Yanks in Europe: Hahnemann, Holden, and More

What sweatpants are to Bob Bradley's wardrobe, "Yanks in Europe" posts are to Saturdays (or something like that).  Enjoy:

Stuart Holden and Marcus Hahnemann squared off as Bolton played host to Wolves in a critical fixture in the relegation battle.  Both started and went the full 90 minutes in a match that finished 1-0 in favor of Bolton.  Holden had a strong game in his EPL debut, providing quality offensive and defensive work in the center of the midfield.  For a more detailed look at Holden's play, take a look at this post from earlier in the day.

Hahnemann, meanwhile, turned in a Man of the Match caliber performance in the losing effort.  He kept his team in the match with six saves, a couple of which were on 1-on-1 opportunities inside the box.  On both instances, the USMNT keeper was very quick off of his line, allowing him to cut down the shooter's angle and make the save.  Clearly, Hahnemann wasn't worrying too much about his gaff in Wolves' last league game, when an aggressive sprint off his line left him in no man's land, allowing Chelsea to bag an easy goal.

He also had a good command of his box, with sure-handed catches on numerous crosses whipped into the area.  The lone Bolton goal came off of a quick one-time shot from inside the six after a pass from the end line, and Hahnemann really could do nothing about it.  All in all, it was the type of strong performance that has a significant segment of the American fan base wondering if he has moved ahead of Brad Guzan in the national team pecking order.  I won't go so far as to say that is the case, but regardless, sorting out the order of three quality keepers is a pretty good problem to have.

Elsewhere in England, Jay DeMerit got the start at CB for Watford in their match against Championship leaders Newcastle United.  He played all 90 minutes in what would end up being a 2-1 loss.  Unfortunately, DeMerit was involved in both goals allowed.  The first came off of a Newcastle free kick from the wing; a flicked header found DeMerit's man near the top of the box, who then headed to the back post, where a teammate finished it off.  DeMerit wasn't exactly marking his man tightly, but to blame him for this goal would be a little harsh.  Several of DeMerit's teammates were culpable in the build up, so all the blame shouldn't fall on the Watford captain.  The second goal, however, will probably rest solely on Jay's shoulders.  DeMerit lost his man in a crowd on a corner kick, with the Newcastle striker heading home the cross at the near post.

Not exactly the type of performance USMNT fans were looking for just four days before the Netherlands friendly, but let's try not to panic.  Everyone has an off day once in awhile, and DeMerit got punished for his.
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In Germany, Michael Bradley once again started and played the full game for Borussia Monchengladbach in their 1-1 draw with SC Freiburg.  Bradley nearly scored a second half equalizer, but his deflected shot from just inside the box was cleared off the line by a Freiburg defender.  Overall, he had a typically solid game; not too much flash, but a fair amount of substance in the midfield.  Basically, what we've come to expect from the younger Bradley. 
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Despite his poor showing last weekend, Carlos Bocanegra got the start at LB for Rennes in their match against title contenders Montpellier.  Bocanegra had a decent game (much better than last week's, though that's not saying too much), playing 90 minutes in a 3-1 loss.  He was not to blame on any of the goals, so hopefully he's back in the starting lineup after the international break.

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Injured/Did Not Play:

Ricardo Clark (unused substitute)
Frank Simek (unused substitute)
Charlie Davies (multiple injuries)

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