WEEKEND WRAP: Extended Friday & Monday (Boxing Day) English Leagues Feature

Mario Rodriguez, who had trouble making the pitch at Chemnitzer in Germany 3Liga, has been loaned out again by his club, Dynamo Dresden (who play in 2Liga). This time Mario will move to Sonnenhof in Germany's 3Liga (also the team that GK David Yelldell play's for) We certainly wish Mario all the best and are hoping to see him on the first team roster with a little more regularity. The loan starts on January 1st.

Another US Player, and hardly known, I am guessing, Noah Sadaoui joined Al-Khaboora in Oman. He actually joined them on Dec 1, from Miami United. The 23 yo Moroccan/American Striker started at NYRB Academy, before moving to Israeli team M.Haifa, who put him on a loan "rotation" 3 different Israeli teams, before letting him transfer to Ajax Cape Town in S. Africa. After a year there, he was picked up by Miami Utd (NPSL) and helped them win the league championship last season (with only 1 loss) At the end of the season Noah decided to try his luck overseas again - this time in Oman, with Al-Khaboora in the countries top tier.

This weekend is understandably short on games, but England had a full menu of games as they celebrate the holiday with the traditional 'Boxing Day' matches. All the leagues participated so there was some action from American players. We are still suffering from many injuries so star's like Geoff Cameron and Lyndon Gooch were missing from EPL games. Scotland provided a few more games to fill out the long holiday weekend. No goals, assists or shut-outs to report this week.

FRIDAY

Perry Kitchen (90), Bjorn Johnsen (90) and Hearts won't be smiling this holiday season, as they traveled to Dundee in Scotland's Premiership and gifted Dundee a 90+ minute goal, and all 3 points, as Hearts fall 3 - 2. with 1W/2D/2L in the last five matches Hearts are now 10 points behind Rangers (where once they led them) Hearts still have 4th position, but only by a point.

SATURDAY

No Games involving USA players

SUNDAY

No Games involving USA players

MONDAY

Kris Scott, started and went 80 minutes as Nuneaton visited Tamworth and came away with 3 points in a game that saw all goals scored in the first 25 minutes. Nuneaton have now won all their matches in December (3 wins) and have pulled themselves clear of the relegation zone in England's National League (North)

GK Brad Guzan spent his day on the bench as back-up for Middlesbrough as they traveled to Burnley, falling 1 - 0 in the English Premier League

Tim Ream went 90 as Fulham won 0 - 2 at Ipswich in the English Championship, as Fulham noe unbeaten in 5 matches creep closer to a promotional playoff position - 7th)

Danny Williams, back from Red Card Suspension went 90 minutes and helped Reading win their holiday match with Norwich by a comfortable 3 - 1. Reading are sitting in 3rd place, 5 points out of automatic promotion

Eric Lichaj started, went 90 and picked up a yellow card as Nottingham visited Huddersfield, losing 2 - 1 on an OG. Nottingham who looked good at the start of the season have now only managed a single point in their last 4 games.

Duane Holmes was an unused sub as Scunthorpe visited Bradford in England's League One. Scunthorpe seem to be wobbling a bit at the top of the table, with 8 points from a possible 15 in their last 5 matches, not exactly dominant. Today's goalless draw still leaves the at the top, with Sheffield Utd 1 point behind and Bolton now in the frame for an automatic promotion spot.

Gboly Ariyibi (90) and Chesterfield are now firmly entrenched in a relegation battle. They did not help themselves today as they traveled to Rochdale and were thoroughly beaten 3 - 0.

In one of those games that fans talk about years after they were played GK Brendan Moore (90) and Torquay gave up a 3 goal lead - in just 4 minutes - as visitors #4 Forest Green stunned the home team, or maybe 'woke up' would be a better description, spurring Torquay to re-assert themselves and finally pull off the 4 - 3 win, in England's National League

Jon-Paul Pittman (90) and Harrogate continued their bad recent form (1W/4L) into their home game against Stockport in England's National League (North) losing again 0 - 1

If GK Danny Rogers (90) and Falkirk want to climb out of the Scottish Championship they have got to learn how to win! Falkirk have taken the lead in more of their games, and lost or drawn, than any other team in their league. Today an early lead at Dunfermline was relinquished in the 2nd half, and the game ended 1 - 1

Kevin Dzierzawski, was an unused sub today as Peterhead fell 0 - 2 to fellow cellar-dwelling Stenhousemuir in Scotland's League One. Peterhead are now just 1 point above the drop zone and things do not look good

DeAndre Yedlin was an unused sub as Newcastle fall 0 - 1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday. I am sure that Coach Benitez and the home crowd at St James Park were not expecting this!  Worse still, Brighton, who are just 1 point behind the English Championship leaders, have a game in hand, which could see them take over the top spot tomorrow (They play QPR who are winless in their last 5) It's so tight in the promotion race, any dropped points can have devastating consequences.

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Mario Rodriguez Leaves Chemnitzer for Sonnenhof in Germany's 3Liga

Photo: USSoccer.com

US U23 striker, Mario Rodriguez, has completed his loan from Dresden to Chemnitzer. Evidently Dresden still don't need him, and he is being loaned out again for 2017, to Sonnenhof. Both Chemnitzer and Sonnenhof play in 3Liga - so its aside-ways move for Mario.

After 3 years with the junior squad of M'Gladbach, Dynamo Dresden took Mario on a free transfer, only to loan him the next day? Now back at Dresden he will be loaned out again (Jan 1st) Mario is only 22, so he has time to make a mark, he has represented the USA at U17, U20 & U23.  While at Chemnitzer (last season) he only made 4 appearances, and only starting once, so the change may be a benefit

Of Note: Sonnenhof is the home of American goalkeeper, David Yelldell. Sonnenhof  (full name - SG Sonnenhof Großaspach) currently sit in 7th place in 3Liga - will re-start their season in early February after the Winter Break.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Friday, Saturday and Sunday - A Weekend with Returns, as the Pre-Holiday/Winter Break Arrives and Injuries Take Their Toll

Ryan Malone has left Naestved in Denmark, and has returned to Sweden with IFK Varnamo in Allsvenskan (top tier). 

Winger, Dion Acoff is leaving Throttur, who were relegated, in Iceland, for Valur in Iceland's Pepsideild (top tier)

Lots of player movement rumors as January 1 contracts reach there finalization and clubs decide on re-ups or cuts. I expect quite a lot of changes coming, and like last year many will be from players returning home (to MLS) We are keeping an eye on the comings and goings, and will report moves here and on twitter as soon as they happen.

This weekend had a greatly reduced number of American's participating. With the Scandinavian leagues complete, and an unusually high number of injury's to our players, and the Winter/Holiday breaks upon us USA players were only seen in 8 countries this weekend. But some news is definitely on the up-side. First, Texas' Keaton Parks scored his first professional goal for Varzim in Portugal, Bobby Wood found the back of the net in his first start since his suspension, Alfredo Morales back from injury scored in Ingolstadt's win, and Desevio Payne was in the 18 for Groningen in the Netherlands for the first time since August.

So the lists, even those who like to keep it short will have no trouble spending time with this weeks comprehensive list of action below

GOALS
Bobby Wood - Germany
Bjorn Johnsen - Scotland
Keaton Parks - Portugal
Alfredo Morales - Germany

ASSIST
Gboly Ariyibi - England

SHUT OUT
Kenneth Kronholm - Germany
Brendan Moore - England

FRIDAY

GK Justin vom Steeg went 90 as #15 Dusseldorf II took on #4 Rot-Weiss Essen in Germany's Regionalliga (West) and won 2 - 1

GK David Yelldell sat on the bench for Sonnenhof as they played Erfurt in Germany 3Liga and won this one 2 - 1

The third GK on Friday's games, Quentin Westberg also sat on the bench as Tours traveled to Le Havre in France's Ligue 2 and gained all 3 points in an 0 - 2 win. Tours have finally broken out of the red zone (after 2 wins/2 draws in the last 4 games)

NAC Breda and Shane O'Neill (90) welcomed FC Emmen to Rat Verlegh Stadion and had little trouble winning 3 - 1 in Netherlands Eerste Divisie. NAC Breda are now tied 6th (GD) with 2 other teams.

#5 Dortmund and Christian Pulisic (83) had all they could handle as they visited #3 Hoffenheim and drew 2 - 2 despite being 2 - 1 down and with only 10 men for the whole 2nd half.

Kyle Scott went 60, picked up a yellow, as Chelsea U23 hosted Croatia's Dinamo Zagreb II in the Premier League International Cup ( Group D) in London, and lost 0 - 1. Chelsea's 2nd group game, they are now 1 win/1loss in third place (GD) - Swansea and Zagreb are tied at the top with 4 points a piece.

SATURDAY

Russell Canouse started the 2nd half for Bochum as they traveled to St Pauli in Germany's 2Liga and snagged a point in a 1 - 1 draw

Devante Parker went 90 in Mainz II 1 - 0 loss at Fortuna Koln in Germany 3Liga. Mainz II are in real trouble sitting at the bottom of the table

Shawn Barry (90) and FSV Frankfurt won their home game 3 - 1 over Wehen in 3Liga. FSV's first win in a while moves them 6 points clear of the drop zone.

Royal Fennell went 90, but could not get by GK Kenneth Kronholm (90) as 10 man Hallescher were held to a goalless draw at home by Kiel. A good Shut Out for Kenneth

Marc Heider was missing from the 18 today for Osnabruck, but Robbie Kristo represented, joining the game at minute 59 as they visited Paderborn in 3Liga. Giving up 3 goals in the first 30 minutes was just to much to overcome for Osnabruck as they fall 3 - 1

Jann George went 84, and Scored Regensburg's opening goal as they went on to win 3 - 1 over Munster in 3Liga

Mario Rodriguez made a cameo appearance (coming on in the 90th minute) as Chemnitzer traveled to Rostock and had little problem overcoming their 3Liga opponent 1 - 3, moving them up to 5th place

Aron Johannsson came off the bench at minute 75, picked up a yellow, in Bremen's 1 - 1 draw with FC Koln, in Bundesliga. Bremen now unbeaten in their last 4. These were Aron's first minutes on the pitch since late October

Bobby Wood (84) started and Scored Hamburg's only goal as they visited Mainz, falling 3 - 1 in Bundesliga. Bobby's goal game his team the early lead. Hamburg are in the red zone (3rd from bottom) but it may not be that bad as they have a pretty good run going, unbeaten, until today, in their previous 4 games

NOTE: Both Fabian Johnson and John Brooks did not make the 18 for their clubs today in Bundesliga - due to injury and Timothy Chandler will miss today's match due to red card suspension

Bjorn Johnsen (74) and Perry Kitchen (90) both started for Hearts, with Bjorn Scoring Heart's only goal as they drew 1 - 1 with Partick in the Scottish Premier League, a result that will disappoint Hearts (Partick are bottom of the table) and leaves them in 4th place (GD).

For about 2 minutes it looked like Falkirk and GK Danny Rogers (90) would get out of Dumbarton with a point, unfortunately a quick response from the home side put an end to that. Falkirk are now a distant 3rd in the league, and are receiving pressure from the 2 teams immediately below them

Kevin Dzierzawski (54) and Peterhead held on in the first half against East Fife before falling 2 - 0 in the 2nd. Both these teams sit 2 points above the drop zone at 19 points each

In England's Premier League, GK Brad Guzan sat watching from bench as Middlesbrough beat Bob Bradley's Swansea 3 - 0

NOTE: Geoff Cameron and Lyndon Gooch both did not make their clubs 18 today - due to injury

In England's Championship, DeAndre Yedlin went 90 as Newcastle visited Burton and won 1 - 2. Newcastle seem to have recovered from their 2 losses earlier this month with today's win that's 3 in a row, and they have cemented their lead at the top of the league

Not a good day for Eric Lichaj (90) and Nottingham as they lose 0 - 2 at home to Wolves, in the Championship. That's just 1 point from the last 3 games.

GK Paul Rachubka got a rare start for Bury today as they hosted Oxford (who are unbeaten in their last 5) and for a while the home team looked good for a point. Then tragedy, as an OG spoiled the day and Bury fall 2 - 3 to Oxford in England's League One

Gboly Ariyibi went 90 (Assist) as Chesterfield continued their recent good form as they welcomed #3 Bolton in their League One match-up and won 1 - 0. The win takes them out of the drop zone, on GD, and their is still hope, as Chesterfield have won 3 of their last 5, that they will escape relegation

Duane Holmes was questionable for today's game at Scunthorpe, and although in the 18 he did not play. Scunthorpe saw off Millwall 3 - 0 to maintain their lead at the top of England's League One

GK Brendan Moore (90) gets the Shut Out for Torquay as they traveled to York and survived a fright (disallowed goal) to earn an away point in a goalless draw in England's National League

Jon-Paul Pittman (90) and Harrogate drop points as they lose 1 - 0 at Curzon Ashton in England's National League (North)

Keaton Parks (90 - subbed out at 90) gets his first professional goal in Portugal as Varzim traveled to Famalicao and won 0 - 2 and move into the 10th spot in Portugal's Segunda Liga

In England's Championship, Jonathan Spector (90 - subbed at 90+2 with injury) as Birmingham gave up 2 late goals (the winner at 90 +4) and lost 1 - 2 to #2 Brighton. Birmingham are still only 3 points out of a promotional play-off spot though!

In Netherlands Eredivisie Rubio Rubin was an unused sub for Utrecht as they traveled to Roda in a game that ended in a goalless draw. Although this is a game you would expect Utrecht to win (Roda are 2nd from bottom) They are still in the mix (6th) for a Europa League Play-Off spot

Even though Matt Miazga scored for Vitesse in a mid-week game, he only made the bench today as an unused sub, as Vitesse falls at Feyenoord 3 - 1

Matt Wiesenfarth started for #6 Canterbury United as they visited #1 Team Wellington in New Zealand's Premier League. In a game that saw 6 goals and 2 red cards (1 each team) the game finally ended with a 3 -3 draw

SUNDAY

GK Benjamin Machini was on the bench today as Barakaldo traveled to Majadahonda and came away with a win after a last gasp goal ending 1 - 2 in Spain's Segunda Division B (Group 2)

Shaq Moore went 90 as #19 Levante UD B traveled to #3 Badalona in Spain's Segunda Division B (Group 3) and were out-classed by the home team, losing 3 - 1

Andrew Wooten went 90 as #9 Sandhausen visited #2 Hannover in Germany's 2Liga and snagged an away point in a goalless draw

The last time Desevio Payne was in the 18 for Groningen was August 5th, his recovery seems to be in its final stages as he spent today's game on the bench as Groningen and GA Eagles played to a 1 - 1 draw. It's good to see the USYNT player back, next up play time.

In only his 2nd appearance since coming back from injury Alfredo Morales (90) Scored with his head to give Ingolstadt the lead at Leverkusen in Bundesliga. Out since the end of October the USMNT player looks to be back on track as he helped Ingolstadt win away from home and grab 3 very valuable points in the 1 - 2 win.

Joshua Perez has now been on the bench 5 times (including today) not in the squad twice, and appeared once for Fiorentina since November 11th. Today Joshua watched as he and his team visited #3 Lazio in Serie A, the final score was 3 - 1 in favor of Lazio

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WEEKEND WRAP: Friday, Saturday, Sunday - Features Goals in Germany, Goalkeeper Rumors

So rumors/speculation/reports have 2 USMNT Goalkeepers on the move soon. Brad Guzan (Middlesbrough) to Atlanta United and Ethan Horvath (from Molde) to Club Brugge (Belgium). As of today's reports Brad Guzan to Atlanta looks pretty certain, but we will have to wait a little for Ethan's move to the Belgium Champions Club Brugge (they are currently 2nd 1 point behind) likely after Jan 1. Guzan will adjust quickly defending the goal for Atlanta, not my personal favorite, but has had to play on a number of teams with no defensive plans, so his numbers may look a little off his experience will be extremely valuable to the side as they begin play in MLS.

In Malta's Premier League, Chino Hills, CA Forward Michael Shaddock has joined Hibernians, where Mid-fielder Kyle O'Brien has already debuted (Kyle was previously at Pembroke in Malta). Hibernians currently are top of the Premier League. So we have 2 Americans playing on the same team in Malta - who knew?

This weekend saw the German scoreboards light up with US Goals - especially Devann Yao's Hat-trick for BAK07 - even if it was in a losing cause. The young American's struck again this weekend with Russell Canouse (21) getting his first professional goal. Scoring Bochum's winner. Kevin Coleman (18) for Kaiserslautern, Alec Becker (18) for Freiberg and Joel Sonora (20) for Stuttgart. Conor O'Brien had one of those day's scoring and assisting in Horsens win in Denmark. Of course whenever you want a goal - you always have Jon-Paul Pittman in England - yup on the scoreboard again.

OK here is the short and the long of it - starting with the short list - then leading in with the more comprehensive one.....

GOALS
Conor O'Brien - Denmark
Bryan Gaul - Germany
Kevin Coleman - Germany
Alec Becker - Germany
Russell Canouse - Germany
Royal Fennell - Germany
Jon-Paul Pittman - England
Joel Sonora - Germany
Devann Yao (3) - Germany

ASSIST
Conor O'Brien - Denmark

SHUT OUT
None

Here is the long/comprehensive list....

FRIDAY

Horsens seem to have broken out of their funk, with a 3 - 0 win over Aalborg. Conor O'Brien had a big part of this win, scoring the 3rd Goal and an Assist on the first. Horsens are not in the top 6 of the Denmark Super Liga table just yet (Play-Off) but should get back on track with the regular season ending soon

Jerome Kiesewetter has not played since November 4th, today he was unused again, as Dusseldorf fell 0 - 2 to Nurnberg in Germany's 2Liga

Bryan Gaul scored the 3rd goal for Offenbach as he went 90, and picked up a yellow in his teams 3 - 0 win in Regionalliga (Sudwest)

GK Quentin Westberg was an unused sub in Tours 1 - 1 draw with Laval in France Ligue 2. Tours are in deep trouble, but have plenty of time to get themselves in a better position

In Netherlands Eerste Divisie, NAC Breda and Shane O'Neill (90) were hit for 6 at Eindhoven who have jumped past Breda in the standings. Final 6 - 2

2 young American's Kyle Scott (90) Chelsea U23 and Matt Olosunde (90) Manchester United U23 faced off in a Chelsea U23 3 - 1 win in England's EPL2

In a game that turned into a battle, Timothy Chandler (2/Y Red) and Frankfurt held on for a 0 - 0 draw with Hoffenheim in Bundesliga. Timothy picked up 2 yellows in under 10 minutes

SATURDAY

In Junior Bundesliga (Sud) Kevin Coleman (76) Scored Kaiserslautern U19's 3rd Goal, and Cory Anton went the full 90 as Kaiserslautern U19 won 2 - 0 over 1860 Munich

All the goals came in the first 15 minutes as GK Will Pulisic and Dortmund U19 traveled to Munster U19 and won 1 - 2, in Junior Bundesliga (West)

Alec Becker (72) Scored Freiburg U19 first Goal, as they fell late to Nurnburg U19 in a 3 - 2 goal-fest, in Junior Bundesliga (Sud)

Also in Junior Bundesliga (Sud) Timothy Tillman went 90 as Bayern U19 visited Stuttgart Kickers U19 and won their contest 0 - 2

Haji Wright went 89 minutes as Schalke U19 won 0 - 2 at Duisburg U19 in Junior Bundesliga (West) Schalke U19 are now 1 point ahead of Dortmund U19 at the top of the table, by 1 point.

Russell Canouse (90) Scored his first professional goal for Bochum, as they were successful in their home game 1 - 0 against 1860 Munich in Germany's

2Liga. This was Bochum's first win since October 30th. Shawn Barry went 90 in FSV Frankfurt's goalless draw at Bremen II in Germany's 3Liga

Chemnitzer and Mario Rodriguez (17) could not hold off Jann George (68) and the Regensburg attack as they fall at home 0 - 3 in 3Liga

It's always good to see 2 US GK's matched up - unfortunately Sonnenhof left GK David Yelldell on the bench as they traveled to Kiel to face off with GK Kenneth Kronholm (90) in a game that had Sonnenhof win 1 - 2 on an 89th minute goal in 3Liga

Marc Heider (90 + Yellow), and Osnabruck won their home match in Germany's 3Liga 1 - 0 over Zwickau, as Robbie Kristo sat this one out on the bench

Royal Fennell, who missed out last week, was on target for Hallescher as he Scored their Goal, and picked up a Yellow in his 90 minute run-out as Hallescher visited Wehen, in 3Liga

Christian Pulisic was an unused sub as Dortmund scored a 90th minute goal to tie things up 1 -1 at FC Koln in Bundesliga. Dortmund retain their 6th place in the league

Bobby Wood got 23 minutes in as Hamburg won at home against Augsburg in Bundesliga. This was Bobby's 2nd appearance since his 3 match suspension

Alfredo Morales played his first game since 22nd October as he went 90 minutes in Ingolstadt's 1 - 0 win over leaders RB Leipzig in Bundesliga

Andrija Novakovich went 76 minutes for Reading U23 as they fell 3 - 1 at Manchester City U23 in EPL2 - Manchester City U23 are now league leaders

In England today - it was miserable for US players - nobody played in the Premier League (injuries and MIA) In the Championship Newcastle & Reading both won, but Yedlin (in 18/DNP) Birmingham's Johnathan Spector (3 game suspension) and Williams (3 match suspension) all missed out. And all 3 teams in League 1 lost....read on.

In England's Championship, Newcastle, DeAndre Yedlin (in 18/DNP) won 4 - 0 over Birmingham (Johnathan Spector - 3 match suspension) to maintain their 1 point lead in the league. Birmingham slip to 7th

Reading and Danny Williams (3 match suspension) won their game against Sheffield Wednesday 2 - 1. Reading sit in 3rd place in the Championship

Fulham and Tim Ream (90+2) drew 4 - 4 at Wolves as they traded the lead 3 times with cellar dwelling Wolves.

In England's League 1, GK Paul Rachubka resumed his bench warming position as Bury traveled to Bristol Rovers and lost 4 - 2

Gboly Ariyibi got 23 minutes for Chesterfield as they fall 5 - 2 at Peterborough in League One

Duane Holmes went 66 minutes in Scunthorpe's loss at Rochdale. Scunthorpe are still holding the league lead, but it is down to 3 points after 2 poor performances which have provided only 1 point (from 6)

GK Brendan Moore and Torquay exited the FA Trophy falling 2 - 0 at Braintree

Jon-Paul Pittman (88) Scored Harrogate's 3rd Goal in a 3 - 3 draw in the FA Trophy against Barrow (who tied things up in minute 88) they will replay the game later next week

Eric Palmer-Brown (90) and FC Porto B came away 1 - 2 winners as they visited Sporting B in Portugal's Segunda Division

In Scotland's Premier League, Perry Kitchen (90 + Yellow), Bjorn Johnsen (90) and Hearts, could not stop Rangers as they fall 2 - 0. Hearts have slipped to 4th with the loss after a poor run of results

GK Danny Rogers (90) and Falkirk gave up the lead twice as they are held to a 2 - 2 draw with Queen of the South in Scotland's Championship

Kevin Dzierzawski never got off the bench today as Peterhead gave up the lead and ended in a 1 - 1 draw with Alloa in Scotland's League One

In Germany's Regionalliga (Sudwest) Stuttgart II and Joel Sonora (90) win 4 - 1 over Charlie Rugg (90) and Pirmasens - Joel Scored Stuttgart II's 4th Goal

Joe Gyau made a cameo appearance (coming on in the 90th minute) for Dortmund II as they beat Wattenscheid 1 - 0 in Regionalliga (West)

Justin Kinjo went 90, picked up his 2nd yellow of the season, as Dusseldorf II beat Viktoria Koln 1 - 0 in Regionalliga (West)

Piakai Henkel got 18 minutes in as Bahlinger SC beat Hollenbach 4 - 2 in Oberliga (Baden-Württemberg)

In Portugal Segunda Division, Keaton Parks joined the game late (88) and Varzim scored on a PK that Keaton had a hand in, to win 2 - 1 over #3 Cova De Piedade. Much needed points, as Varzim has now lifted themselves out of the red zone, still more to do to survive though.

In Switzerland Super League, Vaduz and Caleb Stanko (77) managed a 1 - 1 draw with Lausanne (on a 90+4 minute PK) Vaduz are tied for bottom place, 3 points will get them to safety.

In Bundesliga, John Brooks was rested (ankle injury) as Hertha face Bremen and Aron Johannsson, who was an unused sub. Disaster early for Hertha, who lost their other starting CB. Bremen scored and then held on for the 0 - 1 win. The loss cost Hertha the opportunity to catch up to RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, and reduced their 3rd place lead to just 1 point.

In New Zealand Premiership, Matt Wiesenfarth started for Canterbury United as they beat Eastern Suburbs 2 - 0, as they get back to winning ways.

SUNDAY

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

Matt Miazga was an unused sub as Vitesse traveled to Sparta Rotterdam in Netherlands Eredivisie and won 0 - 1. Vitesse are in 7th place in the league

Nottingham Forest, with Eric Lichaj going 90 and picking up a yellow, were no match today for home team Derby County as they fall hard 3 - 0 in England's Championship

BAK 07 had Devann Yao to Score a HAT-TRICK for them, but it did not matter as RB Leipzig II hit back with a 3 - 5 road win in Germany's Regionalliga (Nordost)

Fafa Picault came off the bench in the 78th minute, to help St Pauli consolidate their 0 - 2 win at Furth in Germany's 2Liga

Andrew Wooten went 90 in Sandhausen's goalless draw at home to Wurzburger in 2Liga

Devante Parker, started and went 76 minutes as Mainz II fell 0 - 2 at home to Lotte, in Germany's 3Liga. With only 3 wins in 18 games Mainz II looks destined for Regionalliga next season

Rubio Rubin sat on the bench and watched as Utrecht won their home game with Heracles in Netherlands Eredivisie. Utrecht are in 6th place, 1 point above Vitesse

GK Brad Guzan, did not play for Middlesbrough today, but he was the only American on a Premier League roster this weekend. Middlesbrough visited Southampton and lost 1 - 0

GK Benjamin Machini on the bench for Barakaldo as they hosted Fuenlabrada in Spain's Segunda Division B (Group 2) The game ended in a 1 - 1 draw, with Barakaldo's goal scorer being sent off for a straight red minutes after his goal.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Friday, Saturday, Sunday - Features Goals and the Fall of Prominence for US Players in Sweden

The news out of Sweden is not so good, a traditionally strong location for US Players, sees a continuing reduction in an American presence next season (at least, as of today). Despite having 2 teams promoted from Superettan, we could find ourselves with only 2 American's in the top tier, Allsvenskan, and one in 2nd tier, Superettan, assuming that no other players are brought in.

Illinois, Patrick Hopkins has been released by IK Sirius who have just been promoted to Swedish top tier Allsvenskan. Patrick, a 28 year old Center Back, was a mainstay at the Sirius since joining the club in January of 2014 (from Ljungskile SK) Patrick also spent time with Brisbane Wolves in Australia. I have no doubt that Patrick will sign with a new club (the official end-of-contract with Sirius is December 31st 2016)

California's Tristan Bowen has his contract up at AFC United on December 31st, and as a 'bit player' he may not survive at the club now they promoted to Allsvenskan. Tristan could find his way back to MLS where he played for LA Galaxy, Chivas USA, Seattle and NE Revolution before moving to Sweden.

Wisconsin's Andrew Stadler's contract with Ostersunds is up on December 31st, (some sites have the center forward gone already)

Illinois GK Matt Pyzdrowski's contract is not up at Helsingborgs IF until 31st of December 2017. Helsingborgs were relegated to Superettan. Matt had an up and down season his positioning as #1 or #2 Keeper may come down to movement by other players.

As reported earlier, Paul Torres (Dual US/VZ) was released by Assyriska who were relegated from Superettan to Division 1. 

Also of note Romain Gall (Dual US/France) left Nykoping in Sweden's Division 1 a few weeks ago. The US U20 & ex Columbus Crew mid-fielder, will certainly be snapped up quickly. Nykopings website states that Romain is looking for a club of higher status.

So it looks like we could see our Swedish (Allsvenskan) contingent down to 3 players - Brendan Hines-Ike who has a long-term contract in place with Orebro SK and GK Josh Wicks who just signed with Sirius, both playing in the the top tier Allsvenskan. One in Superettan, GK Matt Pyzdrowski, who has another year on his contract, ( and I am guessing here), None in Division 1 as Jochen Graf  (Dual US/Ger) has his contract finishing up with Oskarhamns, Division 1 (South), on Dec 31st, my expectation is a release here. As stated above, Romain Gall has already been released by Nykoping Division 1 (North)

So there it is from prominence to minimal in Sweden.

Just wanted to start today's wrap with an apology for an error concerning Japan' Yamaga. The promotional playoff was a single game, not as I reported a 2 leg match-up. Yamaga lost the game and will continue to play in J-League 2 next season (sad) congratulations to them and Illinois, GK Daniel Schmidt who had an amazing 20 Shut-Out Season. I believe that Daniel will move back (he was on loan) to Vegalta Sendai in Japan's Top Tier.

OK, this week, sadly not a stellar week for our boys. There were 8 goals, but only 5 players scored. Great to see Washington DC native Jordan Siebatcheu hit 3, although the competition was somewhat lacking. Jon- Paul Pittman had a great game scoring twice for Harrogate giving them the win. Bjorn Johnsen scored for Hearts, his 3rd of the season, seems to found his touch and Hearts now have him as a starter. Andrew Wooten moves up to 4th in the 2Liga Golden Boot race with his 8th. And, young Dual, defender, Toni Suddoth finds the net for the first time. There were no assists and no shut outs this week. Of note, Bobby Wood came back from his 3 game suspension, putting in 17 minutes at the end of Hamburgs game, Rubio Rubin was in Utrecht's 18 - twice, playing for the junior squad and polishing the bench for the seniors. As has been the case over the past few weeks, young Americans dominate the names on the list, as UCL, Internationals and end of season reduces the number of games being played at the senior level.

To the list. Below is the (really) short list - the full comprehensive list follow immediately after.

GOALS
Andrew Wooten - Germany
Jordan Siebatcheu (3) - France
Toni Suddoth - Germany
Jon-Paul Pittman (2) - England
Bjorn Johnsen - Scotland


FRIDAY

Fafa Picault was an unused sub in St.Pauli's goalless draw at home to Kaiserslautern in Germany's 2Liga - Fafa's first 18 for a few games

Jann George got 24 mins off the bench in Regensburg's 0 - 1 loss at home to Erfurt in Germany's 3Liga. Regensburg started the season full of promise, has now lost 3 of their last 4 and slipped a long way down the table

GK David Yelldell was back-up GK today as Sonnenhof got a very late goal to win 2 - 1 over Wehen in Germany's 3Liga, breaking a 2 game losing streak

Dallas Aminzadeh only went 35 mins before being subbed out (assume injury) as Oldenburg visited Hannover II and grabbed a point in this 1 - 1 draw in Regionalliga (Nord)

Rubio Rubin went 90 for Jong Utrecht in their Eerste Divisie 3 - 1 win over FC Emmen

Shane O'Neill went 90 in NAC Breda's 3 - 1 win over Almere in their Eerste Divisie match up in Netherlands

In Regionalliga (Sudwest) Charlie Rugg came off the bench at minute 16 for Pirmasens as they beat Bryan Gaul (90) Matt Taylor (7) and Offenbach 2 - 0

In the English Championship, League Leaders Newcastle totally imploded with 2 (Two) Red Cards (that ended in 2 (Two) missed PK's, and an OG (86') as they fall to Nottingham and Eric Lichaj (90) 2 - 1. DeAndre Yedlin played 90 for Newcastle and also picked up a Yellow Card very late in the game. I have a feeling that Rafa Benitez was not to happy with his team today

SATURDAY

Tim Tillman went 90 before being subbed out, as Bayern U19 drew 2 - 2 with Freiberg U19 in Junior Bundesliga (Sud)

Andrew Wooten went 90 and Scored Sandhausen's first goal as they went on to beat Nurnburg 1 - 3 in Germany's 2Liga. Shawn Parker was in 18/DNP for Nurnburg. Andrew is now 4th on the Top Scorers list for 2Liga with 8 goals

A HAT-TRICK for Jordan Siebatcheu in France's Coupe de France as Reims absolutely destroys amateur club Villeneuve Metropole 0 - 7

Brooks Lennon started for Liverpool U23 as they visited Leicester City U23 and fell 2 - 1 in the Premier League International Cup (Group C) Right now it looks doubtful that either team will get out of the group stage

Devante Parker went 90 as Mainz II visited Aalen in Germany's 3Liga in a game that ended goalless. Mainz II are having a horrible season and are now bottom of 3Liga.

Marc Heider (90) Robbie Kristo (29) and Osnabruck scored first and held on as they traveled to Fortuna Koln in 3Liga and managed a 1 - 1 draw, which keeps them in first place in 3Liga

Royal Fennell was missing from Hallescher's home game against Bremen II today because of a red card suspension, but Hallescher still won 2 - 0 and they are now one step closer to to the top spot (held by Osnabruck)

NOTE: Currently the top five teams in 3Liga (Osnabruck, Hallescher, Duisburg, Kiel & Chemnitzer) all have Americans in their squad. They are only separated by 3 points

GK Kenneth Kronholm, went 90 as Kiel traveled to Rostock, and came away with all 3 points in a 1 - 4 win in 3Liga

Corey Anton (90) Kevin Coleman (81) as Kaiserslautern U19 visited Stuttgart Kickers U19 and won 0 - 1 in Junior Bundesliga (Sud)

Toni Suddoth went 82 and Scored Stuttgart U19's only goal as they fall 1 - 3 to Ingolstadt U19 in Junior Bundesliga (Sud)

Good to see Aron Johannsson back from injury (and on the bench) as Bremen beats Ingolstadt 2 - 1 in Bundesliga. Alfredo Morales still out with a knee injury.

Christian Pulisic (12) and Dortmund beat up on M'Gladbach and Fabian Johnson (12) 4 - 1 with both American's entering the game at the same break (weird) with 12 minutes left to play (maybe because Bruce Arena was in the house?)

John Brooks (90) and Hertha, came back from 2 - 1 down to beat Wolfsburg 2 - 3, on a 90+1 PK

NOTE: Currently the top 6 in Bundesliga includes 5 teams (Bayern, RB Leipzig, Hertha, Dortmund & Frankfurt) that have American's in their squad. They are separated by 6 points

Joel Sonora (33) for Stuttgart II as they visit Saarbrucken in Regionalliga (Sudwest) and come away winners by a 0 - 2 margin

Ryan Malone got 73 minutes in as Stuttgart Kickers got thumped 0 - 3 by Homburg in Regionalliga (Sudwest)

Cameron Carter-Vickers was an unused sub as Tottenham destroyed Bob Bradley's Swansea 5 - 0 in England's EPL

Another 5 - 0 whooping, this time in the English Championship, where Danny Williams got a straight Red and Reading fell 5 - 0 at Fulham, where Tim Ream went 90.

And another 0 - 5 drubbing, as Chesterfield and Gboly Ariyibi get booted from the FA Cup by Wycombe

Both Conor O'Brien (Horsens) and George Fochive (Viborg) stayed on the bench as visitors Viborg won 1 - 2 in the Danish Superliga

Jon-Paul Pittman Scored Twice, as Harrogate beat Telford 2 - 1 in England's National League (North) breaking a rough period of 3 losses and 1 draw.

Bjorn Johnsen (90) Scored Hearts opening goal as they give up a 2 - 1 lead in the 86th minutes as Ross County fight back to get a 2 - 2 draw with (then) 2nd place Hearts. Captain, Perry Kitchen went 90, in what would seem to be a disappointing result as Hearts slip to 3rd behind Rangers

Things didn't look good for (GK) Danny Rogers and Falkirk as they gave up the first goal to visitors St.Mirren, but 3 unanswered goals gave them the resulting 3 - 1 win in Scotland's Championship and kept them in contention for promotion

Kevin Dzierzawski came off the bench after 16 minutes as Peterhead welcomed Airdrieonians in Scotland's League One. Peterhead found themselves down 0 - 3 in the first 20 minutes, a score just to much to recover from, as they fall 2 - 4

Shaq Moore went 90 as Levante UD B drew 0 - 0 with Eldense in Spain's Segunda Division B (Group 3)

GK Benjamin Machini on the bench for Barakaldo as they visited Leioa in Spain's Segunda Division B (Group 2) in their 2 - 0 loss

Piakai Henkel got on the pitch for the final 9 minutes as Bahlinger beat Karlsruher II in Oberliga (Baden-Württemberg)

GK Bakary Sanyang was on the losing side as Pfeddersheim fell 0 - 1 at home, to Rochling in Oberliga (Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar) That's 4 losses and 1 draw in their last 5 games as Pfeddersheim find themselves on a downward trajectory in the league standings

Vaduz looks doomed in Switzerland's Super League as they fall again, this time 3 - 0 to Luzern. Caleb Stanko was an unused sub again today. Vaduz needs points badly, maybe their next opponent Lausanne (who have lost their last 6 games) can provide some relief ?

Matt Miazga came off the bench at 90+4 - not sure if second's count as play time? - as Vitesse beat Zwolle 3 - 1 in Netherlands Eredivisie. Win moves them up to 7th (tied 6th) and in the mix for a play-off spot for Europa League next season
  
SUNDAY

In New Zealand Premier League, Matt Wiesenfarth played the final 12 minutes for Canterbury United as they fell 0 - 1 at Waitakere United. After a 5 game unbeaten run to start the season, Canterbury has now lost 2 straight.

Rubio Ruben was an unused sub today for Utrecht as they visited Den Haag, in Netherlands Eredivisie. Not unexpected as Rubio went 90 on Friday for the junior squad. Utrecht won this one 0 - 2, and move 1 spot above Vitesse

Haji Wright went 90 for Schalke U19 as they beat Oberhausen U19 1 - 0 to take over the #1 spot, ahead of Dortmund U19 in Junior Bundesliga (West)

Russell Canouse, got 10 minutes in as Bochum visited Bielefeld and fell 1 - 0, both teams have been struggling of late, in Germany's 2Liga

Jerome Kiesewetter was an unused sub in Dusseldorf's goalless draw at Wurzburger, also in Germany's 2Liga

Devann Yao played the last 16 minutes in BAK 07's 1 - 4 win at Lok. Leipzig in Regionalliga (Nordost)

In Germany 3Liga, Shawn Barry went 90, as FSV Frankfurt fell 0 - 1 at home to Magdeburg. Its a close race in the league, and although FSV has only 2 points from its last 4 games, they are still only 4 points out of the final promotion spot

Bobby Wood got to play 17 minutes for Hamburg as, amazingly, they won their first league game of the season 0 - 2 at Darmstadt in Bundesliga. This was Bobby's first game since 10/30 when he received a 3 game red card suspension

In Portugal's Segunda Liga, Keaton Parks started for Varzim as they traveled to Covilha, in a game that saw Varzim lose a player to a red card (61' - 2 x yellow) and miss on a PK. That made a comeback very difficult for the road team, as they lost this one 2 - 0

Jack McBean went 90 as Coventry City were well beaten by Cambridge United - 4 - 0 - in the FA Cup. Coventry are out of the competition.

Aris Briggs Zustra went 58 minutes in Osnabruck II 2 - 0 win over Bornreihe in Oberliga (Niedersachsen). Osnabruck II now in 4th place - 2 points out of 2nd.

Timothy Chandler had another strong game as Frankfurt traveled to Augsburg, in Germany's Bundesliga, and came away with a point in a 1 - 1 draw. The result helps Frankfurt maintain its 5th place spot in the league

In Norway, the relegation playoff between Stabaek and Jerv ended in a 2 - 0 win for Stabaek (2 - 1 on Agg.) So Stabaek survive and will play in Tippeligaen (will be renamed Eliteserien) in 2017. Cole Grossman was not in the 18 for today's match, raising concern as to his future with the club. (His contract is up on Dec 31st)

Eric Palmer-Brown went 90 for FC Porto B as they hosted Benfica B in Portugal's Segunda Liga. The 'Classico' ended  in a 1 - 1 draw after an 82nd minute Benfica B goal. Note: Eric was an unused sub for the senior squad in a Portuguese Cup game versus Belenenses this last Tuesday, so its safe to say he is on the cusp.

Joshua Perez was an unused sub today (after last weeks debut) for Serie A club Fiorentina as they played Palermo to a 2 - 1 win. Fiorentina moves up to 8th place in Serie A.

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