Sunday Recap

It was a good Sunday for USMNT players at the club level. A few players scored goals, almost everyone started, and for the most part their respective teams got good results.

In England, Jozy Altidore started and played the first 83 minutes in Hull City's 2-1 victory over Stoke City. He created several chances and nearly scored off a first half header. It was Jozy's eighth appearance for the Tigers, who vaulted themselves out of the drop zone with the win.

Tim Howard and Jonathan Spector squared off at Upton Park, as West Ham played host to Everton. Spector started once again and played the full 90 minutes; his recent run of playing time and form with his club team will surely add to the battle with Steve Cherundolo (who played 90 minutes in Hannover's 2-2 draw) for the starting rightback position with the USMNT. Tim Howard also started (no surprise there) and made 4 saves in Everton's 2-1 win.

Clint Dempsey extended his goalscoring streak to 3 games, as he converted from the penalty spot after drawing a foul inside the box. Dempsey's 39th minute tally was enough to earn Fulham a 1-1 draw. The former New England Revolution star will now look to take his impressive form into the international break.

There were only 2 goals scored in MLS playoff action yesterday, and both came from USMNT regulars. Landon Donovan converted a penalty kick in the second half against Chivas USA to give the Galaxy a 1-0 victory. Throughout the game, Donovan was persistently attacking and threatening the Chivas USA backline. The torrid run of form that started early in the summer still has not slowed down, as Donovan is in the midst of arguably his best year as a professional.

In Houston, meanwhile, it was Brian Ching who provided the heroics, scoring a spectacular goal in extra time that booked Houston a place in the Western Conference final. After a cross whipped through the box was nodded up into the air, Ching spun and hit a side volley from about 12 yards out into the far upper corner. Former USMNT #1 Kasey Keller could do nothing but watch as Ching's shot found the side netting and sent Robertson Stadium into a frenzy.

Ching and Donovan will now square off this Friday to see who moves on to the 2009 MLS Cup Final.