WEEKEND WRAP: Friday, Saturday, Sunday - The Good, Bad & Ugly

This week was not a particularly good week for our American players. 2 own goals - Shaq Moore in Spain and Bryan Gaul in Germany both found the back of the net for the opposition!  Royall Fennell picked up a Red Card in Germany to cap-off a weekend that will not be remembered (by most) On the bright side the 2 Americans in the Scottish Premiership had a marked impact on their game with 2 goals and an assist, and in Germany Terrence Boyd, who it seems is being shopped-around by his club, continues to score goals for the B team. Two young goalkeepers had good days, with Justin vom Steeg stopping everything including a PK, while Will Pulisic is getting more play time, and showing his worth at Dortmund.

The list of "in 18/DNP" is worrying long, with Tim Ream, Matt Miazga, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Caleb Stanko and Rubio Rubin all polishing the hardwood this weekend. Admittedly, these (chosen) 5 are only on-the-cusp of the USMNT, but it will be hard for them to improve there skill sets if they are not playing. Then players, such as Emerson Hyndman after showing such promise at Fulham last season transferred up and into a black hole. There is a pretty big pool of young US players, that will set the tone for our future success - but agents and the players themselves must choose clubs where they have an opportunity to play and grow.

There have been a couple of Player Movements in Sweden........

In a surprise move, GK Josh Wicks (was AFC United captain) has left the team and joined fellow promotee's Sirius. Both teams ended on the same points total, with Sirius claiming the top spot on GD. Josh, who played for DC United, before leaving for Finland and Veikkausliiga's IFK Mariehamn, has been AFC United's #1 choice between the nets since joining in 2014. Josh's contract is up on December 31st, and Sirius (who also have American Pat Hopkins) get Josh on a free.

Paul Torres was released by Assyriska who were relegated from Sweden's Superettan - Paul was only with Assyriska a short time, joining from Promoted AFC United mid-season The 25 year-old, Univ. of Maryland Mid-fielder has played his professional career in Sweden, with short time in Norway

OK here is the (very short) list for this week

GOALS
Duane Holmes - England
Bjorn Johnsen (2) - Scotland
Terrence Boyd - Germany

ASSIST
Timothy Chandler - Germany
Perry Kitchen - Scotland

SHUT OUT
Justin vom Steeg - Germany
Will Pulisic - Germany

And the more comprehensive full listing starts here

FRIDAY

GK Justin vom Steeg gets the Shut Out (including a PK save) as Dusseldorf II win 3 - 0 at home to Bonner SC, in Regionalliga (West)

Oscar Ortiz went 90, as SC Feucht beat Ansbach 3 - 0 in Oberliga (Bayern Nord)

GK Quentin Westberg was an unused sub in Tours 2 - 1 home win against Auxerre in France Ligue 2

Shane O'Neill put in 90 minutes as NAC Breda traveled to Cambuur, falling 3 - 1 in Netherlands Eerste Divisie. After a good start to the season Breda have come off the rails somewhat

Conor O'Brien and Horsens were just overpowered by Aarhus, in Denmark's Superliga, as they fall 1 - 5 at home

In New Zealand, Ethan Dent started on the bench for Hawkes Bay in their 1 - 0 loss at leaders Auckland City

SATURDAY

Russell Canouse was an unused sub in Bochum's 2 - 2 draw at Dresden in Germany's 2Liga

Kyle Scott (81) as Chelsea U23 visited Manchester City U23 in EPL2 and came away with a 2 - 2 draw

GK David Yelldell was an unused sub as Sonnenhof traveled to Bremen II and fell 1 - 0 in Germany 3Liga

Mael Corboz was an unused sub in Duisburg's 2 - 2 draw with Aalen in 3Liga

Mario Rodriguez stayed on the bench as Chemnitzer traveled to Erfurt an won 1 - 2 also in 3Liga

Jann George went 90 as Regensburg fell 2 - 1 at Kiel who have stayed with GK Kenneth Kronholm in the net, who started and went 90

An 86th minute RED Card handed to Royall Fennell put an end to Hellecher's chances as they fall 1 - 0 at Magdeburg in 3Liga

Marc Heider (90) Robbie Kristo (in 18/DNP) and Osnabruck win big, 3 - 0 over Lotte in Germany 3Liga as Osnabruck are now in the #2 spot (tied #1 with Duisburg on 28 points - GD)

In Bundesliga, Fabian Johnson (15) and M'Gladbach were held to a 1 - 1 draw with visitors Hoffenheim

In Junior Bundesliga (Nord) McKinzie Gaines went 86 in #1 Wolfsburg U19 0 - 1 win at #2 Hertha U19

Corey Anton (17) Kevin Coleman (17) and Kaiserslautern U19 traveled to Frieburg U19 and lost 4 - 2 in Junior Bundesliga (Sud)

Timothy Chandler (90) plus Assist as Frankfurt beat Dortmund - Christian Pulisic was an unused sub - 2 - 1 in Bundesliga. Frankfurt moves up to 3rd, Dortmund drops to 6th

Charlie Rugg (23) in Pirmasens 1 - 0 loss at Koblenz in Regionalliga (Sudwest)

Joel Sonora (70) in Stuttgart II 1 - 2 loss to Waldorf in Regionalliga (Sudwest)

Piakai Henkel (7) in Bahlinger SC 1 - 0 loss at Goppinger SV n Oberliga (Baden-Wurttemberg)

George Fochive went 90 as Viborg gave up a 90+4 min goal to draw 2 - 2 with Sonderjyske in Denmark's Superliga

GK Brad Guzan was an unused sub, as Middlesbrough visited Leicester and managed a 2 - 2 draw in England's Premier League

Lyndon Gooch got 11 mins on the field as Sunderland lost 2 - 0 at Liverpool in England's Premier League

Tim Ream was an unused sub in Fulham's 2 - 1 defeat at Brighton in the English Championship

A rare home loss for Newcastle and DeAndre Yedlin (90) as they drop points at home to Blackburn in the English Championship - Newcastle still in first place

Danny Williams (90) as Reading win 2 - 1 over Bristol Rovers at Madejski Stadium in the English Championship - Reading sitting in 3rd place after 5 straight wins

Back-up GK Paul Rachubka on the bench as Bury lose 2 - 3 to Millwall, after being up 2 - 0 (a red card/PK for Millwall led to the unraveling of Bury)

Chesterfield and Gboly Ariyibi (90) held on for a 3 - 2 win at home to Bristol Rovers in England's League One

Jack McBean came off the bench for the final 15 minutes as Coventry City fell 1 - 2 to MK Dons

Duane Holmes Scored Scunthorpe's goal as they drew 1 - 1 at home to Oxford Utd. Scunthorpe are still England League One leaders

Not a good day for GK Brendan Moore as Torquay fall 2 - 1 at Tranmere in England's National League

Captain Perry Kitchen went 90 and was credited with an Assist and Bjorn Johnsen (69) Scored 2 goals as Hearts had little trouble with Motherwell in a 3 - 0 win in Scotland's Premier League

Peterhead and Kevin Dzierzawski are out of the Scottish FA Cup after a 0 - 1 loss to Alloa

An 84th minute own goal by Shaq Moore hammered the nail home as Levante UD B fell 2 - 0 at Villarreal B in Spain's Segunda Division B (Group 3)

GK Bakary Sanyang allowed 3 goals as Pfeddersheim fell 3 - 1 at Hauenstein in Oberliga (Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar)

Jon-Paul Pittman (84) as Harrogate draw 2 - 2 with Salford in the English FA Trophy - a replay will be needed to settle this one

Matt Miazga was an unused sub for the 2nd week, as Vitesse drew 2 - 2 with Excelsior in Netherlands Eredivisie

Cameron Carter-Vickers was an unused sub as Tottenham fall at Chelsea, in a London derby, in the English Premier League

SUNDAY

In Japan J-League 2, GK Daniel Schmidt and Yamaga, surprisingly, lost their 1st round playoff at home to Okayama, 1 - 2. Yamaga (top seeded) lost to the bottom seed in their effort to reach the top tier next season. They will now have to win their next game by at least 2 goals (next Saturday)

Timothy Tillman went 90 as Bayern U19 met with Frankfurt U19 and had little problem, defeating the visitors 3 - 0 in Junior Bundesliga (Sud)

GK Will Pulisic kept a clean sheet as Dortmund U19 were held to a 0 - 0 draw by Duisburg U19, in Junior Bundesliga (West)

Weston McKennie and Haji Wright both went 90 as Schalke U19 welcomed Wuppertaler U19 in Junior Bundesliga (West). Neither of the goal-scoring duo hit home today, but they were not needed as Schalke U19 had little problem in their 2 - 0 win.

Andrew Wooten went 90 for Sandhausen as they fell 0 - 1 at home to Union Berlin, in Germany's 2Liga

Toni Suddoth (90) and Stuttgart U19 fell 0 - 1 at home to league leaders Augsburg U19 in Junior Bundesliga (Sud) - Augsburg U19 have only lost once this season.

In Germany's 3Liga, Devante Parker (90 + yellow) and Mainz II held on to beat Shawn Barry (90 + yellow) and Frankfurt 1 - 0 in a close game that was decided early on with a 16th minute goal

In Regionalliga (Nordost) Terrence Boyd (90 + yellow card) Scored at the 30th minute to give RB Leipzig II the lead (albeit short lived) at Furstenwalde who replied with a 37th minute score in a 1 - 1 draw

GK Michael Lansing was an unused sub in Vejle's goalless draw at Helsingor in Denmark's Division 1

Sammy Adjei got a couple of minutes in at Naestved as they won 2 - 0 over AB Copenhagen in Denmark Division 1

Caleb Stanko sat on the bench and watched as the hapless Vaduz found their goal-scoring prowess (at least for 1 game) as they won 5 - 1 0ver Lugano in Switzerland Super League

Fabian Hurzeler went 90 in Pipinsried's 1 - 0 win over TSV Bogen in Oberliga (Bayern Sud)

In New Zealand Premiership, Canterbury suffered their first loss with a 1 - 2 home defeat by Hamilton. Matt Wiesenfarth came off the bench to help Canterbury, but it was not their day, GK Kris Schultze was an unused sub this week.

In a wild game in Regionalliga (Sudwest) Bryan Gaul (90 + OG) Matt Taylor (45) and Offenbach fell 2 - 3 to Saarbrucken. Ryan's OG was the difference in the game (Saarbrucken's 3rd) as Offenbach fought back from 0 - 3 with 2 goals in the final 15 minutes, but fell just short

Keaton Parks seems to have cemented his spot as a starter for Varzim, in Portugal's Segunda Liga. Today Keaton went 74 minutes in a 1 - 1 draw with Guimaraes B (who scored in the 83rd minute) Today's result means 1 win, 3 draws and a loss in the last 5 games. Its tight in the bottom half of the league, a few wins would relieve the pressure on Varzim

Rubio Rubin was an unused sub in Utrecht's 3 - 3 draw with #1 Feyenoord in Netherlands Eredivisie

Eric Lickert got 15 minutes in as Freiburg II thump Oberachern 5 - 0 in Oberliga (Baden-Württemberg) and take the top spot in the league

John Brooks went 90 as Hertha faced off with Mainz in Bundesliga, doing just enough to hold a slim lead in a game that ended 2 - 1. Hertha in 3rd place (tied with Frankfurt) and only trail 2nd place Bayern by 3 points

Aris Briggs Zustra went 81 for Osnabruck II as they fell 0 - 2 at home to Spelle-Venhaus in Oberliga (Niedersachsen)

GK Benjamin Machini was in back-up mode today and he had to sit and watch Barakaldo lose 0 - 1 at home to Gernika in Spain's Segunda Division B (Group 2)

Read More

WEEKEND WRAP: Friday, Saturday, Sunday - Features 3 x 2 Goal Games & Pro/Rel in Sweden & Japan

Let's start today's wrap with some sad news. Reported earlier this week, ex New England Revolution, A.J. Soares has retired, he will not be dressed for Aarhus game this weekend - the reports have a concussion as the reason, so concussion ends another good career. Good luck in the future AJ

I added a couple of items from Thursday this week...mainly because of the play-offs in Sweden, where GK Matt Pyzdrowski is involved in a relegation battle. Otherwise its the same format as you expect. It's been a strange weekend where we have had plenty of activity from US players, but with much reduced success. We had three players score a brace for their team, but no assists (as far as I can see) and only 1 goalkeeper managed a shut-out. Some new names, as young Americans are getting their chance, Piakai Henkel, a 21 year old dual (USA/Singapore) from Florida playing with Bahlinger in Germany, USA U20 Joshua Perez made the bench for Fiorentina in Serie A, and Mael Corboz made the 18 for Duisburg.

On the Pro/Rel scene, GK Matt Pyzdrowski and Helsingborg are relegated to Superettan in Sweden. GK Daniel Schmidt and Yamaga failed to get the automatic promotion spot in Japan (on GD) but still have a chance as one of 4 teams in the J2 leagues play-off. 

OK to the list, as usual the (very) short list comes first. If you want more detail then the wrap has as much as we have identified this weekend.

The short list

GOALS
Sammy Adjei - Denmark
Haji Wright (2) - Germany
Andrew Wooten (2) - Germany
Danny Williams - England
Nermin Crnkic (2) - Bosnia

ASSISTS
No assists tracked this week

SHUT OUT
Danny Rogers - Scotland

The complete and comprehensive listing

Thursday action saw Sammy Adjei enter the game in the 78th minute and Scored for Naestved as they visited Vejle in Denmark Division 1. GK Michael Lansing was an unused sub for Vejle. With the 2nd straight loss Naestved are in trouble in the bottom 2 in the league.

In the Allsvenskan Relegation Play-off in Sweden, GK Matt Pyzdrowski and Helsingborg (Allsvenskan) drew 1 - 1 at Halmstad (Superettan) in the first leg to decide if Helsingborg will remain in the top tier. Just as a note, Helsingborg scored both goals (OG) in the game. The teams will meet at Helsingborg on Sunday

FRIDAY

In EPL2, Gedion Zelalem (90) and Arsenal U23 as they visited Tottenham U23 and won 0 - 2 Gedion was fouled in the 68th minute that led to a straight red card for Tottenham's Owen.

Marlon Fossey (90) and Luca De La Torre (90) both started for Fulham U23 as they visited Middlesbrough U23 and won handily 1 - 4 in EPL2

Omar Castro (9) came off the bench late for Braunschweig II as they lost 2 - 1 at Wolfsburg II in Regionalliga (Nord)

Connor O'Brien went 90 for Horsens in their Denmark Superliga 0 - 1 win at Lyngby, with the win Horsens moves into 6th place (Promotion Group)

Russell Canouse got 3 minutes in at the end of the 1 - 1 draw as Bochum held off visitors Braunschweig in Germany's 2Liga

Both Robbie Kristo and Marc Heider went 90 as Osnabruck visited Aalen and came away with a point in a 1 - 1 draw in Germany's 3Liga

Devann Yao played the final 4 minutes as BAK07 visited Nordhausen in Regionalliga (Nordost) and won 1 - 2

Jordan Siebatcheu off of a longish injury period came off the bench at minute 59 as Reims fell 0 - 2 at home to Laval in France Ligue 2

GK Quentin Westburg was on the bench watching Tours lose 2 - 1 to Sochaux in France Ligue 2

Shane O'Neill went 90 in #5 NAC Breda's goalless draw with #2 Venlo in Netherlands Eerste Divisie - denying Venlo first place in the league

SATURDAY

Haji Wright Scored 2 Goals in his 86 minutes on, and Weston McKennie went the whole 90 as Schalke U19 visited Leverkusen U19 in Junior Bundesliga (West) and won with ease 1 - 4

In Germany's 2Liga, Andrew Wooten Scored 2 (1 PK) as Sandhausen visited Karlsruher and won 1 - 3. Andrew went 90 minutes before being replaced in ET

In Junior Bundesliga (South) Corey Anton (17), Kevin Coleman (7) and Kaiserslautern U19 beat Frankfurt U19 2 - 1

Also in Junior Bundesliga (South) defender Toni Suddoth left the game after 28 minutes (assume injury) as Stuttgart U19 visited Nurnberg U19 and lost 2 - 1

In Serbia's Super Liga, Ismar Tandir managed 4 minutes for Javor , as they hosted Radnik and won 1 - 0, that's 3 wins in a row and 5 games without a loss for Javor as they climb up the standings

In Germany 3Liga Shawn Barry (90) and Frankfurt faced off with Duisburg where Mael Corboz was in the 18 for the first time, in a game that ended goalless.

Royal Fennell (90) and Hallescher hosted Devonte Parker and Mainz II in Germany 3Liga, and won 2 - 0 in a game that ended at 10 a-side.

Jann George (71) and Regensburg had little trouble with Wehen, as they won their home game 3 - 1, also in 3Liga

GK David Yelldell is back from injury as he was in the 18 today for Sonnenhof as they fell 1 - 3 to Magdeburg in Germany 3Liga

McKinzie Gaines went 90 as Wolfsburg U19 hosted Osnabruck U19 and after giving up a 1st half goal, came back with 4 unanswered goals in the 2nd half, to win 4 - 1 in Junior Bundesliga (Nord)

In Oberliga (Wurttemberg) Eric Lickert went 57, as Freiburg II traveled to Spielberg and drew 1 - 1. Freiberg II lead the division by 2 points, after 18 games

Piakai Henkel entered the game at minute 67 as Bahlinger SC hosted Offenburg in Oberliga (Wurttemberg) and won 3 - 1

John Brooks went 90 as Hertha traveled to Augsburg in a Bundesliga game that ended goalless. Hertha sit in 4th place

Fabian Johnson played the final 15 minutes in M'Gladbach's 1 - 2 home defeat by FC Koln. M'Gladbach are spiraling down the league, they have only 2 points from their last 5 games.

Lyndon Gooch sat on the bench for Sunderland's 3 - 0 win over Hull in England's Premier League. This was only Sunderland's second win of the season (The first was a 1 - 2 win over Bournemouth) but it takes them off the bottom, leaving Bob Bradley's Swansea who managed a 1 - 1 draw at Everton, with that dubious honor.

In the English Championship Johnathan Spector (90 + RED Card) and Birmingham hosted Bristol City and won 1 - 0. Johnathan will not be present for, at least, Birmingham's next game - which is sad as Birmingham are now in the top 5 of the league.

Tim Ream (who is seemingly out of favor) sat on the bench as Fulham managed a 1 - 1 draw at home with Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.

Danny Williams, started, went 90 and Scored for Reading as they hosted Burton in the Championship, where they now sit in 3rd place after 4 consecutive wins

Duane Holmes went 68, as Scunthorpe beat Oldham 1 - 0 to maintain their lead of England's League One - now at 6 points over Sheffield Utd. & Bolton

GK Paul Rachubka retained his position on the bench (as back-up) for Bury Town, as they got hammered by Wimbledon 5 - 1 in England's League One

Gboly Ariyibi (90) and Chesterfield have now dropped into the pit of despair as they lost yet again - that makes 8 in a row - without a league point since September 27th - against Fleetwood 2 - 1

In England's National League, GK Brendan Moore was in the net as Torquay were held 1 - 1 at home by Wrexham

In Scotland's Championship GK Danny Rogers gets the Shut-Out as Falkirk win 0 - 1 at Ayr United

Kevin Dzierzawski came off the bench at the 60th minute as Peterhead visited Livingston in Scotland's League One and got the win 1 - 2

Ryan Malone went 68 as Stuttgart Kickers U19 fell 0 - 1 at home to league leaders Elversberg in Regionalliga (Sudwest)

Stuttgart II and Joel Sonora (64) visited Wormatia and fell 3 - 1 in Regionalliga (Sudwest)

Shawn Parker, who is on loan to Nurnberg, featured in the B team Nurnberg II as they traveled to Bayern Hof and thumped the home team 2 - 5 in Regionalliga (Bayern). Shawn went 90

Jon-Paul Pittman back from injury (playing full-time) went 90 and picked up a yellow card as Harrogate fell 2 - 1 at Brackley in England's National League (North)

GK Benjamin Machini was on the bench for today's 2 - 2 draw between, visitors, Barakaldo and Amorebieta in Spain's Segunda Division B (Group 2)

Nicholas Edginton went 90 as Samorin hosted Nove Mesto in Slovakia's 2Liga in the last game before their Winter break, the game which ended in a 1 - 1 draw now has Samorin in a points tie for 2nd place (3rd on GD)

Cameron Carter-Vickers was an unused sub in Tottenham's late (and exciting) late win 3 - 2 over West Ham in the English Premier League

Eric Lichaj went 90 as Nottingham traveled to Ipswich and got the win 0 - 2 in the English Championship.

Christian Pulisic came off the bench late - 88th min - (his first game v Bayern) to help Dortmund win 1 - 0 over giants Bayern Munich in Bundesliga. Julian Green did not get off the bench today. So, Bayern lose their first game of the season and slip to 2nd (behind the surprising RB Leipzig) and Dortmund move up to 3rd (no losses in last 5 games)

After 4 starts, Matt Miazga was an unused sub as Vitesse visited Heerenveen in Eredivisie in the Netherlands and grabbed a 1 - 1 draw putting them in 7th place, and an opportunity to make the playoffs for a Europa League spot.

Caleb Stanko sat on last place Vaduz bench as they got hit for 6 by Swiss League Leaders Basel - things do not look good for Vaduz....

SUNDAY

GK Daniel Schmidt (90) and Yamaga won 3 - 2 over Yokohama in Japan's J-League 2. This was the final regular season game for Yamaga who finished 3rd (tied 2nd) as the red hot Shimizu pipped them at the post for the 2nd automatic promotion spot. Yamaga will join the 4 team promotion Play-off.

In Bosnia's Premier League, Sarajevo and Nermin Crnkic (90) Scored twice as they beat Mladost DK 4 - 3 after leading 3 - 0 in the first half.

In Denmark's Superliga, George Fochive came off the bench with 16 minutes left as Viborg traveled to Randers, and came up a little short, dropping this one 2 - 1 - this was Viborg's 5th straight loss.

In Germany 2Liga, Jerome Kiesewetter was an unused sub as Dusseldorf visited St.Pauli and came away with the 3 points in a close 0 - 1 win

In the Allsvenskan Relegation Play-off in Sweden, GK Matt Pyzdrowski and Helsingborg (Allsvenskan) lost their 2nd leg game 1 - 2 at home to Halmstad (Superettan) and will now drop from the top tier next season on a 2 - 3 aggregate score.

Babajide Ogunbiyi (90) and Hobro have lost their mojo!! Leading Denmark's Division 1 and looking at promotion, Hobro have now lost 3 straight (and failed to score in those games) and dropped down to 3rd. Today's game was hopefully the wake up, as they were trounced 5 - 0 by Fremad Amager

Brooks Lennon started and went 66 for Liverpool U23 as they beat Reading U23 and Andrija Novakovich, who went the 90, 2 - 0 in England's Premier League 2. Liverpool U23 are solidly in 3rd, and only 3 point back of first place Everton U23 (who won today)

DeAndre Yedlin was an unused sub as Newcastle won 0 - 2 at Leeds, and continued their, seeming, dominance of the English Championship

Rubio Rubin was an unused sub for Utrecht as they visited Twente in the Netherlands Eredivisie, and played to a 1 - 1 draw

In Italy's Serie A, USA U20 Joshua Perez made the bench for Fiorentina as they visited Empoli and handed them a thumping 0 - 4. This was Joshua's first senior squad pick, although he has to wait for his first pro start, and flags his talent and future - one to watch

Aris Briggs Zustra went 90 as Osnabruck II went to Uphusen in Oberliga (Niedersachsen) and won 0 - 2. The win moves Osnabruck II up to 3rd place.

Shaq Moore went 90 as Levante UD B were held to a 1 - 1 draw with Valencia B in Spain's Segunda Division B (Group 3)

GK Brad Guzan back from USMNT duty, was on the bench as Middlesbrough fell 0 - 1 to Chelsea in the EPL

Timothy Chandler went 90 as Frankfurt traveled to Bremen and won 1 - 2 on a 90th minute goal. Frankfurt join a group of 5 teams on 21 points (3rd to 7th place) and have 5 games without a loss

Matt Wiesenfarth (12), Kris Schultz (in 18) and Canterbury United traveled to Hawkes Bay and Ethan Dent (90) managed a 1 - 1 draw and remain the only team in New Zealand's Premier League without a loss.

In Poland, Legnica and Hunter Gorskie (90) visited Gornik in a Division One match-up that Legnica won 0 - 2. Legnica move into 4th place and are within striking distance of a top 2 spot (3 points back)

Read More

WEEKEND WRAP: Friday/Saturday/Sunday - Reduced Schedule/International Break

Today I am starting off with a prayer for those in the Canterbury region of New Zealand, following the earthquake there early Sunday morning. We hope that everyone is safe and know we are thinking of you.

This weekend has a greatly reduced schedule because of the International break and also because weather has caused the postponement of many of the remaining games in the German lower leagues, and also in Denmark. We managed a few goals, but little else, as you will see below. 

In non-game news, Andrew Stadler, who has spent his pro career in Sweden has been released by Ostersunds, who play in Allsvenskan (top tier). The 28 year old Wisconsin born forward had only 3 goals in 23 (total) games, along with 3 Assists, this past season. Andrew joined Ostersunds in August of 2015.

GOALS
Robbie Kristo - Germany (Friendly)
Matt Taylor - Germany
Eric Palmer-Brown - Portugal (Premier League International Cup)

FRIDAY
Robbie Kristo Scored an late goal in a 1 - 5 crushing defeat of Osnabruck by Bremen in a friendly in Germany

Eric Lickert went 74 as #1 Freiburg II fell 2 - 0 at #3 Balingen in Oberliga (Baden-Württemberg)

Joel Sonora went 85 as Stuttgart II fell 0 - 1 at home to Hoffenheim II in Regionalliga (Sudwest)

SATURDAY

Oh dear, GK Daniel Schmidt and Yamaga fell 2 - 1 at Machida in J-League 2 in Japan, the loss drops them 1 spot, and out of the automatic promotion place, into 3rd on GD. Next Sunday all the teams play in the finale day.

Nicholas Edginton went 90 as,coach Mike Keeney's, Samorin visited MSK Martin in Slovakia's 2Liga and in a game that flip-flopped between the teams Samorin came out 3 - 4 winners, and 2nd place in the league.

Not a good day for GK Brendan Moore, Torquay traveled to Guisley and lost 2 - 0 in England's National League. With only 1 point in the last 5 games, Torquay a slipping dangerously close to the red zone.

GK Paul Rachubka sat this one out, on the bench, as Bury hosted Southend and got blasted for 4 goals in a 1 - 4 loss, in England's League 1. Bury has now lost their last 5 games.

Duane Holmes went 76 minutes as Scunthorpe visited Coventry in England League 1 and came away with a 0 - 1 win. That's 3 wins in a row for league leaders Scunthorpe, who are as of today, 5 points clear at the top.

Hunter Gorskie went 90, picked up a yellow in ET as Legnica visited Sandecja and fell 1 - 0 in Poland's Division 1. With the win Legnica drops below Sandecja in the standings.

#5 Falkirk was a man down after a 25th minute red card, but managed to take the lead at #1 Hibernian, although it was short lived, in a game that ended in a 1 - 1 draw with GK Danny Rogers going the full 90 in Scotland's Championship

Kevin Dzierzawski entered the game in the 81st minute as Peterhead traveled to Queen's Park in Scotland's League One and battled to a goalless draw

Jon-Paul Pittman got 8 minutes today as he returned from injury, on a high scoring game as Harrogate fall 3 - 4 to Tamworth on a 90th minute goal. Harrogate has been in a tumble for the past 5 weeks (while Pittman was out) getting only 1 point in that period and sliding out of any chance of a promotion spot

Kris Scott played nearly the whole game as Nuneaton settled for a 1 - 1 draw with Stockport in England's National League (North)

Charlie Rugg went 68 as Pirmasens fell 3 - 1 at Hessen Kassel in Regionalliga (Sudwest)

In Regionalliga (Sudwest) Offenbach with Bryan Gaul (90) and Matt Taylor (22) beat Worms 2 - 0. Matt Taylor who came on at 68 minutes wasted no time Scoring at minute 72 to ensure the victory.

Justin Kinjo went 90 as Dusseldorf II falls at home to Wiedenbruck 1 - 2 in Regionalliga (West)

Eric Palmer-Brown started for FC Porto B as they traveled to Leicester City U23 in the Premier League International Cup...good day for Porto B and Eric who Scored their 2nd goal in a 0 - 2 victory

In Regionalliga (Nordost) RB Leipzig II and BFC Dynamo drew 1 - 1. Terence Boyd left the game in the 43rd minute (no word on why - Injury/tactical - but more likely injury at that specific time of the game) also picked up a yellow. RB Leipzig II still unbeaten at home.

In New Zealand forward Matt Wiesenfarth started for Canterbury United as they hosted Wellington Phoenix 2 in the Premier League and won 4 - 1 . It's Canterbury's 2nd win in the new season, and they are the only unbeaten team in the league.

SUNDAY

Fabian Hurzeler went 90, picked up a yellow, as Pipinsried were held to a 1 - 1 draw by 1874 Kottern in Germany's Oberliga (Bayern Sud)

Aris Briggs Zustra was subbed out at 90, as Osnabruck II visited Oldenburg and came away with a 0 - 1 win in Oberliga (Niedersachsen)

After a 2 - 0 loss to Division 1 Norrby in the first leg, Assyriska FF and Paul Torres needed a big win in the 2nd leg to remain in Sweden's Superettan. They were not up to the task and drew 2 - 2, which aggregated to 2 - 4 and Assyriska FF are RELEGATED. Paul went 33 minutes (?Injury) today and a 2nd half red card, was just to much to overcome.

Gboly Ariyibi went 90 for Chesterfield as they continued their downward spiral with their 7th straight loss 1 - 4 at home to Sheffield United in England's League One. Chesterfield, now firmly in last place, will have a monumental task to stay in the league.

Varzim lost to Colvilha in Taca de Portugal 0 - 1. Keaton Parks started for Varzim today and went 80. So Varzim are eliminated from the Portuguese Cup - back to league play - next up is a trip to FC Porto B and Eric Palmer-Brown.

GK Benjamin Machini in 18 for Barakaldo in Spain's Segunda B (Group 2) as they take on Real Union. Barakaldo scored first, but it was disallowed, and they finally fell 0 - 1

Shaq Moore started for Levante UD B in Segunda B (Group 3) as they visited CF Hercules and fell 1 - 0 in a tightly contested match
 

Read More

WEEKEND WRAP: Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 9 Goals, 8 Assists, 6 Shut Outs as Young US Guns Shine

If there are doubts out there about the future of 'soccer' in the USA, this weekend highlights just how promising the future looks. With many lower leagues in Europe and Scandinavia (especially) finished, you would think there would be a drop off in American player activity - a few years back and that was probably true - but this weekend the young guns showed there metal. Scoring, Creating and keeping the nets 'free of leather' the Americans across the pond are proclaiming that US Soccer is here and growing. What's also impressive is that the new crop of US players are playing in well respected leagues, in strong footballing country's Germany, England, Spain and now Portugal. It surely fires up optimism

A couple of debuts (I believe) this weekend, (Loanee) Jack McBean appeared for Coventry City senior squad and Kevin Coleman for Kaiserslautern U19 

Big Congrats to Sirius (Patrick Hopkins) & AFC United (GK Josh Wicks and Tristan Bowen) on being Promoted to the top tier in Sweden. Also to Brann (GK Alex Horwath) who finished 2nd in Tippeligaen and will represent Norway in the Europa League next season.

So enough chat, to the list. As usual for those with short attention spans, the short list is first. For those who want more detail of what is going-on with our players, just keep reading.

The Short List;

GOALS
Weston McKennie - Germany
Tim Tillman - Germany
Brooks Lennon - England
Charlie Rugg - Germany
Eric Lickert - Germany
Daniel Brkovic - Bosnia
Andrew Wooten - Germany
Terence Boyd - Germany
Joel Sonora - Germany

ASSISTS
Antonee Robinson - England
Christian Pulisic - Germany
DeAndre Yedlin - England
Gboly Ariyibi - England
Keaton Parks - Portugal
Timothy Chandler - Germany
Andrew Wooten - Germany 
Cole Grossman - Norway

SHUT OUTS
Will Pulisic - Germany 
Kenneth Kronholm - Germany
Josh Wicks - Sweden
Matt Pyzdrowski - Sweden
Daniel Schmidt - Japan
Caleb Patterson-Sewell - Portugal

The Full, comprehensive list;

FRIDAY

Jerome Kiesewetter (90) Justin Kinjo (in 18/DNP) and Dusseldorf suffered a 0 - 3 home loss to Dresden in Germany's 2Liga. This was Dusseldorf's 1st loss in 5 games (they now share 6th place with Dresden)

GK Quentin Westberg sat out (on the bench) Tours France Ligue 2 game today against Brest which ended in a 0 - 1 loss

Shane O'Neill went 90 as NAC Breda visited Jong Ajax in Netherlands Eerste Divisie as they fall 2 - 1 (Breda and Jong Ajax are tied for 5th place)

John Brooks started for Hertha, and went the full 90 as they hosted Fabian Johnson (came on at 33rd minute) and M'Gladbach. Today Hertha had the measure of their opposition  (probably not helped by a 39th minute Red card) cruising to a 3 - 0 win. (Hertha are now in 3rd place in Germany's Bundesliga)

Tim Ream came off the bench at minute 90, as Fulham visited Brentford in England's Championship and came away with a 0 - 2 win. Two wins in a row, and Fulham are now tied 6th in the Championship

Oscar Ortiz went 90 as FC Feucht won their home game with Eischatt 2 - 1 in Germany's Oberliga (Bayern Nord)

Antonee Robinson went 90 and got the Assist on Everton U23 only goal of the night as they fall 1 - 4 to Norwich U23 in the England Premier League Cup

Danny Barbir started for WBA U23 as they fall at Ipswich U23 2 - 1 in their Premier League Cup match

SATURDAY

Haji Wright (90), Weston McKennie (90) and Schalke U19 took hold of the game against Rott-Weiss Essen early and never looked threatened. Weston McKennie Scored Schalke's 4th goal, and his 2nd in his last 3 games, in Junior Bundesliga (West)

GK Will Pulisic started and went 90, getting the Shut Out for Dortmund U19 in a lopsided 7 - 0 victory over Wuppertaler U19 in Junior Bundesliga (West)

Russell Canouse went 68, picked up a yellow, as Bochum visited Furth in 2Liga in Germany. Bochum fell late in a tightly contested match, 2 - 1.

Toni Suddoth (90) and Stuttgart U19 faced off against Bayern Munich U19 and Tim Tillman (90 + yellow), who Scored Bayern's 2nd goal in a 3 - 2 loss at Stuttgart in Junior Bundesliga (Sud/Sudwest) Tim had tied things up at 2 a piece, but Bayern allowed a 90th minute goal, giving Stuttgart the win

McKinzie Gaines went 78 minutes in Wolfsburg U19 0 - 2 win over St Pauli U19 in Junior Bundesliga (Nord/Nordost)

Jann George went 90 as Regensburg fell 3 - 1 at Bremen II in Germany's 3Liga

Royal Fennell went 90 for Hallescher as they force a goalless draw on Duisburg in 3Liga - its tight at the top of 3Liga with 9 teams separated but just 6 points after 14 games

GK Kenneth Kronholm gets the Shut Out as Kiel manage a goalless draw with Erfurt in 3Liga

Devante Parker found himself on the losing side today as Mainz II fall 0 - 2 to Sonnenhof (who are without GK David Yelldell, who is injured) in 3Liga

Robbie Kristo (73 + yellow) Marc Heider (90) and Osnabruck held on for a 1 - 1 draw with Shawn Barry (90) and FSV Frankfurt also in 3Liga

Finally in 3Liga, Mario Rodriguez was on the bench for Chemnitzer as they visited Wehen and came away with all 3 points in a resounding 0 - 3 win.

Anton Peterlin went 90 for B93 in Denmark Division 2 (Group 1) as they won 0 - 1 at Fredensborg, and qualified for a promotional play-off spot.

Just 1 goal separated #4 Bronshoj (promotional play-off) from #5 BK Frem after Bronshoj visited Hvidovre on the last regular season match and came away with 1 point in an exciting 3 - 3 draw where Jamil Fearrington went 90 in this Denmark Division 2 (Group 1) game.

In Denmark Division 2 (Group 2) Marienlyst with Jonathan Dolezal (not in 18 today) made the promotional play-off with a 2 - 0 victory over Svendborg.

Note: We have 3 teams with Americans in the Denmark Division 2 Promotion Play-offs (which is 3 for 3 in the division)

Jochen Graf did not get off the bench today as Oskarshamns drew 1 - 1 with Qviding in Sweden's Division 1 (Sodra) with the season over Oskarshamns finished 10th and remain in the division for next season (they are the only team with a US presence in this division)

Christian Pulisic went 68 minutes, provided an Assist on Dortmund's 4th goal, as Dortmund thumped the hapless (and Bobby Wood-less) Hamburg 2 - 5 in Bundesliga

Lyndon Gooch came off the bench 4 minutes into injury time, and still managed to pick up a yellow, as Sunderland got their first win of the season over Bournemouth in the English Premier League

GK Brad Guzan sat on the bench for Middlesbrough's 1 - 1 draw at Manchester City also in the EPL

Johnathan Spector went 90 as Birmingham snagged a point at Manager David Wagner's Huddersfield in a 1 - 1 draw in the English Championship

DeAndre Yedlin went 90, and grabbed an Assist on the winning goal as Newcastle continue their dominance in the English Championship with a 2 - 1 win over Cardiff

Eric Lichaj went 90, picked up a late yellow, against QPR, as both teams reduced to 10 men, played to a 1 - 1 draw in the Championship

Danny Williams went 90 as Reading had little trouble as they visited Wigan and came away with a 0 - 3 result, also in the Championship

Hunter Gorskie joined the fun for Legnica, in the 64th minute as they had little problem thumping Pogon Siedice in Poland's Division 1, for their 2nd straight win

In Scotland's Premier League Perry Kitchen (90) and Bjorn Johnsen (84) led Hearts to a hard fought 2 - 2 draw with St Johnstone. Hearts remain in 3rd place in the league

It looked like GK Danny Rogers would be on the losing side after Falkirk let in an 87th minute Morton goal, but with time running out they found the equalizer, for a 1 - 1 final score in Scotland's Championship

In Scotland's League One, Kevin Dzierzawski spent the game on the bench as Peterhead suffered a 1 - 3 loss to Brechin, which killed off their win streak at 3

BIG NEWS from Sweden - Both Sirius and AFC United ended on 61 points - #1 and #2 in Superettan - separated by 1 goal GD

Patrick Hopkins (75) and Sirius lost their game at Dalkurd 2 - 1, but with a separation of 1 goal GD, they win Superettan and are PROMOTED to Allsvenskan next season

GK Josh Wicks (90) Tristan Bowen (6) and #2 AFC battled #3 Halstad to a 0 - 2 win and are PROMOTED from Superettan to Allsvenskan next season (Halstad will be in the play-off for promotion) Josh Wicks gets the Shut Out

Paul Torres (90 + yellow) and Assyriska FF put up a great fight at the bottom of Superettan, but gave up 2 goals in the final 3 minutes, and take the 3 - 2 loss at Orgryte. It's not totally bad news though, finishing 14th means a Play-off game against Norrby, who were in 2nd place in Division 1 (Sodra), to stay in Superettan, and they have had a reasonably strong finish to the season.

Brooks Lennon went 90 and Scored the opening and winning goal for Liverpool U23 as they easily beat Huddersfield U23 3 - 0 (Liverpool Web: "Lennon’s clinical equaliser claimed a point for Liverpool in their International Cup tie with Porto in midweek, and the American forward notched his third goal in four games 25 minutes in."

Justin Kinjo, who was on the 1st team roster for Dusseldorf yesterday, played 90 minutes today for the B Team, as Dusseldorf II forced a 3 - 3 at Sprockhovel in Regionalliga (West)

Charlie Rugg went 63, picked up a yellow and Scored Pirmisans only goal as they drew 1 - 1 at Steinbach in Regionalliga (Sudwest)

Julian Ceesay went 90 as Amberg played to a 1 - 1 draw at Frohnlach in Oberliga (Bayern Nord)

Eric Lickert (65) and Freiberg II won their game over Pforzheim 1 - 0 as Eric Scored the only goal of the game in Oberliga (Baden-Württemberg)

In England National League (North) Kristian Scott started for Nuneaton as they visited #3 Chorley and lost 1 - 0 as Nuneaton's problems persist

GK Paul Rachubka on the bench for Bury Town as they faced Wimbledon in the FA Cup in a game that ended even 2 - 2 - they will have to replay

Duane Holmes (67) started for Scunthorpe, picked up a yellow, as Scunthorpe had a rare loss as they fall at Charlton 3 - 1 and are now out of the FA Cup

In the FA Cup, Gboly Ariyibi (90) had the Assist on the first goal as Chesterfield visited Colchester and won 1 - 2 to advance into the 2nd round of the FA Cup. For those that still don't get the passion for the game (even at the lower levels) The big tweet of the day for Chesterfield is that they finally got revenge for an FA Cup defeat in 1958/59 !!!

Tim Chandler went 90 for Eintracht Frankfurt and was credited with the Assist on the games only goal as they beat FC Koln 1 - 0 in Bundesliga - E.Frankfurt now tied 5th (with Dortmund, FC Koln)

SUNDAY

Eric Palmer-Brown started for Porto B as they fall 1 - 0 to Cova De Piedade in Portugal's Segunda Liga

Rubio Rubin was an unused sub, as Utrecht beat Excelsior 2 - 1 in Netherlands Eredivisie

Daniel Brkovic started and Scored Celik Zenica's 1st goal, as they beat Olimpic Sarajevo 3 - 0 in Bosnia's Premier League

Cameron Carter-Vickers was an unused sub for Tottenham as they visited Arsenal, in the London derby and scored all the goals (1 OG) in a 1 - 1 draw in England's Premier League. Tottenham now have 4 draws in their last 5 games

In Germany 2Liga, Andrew Wooten (90) Scored Sandhausen's 3rd and winning goal and got the Assist on the first goal as Sandhausen hosted 1860 Munich and won 3 - 2

In Serbia , Ismar Tandir and Javor won their home game 2 - 0 against visitors Radnicki Nis as they battle back from a bad opening of the season, they are 2W/2D/1L in the last 5

Caleb Stanko (in 18/DNP) and Vaduz drew 0 - 0 at home with Grasshoppers in Switzerland's Super League. Vaduz remain on the bottom

Horsens and Conor O'Brien (90) have now lost their last 2 games, today a 1 - 5 thrashing by Midtjylland in Denmark's Superliga pushed them down, out of the championship group (that plays for Euro spots) Time to turn it around guys

Devann Yao played the 2nd half of BAK 07's 2 - 1 victory over Luckenwalde in Germany's Regionalliga (Nordost)

Matt Miazga went 90 as Vitesse lost their 2nd straight 1 - 2 to Heracles in Netherlands Eredivisie and drop places, below Utrecht (16) with 15 points

Jack McBean (I believe this is his first senior start with the club) played the 2nd half for Coventry City in their FA Cup tie at Morecombe. The game end with a 1 - 1 draw, and a replay on the horizon

GK Matt Pyzdrowski (90) gets the Shut Out as Helsingborg end their season with a 2 - 0 win over Jonkopings in Sweden's Allsvenskan. With 2 straight wins, and finishing 14th (of 16) Helsingborg find's itself in the relegation play-off spot where they will play Superettan third place Halmstad

Ostersunds and Andrew Stadler (30) lost their final game of the season 2 - 4 to relegated Gefle in Sweden's Allsvenskan - Ostersunds are mid-table and safe for next season

Shaq Moore started for Levante UD 'B' in Spain's Segunda B (Group 3) as they beat Llagostera 2 - 0. With 2 wins and 3 draws in their last 5 Levante has moved up in the league and out of immediate danger

Terence Boyd (90 + yellow) Scored RB Leipzig II's only goal as they visited Bautzen in Regionalliga (Nordost) and came away with a 1 - 1 draw

Dallas Aminzadeh played the first half as Oldenburg visited Norderstedt forcing a 2 - 2 draw in Regionalliga (Nord)

Joel Sonora (88) Scored Stuttgart II first goal as they visited Offenbach with Matt Taylor (16) and Bryan Gaul (90) both playing for the home side, in a game that ended in a 2 - 2 draw in Regionalliga (Sudwest)

Ryan Finley played the 2nd half and Sammy Adjei came on for the final 17 minutes as Naestved fell 1 - 3 to Vendsyssel in Denmark's Division 1. Today's result puts Naestved in a troubling position just 1 place off bottom.

BabaJide Ogunbiyi (90 + yellow) as Hobro fall 0 - 1 to Nykobing in Denmark Division 1. The loss cuts into Hobro's lead at the top - to 1 point.

Keaton Parks played 90, and was credited with an Assist on the 2nd goal, as Varzim hosted U.Madeira in Portugal's Segunda Liga and won 2 - 1 - the win takes Varzim out of immediate danger, and gives them a 1W/2D/2L record for their last 5

George Fochive was an unused sub, as Viborg falls 1 - 2 at home to Brondby in Denmark's Superliga, Viborg are in trouble folks, 4 straight losses in their last 5

GK Bakary Sanyang (90) finds himself on the losing side for the 2nd straight weekas Pfeddersheim fall 2 - 1 at Koblenz in Oberliga (Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar)

Cordt Andreas Flätgen left the game after 21 minutes (? Injury ?) and Neunkirchen get thumped 1 - 5 at home to FV Diefflen in Oberliga (Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar)

Aris Briggs Zustra went 90 as Osnaruck II could only manage a goalless draw against Eintracht Northeim in Oberliga (Niedersachsen)

Kevin Coleman (1 min) Corey Anton (3 min) and Kaiserslautern U19 visited Furth U19 and had no luck at all, losing 4 - 1 in Junior Bundesliga (Sud/Sudwest). This may be Kevin Coleman's first appearance for Kaiserslautern U19?

In Slovakia 2Liga (West), coach Mike Keeney got the win for Samorin with defender Nicholas Edginton going the full 90. Final Samorin 2 - 0 Slovan Bratislava B - Samorin a firmly in the mix for a promotional play-off spot

GK Daniel Schmidt gets the Shut Out as Yamaga win 2 - 0 over Verdy in Japan J-League 2. With Sapporo losing their match Yamaga now share 1st place with Sapporo on 81 points each. A danger to both is Shimizu who are just 3 points behind the leaders and charging up the table with 9 wins in 10 games - their last loss was to Yamaga 2 months ago.

Ethan Dent (90) started for Hawkes Bay United in their New Zealand Premier match against defending champs Wellington. In a hard fought game, Hawkes Bay held their own until the 87th minute when they gave up Wellington's wining goal, followed by another a minute later, for a 2 - 4 loss

Matt Wiesenfarth went 72 as Canterbury United visited Auckland in New Zealand's Premier, and came away with a respectable 0 - 0 result against the league leaders. Of note, Canterbury (Dragons) are the only team in the league without a loss.

GK Mike Lansing was on the bench today as Vejle drew 0 - 0 with Frederica in Denmark's Division 1

GK Benjamin Machini was the back-up keeper for Barakaldo today as they visited Real Sociedad B in Spain's Segunda Division B (Group 2) and came away with a point in a goalless draw. That's 3 consecutive draws and 2 wins in their last five.

NORWAY' TIPPELIGAEN is OVER

GK Alex Horwath (in 18/DNP) and Brann won their final season game 2 - 1 over Sarpsborg. So its Europa League football next season for Brann

Josh Gatt went 85, and Ethan Horvath sat and watched from the bench as Molde fall 1 - 0 at Lillestrom in their final game of the season. They finish a disappointing 5th

Stabaek and Cole Grossman (90) faced off with already relegated Start and Alex De John (70) in a game that Stabaek had to win to even have an outside chance of survival in the top flight. They completed their mission and Cole Grossman had the Assist on the first goal as Stabaek went on to win 3 - 0. It will be a week or so before they find out their opponent in the play-off.

GK Caleb Patterson-Sewell gets the Shut Out as Farense beat  Aljustrelense 0 - 1 in Campeonato de Portugal Prio (4th Tier)

 

Read More