EPL Wrap Up: Howard the Hero

Just two days after the USMNT and England were placed into Group C of the 2010 World Cup, Tim Howard got the opportunity to square off one-on-one against a member of the Three Lions. Deep into second half stoppage time, Jermaine Defoe stepped up to the penalty spot with the match tied 2-2, looking to give Tottenham a road victory. It was Howard, though, who came out on top, as he saved Defoe's shot down the middle with his legs. Goodison Park erupted after the save, which helped seal a point for Everton after a gutsy two-goal comeback.

Howard made 6 saves in the match, including a short range save to deny Defoe early in the second half. Defoe, however, would find the back of the net just a minute later, with Michael Dawson adding another in the 59th minute for a 2-0 Spurs lead. The Toffees, however, fought back valiantly, scoring two goals in the final 12 minutes of regular time to knot up the score. A hush came over the frenzied Everton faithful in stoppage time, however, when Honduras international Wilson Palacios drew a penalty for the visitors. But it was Tim Howard to the rescue, making the stop and securing a good result for his team.

Elsewhere, Clint Dempsey started and went 90 minutes in Fulham's 1-0 victory over Sunderland at Craven Cottage. Roy Hodgson's side hung on to their lead for 83 minutes after Bobby Zamora scored just seven minutes in. Dempsey looked very dangerous all game, getting very involved in the Fulham attack. He had several near misses, including a free kick from just outside the area that went just over the crossbar. Dempsey is clearly playing with a high level of confidence, something that USMNT fans will be glad to see.

The win vaults Fulham into 8th place in the EPL table. After a slow start to the season, the Cottagers now look like a team that could replicate their club-best 7th place finish from last year that earned them a spot in Europe.