Yanks in Europe: FA Cup Third Round

Today's FA Cup third round action feature four USMNT players. Here's how everyone fared:

Tim Howard made 5 saves in Everton's 3-1 win over League One side Carlisle. The Toffees were held level for much of the match before they bagged two goals in the final 10 minutes to seal a spot in the fourth round. Landon Donovan made the trip across the pond and joined David Moyes' squad today, though he did not figure in this game. Everton play at Arsenal next Saturday, and the USMNT star will be hoping to make his debut against the title contenders.

Also of note is that Everton have suspended forward Jo for a breach of discipline, and that the Brazilian could very well be on his way out of Goodison Park in the transfer window, leaving less competition for playing time for Donovan.

Brad Guzan got the start for Aston Villa in their tie against Blackburn. And with another Guzan appearances comes, yet again, another saved penalty by the former Chivas USA goalkeeper. With Villa up 1-0 in the first half, Guzan denied a David Dunn PK in the 32nd minute to preserve the lead. Just minutes later, Villa added to what would prove to be an insurmountable lead, eventually winning the match 3-1.

Guzan was not tested a great deal, making 3 saves in total, but the lone Blackburn goal did come off of a set piece in which Guzan was unable to secure a ball, which eventually fell to the foot of a Blackburn attacker for an easy goal. Matchday radio commentary seemed to indicate that the linesman raised his flag to indicate that Guzan was fouled in the process, but the referee let the goal stand, denying the USMNT GK a clean sheet.

Jozy Altidore came on in the 79th minute of Hull City's 4-1 loss to Wigan. Hull had been leading 1-0 at the half before giving up 3 goals in 20 minutes to seal their fate. Altidore came on after this collapse and was unable to make much of an impact on the offensive end in a fairly uneventful appearance. The positive (from a USMNT fan's perspective, that is) is that Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, one of Jozy's direct competitors for minutes at the striker position, did not have a very good game.

Last, but not least, Clint Dempsey went 90 minutes in Fulham's 1-0 over League One side Swindon Town. Dempsey was involved in the build up to Fulham's lone goal, recording what would go down as a secondary assist in MLS on Bobby Zamora's 16th minute tally. He was also involved in the build up for a second half attack that led to a penalty for the Cottagers, but Andy Johnson's attempt to double the lead from the spot was unsuccessful. It was another solid game for Dempsey, who continues to be a keystone of the Fulham attack.

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Tomorrow will feature 3 more FA Cup games and 1 high profile SPL game with USMNT players involved. Jay DeMerit and Watford will travel to take on Chelsea, while Jonathan Spector (who will likely get the start thanks to injuries) and West Ham will play host to Arsenal. Marcus Hahnemann and Wolves will then travel to take on League One side Tranmere Rovers in their third round tie.

Meanwhile, in Scotland, Maurice Edu will look to make his second appearance of the season in the Old Firm, as Rangers take on Celtic at Parkhead. DaMarcus Beasley, who is coming off a minor thigh injury suffered last week, could also feature in this game. The match, like almost all encounters between these two bitter rivals, has serious SPL title implications.

If you can't catch these games tomorrow, fear not; USSD will have another round-up to fill you in on how USMNT players and their respective teams do in these Sunday matches.