Sunday News and Notes

Sorry for the lack of posts yesterday, it was a busy day. Here are some news and notes from this weekend:

U-17s move on to next round

Jack McInerney scored his second goal of the tournament, as the US defeated the UAE by a score of 1-0. Nick Palodichuk hit a shot from outside the box that the UAE keeper was only able to push away, and the rebound went right to McInerney, who finished with ease. The win earned the U-17s a spot in the round of 16, where they will face the winner of Group F (Italy currently holds the top spot). After two underwhelming performances, Wilmer Cabrera's squad were able to get the big result they needed.

Dempsey scores again

Clint Dempsey found the back of the net for the second consecutive game, as Fulham defeated Liverpool by a score of 3-1. Dempsey had a solid game, creating a few chances and drawing a red card that proved to be pivotal. He scored the final goal of the match that sealed the victory, as he combined well on a give and go with Erik Nevland, finishing cooly from about 12 yards out. After starting the season on a goalless drought, Dempsey has now scored in back to back games.

Altidore gets playing time

After last week's fiasco with Phil Brown, it was definitely a relief to see Jozy back in good graces with his manager, as he came on as a second half substitute in Hull City's loss to Burnley. Altidore was unable score or set up a goal, as Hull City were shut out, but the simple fact that he played is a small victory. With Phil Brown's seat get warmer by the second, let's hope that he looks to shake up the lineup and gives Jozy a few starts up front.

Findley scores a playoff winner

Robbie Findley, whose name has been drifting into conversations for USMNT striker options, scored a huge goal for Real Salt Lake in their playoff opener against Chad Marshall, Frankie Hejduk, and the Columbus Crew. In the 88th minute of the match, Findley streaked to the near post and got his toe on a Yura Movsisyan low cross, poking it by the Columbus keeper and into the back of the net. The goal was the only one of the match, as RSL take a 1-0 aggregate lead to Crew Stadium.