Americans Abroad: Altidore back in the saddl

Americans Abroad: Altidore back in the saddle

Jozy found his form for AZ, but a number of other American players had more difficult weekends.

Sep 17, 2012 1:00:00 AM

Getty Images

Jozy Altidore turned it on once again on Sunday, netting a hat-trick as AZ Alkmaar defeated Roda JC Kerkrade 4-0. The American striker scored the first goal of the game in the 13th minute and added a second just before halftime. Finally, Altidore fired in his third in the 65th minute. After a few sluggish performances, the 22-year-old looks to be back on the mark. His season goal tally now stands at seven.

Dempsey quiet in Tottenham debut

Clint Dempsey made his long-awaited season debut on Sunday against Reading, coming on for the final 12 minutes. Spurs were already up 3-0 at the time and while Dempsey did make a few nice passes, he was noticeably out of place in the attack. Obviously more practice and playing time will open up his game at White Hart Lane but the tenacious Texan could feature as a substitute for the time being.

Friedel continues to start for Spurs

Despite the club signing French national team goalkeeper Hugo Lloris from Lyon last week, the London
outfit showed trust in the veteran and started Friedel on Sunday against Reading. The 41-year-old had a
relatively quiet game as he was only forced into one save on the afternoon. Spurs dominated as Jermain
Defoe netted a splendid double in between Gareth Bale’s strike. Friedel did let in a late consolation goal
when Hal-Robson-Kanu tallied a nifty flick late. The keeper was off his mark and got caught on the far
post.

Boyd and Rapid Vienna stumble

Terrence Boyd cooled down on Saturday as Rapid Vienna drew 0-0 with FC Trenkwalder Admira. Boyd played 67 minutes but wasn’t too affective.

Hannover sneaks by Werder Bremen

Steve Cherundolo played the entire contest as Hannover grabbed a goal late to claim a 3-2 win over Werder Bremen. Szabolcs Huszti scored his second goal of the contest in stoppage and was subsequently sent off for excessive celebration. Cherundolo did take a stab at the net but his shot was off target.

Jones plays well in shutout

Jermaine Jones started and played the full 90 as Schalke defeated SpVgg Greuther Furth 2-0 on Saturday. Jones nearly bagged an assist early but Klaas Jan Huntelaar missed the mark. With the win, the club remained in the top four and is tied with second place Hannover 96 on points with seven.

Johnson has mixed results

Fabian Johnson had a seesaw game on Sunday. He set up TSG Hoffenheim’s third goal of the match when he assisted Takashi Usami’s 76th minute equalizer. However, Johnson also picked up a yellow card and was part of a back four that allowed five goals including two in the final ten minutes. SC Freiburg prevailed over TSG 5-3.

Aston Villa contingent shuts down Swansea

Brad Guzan continues to start for Villa and bagged a clean sheet on Saturday as the Villains defeated Swansea City 2-0. The keeper made three saves, notably halting vicious shots from Ashley Williams and Nathan Dyer. Guzan’s been spectacular this season and has only allowed one goal in his three starts. Eric Lichaj started and played the full 90 during the contest. The 23-year-old defender played well and was part of a stout back four that did not allow a goal. Lichaj did pick up a yellow card late but was keen in stopping a few key attacks.

Stoke duo not impressive

Geoff Cameron was demoted to the bench on Saturday, coming on for the final 15 minutes against Manchester City. Given the fact that Stoke drew 1-1 with the defending champions, Cameron could remain a substitute staple going forward. Maurice Edu did not dress for the contest.