TRANSFERS: USYNT Romain Gall Heads to Sweden and Nykopings

21 Year old USYNT, Romain Gall is off to Sweden.  

Romain has joined the Swedish Allsvenskan (1st Division) side Nykoping.

The news was broken by the team’s official website;

"Romain Gall will be able to help our offensive dominance and is a very exciting player. He won the Golden Boot for the United States in the CONCACAF U20 which shows that there is potential in him" says coach John Wall.

Gall who is a dual USA/France, who can play mid-field or forward, and started his career in France, with Ligue 1 side Lorient (in their reserve squad). He joined the Columbus Crew in MLS in 2014, before being loaned out to Austin Aztex's of the USL.
 
Romain has represented the US at the U18(3) & U20(19) levels

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday/Sunday - US Goalkeepers Pummeled - Its All About the Lower Leagues

With the international break little major action has been going on for the past few days (it will continue into the rest of the week as well) So I decided to combine Saturday & Sunday games into a single list. A few notables - Kristian Scott got to play a little with Nuneaton Town (debut) Shawn Parker played pretty much the 90 for Augsburg's junior squad, good to see him back from injury. Probably the biggest story (to me anyway) is the absolute pummeling that our Goalkeepers took this weekend, Daniel Schmidt gave up 3, Brendan Moore gave up 5, and Ciaran Nugent on his debut for Sligo Rovers, gave up 4. (More below on this).    OK so to the list;

SATURDAY 3-26

GK Daniel Schmidt played a full 90 minutes in Japan as his team Yamaga were held to a 3 - 3 draw by visitors Yamaguchi.

Brian Span started for IFK Mariehamn in the Finland Suomen Cup 5th Round (information is sketchy) but it looks like Brian went 90 in Mariehamn's 3 - 1 win over Legirus Inter.

Kristian Scott came off the bench at the 82nd minute as Nuneaton Town defeated Lowestoft 1 - 0 in the Vanarama National League North. The win moves Nuneaton into 5th place (final spot for a promotional play-off opportunity) I believe that this is Kristian's first appearance for his new team

Russell Canouse started went 90 as Hoffenheim II visit Bahlinger and came away with 3 points after a 2 - 3 win in Germany Regionalliga Sudwest

Also in Regionalliga Sudwest, Matt Taylor started and went 68 minutes as Saarbrucken were held 2 - 2 by Mannheim

Dual USA/Ger Julian Ceesay started and went the 90 as FC Amberg fell 0 - 1 to Unterhaching in Regionalliga Bayern

Shawn Parker, more often with the Augsburg senior squad, but rehabbing from injury, started for Augsburg II and went 89 minutes in a goalless draw with Illertissen in Regionalliga Bayern. David Spies came off the bench for Augsburg II in the 79th minute.

Gedion Zelalem was an unused sub in Rangers 4 - 3 win over Queen of the South in Scotland's Championship. Gedion had been MIA, reportedly sick. Good to see him make the bench today.

In Scotland's Division 1, Kevin Dzierzawski continues to appear regularly for Peterhead as they charge towards a promotion play-off spot - today though was not good for Peterhead as they fell 0 - 1 to cellar dwelling Cowdenbeath. Peterhead's 2nd spot is in jeopardy after this loss.

Dual USA/Ger defender Robin Purdy started and went 90 in Pirmasens II goalless draw with Pfeddersheim in Germany's Oberliga

Gboly Ariyibi went 90 for Chesterfield as GK Alek Gogic warmed the bench for Fleetwood in this 0 - 0 draw in England League One.

Oh dear! GK Brendan Moore' perfect record (3 games / 3 shut-outs) came to a crashing end as Torquay visited Dover and got thumped 5 - 0. Time to start a new 'run' Brendan

Joe Jackson in the 18 for Drogheda, DNP. as Drogheda fall 0 - 3 to Shelbourne in the Irish Division 1.

GK Ciaran Nugent had his debut today for Sligo Rovers in Ireland's Premier League. he probably will want to forget it as well. Sligo Rovers obviously have a problem, with only 2 points from 5 games - they have given up 9 goals. Today's game saw them let in 4 goals without answer as they fell to Bray 4 - 0

SUNDAY 3-27

Caleb Stanko started and went 90 for Freiburg II, in Regionalliga Sudwest, as they thumped Spielberg 5 - 0

Charlie Rugg came off the bench at minute 63 for Trier as they visited Kaiserslautern II, also in Regionalliga Sudwest, and got beat 3 - 0.  Irvin Parra did not dress today for Kaiserslautern II

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TRANSFERS: USYNT Forward Haji Wright Joins Schalke in Germany

Photo: soccerwire.com

USYNT U18 forward Haji Wright, has reached his 18th birthday (today - 3-27). So his age restriction is lifted, and he will now be able to join FC Schalke 04 in Germany. Haji will start the next step in his career playing for FC Schalke 04 U19, in the Junioren Bundesliga West. (Which is the same junior league that Christian Pulisic started in for Dortmund)

Haji, from Los Angeles, played for the New York Cosmos in 2015, and has represented the USA at U15, U17, & U18. He is expected to officially join FC Schalke 04 tomorrow (3/28)

Haji joins the group of notable USYNT** players who are with European clubs .

• Matthew Olosunde - Manchester United
• Joshua Perez - Fiorentina
• Danny Barbir - West Bromwich Albion
• Luca de la Torre - Fulham
• Christian Pulisic - Dortmund
• Will Pulisic - Dortmund
• Haji Wright - Schalke

**I believe that all the above are/or were U17 USYNT players - good job guys

Good Luck to Haji at Schalke
 
 

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TRANSFERS: Paul Torres Signs with IK Sirius in Sweden Superettan

Photo: Big Soccer    Paul Torres at Nykoping

UMD alum, 24 year old Mid-fielder Paul Torres has signed for IK Sirius in Sweden's Superettan (2nd tier). This was a free transfer.

Paul is no stranger to Scandinavia, having left Univ. of Maryland for Nykoping in Sweden. After 2 years he moved to Landskrona,  before trying his luck in Norway with Sandnes, before his contract expired in January this year.

Paul, who is a dual US/Ven also spent some time with DC United in 2011.  Paul will join long time Sirius US defender Patrick Hopkins in their squad

Good Luck to Paul from the DMV

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TRANSFERS: Center Back Joseph Jackson signs for Drogheda United in League of Ireland

US Center Back Joseph Jackson has moved to the Republic of Ireland and signed with Droghega in the League of Ireland (2nd tier).
Here is what Droghega United's web-site says about him;

American defender Joe Jackson has signed for the club having featured for them in their pre-season programme. Jackson put pen to paper with the club having played domestic football in his native America prior to arriving in Ireland. The centre-back will add depth to the club’s defensive area ahead of their bid to gain promotion from the second tier.
Following his signing, Mahon said: “Joe has been training with us for the last few weeks. He has impressed us greatly since then which culminated in a very solid performance against Cork City (pre-season) last week.” “Joe is a commanding centre-back and will be a big presence for us next season,” Mahon added.

Joseph (Joe) Jackson came up the most unlikely way, playing in a small program at West Virginia Tech ( a USCAA School) , then in the US PDL for Southern West Virginia. He trialed at Woodbridge Strikers' in the League 1 Ontario.

"He went for a trial and impressed," said Woodbridge head coach, Peter Pinizzotto.
"He's a big guy, 6' 4", and they (Droghega)are using him as a centre-back whereas we primarily used him as a centre-forward," he added.
"They need big players in that position in that league. I was not surprised he signed in Ireland where they play an aerial and very physical game."

Joe has been in the 18 for Drogheda for their 1st two games - expect to see him starting soon.

Good Luck Joe.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 3/20/2016 - Goals in Armenia, Lots of Young Players on Display

Sunday, Sunday, seems mostly the junior players making their mark today, pretty much all in Germany. I really enjoy tracking young players around the world who are trying to improve their value in the chosen profession. Many of the players I follow you probably don't know yet - but quite a number you will, in the future, so please don't dismiss them.

GK Daniel Schmidt just missed out on a triple clean sheet in Japan, he is 2 Clean/2 goals in 4 games. In Armenia, one of those unusual situations 2 US Players on the same team, both starting and both scoring - neat!

OK to the list;

GK Danial Schmidt,started and went 90 for Yamaga in Japan's J-League 2 as they lost to Chiba 0 - 1.

Two Goals in Armenia - Moises Orozco and Bryan de la Fuente both scored for Ararat as they visited Banants and came away with a 2 - 2 draw. Their goals were the first, and the last of the game.

George Fochive joined the game at the 85th minute, as Viborg came to Randers and took 3 points in the Denmark Superliga, as Viborg beat Randers 1 - 3

Marc Heider started and went 68 minutes as Kiel visited Magdeburg and Ryan Malone (DNP) in Germany 3Liga Kiel won 0 - 1

US/Ger dual, Robin Purdy went 90 for Pirmasens II as they beat Mehring 3 - 0 in Germany's Oberliga

Aaron Valentini came off the bench at 77th minute, as Jena II dismantled Erfurt II 6 - 1 in Oberliga

Mario Rodriguez started and went 71 minutes as M'Gladbach II beat Dortmund II 2 - 0 in Regionalliga West. Junior Flores came off the bench at minute 68 for Dortmund II

Erik Palmer-Brown started and played 90 minutes for FC Porto B as they went to Gil Vicente and won 1 - 2

Cody Shields played the final 20 minutes for Altona as they absolutely destroyed Lurup in Oberliga - get this - 0 - 13 yup 13!!!

In the EPL, DeAndre Yedlin started for Sunderland in the relegation battle at Newcastle. DeAndre went 90 minutes in a 1 - 1 draw. DeAndre was out-jumped on the Newcastle goal. The result, not particularly good for either team, but the 1 point puts both within striking distance of Norwich and potential safety

In Slovakia Fortuna Liga, Nermin Crnkic was in the 18 (DNP) as Slovan Bratislava as they lost at home to Myjava 0 - 1

GK, Alex Horwath in 18 for Brann in Norway's Tippeligaen as they faced Odd in a game that ended Goalless. Alex remained on the bench - no call for a backup goalkeeper today

AJ Soares starts his 2nd consecutive game for Viking in Norway, as they took on Sarpsborg AJ played 90, picked up a yellow card in a 0 - 0 draw

Ethan Horvath started for Molde as they took on Stabaek in Norway. Molde took this one 1- 2, and moved to 4th place, while Stabaek has yet to register a point.

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TRANSFERS: Ryan Finley Joins Angelholms in Sweden

Ryan Finley at Notre Dame

24 year old, New Jersey native, Ryan Finley has joined Angelholms in Sweden's Superettan (2nd tier) The former Columbus, Chivas and Charlotte Independence forward joined the Swedish outfit on a free from Charlotte Independence (USL) where he spent the last year, following the demise of Chivas USA (MLS)

Ryan spent his college years at Duke and the University of Notre Dame , Ryan finished second in the Herman Trophy voting in 2012. He was selected 9th overall in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by Columbus Crew. Ryan has represented the USA at U17, U18, U20

Superettan begins its season April 2, Angelholms will begin on April 3rd.

Good Luck Ryan

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TRANSFERS: USYNT Zach Kobayashi Signs With Dinamo Zagreb

18 year old mid-fielder, Zach Kobayashi signed for Croatian powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb at the beginning of March. Zach has already played his first game with the U19's debuting for Dinamo Zagreb U19 Friday in their 2:0 win over Hrvatski Dragovoljac.

Zach has played for FC Concordia Basel in Switzerland's 1 Liga (Group 2) where he appeared twice in 2015

Good Luck to Zach

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 3/19/2016 - Features a Goal in Malta, Injuries and a GK Triple

Today's games, and there are many - are again a mixed bag. Gus Villalobos scored the only US Player goal, Goalie Brendan Moore makes it 3 clean sheets in a row. Bad news for USYNT as we lost 2 players for the season today - Carter Cameron-Vickers (Tottenham) and Lyndon Gooch (Sunderland & Doncaster) have both been announced as done for the season - with US Internationals coming down the pipe, this could not be worse news. Hope you get fit soon guys, we will miss you.

Andrew Wooten and Sandhausen welcomed Fafa Picault and St Pauli in Germany's 2Liga. Andrew played the full 90, while Fafa stayed on the bench - but his team St Pauli won 0 - 2

In Ukraine's Pari-Match League, Eugene Starikov started and went 83 minutes as Ch. Odessa fell 1 - 2 at home to Oleksandriya

Tottenham U21 captain Cameron Carter-Vickers is injured and out for the season - WHAT A BLOW!!!

Eric Lichaj started and went 90 for Nottingham Forest as they visited Derby in the English Championship, and left empty handed, as Derby win this one 1 - 0

Tim Howard on the bench today as Everton took on Arsenal in the EPL Final: 0 - 2 Arsenal

In Germany 3Liga, Devante Parker started, went 90 as Mainz II drew 2 - 2 with Bremen

In Regionalliga Nordost, GK Adam Hobbs started for Optik Rathenow as they fell 0 - 1 to FC Schonberg and Masami Okada, who went 90 and picked up his 4th yellow card.

In Regionalliga West, Justin Kinjo went the first half, before leaving as Dusseldorf II beat Essen 1 - 0.

In Regionalliga Sudwest, Matt Taylor went 67 minutes as Saarbrucken won 2 - 0 over Elversberg

Also in Regionalliga Sudwest, Charlie Rugg went 63 minutes in Trier's 0 - 0 draw at Neckarelz

A battle of US/Ger dual's as Julian Ceesay and Amberg hosted FC Augsburg II and David Spies Augsburg II came away with the 3 points in a 0 2 win

Dominic Robinson went 82 minutes as Memmingen visited Schalding in Regionalliga Bayern Memmingen lost this one 1 - 0

Jan George, made one of his rare appearances for Regensburg as he came off the bench on the 73rd minute as his team fought to a goalless draw at Bayreuth in Regionalliga Bayern

Omar Castro started the 2nd Half for Braunschweig II as the hosted Norderstedt in Regionalliga Nord and won 2 - 1

In Malta, forward Gus Villalobos Scored the tieing goal for Pembroke as they were held at home by Hibernians. This is Gus's 12th goal of the season.

In Italy, Dylan Romney (in 18 DNP) and Savona faced off against Robbie Kristo (90) and Tuttocuoio in Liga Pro (Group B) Tuttocuoio won this one 1 - 2

In Germany's Bundesliga, John Brooks and Hertha welcome Alfredo Morales and Ingolstadt. John started and went the 90, while Alfredo (who is coming off an injury) joined the action in the 75th minute, as Ingolstadt fell 2 - 1. Hertha remain in 3rd place in Bundesliga (UCL spot)

BabaJide Ogunbiyi, started, went 90 and picked up a yellow card for Hobro as they hosted Odense in Denmark Superliga - not a good day for Hobro as they fall 0 - 2 at home

Geoff Cameron started for Stoke as they visited Watford in the EPL. He went the full 90 as Stoke came away winners 1 - 2

Both Tim Ream and Emerson Hyndman started for Fulham as they visited Jonathon Spector and Birmingham. Tim went the 90, Emerson went 75 minutes for Fulham and Jonathon went 90 for Birmingham as the game ended as a 1 - 1 draw

GK Paul Rachubka started for Bolton today as they visited Bristol City and got hit for 6 - you have to believe that the turmoil at Bolton is really set in with the players, and like Brad Guzan at Aston Villa (IMHO) see's so many errors in front of the goal its hard to make an impact.

GK Cody Cropper got the start today for MK Don's as they hosted Brighton. After going down by 2 goals MK Don's started their come-back - but unfortunately a red card to on MK Dons center back put an end to the come-back and MK Don's fall 1 - 2

Danny Williams started for Reading, went 90 (good to see him fit and playing a full game) as they faced Cardiff in a game that ended undecided at 1 - 1

GK Alek Gogic in 18 today for Fleetwood as they hosted Barnsley and lost 0 - 2....Maybe time for Alek to play coach

No Lyndon Gooch at Doncaster today - He has a season ending injury - OH NO!!

Thank you to everyone at @drfc_official. pic.twitter.com/tFQObs68uA

— Lynden Gooch (@lyndengooch46) March 19, 2016

Charlie Butte started and went 90 as Burgbrohl beat EGC Wirges in Germany's Oberliga

Americans, GK Malcolm Little(90) and Cordt Andreas Flätgen (90) both played a full game as Neunkirchen beat Ludwigshafen 1 - 0 in Germany's Oberliga

Gboly Ariyibi started for Chesterfield, and went the 90, as they visited Scunthorpe and drew 1 - 1

Shane O'Neill in 18, did not play for Cambridge as they welcomed Yeovil and easily won 3 - 0

GK Brendan Moore on his 3rd start looked to keep his 3rd clean sheet as Torquay faced Southport and unbelievably he did it WOW - 3 games since joining Torquay, 3 clean sheets as Torquay win 1 - 0 - Before Brendan joined Torquay were 23rd (2nd from bottom) in the league and staring at relegation - now with 2 draws and a win in their last 3 they are off the bottom in 19th place.

USYNT Kristian Scott was in the 18, but did not play, for Nuneaton as they visited Fylde in Vanarama National League North and after a furious final 10 minutes came away with a point and a 2 - 2 draw Kristian only joined Nuneaton on March 16, so really not expected to play

Jon-Paul Pittman sat in the stands (dislocated shoulder) and watched Grimsby playing in the 2nd leg of the FA Trophy Semi-Final (brought a 1 - 0 lead into the game) beat Bognor 2 - 1 and booked their trip to Wembley Stadium for the FA Trophy Final on May 22nd against Halifax. Congrats to Grimsby & Jon-Paul

Perry Kitchen started for Hearts (went 90) as they faced off with St. Johnston in Scotland's Premier League. On the day St Johnston was just to strong and came away with 3 points in a 0 - 3 win

GK Chris Konopka in the 18 but did not play for Ross County as they fell 0 - 3 at home to Inverness in the Scottish Premier League. Chris (or any GK, must find it frustrating to be seated while your club is 'thumped')

Kevin Dzierzawski in 18 today, but sat the game out for Peterhead as they won 1 - 0 over Airdrieonians in Scotland League One.

Aston Villa GK, Brad Guzan, had a good outing last week - so this week he is the chosen one to face Swansea....but heavens Brad what an error - cost Aston Villa at least a point - but got to say Aston Villa didn't have an attack - but no excuses, Brad's error cost the game

Timothy Chandler gets the nod from coach Novak today (no minutes for a few months) as Frankfurt host Hannover in Bundesliga. Timothy went the full 90 as Frankfurt hang-on to a much needed 1 - 0 win. 5 teams now battling Bundesliga relegation, all within 1 point of each other - Hannover look done!

Patrick Tshiani started for KRC Mechelen in Belgium as they took on Torhout. Patrick went 75 minutes as KRC get the 3 points with a 2 - 0 win

GK Ciaran Nugent in his now usual position on the bench as the back-up keeper for Sligo Rangers as they took on Finn Harps in Ireland's Premier Division gave up a late goal and ended with a 1 - 1 draw - come on coach put in Ciaran

Jordan Siebatcheu in the 18 today for Reims as they played Guingamp in France Ligue 1 Jordan came off the bench at 71st minute, but was unable to impact the final score, a 0 - 1 loss.

Nantes visited Lyon today in France Ligue 1, with Alejandro Bedoya starting and going 90 minutes, picked up a yellow card along the way, as Nantes gave up a couple of late goals and sank a few places in their hope for European football next season - it's not over yet - but every point lost takes them in the wrong direction. Final: Lyon 2 - 0 Nantes.

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DAILY WRAP: 3/18/2016 Features Bobby Wood Goal (video) and lots of German Action

A mixed day across the pond today. Bobby Wood continues to score (9 goals in 8 games) you can see the video below. On the other-side, Fabian Johnson didn't see out the 90 after a hot streak (Injury). Rubio Rubin was seen again on the bench at Utrecht and a new player discovery in Ireland...to the list

Bobby Wood started went 90 minutes and Scored  (his 14th of the season to tie Conor Casey's American record in the top 2 German tiers) Bobby's goal got the ball rolling and Union Berlin went on to win 3 - 1

Bobby Wood Goal HD - Union Berlin 1-0... by AlleTore

Shawn Barry started and went 90 minutes for FSV Frankfurt as they visited Heidenheim in Germany 2Liga. The game started well enough and they held a 2  goal lead heading into the last 15 minutes...then the floor dropped out and Heidenheim came back to Draw 2 - 2

In Germany's 3Liga, Royal-Dominique Fennell started and went 90 with Wurzburger as they hosted Fortuna Koln. Fortune smile on Wurzburger though and they won the contest 4 - 1

Joel Sonora made his 2nd consecutive start for Stuttgart II as they took on Osnabruck. Joel went 86 minutes as Stuttgart II fell 0 - 1

Russell Canouse, who featured in Hoffenheim's senior squad recently, found himself back in Regionalliga West with the junior squad. Russel started and went the full 90 minutes as Hoffenheim II beat Walldorf in convincing fashion 0 - 4

In Regionalliga Bayern, Fabian Hurzeler started and played 90 as 1860 II played Ingolstadt II to a goalless draw

Also in Regionalliga Bayern Julian Green started and went 67 min for Bayern II as they were well beaten by Unterhaching 4 - 1

In Norway's Tippeligaen Alex de John was in the 18 but did not play as Start's 2nd game of the season ended up the same as the first, a draw, as they visited Tromso Final: 0 - 0

GK Quentin Westbrook and Tours gave up 2 goals in the first 17 minutes and never recovered as Tours fell 2 - 0 to Le Havre

Rubio Rubin continues to rehab, and for the 2nd consecutive game made the 18. He did not play though in Utrecht's 2 - 1 win over Excelsior in the Netherlands Eredivisie

In Bundesliga, M'Gladbach just didn't have it on the day as they visited rival Schalke. Fabian Johnson lasted 70 minutes (injury) and Schalke prevailed 2 - 1 - overtaking M'Gladbach who drop to 5th in the league.

In Poland, Hunter Gorskie dressed for his team Legnica as they visited Plock in the Polish 1st Division (2nd tier) Hunter didn't get to play today, but he has only been with the team a few weeks. Final Plock 2 - 0 Legnica

In the Republic of Ireland 1st Division (2nd tier) Drogheda hosted Athlone and fought back twice to tie the game at 2 - 2. and you say? well there is an American playing for Drogheda named Joseph Jackson - I have written a piece about Joseph that I will publish shortly. Joseph played in League1Ontario for the Woodbridge Strikers before his transfer to Ireland. He spent his College Soccer at West Virginia Tech in the USCAA and in the PDL side Southern West Virginia

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TRANSFERS: Villyan Bijev Returns Home - Joins Portland Timbers 2

Photo: BBC.    Back in the Day at Liverpool

Considered by most to be a US Player, Villyan Bijev has represented both USYNT U20 and Bulgaria U21. Villyan had a chance of a lifetime ruined by paperwork right at the beginning of his career. Joining Liverpool U21, from the California Odyssey, his paperwork, which all thought would be a slam-dunk didn't work out that way, so it was the loan market, instead of cultivating his talent. Spending time at Dusseldorf in Germany, Start in Norway. Then transferring to Slavia Sofia followed by his last team Cherno More, both in Bulgaria. You would think Villyan was in mid-career, but he is only 23.

So  Villyan, a native of Fresno,  has returned home. After cancelling his contract with Cherno last December, Villyan has decided to try and get his career back on track and signed with USL team Portland 2, and if all goes well with the Portland MLS franchise.

I hope he makes it...Good Luck Villyan

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TRANSFERS: USYNT U20 Kristian Scott moves to Nuneaton in England

U20 Kristian Scott has moved to Nuneaton in National League North (6th Tier).

Kristian who was born in Bristol, UK, has represented the US at the U20 level, coming through several teams youth systems in England, Stoke U18, Swansea U21 and Leicester U21

Good Luck to Kris with his new team.

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DAILY WRAP: 3/15/2016 Features Brilliant Start for Brendan Moore, Goal in Europe Play for Kyle Scott

While everyone was watching Champions League matches, some of our US Players were battling for their clubs. Of note: Kyle Scott USYNT U19 - Scored for Chelsea in their EUFA Youth League Clash. Brendan Moore who joined Torquay just a little over a week ago, has now played twice and on both occasions kept a clean sheet as they fight for survival. Here is today's list....

U19 Kyle Scott, the other US Chelsea player, Scored Chelsea U19's only goal as they beat Ajax U19 1 - 0 in the EUFA Youth League - Quarter Final's. Chelsea U19 will now play, April 4th, against Anderlecht (won their Quarter Final 2 - 0 over Barcelona U19) for a place in the Final.
On the other side of the bracket Real Madrid U19 will play PSG U19. Good Luck to Kyle

In England's Championship - Danny Williams started played 90 minutes for Reading as they visited Brighton and suffered a 1 - 0 loss. Reading are stuck mid-table and will probably end the season close to the same position

Eric Lichaj started, went 90 as Nottingham went to Hull and came away with a respectable 1 - 1 draw

Adam Henley got the start, went 90, for Blackburn Rovers as they visited Ipswich Town and walked away with another loss, 3rd loss in 5 games.

GK, Alek Gogic was in 18, did not play, for Fleetwood as they hosted Walsall who were 1 goal better on the day. Fleetwood's recent record has them hovering just above relegation

Jon-Paul Pittman was not in 18 for Grimsby (injured - dislocated shoulder) as they visited Guisely in Vanarama National League - Final 2 - 2

Not a bad start to his career at Torquay United as Brendon Moore posts his 2nd shut-out in as many games. His team drew 0 - 0 with Halifax and they are still in dire straights, but with 2 wins and 3 draws in the last 5 there is certainly hope.

Kevin Dzierzawski started and played the full 0- minutes in Peterhead's 0 - 0 draw with Stranraer in Scotland's League One. A disappointing score for Peterhead who are trying to lock down a promotion play-off spot. (Peterhead are still in 2nd place, but only 4pts ahead and have played 1 extra game)

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 3/13/2016 - Features Season Begins in Norway A Goal in Germany & A Trophy

Today saw the beginning of the Norwegian Tippeligaen (Top Tier) with a number of US Players taking part. We saw a goal from Alassane Kane - who we wrote about yesterday and GK Chris Konopka, was in the 18 today as Ross County picked up a Trophy in Scotland
That and more follows;
  
While you were sleeping, GK, Daniel Schmidt started, went 90 in Yamaga's goalless draw at Shimizu, in Japan. This is Daniels 3rd game for Yamaga and his 2nd shut-out.

Rubio Rubin on the bench for FC Utrecht, after nearly 6 months out due to injury, did not play but great to see him fit enough to make the squad. The final FC Utrecht 2 - 2 Den Haag

Eric Palmer-Brown started, went 90 minutes for FC Porto B in their 1-0 win at Oliveirens in Portugal Segunda Liga. The win puts FC Porto B at the top of the league by 1 point.

Hunter Gorskie in 18, did not play, for Legnica in Poland Division 1, v Zawisza the game ended in a 1 - 1 draw.

In Germany 2Liga, Shawn Barry and FSV Frankfurt hosted Freiburg and Caleb Stanko, with Shawn coming on for the 2nd half, Freiburg were just to strong today, winning 1 - 3. Caleb was on the bench for the game

Jonathan Spector started for Birmingham, went 90, as they visited Wolves in the England Championship - the game ended in a goalless draw, Birmingham really needed 3 points if it is going to make a late challenge for promotion

Patrick Tshiani started, went 67 minutes as KRC Mechelen visit Olsa Brakel in Belgium 3rd Division Olsa were very strong against an inexperienced KRC - Final Olsa Brakel 4 - 0 KRC Mechelen

Matt Pyzdrowski started and went 120 +PK's, as Helsingborg visited Kalmar in Svenska Cupen Quarter Finals and took it to penalties before falling 1 - 0 (after a missed PK by Helsingborg)

GK, Adam Hobbs started and played 90 for Rathenow in Regionalliga Nordost, as they visited Jena and lost 3 - 2

GK, Ethan Horvath, started, went 90 in Molde's 1 - 1 draw with Tromso in Norway, Molde's 1st game of the season, they probably are not to pleased with the result.

In Oberliga Hamburg, Cody Shields came off the bench, at 74th minute, for Altona as they won 1 - 0 over Suderelbe

Both Americans started for DJK Bamberg in Oberliga Bayern Nord. Brendan Ruiz started and went 90, Alassane Kane started, went 90 and Scored in a 2 - 1 loss to Regensburg II

In Regionalliga Sudwest, Matt Taylor went 65 minutes for Saarbruken in a goalless draw at SV Spielberg

GK, Chris Konopka was in the 18 today for Ross County as they visited Hibernian's in the Insurance Cup. Chris did not get to play, but good to see him step right into the thick of things. Ross County went on to win 1 -2 and take home the trophy

Omar Castro started and went 90 as Braunschweig II fought to a goalless draw with SV Drochtersen in Regionalliga Nord

Brad Guzan started for Aston Villa and predictably they lost 0 - 2 to Tottenham - not sure what Brad's plans are for the future but he has to get out of there!

Alejandro Bedoya started went 90 in Nantes 2 - 0 win over Angers in France Ligue 1. Nantes are now in striking distance of a European spot next season

Kenny Saief started on the bench, came off at minute 85, as Gent visited Charleroi in Belgium Jupiler League and came away with a point in a 1 - 1 draw. With 2 draws in the last 2 games (coupled with #1 Club Brugge 2 wins) gent find themselves firmly in 2nd spot, with #3 Anderlecht knocking on the door

GK, Alex Horwath in the 18 today for Brann as they took on Stromsgodset in Norway. Brann fought back from a 2 goal deficit to draw 2 - 2. Alex did stay on the bench - normal for a backup GK.

Dual (US/Ger) Robin Purdy, started and went 90 minutes for Pirmasens II as they beat Gonsenheim 1 - 2 in Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar

Alex De John in 18 today for Start in Norway as they took on Lillestrom, came off the bench at minute 82 in a 1 - 1 opening day draw.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 3/12/2016 - Goals and Debut's Mark a Busy Day

Busy, Busy Day as we have 5 Goals and 3 Debuts, as Perry Kitchen, Brendan Moore and Russell Canouse all make appearances. GK Cody Cropper gets the call for MK Don's as their starter goes down injured. Bobby Wood continues to score and Roslindale, Massachusetts Charlie Rugg scores a brace in Germany's Regionalliga. Add to that a winning goal from Fabian Hurzeler and a late score by Marc Heider and the day for US Players look's pretty good....here's the list of all the action;

Bobby Wood started for Union Berlin in Germany's 2Liga . Bobby went 90 and Scored (PK), giving them the lead, but his team ultimately lost 2 - 1 at Duisburg.

Andrew Wooten, started for Sandhausen as they hosted and beat Dusseldorf 1 - 0 Andrew picked up a yellow and left the game during extra-time (90+1)

Masami Okada started and went 90 minutes as FC Schonberg hosted Budissa Bautzen in Regionalliga Nordost and drew 2 - 2. Both teams have 26 points and are on the bubble for relegation

Ken Kipson, started, went 90, picked up his 5th yellow as RB Leipzig lost 1 - 2 to BAK07 - Devan Yao was not in BAK07's 18 today's Regionalliga Nordost

Royal-Dominique Fennell started, went 90 as Wurzburger Kickers visited Chemnitzer in Germany 3Liga and came away with a 0 - 1 win

Joel Sonora, started, went the full 90 minutes as Stuttgart II visited Fortuna Koln, and won handily 1 - 3

Charlie Rugg ( Roslindale, Massachusetts) started for Trier, went 88 minutes and Scored 2 goals as they beat FC 08 Homburg 3 - 0 in Regionalliga Sudwest

Irvin Parra came off the bench at minute 80 for Kaiserslautern II as they visited Saar 05 Saarbrücken and came away 1 - 3 winners

Fabian Hurzeler started for 1860 Munich II as they visited Aschaffenburg in Regionalliga Bayern. Fabian Scored the 2nd goal (winner) for 1860 in his 71 minutes of play, that resulted in a 1 - 2 win.

David Spies, started and went 90 as Augsburg II were totally destroyed 0 - 6 by Unterhaching - nothing more to say on this

Dominic Robinson (a US/Ger dual) came off the bench in the 89th minute as Memmingen beat Burghausen 1 - 0 in Regionalliga Bayern

Marc Heider began the day on the bench for Kiel, as they hosted Aue in 3Liga. Marc joined the game in the 67th minute and Scored Kiel's 3rd goal as they put this one away 3 - 0

Justin Kinjo started went 90 for Dusseldorf II as they visited Velbert in Regionalliga West and won 1 - 3

Russell Canouse made his senior squad debut coming off the bench at the 67th minute of Hoffenheim's home match with Wolfsburg. Hoffenheim get all 3 points, as they fight relegation in a 1 - 0 much needed win.

Fabian Johnson started and went 86 minutes as M'Gladbach whooped Frankfurt 3 - 0 The win puts them into 4th spot, (UCL Playoff) and just 3 points behind Hertha & John Brooks

In Denmark's Superliga George Fochive was in the 18, but did not play as Viborg drew  0 - 0 with Sonderjyske

Jon-Paul Pittman started for Grimsby as they visited Bognor in the English FA Trophy semi-finals (first leg). Grimsby came away winners 0 - 1 and carry the result into next Saturday's game at Grimsby.

Geoff Cameron started and went 90 as Stoke hosted Southampton. The visitors came away with a 1 - 2 win.

GK Paul Rachubka started went 90 in Bolton's 1 - 2 loss to Preston in England's Championship

Tim Ream in 18, came off the bench in minute 77 as Fulham lost 1 - 2 to Bristol City - Emerson Hyndman was in 18, did not play

GK Cody Cropper was called into action, after an injury to the starting MK Don's keeper forced him to leave the match. Cody came on in the 71st minute, kept a clean sheet as they drew 1 - 1 at Hull

Eric Lichaj, started, went 90 in Nottingham's 0 - 3 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday

Lynden Gooch stated went 90 in Doncaster's 2 - 1 loss at Bradford in England's League One

GK Alek Cogic in 18 (DNP) for Fleetwood as they lost 2 - 1 at Burton

Gboly Ariyibi and Chesterfield had a terrible day as they lost 1 - 4 to Walsall, that featured a red card and 2 own goals

Shane O'Neill spent the day on the bench as Cambridge visited Northampton in England's League Two and came away with a 1 - 1 draw

GK Brendan Moore who just joined Torquay United, made his debut, and kept a clean sheet in his first game for his new club, as his team visited Aldershot in the Vanarama National League and played to a goalless draw.

Perry Kitchen came off the bench in the 73rd minute to make his debut for Hearts in the Scottish Premier League. Hearts won the game 0 - 1 at Dundee - so a successful start for Perry

Kevin Dzierzawski started, went 90 as Peterhead visited Stenhousemuir in Scotlands League One and came away with a convincing 1 - 4 win. Peterhead are now in 2nd place, 3 points ahead of 3rd place Ayr, in the race for promotion.

In the Ukraine, Eugene Starikov came off the bench for Ch. Odessa at the 67th minute, in a losing effort at Zorya. Ch. Odessa lost this one 4 - 0

In Italy, Robbie Kristo came off the bench for Tutocuoio at minute 52, Robbie picked up a yellow, in a 1 - 1 draw with Lupa Roma in Lega Pro (Group B)

Tim Howard on the bench for Everton as they host Chelsea

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LOANS: Brendan Moore Leaves Fleetwood for Torquay United

Photo:  Scott A. Miller Photography

Keeper, Brendan Moore, who has been battling for playing time at Fleetwood, has moved on loan to Torquay United in the Vanarama National League.

Brendan started his pro career with Portland's U23, before moving to Fleetwood in England's League One in February of 2015. He has had trouble getting playing time (Fleetwood had 4 GK's - including USA's Alek Gogic) The move that happened earlier today is through the end of the season.

Torquay United are not having the best season, and are in a relegation fight with 6 other teams. Hopefully Brendan will get the play time and be able to help them stay up.

Good Luck Brendan.

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DAILY WRAP: 3/11/2016 - Miazga Plays for Chelsea U21 gets Assist, Goals in Germany

Pretty busy start to the weekend this Friday. Matt Miazga finally makes an appearance, but in the U21, he went a full 90 minutes and is also credited with an assist on Chelsea's tying goal, Kyle Scot also got some time, so mark up a special moment (even if its U21) 2 US players on the field for Chelsea! Devante Parker scored for Mainz II and Fabrice-Jean Picault for St.Pauli. Danny Williams and Reading saw their FA Cup dreams disappear as they lost to Crystal Palace, and lots of lower level stuff today - check it out;


Waldemar Sobota Goal - St. Pauli 2-4 Paderborn... by footballEnLigneFabrice-Jean Picault started on the bench today for St.Pauli in Germany's 2Liga as they hosted Paderborn. Fabrice-Jean came off the bench at minute 79 an Scored at min 90+3 - in a goal-fest that ended 3 - 4 in favor of Paderborn

Devante Parker, started and Scored Mainz II 1st goal which gave his team a 1 - 1 draw at Hallescher in Germany 3Liga. Devante went the 90 today

Norway kicked-off its season today with Stabaek visiting Aalesund - Cole Grossman was missing from the 18 for Stabaek as they lost the first game of the season 1 - 0.

Oh dear! Quentin Westberg started went the 90 in Tours Ligue 2 match, in France, with Laval. Quentin kept a clean sheet until the 90+4 ET goal, and the game ended with a 1 - 1 scoreline

Jordan Siebatcheu started on the bench for Reims in France's Ligue 1 as they visited Monaco. Jordan came off the bench at minute 77, as Reims Drew 2 - 2.

Matt Miazga, started for Chelsea U21, is credited with an Assist on the 1st Chelsea goal, and Kyle Scott came off the bench at min 82 (now there's something ! 2 US Players on the pitch for Chelsea)  as they took on Leicester City U21 and won 2 - 1

Danny Barbir came off the bench at 73 minutes for West Bromwich U21 in their 2 - 0 defeat at Derby U21

John Brooks started and went 90 in Hertha's home game v Schalke. A goal each side of half-time gave Hertha a comfortable 2 - 0 win. The win also puts space (4 points) between themselves and Schalke for a 3rd place finish and UCL football next season.

Julian Ceesay ( a young Dual German/American) came off the bench for FC Amberg in Regionalliga Bayern in a 2 - 0 loss at FC Schweinfurt

Julian Green came off the bench for Bayern II, in Regionalliga Bayern, in the 68th minute, as Bayern II won their home game against SV Schalding-Heining 2 - 0.

Mario Rodriguez came off the bench at minute 62, as M'Gladbach II visited Rot-Weiss Essen in Regionalliga West, and came away with a 3 - 3 draw. M'Gladbach II are far and away leaders of their league.

GK, Ciaran Nugent was in the 18 (DNP) for Sligo Rangers in Rep. of Ireland Premier League, as they fell 1 - 0 on an own goal, at Bohemians.

In the big FA Cup clash today Reading faced Crystal Palace for a semi-final spot. Danny Williams started on the bench, but came off in the 75th minute. Unfortunately, Reading CB, Jake Cooper (Red Card) gave up an 86th minute penalty - dooming Reading. The Final 0 - 2

GK, Malcolm Little, started and went 90 in Neunkirchen's 1 - 1 draw with TUS Koblenz in Oberliga Rhineland-Pfalz/Saar.

MIA Today (for various reasons)
Gideon Zelalam - Rangers
Travis Brent - Almere

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TRANSFER: A Pair of Americans Are Now With DJK Bamberg in Germany

Photo: ifxsoccer.com        Brendan on trial for Weiden

Brendan Ruiz Center Back from Cupertino, joined DJK Bamberg in Oberliga Bayern on February 1st. Brendan had been with SpVgg Weiden before the transfer. Brendan spent his early career in Brazil with Figuerense (at U20) before joining Sporting KC in MLS in 2013 (on a short contract).

Photo: infranken.de             Alassane (r) at Memmelsdorf

Also at DJK Bamberg is Alassane Kane, who I followed as part of SoccerOT. Alassane is out of University of Vermont. He chose Germany as his career next stop playing for Memmelsdorf, Eintracht Bamberg before joining DJK Bamberg. His first game for DJK Bamberg was last Saturday (3/6) where he score both DJK Goals in a 2 - 2 away draw (not to shabby) Alasane had 6 goals for Eintracht Bamberg this season before he transferred.

Good luck to both players

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CONTRACTS: Hoffenheim U21, Russell Canouse, Moves Up to Senior Squad

Photo: Hoffenheim Web Site

20 year old, Lancaster Pennsylvania Mid-Fielder Russell Canouse has been offered a special opportunity, as he continues his  climb through the ranks at Hoffenheim. According to Kicker.de the German Magazine & on-line tracker of everything German football, Russell will get the opportunity to appear with the senior squad, as injuries pile up. (Could be as early as this weekend as Wolfsburg visit the Wirsol Rhein-Neckar-Arena.)

Russell came through the Hoffenheim system, starting in 2012, with the U17, U19, U21 (Hoffenheim II who play in Regionalliga - 14 games, 1 Goal)) and now looks set for the Seniors. Russell has appeared 12 times (1 Goal) for the USA U21 team. (he missed the USA U20 World Cup Team in 2015 due to an ankle injury)

We wish Russell all the luck as he steps center stage in Germany

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DAILY WRAP: 3/8/2016 - On The Bench Edition

Seems like the majority of US Players found themselves on the bench today,  still we push on regardless. Games in England and a UCL match involving Kenny Saief and Belgium's Gent.

Here is today's list;

Adam Henley was not in 18 for Blackburn as they hosted Birmingham and Jonathan Spector (in 18 DNP) and won 2 - 0 in England's Championship

Danny Barbir finally got off the bench today, in the 89th minute, as West Bromwich U21 beat Wolves in the Premier League U21 2 - 1

GK, Cody Cropper, was on the bench for MK Dons goalless draw at Charlton

Tim Ream was on the bench, and Emerson Hyndman, nowhere to be seen as Fulham lost at home 2 - 3 to Burnley

Duane Holmes was in the 18 (DNP) as Huddersfield beat Reading, with Danny Williams (90) 3 - 1. Good to see Danny back, staring and completing the game.

Nottingham Forest and Eric Lichaj (90) finally won a game after 4 consecutive losses as they beat Preston 1 - 0

Lynden Gooch started and went 90 in Doncasters away defeat to Scunthorpe in Englands League 1. Lynden  seems to have lost the magic at the moment, but it will return I am sure, playing in the Sub21's then changing to Pro league is a difficult adjustment. Final: Scunthorpe 2 - 0 Doncaster

Zak Whitbread did not make the 18 for Shrewsbury today - Injury.  Shrewsbury won 2 - 1 v Coventry and are now well clear of the drop zone

Jon-Paul Pittman was in 18 (DNP) as Grimsby won their battle against Southend in Vanarama National League. Grimsby sit in 3rd place, with a 2 game advantage over 2nd Forest Green who have hit a bit of a bad spot. Grimsby look to be assured of a promotion playoff at the end of the season

In the European Champions League, Kenny Saief came off the bench in the 68th minute, as his Belgium side Gent fell at Wolfsburg 1 - 0. (4 - 2 agg)

Back to the English Championship, where GK Paul Rachubka and Bolton got a 90+5 minute goal and a draw against Ipswich at 2 - 2. The hapless Bolton are almost certainly going down this season, sad affair for such a storied club.

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TRANSFER: Chris Konopka leaves Toronto for Ross County in Scotland

Photo: sbisoccer.com               Chris had a Save of The Week on SBI v LA Galaxy

New Jersey born Chris Konopka, has left  Toronto FC and joined Ross County in Scotland's Premier League.

Chris was drafted in 2007 by the (then) Kansas City Wizards, spent time at Philadelphia and Toronto, where he played 21 times last season with 4 shutouts, over the past few years, Chris is no stranger to European football having spent time in the Republic of Ireland from 2008 till 2012.

Ross County are currently in 4th place in the Scottish Premier League (SPFL) which places them in the playoff group for European Football next season.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 3/6/2016 - Features a Goal in Luxembourg and Some Costly Losses

Much quieter day today, that feature possibly costly loses by Hertha and Nantes. But young US players make their teams, a goal in Luxembourg and a clean sheet in Japan. Lets go to the news;

In Japan, GK Daniel Schmidt started his 2nd game for Yamaga in J2 League, Daniel kept a clean sheet as his new team won 0 - 2 over Yokohama FC

Fabrice-Jean Picault, started for St Pauli, in Germany's 2Liga, played the first half before being subbed, as St Pauli fell 2 - 0 at Heidenheim

Devante Parker started and went 90 minutes as Mainz II visited Aue, in Germany's 3Liga. Mainz II held out until mid 2nd half before giving up a goal, and eventually losing this one 0 - 1

Joel Sonora, started on the bench for Stuttgart II today, but made the pitch at the 61st minute. Joel played the rest of the game, picked up a yellow card (and unconfirmed Assist) in a 1 - 1 draw with Chemnitzer

John Brooks started, went 90 min, as Hertha visited Hamburg and left empty handed in a 2 - 0 loss. Hertha are now just hanging on to their 3rd place in Bundesliga, and their automatic UCL spot.

Alejandro Bedoya started, went 90 in a game that saw Nantes take an old fashioned beating in the 1st half (4 - 0) A 60th minute goal from Nantes and a Rennes red card, gave some hope, but it was just to much of a hole to climb out of. Final: Rennes 4 - 1 Nantes

CB Adam Benn  started went 90 for Niendorf as they faced Dassendorf in Oberliga Hamburg. Niendorf conceded an 87 min goal and ended with a 0 - 1 loss

Omar Castro, started on the Bench for Braunschweig II as they took on ETSV Weiche in Regionalliga Nord . Despite taking the lead Braunschweig lost 1 - 2 with Omar coming off the bench at the 74th minute.

Martin Ontiveros started and Scored Hamm Benfica's 2nd goal in a 2 - 2 draw with Ettelbruck in Luxembourg's National Division (top tier). This was Martins 5th goal so far this season

19 year old DM Peter Jacob Wing, was in 18, did not play, in Osnabruck II' goalless draw with FT Braunschweig in Oberliga Niedersachsen

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 3/5/2016 - Goals by Wood (2) Schonfeld, Soto, Fabian Johnson Continues Form

Busy busy day, pretty much everything is here...a few folks I left out (mostly not in 18) goals from our guys include a brace from Bobby Wood (Video below) Aaron Schonfeld makes it 3 goals in 4 games in Israel, and ex Chivas USA - Josue Soto nets one for Jaro in Finland. Of course Fabian Johnson was on fire again with an assist in M'Gladbach's losing effort.  Here is the complete list;

Mid-fielder Josue Soto started and Scored for FF Jaro in their Suomen Cup game at Oolu  in Finland. Josue's goal was the 2nd of three on the day as FF Jaro won 0 - 3

Bobby Wood started and Scored a brace for Union Berlin as they romped over FSV Frankfurt and Shawn Barry (Yellow Card) 4 - 0. Bobby's goals both came in the first half, the first a 29th min PK the 2nd 5 mins later - Bobby's tally up to 12 goals

Bobby Wood Goal HD - Union Berlin 2-0 FSV... by AlleTore
Bobby Wood Goal HD - Union Berlin 3-0 FSV... by AlleTore
Adam Henley spent the game on the bench for Blackburn, as they fell 1 - 0 at Burnley, in the English Championship

GK Quentin Westberg started, went 90 for Tours in France Ligue 2, as Tours beat Sochaux 1 - 0

Marc Heider started went 77 minutes in Kiel's 1 - 2 home loss to Cottbus in Germany's 3Liga

Fabian Johnson started for M'Gladbach, continued his great form, credited with the Assist on M'Gladbach's goal, Fabian went 80 minutes, but M'Gladbach falls 2 - 1 to Wolfsburg

GK Adam Hobbs started, went 90 in Rathenow Regionalliga Nordost game v Halberstadt, unfortunately Adam was on the losing side in a 0 - 3 defeat

Ken Gipson started, went 58 minutes, picked up a yellow card, in RB Leipzig II visit to Hertha II Final 1 - 1

Masami Okada started and completed the first half as FC Schonberg visited ZFC Meuselwitz in a 1 - 0 loss

Mario Rodriguez started and went 72 minutes in M'Gladbach II's 4 - 0 victory over FC Kray

Matt Taylor started went 65 minutes in Saarbrucken's 1 - 0 win over FK Pirmasens

Eric Palmer-Brown in 18, did not play, for FC Porto B in Portugal Segunda Liga as they draw 0 - 0 with Olhanense.

Fabian Hurzeler started on the bench for 1860 II, came on at the 65th minute in their 2 - 0 win over FC Nurnberg II

Julian Green started for Bayern II, went 72 mins as they fall 1 - 0 to Burghausen in Regionalliga Bayern

Junior Flores in 18, did not play in Dortmund II  3 - 1 loss to Oberhausen

George Fochive came off the bench at minute 76, by that time Viborg were up 0 - 6 over Hobro and Babajide Ogunbiyi (90), which ended as the final score in the Denmark Superliga

In the EPL, Matt Miazga was on the bench (did not play) for Chelsea and Geoff Cameron started and played 90 for Stoke in their 1 - 1 draw

Everton decided to leave Tim Howard on the bench, and they lost 2 - 3 to West Ham on a 90min goal

Brad Guzan got the start again this week - he probably wishes he didn't - as Aston Villa visited Manchester City and got thumped 4 - 0

DeAndre Yedlin got the start, went 90 for Sunderland, as they visited Southampton and came away with a 1 - 1 draw which has them 1 point above the drop zone (they have only lost once in the last 5)

In the Championship, Duane Holmes was in 18, did not play, as Huddersfield lost 2 - 0 to Derby

Nottingham Forest and Eric Lichaj have now lost the last 4 games, after today's 1 - 0 defeat at Ipswich

Bolton started GK Paul Rachubka again, but Bolton's terrible season continued with a 2 - 1 defeat at Leeds

Cody Cropper was on the bench today for MK Dons as they beat QPR 2 - 0

Reading and Fulham traded goals, but neither Danny Williams (Reading) or Emerson Hyndman (Fulham) got off their respective benches Final: Reading 2 - 2 Fulham

It was Lynden Gooch (Doncaster) v Zak Whitbread (Shrewsbury) in League One. Zak left early (Injury) while Lynden went 90. Shrewsbury won this one 0 - 1

GK Alek Gogic resumed his normal position on the bench for Fleetwood as they welcomed Sheffield United and drew 2 - 2

Gboly Ariyibi continues his fine form, as Chesterfield visited Southend in England League One and cam away with a 0 - 1 and 3 points

Shane O'Neill didn't get off the bench for Cambridge as they dropped a home game 0 - 1 to Exeter in League 2

In Israel Aaron Schoenfeld Scored for H.Tel Aviv as they drew with M Petach Tikva. This is Aaron's 3rd goal in the 4 appearances he has made for Tel Aviv since joining in January

Kevin Dzierzawski made his 11th start of the season as Peterhead visited Albion Rovers, in Scotland's League One, and played to a 1 - 1 draw. Peterhead remain in 2nd place, but the gap (below) has closed to only 3 points

Nermin Crnkic was in 18 (for the first time since his transfer) but did not play, as Slovan Bratislava visited Podbrezova in Slovakia Fortuna Liga, and came away with a 0 - 1 win. Slovan are in 2nd place (Europa League) just 4 points behind the leader and a Champions League spot.

Theo (Jordan) Siebatcheu, back from injury this week, started on the bench for Reims in France Ligue 1, entered the game at minute 73 in a 2 - 0 loss to Lille

GK Ciaran Nugent, in his first game in Ireland, is on the bench for Sligo Rovers as they face Shamrock Rovers in the Ireland Premier Division. Sligo didn't do themselves any favors with 2 red cards that decimated their left midfield, and ultimately defeated 0 - 2 to open their season.

Robbie Kristo in 18 for Tuttocuio in Italy's Liga Pro (Group B) came off the bench after 65 minutes in a 0 - 0 draw with Pistoiese.
 
Josh Perez started went 90, for Fiorentina Primavera and Scored  his 4th goal (in 7 games) for the Italian U19 side

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DAILY WRAP: 3/4/2016 - Goal from Shawn Parker, Debut for Hunter Gorskie

Interesting day, Hunter Gorskie debut's in Poland, Shawn Parker (brother of Devante) on his 2nd appearance (first start) since recovering from an injury scores for a pitiful Augsburg II, and conspicuous by there absence, the Irish Premier League began today, and our American players didn't make the cut!

Here is the news today

Photo: NY Cosmos

24 year old Defender Hunter Gorskie, who left NY Cosmos for Poland, debuted and started for Legnica in Poland's Division 1 (2nd tier) as they visited Chrobry Glowgow. Hunter went the 90, picked up a yellow in ET, in a 2 - 1 loss

Andrew Wooten got the start for Sandhausen as they visited 1860 in Germany's 2Liga. Andrew went 83 minutes, picked up a yellow, in a 3 - 2 loss

Shawn Parker, back from injury, started for Augsburg II as they took on Schweinfurt in Regionalliga Bayern, Scored the games 1st goal, after 6 mins, in what ultimately ended as a 1 - 1 draw

Kenny Saief was on the bench for Gent as they faced Leuven in Belgium's Jupiler League. Final 1 - 1

Jon-Paul Pittman started on the bench, joined the game in the 83rd minute, in a 0 - 1 win for Grimsby at Forest Green in the Vanarama National League.
Grimsby are now in 3rd position, 8 points ahead, and 3 games in hand, still not enough to catch 2nd place Forest Green, but good enough(right now) to get a promotional playoff spot

Tomorrow looks to be a really busy day, so check back for Saturday's Weekend Wrap.

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RUMORS: Bedoya to Premier League This Summer?

English rag, The Daily Mail, is  reporting that several EPL clubs are interested in signing Alejandro Bedoya. Here is the report

 Alejandro has had a pretty good year so far at Nantes He has scored four goals this campaign, including two in the Cup, and was unfortunate to have one ruled out for offside against Monaco

"Bedoya is under contract until 2019 at the eight-placed French club and is valued at around £3million. However, the lure of playing in the Premier League is expected to see the New Jersey-born attacker turn his back on French football"

Well, that's to be seen, categorize this as a rumor, for now.

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DAILY WRAP: 3/2/2016 - Goals by Rodriguez, Villalobos Assist by Johnson

Another busy mid-week schedule, although from a US player perspective, quite a few MIA's (for various reasons) still enough going on to keep interest high. Mario Rodriguez scored, the winner, for M'Gladbach II. Gus Villalobos scored tying the game for Pembroke in Malta, and Fabian Johnson continued his hot streak with an excellent assist on the opening goal for M'Gladbach's senior squad. Elsewhere Alejandro Bedoya could not find the magic to help Nantes today. To the list;

Shawn Barry started went 90 minutes in FSV Frankfurt 3 - 3 draw with Duisburg in 2Liga in Germany

Fabian Hurzeler started for 1860 II, in Germany's Regionalliga Bayern, went 90, picked up a yellow card in a goalless draw at Furth II

Photo:www.wz.de

USA U23, Mario Rodriguez (above) Scored M'Gladbach's 2nd goal (winner) as M'Gladbach visited Velbert in Regionalliga West, and came away with a convincing 1 - 4 win

Devante Parker, started went 90 minutes in Mainz II's 1 - 0 win over Erfurt in Germany's 3Liga

USMNT Alejandro Bedoya started and went 120 minutes for Nantes in the Coupe de France Quarter-final v Sochaux - a close game that went into ET, with Nantes falling 3 - 2

Photo: espn.com

Fabian Johnson (above) started for M'Gladbach as they faced Stuttgart. Fabian got the Assist on the first goal went the 90 as they gain a simple win 4 - 0 that moves them up to 4th in Bundesliga Unfortunately the video has been removed - so - Fabian received a long pass on the wing, brought the ball inside the penalty area, to the end-line, passed back to Thorsten Hazard for an easy tap-in. (if I find another video I will post here)

John Brooks started for Hertha as they welcomed Frankfurt in Germany's Bundesliga, John went 90 as Hertha coolly won 2 - 0 to cement their 3rd place spot - for Frankfurt Timothy Chandler MIA again.

Gustavo Villalobos started for Pembroke in Malta, Scored the tieing goal (54th min) against his old team Qormi, as they went on to win 3 - 1 and pulling themselves free of the relegation zone

USYMT Emerson Hyndman and Luca de la Fuentes both started for Fulham U21 as they played Stoke U21 to a 1 - 1 draw

Geoff Cameron started for Stoke City, went the 90 in Stoke's 1 - 0 win over Newcastle

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