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
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