Soccer Goals: With Clint Dempsey injured and Landon Donovan garnering most of the praise from the Yanks Abroad cult, the unusual suspects (Adu and EJ) made their mark this weekend in hopes of making the World Cup squad.
In his first appearance for Aris Salonika, Freddy Adu set up an Eddie Johnson goal in stoppage-time with a 30-yard outside-of-the-foot pass to a sprinting EJ. While receiving the pass, the US forward nutmeged the keeper and knocked it in for a goal, but the two would lose the game 1-2 to FC Xanthi despite their impressive interchange.
After pondering Jozy Altidore's status with US soccer's braintrust -- or should I say a couple of my buddies -- in the proverbial debate (will Jozy Altidore earn playing time with Hull City?), the Hatian sensation provided a solid performance by earning both an assist and drawing a penalty in a 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton, which also paired him against fellow American goal keeper Marcus Hannemman. Another strong performance could allow Jozy to earn playing time against Chelsea on Tuesday evening.
Though it was quiet for the other Yank's Abroad, let's examine who else made the top five of the list.
1. Jozy Altidore, Hull City - The man-child forward punished defender Berra with his post-and-turn play, while drawing numerous fouls and creating space for other teammates. Although his touch continues to prove inconsistent, his speed and hold up play gave hope to those that relished his best rendition of turn-and-drop of Capdeville in the 2009 Confederations Cup. He started and played 68 minutes in a 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton.
2. Eddie Johnson, Aris Salonika - Is it better to be good or lucky? That is the question one must ask when debating the EJ goal. As he received a 30-yard Adu pass, the G.A.M. softly nutmegged the keeper and scored a stoppage-time goal. EJ came off the bench and played 20 minutes in a 1-2 defeat to FC Xanthi.
3. Freddy Adu, Aris Salonika - came off the bench and played 26 minutes, sparking the offense with several dangerous passess and runs. His most dangerous pass found the foot of EJ which transpired to his first Greek League goal and Adu's first assist. If he continues to receive playing time, could Freddy be called up for the Netherland's friendly?
4. Jonathan Spector, West Ham United - continues to demonstrate his versatility playing as a left back in a 0-0 draw against Blackburn. Besides starting and playing the full 90 minutes, Spector's play will become even more crucial with Steve Cherundolo sidelined 4-6 weeks due to shoulder injury.
5. Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes - Having lost his starting position to Romain Danze for a two month period and the possibility of a transfer to St Etienne, Carlos Bocanegra remained with Rennes after a deal could not be reached to acquire his potential replacement, Marek Cech. The US defender has temporarily stated his claim on the left back position, after earning another 90-minute performance in 4-0 victory against Grenoble on Saturday. However, Danze continues to push for playing time.
Relegation Bound (Due to poor form or lack of playing time)
Maurice Edu/DaMarcus Beasley, Rangers - Small nagging injuries have kept them off the squad since recuperating from major injuries. If either player wants to make the squad, they must earn playing time. It's now or never.
Jermaine Jones, Shalke 04 - has yet to resume training sesssions. Coach Bradley will unlikely call him for the Netherland friendly, which will make it even more difficult to evaluate his progress or chemistry with the team.
Edgar Castillo, UNAL - Could his injury and average form deny him a chance in the upcoming friendlies?
Will EJ and Adu continue to receive playing time? Do you think their move to Greece was prudent? When will Jozy score his first Chelsea goal? Share your thoughts.
Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Top Five American's Abroad Review Jan 24-31st - EJ scores and Altidore and Adu assist
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