Soccer goals: Forward Charlie Davies returned to Sochaux on Wednesday, meeting with his team mates for the first time after suffering a severe injury in October in Washington DC two days before the final hexagonal qualifier against Costa Rica.
Soccer Videos: The Charlie Davies returns to Sochaux
As many pundits suggested that a potential six month recovery would be impossible, the US forward has progressed miracously and hopes to return to Sochaux in April. Although he would not declare a comeback date, he believes that his return will sooner than most would have expected.
If Davies returns to good form (though it will be an uphill battle), his stunning recovery will complicate Coach Bradley's roster selection of the USMNT for the World Cup.
Will Davies return before the French season concludes? Will he return to a strong form? Share your thoughts.
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Soccer Goals: It appears that frequently maligned Freddy Adu has finally found a football home, after struggling to find playing time with Benefica, Monaco, and Belenenses. On Sunday, the attacking midfielder scored his first Greek League goal and game winner.
Soccer Videos: Adu scores against Skoda Xanthi
In his second start in Greek Cup action, the American abroad starlet netted his second consecutive goal in the quarterfinal second-leg victory against Skoda Xanthi, winning 3-0 to advance to the semi-finals. In order to improve his Greek resume, Adu set up the third goal with a superb long pass, that eventually lead to Koke's goal and the 3-0 victory.
What was most impressive is that Freddy Adu has embraced Coach Kuper's philosophy and has demonstrated his fair share of defensive work, as well. If the U-20 standout hopes to earn a callup for the Netherland friendly on March 3rd, he must continue to impress as a two-way player, an attribute that hindered him at the club and international level over the past two years.
What is your take on the recent improvement in the Yank's abroad game? Is he willing to grind it out defensively, while remaining engaged offensively? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Freddy Adu scores again in Greek Cup
Soccer Goals: Could it be that Jozy Altidore opened the goal-scoring flood gates after he scored his first Barclays Premiere League goal? It seems that his play is contagious and has spread faster than H1N1(swine flu), as Jose Francisco Torres and Freddy Adu scored goals this weekend.
Midfielder Freddy Adu took full advantage of his starting role scoring the game winner in Aris Salonika's 2-1 win vs. Ergotelis on Sunday, playing 62 minutes. Aris Salonika's win moves them within a point from the top four of the Greek Super League.
In Mexican Primera Division play, Jose Francisco scored a beautiful 25-yard free kick goal, which stunned the keeper and allowed Pachucha to defeat Hercules Gomez and Puebla 5-3.
Michael Bradley continues to impress with Borrussia Moenchengladbach setting up the first goal on a beautiful through ball, which helped secure a 2-1 victory against Nurenberg on Friday.
Let's take a look at who impressed this weekend and who did not for the Top Five American's Abroad February 7-14th.
1. Jose Francisco Torres, Pachuca - Playing a more holding role for Pachuca which has limited his offensive output, El Gringo Torres shined brightly with a superb set-piece kick that left the goal keeper stunned and American supporters delighted. After the diminutive forward scored the fanatstic goal, his celebration demonstrated his joy and offered a glimpse of athleticism as he back flipped, as if he were Ozzie Smith circa 1987 in the World Series. It appears that the hamstring has recovered to full strength, and he could make a strong case for a starting position against the Netherlands, with the recent injuries to Edu, Jones, Feilhaber, and Clark.
2. Freddy Adu, Aris Salonika - Now with his second consecutive start and his first Greek League goal, it seems that the fallen-star has caught a break, as his playing time has increased tremendously since moving to Aris where he earned 62 minutes on Sunday. His game winning goal was set up nicely by Neto, who crossed the ball to a streaking Adu, who capitalized on poor marking in their 2-1 victory over Ergotelis.
With injuries galore plaguing the US midfield, could Adu receive a call up for the Netherland's friendly, if he can maintain his form and starting position for Aris?
3. Michael Bradley, Borrusia Mochengladbach - As many of our top central midfielders are sidelined due to injuries, it is promising to see at least one of our starters producing in the top European leagues this week. The US midfielder is doing just that, as he earned praise from announcers in their 2-1 victory over Nurenberg. His sublime through ball set up the first goal, and his abundant energy kept the Nurenberg offense at bay.
4. Eddie Johnson, Aris Salonika - Earned a starting role in 62 minutes of play, holding up the ball and setting up the first goal for Aris in a 2-1 victory over Ergotelis. Keeping his starting role and scoring goals could go along way to his inclusion for the Netherland's friendly.
5. Daniel Williams, SC Freiburg - If Daniel Williams, SC Freiburg's starting right back, who holds both German and US nationality doesn't ring a bell, you might want to take notice, as he has began to garner attention in US supporter's circles. Besides recently earning four starts for the relegation dwellars, SC Freiburg, Williams has earned a Best Xl award already this season. He told Yanks Abroad that he would consider playing for the USA, since the German Federation has yet to call him up after playing with the U-15s.
Although William's natural position is defensive midfielder, he has proven his versatility by transitioning to right back, a position that could be weakened for the USMNT, if Steve Cherundolo does not return healthy from injury. SAN will monitor his progress and address any potential headlines of his future allegiance.
Relegation Bound (Due to poor form or lack of playing time)
1.Jermaine Jones, Schalke 04 - It is great to ponder the idea of an in-form Jones representing the USMNT in South Africa. However, his return from injury has been prolonged much longer than anyone would have expected. Will Bradley consider him, if he is fully fit, despite not playing with his team mates before the World Cup?
2. Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes - Lost his starting role in a 1-0 defeat to AJ Auxerre on Saturday. Will this loss propel him back into his former starting role?
3. Stuart Holden, Bolton Wanderers - Bolton faced Tottenham in the FA Cup in a 1-1 draw, while Holden remained on the bench despite there being one substitution remaining. With Bolton fighting their way out of relegation, playing time could avoid the American rookie.
What did you think of Torres' goal? Will Adu continue to earn playing time? Do you hope that Bradley will call Williams to the Netherland Camp? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Top Five American's Abroad February 7-14th - Torres and Adu score
Soccer Goals: Landon Donovan's loan with Everton has proven a successful venture, as his play has catapulted the Blues up the table, when early in the season they remained in the realm of the relegation zone, a period too long for Manager Moyes' tastes.
Soccer Videos: LD Highlights against Chelsea in a 2-1 victory
Now that the English media and supporters have taken notice of Donovan's ability exploits, another player has offered his vote of confidence, after Tim Cahill earlier declared that Landon Donovan should remain with his newly-adopted team mates.
Praising Donovan's play during his short loan stin, right back Phil Neville has now clamored for a permanent deal to make the American Abroad a regular fixture at Everton. He spoke with Everton's official website complimenting his recent play. Here is an excerpt of his conversation.
Landon Donovan set up Saha’s first against Chelsea and has impressed since arriving at Goodison in January. And the Blues the Club captain says England will have singled out the American as the danger man in the USA line up when they two sides meet in the World Cup this summer.
The on-loan LA Galaxy player has a string of impressive performances under his belt in recent weeks.
But Neville says his showing against Chelsea is his best so far.
The skipper says Fabio Capello will have paid close attention to Donovan and the way he kept Ashely Cole out of the game before the left-bacl was forced off with a serios ankle injury.
"Landon was asked to do a job against Ashley Cole. The question the manager asked Landon before the game was ‘can you pose Ashley Cole a problem?’" revealed Neville.
"Well he did that, he totally nullified Ashley Cole and he posed the whole back four a problem. He was outstanding."
Donovan must return to the States next month and join back up with the Galaxy for the start of the MLS season.
But Neville hopes he could return to Everton in the future.
"For me playing at right back with him in front of me has made my job easier,” he revealed.
"It has been a pleasure to play with him. We just hope that maybe this kind of loan arrangement can be done again next season because he has fitted in superbly."
What do you think of Donovan's loan spell? Will MLS and Everton work out a deal to keep Donovan in England? Has his play surprised you?
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Soccer Goals: N.E.R.D., one of the truly unique and gifted bands, paid a visit to Old Trafford to visit the Manchester United grounds. While embracing the Red Devils ambience, the protagonists received personalized uniforms.
One thing that stood out was that Pharrell received a uniform but with his last name. With a name like Pharrell, how could anybody omit the dopest-name-ever from the back of his Man. U uni? Whether you follow the Red Devils or not, it seems simple to groove to the the rock-funk sounds of N.E.R.D..
Keep rocking your beats and producing good quality music.
Soccer Videos: N.E.R.D. visits the United Kingdom
Who are your favorite performers of N.E.R.D.? If you were them would you have Man City? Share your thoughts?
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Soccer Goals: Just when Fabio Capello squashed the "alleged" Terry scandal, jorno scrutiny and speculation could rise to new levels, after news that Ashley Cole broke his ankle in a 50/50 challenge against US international, Landon Donovan in the Chelsea/Everton match yesterday. To make matters worse, the England left back could be sidelined the remainder of Chelsea's season, potentially leaving him unfit for the 2010 World Cup.
Manager Fabio Capello's current dilemma would stifle even the most elite intellects. Well, for starters, his replacement could be the recent victim of Cassanova Terry, left back Wayne Bridge. Deciding who should be Cole's stunt double will endure certain hardships, as the press poises itself for the next angle and potential musing. Will Capello summon Bridge to patrol the left flank, while odds suggest the difficulty of coexistence and seamless integration, after their bromance was severed due to Terry's blatent abomination of the man code.
Considered the next best option to replace the Chelsea left back, Bridge's inclusion would be more uncomfortable than running into an ex-girlfriend at the mall -- the one that you never got over --while your current girlfriend inquires afterwards about her during those unusual shopping festivities. Now that is awkward. This uncomfortability could even top Kayne West's actions at the VMA awards, where Taylor Swift was subjected to his stupidity after winning the VMA's best video award over Beyonce. Now, this decision could reach the pinnacle of uncomfortability, if Mr. Bridge were to be included.
In order to avoid that funny feeling, center back Joleon Lescott, previously utilized at left back for the Three Lions, could slide into the left flank as a viable option, while more natural options, Everton's Leighton Baines and Villa's Stephen Warnock could provide coverage, as well. Baines has impressed recently, demonstrating his ability to advance in the attack, while providing a calming defensive posture for the Merseyside crew.
Will wing backs Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole's injury force Capello to adopt new tactics and strategy for the replacements on the field? Both these potenial-starting wing backs would have provided the extra attacking qualities and speed needed to unsettle top-tier defenses. This recent news of injuries could elicit a negative response or back-lash from either the English fans or media, who will disect every decision before the World Cup.
As potential backlash could resonate throughout England, because English supporters have began to evaluate several US players playing in the BPL now that Landon Donovan received Everon's number-nine jersey and is wearing it well, uncertainty could emanate from the massess. With many assuming both in England and stateside that the US' best player would struggle in the English Premiere League, Landon Donovan has established himself seamlessly in such a short period, scoring a goal and adding two assists, while providing balanced and astute passing, offering menacing runs, and tracking back defensively.
After starting slow in the first half of his season, perhaps, Donovan's play has become contagious. Jozy Altidore has seen his game take a meteoric rise from his early play, that demonstrated poor touch and fitness. Now, the hulkish forward is imposing his will on the game scoring his first BPL goal, providing assists, and drawing penalties. Even John Terry struggled with Jozy's speed-and-strength combination, a package that now has opposing defenses preparing for his post-and-turn play. Hull City appears to have found their stride, moving out of the relegation zone, with Jozy being the catalyst to their improved play.
Given that Dempsey has proven his worth in England over the past few years scoring beautiful goals and demonstrating creativity in England and internationally, English supporters and media have taken notice of the US' attacking potential and that the first game will not be as E.A.S.Y. (England, Algeria, Slovenia, Yanks) as previously assumed as their new World Cup acronym would suggest. Couple England's injuries with their potential sex scandal debate with a potential to cause chemistry issues, England's future appears less rosey than early predicted, as the World cup draws closer.
Perhaps to alleviate self-inflicted pressure, the English should create a new South African acronym.
Group C aka E.A.S.Y.
England
Are
Scared (of the)
Yanks
What do you think of the Cole injury? Will Capello include Bridge on the squad? Who will be their replacement at left back? share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: The Capello Quandary - Ashley Cole sidelined for three months