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Soccer Goals: Just when the American's Abroad congregation began to suffer from countless injuries and updates of poor club performances, crushing many hopes of top form from top players before the World Cup, it appears that the Yank's abroad contingent has turned the injury-plagued corner, as the Soccer Gods have recently shined brightly on the outsourced Americans.

The key figure of this Yank's reformation, Jozy Altidore, has stepped his game up in recent weeks after returning from compassionate leave. His performances have earned the Tigers five points in three games, culminating in his first Barclay's Premier League goal against Manchester city in a 2-1 victory on Saturday.

Newly minted Mexican Primera Division forward, Hercules Gomez, scored his first goal for Puebla CF in a 1-1 draw against Atlante. Landon Donovan did not buckle under the pressure of Merseyside derby in a 0-1 defeat. Defender Carlos Bocanegra earned his fifth consecutive full 90-minute endeavor against Bordeaux, while keeper Brad Friedel has tallied eight shutouts in the last ten outings in a 0-0 draw against Totenham.

Without further Adu, SAN presents the Top Five American's Abroad Feb 1-7.

1. Jozy Altidore, Hull City- has finally broken his silence, his goal scoring silence that is, against Manchester City in a 2-1 victory. With superb post-and-turn play that witnessed countless fouls and several yellow cards, the hulkish forward finally got the monkey off his back, thanks in part to a Jan Vennengoor assist that would see Jozy hit low and near post. Couple his strong-attacking play with his Chelsea performance, which earned the Tigers a point and saw the Chelsea defense struggle to adapt to his physical and quick play, Hull City has now landed in 14th place in the table, as the US striker's confidence soars to new heights.

Sky Sports has embraced his spirited efforts bestowing a player rating of eight against Manchester City and a seven against Chelsea in a 2-2 draw.

2. Hercules Gomez, Puebla- Overshadowed by his European counterparts as recent transfers, Ricardo Clark and Stuart Holden, garner the majority of the European attention, the former Wizard forward, Hercules Gomez, has made strides with Puebla, scoring his first goal against Atlante in a 1-1 draw. It was a matter of time that Gomez would score from the air, as his aerial prowess has evoked promise in his initial outings.  The US international has not missed a beat since moving south, and one could argue that his play has improved now that he receives better service.

3. Landon Donovan, Everton FC- Who said that Donovan could not handle the pressure of the Barclay's premier league, let alone, the Merseyside derby? News flash: Mandon aka "Landon" Donovan can hang in the BPL. Despite Everton's demise while facing Liverpool in a 1-0 defeat, LD demonstrated his thoughtful passing and creative movements. Sky Sports continues to embrace the US international play, bestowing a player rating of eight which matched that of Liverpool hero, Dirk Kuyt. If doubter still exist amongst the -- "Donovan can't handle the pressure" -- I am sure that this group has shrunk immensely in the past few weeks.

4. Carlos Bocanegra, Rennes- After earning a starting position at left back in the past five games, the US defender produced a great result in a 4-2 victory against first-place side, Bordeaux.

5. Brad Friedel, Aston Villa- Continues to impress as the keeper for Villa as he tallied five saves against the high-octane Tottenham offense. Eight cleans sheets out of ten games stresses the impact that he has resonated throughout the club.

Relegation Bound (Due to poor form or lack of playing time)

1. Jermaine Jones, Schalke 04 - His return to form appears very unlikely, while another fellow American, Daniel Williams, earned a 0-0 draw against FC Freiburg. Could Williams supplant Jones as the most coveted German-American?

2. Maurice Edu/DaMarcus Beasley, Rangers - Still recovering from minor injuries that are consuming their potential for playing time and top form.

3. Freddy Adu, Aris Salonika - Just when Freddy Adu appeared poised to earn more playing time, a wet pitch and postponement left the former DC United attacker on the bench. On the bright side, Eddie Johnson earned a start and a full 90 minutes against Panthrakikos in a 0-2 defeat.

Were you inspired by Jozy's performance? Will the Tigers continue their winning ways? Will LD score any more goals in his loan spell? Share your thoughts.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Top Five American's Abroad Feb 1-7 - Jozy and Hercules score

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Soccer Goals: In the past four days since returning from a two-week leave of absence to deal with the Haitian earthquake and disaster, the Hatian sensation, Jozy Altidore, seems to have embraced his recent minutes on the pitch. On Saturday facing Wolverhampton, the Tigers forward assisted on a goal and drew a penalty to secure a 2-2 draw.

Soccer Videos: Hull City draws with Chelsea 1-1

Facing super club, Chelsea, Altidore wreaked havoc earning several dangous kick opportunities in 86 minutes of play in a 1-1 draw. The strong striker unbalanced the back line with quick feet and crafty one-v-one moves and even caused headaches for English internationals John Terry and Frank Lampard. Though his touch failed him on several occassions against the Blues, it has become evident that Altidore's game has gained inspiration, as he has demonstrated a stronger work ethic and better tactical sense.

If or when the former Red Bull scores his first EPL goal, will Jozy Altidore gain confidence to attack opponents more willingly, despite the marginal service he has received up to this point? Continued playing time is the most imporant facet to developing his game, but scoring goals would create confidence and earn playing time, a heightened confidence that could better showcase his talents at the World Cup.

What did you think of Jozy's performance? How many goals will Jozy tally this season? Share your thoughts.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Tuesday American's Abroad Feb 2nd - The Hatian Sensation shines

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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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Soccer Goals: As Landon Donovan has been persistently knocking on the door, on the verge of scoring his debut goal at Mersey side, the US play maker finally consummated the act on Wednesday night in English Premier League action against Sunderland. After receiving a clever Cahill flick in the 19th minute, Mandon aka Landon Donovan touched the ball to his left, changed directions, and sent home a left-foot shot which took a slight deflection into the back of the net. His first goal gave Everton a two goal lead, after forward Tim Cahill scored earlier from a sublime header in the 7th minute.

Soccer Videos: Landon Donovan's goal against Sunderland

Besides Everton's tendency to bring the ball up the left flank, a strategy that has limited Donovan's touches, the Galaxy forward utilized the center of the pitch to make menacing and daunting runs that spread out the Sunderland defense. In the second half, Donovan's speed exploited the Sunderland's defense as he made a diagonal run that tricked the keeper and allowed him to send a goal-bound shot that was cleared off the line by George McCartney.

Scoring a goal confirmed his strong performance, but his interchange, offensive exchanges, and open-field runs impressed equally, as the outsourced-Everton winger maintained fluidity in the attack with quick and clever passing and good ball composure. In addition, his defensive play inspired not only fans but also his team mates, as he urgently tracked back on numerous occassions maintaining a clean sheet.

After the impressive 2-0 victory and elated to earn another three points, David Moyes commented on Donovan's performances stating that “the games he’s started have been Arsenal and Man City, who are two of the better teams in the country really, and I thought he played really well in those games.  He’s got a great goal-scoring record in America if you look at it. He’s got a great record for his national team. He hadn’t really had chances in those games, but tonight he got the first one and was a bit unlucky not to get a second one. So if he can add us a goal or two that would be great.”

Are you disappointed that he did not score a brace? If good performances continue, will this Yank Abroad seek an extended loan or transfer to Everton? Share your thoughts.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Donovan nets his first English Premiere Goal

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Soccer Goals: With the holiday season slowing down the US Soccer season and MLS hibernating for the winter, several American's abroad have kept the excitement level high. Almost buried and forgotten about by most US supporters, DaMarcus Beasley has found a rich vein of form, scoring a goal, an assist, and setting up a second goal against Motherwell in a 6-1 victory. Stepping up in the biggest of games, Clint Dempsey propelled Fulham to a 3-0 victory over Manchester United, earning an assist. In addition, he set up the game winning goal which lead to the White's advancement, eliminating FC Basel in Europa League action.

Marcus Hahnemann continues to impress as he lead Wolverhampton to another victory with five saves. Over Germany, the steady and stable Steve Cherundolo assisted in Hannover's 3-2 defeat to VFL Bochum. Let's take a look at how the Yanks abroad fared.

1. DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers): Besides making it bling in jewelry stores in the UK, the speedy right winger continued his hot streak against Motherwell scoring a goal and adding an assist. Although the former Fire midfielder clamored for a winter transfer, his recent hot streak, offensive prowess, and Coach Smith's desire for Beasley to stay suggests that his playing time will continue if he does stay with the club.

2. Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC): After advancing to the knockout stages of the Europa League by defeating FC Basel 3-2, Dempsey' creativity sparked the offense with a late cameo appearance (which in reality should have scored a goal on several break-away attempts). Although many anticipated a let down against Super Club Manchester United, the Deuce earned high praises from Sky Sports earning a player grade of nine, while adding an assist and willing the club to a 3-0 victory over Sir Alex Ferguson.

3. Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96): Making his case for the right back position continues to pay dividends as he earned a superb assist and 90 minutes in a 3-2 defeat to VFL Bochum. With his experience and former captaincy in the Bundesliga, he hopes to create distance between to his US right back competition, Jonathan Spector.

4. Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton): Besides notching five saves against Burnley in their 2-0 victory, the veteran keeper has facilitated winning ways for the Wolves winning their last four out of six games. If he continues his strong play, he should forge his place on the USMNT for South Africa.

Soccer Goals: After experiencing an electrifying start to his 2Bundesliga season, scoring two goals in his first several games, Kenny Cooper has played well but was unable to net a goal until Wednesday against Hertha Berlin in cup action. Giving 1860 Munich a 2-0 lead, the Berlin side would come back with two goals but would eventually lose in a penalty shootout to Cooper's team.

If you have not learned the Kenny Cooper chant, here is a practice run before you see it on the video. Kenny(announcer).....Cooper(fans)........Kenny(announcer).......Cooper (fans). After a few practice runs, you will get it down. Don't forget to add the German accent for authenticity (It is truly priceless).

Soccer Videos: Kenny Cooper's goal against Hertha Berlin.

tsv 1860 münchen-hertha bsc - MyVideo

Eddie Johnson plays full 90 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City

After being relegated for the initial part of the season to Fulham FC's bench, Eddie Johnson earned a full ninety minutes against Manchester City in Carling Cup action. The sparingly-used forward had his hand in the goal by passing towards Zoltan Gera, who received the deflected ball from the defender, sending into the back of the net. Fulham FC faces Arsenal on Saturday. Will his performance convince Coach Hodgson that he should play?

 Soccer Vidoes: Fulham vs Man City highlights

What did you think of Cooper's goal? Will he receive a callup for the upcoming qualifiers? Share your thoughts.

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: Kenny Cooper scores in Cup action and EJ earns a full 90 minutes

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