How U.S. men in England’s Premier League performed Saturday and Sunday in Round 13:
Clint Dempsey, Tottenham Hotspur: Duece made a big contribution to a worthy win at White Hart Lane. His little scoop pass to put Gareth Bale clean through for Spurs’ second goal was truly wonderful stuff. And Dempsey’s added a quick little pass to help along possession on the home team’s third in a 3-1 victory over London rival West Ham.
Brad Friedel, Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas went with French international Hugo Lloris for this one. It was a great week for Lloris (he was huge in a 0-0 draw against Lazio in a mid-week Europa League match), which makes it a less-than-great week for Friedel.
Tim Howard, Everton: A slow first half for the U.S. No. 1 got slightly busier in the second 45. Howard can’t be completely happy with the way he dealt with Sebastien Bassong’s stoppage time header. Hard to call it a gaffe (especially in an EPL round that had a couple of real doozies from other ‘keepers) but perhaps he could have pushed the initial header away to preserve all three points. Otherwise, Howard was his usual steady self in the 1-1 draw at home with Norwich. His work included a solid stop on the goal line as Anthony Pilkington put a sturdy, 85th minute header on goal.
Brad Guzan, Aston Villa: Mostly unbothered in a drab 0-0 contest with Arsenal, the U.S. international did kick away an Aaron Ramsey shot with a swell foot save. No goals at home will not help the struggling side (still in the relegation zone), but Guzan certainly isn’t to blame for that.
Eric Lichaj, Aston Villa: Came in at left back for Villa but never looked comfortable, especially against a fresh Andrey Arshavin in the scoreless contest.
Geoff Cameron, Stoke City: The former Houston Dynamo man has mostly settled in at right back for Tony Pulis’ men, but he was on the left Saturday for the Potters, who took all three points against mostly lifeless Fulham at the Britannia Stadium. His only nick was a second-half yellow card. Mid-table now (12th) is a good place for Stoke.
Maurice Edu, Stoke City: The U.S. international did not make Pulis’ 18-man selection for Stoke.
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Full circle: Misantrope’s revival could land Benítez in Paris, Madrid, or Naples
May 22, 2013, 11:06 PM EDT
Over the last three months, Rafa Benítez has reignited a floundering career.
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It’s piling on for Reign FC, who may permanently lose Megan Rapinoe to Lyon
May 22, 2013, 10:14 PM EDT
The hits just keep on coming for the NWSL’s hard-luck team.
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U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round draw: What it means for your MLS team
May 22, 2013, 9:20 PM EDT
The U.S. Open Cup draws sometimes need a decoder ring to decipher. Here’s a quick-and-dirty look at the MLS teams’ futures.
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With PSG willing to match Wayne Rooney’s wages, Manchester United has somebody to bail them out
May 22, 2013, 8:17 PM EDT
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If PSG’s willing to take Rooney’s wages of their hands, Manchester United can justify moving on.
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Crimes and misdemeanors: Congratulations, Bobby Boswell – you’re this week’s winner
May 22, 2013, 7:32 PM EDT
Houston’s defensive leader sees his banned doubled by the Disciplinary Committee.
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Sauerbrunn, Quon, and why its still too early to see NWSL’s influence on Sermanni’s choices
May 22, 2013, 6:47 PM EDT
Tom Sermanni has brought new talent into the national team, but it’s too early to know the extent to which the U.S.’s roster will see new faces.
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José Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo pick up meaningless two-match bans
May 22, 2013, 6:02 PM EDT
Cristiano Ronaldo will serve a two-match ban. José Mourinho will skirt it.
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Michele Beadle and friends take a look at what NYCFC means to the New York sports scene.
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We tend to beat up the Chivas organization for its off-the-wall strategic approaches and front-office instability, but what exactly is wrong with the team on the field?
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Looking at the United States’ roster ahead of their Canada rematch
May 22, 2013, 4:03 PM EDT
Yesterday’s announcement included few surprises ahead of the U.S.’s June 2 match at BMO Field.
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Well, what took them so long to get into the party?
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How Tony Pulis removal at Stoke City may affect U.S. internationals Cameron, Shea and Edu
May 22, 2013, 2:40 PM EDT
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Looks like a mixed bag for the American trio:
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As the towering English forward weighs up his options, should he return to Liverpool, sign for West Ham or go elsewhere?
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Mario Götze to miss Champions League final against future club Bayern
May 22, 2013, 1:40 PM EDT
Reuters
With Dortmund’s main attacker threat out injured, can Dortmund still lift the Champions League trophy?
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AP
Can the Yankees provide a viable option for New York City FC to play in? Of course they can. Maybe.
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They have owners and an employee, but now comes the hardest part for MLS expansion club NYCFC. The challenges ahead are daunting:
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The one accolade no EPL player wants on their soccer resume…
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Claudio Reyna announced as New York City FC Director of Football
May 22, 2013, 11:05 AM EDT
New York City FC announces Reyna as first employee, a good first move, right?
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Reuters
Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Red Bull Arena… which venue could work best as a temporary home for New York City FC?
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The magic of the Cup lives on, as four PDL sides now face trips to MLS teams in the third-round. Is this the stuff dreams are made of?
