Kasey Keller Speaks

You may have heard that Fulham avoided relegation this weekend. Its kind of a big deal (note massive understatement). Here at ussoccer.com, we caught up with the legend himself, Kasey Keller, and asked his thoughts on Fulham's successful bid against the drop. Listen to Keller as he describes the satisfaction of their remarkable achievement and where this ranks in his career accomplishments in this exclusive podcast by clicking here.



Online Videos by Veoh.com

Fulham Redeemed

Fulham confirmed its Premier League status for next season by defeating Portsmouth 1-0 on Sunday. Danny Murphy's second half header was the only goal in a scrappy game and the win saved Fulham from relegation at the expense of Reading and Birmingham. News of the latter two sides winning their respective games comfortably was trickling to the field at Fratton Park, and Fulham knew that only a victory would save them from the drop. Roy Hodgson's side feverishly pressed the Portsmouth goal, and they were rewarded in the 76th minute when Jimmy Bullard's inswinging freekick was met by Murphy. Brian McBride and Kasey Keller played the full 90 minutes for Fulham, while Clint Dempsey started the game before coming off in the 72nd minute.

The news was not so good for Marcus Hahnemann and Reading, who were relegated as a result of Fulham's win. A fantastic effort from Reading in a 4-0 victory over Derby was not enough to make up the gap between the Royals and Fulham, and Hahnemnn's team was relegated to the Championship due to goal differential. Hahnemann made four saves in the loss, while Eddie Lewis and Benny Feilhaber both took part for Derby.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Everton and Tim Howard clinched fifth place with a 3-1 victory over Newcastle.

The Dynamic Duo

Sky Sports scored a nice coup by sitting down two of U.S. Soccer's legendary goalkeepers - and at the same time, no less! - to talk about their long and distinguished careers for both club and country.

Always articulate and insightful, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller spoke about their rise through the goalkeeping ranks, the fortunes of Blackburn and Fulham, and how two kids from the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest managed to earn over 35 years in combined experience in top leagues around the world. We even learned something new about Kasey, and he's been around U.S. Soccer for 18 years!

Click the links below and enjoy listening to two of the best ...

Brad and Kasey talk about their careers in Europe ...

Kasey talking about Fulham's fight ...

Weekend Update

Fulham recorded its first away victory since 2006 this weekend, defeating Reading 2-0 to reinvigorate the Cottagers' hopes of beating the drop. Brian McBride scored the winning goal (his 3rd of the season), while Kasey Keller made six saves en route to posting a clean sheet. Clint Dempsey started for Fulham, and went 85 minutes before being replaced by Carlos Bocanegra. Marcus Hahnemann was on the losing side for Reading who, despite the loss, remain above the relegation zone.

They're only just out of trouble, however, as Fulham and Bolton victories this weekend have closed the gap in the relegation fight. As it stands right now:

16. Reading, 32 pts
17. Birmingham, 31 pts
18. Bolton, 29 pts
19. Fulham, 27 pts


At the other end of the table, Everton and Tim Howard slipped up in their quest for fourth place and tied Birmingham 1-1.



Jonathan Spector played 90 minutes in a losing West Ham effort - they were pegged back by Bolton with Kevin Davies scoring the lone goal of the match.

Over in Germany, Hansa Rostock earned a vital 2-1 win over Karlsruhe. Heath Pearce came off the bench in the second half to set up Fin Bartels' winning goal in the 84th minute. The win takes Rostock out of the relegation zone for now (they're ahead of Duisburg by 2 points) ...

Hannover were victorious as well, beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1. Steve Cherundolo played all 90 minutes for Hannover, who are in action during the midweek against Borussia Dortmund.

Gooch and Standard Liege stayed the course for the league title: their victory this weekend keeps them seven points clear of Anderlecht, with the two teams to play next weekend. In fact, if Liege beats Anderlecht and third-placed Club Brugge does not win, then Liege will be 10 points clear with only three games remaining. THAT would mean, of course, that a party 25-years in the making begins immediately in Liege ...

Weekend Results...

Obviously inspired by his podcast performance, Oguchi Onyewu popped up to score the winner for Standard Liege this weekend. His club beat Mouscron 1-0 on Saturday to inch closer to the Belgian League title...

In Germany, Heath Pearce played 90 minutes for Hansa Rostock this weekend, but his side were upended by a 52nd minute goal from Halil Altintop. The 1-0 loss plunges Rostock into the relegation zone on the Bundesliga table - they're currently in 17th place. With 24 points, Rostock is two points away from safety and they'll need a win this weekend when they travel to face Energie Cottbus. Also in the Bundsliga, Hannover96 was on the losing end of a five goal thriller with Wolfsburg. Steve Cherundolo's team went down 3-2 and is now in 10th place. Sal Zizzo was on the bench for Hannover.

Over to England, where things are going from bad to worse for Fulham. On the end of a 3-1 loss against Sunderland this weekend, the Cottagers are treading water in 19th place. Clint Dempsey came off the bench, while Brian McBride and Kasey Keller played the full 90 minuts. The only good news for the team from this weekend, is the fact that both Birmingham and Bolton lost as well. Up Next? A massive game with Reading away from home.

Tim Howard and Everton picked up some points on Liverpool in the fight for fourth place, courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Derby County. Howard kept his 18th clean sheet (in all competitions), and made 8 saves in the victory. With the three points, Everton climbed to within a victory of Liverpool, who currently occupy the final Champions League spot.

Reading were on the wrong side of a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle, though Bobby Convey made his return from injury. The midfielder came on as a sub in the 60th minute.

Finally, the Dutch Eredivisie playoffs are beginning to take shape over in Holland, and Heerenveen looks to have consolidated its place in the postseason. Saturday's win against WIllem II put Michael Bradley's club on 57 points and that gives them a six point cushion from 7th place. With two games to go, that means that Heerenveen just needs one point to be assured of qualification...

Fulham Get Three Points

All five Americans at Fulham saw the field during Sunday's 1-0 victory over Everton. Kasey Keller, Brian McBride, Eddie Johnson started for the Cottagers while Carlos Bocanegra and Clint Dempsey came off the bench in the second half.

McBride's second half header was the difference between the two sides, and handed relegation-threatened Fulham an invaluable points boost. Fulham, now on 23 points, sit just 3 points from safety.

Meanwhile, Tim Howard and Everton find their UEFA Champions League hopes dented after Saturday's loss. Everton's defeat coupled with Liverpool's victory mean the Toffees are now three points off fourth place.

For Fulham, the next few weeks will be crucial: they face Newcastle, Derby, Sunderland and Reading. Everton face West Ham next week before traveling to Anfield on March 30th in a Champions League showdown.

Big Weekend Blowout!

Fulham earned a much needed point away to Blackburn this weekend, courtesy of some late heroics from Jimmy Bullard. The English midfielder confidently stroked an 89th minute freekick over the wall and past Brad Friedel's despairing dive to earn the Cottagers a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park. Eddie Johnson and Clint Dempsey were in the starting lineup for Fulham, which also included a familiar face between the sticks. That's right, Kasey Keller returned to the Fulham lineup for the first time since October and made four saves in the draw. Brian McBride also came off the bench for Fulham. The point stops a run of three consecutive defeats for Roy Hodgson's side, who will look to carry the momentum into next Sunday's showdown with Everton at Craven Cottage.

Speaking of Everton, Tim Howard's side kept pace with Liverpool by beating Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light. Howard made seven saves in the victory and the Toffees now look forward to Thursday's mammoth UEFA Cup tie with Fiorentina. Everton went down 2-0 to the Viola in Florence last week, so David Moyes' team will have to do at least one better this week if they hope to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Sunday was a day of highs and lows for West Ham's Jonathan Spector. Named to the U-23 Olympic Qualifying squad in the morning, the Illinois native went on to play 90 minutes for West Ham in the London derby against Tottenham. Unfortunately, the Hammers succumbed to a 4-0 defeat to their city rivals. The loss leaves West Ham in 10th place, but more worrying than their league position are the consecutive 4-0 losses they've suffered in recent weeks. They'll look to get back on form against Blackburn at Upton Park on Saturday.

One team who is finding their feet at the right time is Reading who made it two wins in a row on Saturday. Marcus Hahnemann kept another clean sheet as the Royals defeated Manchester City 2-0 at the Madejski Stadium. After seven consecutive defeat, six points from the last two games has lifted Reading out of the relegation zone and ostensibly put their fate in their own hands.

Standard Liege jumped out to stretched its lead at the top of the table to four points following its win on Friday over St. Truiden. Oguchi Onyewu marshalled a backline that held tight for a 2-1 victory.

In Germany, Hannover 96 fell 2-0 to Bayer Leverkusen. Steve Cherundolo was deployed at right back for Hannover who next face Arminia Bielefeld in their quest for a European place. You can also read a feature on Steve from Soccernet here.

Heath Pearce made his second consecutive appearance for Hansa Rostock, and helped his side to a 1-1 draw away from home to MSV Duisberg. Pearce came on as a second half sub for Rostock, who take on Hertha Berlin next Saturday.

In Holland, Michael Bradley and Heerenveen snapped out of their mini-slump and earned a solid 3-0 victory at home to NAC Breda. Bradley was on the scoresheet for his club, grabbing the winner in the 32nd minute. Heerenveen remain in sixth place in the Eredivise, tied on 48 points with Feyenoord. On Saturday, Bradley and his club face FC Gronigen, a major rival in the table for a European place. A victory on the weekend could see Heerenveen jump back into the top three, so be sure to check back next week to find out the latest...

WEEKEND REVIEW

Michael Bradley was on the scoresheet again as Heerenveen earned a hard fought away point at league leaders PSV Eindhoven. The goal was Bradley’s seventh in six games, and his club now sits in second place after Ajax’s loss to Roda JC. Heerenveen, on 44 points, is tied with Ajax, Feyenoord and NAC Breda, but Bradley’s team leapfrogs the competition courtesy of a superior goal differential. Also check out this interview with Michael about his trip back from the states.

In England, Fulham succumbed to a 1-0 defeat away to Middlesbrough. On the positive side for the Cottagers, Brian McBride made his long awaited return from injury, coming off the bench to play 26 minutes in the loss. Kasey Keller, Carlos Bocanegra and Clint Dempsey were also on the bench, with Clint entering the game at the beginning of the second half.

Everton maintained its fourth place position with a dour 1-0 win against Reading. American goalkeepers minded the nets for both teams, as Tim Howard collected his third straight shutout and Marcus Hahnemann stopped six shots for Reading. In the end, a Phil Jagielka goal was the difference between the two sides. Reading slide to 18^th place and inside the relegation zone with the loss.

Jonathan Spector made a last minute substitute appearance for West Ham as the Hammer’s drew 1-1 with Birmingham City at Upton Park.

In the Bundesliga, Steve Cherundolo was fit again for Hannover’s 2-2 draw with Karlsruhe, while in Belgium, Oguchi Onyewu marshaled a Standard Liege backline that contributed to a 0-0 draw with Roeselare, extending Standard's unbeaten run to 21 games.

Benfica drew 0-0 with CD Nacional de Madeira on Saturday, and now lie 10 points behind leaders Porto. After returning from Houston the day before, Freddy Adu was an unused substitute in the game.

Eddie Johnson Signs with Fulham

We now have a new addition to the Global Blog: Eddie Johnson! Today the 23 year old finalized a deal with Fulham FC after being granted a work permit.

You can read about the deal on Fulham’s website.

Roy Hodgson has been digging into the transfer market pretty heavily this January, you can read about some prospective dealings of his here.

Fulham slipped out of the FA Cup last night, after losing in a shootout to Bristol Rovers. Clint Dempsey and Carlos Bocanegra played all 120 minutes.

In some good news, however, Kasey Keller played the full 90 minutes of a training match behind closed doors. Read about it here.

Fulham face Bolton this weekend and Johnson could be thrown right into the fray. The Cottagers desperately need points as they remained marooned in the relegation zone.

KASEY KELLER (FULHAM FC)

The News: Fulham goalkeeper Kasey Keller will be sidelined until next February after suffering a torn bicep muscle in training.

Of Note: Keller, who had established himself as the first-choice ‘keeper after joining the team in August, will likely need surgery. About the injury, Keller said: “I feel absolutely destroyed, devastated. It’s hugely disappointing because things were going so well and then this comes along and now I have to start all over again. I just wanted to make my name here and I was doing that until I suffered this cruel injury.”

Up Next: Keller-less Fulham next face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, Oct. 27 as they try to start digging out from their relegation hole.

KASEY KELLER (FULHAM)

The News: Fulham, led by goalkeeper Kasey Keller, earned an impressive 0-0 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. With that point, Fulham move up to 16^th place in the table.

Of Note: For the first time this year, Fulham’s defense kept a clean sheet against the opposition, as Keller rolled back the years to produce some of the fine saves that helped him make his name in the Premier League years ago. After starting midweek against Bolton in the Carling Cup, Keller was again inserted into the first 11, this time against London rivals Chelsea, who themselves were looking to shake their recent poor form. Aided by a strong performance by the back four, including stand-in captain Carlos Bocanegra, Keller and Fulham kept Chelsea’s high powered attack at bay and earned an impressive point on the road. After Didier Drogba was dismissed for his second bookable offense, Fulham created a few excellent chances but were unable to convert any, with Clint Dempsey coming close to a goal late in the game. Last year, Fulham also earned a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Also, you can check out this interview with Kasey on Fulham’s website, where he talks about his career, and coming back to London. Read it here.

Up Next: Fulham face Portsmouth at Craven Cottage on Saturday. Portsmouth is coming off an unbelievable 7-4 win against Reading in a match that set the record for goals in a Premier League game.

'Keepers Preview this Weekend's Action

Kasey Keller and Marcus Hahnemann were both featured today on their respective clubs’ websites. You can read Kasey’s interview about Fulham’s upcoming match against Manchester City here. Likewise, Marcus talked to Reading’s website about how, despite their recent troubles, he’s confident that his team can turn its season around, starting this weekend against Wigan. Check that out here.

As stated, both these teams are in action this weekend, and we’ll be sure to keep you posted on how they fare.

KASEY KELLER (FULHAM)

The News: Just 48 hours after putting pen to paper, Kasey Keller starts in goal for Fulham.

Of Note: Joined by fellow U.S. internationals Carlos Bocanegra and Clint Dempsey, Keller was part of the first match in English Premier League history with three Americans in the starting XI for the same team. Keller had not played a match since facing Paraguay on July 2 in Barinas.

Up Next: Keller will look to improve his match sharpness when Fulham debut in the 2007-08 Carling Cup on Tuesday against Shrewsbury.

KASEY KELLER (FULHAM!)

The News: Kasey Keller returns to the English Premier League after signing with Fulham. Listen to ussoccer.com Podcast.

Of Note: The 37-year-old goalkeeper becomes the fourth American at the London club, joining Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey and team captain Brian McBride. Keller previously had EPL stints with Tottenham and Leicester City.

Up Next: Keller could get thrown straight into the fire this weekend when Fulham travel to Aston Villa on Saturday.