Weekend Wrap: Sunday 2/28/2016 Johnson Saves M'Gladbach, Patrick Tshiani Scores for Racing Mechelen

While you were sleeping, GK Daniel Schmidt started for Yamaga in Japan's J League 2, playing his old team Kumamoto. After giving up an early goal Yamaga could not find a way back - losing 1 - 0.

Yes you were still asleep as New Zealand's WaiBOP United are visiting Auckland City. Sean Morris started for WaiBOP. Meanwhile WaiBOP made the following statement on their web-site;

"WaiBOP United make the trip north to play Auckland City this Sunday for what will be the franchise’s final ever ASB Premiership game" - sad, never cool when we lose an team,no matter where in the world

Unfortunately WaiBOP went out with a whimper - losing 4 - 1

George Fochive in 18, but did not play, for Viborg in Denmark's Superliga. Viborg salvaged a 1 - 1 draw with Nordsjaelland with an extra-time PK. This is George's first game for Viborg. more about George here

GK Adam Hobbs started in the net for Rathenow in Regionalliga Nordost, as they visited Zwickau. Final Zwickau 2  -  1  Rathenow.  Adam (22 years old) joined Rathenow in January 2016 from California State Univ. Northridge.

Patrick Tshiani first signed for Standard Liege in Belgium

In Belgium (3rd division) Patrick Tshiani, started, went 77 minutes and Scored Racing Mechelen's 1st goal as they went on to win 2 - 3 v Petegem (this is Racing's first win since September) Patrick is an Alum of Bethesda Soccer Club, USMNT U15, and signed for Standard Liege and Anderlecht as a youth player.

Shawn Barry, started, went 90 in FSV Frankfurt's goalless draw at Braunschweig in Germany 2Liga

Fabrice-Jean Picault was in the team 18 for St Pauli, but did not play as they visited Duisburg in 2Liga and came away with a 0 - 2 win

Russell Canouse started and went 90 in Hoffenheim II 4 - 0 win over Hamburg 08, in Regionalliga Sudwest

Cody Shields and Nicholas Anthony Ledesma both in 18 for Altona 93, did not play, as Altona 93 won 3 - 0 despite 2 (two) red cards in their Oberliga Hamburg match with Paloma 1.

Martin Ontiveros started and went the full 90 for RM Hamm Benfica in their Luxembourg National Div. game v CS Grevenmacher. Benfica won 0 - 1

Masami Okada, started for Schonberg as they welcomed Victoria Berlin in Regionalliga Nordost. Masami (who is from San Diego) left the game early (39) ? Injury, as Schonberg drew 1 - 1

In France, Alejandro Bedoya started, went the full 90 minutes as Nantes settled for a goalless draw with #2 Monaco. Nantes are still just 1 point out of European football next year

Dylan Romney, was in the 18, but did not play, for Savona in Italy Lega Pro (Group B) as they visited Santarcangelo and came away with a 1 - 1 draw


M'Gladbach and Fabian Johnson visited Augsburg in Bundesliga, Fabian went 90 and SCORED M'Gladbach's 2nd and tieing goal in a 2 - 2 draw

Douglas Bentley (90) started for AlbinoLeffe in Italy's Leg Pro (Group A) a contentious game that saw a disallowed goal, 2 red cards 4 yellows (all AlbinoLeffe) and a red card to Cremonese in AlbinoLeffe's 0 - 1 loss

Babajide Ogunbiyi started for his new team Hobro (last place), in Denmark's Superliga, Babajide went 90 in a 0 - 1 loss to #3 Brondby.

Junior Flores was in the 18, but did not play, in Dortmund II's 1 - 0 victory at Aachen in Regionalliga West

Missed this yesterday; Mario Rodriguez, in the 18, entered in the 57th in M'Gladbach II’s 2 - 1 victory over Oberhausen in Regionalliga West

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 2/27/2016 - Busy Day - Goals by Hines-Ike, Patrick Hopkins

Welcome to Saturday's Wrap, very busy day with goals by Brandon Hines-Ike (see video below) in Sweden, Patrick Hopkins scored for Sirius, Gboly Ariyibi added an assist to his tally in England and Luca de la Torre scored for Fulham U18's.

The listing is 'mostly' by match time, as usual, and I have extended the reach a little adding in a lot more lower league action, especially in Germany. Read on, and enjoy

DeAndre Yedlin started, went 90 in Sunderland's 0 - 1 loss at West Ham 

To help feed the hype -  Matt Miazga was not in the 18 for Chelsea. Interestingly there were no defenders on the bench for Chelsea in there 2-1 win over Southampton

Mark Heider started, played for just the 1st half, in Kiel's 1 - 0 win over Aalen in Germany 3Liga (Mark is coming off an injury)

Royal-Dominique Fennell went 90 for Wurzburger, and Devante Parker went 90 (Yellow Card) for Mainz II in a 3Liga game that saw Wurzburger win 1 - 0

Defender Patrick Hopkins, started, went 90 and Scored the winning goal for Sirius over Sundsvall in Svenska Cupen in Sweden

Nermin Crnkic in 18, for #2 Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia Fortuna Liga as they visit League Leaders Trencin. Nermin (surprisingly) came off the bench at minute 81, for his first appearance for his new team. Final: Trencin 0 - 2 Slovan

Young mid-fielder Abuchi Obinwa made a 2nd half appearance (60th minute) for Hannover U19 in a 0 - 2 loss to Bremen

Young American, 20 year old defender Ken Gipson went 90 minutes in RB Leipzig II's 4-2 win over Neustrelitz in Regionalliga Nordost

GK Malcolm Little was in the net for Neunkirchen in Oberliga Rhineland-Pfalz/Saar as they won 2 - 1 over FSV Salmrohr

German/America Robin Purdy started and went 90 in Pirmasens II 1 - 1 draw with Hertha Wiesbach in Oberliga Rhineland-Pfalz/Saar

Kevin Dzierzawski, started went 90 in Peterhead's 4 - 1 win over Brechin in Scotland's League 1.

Geoff Cameron started for Stoke went 90 (good to see Geoff back - USMNT must be pleased) and Brad Guzan was in the 18, for Aston Villa as they met in the Premier League, with Stoke having the final say 2 - 1

GK Cody Cropper started for MK Don's and Adam Henley started on the bench for Blackburn as they met in England's Championship. Adam joined the fray in minute 77 and an extra-time goal gave Blackburn the 3 - 2 win.

GK Paul Rachubka started for Bolton as they welcomed visitors Burnley for their local derby, despite taking the lead Bolton failed to capitalize and surrendered 1 - 2 to Burnley in the 85th minute. The loss hurts Bolton's chances of climbing out of the relegation zone

Danny Williams, back from injury, started in the 18 for Reading as they visited Charlton. Danny got to join in the game at minute 65, picked up a Yellow Card (75) 10 minutes later,  as Reading scored an extra-time goal to win a thriller 3 - 4

Emerson Hyndman in 18 for Fulham -did not play, Tim Ream Not in 18! As Fulham lose to Middlesbrough 2 - 0 and slip a little closer to relegation (although that seems unlikely at this point)

Duane Holmes in 18 for Huddersfield, first time in a while. Duane did not play today in Huddersfield's 0 - 1 loss to Ipswich Town

Eric Lichaj started for Nottingham, went the 90 in a 1 - 2 home loss to Bristol City, and are now in the bottom half of the Championship

Jonathan Spector in 18 for Birmingham, but did not play in Birmingham's 0 - 2 loss to QPR. With only one win in the last 5 outings, the chances of a promotion playoff spot are diminishing

Zak Whitbread started for Shrewsbury in their League One match with bottom club,Colchester. The game ended in a goalless draw, not good enough to lift Shrewsbury out of the relegation zone.

Lynden Gooch, fresh off his loan extension news, started for Doncaster on the bench, entered the game in the 60th minute, had a few chances in a 1 - 1 draw with Millwall

Gboly Ariyibi started for Chesterfield, got credit for an assist on Chesterfields first goal as they went on to win 1 - 2 at #3 Gillingham

Shane O'Neill started for Cambridge in League Two for the first time. Shane went 56 minutes in a 2 - 1 loss v Portsmouth

Jon-Paul Pittman started, went 90, in Grimsby's 2 - 0 win over Woking in the FA Trophy - Grimsby now in Semi-Finals

Charlie Butte started went 72 minutes for Burgbrohl in their Oberliga Rhineland-Pfalz/Saar 0 - 1 loss to Pfeddersheim


Brendan Hines-Ike scored the 3rd goal for Orebro in their Svenska Cupen match with GAIS in Sweden - Brendan's first professional goal on his 2nd appearance for Orebro

Luca De la Torre, and Marlon Fossey, both went 90 in Fulham U18 2 - 2 draw with West Ham U18. Luca scored Fulham's 1st goal.

Joshua Perez started for Fiorentina Primavera as they faced Carpi in the Youth League - the game ended in a 1 - 1 draw (Fiorentina scored on a PK)

Brooks Lennon started for Liverpool U18, went 77 minutes in the first game in the Premier League U18 playoff series - a frustrating day for Liverpool as they lost 1 - 2 to Blackburn

Mid-fielder Justin Kinjo started, went the first half for Dusseldorf II in their Regionalliga West goalless draw with Erndtebruck. This was Justin's 2nd appearance for Dusseldorf since joining them in January

Another American young gun, 20 year old midfielder Omar Castro started for Eintracht Braunschweig II in Regionalliga Nord yesterday - Final 0 - 0 v Cloppenburg

No Gedion Zelalem (again) for Glasgow Rangers -  (In fairness) The Rangers web-site says injured, but gives no indication what or expected recovery time.

DeSevio Payne started on the bench for Groningen in Eredivisie, came on at the 55th minute, but did not supply the impact to change the resulting 2 - 0 loss at Twente

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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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TRANSFERS: Nermin Crnkic Leaves Jablonec in Czech Republic for Slovan Batislava in Slovakia

Photo: ASN

23 year old, US/Bosnian midfielder Nermin Crnkic has left Czech outfit Jablonec and joined Slovan Bratislava on a free transfer.  Nermin had been with Jablonec for close to 2 years, but has not featured a whole lot this season. (8 games / 1 goal).

Nermin began his career with the USL PDL team Michigan Bucks in 2013, before moving to Czech Republic for the 2013/14 season.

Slovan Bratislava are currently 2nd in the Furtuna Liga (Slovakia's Premier League) and are in good position to qualify for the Europa League.

Good Luck to Nermin with his new team.

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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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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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Daily Wrap: 02/22/2016 Young American's Feature

A few games today, all but one featuring young Americans.

Players like Emerson Hyndman, Matt Miazga & Christian Pulisic lead the charge of younger players around the world, but there are others on the cusp of becoming major pieces for their teams, Cameron Carter-Vickers at Tottenham, Lynden Gooch at Sunderland, Djair Parfitt-Williams at West Ham are all looking to break out and make the grade. Below them is a slew of players, Brooks Lennon Liverpool, Kyle Scott at Chelsea, Zach Stephen at Freiburg and Eric Palmer-Brown at FC Porto are among the up and comings scattered around the world. So, the future of US Soccer looks bright, talented and in good hands.

So lets look at today's games

Luca del a Torre started and made his mark with an assist for Fulham U21 as they visited Newcastle U21 and beat them 0 - 3

Duane Holmes started for U21 PDL League 2 leaders Huddersfield U21, he went 90 in their 2 - 2 home draw with Leeds U21

Djair Parfitt-Williams started for West Ham U21 (yup! yesterday an unused sub for the senior squad) as they visited Wolves U21 and came away with a draw 1 - 1

In the most 'covered' game today, Zak Whitbread started, went 90, picked up a yellow, in League One (3rd tier) Shrewsbury's 0 - 3 loss to Manchester United in the English FA Cup.

Unfortunately, I have no data on Andrija Novakovich and Reading FC U21 and their 1 - 1 draw at Southampton.
and Antonee Robinson, and Everton U21 had their game postponed with Middlesbrough U21.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 2/21/2016 - Pulisic Starts for Dortmund, Young Americans Fill the Bench!

Relatively quiet day, marked by Christian Pulisic's first start for Dortmund, and 3 young American remain on the bench for their clubs.....

Andrew Wooten started and went 61 minutes for Sandhausen as they took on Freiburg and Caleb Stanko (in 18 did not play) in Germany 2Liga - Freiburg won 0 - 2

Royal-Dominique Fennell went 90 minutes for Wurzburger Kickers in 3Liga, as they fell 1 - 0 to Erfurt

Kenny Saief started and went 90 in Gent's 5 - 2 loss to Oostende in Belgium Jupiler League

As noted yesterday, Rubio Ruben is out injured, Utrecht won 2 - 1 over Willem II in Netherlands Eredivisie

Ken Gipson, 19 year old dual (Ger/US) started for RB Leipzig II in their 1 - 1 draw with Nordhausen in Regionalliga Nordost. Ken went 90 and picked up a yellow.


In the FA Cup, Adam Henley started and went 90, for Blackburn as they hosted West Ham and Djair Parfitt-Williams (in 18, did not play). The outcome was a 1 -5 drubbing knocking Blackburn out of the cup.

Christian Pulisic started and went the 1st half for Dortmund as they visited Leverkusen and came away with a 0 - 1 win, in Bundesliga

Matt Miazga, in 18 for Chelsea as they convincingly beat up Manchester City 5 - 1 in the FA Cup. I thought that today was going to be Matt's debut - but that was not to be - we need patience I guess

Gedion Zelalem in 18 for Rangers, and as with recent weeks, he remained on the bench. Very disappointing that Rangers are not giving Gedion the playing time (why extend the loan if he's just going to sit on the bench?) Rangers won 0 - 1 over Queen of the South

Julian Green started and went 90 minutes in Bayern II home loss to SpVgg Bayreuth 0 - 1 in Regionalliga

19 year old, German/American Forward, Aaron Valentini scored the opening goal (and eventual winner) for Carl Zeiss Jena II in Germany's NOFV Oberliga Sud. Final: Carl Zeiss Jena II 2 - 0 SV Schott Jena

So on the bench today:  Matt Miazga, Djair Parfitt-Williams, Gedion Zelalem and Caleb Stanko
Matt Miazga is understandable, as is Djair, both are young pretty inexperienced players (at this level) who's time will come soon. Gedion is puzzling to me, I know the coach was high on him, Rangers negotiated with Arsenal to keep him (playing time was really important to Arsenal in the deal) The only negative has been Gedion's size, but I believe he makes up for that with 'smarts'. If he has been inconsistent, that really is (IMHO) more due to lack of playing time. I would think at this point in time Gedion is probably waiting to get out of Glasgow. Caleb is a different situation, he spent quite a while injured and is fighting his way back into the team.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Saturday 2/20.2016 Injuries Dominate the Day

Not a very exciting Saturday, there seem to be so many US players injured or missing from teams right now. Terrence Boyd has another surgery, Rubio Ruben still out, along with those below, makes me feel like there won't be much to write about, but if you delve into the lower leagues there is action going on.(as usual the wrap is by match time)..

Josh Doughty is on the bench again today for Man United's U21s as they visited Manchester City in the EPL U21. Final: City 1 - United 0

DeVante Parker started went 90 (+2) in Mainz II win over Stuttgart II in Germany 3Liga


David Spies started, played 90, for Augsburg II as they beat up on Ingolstadt II  4 - 1 in Regionalliga Bayern

Robbie Kristo was in the 18, did not play, for Tuttocuoio in their Italy Lega Pro (Group B) home game 1 - 2 loss to Pisa

In Bundesliga, John Brooks (90) and Hertha are still without a win since the Winter Break,and just about holding on to 3rd place, with a 1 - 1 draw with Wolfsburg

No Alfredo Morales at Bundesliga's Ingolstadt - Injury - as they beat Bremen - without Aaron Jóhannsson- also injured - 2 - 0

Fabian Johnson started went 90 for M'Gladbach as they beat fellow Bundesliga side Koln 1 - 0. The win moves (at least temporarily) M'Gladbach to 5th spot (only 5 points separate 3 thru 8)

GK, Paul Rachubka, took his usual position on the bench, as Bolton drew 1 - 1 with visitors QPR

Fulham, won their home game with Charlton 3 - 0 without Tim Ream (sick) or Emerson Hyndman (in 18, did not play)

Duane Holmes is tearing it up in Huddersfield U21, so he was not in their senior squad today, for their 1 - 0 win over Wolves

GK Cody Cropper was in the 18, but did not play as MK Don's lost their home game v Bristol City 0 - 2

Lynden Gooch in his last game with Doncaster (unless he extends (unlikely) this was his last game) came off the bench at the 82 min in a 0 1 loss to Barnsley

All reports seem to agree that Gboly Ariyibi just 'killed it' in Chesterfield's home game with Crewe. Gboly created chance after chance for his team mates and was rewarded with an assist on the 2nd (an ultimately winning) goal, as Chesterfield came away 3 - 1 winners

Shane O'Neill was in the 18 again for Cambridge, and again did not play - patience - as Cambridge went on to win 3 - 1 over York

Grimsby were down 3 goals before Jon-Paul Pittman came on for the 2nd half. Grimsby rallied late but fell short, losing 4 - 2  at Halifax

In the FA Cup, Danny Williams was a spectator today, following a knock. Reading didn't seem to miss a step and beat EPL side West Bromwich 3 - 1 to advance to the next round

In Scotland's League One (3rd tier) Kevin Dzierzawski posted 90 minutes for Peterhead as they made it 4 wins and 1 draw in the last 5, and cemented their 2nd spot in the league, by beating Cowdenbeath 2 - 3 away from home

In Finland, Brian Span came off the bench at the 64th minute as Mariehamn beat PK-35 in the Finland League Cup (their 1st win in the tournament)

In Italy Lega Pro (Group A) 19 year old Douglas Bentley came off the bench for his new club, AlbinoLeffe, early (18) replacing an injured midfielder. Ultimately AlbinoLeffe lost the game  1 - 0 to Pavia who are in 6th place in a tight race for the league promotional playoffs

No surprise that Tim Howard was on the bench for Everton's 0 -2 win at Bournemouth in the FA Cup. Tim is getting over an injury and has lost his starting position - which Martinez say's he must win back.

DeSevio Payne went 90 for Groningen as they visited AZ Alkmaar (3rd place/won last 5) and got beat badly 4 - 1

Finally, in a friendly in Finland Jaro MF Kyle Curinga, who recently joined from GBK scored (I believe) Jaro's 4th goal as they beat SJK 5 - 2

Hopefully Sunday will bring some goals - be back then

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Transfers: Sean Morris Leaves Berkum, Netherlands for New Zealand's WaiBOP

Photo:stuff.co.nz              This from a few weeks ago during Sean's debut

Seattle Washington native, Midfielder, Sean Morris has left the Netherlands Eerste Klasse (5th Tier) team Berkum for New Zealand's Premier League (ASB Premiership) and a team with three names !!!
Officially "Waikato Bay of Plenty Football" also known as "Waikato Football Club" and more commonly know as "WaiBOP United".  

WaiBOP is battling it out right now to jump into the 4th spot in the league, and some post season play. The club is also home to 23 year old, Robert Gallegos, who joined last Summer directly from the University of Notre Dame.

Sean is no stranger to New Zealand, at the beginning of his career he left the Seattle Sounders U23 and joined Hawkes Bay (also in the NZ Premier) after a few more short moves he joined Berkum, before returning to New Zealand and WaiBOP. Sean has played 5 games for his new team this season, with 1 goal and 1 assist.

Good Luck to Sean.

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Molde's Injured USMNT Winger, Joshua Gatt, Reports He is Back Running

Photo: MLSSoccer.com       We would like to see more of this soon

According to SBI (confirmed by Josh) Josh Gatt is running again after "5 Months & 5 Days" since his surgery.

In Josh's Instagram he states;  

"gatter225 months and 5 days out of my operation and I have started running! I am very happy with the progress I've made so far and it has really motivated me to continue to get better and better. My running isn't perfect by any means yet, but it's a start and another stepping stone to being completely and totally healthy! I will continue on this path of getting healthy until i am back out on that pitch doing what I love. This is by no means an end, but a beginning."

***Might be a good idea for everyone to send congrats on his Instagram post.

Josh last played for Molde FK (they were in yesterday's UCL game v Sevilla) in May 2015, pulled up with a knee injury, which led to the surgery. 

Good Luck Josh, get better/fit again soon.

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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: 2/17/2016 - 4 Games - a Goal and an Assist

Just 4 games today, but overall a quietly successful day.....

Royal-Dominique Fennell, started for Wurzburger Kickers as they took on Munster in Germany 3Liga. Royal went the full 90 minutes and SCORED Wurzburger's 3rd Goal in a 3 - 0 win.

Kyle Scott, started for Chelsea U21's as they took on Norwich U21 in the EPL U21 - the game ended as a rout as Chelsea U21's scored 5 against Norwich U21.

Kenny Seif in the 18 for Gent in their 1st leg (home) v Wolfsburg in the UCL. Kenny came on at minute 61, and was credited with an ASSIST on Gent's 2nd goal in the 89th minute - a goal that could be crucial going in to the 2nd leg - ASSIST HERE  Final: Gent 2 - 3 Wolfsburg

Eric Palmer-Brown was in the 18 for FC Porto B, in Portugal's Segunda Liga. He did not get on the pitch as Porto drew at Penafiel 1 - 1

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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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FINLAND 2016: American's Playing in Finland, League Changes (Detailed)

Over the past decade, Finland has been a place where young US players have chosen to get a taste of European football, opting out of their home leagues after they leave college. The number of US players has remained fairly constant until recently. The expansions of NASL and USL has provided an alternative route for college players and the numbers traveling to Finland, Sweden and other Scandinavian leagues is down this coming season. US players who have a year or two of experience in Scandinavia are also returning to the US to play.  It should also be noted that equally the numbers of young Fin's, Swede's playing in the lower leagues is up, and the development of young football players will increase because of this.

So lets look at the current crop of US players in Finland (which is the most popular Scandinavian country for young US soccer players) First the leagues;

Veikkausliiga is the premier division of Finnish football, comprising the top 12 clubs of the country.

Ykkonen is the second highest level of the Finnish football league system (after the Veikkausliiga), although it is the highest league managed by the Football Association of Finland.

For the 2016 season the format of the Kakkonen has been changed with the league divided into 3 groups of 12 teams. Each club plays the others in its group twice. The group winners and the best second place team have a chance of winning one of two promotion places to Ykkönen after a four team playoff. The bottom three teams in each group 10, 11 and 12 will be relegated to Kolmonen.

Now, lets see who is playing where (as of today) If you believe I have left anyone out, please let me know.........

Veikkausliiga (Season Starts April 2nd)

• Christian Eissele, is a forward, from Orlando Florida, who play's for Kemi Kings. (Nickname Kemi) After a very successful campaign with Kemi in 2013/14, Christian spent a year with  IK Brage in Sweden, before returning to Kemi last July.
• Tyler Back, is one of the goalkeeper's on the books for Rovaniemi (Nickname RoPs) Tyler joined RoPs from Oregon State early February this year, he has already made 2 appearances in pre-season competition, both of which were shutouts.
• Brian Span is a forward with Mariehamn. Brian, a New Yorker, played college at Virginia, went to Sweden first, then joined FC Dallas. Spent the 2014/15 season on loan to Orlando SC (pre-MLS) before moving to Mariehamn a year ago February.

Ykkönen (Season Starts April 24th)

• Scott Angevine is one of the goalkeepers on the books for Kokkolan Pallo-Veikot (Nickname KPV) Scott, who is from Kansas, has traveled a bit between the US and Finland, joined KPV in January of 2015.
• Mike Banner, a mid-fielder from Washington DC, joined KPV this January. Mike has also spent time moving back and forth between US club's (incl. Chicago) and Finland (FF Jaro)
• Kyle Curinga, a center back from Clearwater Florida, joined FF Jaro from Finland's GBK this February
• Josue Soto, a mid fielder from Ft Worth Texas also joined FF Jaro at the beginning of January this year. Josue had spent time with Chivas USA and Houston, ending up with San Antonio. Finland will be his first 'overseas' club
• Tim Murray from Massachusetts is a goalkeeper who played college at providence before joining the New England Revolution. Like a lot of young players Tim spent time on loan with several US clubs before joining Ekenas SC the junior team of his current club Ekenas IF in January this year.
• Daniel Stevens is a New Yorker, who is one of the senior players (31) playing in Finland. Daniel has been in Finland since 2011, (he has played for Kemi, BK46 & Viikingit) prior to that a few lower level US clubs. Daniel joined Grankulla IFK (Nickname GRIFK) at the beginning of February this year.
  
• Isaac Kannah is a dual national, USA/Liberia forward, who joined Koparit (Nickname KTP) in mid January this year. Prior to that he had been playing for Mikkelin Palloilijat (Nickname MP)

Kakkonen - New Groupings (Season Starts 1st week of May)

GROUP A:

• Craig Hill,  GK,  Kultsu
• Elias McCalip, Forward,  KaPa
• Nathan Stokie,  GK,  PEPO 1
• Jakeem Johnson,  Forward, PEPO 1
• Harrison Hanley, Forward, MP
• Walter Kromholtz,  Center Back, MP

GROUP B:

• Kevin Sawchak,  Defender, FC Honka
• Olutolani "Tolani" Ibikunle,  Defender, Ekenas SC
• James (JC) Mack,  Winger,  Ekenas SC

GROUP C:

• Kyle Knotek, Mid Fielder,  Kraft Narpes
• Lawrence Smith, Defender, GBK
• Chris Corcoran,  Center Back,  GBK
• Cameron Roget, Forward, VIFK

With a number of months still to go till opening day I expect that there will be additions and changes going on, which I will track here. 

Please note that the Kolmonen League has 104 teams in 9 Groups, way to much to add in this article. 

NEXT UP - SWEDEN

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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 2/13/2016 - Busy Day, Goals in Malta, Israel & more from Bedoya

Busy day for US players in Europe, Christian Pulisic came off the bench for Dortmund, Djair Parfitt-Williams in the senior 18 for West Ham, and DeAndre Yedlin going 90 for Sunderland in a surprise win  over Manchester United.......

Andrew Wooten  started and went 67 minutes as Sandhausen drew 1 - 1 at Heidenheim in Germany 2Liga

Eric Hyndman came off the bench(84) , for Fulham, as they visited QPR and came away with the win 1 - 3 in the Championship

Photo: Bleacher Report         DeAndre Yedlin goes 90 for Sunderland

DeAndre Yedlin, started and went 90 (Yellow Card) for Sunderland as the hosted Manchester United and won 2 - 1

Marc Heider started and went 90, in Kiel's 0 - 1 home loss to Osnabruck in Germany 3Liga

Devonte Parker started went 83minutes as Mainz II visited Sonnehof Grossaspach and won 0 - 3 in 3Liga

In Malta Premier League, Pembroke & Mosta drew 3 - 3, with 2 US players scoring for Pembroke.
Gustavo Villalobos SCORED the 1st half opener for Pembroke from the penalty spot (which tied the game at 1-1)

Kyle O'Brien (right)

Midfielder, Kyle O'Brien SCORED Pembroke's 2nd goal, 2 minutes later, in a game that had Pembroke up 1-3 at the half)

In Germany's Bundesliga, Christian Pulisic entered the game at minute 64 as Dortmund beat Hannover 1 - 0

Also  in the Bundesliga, Hertha and John Brooks visited Stuttgart. John started (Yellow) went the 90 in a 2 - 0 losss

Alfredo Morales came off the bench for Ingolstadt at minute 81,  as they visited Wolfsburg and lost 2 - 0

Timothy Chandler, not in 18 for Frankfurt today, hmmm! rumors?

Geoff Cameron is still recovering from injury and did not dress for Stoke in their 1 - 3 win over Bournemouth

Tim Howard in 18 today, did not play, for Everton in their home loss, 0 - 1 to West Bromwich

Adam Henley in 18 for Blackburn, did not play, in their 0 - 2 loss to Hull

GK Paul Rachubka, in 18, did not play, for Bolton's 3 - 2 loss at Brighton

GK Cody Cropper, in 18, did not play, for MK Don's in their 0 - 1 win at Derby

Eric Lichaj started for Nottingham, went 90 minutes in their 0 - 2 home loss to Huddersfield

Djair Parfitt-Williams in 18 for West Ham, did not play in West Ham's  2 - 2 draw at Norwich - good to see him with the seniors, next step - Playing Time

No Danny Williams today for Reading (picked up a knock, hopefully not bad with WCQ on the horizon) who ended in a goalless draw with Burnley

Jonathan Spector in 18 for Birmingham, did not play, in Birmingham's goalless draw at Rotherham

Photo: Shropshirestar

Zak Whitbread started for Shrewsbury in England's League One, went 90 minutes as Shrewsbury pulled off a 2 - 3 win over Blackpool

Lynden Gooch started for Doncaster, went 63 minutes in a 0 - 1 loss to Sheffield United (loan is coming to an end, so maybe Lynden's final game for Doncaster?)

Shane O'Neill in 18 for Cambridge in England League Two, did not play in Cambridge 2 - 0 loss to Stevenage

Jon-Paul Pittman started for Grimsby in England's Vanarama National League (5th tier) went 66 minutes in a goalless draw with Boreham Wood

Gedion Zelalem in 18 for Rangers in Scotland's Championship game v Alloa, did not play. Final Alloa 1 - 1 Rangers

Kevin Dzierzawski, started for Peterhead in Scotland's League 1, went 90 in Peterhead's 3 - 2 win over Forfar.

Matt Miazga not in 18 for Chelsea. (It was announced earlier this week that Matt would probably not be in the senior squad this season in EPL - but he was announced for Chelsea's European squad)


Adryan Goal HD - FC Nantes 1-0 FC Lorient - 13... by Pathmanathan_Cumanan

Alejandro Bedoya started for Nantes as they took on Lorient in France Ligue 1, ASSISTED on the first goal, in Nantes 2 - 1 win over Lorient - for those keeping score 7 games. 4 goals, 2 assists, not to shabby.

Aaron Schoenfeld started, SCORED H. Tel Aviv 2nd goal in their game with H. Ra'anana. The 69th minute goal ends up being the winner H. Tel Aviv  2 - 1 H. Ra'anana. 4 points from 6, and up 3 spots since Aaron joined them (2 games / 2 goals ago)

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DAILY WRAP: 2/12/2016 - an On and Off the Bench Day

Today' Wrap has a few players in action - but nothing going on!!!

Brian Span, started and went 90 minutes (picked up a yellow card) in Mariehamn 2 - 2 draw at Lahti in Finland's Liiga Cup

Brian Span in IFK Mariehamn action

Shawn Barry was in the 18, but stayed on the bench in FSV Frankfurt's 1 - 2 loss to Furth in 2Liga in Germany

Photo: Bild.de        Fabrice-Jean Picault

Also in 2Liga, Fabrice-Jean Picault started on the bench, came on at minute 84, helping St.Pauli defeat RB Leipzig 1 - 0

Photo: Goal.com    Jerome Kiesewetter

In Germany's 3Liga, USMNT Jerome Kiesewetter, started for Stuttgart II in their game against Erfurt, Jerome went 80 minutes, in Stuttgart II's 1 - 2 loss

In France Ligue 2, GK Quentin Westberg was in the 18 for Tours 2 - 2 away draw with Creteil

Rubio Rubin is still out recovering from injury so he was not in Utrecht's line up today, the good news is that it is reported he will be back sometime in March

Travis Brent started and went 82 minutes in Almere's 1 - 2 loss to Eindhoven in Netherlands Eerste Divisie

(Depending on where you look) Kenny Seif was an unused sub today in Belgium Jupiler League leaders Gent's 2 - 0 win over Mouscron Peruwelz

Gboly Ariyibi, started and went 90 minutes as Chesterfield visited Burton in England's League One, and came away with a 1 - 0 loss.

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DAILY WRAP: 2 /10 2016 - Bedoya, Brooks Feature

The slow period continues, but some excitement to be had today.....his name is Alejandro

Yesterday he was on the bench for the senior side, but today Djair Parfitt-Williams started for the West Ham U21s: v Swansea U21 - it ended in a loss - 1 - 2 - but Djair showed well

Alejandro Bedoya - scores late - saves Nantes, is becoming a mantra. Alejandro has scored 4 and had an assist in his last 6 games, that's rockin' it - Final today Bordeaux 3 - 4 Nantes (aet) with a 118th minute winner (Video) from our man.

John Brooks started, went 90 for Hertha in the DFB Pokal as Hertha ended up winners. Final Score: Heidenheim 2 - 3 Hertha

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(Video) "BEDOYA" 6 Games - 4 Goals - 1 Assist - . Translated: ON-FIRE!!

Alejandro Bedoya came off the bench at the 105th minute today in Nantes Coupe de France game at Bordeaux - 13 minutes later he scored giving Nantes a 3 - 4 win and a place in the Quarter Finals
Alejandro Bedoya Goal HD - Bordeaux 3-4 Nantes... by Video-Live

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TRANSFER: Alex Wimmer Signs with Karlslunds IF HFK in Sweden

Photo: pscsocceracademy

25 year old, Pennsylvania Native, Buckeye's Goalkeeper Alex Wimmer has signed for Karlslund IF HFK a  Swedish 4 tier team that play's in Sweden's Division 2 (Sodra Svealand) 

Alex has plied his trade in England, since leaving Ohio State in 2013, representing lower league teams like Worthington and Southport. Karlslund do not start their season until April 10th.

Congrats to Alex

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LOANS: Goalkeeper Matt Jones Joins Philadelphia Union on Loan From Portugal

Photo: CSNPhilly

29 year old Goal Keeper Matt Jones who has been featuring with Portugal’s Primeira Liga’s Belenenses has joined Philadelphia Union on a 1 year loan. 
Jones holds dual citizenship in the United States and England and has a United States Permanent Resident Card, he was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England.

“Matt’s experience and ability in big games will be a key asset to this goalkeeping group,” Union Sporting Director Earnie Stewart said in a press release. “We will count on him to become an immediate contributor, both in terms of his mentoring ability for our younger keepers, but also for his pure shot-stopping abilities.”

Matt left Sacred Heart University and went straight to Portugal in 2010. 

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TRIALS: US U23 Maki Tall Trials with Standard Liege in Belgium

Photo: Marc Van Celinebroeck     Maki Tall at Red Star

Washington DC born, US U23 forward, 20 year old Maki Tall, was recently released by Swiss outfit FC Sion (where he was playing for their B team. French newspaper L'Equipe, is reporting that Maki has been trialing with Standard Liege for the last ten days.

" L’ancien Lillois Maki Tall (20 ans) a été mis à l’essai par le Standard de Liège pour une dizaine de jours. L’attaquant international Espoirs américain, également passé par les U19 français, a été libéré de son contrat par le FC Sion, club avec lequel il s’était engagé l’été dernier."

"The former Lille Maki Tall (20 years) was tested by Standard Liege for ten days. Hopes US international striker, also passed by the French U19, was released from his contract with FC Sion, with whom he was engaged last summer." - Google Translation

It seem that Maki has been skipping around Europe this past year, moving from Lille to Red Star in France to FC Sion, and now to (maybe) Standard. Meanwhile he has appeared for the USA at the U23 level. (Maki has represented France at U18 & U19, and the USA at U20 and U23)

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TRANSFERS: Austin Martz Returns to US from Malta

Photo: TimesofMalta      Mid-fielder Austin Martz (right)

23 year old, mid-fielder, Austin Martz who separated from Pembroke Athleta FC in Malta's Premier League back on January 5th, has returned to the USA and signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads.

Austin scored 5 goals in 16 outings for Pembroke in 2015

Wilmington play in the USA 3rd tier - USL, in the Eastern Conference

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DAILY WRAP: 2/9/2016 - Jon-Paul Pittman Scores, Djair Parfitt-Williams and Pulisic

Strange day, not much happening on the field, a lot on the bench, some good - some not so. A very Youth Day.

GK Ethan Horvath started for Molde in friendly against Swedish side in Goteborg - Molde fell 2 - 1

Photo: shelfsidespurs

Cameron Carter-Vickers started for Tottenham U21 as they visited Southampton U21 and drew 1 - 1 in the EPL U21

Christian Pulisic stayed on the bench today for Dortmund as they visited Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal, Dortmund won 1 - 3.

Photo: zimbio

Djair Parfitt-Williams was included in the 18 for West Ham in their FA Cup match with Liverpool. West Ham won the game 2 - 1 as Liverpool's problems seem to increase day-by-day. Djair didn't get to play, but its a move in the right direction for his near future - Congrats Djair

GK Cody Cropper was on bench for MK Dons today as they hosted Middlesborough in a 1 - 1 draw in the Championship

Tim Weah SCORED 3  5 goals in Youth friendly pitting PSG against Chinese side Shanghai Greenland. It was a 13 - 0 drubbing. But hey a Hat-trick is a Hat-trick

Lastly, Jon- Paul Pittman is obviously over his injuries, came off the bench at minute 59, and SCORED in minute 84. The goal was the winning goal in the game at Bromley, 1  -  2, in the Vanarama National League. Grimsby solidified their 3rd place in the league.

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WEEKEND WRAP: Sunday 2/7/2016 - Goals in Germany, Finland, Israel and Belgium

Quite a few goals today (and one from yesterday) a lot of lower league action to follow;

First Yesterday, Bjorn Maars Johnsen SCORED for Litex Lovech v Valerenga see the goals here 
Who uses Adobe Flash any more?

Fabrice-Jean Picault was in 18, did not play as St Pauli visited Furth and won 0 - 2

Shawn Barry in 18, did not play as FSV Frankfurt drew 1 - 1 at Karlsruher

Marc Heider SCORED Kiel's 3rd, and winning, goal as they visited Fortuna Koln and came away with 3 points in a 2 - 3 win
In Belgium, Kenny Seif came off the bench at minute 70 , in a 0 - 1 loss to Club Brugge

In Holland, DeSevio Payne started and went 76 minutes in Groningen's 2 - 0 win over Cambuur. The win put's Groningen in a tie with AZ (AS 6th/34pts/Groningen 7th/34pts) in Eredivisie Playoffs for a Europa Spot

In Italy, Robbie Kristo started for his new club, Tottocuoio, as they hosted Carrarese in Lega Pro (Group B) Robbie went the full 90 minutes - good start with his new club

Christian Eissele SCORED for Kemi as they faced KuPs in the Finland League Cup. Christian scored at the 62 minute mark, then left the game at 67th minute.Kemi came away with the win, 0 - 2 and lead Group A in the League Cup.

Brooks Lennon started for Liverpool U21 in their 0 - 3 loss to Manchester City U21

Patrick Tshiani at Standard

Patrick Tshiani started for KRC Mechelen as they visited Acren in Belgium's 3rd Division. Patrick SCORED Racing Mechelen's 1st goal in a 3 - 3 draw. Patrick went 64 minutes

Photo: Dov Halickman

Aaron Schoenfeld SCORED in just 2 minutes for his new team H.Tel Aviv in the local derby with M.Tel Aviv. Enough for a 1 - 1 draw against the high-flying M.Tel Aviv

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