Weekend Update!

In Germany, Heath Pearce made his first appearance for Hansa Rostock in over a month, coming on as a halftime substitute against Arminia Bielefeld. Rostock fought back from a goal down, and were rewarded with a late equalizer. The point keeps Rotsock five points clear from the relegation zone in 14th place.

Hannover, meanwhile, won for the first time in six attempts, beating Nunberg 2-1 at home. The ever-present Steve Cherundolo was again deployed on the backline for Hannover, whose win keeps them in eighth place and within touching distance of a European place.

Over in England, the plight of Fulham continued, as the Cottagers succumbed to Manchester United, 3-0. Eddie Johnson got his first ever start for the the club, providing support to captain Brian McBride up front, but Fulham were thwarted by the tough United defense.

There were happier times over in Reading, however, as the Royals stopped a run of recent defeats with an dramatic 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough. Steve Harper popped up in the box in second half injury time to pound home a Stephen Hunt crossand give Reading three much needed points. Marcus Hahnemann kept a clean sheet in the Reading goal, making saves in the victory.

Everton strengthened their claim to fourth place with a well earned 3-1 victory at home to Portsmouth. Tim Howard and the Toffees will now look forward to Thursday's big UEFA Cup Round of 16 match against Fiorentina. Everton travel to Florence to play the first leg at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, before returning back to Merseyside two weeks later.

In the Eredivisie, Heerenveen suffered its second consecutive defeat, this time away to FC Twente. Next Michael Bradley and Heerenveen face fellow European challengers Nac Breda in a six-pointer in the top half of the table. That game takes place on Saturday, but be sure to check back to the Global blog for updates on all the midweek action.