March Return for Onyewu Appears Likely

It is being reported that Oguchi Onyewu appears to be on track for a March return from the ruptured patellar tendon he suffered in the October 14th qualifier against Costa Rica (barring any unforeseen complications), giving him approximately three months to regain his match fitness and form before the World Cup. This will be welcome news to USMNT coaches and fans, as this report coupled with Jay DeMerit's successful return to the playing field have added a great deal of stability to a back line that was quite shaky in the November friendlies without the aforementioned duo in the lineup.

Back in October, there were a lot of nervous moments and hand-wringing over the injuries that quickly piled up for Bob Bradley's squad, as uncertainty surrounded the recover prospects of DeMerit and Onyewu, not to mention Charlie Davies. Some reported that Onyewu's recovery time would see him return in the early spring, while others stated that the AC Milan defender's World Cup dreams could be in jeopardy. With DeMerit, meanwhile, there was speculation galore on how eye surgery would affect his vision and if impairment might keep him out of the World Cup squad. As a result, a sort of panic set in as the once-thought solid center back spot was now looking quite thin.

Now, however, it appears that everything is going as well as American fans could hope for. DeMerit has made a fairly seamless return to the Watford lineup, having already started several matches since his first game back in early December. It also looks as if Onyewu will have a couple months of club activity to get back into game shape, which at worst means two months of AC Milan training before international duty goes into full swing. So, at this moment, it's looking like Bob Bradley will have all of his preferred defenders to choose from come next June.

A healthy Onyewu not only adds a formidable presence in the box on both ends of the field, but also gives Bob Bradley some lineup flexibility. For starters, having Onyewu in the squad permits Bob Bradley to replicate the Confederations Cup final back line, sliding Carlos Bocanegra out to left back with a DeMerit-Onyewu partnership in the middle. Even if he chooses to keep Bocanegra central, it still gives him the ability to rest one of Bocanegra, DeMerit, or Onyewu by rotating them through the center back pairing. While Bradley may not employ either of those strategies, it is a positive that such options would exist with a healthy Oguchi Onyewu available.

And I'd be remiss if I did not give a shout-out to the men and women behind the scenes; the US Soccer medical staff deserves heaps of praise for Onyewu's smooth progress and Charlie Davies' stunningly rapid recovery. Though we hope that injuries never occur, it is a reality of the game, so it is comforting to know that our national team has a great medical staff on hand to tend to the players in the event of situations like these.

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Out at Belenenses: What's Next for Freddy Adu?

It is being reported that Freddy Adu's loan spell at Belenenses is over after the team's new manager, Toni, sent Adu back to Benfica. It should be noted that Adu was not the only casualty in this roster shake-up, as Sevilla loanee Igor was also sent back to his club. Nevertheless, the move puts an end to a loan that was just as unproductive as last year's failed stint at AS Monaco. With playing time not likely to be found at Benfica, the upcoming winter transfer window could likely bring a move that has a big impact on Freddy Adu's floundering career.

Adu is still just 20 years old, so there is still time to turn things around. But if Adu wants to keep his slim hopes of making the 2010 World Cup roster alive, he needs to make a move to a league where he will get consistent playing time. Whether that means a move to a Scandinavian league or a return to MLS or some other avenue remains to be seen, but it does seem as if a big move is on the horizon for the former DC United starlet.

Soccer By Ives does a nice rundown of Adu's potential MLS options. While this may, in the long run, be the best move for his career, it might not be the best move to help Adu make the World Cup roster, given that he would only have a little more than a month of games to make his case to Bob Bradley. Regardless of if he chooses to come back to MLS or decides to stay in Europe, a winter move will likely require Adu to take a paycut, as teams will not be eager to pay $1 million per year for a player who has hardly seen the field over the past one and a half years.

The winter transfer window was already going to be filled with some intrigue for USMNT fans, as Stuart Holden and Ricardo Clark appear to be on the brink of moves to Europe. This bit of news now adds another dimension to the transfer window excitement, as the once-thought future of the USMNT looks to resuscitate a career that has hardly gone according to plan.

USSD's take? If Adu has any kind of indication from Bob Bradley that a successful winter and spring will give him a good opportunity at a World Cup call-up, he would be best served by moving to a smaller team in a mid-level league in Europe where he could get consistent playing time. The Danish Superliga helped Benny Feilhaber turn things around, while a more technical league like the Dutch Eredivisie might suit Adu's playing style a little better. Other leagues that might be possibilities would be those in Belgium and Sweden, where Oguchi Onyewu and Charlie Davies first made their names in Europe, respectively.

If Adu does not have that kind of indication, and it would surprise me if he did, it might be best to think long-term at this point and forget about the 2010 World Cup. A return to MLS helped a young Landon Donovan to revive a stalled career, and it could very well do the same for Adu. While it would require a significant financial hit in the immediate future, it might ultimately help to extend his career (and, consequently, increase his future earnings) if he can return to form and show off the ability that at one point made him a target of some of Europe's most recognizable names.

Check USSD for updates in the coming days and weeks, as the Freddy Adu transfer rumors will surely begin to swirl.

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Most Memorable Moment of '09: Brazil 3- USA 2

2009 was certainly a memorable year for USMNT fans, for reasons both good and bad. We saw our team take a lead in Estadio Azteca, only to see another road defeat at the hands of Mexico. We saw our team shock the world and snap Spain's 35 match unbeaten streak through a gritty display of desperate defending and opportunistic attacking, but we also saw one of our best young midfielders kept out of the final after a questionable red card late in the match. We got to witness Charlie Davies' rise to stardom, only to be rudely reminded about how fragile human life can be. And we got to witness another finish atop the CONCACAF Hexagonal standings, while also taking part in a touching tribute to our injured striker. Those are just some of the many memorable moments from 2009 that will likely be talked about in American soccer circles for years to come.

But for me, the most memorable moment of 2009 was not a win or a moment of joyous celebration. Quite the contrary, it was a gut-wrenching loss that saw our first FIFA title slip away in the span of 45 minutes. While some would like to forget the heartbreak of the 2009 Confederations Cup final, I can't help but look back to that day and sift through vivid memories of anxiety, surprise, euphoria, tension, and empathy. It was not a happy day, but the USMNT's 3-2 loss to Brazil was definitely the most memorable moment from this past year in my opinion.

The match had everything. There was tension, anger, and hand-wringing before the match even started. Who would replace Michael Bradley in the middle? Why the hell was he given a straight red card at that stage in the match? Will Benny Feilhaber be able to do the defensive work to help control the midfield? Is another 3-0 embarrassment inevitable? An array of emotions were present before kick off, but the most prevalent was the general excitement and anticipation of the USMNT's first FIFA final.

The match started as expected, with Brazil starting off with a spell of possession that surely had many USMNT fans expecting another match like the semifinal against Spain. But two minutes in, a weak effort from Clint Dempsey from distance after a decent buildup gave fans some hope that Bob Bradley's side would get forward and challenge the mighty Brazilians at some point in the match. A 0-0 score at halftime would have been an acceptable result given the group stage defeat, and such a score line would have been cause for a little optimism heading into the second act.

Little did we know what magical moments were about to unfold right before the world's eyes.

Jonathan Spector's 10th minute cross from the wing was a hopeful outswinger from quite a ways out into a thicket of Brazilian defenders waiting to thump it clear. But the bending ball into a sea of yellow somehow found Clint Dempsey , who was able to steer the ball towards the net with some combination of his ankle and calf. Everyone in Ellis Park Stadium and everyone watching on TV watched in utter disbelief as Dempsey's bouncing effort eluded Julio Cesar and found the far corner, giving the US another improbable 1-0 lead in their already miraculous Confederations Cup run.

Already in a state of jubilation, essentially all US fans would have gladly accepted a 1-0 lead heading into the locker rooms. But they soon would be vaulted from jubilation to utter euphoria, as Landon Donovan scored arguably the greatest goal in USMNT history just 17 minutes later to add to the unbelievable score line.

American fans were all too familiar with Brazil's devastatingly quick and precise counterattack, as memories of a pass slipping under DaMarcus Beasley's foot still were fresh in their minds. So it was absolutely incredible to watch the US beat Brazil at their own game with an absolutely stunning counterattack. In 10 seconds, the US went nearly 100 yards with 3 passes before finding the back of the net. Charlie Davies played a perfect one time ball to Landon Donovan, who was streaking forward with purpose and pace. Donovan's first touch freed him up for a clinical finish, leading to an exuberant celebration throughout the stadium. As he ran towards the endline, Donovan's celebration seemed to be a message to all of his doubters around the world and in the US. It was a world-class effort from a player that wanted to show the world what he was capable of.

I, like many others, was in disbelief. The US was playing with confidence and defending in the compact manner that frustrated Spain for 90 minutes, and commentators were already wondering aloud if the lead was insurmountable. Following the second goal, the game settled into what many expected it to be from the beginning, as Brazil controlled position and threw countless men forward only to be disrupted by eight Americans behind the ball defending with intensity and determination. The repeated onslaughts were continuously turned away by timely defending, good anticipation, and a few quality saves from Tim Howard, and the match was beginning to feel more and more like the semifinal victory over Spain as time wore on. Even a little bit of luck seemed to be on our side, as a slight touch off a desperate lunge from Carlos Bocanegra in the waning moments of the first half was enough to deny an easy finish for Luis Fabiano that would have stolen all the momentum heading into the break.

45 minutes had gone by, and it was hard not to entertain thoughts of Carlos Bocanegra hoisting the trophy above his head in less than an hour's time. But the second half would help USMNT fans complete their tour of the full spectrum of emotions, as joy and ecstasy quickly turned to disappointment and anguish.

Who knows how things would have gone if Jay DeMerit was able to get a piece of Luis Fabiano's 46th minute shot that beat Tim Howard. The quick shot went between DeMerit's legs before finding the corner, immediately halting all US momentum and sobering up American fans who were already drunk with success (and alcohol). At that point, the familiar nerves began to set in once more, and as time went on and the Brazilian attacks came closer and closer to an equalizer, it felt almost inevitable that Dunga's side were poised to erase the once-foolishly-thought insurmountable 2-0 lead.

There was a glimmer of hope, though, in the 59th minute, when Tim Howard batted away a short-range effort from Kaka that, upon further review, had already crossed the goalline. Maybe Lady Luck was on our side; maybe we might be able to pull off our third consecutive miracle. Unfortunately, those hopeful thoughts were overwhelmingly outnumbered by a growing fear of what fate had in store for the US.

My stomach sank when Robinho found himself open at the backpost inside the six yard box in the 73rd minute, only to briefly feel relieved when his shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced away. The roller coaster of emotions was complete when Luis Fabiano made it a brace seconds later, burying the rebound and silencing American fans everywhere. This brief 10 second span was almost a microcosm of the turbulent swing of emotions throughout this match, as nervousness, joy, relief, and disappointment all were present in a flash.

The third goal that came ten minutes later only capped off what seemed like an unavoidable outcome. It returned US fans into a state of disbelief, but one in stark contrast to what they had experienced just 60 minutes earlier.

The trophy presentation was one of the hardest things to watch as a US fan. Clint Dempsey was honored with the Bronze Ball, but I could only feel the bitter sting of defeat as I watched him try to hold it together for a picture. This post-game sorrow, however, was one last source of contentment for me. In a display of raw emotion, Clint Dempsey broke down in tears as the US players went to receive their second place medals. As much as I wish this moment never happened in the first place, it gave me an odd sort of comfort, knowing how much our players care about representing their country. I was, and still am, proud that men like Dempsey, who invest so much energy and emotion into representing our country, were wearing the red, white, and blue on that day. It was an effort fit for one of the world's biggest stages, and it will forever be etched into the memories of US soccer fans.

As I look back on that day, I still cycle through the full spectrum of emotions that I felt during the match. I can't help but smile when I see Landon Donovan cut back behind his defender and finish past a helpless Julio Cesar. I can't help but feel agony when I see Lucio's header beat a diving Tim Howard to give Brazil the lead. And, more than anything, I can't help but feel hungry for more when I watch the Brazilian players celebrate with the trophy.

It was the final piece to an incredible Confederations Cup run, and it truly was one of the most memorable USMNT moments of 2009.

Here's hoping that 2010 raises the bar even higher.

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Yanks in Europe: Clean Sheet for Howard

After the full slate of Boxing Day action, there were even more games today, with five games featuring USMNT players. Here's how things have gone so far:

English Premier League

-Tim Howard made 7 saves as Everton snapped a 7-match league winless streak. The Toffees defeated Burnley by a score of 2-0, scoring two goals in the final ten minutes to seal their first EPL victory since November 8th. Howard got a little help from the post early in the second half off of a close range effort from David Nugent, but was otherwise able to steer away all of Burnley's best efforts to preserve the clean sheet. This match is Everton's last before Landon Donovan joins the squad on January 1st, which will surely cause Everton matches to draw a lot more attention from USMNT fans.

-Jonathan Spector came on as a substitute in the 18th minute after Herita Ilunga limped off with an injury. With West Ham already down 1-0 at that point, Spector came in and did a decent job getting forward and breaking up a few Tottenham attacks. He played at left back, matching up with English international Aaron Lennon. Lennon gave Spector some trouble on the outside, but the American defender had little support from the midfield to help contain the speedy winger. Spurs added a second goal in the 80th minute that Spector could do little about, sealing another loss for Gianfranco Zola's side.

Spector did not have a fantastic showing, but he looked pretty good when compared to the rest of West Ham's fairly lackluster performances. He put in a couple good crosses and was able to make positive contributions on both ends of the field. If the injury to Ilunga is serious, Spector will likely get another stretch of extended playing time with the Hammers.

-Clint Dempsey started and went 90 minutes in Fulham's match against Chelsea. The Cottagers shocked the Stamford Bridge crowd with a 4th minute goal from Zoltan Gera. Roy Hodgson's side did a good job in the opening 45 to frustrate Chelsea and maintain their lead, but fatigue caught up to them as the second half wore on. Within three minutes late in the second half, Chelsea scored the equalizer and then took the lead on an own goal, eventually leading to a 2-1 victory over their West London rivals.

Dempsey had a solid game and battled well throughout the match, but he looked noticeably tired as the match wore on. Fulham have had a busy first half of the season with EPL and Europa League matches, and it just might be catching up to the players at this point.

English Championship

-Jay DeMerit started and went 90 minutes for Watford in their mid-table clash against Bristol City. Watford were behind 2-1 after the first half, only finding the equalizer in the dying moments of the match. John Eustace's 90th minute goal helped the Hornets earn a point on the road, keeping them within 5 points of the final promotion playoff spot.

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Beasley Setback Balanced by Edu Return

DaMarcus Beasley has been the subject of much praise and speculation over the last month, and for good reason. His fantastic run of form with Rangers has brought him back into the starting XI for the Glasgow club, while also vaulting him back into the national team conversation. Many have speculated, myself included, that a healthy Beasley getting consistent minutes at Rangers could very well find himself in South Africa come June. The big qualifier in all of that, though, was that Beasley, who has struggled with injury for the better part of two years now, remains healthy for the upcoming stretch run.

Unfortunately, that was not the case today, as Beasley suffered a quad injury in training yesterday that kept him out of the matchday squad against Hibernian and will likely keep him out for a couple weeks. Though Beasley seems optimistic about the severity (or lack thereof) of the injury, it's an unfortunate blow nonetheless. He cannot afford any extended absences if he wants to keep his World Cup hopes alive, or if he just wants to maintain his role with Rangers. Manager Walter Smith did assure Beasley of playing time earlier this month, but only if the winger is fully healthy, so it's imperative that Beasley recover well and do his best avoid nagging injuries in the second half of the season.

There was a silver lining for USMNT fans, however, in Rangers' 4-1 victory this morning, and that was the return of Maurice Edu. Edu, who is coming off of several months on the sidelines due to a knee injury, entered the match in the 74th minute with the result secure. Originally, it was believed that the January 3rd match against Celtic would be Edu's return date, but the former Toronto FC star came back a little earlier than anticipated. Edu has been training for almost all of December, so his fitness level might even permit a start in the Old Firm match if Smith has holes in the midfield due to injury or suspension.

In the coming months, Edu will look to reassert himself in the Rangers starting lineup, while simultaneously trying to catch the eye of Bob Bradley. With Jermaine Jones' continuing injury saga and Ricardo Clark's winter move possibly impacting his playing time, Edu could very well push himself into the final 23 for South Africa with an impressive finish to the season. That being said, he first must worry about cracking a solid Rangers lineup before he can think about catching up to Clark.

Nevertheless, if Edu can replicate the form he showed in Rangers' championship run last spring, he will make a strong case for inclusion in Bob Bradley's World Cup roster.

Edu will try to earn some more playing time in Rangers' next match, as the league leaders play host to Dundee United this Wednesday.

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Yanks in Europe: Draws Galore

I hope you have been enjoying some Boxing Day EPL action. If you missed out on any of the games featuring USMNT players, here's a brief run-down on how they are doing this morning.

English Premier League

-Clint Dempsey went 90 minutes in Fulham's 0-0 draw with Tottenham. Dempsey smashed a rocket of a freekick off the bar from 30 yards out, and also created a few other scoring opportunities throughout the match, once again playing an integral role in the Cottagers' attack. He also did well defensively, working with Paul Konchesky on the left side to stifle Aaron Lennon's attacking efforts. Eddie Johnson, meanwhile, was once again not in the matchday squad.

-Tim Howard made 3 saves in Everton's 1-1 road draw with Sunderland. The Toffees went behind early after an unmarked Darren Bent headed past a helpless Howard from 7 yards out in the 17th minute. The Toffees managed to hold Sunderland for the rest of the match before eventually bagging an equalizer in the 85th minute to secure a point.

-Jonathan Spector was once more an unused substitute, as West Ham defeated Portsmouth at Upton Park by a score of 2-0. Manager Gianfranco Zola gave the starting nod at right back to Julien Faubert, who has been Spector's main competition for playing time all season.

-It was a tale of two halves for Marcus Hahnemann and Wolverhampton in their match against Liverpool. Wolves were able to keep the hosts off the scoresheet in the opening 45, aided by two quality Hahnemann saves to deny Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson. Early in the second half, however, Wolves were reduced to 10 men, and they could not withstand the offensive onslaught much longer after that point. Steven Gerrard thumped home a header from 7 yards out, and Yossi Benayoun's shot off a Wolves defender found the back of the net. Hahnemann could do little about either goal, which gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead that would end up being the final result. The former Reading goalkeeper finished the match with 6 saves in total.


English Championship

-Jay DeMerit started and played 90 minutes in Watford's home draw with 3rd place Nottingham Forest, anchoring the backline in what ended up being a scoreless match. It is Watford's first clean sheet since the Wisconsin native returned to the lineup early in December after three months on the sidelines.

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USMNT Players in Action: Holiday Weekend

Though only USMNT players based in Great Britain will be playing this weekend, there is no shortage of good games to keep your eye on. And, who knows, some of you may be looking to christen a brand new TV, so feel free to grab some egg nog and tune in to some footie.

Here are the games on tap this weekend:

Saturday, December 26th (Boxing Day)

Fulham v. Tottenham, 8AM ET, Fox Soccer Channel- Clint Dempsey will be looking to lead Fulham to another impressive win after last week's dismantling of Manchester United. Dempsey is in the midst of a fine run of form, which has coincided with with a stretch that has seen Fulham lose only once in their last 11 matches. Eddie Johnson, meanwhile, who is reportedly on the transfer block, will be looking to return to the matchday 18.

West Ham v. Portsmouth, 8 AM ET, Setanta Sports- Jonathan Spector will look to return to the starting XI for West Ham in this critical bottom-of-the-table matchup. After a solid stretch of consecutive starts, Spector has been an unused substitute for 3 straight matches.

Everton @ Sunderland, 10 AM ET, Fox Soccer Channel- Tim Howard and the Toffees will be looking to distance themselves from the drop zone with a road result against 10th place Sunderland. This will be Everton's second to last match before Landon Donovan joins David Moyes' side on January 1st.

Wolverhampton @ Liverpool, 12:30 PM ET- Marcus Hahnemann will be looking for his second consecutive clean sheet after last week's 2-0 win over Burnley. After a slow start to the season, Wolves have won 3 of their last 4 matches, pushing them 3 points clear of the drop zone. They will look to earn a result at Anfield against a struggling Liverpool side.

Watford v. Nottingham Forest, 7 AM ET- Jay DeMerit will continue his return to form and lead Watford at home against 3rd place Nottingham Forest. A win would push the Hornets closer to the last promotion playoff spot, from which they are currently four points away.

Sunday, December 27th

Rangers @ Hibernian, 7 AM ET- If you have not yet tuned in to the DaMarcus Beasley revival, do yourself a favor and find this match early Sunday morning to see the resurgent winger in action. Beasley is coming off of back-to-back games with a goal and an assist, while Rangers are riding a four match winning streak.

Hull City v. Manchester United, 11 AM ET, Fox Soccer Channel- Jozy Altidore will be looking to return to the matchday 18 after being left out by Phil Brown for Hull City's 3-0 loss to Arsenal last weekend. If he gets some playing time, Jozy will also be looking to bag his first Premier League goal and help the Tigers distance themselves from the relegation zone.


And if you have a long holiday weekend, there's plenty of more action on tap for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week.

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

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Everything You Need to Know: Jabulani

It's Christmas Eve, and that means that many of you will be unwrapping gifts tomorrow morning. For a lucky few, that could very well mean opening up a box to find Adidas' new World Cup soccer ball, Jabulani. With that in mind, USSD is going to fill you in on everything you need to know about the ball that will be gracing the fields of South Africa come next summer.

"Jabulani" comes from isiZulu, one of South Africa's 11 official languages. The word translates to mean "rejoice" or "celebrate", and apt name for a competition that will truly be a celebration of soccer and of South African growth and progress.

The ball design utilizes 11 different colors, which is significant on several levels. First off, it represents the previously mentioned 11 official languages of South Africa. This total makes South Africa one of the most culturally diverse nations in Africa. In addition, the 11 colors represent the 11 players that take the field for a soccer team. Further, The spiral-like design outlining several of the panels on the ball represents the facade of Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, which will play host to eight World Cup matches in total, including the opener and the final.

Jabulani features a unique panel design, utilizing spherically formed panels rather than traditional flat panels stitched together. The 8 panels are instead molded together to create a ball that is essentially as close to perfectly round as technology permits. The more spherical shape allows for more accuracy, which could see plenty of long-range strikes find the back of the net next summer, not unlike the 2006 World Cup. Moreover, Adidas has introduced new Grip'n'Groove technology that adds flight stability and improves grip on the ball through small bumps all over the surface.

So, although it will cost you a pretty penny ($149.99 on soccer.com), you will be getting a quality ball that displays all of the cutting edge soccer ball technology available, in addition to a vibrant design representative of South Africa's diverse and unique culture.

Happy holidays, everyone!

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Another Twist in the Jones Saga

When it was announced that Jermaine Jones would be taking advantage of a FIFA rule change in order to represent the USMNT, fans immediately began to anticipate the Schalke midfielder's debut. Months later, however, fans are still waiting to see Jones suit up in the red, white, and blue. A couple weeks ago, Jones looked on schedule to make a January return, leaving ample time to return to match fitness before the USMNT's friendly against the Netherlands on March 3. But recurring shin pain has caused yet another delay, and a deteriorating club situation is just compounding the issue.
Reportedly, Jones and Schalke manager Felix Magath are at odds over Jones' rehabilitation from multiple shin surgeries. Jones, who has already suffered multiple setbacks in his recovery efforts over the past couple months, wants to take a more cautious approach with additional rest so as to avoid another complication. Magath, meanwhile, is strongly backing Schalke's plan for recovery, which led to a war of words of sorts between the two, eventually culminating with Jones threatening to leave Schalke.

Jones' involvement in the 2010 World Cup is looking less and less likely each week. His ongoing rehab and recovery have not progressed well, and a falling out at Schalke could mean minimal playing time, potentially keeping Jones from quickly returning to his past form. Despite his pedigree and ability, it seems like a longshot at this rate that Jones will be in South Africa next summer. Another setback could mark the end of his already dwindling 2010 World Cup aspirations, and he will need to come on very strong in 2010 to convince Bob Bradley to take the chance and bring Jones into the fold so late in the cycle. If this falling out is beyond repair, the upcoming transfer window could very well mean a change of scenery for Jones, which would play a huge role in whether or not he is able to get back on track in the coming months.

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30 Called in for Jan. Camp

For those of you who missed it, Bob Bradley released the list of players that have been called into the USMNT's January camp. The 30 that will be making the trip to Carson are comprised of solely MLS and Scandinavia-based players:

GOALKEEPERS: Kevin Hartman (Kansas City), Troy Perkins (Valerenga), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Zach Thornton (Chivas USA)

DEFENDERS: Kevin Alston (New England Revolution), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

MIDFIELDERS: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Jeff Larentowicz (New England Revolution), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

FORWARDS: Justin Braun (Chivas USA), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Brandon McDonald (San Jose Earthquakes), Marcus Tracy (Aalborg)


Of the 30 players, the most intriguing names on the list are Marcus Tracy, Alejandro Bedoya, and Robbie Findley. All three players are under 25 years old and have caught the eye of Bob Bradley with good club performance. Bedoya had a good year with Swedish side Orebro, earning a decent amount of playing time in his first professional season. Tracy, meanwhile, had a strong finish to the 08-09 season with Aalborg, while also enjoying a nice run of form to close out the first half of the 09-10 Danish Superliga campaign. Findley, of course, finished his club season with a trophy, as he helped lead Real Salt Lake to an improbable MLS Cup title.

Though the January friendly usually does not carry too much weight because the usual level of competition, this year's edition will likely be under a little more scrutiny given the proximity of the World Cup. With Charlie Davies still far from a certainty for South Africa, many American fans will focus their attention (for better or for worse) on the forwards being called into this camp. The two names that seem to be carrying the most potential are the aforementioned duo of Tracy and Findley, who both possess great athleticism and strength in the box, not unlike Davies. If either can impress against Honduras, they likely would be able to parlay that performance into another call up soon after.

There are several guys currently on the fringe of Bob Bradley's World Cup roster that will be looking to bolster their case with a solid showing against Honduras. Clarence Goodson, Troy Perkins, Chad Marshall, and Robbie Rogers are among the players that have recently played for Bob Bradley but have yet to nail down firm positioning in the conversation for the final 23. While a great performance is not guaranteed to carry too much weight, a poor showing could very well push someone off the 2010 radar.

The friendly against Honduras will be on January 23, kicking off at 9 PM ET.

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The Biggest Surprise of 2009: Conor Casey

Conor f***ing Casey.

I don't know how many times I muttered that to myself when I first saw the lineups for the USA-Honduras World Cup qualifier last October. Packed into a bar like sardines, fans around me tried to convince themselves that they misread the lineups, which would have been understandable given the less-than-stellar quality of the stream. But, alas, there he was at the opening whistle, his unmistakable bald head reflecting the floodlights as the match got underway.

Heading into the game in San Pedro Sula, I don't think any USMNT fan would have preferred Conor Casey getting the start over Jozy Altidore in this pivotal road qualifier. In his Confederations Cup appearances, Casey looked slow and clumsy, making little impact on any game he entered. So who would want that over Altidore, who has shown the ability to change a game with a fantastic finish? Questions like these raced around the bar, with more than a few taking the all too common "Bob Bradley is an idiot" route. Within a couple minutes, though, the game settled in, and the Casey conversation took a backseat.

For the time being.

It didn't take long for people to jump all over the burly Colorado Rapids striker, chastising him whenever a touch went astray or a pass was intercepted. As I watched, though, I found myself being somewhat surprised, dare I say pleasantly pleased, by a few things Casey was able to do. In management, it's referred to as the "salience effect"; when your expectations of someone are so set, that anything even remotely above (or below) those expectations are viewed as a massive upgrade (or downgrade). Was Casey's pass to spring Stuart Holden in the first half that led to Charlie Davies' point-blank header a world-class bit of skill and patience? No, but when you factor in the relatively low expectations, it was a moment of brilliance.

I would have been happy with Casey's performance just based on what he did in the opening 45. He held the ball up a few times, made a couple of good passes to free wing midfielders, and he didn't completely derail the US attack. The game was still tied 0-0, and a draw in Honduras wouldn't have been a bad result by any means. Despite his relatively solid showing, Casey was immediately the topic of conversation after Honduras' opening goal in the 47th minute. Fans around me called for Jozy Altidore to enter the game at once, feeling that the best chance for an equalizer was on the bench, not on the field.

And then it happened. Conor f***ing Casey. The last person that any USMNT fan expected to make a huge play stepped up and silenced Estadio Metropolitano, while simultaneously sending throngs of USMNT fans into a state of euphoric disbelief. People tried to explain what seemed like an impossibility, but could not muster much more than just "Conor f***ing Casey."

His first career international goal put the US in a position to earn a tough road result in a nerve-wracking conclusion to a tight final round of CONCACAF qualification. It was a goal you would expect of Conor Casey: brash, physical, and ugly. He could have exited the game in the 51st minute as a hero, exceeding the expectations of everyone outside of the USMNT camp and the Casey household. But he wasn't done defying expectations yet. Just 16 minutes later, Casey showed a side to his game that USMNT fans have not had much of a chance to see. A beautiful pass from Landon Donovan found his feet just behind the last defender, and the New Hampshire native once again left every USMNT fan dumbfounded and exuberant.

It was a finish fit for the world's biggest stage. The delicate first touch off of the Donovan pass, the subtle feint to get the Honduras keeper off balance, and the cool finish into the corner. It was something that fans would have expected out of Charlie Davies or Jozy Altidore. But instead it was Casey, the much-maligned target forward, vaulting himself into USMNT folklore with his unfathomably clutch performance.

Landon Donovan added a third goal just five minutes later, and the rest, as they say, is history. The USMNT stole a win from the unfriendly confines of Estadio Metropolitano, where Honduras had been unbeaten in 2010 CONCACAF qualifying to that point, and clinched a berth in their sixth consecutive World Cup. Casey was a near unanimous Man of the Match selection after choosing a fantastic time to have his best game in a USA jersey. The performance was cause for some optimism, a burgeoning little belief that Casey could be a solid forward at the international level. And for that one night, it was the reason why so many USMNT fans uttered just three words: "Conor f***ing Casey."

Just a couple days later, Casey reminded USMNT fans of his form prior to the Honduras match, missing a sitter nine minutes in that would have made the Charlie Davies tribute absolutely perfect. Fast forward a couple months and a a few lackluster showings, and Conor Casey has found himself once again to be the target of a great deal of criticism and castigation. The return to his previous status was not a great surprise to most, as it just validated their opinion that the October 10th brace was nothing more than a bizarre aberration.

With his performance in San Pedro Sula looking more and more like an anomaly as time goes on, it's hard to think of any bigger surprise from 2009 for the USMNT. The defeat of Spain and the incredible 3-0 victory over Egypt coupled with Brazil's 3-0 dismantling of Italy are certainly worthy of such a title, but for now, I'll let Conor Casey enjoy one more taste of glory (the copious amounts of glory that come with a USSD shout-out, at that). I think the US could beat a quality team like Spain in South Africa next summer, and I could see Bob Bradley's squad squeaking through to the knockout stages on an improbable couple of results, but I don't know if I can say in good faith that I think Conor Casey has another huge international game like that in him.

Just sitting here typing this, reminiscing about that thrilling victory, I can't help but smile and say it to myself a few more times: Conor f***ing Casey...

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MFUSA: DMB, Boca, Deuce, and more

Head over to Match Fit USA for USSD's guest post on Clint Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley, Carlos Bocanegra, and more. Hope those of you in the Northeast are enjoying your snow day.

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Yanks in Europe: Dempsey, Fulham beat Man U.

Let's take a look out how USMNT players are doing in Europe this morning:

England

-Clint Dempsey played 90 minutes in Fulham's surprise 3-0 victory over EPL title contenders Manchester United. After receiving somewhat of a break midweek in Fulham's Europa match, Dempsey got the start and looked sharp in the attack, getting very involved in a number of threatening build-ups for the hosts. He assisted on the second goal of the match, just seconds into the second half, by heading a ball down for Bobby Zamora, who finished from six yards out. In addition to the assist and attacking contributions, Dempsey also displayed a good work rate to track back and help out in the defense.

Dempsey drew a lot of praise from the commentators, who seem to be giving a lot more attention to American players since the World Cup draw.

-Jozy Altidore was not in the matchday squad for Hull City in their match against Arsenal. It is not yet known why Altidore was excluded.

-Jay DeMerit started and went 90 minutes in Watford's 2-1 loss to Peterborough United. Another step in the right direction for DeMerit, who is on the fast track to regaining match fitness and form as 2009 draws to a close.

Scotland

-DaMarcus Beasley has done it again, turning in another quality performance in a Rangers victory. Beasley replicated his midweek success by adding another goal and assist to his stat line, part of Rangers' 6-1 rout of Motherwell. In his fourth consecutive start, Beasley went 90 minutes, contributing to a Rangers attack that has looked more active since his insertion into the lineup. With the result essentially secured, Beasley added to the misery of the visitors by bagging a goal in the 84th minute to make the score 5-1. He finished from about 12 yards out with his right foot from a fairly acute angle.

Just minutes later, Beasley made a nice move to free himself deep in the midfield before playing a beautiful ball over the top to Kyle Lafferty, who finished to run the score to 6-1. Beasley continues to look fantastic in his appearances for Rangers, whose fine run of form has put them at the top of the SPL table. As we said last week, it just seems more and more likely each week that we'll be seeing Beasley in South Africa next summer.

Germany

-Michael Bradley went 90 minutes in Borussia Monchengladbach's 3-2 loss to title contenders Bayer Leverkusen. The match is 'Gladbach's last Bundesliga match of 2009.

-Steve Cherundolo played 90 mintues at right back in Hannover 96's 3-2 loss to VfL Bochum. He also picked up an assist and a yellow card in the match.

France

-Carlos Bocanegra was an unused substitute in Stade Rennes' 1-0 home victory over Paris Saint Germain. After a long stretch on consistent starts, Bocanegra has now gone three matches without one. He will look to reassert himself in the starting XI in the coming weeks.

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What DMB Adds to the USMNT

After several months off the radar for both club and country, DaMarcus Beasley has made a meteoric rise back to relevance on both fronts, resuscitating both his career at Rangers and his World Cup hopes. If you haven't been paying attention over the last month and a half, Beasley has taken advantage of a few opportunities to play for the SPL leaders, making a noticeable impact in practically every game he has entered. The fine run of form was most recently extended by a great performance against Dundee United on Tuesday, where Beasley scored a fantastic goal and set up another in a 3-0 win for the Glasgow side. Just like that, Beasley has vaulted himself from USMNT afterthought back to serious candidate for a spot in Bob Bradley's World Cup 23. The ramifications of Beasley's revival would be felt throughout the USMNT, assuming Bob Bradley gives the former Chicago Fire star the call. His presence on the roster would add depth and tons of international experience, while also facilitating potential lineup moves for the US coaching staff.

Now, before I begin delving into the potential effects of Beasley's presence with the USMNT, I just want to reiterate that it is still only December, and plenty could happen. For any of this to be relevant, Beasley has to stay healthy and continue to produce for Rangers, or he will find himself on the bench once more. Despite manager Walter Smith's assurances that Beasley would be able to get regular playing time leading up to the World Cup, it would be completely understandable if a poor run of form saw Beasley back on the sidelines. With that in mind, however, I'm going to move on to the potential positive effects that Beasley's resurgence could have on the USMNT, assuming that he will be able to stay relatively healthy and productive over the next couple of months.

The one glaring hole in the US roster remains the void left by Charlie Davies' unforunate injuries. While it would be nice if Davies' can complete his miraculous recovery in time for South Africa, that isn't any where close to being guaranteed, so Bob Bradley must continue to search for a suitable striker partner to compliment Jozy Altidore. Though Jeff Cunningham, Robbie Findley, and Eddie Johnson might not like to hear it, the best option forward the second striker spot is probably Clint Dempsey. Dempsey has tended to drift out of games when playing out wide, and he has also made his mark in his time at striker with the national team (see: 2009 Confederations Cup), so moving him up top seems like a logical idea. Dempsey has played at striker with solid results at Fulham, as well, so he is not unfamiliar with the role. Taking him out of the midfield is made a lot easier with the presence of a healthy and in-form DaMarcus Beasley. Even if Beasley does not start, he would provide fresh legs off the bench to spell Stuart Holden, who would be the favorite to take over at outside right midfield if Dempsey moved to striker. Beasley's speed and ability to run at defenders mesh nicely with the USMNT's counterattacking style, and he would also be another left-footed option for set-pieces (which there are not too many of on the USMNT roster), adding another dimension in the final third.

A relative lack of depth has been an issue for the USMNT, with fans needing to only look back to the weary legs struggling to hold on in the second half of the Confederations Cup final as evidence. If the US is to make another deep run in a FIFA tournament, it will be essential that the minutes can be distributed throughout a larger portion of the roster, rather than depending on 14 guys to hold up for the entire tournament through injury and fatigue. Adding Beasley to the mix gives Bob Bradley another option at outside midfield, and he would also be a player that Bradley would not be afraid to call on to start a World Cup match, given his extensive international experience. It must be noted too that, despite the lackluster showing in the Confederations Cup, Beasley could provide cover at left back. While many are hopeful that Edgar Castillo will at least be able to add depth to the position, left back could still very well be a relative weak spot in the lineup come June, and having another option never hurts.

Beyond just adding depth here and there, though, there is the simple fact that an in-form Beasley could be a huge boost to a US attack that has had its fair share of tepid performances and is fairly reliant on Landon Donovan for any kind of creative spark. His recent run with Rangers shows the bite he can add to an attack, as he provides quality service in addition to stretching the field with his cutting runs down the flank. Even if Beasley is unable to wrestle a starting spot away from Dempsey or Holden, his pace and ability to take on defenders would be assets late in games, making him a prime candidate for a super-sub role.

If you still have doubts about Beasley's reemergence, you should tune in to Rangers' game against Motherwell on Saturday. It's not just that he is playing well, it's that he looks like the pre-injury DaMarcus Beasley that was such an attacking threat in years past. He is playing with confidence, as shown by his fairly audacious strike earlier in the week, and he seems to have regained that bit of quickness that was missing over the summer.

Though he's just 27 years old, it feels and looks like we've got the "old" DaMarcus Beasley back, and it certainly is a welcome sight.

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Thursday Thoughts: Donovan's New Deal

For those who missed it, Landon Donovan inked a new 4-year contract with MLS yesterday, while it was also announced that his loan to Everton was agreed upon "in principle" (with the deal expected to be finalized in the next couple of days). It is being reported that Donovan's new contract is worth $9 million, which would make him the second highest paid player in the league behind only, of course, David Beckham. This announcement comes just after the news that MLS is making a strong offer to keep Stuart Holden in the league. It is certainly nice to see Don Garber and company try to keep great American talent in the league, and it's even better to see Donovan get a contract that truly reflects his value to his team and the league.

With many expecting Donovan to make the jump overseas following the World Cup (prior to yesterday's announcement), this new contract may seem like a hurdle to such ambitions. If anything, however, it ensures Donovan that he will be getting a nice pay day regardless of his performance with Everton or at the World Cup. If Donovan does shine in those opportunities, it's likely that fair market offers would come in for the Galaxy captain, which MLS surely wouldn't ignore. Despite his fantastic Confederations Cup, World Cup qualifying, and MLS play, Donovan still is not viewed as highly in Europe, at least in terms of market value. MLS rightfully has a high price tag for the USMNT star, and a major reason he has not been transferred to this point is because of the discrepancy between MLS' valuation and the offers that have been received. If he can finally have a successful run in Europe and cap off his outstanding run of form (which still has yet to stop) with a stand out World Cup performance, it might finally bring in some big number (for an American) offers from teams in the top leagues of Europe looking to acquire Donovan's services.

And let me ask you this: could this move just make Landon play even better? With his professional career on much more secure footing with this contract, Donovan does not have to worry about "auditioning" for European suitors in his time in England and South Africa. He has a healthy contract waiting for him regardless of his performance, so he can simply focus on playing the game and making an impact on the field. Some might argue that the new contract represents a safety net that might lead to lesser performance and effort. But Donovan has a chip on his shoulder and wants to prove to the world that he is a superstar, and anything less than playing hard is just not how he operates. By removing the potential worries about earning a new contract from his mind, Landon now just has to think about what goes on between the lines, which should only help his performance in the coming months.

Though many fans want to see Donovan make the leap to Europe so he can test himself against the world's best, this new contract should not be viewed as a step back or a complacent move. Donovan has transformed himself from talented teen to world-class player in his time in MLS, and his level of play has only improved from year to year. Donovan had his best year as a professional in 2009, and that certainly was partly because of, not despite, MLS. He will be the best player the USMNT can field, regardless of where he is playing his club soccer. Donovan makes the most out of his club level games, so fear not if the California native is still plying his trade in the States come next fall.

From the perspective of someone who wants to see professional soccer continue to grow in this country, this deal is a positive, as well. The USMNT's best player will continue to give credibility to MLS, and his new deal may help coax young American talent into signing with the league, as they know that a big MLS pay day is not impossible. With young, talented players like Luis Gil considering signing with MLS, this headline deal (coupled with the Holden offer) surely plants the seed in their head that, despite the small salary cap, the league takes care of its best players and makes them quality financial offers.

Donovan's new MLS deal is, in USSD's opinion, a good move for all parties involved. And while it will likely be discussed and analyzed ad nauseam in the coming weeks, American fans can at least look forward to his EPL debut in January, which hopefully come early next month.

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Tuesday News and Notes: Beasley Golazo

Sorry for the lack of posts over the last 48 hours, I've been pulled away from the blogosphere by the demands of the real world. I'll pick up right where I left off, though, starting with this post on some of the big new stories on the day.

Beasley Continues to Impress

DaMarcus Beasley looks completely rejuvenated of late, turning in fine performance after fine performance. Today, against Dundee United, Beasley added to that impressive run of form with another spectacular showing, scoring on a fantastic left-footed curler from the corner of the box. Playing at right midfield, Beasley freed himself from a defender before hitting a bending shot to the far post. The shot went over and around the Dundee United keeper and into the net, giving Rangers a 1-0 lead that they would only add to. Beasley went on to add an assist to his stat line later in the game, setting up Kenny Miller for the third and final goal in a 3-0 Rangers victory before being pulled off in the 82nd minute. The win vaults Beasley's team to the top of the SPL standings, one point ahead of rivals Celtic.

Though a lot still lies ahead, it seems more and more likely every week that DaMarcus Beasley will be in South Africa come June. Aside from the great run of form, Beasley just looks like a completely different player than the one fans have seen over the past year or so. It looks like he's regained that extra gear, that quickness that made him such an attacking threat for the USMNT in years past. I'm no doctor, but I've been told by more informed sources that players who suffer knee injuries like the one Beasley had back towards the end of 2007 usually need two years to get back up to being completely healthy. Though I don't know if that's exactly true, it would seem to make sense in this case, as the former Chicago Fire star is looking like his pre-injury self, creating havoc on the wing and playing with confidence.

With the transfer window quickly approaching, Beasley is only increasing his value, assuming Rangers do decide to unload his contract. If it weren't for Rangers' financial issues, you would have to figure that Beasley would be kept around as a key cog in the stretch run of Rangers' title defense. Regardless of what happens at the club level, though, it seems probable that Run DMB will be back with the Yanks early next year.

Holden Offered Big MLS Contract

It's being reported that MLS has offered Stuart Holden a contract that would pay the Dynamo star $350,000 per year. When you consider that he was making just $35,000 last season, this qualifies as a significant pay raise. With Holden's contract set to expire, Don Garber and company have made their pitch to keep the Aberdeen native from making the jump to Europe. Holden has said that he is flattered by the offer and will consider all of his options before making a decision.

USA-Honduras Confirmed

After such a busy year for the USMNT, these two months between games seems like an eternity. While it won't make the wait any shorter, US Soccer did announce the team's first friendly of 2010 today. Bob Bradley's side will take on fellow-CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers Honduras at the Home Depot Center on January 23rd at 9 PM ET. The announcement just confirms what was being reported earlier in the week, but fans now have a definitive time and date to anticipate in these dreary winter months.

European Wrap-Up

Aside from DaMarcus Beasley's start with Rangers, there were several other USMNT players whose teams were in action today. Brad Guzan once again sat, as Brad Friedel got the start for Aston Villa in their 2-0 win over Sunderland. Jonathan Spector, meanwhile, was an unused substitute for West Ham in their 3-1 loss to Bolton. Last, but not least, Marcus Hahnemann started in Wolverhampton's 3-0 loss at the hands of Manchester United.

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The Fringe: Part 3

USSD's final part in a look at USMNT players on the fringe of Bob Bradley's roster with six months to go until South Africa. Enjoy:

Robbie Findley-Findley will be battling with Jeff Cunningham and Eddie Johnson for a forward spot on Bob Bradley's roster. Though Findley has not had a meaningful national team appearance to date (his lone cap was as a last-minute substitute in a friendly), he is considered by some to be the best option out of the three aforementioned options. Findley had a strong finish to the MLS campaign and also possesses a skill-set akin to a poor man's Charlie Davies. Nevertheless, his lack of international experience still makes him somewhat of a question mark, so he will have to prove his worth in the coming months. His first opportunity will likely come at the end of January in Los Angeles; a good performance there could put him on the fast track to the final 23.

Robbie Rogers- Rogers is contending for a spot at outside midfield. Though there is currently a lack of left-footed midfielders, the re-emergence of DaMarcus Beasley and the continued growth of Edgar Castillo could spell trouble for the Crew standout. Rogers had a solid conclusion to the year for the USMNT, helping set up both of the team's goals in the Costa Rica match while also starting and playing 82 minutes in the Slovakia friendly. In those appearances, Rogers looked a lot more confident than he did during the Gold Cup, when he started strong but faded very fast as the tournament progressed. At times during the November friendlies, Rogers was guilty of trying to do too much, but it was understandable given the team's inability to break down opposing defenses. With his October and November performances, Rogers is in good position to earn himself a roster spot. To do so, however, he might have to beat out Beasley, who is quickly reasserting himself in the national team picture.

Kenny Cooper- It was a dream start for Kenny Cooper at 1860 Munich, as the big striker scored just minutes into his first appearance for the 2. Bundesliga club. The former FC Dallas star also was getting consistent playing time, though he only tallied one more goal in the 11 appearances that followed. Cooper has since gone down with a knee injury suffered in training, with a January return likely.

Cooper might have the toughest path to a World Cup roster, considering it has seemed like he has never been a guy that Bob Bradley has been particularly enamored with. Despite great goal totals in MLS over the past couple years, Cooper has only managed to earn 10 caps, many of which were brief substitute appearances. Despite the relative lack of minutes, Cooper boasts an impressive strike rate with the USMNT, scoring 4 goals in those limited opportunities. The biggest knock against Kenny is that he plays more of a finesse game, rather than utilizing his big frame as more of a target forward. While I don't think this would be reason enough for his exclusion, I do feel that Cooper will have to light up the 2. Bundesliga in 2010 if he wants a chance to impress Bob Bradley.

Troy Perkins/Marcus Hahnemann- The final fringe spot goes to the battle for the third goalkeeper roster spot. At this point, it seems like the battle will come down to Troy Perkins and Marcus Hahnemann. Perkins had a very solid showing in the Gold Cup this past summer, giving up only 1 goal through his first 4 starts (before, of course, the defensive meltdown in the final in which he conceded 5 goals). He was also a consistent starter for his club team Valerenga, helping the Norwegian side to a top-half finish in the 2009 season.

Hahnemann, nearly 10 years Perkins' senior, has asserted himself as the starter for Wolverhampton after playing second fiddle for the first 3 months of the EPL season. In his three appearances, Hahnemann has only given up 2 goals, helping Wolves double their win total. Included in this run is a 1-0 clean sheet over Champions League hopefuls Tottenham yesterday, in which the former Reading goalkeeper made 7 saves to preserve an unlikely road victory. Hahnemann does not have a great deal of international experience either, but he was in the 2006 World Cup squad as the #3.

The third goalkeeper position is probably Bob Bradley's last concern at this point, but it still represents a coveted spot in the final 23, one that Perkins and Hahnemann will likely fight hard for in 2010.

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Well that's it for The Fringe. As 2010 progresses, this list will surely change as some players boost their stock while others fall off the map. It's all just part of the frantic race for the final spots in Bob Bradley's World Cup team.

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Yanks in Europe: Beasley Shines

DaMarcus Beasley continued his revival, Jay DeMerit made his first start in months, and Michael Bradley's Borussia Monchengladbach got another positive result. Check out how all the USMNT players in Europe have doing today in the summaries below:

Scotland

-DaMarcus Beasley started once again for Rangers, who are likely trying to showcase the American international before the winter transfer window. Beasley put in a fantastic performance today, assisting on one goal and creating another. He showed the speed and willingness to attack defenders that American fans know from years past, and he even made long treks back into the defensive third to help shut down the St. Johnstone attack.

Beasley made his mark almost instantaneously, assisting on a goal in the first minute of the match. After a poor touch from a St. Johnstone defender pushed the ball towards Beasley about 30 yards out from goal, he quickly hit a first time pass to an open Kris Boyd at the top of the 18. Boyd then spun and shot to the far post for the opener. Early in the second half, Beasley helped set up Rangers' third and final goal after a defensive miscue saw Beasley streaking down the wing all alone. He curled a ball around an oncoming defender (a la his pass to Clint Dempsey in the 2006 World Cup against Ghana) and found an open teammate at the back post, but the keeper was able to stop the shot from 12 yards out that followed. The rebound, however, was put away by Nacho Novo to seal a 3-0 victory for the home side.

Beasley's good run of form has to be getting the attention of Bob Bradley. He is looking like the explosive midfielder he was before his knee injury, attacking with speed and consistently contributing when given the chance to play. If injuries require Clint Dempsey to be pushed up to striker, Beasley would certainly add depth, experience, and an attacking threat out wide. After a down year following his injury, Beasley looks poised to make a serious run at a spot in Bob Bradley's final 23.

England

-Tim Howard made four saves in Everton's 3-3 draw with Chelsea. It's a good result for the Toffees, but it's a match where once again the defense conceded multiple goals. Howard wore the captain's armband for Everton in this match.

-Jozy Altidore came on in the 66th minute for Hull City in their 0-0 draw with Blackburn. He had a decent run in his time on, including a beautiful cross to Jan Venegoor of Hesselink, but the Dutch striker missed the open header.

-Clint Dempsey played 90 minutes in Fulham's 1-1 draw with Burnley. Eddie Johsnon was not in the matchday squad.

-Jay DeMerit started and played 90 minutes for Watford in their 1-0 loss to Derby County. It's DeMerit's first start since coming back from an eye injury that sidelined him for three months.

Germany

-Michael Bradley scored the game-winning goal in Borussia Monchengladbach's 5-3 win over Hannover 96. BMG ran a set play off a free kick, setting up Bradley for a shot. The US midfielder's low strike found a gap in the wall and drifted away from the Hannover keeper, finding the back of the net. Bradley also hit the crossbar in this match, while Steve Cherundolo started and played 69 minutes for the visitors. It was another very solid performance for Michael Bradley, whose team is enjoying a fine run of form over the past month and a half.

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Memorable Year Draws to a Close for Stuart Holden

It certainly was a rough start to 2009 for Stuart Holden. After a January call-up saw Holden poised to make his debut for the USMNT in their friendly against Sweden, the young Dynamo midfielder had to deal with frustration of having to withdraw from camp due to a hip injury. This disappointment regarding an opportunity lost, however, was nothing compared to the anguish that Holden would have to deal with just one month later. On February 16^th, Holden’s father Brian passed away at the age of 56 after a six-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Just weeks before the MLS season was set to begin, Holden had to deal with the biggest loss of his life while continuing on with his professional duties.

In a display of strength and maturity well beyond his 23 years (at the time), Holden pushed on from the offseason tragedy and immediately established himself as the key cog in the Dynamo attack. After a breakout season in 2008, Holden became a full-fledged MLS superstar. In the first 15 league games of 2009, Holden scored three goals and tallied three assists, starting every game. His modest numbers did not fully reflect the talent and attacking creativity that Holden displayed, but fans and pundits alike recognized the ability of the blossoming midfielder. Fortunately for Holden, the guy whose opinion really matters took notice as well, as Bob Bradley brought him in for the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

While many saw the Gold Cup as merely a tournament for B-teams that had little importance outside of temporary bragging rights, Holden saw it as an opportunity to make his case for bigger and better things. He made his USMNT debut in style, heading home his first international goal in the 31^st minute in the team’s 4-0 rout of Grenada. This was just the beginning, however, of what proved to be a fantastic tournament for the former Clemson Tiger. Holden was pure class in the USMNT’s third group stage match against Haiti, with a sublime through-ball to Davy Arnaud to set up the opening goal and an absolutely stunning strike in stoppage time to rescue a point. All in all, Holden would finish the tournament with 2 goals and 3 assists, as he guided a young squad to the final. His efforts not only earned him All-Tournament honors, but also earned him a call-up from Bob Bradley for the big one: USA-Mexico at Estadio Azteca.

In a match where USMNT players grew noticeably sluggish, Holden came on in the second half and injected life into the lineup. Making his World Cup qualifying debut in the most hostile of environments, Holden showed no fear, becoming one of the team’s most dangerous attackers as the final 45 wore on. His performance in Mexico City and his continued club level exploits made Stuart Holden a frequently discussed name in US soccer circles, and Bob Bradley brought him back into camp once more the USMNT’s critical pair of September qualifiers.

Once again, Holden took advantage of his opportunity to shine, looking very dangerous off the bench. His quality showings and continued growth have many believing that Holden will be among the 23 headed to South Africa next summer. In the span of six months, Holden’s stock has risen exponentially, as he has vaulted himself from second-tier prospect to potential World Cup starter.

As if all of his on-field success wasn’t enough, Holden is also garnering recognition for his off the field work. Holden earned the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service by an Athlete for his charitable efforts with the Dynamo and his own organization, Holden’s Heroes. He was honored alongside NFL stars Justin Tuck and Nnamdi Asomugha earlier this week in New York, adding one more highlight to 2009.

Things still have yet to slow down even though 2009 is drawing to a close. Holden finished off the year with another deep playoff run, with the Dynamo eventually falling just short of another MLS Cup appearance. With just weeks left in an already eventful year, the Aberdeen native sits on the brink of the biggest decision of his young career. Europe is beckoning, and Holden could very well return overseas four years after a brief stint with Sunderland. Don Garber and MLS, however, are still in talks with Holden (whose contracts with the league expires this winter), as the two sides met yesterday to discuss the possibilities. This next move will be a critical one, as Holden looks for the right team to help continue his growth as a player and assist him in achieving his goal of playing in next summer’s World Cup.

Whatever he ends up deciding, it will just be another memorable moment in a year that Stuart Holden will not soon forget.

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