Happy New Year!

The Global Blog wishes all of you out there a Happy New Year! Now lets get down to business - it's been an action packed year for our guys abroad, and for most of them the season is only half over. Here's what's been going on so far this term for some MNT players:

Tim Howard (Everton, English Premier League) – After a slow start to the Premier League season, Everton have picked things up significantly, and the Toffees are up to sixth in the table. Tim Howard has continued as his reliable self in the Everton goal, setting a unique record in November and keeping four clean sheets in a row during December.
Premier League – 20 apps (20 starts), 7 Clean Sheets
Carling Cup – 1 app (1 start)
UEFA Cup – 2 apps (2 starts)

Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, Ligue 1) – In his first season on the continent, Bocanegra is adapting seamlessly to life in Ligue 1. After moving from Fulham in the summer, Bocanegra has slotted into the Rennes backline as a left back, and he’s appeared in all nineteen league games thus far. Rennes are up to third place in Ligue 1 and maintain a seventeen match unbeaten run heading into 2009.
Ligue 1 – 19 apps (19 starts)

Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege, Belgian Juplier League) – Onyewu continues to make an impression at Standard Liege in Belgium. You don’t have to dig to deep to hear his name being tossed around during this month’s transfer window frenzy. After taking the league title last year, Liege are playing catch-up this time around – they currently sit in third place. In the UEFA Cup, the team has confidently progressed to the next round, where they’ll take on S.C. Braga of Portugal in Februay.
Jupiler League – 16 apps (15 starts)
UEFA Cup – 6 apps (6 starts), 1 goal
Coupe de Belgigue – 1 app (1 start)

Clint Dempsey (Fulham, English Premier League) – After starting the season as a frequently used substitute, Dempsey worked his way into the starting lineup, where he has remained a constant fixture for the past two months. Fulham enjoyed an excellent holiday period, taking 5 points from three games, with Dempsey’s two goals against Chelsea the highlight for Cottagers fans.
Premier League - 16 apps (9 starts), 4 goals
Carling Cup – 1 app (1 start)

Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, English Premier League) – El Guzano has spent the majority of his first few months in England backing up Brad Friedel in the Aston Villa goal during Premier League games. Guzan has made four appearances in other competitions, including 3 starts in the UEFA Cup, where Villa have progressed to the knockout round to face CSKA Moscow in February.
UEFA Cup – 3 apps (3 starts), 1 Clean Sheet
Carling Cup – 1 app (1 start)

Freddy Adu (AS Monaco, Ligue 1)*
Ligue 1 – 9 apps (0 starts)
*On loan from SL Benfica

Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach, German Bundesliga)
Bundesliga - 11 apps (9 starts), 1 goal

Steve Cherundolo (Hannover96, German Bundesliga)
Bundesliga 14 apps (13 starts), 1 assist
DFB Pokal Cup 1 app (1 start), 1 assist

Jozy Altidore (Villarreal, La Liga)
La Liga - 6 apps (2 starts), 1 goal
Copa del Rey - 2 apps (2 starts)

José Torres (Pachuca, Primera División de México)
Apertura 2008 – 13 apps (8 starts), 1 goal
FIFA World Club Cup – 3 apps (2 starts),

Michael Orozco (San Luis, Primera División de México)
Apertura 2008 – 8 apps (8 starts)

Danny Szetela (Brescia, Serie B)
Serie B – 9 apps (8 starts)
Coppa Italia – 1 app (1 start)

Jonathan Spector (West Ham Utd., English Premier League)
Premier League – 1 app

DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers, Scottish Premier League)
SPL - 8 apps (4 starts), 0 goals
CIS Cup - 1 app (1 start)

Maurice Edu (Rangers, Scottish Premier League)
SPL - 1 app (1 start)
CIS Cup - 1 app (1 start)

Eddie Johnson (Cardiff City, English Championship)*
English Championship – 15 apps (3 starts), 2 assists
Carling Cup – 2 apps (2 starts)
*on loan from Fulham

Jay DeMerit (Watford, English Championship)
English Championship – 18 apps (17 starts)
Carling Cup – 3 apps (3 starts)

Frank Simek (Sheffield Wednesday, English Championship)
English Championship – 3 apps (2 starts)

Spector Completes Return from Injury

Jonathan Spector completed his return from injury this past weekend, entering the game as a second half win during West Ham Utd.'s 2-1 win over Stoke City. Most of the headlines though were reserved for Stoke's Ricardo Fuller, who slapped his teammate and got sent off. Yup.

Highlights: Everton 3, Sunderland 0

BBC Match Report and Tim Howard talks about being impressed by Everton's fighting spirit during the recent injury crisis

Sky Sports Match Report

Roster Set for January Camp

U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bob Bradley has named 25 players to the training camp roster that will begin workouts Jan. 4 at U.S. Soccer's National Training Center at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The group will prepare for the USA’s first match of 2009, a friendly against Sweden on Jan. 24 at The Home Depot Center.

Here's what the roster looks like:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Matt Pickens (out of contract)
DEFENDERS (8): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland), Sean Franklin (Los Angeles Galaxy), Cory Gibbs (Colorado Rapids), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Chris Wingert (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City Wizards), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire)
FORWARDS (4): Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire)

Highlights: Fulham 2, Chelsea 2

As you have probably heard, Clint Dempsey scored two goals this past weekend in Fulham's 2-2 draw with London rivals Chelsea. The Blog was vacationing in Mexico (though it did manage to catch the game alongside some goofy Chelsea fans) so now we'll get you caught up:


BBC match Report

Sky Sports match report and an article where Dempsey discusses Fulham going forward.

Fulhamfc.com's match report



Pictures from Fulhamfc.com

Gooch Rumors

The January transfer window is fast approaching, which means everybody should get ready for a month of ridiculous speculation and rumors being thrown about with less regard than a Mitch Williams fastball.

Stepping into the batter's box today is Oguchi Onyewu who, according to The Sun, is linked with four clubs. Fulham is set to do battle with Borussia Monchengladbach, Marseille and Paris St. Germain for Gooch's signature. Stay tuned.

Dempsey Double Earns Fulham a Draw

Clint Dempsey scored twice as Fulham came from a goal down to earn a draw with Chelsea at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

The London derby was a back-and-forth affair, with the home side taking the lead first. Dempsey was in the right position at the far-post for a Simon Davies freekick, and Clint shook his marker and cleverly flicked the ball home from close range.

Chelsea took awhile to respond, but eventually they did through Frank Lampard.The England midfielder scored twice in the second half, and second place Chelsea looked to be heading for all three points.

Fulham was having none of it, and Dempsey capped a late push by grabbing his second goal of the game in the 89th minute.The game finished 2-2 at Craven Cottage.

Boxing Day Action

- Clint Dempsey and Fulham fought out a 0-0 stalemate with London-rivals Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. The Cottagers' London derby weekend continues with a match agaisnt Chelsea on Sunday at Craven Cottage.

- Tim Howard and Everton overcame injury problems to snatch. 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium. A goal from make-shift forward Tim Cahill was enough to outpace a sloppy 'Boro side that is slipping further down the table. Up next for Howard and Everton is a match with resurgent Sunderland on Sunday.

Everton Draws Chelsea at Goodison Park

Everton and Tim Howard tied Chelsea 0-0 on Monday night. The home side couldn't make the most of a man advantage, after John Terry was sent off for visiting Chelsea in the first half. Next up for Everton: Middlesbrough on Friday.

Everton V Chelsea 22.12.08 BBC News report
by fredFiftyFour

Late Fight Back for Rennes

Rennes are up to third place in Ligue 1, after two second half goals gave Carlos Bocanegra's side the comeback win over Lorient. Carlos started in his usual position at left back, played the full 90 minutes and earned a yellow card for his troubles.



Freddy Adu came on as a sub for AS Monaco but the team conceded two late goals to fall 4-3 to Bordeaux.

Fulham vs. 'Boro Highlights

Highlights from Fulham's 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough this weekend (Clint Dempsey scored the 3rd goal in the win):

Oguchi Onyewu and Liege Beat Gent 2-1

Oguchi Onyewu and Standard Liege are consolidating their 2nd place position in the Belgian League table, helped by this weekend's 2-1 win over KAA Gent. Liege are off until mid-January, when the Belgian League reconvenes.

Everton Set for Chelsea

Everton are set to host Chelsea in Monday night's Premier League fixture. Well, that's Monday afternoon for those of us in the States, and the game can be seen live on Setanta starting at 2 p.m. ET (kickoff is at 3 p.m.)

The holiday schedule is notoriously busy in England and the Premier League is one of the few countries that loads up a full slate of game for the festive period. Everton took time out from the hectic period to visit a children's hospital in Liverpool, you can read about their visit here.

Fulham Climb to Eighth as Dempsey Scores in Victory

Around here we've talked a lot about Rennes unbeaten run over in France but check out Clint Dempsey and Fulham putting together a little run of their own.

With today's 3-0 victory over hapless Middlesbrough, the Cottagers stretched their streak to seven games without a loss and moved up to a respectable 8th place in the Premier League table.

Clint Dempsey started for Fulham and grabbed his second Premier League goal of the season when he finished a move in the 59th minute to seal the game for his club.



Picture from Fulhamfc.com

Liege Ready to Finish Group Stage

Oguchi Onyewu and Standard Liege are already through to the next round of the UEFA Cup, but tonight's game against Stuttgart still has its importance. If Liege win or draw, they'll be assured of first place in Group C, a crucial bonus when it comes time to draw opponents for the next round.

With last night's defeat against Hamburg, Brad Guzan and Aston Villa missed out on that bonus. They will now face a team coming in from the Champions League in the next round.

Bundesliga Highlights from Last Weekend

Gladbach vs. Dortmund



Hannover 96 vs. Arminia Bielefeld

Guzan and Villa Travel to Hamburg

Brad Guzan and Aston Villa are taking their UEFA Cup campaign to Germany tonight, when they take on Hamburg at the HSH Nordbank Arena. Kickoff for the game starts around 3 p.m. ET, and you can see the game live on Setanta Sports.

Hamburg and Villa are both assured of their spots in the final 32 of the tournament, with Ajax also booking their place from Group F. However, there is much on the line in terms of the upcoming draw. Here's why, according to UEFA:

"Group winners will be paired with third-placed sides from other UEFA Cup sections, while second-placed finishers will be drawn against one of the eight sides who finished third in the UEFA Champions League groups. The UEFA Cup group winners and runners-up will play the second leg at home."

So lots to play for still for Guzan and his team, we'll be back with highlights later.

Pachuca Eliminated by LDU Quito

Jose Torres and Pachuca were ousted from the FIFA Club World Cup by South American champions LDU Quito. Quito jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first first half and never looked back, becoming the first team into the final. Their opponent will be determined tomorrow, when Manchester United meets Gamba Osaka.

Don't Miss It: USA vs. Mexico

The U.S. MNT is set to face Mexico on February 11 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The opening match of the Final Round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying will be played in chilly conditions, recalling memories of the 'Guerra Fria' played in 2001, where temperature at kickoff was a balmy 29 degrees. Goals by Josh Wolff and Earnie Stewart led the U.S. to 2-0 win to start the final round. Four years later, Steve Ralston and DaMarcus Beasley did the business and the U.S. recorded another 2-0 scoreline at Crew Stadium, the victory on Sept. 3, 2005, booking the USA's place in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

We spoke to Beas to get his thoughts on the upcoming game and his memories of qualifying in Columbus. Listen to the full podcast here.

Highlights: Stoke City 0, Fulham 0

Highlights: Manchester City 0, Everton 1

Brad Friedel Interview

A few weeks ago we highlighted Brad Friedel's record breaking appearance against Fulham. This week, the former MNT goalkeeper sat down with Premier League World to talk about his career in England:

Interview with Spector

Jonathan Spector is coming closer to first team football. He spoke to West Ham Utd.'s club website here about his road back for injury. Said Spector:

"I need at least one more reserve game before I feel fit enough to be in with the first team but I will certainly be pushing myself to be back as soon as possible...I am certainly happy to be back after being out for such an extended period of time and we got the result as well with a 3-2 victory [last week over a visiting team comprised of MLS players]. It was nice to score. That doesn't happen too often either. It was great to get a goal but more importantly I am just happy to be back playing. I really enjoyed it"

Read the full article here.

Highlights from this Weekend

Oguchi Onyewu and Standard Liege defeated Club Brugge 4-1:


Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes tied Lille 0-0:

Saturday Results

• Taken down by a late winner last week, it was Everton's turn to inflict injury time pain on another team this week, with Tim Cahill's headed goal giving the Toffees the 1-0 win at the City of Manchester Stadium. Tim Howard made three saves in the victory.
• Fulham drew again, fighting out a goaless snoozer with Stoke City. Clint Dempsey went the full 90 minutes for the Cottagers.
• Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes continued their unbeaten run, but missed a chance to go just one point behind Lyon. Their 0-0 draw with Nantes leaves them fifth in the table.
  
• Eddie Johnson came on as a first half sub as Cardiff City beat Ipswich Town 2-1.
• Steve Cherundolo and Hannover96 tied 1-1 with Arminia Bielefeld.
  

Pachuca On to the Semis

Pachuca defeated Al Ahly 4-2 on Friday, scoring two goals in extra time to just get by the African champions from Egypt. The Mexican side moves onto the semifinals to face LDU Quito on Dec. 17. Jose Torres started the match before making way early in the second half.

Watch 1st First Half Highlights

2nd Half Highlights

2nd Half/Extra Time Highlights

Let's Catch Up on Highlights:

Dec. 6 - Caen vs. Rennes:


Villarreal vs. Getafe:


Fulham vs. Manchester City:


Dec. 7 - Everton vs. Aston Villa:

Long Break for Gladbach

Borussia Mönchengladbach fell 2-1 to Borussia Dortmund today, in a tough away loss that concluded the first half of the season. Michael Bradley started the game before being subbed out about midway through the second half. Gladbach will go into the long winter break on the bottom of the table, and they don't play again until January 31st when they meet VFB Stuttgart. The good news: just two point separate 14th from 18th place in the Bundesliga...

Pachuca Ready for World Club Cup

Pachuca and Jose Torres have traveled halfway around the world to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicked off in Japan last night. The Mexican side qualified for the tournament thanks to their CONCACAF Champions Cup victory and tonight they take on the African champions, Egyption side Al Ahly. You can see the game live, starting at 11:30 p.m. ET on FSC.

In the other quaterfinal match, Adelaide United takes on Asian champions Gamba Osaka for the right to meet Manchester United in the semfinals. The winner of Pachuca/Al Ahly will face LDU Quito in the other half of the draw.

Spector Nears Return

Jonathan Spector has been out of action for awhile but he's now making a welcome return to the West Ham squad. Yesterday he went the full 90 minutes in a reserve match against an MLS Select side during a 3-2 victory for the Hammers. Spector even scored in the victory, heading home from a Matthew Ethrington corner.

Howard Ready for Manchester City

Tim Howard and Everton were on the tough end of a 3-2 loss to Aston Villa this past weekend, but him and his teammates are eager to move on and take the positives from what was an excellent fight back by the Toffees. This week Everton faces Manchester City, here's Sky Sports with a preview of the game, which also features an interview with Howard:


As the video mentions, Howard was accepting the award for Everton Player of the Month for November. He also talked about Everton's ability to break into the top four in the Premier League, a feat that they achieved when they finished in fourth place in 2005:

"It [the top four dropping points] gives us hope, inspiration and motivation to keep plugging away and keep getting results. We said all along we want to be in the thick of it - sixth, seventh or eighth - so we can push on."

Next up for Everton is a visit to Manchester City on Saturday. You can see the game live on FSC starting at 10:00 a.m. ET.

Official U.S. Soccer Bar Welcomes Roman Abramovich

Nevada Smiths, the December U.S. Soccer Bar of the Month, got a special guest for their Saturday morning screening of the Chelsea-Bolton match when Blues owner Roman Abramovich dropped in to catch the action.

In the city for a shopping excursion, the Chelsea boss heard that Nevada Smith’s was the bar affiliated with the New York based Chelsea supporters group, New York Blues. In fact, Nevada Smith’s is affiliated with over 25 supporters groups, and has spent the past 10 years developing a “bar for the fans.” All supporters groups are welcome at Nevada Smiths.


Abramovich isn't the only celeb who has come through the 'round ball' bar. Sir Alex Ferguson, Sting, and former Man-U striker Dwight Yorke are just some of the luminaries who have joined the fans to get their football fix.


Nevada Smiths is one of the bars nominated for the 2008 Best U.S. Soccer Bar award. The winner for that and all of the Best of U.S. Soccer awards will be announced next week.

Parkhurst Moves to Denmark

MNT Defender Michael Parkhurst has signed a contract with FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark, and he'll join up with the team in January 2009 when his current deal with the Revolution expires at the end of this year.

FC Nordsjaelland is currently 8th out of 12 teams in the Danish top flight. The league is on a winter break until March, when play resumes for the second half of the season.

Picture from FC Nordsjaelland's official website.

Highlights from Liege's Loss this Weekend

That about sums it up:

Tough Loss for Timmy and Co.

Tim Howard and Everton lost a 3-2 heartbreaker to Aston Villa on Sunday. Highlights of the game:

Championship Midweek Update

• Eddie Johnson came on as a sub in Cardiff City's 2-2 Draw with Burnley.
• Marcus Hahenmann made six saves in Reading's 1-0 win over Blackpool. Bobby Convey also entered the game as a second half sub.
  

Saturday Results

• Clint Dempsey and Fulham drew with Manchester City, extending their unbeaten run to five games in the Premier League.
• DaMarcus Beasley started for Rangers as they thrashed Hamilton Academical 7-1 at Ibrox.
• Michael Bradley came on as a second half sub in Borussia Mönchengladbach's 3-1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen.
• Frank Simek went 90 minutes for Sheffield Wednesday in their draw with Southampton.
• Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes came back from a goal down, tying Caen 1-1 to make it 15 games unbeaten in Ligue 1.
• Jozy Altidore started and played all 90 minutes as Villarreal came back from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Getafe.
• Oguchi Onyewu and Standard Liege lost 2-1 to Zulte-Waregem in the Belgian League.
  

Aston Villa Lose but Still Advance

Brad Guzan and Aston Villa lost to Zilina 2-1 on Thursday but the English club but still advanced to the final 32 of the UEFA Cup. Guzan made 3 saves for Villa in the loss.



Up next for Aston Villa is a big matchup with Everton on Sunday in the Premier League.

Carlos Bocanegra on Rennes' Recent Run

We sat down with Renes defender and U.S. MNT captain Carlos Bocanegra to get his thoughts on Rennes' good form in Ligue 1. Rennes are up to second in the French top flight, and they will look to keep up the pace with Lyon when they travel to face Caen.

Listen to the full podcast with Carlos here.

Onyewu Scores as Liege Go Through to Last 32

Oguchi Onyewu scored the second goal in Standard Liege's 3-0 victory over Sampdoria in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday and the Belgian side qualified for the final 32 of the tournament with the win.

There's still one more matchday left, but Liege is safe atop the Group C standings, and they're joined in the last 32 by FC Metalist Kharkiv, FC Twente, Galatasaray AŞ, and Udinese Calcio.



Liege rounds out the UEFA Cup group stage with a match against Stuttgart on the 18th, but the Belgian champions already have their sites set on the knockout round, which begins in 2009.

Picture courtesy of UEFA.com

Watford Felled by Spurs

Jay DeMerit and Watord came up just short against Carling Cup holders Tottenham tonight. Watford took the lead against the favored visitors, but couldn't hold on as Spurs came fighting back for two goals to advance to the semfinals.

watford v spurs

Watford Ready for Carling Cup Quarters

Jay DeMerit and Watford are enduring a tough time in the Championship this season, but they look to be turning things around just a bit. The Hornets are unbeaten in three games, including this weekend's draw against Doncaster. Perhaps the recent reversal has to do with the team's support of the Movember campaign which, as you can see from the picture, appears to be going quite well.



Next up for DeMerit and company, is a Carling Cup quarterfinal date with Tottenham. Harry Redknapp's team has been enjoying a rejuvenation of late, and they're the holders of the cup, having defeated Chelsea earlier this year. The game can be seen live in the U.S. on Setanta starting at 2:00 p.m. ET.

And speaking of Tottenham, The Mirror says the London club is lining up a bid for Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.

Highlights from Villarreal against Recreativo

Jozy Altidore started in his first La Liga game this weekend as Villarreal moved up to second in the Spanish table. Highlights from the game below:

Rangers to Continue Cup against St. Johnstone

Rangers, holders of the Scottish Cup, will travel to St. Johnstone in the fourth round of this year's tournament. The draw was made today for the next set of games, which will take place on January 10 or 11.

Rennes Move into Second with Win

Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes beat PSG 1-0 on Sunday to move into second place in the Ligue 1 table. The win also stretches Rennes' unbeaten run in the league to 14 games.

Everton Earn Three Points in London

Tim Howard and Everton traveled to London to take on Tottenham on Sunday, and the Toffees came away with all three points.

Howard made three saves in the victory, and Stephen Pienaar's goal was enough to separate the sides on manager David Moyes' 300th game on the touchline for Everton. The win did not come without cost, however, and it has been learned that striker Yakubu will be out for the rest of the season after rupturing his achilles during the match.

Everton are up to 7th in the Premier League table, just three points behind 5th place Aston Villa. The two sides will meet next Sunday at Goodison Park in a battle of American goalies, when Howard takes on record-breaker Brad Friedel (with backup support from Brad Guzan).