a bit of activity around Europe. Hopefully I have captured all the action by US Players (if you find I have omitted anyone please let me know)  For now I am doing the report by game time. Mainz II was the earliest game today/Nantes the last. I am trying to include players, played status, goals (of course) assists & cards. I am still formulating the best format, so if you have any point of view, let me know. A few notables, Lynden Gooch debut's for Doncaster Rovers, Christian Pusilic made the 18 for Dortmund's senior squad and Alejandro Bedoya has scored for the 2nd time this week. OK here we go....

• Devante Parker started and went 88 minutes in Mainz II goalless draw with Wehen in Germany 3.Liga

• Alfredo Morales went 68 minutes as Ingolstadt hosted Mainz in Germany's Bundesliga. Alfredo picked up a yellow in the game that had Ingolstadt winning 1 - 0

• John Brooks went 90, picked up a yellow in Hertha's goalless draw with Augsburg/Shawn Parker did not dress, in Bundesliga

• At Stoke no Geoff Cameron, he is out with an injury

• DeAndre Yedlin was on the bench for Sunderland in their 1 - 1 draw with Bournemouth in the EPL

• Brad Guzan was on the bench for Aston Villa in their Goalless draw at West Bromwich (Brad is out of favor after some inconsistent performances

• Jonathan Spector on the bench for Birmingham as they easily beat Ipswich 3 - 0 in the Championship

• Paul Rachubka on the bench for Bolton / Cody Cropper on the bench for MK Dons in a game that saw Bolton in a rare win 3 - 1 (both are backup GK's) in Championship

• Duane Holmes was on the bench for Huddersfield in their 2 - 1 loss to Brighton in the Championship

• Adam Henley started for Blackburn, went 90 minutes in Blackburn's 1 - 1 draw at Charlton

• Tim Ream started for Fulham and went the full 90 / Emerson Hyndman came off the bench for Fulham in the 77th minute in a 0 - 1 home loss to Hull, also in the Championship

• Eric Lichaj started for Nottingham, went 90 minutes and picked up a yellow card, in Nottingham's 0 - 1 win at Middlesborough

• Danny Williams started for Reading, went 90 minutes, in their 1 - 1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday

• In League 1, Zak Whitbread started for Shrewsbury, went 90 minutes and picked up a yellow card, in their  1- 2 win over Burton

• Gboly Ariyibi started for Chesterfield, he went 65 minutes in their 1 - 2 loss to Millwall

• Lynden Gooch got the start for Doncaster Rovers, went 90 minutes in his debut, picked up a yellow card, in a goalless draw as Doncaster visited Fleetwood in League 1

• In Grimsby, Jon-Paul Pittman stayed on the bench for Grimsby's 5 - 0 drubbing of Altringham, in the Vanarama National League

• In Scotland's League 1, Kevin Dzierzawski went the full 90 minutes for Peterhead in a goalless draw with Dunfermline

  

  Photo: Herald Scotland.    Kevin Dzierzawski (right)

• Fabian Johnson started for M'Gladbach, while Christian Pulisic was on the bench for Dortmund in a Bundesliga clash of #2 v #4 Fabian went the 90, Christian stayed on the bench (good to see him dressing for the senior squad) M'Gladbach 1 - 3 Dortmund - Final

  

  Photo: SI.com      Christian Pulisic

Alejandro Bedoya Goal HD - Nantes 2-0 Bordeaux... by Football----Live

• Alejandro Bedoya got the start for Nantes in France Ligue 1, went the full 90 minutes and SCORED a goal at the 30 minute mark (his 2nd this week)Unfortunately, Nantes gave up a two goal lead with just 10 minutes left and the game with Bordeaux ended in a 2 - 2 draw.

More tomorrow, Weekend Wrap Sunday.

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DAILY WRAP: 1/22/2016

A little more activity today, although no notables

Andrija Novakovich featured for the first 71 minutes for the Reading U21, as they faced off with Manchester City U21 in the Premier League U21. Unfortunately Reading lost this one 3 - 1.

GK  Quentin Westerburg dressed, but remained on the bench as Tours lost 2 - 1 to Auxerre in France's Ligue 2. As a backup GK this is not unusual - still it would be good to see Quentin on the playing surface.

Fulham's Luca de la Torre

Luca de la Torre got the start and went 90 minutes for the Fulham U21 in there 3 - 1 loss to West Ham U21 (also in Premier League U21. His U21 partner in crime, Emerson Hyndmann now plays regularly for Fulham's senior team.

In the Neatherland's, Desevio Payne and Groningen met Nijmegen in their Eredivisie match. Desevio came of the bench for the 2nd half of the game that ended in a 0 - 0 draw

Also in Neatherlands, a division lower, Travis Brent and Almere took on Telstar in their Eerste Divisie game. Travis went 69 minutes in Almere's 2 - 0 loss.

See you tomorrow for the inaugural "Weekend Wrap"

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CONTRACTS: U.S. U-23 Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath Signs Extension with Molde

On Friday, the Norwegian Tippeligaen club announced the extension of 20-year-old goalkeeper Ethan Horvath contract by one year to 2018.

Horvath  appeared in 17 league games during the 2015 season, . He has also started in 3 Champions League games and 8 Europa League games during the 2015-16 competitions. (Molde is still competing in the Europa League, and will next play Sevilla in the round of 32)
Molde will begin its Tippeligaen campaign on March 12 against Tromsø.

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TRANSFERS: Joel Sonora leaves Argentina for Germany

Photo: ASN

Joel Sonora, the nineteen-year-old striker, has left Boca Jr's and has found a new home in Europe. The U.S. U-20 attacker was with Boca Juniors but is moving to Stuttgart, where he’ll start with Stuttgart II.(They are currently playing in Germany's 3.Liga)


From VFB.de:

VfB coach Walter Thomae: “We have taken at Joel two longer trial phase under the microscope and are convinced of his abilities. With his technique and his Torabschluss he can give our offensive play an important impetus. The first step is that he settled quickly and his game adapts to German football. “

 Good luck Joel

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DAILY WRAP: 1/21/2016

Like yesterday not much to report today

In Belgium, Gent played Club Brugge in the semi-final of the Belgium Cup,,,,,,Kenny Seif dressed but remained on the bench, where he celebrated Gent's late 2 - 1 victory.

Kenny Seif

Tomorrow looks a little more promising for some action :)

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CONTRACTS: Zak Whitbread has Signed a Contract Extension with Shrewsbury

Photo: Shropshire Star

Shrewsbury Town have confirmed that defender Zak Whitbread has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old has featured 11 times for Town this season and has committed his short-term future to the Club.

Whitbread said: "I'm made up that I can carry on playing football and help the Club and we can move further up the table.

"I've really enjoyed it here. Speaking to the manager in the early part of the season, he really sold the Club to me.
"We're all working towards something achievable and it's a club that I want to see do well in the near future."

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LOANS: Sunderland U21 Lynden Gooch joins Doncaster Rovers on Loan

Sunderland announced that Lynden Gooch, their U21 captain, has joined English League One side Doncaster Rovers on a one-month loan. The short-term move away from the club will be Lynden's second loan spell, last season he spent some time away at Gateshead in England's 'Conference'

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RUMORS: Walker Zimmerman (ex FC Dallas) Trials with Viking

UPDATE: 1/27/2016 
Fotbollskanalen is reporting that Walker has continued his journey on to IFK Goteborg in Sweden, where he is on a (short) trial, still looking for a team


UPDATE: 1/25/2016
SBNation/Big D Soccer is reporting that;

Zimmerman is currently in Europe looking to get some trials with various clubs as he is reportedly with Viking FK of Norway at the moment.

Fernando Clavijo insisted over the weekend that the club has no interest in letting Zimmerman go easy, especially to another MLS side. The two spoke as recently as Friday.

"We want Walker, we're not willing to trade him, " said Clavijo. "He is a quality individual. I think conversations with his agent are pretty much where he wants to be and what we think he should be."

Obviously negotiations continue with playing time being the issue and Clavijo stating

 "I am not going to guarantee him or anyone playing time," said Clavijo. "But I think the offers we have put out are in tune with what we believe he is. And we believe he is one of the best players in the league at that position."

We will have to wait and see the outcome for this one.

ORIGINAL POST

Photo from FC Dallas -Walker Zimmerman, left

While its rumored that AJ Soares wants out, of Norwegian club Viking, defender Walker Zimmerman is trying to get in. Walker played for FC Dallas up until the close of season when his contract option was not exercised. So it looks like he is  trying a complete break with MLS and looking at Scandinavia for his 'next step'.

Translation from Dagsavisen Stavanger (You can read the whole interview if you know Norwegian.)

"22-year-old Walker Zimmerman appeared on today's Viking-training after a long flight from the US. Therefore, he just stopped by to greet today before he starts trying his game with Viking tomorrow (Thursday)."

Good luck Walker.....

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DAILY WRAP: 1/20/2016

UPDATED  1/21/2016
Final 16 are set in France, Coupe de France. Nantes and Alejandro Bedoya will visit Bordeaux. Nantes and Bordeaux are separated by 1 point in Ligue 1 (11th & 10th) Alejandro's goal today was his first of this season.

Original Post
Still not much action going on - Germany among others will complete their Winter Break this coming weekend. So just one game of note today.

Alejandro Bedoya saved Nantes in the French Coupe de France. As is often the case A-List teams put out a reserve (B) squad when playing minnows in cup games, and as often happens they get bit!
Nantes found themselves going into ET following a goalless draw after 90 minutes against CFA (5th tier) minnows Mantes - careful with the names :) - Alejandro came off the bench at 105 min...for the 2nd half of ET, and promptly scored in minute 107, giving his team the win. Final: Mantes 0 - 1 Nantes

0-1 Alejandro Bedoya - Mantes v. Nantes 20.01... by zidanekrisz

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RUMORS: FC Litex Out of the Elite A Football Group in Bulgaria - Bjoin Maars Johnsen to MLS?

Photo "Bjørn Johnsen 1" by Litexfan - Own work. Licensed under GFDL

FC Litex of Lovech has been officially taken out from the elite A group and will play in B Football Group next season.
The Football Club retains its right to continue its participation in the half-final tournament of the Cup of Bulgaria.
The Litex second team will continue its participation in the B group.

Forward Bjorn Maars Johnsen  had already hinted of an MLS move, will the decision by the Bulgarian League executive force the issue? Litex have already lost 2 of its star players since the incident, and this decision will undoubtedly lead to more.

In mid-December Litex were expelled from the Bulgarian league after their players walked off the pitch in protest over the referee's decisions in Saturday's match against Levski Sofia. Litex led 1-0 against Levski but their players left the field after a second red card and a penalty against them. Litex have also been fined 20,000 Levs (£7,434)..(BBC Sports)

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DAILY WRAP: 1/19/2016

Most of the action today involved US Goalkeepers;

GK, Aleksander Gogic, was in the 18, but did not play as visitors Fleetwood Town drew 1 - 1 with Colchester in England's League 1.  Fleetwood & Gogic are 1 point above the relegation zone.

GK, Brad Guzan, was back between the pipes as Aston Villa beat League 2 side Wycombe 2 - 0 in the FA Cup replay (1 - 1) 3 - 1 on Aggregate. Brad went the full 90 minutes. Aston Villa now enter the next round.

GK, Cody Cropper, was in the 18, but did not play as Milton Keynes hosted Northampton in an FA Cup replay winning 3 - 0 (5 - 2 Aggregate  Milton Keynes will now play in the next round.

GK, Paul Rachubka got the call for Bolton as they hosted Eastleigh, from the Vanarama Nation League (5th tier) and won 3 -2 in their FA Cup replay (aggregate 4 - 3) Paul is the back-up GK for Bolton, who lost their starter to injury 2 weeks ago.

Danny Williams played 90 minutes for Reading, in their FA Cup replay v Huddersfield and Duane Holmes (Duane was in the 18 but did not feature) Reading advanced to the next round with a 5 - 2 victory (Aggregate 7 - 4)

Finally, Christian Pulsic entered Dortmund's friendly with Sparta Prague in the 61st minute, that Dortmund won 3 - 1.

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TRANSFER: Devann Yao Joins Berliner AK

Devann Yao, has joined Berliner AK 07, in Germany's Regionalliga North, on a Free Transfer. Devann was formally with Kickers Offenbach (also a Regionalliga team) .

Devann had asked Kickers to terminate his contract after being with them for 6 months, and Kickers complied...the forward felt that he should have more playing time.

Berliner AK 07 (BAK 07) are currently in 4th spot in Regionalliga North - 7 points off-pace for promotion. BAK 07 is on Winter Break, and will start the 2nd half of the season on February 6th at league cellar-dweller Luckenwalde.

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TRANSFER: Aaron Schoenfeld (ex-Columbus Crew SC) Heads to Israel

Forward Aaron Schoenfeld, who was with SC Columbus since the 2012 season, completed a transfer to Maccabi Netanya of the Israeli Premier League (Ligat ha'Al) on Monday. Schoenfeld had been linked with the team for the past few weeks following a successful trial. He had been out of contract since his contract with the Columbus Crew SC expired at the end of the 2015 season.

According to the Crew site, 

There are reports that Schoenfeld has been granted temporary residency status by Israel’s Ministry of Interior four days ago. Israeli Premier League teams are only allowed five foreign players per team and Maccabi Netanya already has their full allotment. There’s also talk that the club may be able to help Schoenfeld obtain an Israeli passport which would make him eligible for a call-up to their national team in the future.
Netanya are currently at the bottom of the table in the 14-team league and have undergone a bit of upheaval this season.

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RUMORS; Jordan Morris - Werder Bremen Trial Produces Assist (Video)

UPDATE 1/21/2016

Jordan Morris has signed with Seattle Sounders (over Werder Bremen)

Original Post
In a friendly match with Inter Baku of Azerbaijan last Friday, Jordan Morris registered an assist in the 1 - 0 win by Werder Bremen

It remains unclear right now whether Jordan will return to Seattle or remain in Germany with Bremen
(Bremen is also home to Aron Jóhannsson)

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DAILY WRAP: 1/18/16

Test of Daily Wrap 1/18/2016
(Games/Goals/Events today)

Not much going on today - US players playing for EPL U21's were all absent from the game-day list.
Tottenham Hotspurs U21 - Cameron Carter-Vickers -did not dress
Manchester United U21 - Joshua Doughty  -did not dress

Caleb Stanko scored a 77 minute goal for Freiburg as they drew with Swiss team Luzern 1 - 1 in a friendly

Adam Henley and Blackburn beat League Two club Newport County in an 3rd Round FA Cup match in Newport - Adam came off the bench in 90th minute / time waster (Blackburn took a small contingent of subs - only 5 - including back-up GK -  filled the bench).

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