WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 0/6/2016 Features Goals, Season's Begin Across Europe

A little late with Saturday's list, life sometimes interferes with football.....anyway mixed day - on one hand excitement at the opening day(s) around Europe, on the other our guys only did OK. We started the day looking good with an assist from Andrew Wooten in Germany, then a goal from Andrew Stadler in Sweden, and I was feelin' chuffed that the day would be a good one, alas the results tell the story.

Straight to the list;

Christian Eissele came off the bench in the 89th minute as Kemi beat PK-35 in Finland's Veikkausliiga

In Germany's 2Liga, Russell Canouse came off the bench in the 89th minute in Bochum's season opener as they beat Union Berlin 2 - 1

In Germany 3Liga, GK Kenneth Kronholm went 90 in Kiel's 1 - 0 loss at Aalen, not the most promising start of the season for Kiel

Shawn Barry came off the bench at minute 75 as FSV Frankfurt hosted Erfurt in 3Liga and lost 0 - 1

Devante Parker went 56 minutes for Mainz II as they visited Paderborn and suffered a 3 - 1 defeat

GK Craig Hill sat on the bench as KuPS visited SJK and fell 1 - 0 in Finland Veikkausliiga

Eric Friedlander came off the bench in minute 75 for Ansbach in Oberliga (Bayern Nord) as they visited Viktoria Aschaffenburg and won 2 - 3

In Germany 2Liga Andrew Wooten (73) and Sandhausen hosted Dusseldorf and Jerome Kiesewetter (in 18/DNP) in a game that ended in a 2 - 2 draw. Andrew is credited with the Assist on Sandhausen's 1st goal

In Norway Tippeligaen, GK Ethan Horvath (90) and Molde held on for a 3 - 2 win over Bodo/Glimt breaking their string of no wins at 6 games (1W/1D/5L)

Kevin Dzierzawski and Peterhead visited Alloa in Scotland's Division 1, and were totally demolished 4 - 0, in their first league game of the season. They'll be having nightmares about this one

In Sweden's Allsvenskan, Andrew Stadler (76) and Ostersunds had no trouble with Sundsvall winning 4 - 0. Andrew Scored Ostersunds 1st (and winning) goal

In Denmark's SuperLiga Viborg and George Fochive (in 18/DNP) were unlucky not to grab all 3 points (missing a PK) and settled for a 0 - 0 draw at Odense

The English season has started (except EPL) and in their first game Birmingham and Jonathan Spector (90) hosted Cardiff in a game that ended scoreless in the Championship

Also in the Championship, Adam Henley (90) and Blackburn started their season off with a horrible 1 - 4 loss to Norwich. An opening day game Blackburn will want to put behind them quickly

Nottingham Forest and Eric Lichaj (4) had a bit of a scare as they hosted Burton in their season opener, ultimately winning 4 - 3 after falling behind to the visitors (who scored 2 goals in 3 minutes in the 1st half)

Danny Williams (90) and Reading started their season on a positive note as they beat Preston 1 - 0 at Madejski Stadium

Gboly Ariyibi (90) and Chesterfield opened their League One season with a visit to Oxford, coming away with a point, in a 1 - 1 draw

With all the fanfare by the Scunthorpe coach over Duane Holmes (in 18/DNP) pre-season form, Duane found himself on the bench for this game as Scunthorpe made short work of Bristol Rovers 3 - 1 to open their season. Lets hope that Duane gets off the bench next week.

GK Paul Rachubka, in 18/DNP for his new team Bury Town as they open the season with a 2 - 0 win over Charlton in League One play

In the English National League, a miserable day for GK Brandon Moore, who was red-hot for Torquay last season, as they opened their season at Macclesfield and lost 2 - 0

With 90+ minutes on the clock Jon-Paul Pittman Scored, giving Harrogate a 2 - 2 draw for their opening game at Worcester. Jon-Paul;s first goal for his new team was 'most timely'

In Iceland Inkasso-deildin, Will Daniels and Grindavik visited Leiknir F. in a game that Grindavik really wanted to win. Will Scored Grindavik's 2nd goal of the day as they pummeled the hosts 1 - 4. Grindavik are now in 2nd place, just 1 point behind the leaders Akureyi

In Scotland's Championship, GK Danny Rogers and Falkirk hosted Hibernian in their season opener, falling 1 - 2 on an early 2nd half goal

Patrick Hopkins (90) and Sirius extended their lead at the top of Sweden's Superettan with a 2 - 0 win over Varbergs

In Germany Regionalliga (Sudwest) Charlie Rugg (18) and Pirmassens fell 1 - 2 to Hessen Kassel , starting their season with a tough loss

In a friendly, Bobby Wood played the 45 min for Hamburg SV and Geoff Cameron 69 minutes for Stoke City. Hamburg wins this one 1-0

Also in a friendly, GK Brad Guzan, was in the 18 but DNP as Middlesbrough faced off with Real Sociedad, game ended scoreless

And to keep it all up to date, Tim Ream (5) as Fulham's won their season opener 1-0 against Newcastle United, in the Championship yesterday

Matt Nigro and Vestri hosted IR Reykjavik in Iceland's Division 2. Falling 0 - 1 to the league leaders. It's Vestri's 2nd loss in a row (3rd in 4) as they slip out of contention

Young American GK Bakary Sanyang (New York) got the shut out as Pfeddersheim beat his old team Hauenstein 1 - 0 in Germany's Oberliga

Paul Torres (90) and Assyriska FF will want to forget today as they tumble 0 - 4 to GAIS in Sweden's Superettan, and slip into the relegation zone

Terence Boyd (90)and Ken Gipson both started for RB Leipzig in a 3 - 2 friendly win over Spanish side Eibar

Rubio Rubin (90) started for Utrecht as they kicked off their season at home against PSV, it all started out well enough with a 16th minute goal/lead but ultimately things didn't go as planned and Utrecht open the season with a 1 - 2 loss

In the Serbian Super Liga, Javor and Ismar Tandir visited Backa winning the game 0 - 1, that's the first 3 games of the season undefeated

In Poland Division 1, Hunter Gorskie went 90 as Legnica visited Kluzbork and came away with a point in a 2 - 2 draw - good start to the season, so far

Not a good result for Jason Gorskie and Bnai Sakhnin is Israel's Toto Cup as they fall to M. Haifa 2 - 1 if they want to continue past the group stage, well they need to win the next game and they need a little luck

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Contracts: USYNT Gboly Ariyibi Could Find Himself at Rotherham United in England's Championship

As has been reported earlier today, Alan Stubb's the manager at Championship side Rotherham United has expressed interest in Gboly Ariyibi, who is currently under contract with Chesterfield in League One.  Stubb's has looked at Ariyibi before when he was manager of Scottish team Hibernians, but reportedly where slow to move and lost out.

The South Yorkshire newspaper The Star is reporting the goings on

"Ariyibi's agent would only confirm to the Derbyshire Times that they are in talks with Chesterfield over a new, extended deal."

The Star says

"His current contract runs out at the end of next season.Last season Ariyibi set out to play more regular football and did so, making 41 appearances.At times he looked unplayable in League One and was involved in 10 goals, scoring three of those himself."

More on this as it play's out

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CONTRACTS: GK Cody Cropper Released by MK Don's

Photo: MKDons.com

The annual  'clean-out' continues, as British clubs pare down their squad sizes and and start the process of rebuilding for next season. We have seen a few Americans fall along the way, over the past few days Zak Whitbread and Jon-Paul Pittman have been released, now goalkeeper Cody Cropper join's the list.

According to the MK Don's web-site, the club has decided not to exercise its contract with Cody when it expires at the end of June. 

"Cropper joined the Dons as a free agent last summer and made 12 appearances during the 2015/16 campaign, nine of which came in the Sky Bet Championship"

Cody, who is still only 23,  came up through the Ipswich Town program, before moving to Southampton in August of 2012. He stayed with Southampton until last season when he moved last July to MK Don's as a free agent.  Cody represented the US in the U20 and U23 levels and was included in Jurgen Klinsmann's 23 man Confederation Cup squad.

According to SBI, Cody has stated a desire to return to the US, possibly with Atlanta (his home town) or Minnesota, both MLS Expansion teams

Good Luck in the future to Cody

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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WEEKEND WRAP: 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: 3/1/2016 - Yedlin Features and Rescues Sunderland

So reasonably busy for a mid-week gameday in England and Germany. Some players still MIA (see bottom) quite a few off the bench - but no real surprises. DeAndre Yedlin continues his improvement for Sunderland, look's like the (proverbial) increased playing time is paying off, he had a wonderful cross that was missed by the forward at the weekend, today a precise pass, at the 90th minute,  and the forward hit it home saving Sunderland's blushes (and salvaging a point). So here is today's action list;

Andrew Wooten started on the bench for Sandhausen as they welcomed Nurnberg in Germany 2Liga. Andrew joined the game at the 62nd minute, in a 0 - 2 home loss

Joel Sonora started on the bench for Stuttgart II as they took on Bremen II in Germany 3Liga, Joel came off the bench at minute 69, as Stuttgart II won this one 0 - 1

Royal-Dominique Fennell started for Wurzburger as they visited Hallescher in 3Liga, Royal-D went the full 90 minutes, picked up a yellow card, in a 1 -3 win for the Kickers

Marc Heider in 18 for Kiel's away fixture at Rostock, came on at minute 79, in a 1 - 0 loss

Brad Guzan had a rare start for Aston Villa as they hosted Everton in the EPL, Tim Howard was on the bench for the visitors, as Everton won 1 - 3
DeAndre Yedlin started, went 90, and is credited with an assist on Sunderland's last gasp equalizer in a  2 - 2 draw with Crystal Palace (glorious goal by Borini)

Adam Henley in the 18 today for Blackburn, but did not play, in Blackburn's 2 - 1 win over Middlesbrough in England's Championship

Gboly Ariybi started and went the full 90 for Chesterfield as they drew 1 - 1 with Blackpool in England's League One

GK Alek Gogic, was in the 18 for Fleetwood, but did not play in their 2 - 1 win over Gillingham (Alek is still waiting for his opportunity)

Zak Whitbread started and went 90 minutes for Shrewsbury as they beat Rochdale 2 - 0

Lynden Gooch started on the bench for Doncaster, came on at minute 55, but was unable to effect the outcome of a 2 - 0 loss at Swindon

Shane O'Neill came off the bench at minute 78, as Cambridge defended home turf, and won 1 - 0 over Wycombe in England's League Two

MIA's omitted from the report today;
Gedion Zelalem(Glasgow Rangers) not in 18 - probable injury, no report from Rangers
Bobby Wood(Union Berlin) - No data
Justin Kinjo(Dusseldorf II) - did not play/may have been in 18 - no further data
Matt Miazga (Chelsea) - did not make their 18 today.
Alfredo Morales (Ingolstadt) - injury

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DAILY WRAP: 2/23/2016 - Jon-Paul Pittman Scores - Cody Cropper Debuts

A Debut and a Goal today - Congrats to GK Cody Cropper and to Jon-Paul Pittman and controversy at the UEFA Youth League

Kyle Scott started went 90, and scored in the penalty shoot-out as Chelsea beat Valencia 2 - 1 after penalties. Big controversy over Valencias 1st PK - looking at picks looks like it was in - ruled a miss - Chelsea move on to the Quarter Finals of the UEFA Youth League

Jonathan Spector was in 18, did not play, as Birmingham took on Bolton and GK Paul Rachubka (90) Birmingham won 1 - 0

Eric Lichaj started and went 90 as Nottingham visited Burnley. Burnley were best on the day, and won 1 - 0

Fulham, again, did not use Emerson Hyndman, who sat on the bench as they visited Leeds, and came away with a 1 - 1 draw

Cody Cropper got the start (This was Cody's First Start in the Championship) for MK Don's as they welcomed Huddersfield (coached by American David Wagner) a late goal by Huddersfield gave them a 1 - 1 draw

Jon-Paul Pittman started, went 90 and Scored Grimsby's first goal as they went on to beat Woking in the Vanarama National League, Jon-Pauls 4th goal this season. Grimsby are in 3rd (Promotion Playoff) spot, with 2 games in hand.

Danny Williams still out injured today as Reading beat Rotherham 1 - 0

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RUMOR: Hyndman to Leave Fulham for Manchester United ?

Photo: NBCSports.com

HITC are reporting that 19 year old Fulham & USA U23 mid-fielder, Emerson Hyndman, could be on his way to Manchester United. In the article they state that Manchester United is the front runner of a number of "top European" clubs (including Tottenham, Bayern & Dortmund) that are looking at Emerson. United are understood to be "keen on landing Hyndman with a view to loaning him out next season." according to the report.  So what to make of it?

While many would like to see such a move, is this just wishful thinking turning into a rumor, or does it have feet?  Before it happened Matt Miazga to Chelsea seemed no more than speculation, a pipe-dream, then it happened. Now it looks like Matt has a real opportunity to succeed. For Emerson then, opportunity may come a knockin'  only time will tell.

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DAILY WRAP: 2/16/2016 - Bench Press

Not a whole lot of games today, and all but 1 of our US players were bench-bound. I was not even going to bother to wrap, but Matt Miazga is such an important story..so here goes

Blackburn played Fulham today - Adam Henley was in the 18, did not play, for Blackburn. Tim Ream and Eric Hyndman were both in the 18 for Fulham, Tim Ream came off the bench at the 57th minute, Eric did not play Final: Blackburn 3 - 0 Fulham

Gboly Ariyibi, started and played 90 for England League One Chesterfield as they visited bottom placed Colchester. Chesterfield hampered their chances with a first half red card and a 2nd half missed penalty. A promising season has now turned into a relegation battle, with only 1 point from their last 5 games. Final: Colchester 1 - 1 Chesterfield

The big news of the day was Matt Miazga inclusion in the 18 for Chelsea at PSG in their Champions League first leg match-up. Matt stayed on the bench, but this is significant for Matt and an opportunity to gain regular play. Final:  PSG 2 - 1 Chelsea

In Scotland, Gedion Zelalem saw Rangers win their away game over Kilmarnock 1 - 2 in the Scottish FA Cup, from the bench!
IMHO, it begs the question why did Rangers extend Gedion's loan contract? He has played less since signing than before!

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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: 2/2/2016 - features England and France

Not a great day for US players and their teams....but some good performances from our young gun's Zelalem & Gooch

DeAndre Yedlin in the 18, spent the game on the bench, as Sunderland fell 0 - 1 to Manchester City

Brad Guzan, still out of favor at cellar dwelling Aston Villa was in the 18, but did not participate as West Ham beat the 'Villains'  2 - 0

Danny Williams played 90 minutes as Reading visited Ipswich in the Championship, final Ipswich 2 - 1 Reading

GK Paul Rachubka was in the 18, he is the back-up goalie, for lowly Bolton who fought back from a 2 goal deficit to draw at Wolves in the Championship. Bolton at the bottom of the table with 21 points are just 4 points from safety after 4 points from a possible 6 in the last 2 weeks

Photo:  SunderlandEcho.com

In League 1, Doncaster fell 1 - 2 to Walsall. Lynden Gooch played for the 3rd time in as many games, reports have him terrorizing the Walsall defense and having a number of good chances..it takes a bit to get used to a new team (he played his first game the day after the loan was announced) all looks on track as he improves with each game.

Zak Whitbread started and went 81 minutes for Shrewsbury as they lost their home game v Southend 1 - 2 in League 1. Zak was replaced by a forward, so it sounds like it was a strategic move.

Photo: NBCSports.com

Gideon Zelalem , went started for the first time in a while, went 72 minutes and seems to have done his job really well (Rangers possession was way up) Rangers who now lead the Scottish Championship by 8 points, won the away fixture at Raith 0 - 1

No chance today for Stoke, who were still minus Geoff Cameron (injury) as they fell 3 - 0 to Manchester United

Quentin Westberg was not in the 18 today as Tours visited Bourg Peronnas in France's Ligue 2. I can't find a reason (Quentin is Tour's #2). Tours won the encounter 0 - 2

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RUMORS: Danny Williams in Talks with Swansea City

Deadline Day rumors - argh!

Photo: Zimbio.com

Newspaper The Reading Chronicle is reporting that Danny Williams is in conversation with Prem League Swansea City.

"New Swans boss Francesco Guidolin is eager to replace Jonjo Shelvey – who moved to Newcastle United for £12 million – before the transfer window closes tonight.

Francesco Guidolin says a midfielder is Swansea's top priority today and Reading's Danny Williams is top of that list now with talks ongoing
— Phil Blanche (@philblanche) February 1, 2016

It is thought Royals will be tempted to sell for the right money as manager Brian McDermott has a number of options in central midfield."

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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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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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