Soccer Goals: After the big forwards, Altidore and Cooper, starred in last weeks edition of American's Abroad Top Five, the more diminutive and obscure yanks abroad made their impression for their club teams. The recent born-again American, Edgar Castillo stole the show, scoring a magnificent 25-yard volley and game winner.
Although many barely know of his existence and that he is American, Jon-Paul Pittman scored his second goal of the season and game winner for Wycombe Wanders in a 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers in English League One play. Scoring the equalizer for FC Roskilde from a corner kick, Jamil Fearrington and Roskilde prevailed with a last minute game winner to secure the 3-2 victory over Braband IF in Danish League Play.
For those of you concerned about Freddy Adu's club situation, fear no more. The 20-year old midfielder secured a one-year loan to Portugal's Belenenses. According to several sources close to SAN, Belenenses coach plans to utilized the creative midfielder for the season. Earning playing time will be his number one priority, as he is set to practice with the team on Tuesday, Sept 1st.
Without further Adu, Soccer Addict News presents to you who impressed and did not dress in the American's Abroad Top Five August 25th-31st.
Top Five American's Abroad:
1.Edgar Castillo (Tigres-Mexico): After earning an honorable mention last week for creating a tremendous attacking sequence, the New Mexico left back offered a clinical 25-yard volley and game winner against his former team, Santos Laguna. Although his official allegiance change has not been processed by FIFA, it is evident that he understands that he will not just waltz into the USMNT. Recognizing that his defensive skills needed improvement to receive a Coach Bradley invitation, Castillo mentioned that he is working to improve his defensive skills, while he feels that his attacking skills can contribute to the improvement and performance of the USMNT. If he keeps a humble attitude, improves his defense, and continues to score goals in this manner, the former Mexican U-23 should received consideration.
These soccer videos features highlights and Castillo's soccer goals against Santos Laguna.
2. Jon-Paul Pittman (Wycombe Wanderers, English League One): Entering as a substitute and playing for 30 minutes, the Oklahoma native scored the game winning goal and second of the season to give Wycombe Wanderers the 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers. This soccer videos courtesy of Yanks Abroad Soccer Highlights.
3. Charlie Davies (Sochaux FC, France): After securing the penalty that gave Sochaux the game-winner against Monaco and redemption for US teammate Freddy Adu who sat idle at Monaco the whole season on loan, the former Hamarby forward offered an inspired performance, starting and playing 85 minutes. In addition, he was voted to the starting Xl by Maxifut. His club and national team future look bright.
4. Jamil Fearrington (FC Roskilde, Danish League 1): Scoring an equalizer from a corner kick in the 80th minute, Jamil Fearrington inspired his team to a 3-2 victory over Braband IF. The former FC Copenhagen defender hopes to propel his team to promotion to the Danish Superliga.
5. Jonathan Spector (West Ham United): After struggling in his 1-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspurs facing the red-hot and speedy winger, Aaron Lennon, West Ham United defender recovered nicely, starting and playing 90 minutes. Although the Blackburn Rovers attempted to attack his area on various occasions, he appeared poised and stifled their attacks for the majority of the game, earning the Hammers a 0-0 draw.
Watch Blackburn Rovers v West Ham United in Sports | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Honorable Mention: Freddy Adu (Belenenses-Portugal): After many US supporters feared that Freddy Adu would remain at Benefica, relegated to the bench or even worse a reserve role, Benefica and Belenenses agreed to deal that would keep Adu in Lisbon, Portugal. Spending virtually the entire 2008/09 season in the SAN's American's Abroad relegation area, the creative play maker will attempt to impress on the field to earn additional USMNT call ups and earn a Top Five American's Abroad selection. Congratulations Freddy!!!
Relegation Bound: Players who are sitting or experienced a poor performance.
1. Heath Pearce (unattached): Still waiting for European suitors, the European deadline ends today. If he is unable to secure a deal, the left back will be heading back to the MLS.
2. Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany): His coach did not dress him because he did recognize his failures on the field. Will he learn from his coach? Will the lack of playing time affect him during his national team duties?
3. DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers, Scottish Premier League): With the US winger unable to secure quality playing time and reports that PSG winger, Jerome Rothen, is headed to Ibrox, Beasley appears to be the odd man out. Approaching the deadline, reports have surfaced that several suitors, FC Twente and Olympiakos have expressed interest. If he does not make the move, his USMNT hopes will dwindle even more.
What do you think of the perfomances? Will Castillo be called into the next camp in October? Where would you like Heath Pearce to go? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Americans Abroad August 25-31st - Castillo, Pittman, and Fearington score
.
Add A Comment