DAILY WRAP: 5/23-24/2016 Quick Wrap-up of the Past 2 Days - Promotions a Goal and a shut-out

Yesterday and again today, we had good news for Americans in Germany.

Yesterday 5/23/2016), Tim Chandler and Frankfurt won their 2nd leg P/R play-off, against Nurnberg, and will remain in Bundesliga next season. Frankfurt won the play-off 1 - 2 on agg.  Tim did limp off in the 69th minute with an apparent muscle injury, it's unclear how serious Chandler's injury is. Maybe Jurgen Klinsmann will need to go back to his Copa America roster and pick another fullback.

Earlier yesterday George Fochive (90) and Viborg visited Europa League bound Brondby in the Danish Superliga and came away with a 0 - 1 win

In Finland's Ykkonen, GK Tim Murray had a shut-out as Ekenas beat Dan Stevens (90 + yellow card) and GrIFK 3 - 0

Today (5/24/2016) Royal Fennel, started and went 90, picking up a yellow card along the way, as Wurzburger beat Duisburg and gained Promotion to 2Bundesliga next season. Wurzburger took a 2 goal lead into today's game and scored 2 more - ending with a 1 - 4 agg win.

Earlier today, Jakeem Johnson Scored for PEPO 1 as they defeated Kultsu 2 - 1 in Finland's Kakkonen Group A - that's 3 goals in 4 games for Jakeem - for those who do not know Jakeem, he is a 25 year old Center Forward and New Jersey native. He played for the Brooklyn Italians SC before moving to Finland and spending a season with JIPPO where he scored 10 times in 22 games.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 5/14/2016 - Features 4 goals, Final Day in Germany and More

So today was the final day for the senior leagues in Germany, with Bayern, Dortmund and Leverkusen all qualifying for the Group Stage of the Champions League, and M'Gladbach will have to take the long road in qualifying. In the Europa League Schalke and Mainz qualify with a disappointing Hertha entering the early rounds to qualify. 
Stuttgart and Hannover are relegated to 2Liga, and Frankfurt will play in a play-off against Nurnburg to see if they get to stay. 
In 2Liga Freiberg and RB Leipzig are promoted to Bundesliga, while at the bottom Paderborn are the only club officially relegated until the results of tomorrow's games.
In 3Liga, Dresden and Aue are promoted to 2Liga with Wurzburber waiting to see who ther opposition will be in a promotional play-off. Stuttgart Kickers, Cottbus and Stuttgart II round out the relegation picture for Germany's senior leagues.

***What is going on with the Stuttgart program?????

Elsewhere, we had 4 goals from 3 players, 1 in Finland, a brace in Sweden and a PK also in Finland. 

Lets just go to the list;
 
In Sweden's Division 2 the early game was Bodens, Eddy Prugh (90) and Chase Miller (90) against Skelleftea. The game ended in goalless draw. Bodens are still unbeaten but fall a spot to 3rd.

Devonte Parker came off the bench at 63rd minute as Mainz II visited Cottbus in Germany 3Liga and came away with a 2 - 3 victory

Marc Heider started and went 90 as Kiel where pummeled by Erfurt, and lost 0 - 3 in there final home game of the season.

Royal Fennel started and went 90 as Wurzburger visited Ryan Malone (18) and Magdeburg and won 0 - 1. Wurzburger done enough to ensure that they would play in the Promotion Play-off against a 3Liga team (that will be decided Sunday)

Joel Sonora (90) and Stuttgart II ended their disastrous season with a 3 - 1 loss at Wehen. They are relegated, and will play in Regionalliga next season

In Finland's Kakkonen Group A PEPO 1 visited Sudet and and although Jakeem Johnson Scored the the games opening goal PEPO 1 failed to hold on to the lead and fell 2 - 1

Sasa Plavsic started for S. Kerbura in their Sweden Division Two game at Karlbergs. S. Kerbura won the game 1 - 3 with Sasa Plavsic Scoring 2 goals (3 minutes part) in the victory

In Finland's Kakkonen Group C Lawrence Smith Scored from a PK in what was ultimately the winner as his team GBK Kokkola visited AC Kajaani and won 1 - 2. Captain Chris Corcoran (90) was back following red card suspension

In Finland Ykkonen, Mike Banner (30) and KPV took the lead into halftime and then hung on as Oulu came back strong in the 2nd half. The game ended a 2 - 2. KPV remain unbeaten at the top of Ykkonen.

Gabriel Witz started and went 90 for Jazz in Finland Ykkonen as they search for their first points of the season, this game at home against KTP with Isaac Kannah (22) was an opportunity against another team starting slowly. Jazz scored 3 goals, but KTP out paced Jazz and scored 4 - final Jazz 3 - 4 KTP.

Life in Finland is not that great right now for GK Scott Angevine, as his team YPA lost big at OPS in Kakkonen Group C, 5 - 1 YPA have yet to record a point and have let in 10 goals - time to improve!

In Germany Bundesliga, Timothy Chandler and Frankfurt lost at Bremen (Aaron Jóhannsson still out injured) 1 - 0. Frankfurt will be in the Relegation Playoff where they will play Timothy's old team, Nurnberg which will be there chance to stay in Bundesliga.

***Stuttgart and Jerome Kiesewetter are relegated to 2Liga

At Leverkusen GK David Yelldell was called into action as regular starter Dario Kresic was unable to continue. David was not able to stop a Ingolstadt PK but Leverkusen went on to win 3 - 2 and cement their spot in Champions League next season. Ingolstadt did not use Alfredo Morales who sat on the bench today.

*** Dortmund were held to a 2 -2 draw today (Christian Pulisic was not in the 18) but their path to Champions League was already set, along with Bayern Munich.

Fabian Johnson (not in 18 due to injury) and M'Gladbach won their game 0 - 2 at Darmstadt and will enter the Qualification Round of Champions League.
Devante Parker (who played in Mainz II game today) will have an opportunity next season for Mainz who will play in Europa League. (Schalke were the other team to qualify) as they held John Brook's and Hertha in a goalless draw. Hertha will enter the Europa League early round and take the long road to the finals.

Ryan Finley went 90, picked up a yellow card as Angelholms were trounced by Assyriska FF 0 - 3 in Sweden's Superettan

In Iceland Division 1 (2nd tier) JC Mack started went 90 as Selfoss fall 3 - 0 at Keflavick - its early season so no panic yet for Selfoss.

In Regionalliga Bayern, Bayern Munich II beat Augsburg II, with David Spies putting in 90 minutes, 2 - 1. Julian Green was not in the 18 for Bayern.

Also in Regionalliga Bayern Amberg and Julian Ceesay got thumped 4 - 0 by Schalding-Heining

In Oberliga Bayern Nord, Alassane Kane (90) could not find the net as DJK Bamberg were trounced 4 - 0 by Grossbardoff

In Oberliga Rheinland-Pfalz/Saar, GK Martin Little and Cort Flatgen both went 90 as Neunkirchen won 2 - 0 over Hauenstein

In Regionalliga Sudwest, GK Zack Steffen (90) and Caleb Stanko (72) and Frieburg II beat up on Kaiserslautern II and Irvin Parra (85) 5 - 2

Bryan Gaul (90) was on the losing side as Bahlinger visited Offenbach and were handed a heavy defeat in Regionalliga Sudwest

Charlie Rugg (20) came off the bench and helped Trier beat Pirmasens 0 - 1 also in Regionalliga Sudwest

Also in Regionalliga Sudwest, Russell Canouse went 90 as Hoffenheim II visited Spielberg and won handily 2 - 5

No Christian Pulisic for Dortmund this week, but Junior Flores made a brief appearance for Dortmund II in their 3 - 0 win over Velbert in Regionalliga West

In Poland Division One, Hunter Gorskie went 90 as Legnica visited Grudziadz and came away 0 - 1 winners - shame they are a little to far back for promotion this year they are picking up their game 3w 1d 1L in last 5.

GK Will Dietreich kept a clean sheet until the 75th minute as Haukar beat Akureyi 4 - 1 in Iceland's 1st Division

GK Ciaran Nugent started on the bench (DNP) as Sligo Rangers faced off with Bohemians in Ireland's Premier League and won 1 - 0.

Alejandro Bedoya (90) started for Nantes as they visited PSG - one they could probably done without as they got pummeled 4 - 0 in their final game of the season.

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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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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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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: 3/2/2016 - 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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INJURY: USMNT and Bremen Forward Aron Johannsson Back in Training

© nordphoto

Aron (left) Individual training session with athletics coach Axel Dörrfuß at Weserstadion

The Weser Kurier (Newspaper in Bremen, Germany) is reporting that Victor Skripnik. the Werder Bremen coach has announced that Aron is fit enough to start training, but does not expect him to be match-fit for about a month - good news for the USMNT this Summer.

.@Weser_Kurier: Bei Aron #Johannsson wird es wohl noch etwa einen Monat bis zur Rückkehr dauern, sagt #Skripnik. #werder

— Thorsten Waterkamp (@twaterkamp) February 25, 2016

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Daily Wrap: 2/26/2016 Features Goals in Germany by Wood and Green Plus Plenty of Action Elsewhere

A catch-up on yesterday - Europa League Day  - US still has a couple of players left in the competition. U21 GK Ethan Horvath - it seems that I have been following Ethan for years, and forget he is still an U21 - had a clean sheet. U21 Cameron Carter-Vickers made the game day roster for Tottenham...read on

Liverpool played Augsburg to a 1 - 0 win (1 - 0 agg) German/American Shawn Parker, who has been out injured for an extended period, was back in the 18 for Augsburg, came off the bench with minutes left in the game. Good to see him back.

U21 GK Ethan Horvath, started went 90 and provided a clean sheet for Norway's Molde as the won there 2nd leg game v Sevilla 1 - 0. Unfortunately they were climbing a 3 - 0 hole - so agg 1 - 3

Cameron Carter-Vickers was in the 18 for Spur's 3 - 0 win over Fiorentina (4 - 1 agg) Cameron stayed on the bench and I am sure enjoyed the win

In another game of note (a 'What could have been') Christian Pulisic did not make make the game day roster for Dortmund as they visited FC Porto and Eric Palmer-Brown, who was also not on the roster, but wow that would have been a big game for the USYNT if it had :)

So, today, lots of activity from our US Players and a few goals to report;

Bobby Wood Goal HD - Union Berlin 2-1... by AlleTore Bobby Wood started, scored the winning goal and picked up a yellow in his 80 minute performance for Union Berlin as they beat Karlsruher in Germany's 2Liga (That's Bobby's 10th this season)

Another young American, Joel Sonora played the final 10 minutes of Stuttgart II's  game v Hallescher. The Final: 1 - 1 in Germany 3LIga

In Regionalliga Bayern, Julian Green, who lately has found his scoring boots, scored Bayern's 1st and 3rd goals as they beat Rain/Lech 3 - 1 - like Bobby Wood, Julian has 10 goals this season

In France it was a bad day for Tours and Quentin Westberg as they visited Dijon (didn't have the mustard today) and lost 0 - 3 - it should also be noted that Dijon is the league leader, with only 4 losses in 28 games

No Travis Brent in what turned out to be a goal-scoring free-for-all, as Almere came back in the 90th minute to beat home club Emmen 5 - 6 (Yup, that's correct)

In Belgium, Kenny Saief was in the 18 today for Gent, but did not play, as Gent beat Lokeren 3 - 1 and pulled back even at the top of Jupiler League, with Club Brugge (Brugge has a game in hand and a 4 GD though)

In Germany's Bundesliga, John Brooks started went 90 and picked up a yellow in Hertha's 0 - 1 away win at Koln. Hertha sit in 3rd spot in the Bundesliga, but are way, way, behind #2 Dortmund.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 2/14/2016 - Valentine's Goals from Johnson, Woods and Yao

Valentines Sunday has seen some great goals from Americans in Germany. Lets get straight to it;

Desevio Payne has shrugged off an injury last week, started, went 90 (Yellow), for Groningen in their 1 - 2 home loss to Ajax in Holland's Eredivisie.

Caleb Stanko came off the bench at minute 74, in Freiburg's 1 - 2  Loss to Dusseldorf in Germany 2Liga

Devann Yao started for BAK 07 in Regionalliga Nordost, SCORED their 1st goal (eventual winner) as BAK 07 beat Nordhausen by an easy 4 - 0 - Devann's 2nd Goal in 2 Games for his new club BAK 07

Bobby Wood, started for Union Berlin, in 2Liga, went 90 and SCORED Union's 3rd goal as they beat his old club, 1860 Munich handily, 3 - 0 - this is Bobby's 9th goal this season (4th in last 4 games)

Bobby Wood Goal HD - Union Berlin 2-0 Munich... by AlleTore

Royal-Dominique Fennell, started and went 90 in Wurzburger's goalless draw at Aue in Germany's 3Liga

Brad Guzan should be grateful he was on the bench for Aston Villa's game with Liverpool.
Liverpool just dismantled the Villains 0 - 6.

Fabian Johnson started, went 90 and SCORED M'Gladbach's 1st goal (Fabian's 5th) as they visited Hamburg. Hamburg won the game 3 - 2 despite a late flurry by M'Gladbach


Robbie Kristo seems to have found somewhere to play, getting his 2nd start in 2 games since moving to Tuttocuolo in Italy's Lega Pro (Group B) He went 66 minutes in Tuttocuolo's 2 - 0 loss to Teramo.

19 year old Douglas Bentley a dual Italy/USA mid-fielder, started on the bench today for Lega Pro (Group A) side Albino Leffe, as they face-off with Alessandria. Douglas came off the bench at minute 64 in Albino Leffe's 1 - 3 loss (thanks to @babynats_abroad for the discovery)

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 2/6/2016 - Devann Yao, Jon-Paul Pittman & Joshua Perez Score

Devann Yao SCORED for Berliner AK 07 (BAK 07) in their 0 - 2 win over Luckenwalde in Regionalliga Nordost. Devan's first game for BAK 07, first goal - good start.

Gideon Zelalem started and went 61 minutes in Rangers 0 - 0 draw with Kilmarnock in the quarter finals of the Scottish FA Cup, they will have to play this one again

Devonte Parker, came off the bench for Mainz II in the 61st minute, but Mainz was unable to maintain a come-back and lost 2 - 3 to Munster in Germany 3Liga

Royal-Dominique Fennell started and went 90 minutes for Wurzburger Kickers in a goalless draw with Stuttgart II in 3Liga

Oh Dear! Mario Rodriguez received a Straight Red Card at the end of the first half, but M'Gladbach II still managed to win 1 - 2 over Wattenscheid in Regionalliga West

Dylan Romney was in the 18, but did not play for Savona in Italy Lega Pro (Group B) as they ended with a 1 - 1 draw with Teramo

The big one in Germany for many Americans today John Brooks started for Hertha and Christian Pulisic came off the bench (71) for Dortmund.  Game ended Goalless. (Brooks went 90 minutes)

Alfredo Morales came off the bench at minute 60 for Ingolstadt as they faced Augsburg and they won 2 - 1 on an 85th minute penalty

Brad Guzan in 18, did not play for Aston Villa as they won 2 - 0 v Norwich. Villa quietly getting points each week, but still a long way to safety

DeAndre Yedlin in 18, came off the bench at 75th minute as Sunderland score late and get an unexpected 2 - 2 draw at Liverpool

In the battle of the injured neither Tim Howard (Everton) or Geoff Cameron (Stoke) dressed for today match-up Stoke 0 - 3 Everton

Jonathan Spector in 18 for Birmingham as they welcome Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship. Jonathan remained on the bench, Sheffield left with the win 1 - 2

GK Paul Rachubka, in his usual position on the bench for Bolton as they hosted Rotherham and got the win 2 -1 and finally got off the bottom of the Championship.

GK Cody Cropper in 18 for MK Dons as they visited Cardiff and left with a point, in a goalless draw

Tim Ream in the 18 for Fulham as they met with Derby, Tim stayed on the bench as Fulham got away with a lucky 1 - 1 draw.  Hyndman played for the U21's yesterday

Eric Lichaj (90) started for Nottingham as the visited Leeds and came away with the win 0 - 1

Danny Williams started for Reading, went 90 minutes, as they hosted Wolves in a goalless draw

Duane Holmes and Adam Hanley did not dress for their teams today

Gboly Ariyibi in the 18 for Chesterfield as they clash with Peterborough in League One came off the bench at 70 minutes, but Chesterfield failed to take advantage of 2 Peterborough red cards and lost 0 - 1

Photo: fullcontactlaw.co.uk

Lynden Gooch and Doncaster did not play - Game Postponed

Shane O'Neill in 18 for Cambridge in League Two are visited by Dagenham & Redbridge. Good to see Shane on the depth chart. Cambridge win this one 1 - 0

Jon-Paul Pittman SCORED (72) for Grimsby in their FA Trophy game v Havant & Waterlooville, which ended up being the game winner as Grimsby walked off a 3 - 0 winner

Photo: grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

Kevin Dzierzawski started for Peterhead in Scotland's League One at Ayr. Kevin went 90 minutes as Peterhead move into 2nd place (over Ayr) with a 1 - 2 away win (still early but promotion into the Championship is clearly in sight)

In Italy, Joshua Perez mad an incredible debut for AFC Fiorentina Primavera (U19), assisting on 1 goal and then SCORING, as AFC Fiorentina Primavera went on to win 5 - 1 over Trapani Primavera. Congrats to Joshua.

In today's late game, a red-hot Alejandro Bedoya started for Nantes as they visited Toulouse in Ligue 1. Alejandro was subbed out at 90+5 (so he went 90) Missed opportunity for Nantes to grab the 4th spot / Euro - still lots of time, and an away point is better than none.

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DAILY WRAP: 2/5/2016 - Bobby Wood & More

Caleb Stanko was on the Bench for Freiburg as they visited Bochum in 2.Liga today. Freiburg lost 2 - 0  . Freiburg will be upset to lose their first game after the winter break, but maintain 2nd place in the league.

Bobby Wood started for Union Berlin (went 90, picked up a yellow card) as they visit Kaiserslautern SCORED an 86th minute goal to secure a point for his team Kaiserlautern 2 - 2 Union Berlin.
Bobby Wood Goal HD - Kaiserslautern 2-2 Union... by AlleTore

Andrew Wooten started for Sandhausen (went 90) as they hosted Paderborn and won 1 - 0

3 US Players on the pitch in the Fulham v West Bromwich U21 Premier League game. Eric Hyndmann, who has been regularly in Fulham's senior 18, Luca de la Torre who seems to be improving game to game, both young Americans in the Fulham stable. Danny Barbir got his first start for the West Bromwich U21's - Game ended with a 1 - 1 draw with goals in 88th and 90+3 minutes

GK, Quentin Westberg back in the 18 for Tours in France Ligue 2 (he missed Tours last game)Unfortunately Tours gave up a 90 minute goal and lost by that score 0 - 1

Travis Brent started on the bench for Almere in Netherlands Eerste Divisie, came on in the 81st minute as Almere won 3 - 1 over Waalwijk

Fabian Johnson starting for M'Gladbach as they welcome Bremen in Bundesliga - Aron Johannsson is not in the lineup for Bremen but the good news, he has returned to practice. Fabian went the full 90minutes as M'Gladbach laid a 5 - 1 thumping on a poor Bremen team

Photo: Bigscoccer           Gustavo Villalobos gets a brace

Gustavo Villalobos SCORED twice for Pembroke as they visited Floriana in Malta's Premier League, but still lost 4 - 2. That would be goals 8 & 9 this season for Gustavo

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 1/30/2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

photo: SBISoccer

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

Desevio Payne started for Groningen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Huge Day for Young Americans in Europe

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

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

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

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

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

Matt Miazga transfer is complete

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

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

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

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

Joel Sonora with Boca Jrs.(left)

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

CONGRATULATIONS to all three

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CONTRACTS: John Brooks Signs Contract Extension with Hertha

Photo: HerthaBSC.de

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

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

— Hertha English (@HerthaBSC_EN) January 30, 2016

 Good news indeed.

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

photo: BigSoccer.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 1/24/2016

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

Marc Heider, no goal today

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

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

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

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

Timothy Chandler, did not dress, for Frankfurt

Ryan Malone, did not dress, for Magdeburg

Aaron Jóhannsson did not dress for Bremen, injured.

Rubio Ruben, did not dress for Utrecht, injured.

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

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

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

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 1/23/2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

  Photo: Herald Scotland.    Kevin Dzierzawski (right)

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

  

  Photo: SI.com      Christian Pulisic

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

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

More tomorrow, Weekend Wrap Sunday.

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

UPDATE 1/21/2016

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

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

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

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