Yanks In Europe: Jozy's First EPL Goal

Another Saturday, another busy day for USMNT players across the pond.
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Well, the wait is over folks.  After months without finding the back of the net in the EPL, Jozy Altidore  netted his first league goal in style, giving Hull City a 1-0 first half lead over mighty Manchester City.  Jozy made a smart run off the ball to free himself up at the top of the box, and he hit a first time side-footed shot low into the far corner after Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink laid off a short pass to his feet.  (Click here for video of the goal)

The goal was the highlight of the day for Altidore, who again turned in a very strong performance for the Tigers.  He drew two yellow cards, the first after cutting by Kolo Toure with speed just outside of the box, and the second coming after his pressure on Dedryck Boyata led to a miscue that forced the Man City defender to pull on Jozy's shirt to keep him from running free.  On that note, today was another display of very solid defensive work from Altidore, whose pressure on opposing defenders created several turnovers.  He's really been turning in complete performances over the past couple of weeks, contributing on both sides of the ball.

In the attacking end, Jozy made some very good movements off the ball, and his confidence on the ball seemed to grow after his first half tally.  He nearly drew a second half penalty when he (rather audaciously) tried to split four Man City defenders inside the box.  He came very close to succeeding, but a desperation tackle got just enough of the ball to stymie his run.  Jozy was substituted off in the 65th minute, showing a slight limp as he came off (though it did not look serious at all).  Hull went on to secure the upset victory at home, with a final score of 2-1 over the Top Four hopefuls.

Jozy has been on a fine run of form since returning from leave late in January.  His continued standout play should keep him in Phil Brown's starting XI for awhile (and keep new signing Amr Zaki in the substitute role).
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Elsewhere in England, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard once again went the distance for Everton in their derby clash with Liverpool.  Donovan turned in another quality performance, making several aggressive attacking runs in the attacking third, earning a couple of free kicks, and coming very close to setting up an Everton goal when his clever touch around a defender was followed by a chip to the back post that was headed away at the last moment.

At times, Donovan appeared too content to swing in a hopeful cross from the wing when taking on his defender may have been the best option.  It must be said, though, that his teammates were not exactly getting forward in numbers, so his defender often had support from the center waiting to pounce.  Nevertheless, it would have been nice to see more dribbling runs from Donovan, particularly since he had a good deal of success in the few times he did go that route.  This, however, does not take away from what was another strong showing, as Donovan was an integral part of the Toffee attack.

Tim Howard, meanwhile, did not have a particularly great game.  He made two saves on the day, including one powerful punch on an in-swinging Steven Gerrard free kick from the wing.  Unfortunately, Liverpool got three shots on frame, with Dirk Kuyt heading home a corner kick from four yards out early in the second half.  Howard and Kuyt were tussling prior to the kick, and the ball came in quickly to just a yard or so from where Howard was positioned.  He was slow to come off his line and was not strong enough in his approach, only flapping hopelessly at the ball as Kuyt nodded home the eventual game-winner.  There wasn't really much contact on the play, Howard just got beat to a ball that should've been his that far inside the six yard box. 
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Jonathan Spector once again got the start for West Ham, playing 90 minutes in the Hammers 2-1 loss to Burnley.  By most accounts, Spector turned in a decent performance in what was ultimately a disappointing result for his club.  He got forward on several occasions, supplying a couple of crosses and firing a shot from just outside the box late in stoppage time that missed the target.  He was not involved in either goal allowed, with one coming off of a free kick and one coming off of a poor play from his teammate Matthew Upson.

While it might not have been a particularly noteworthy performance, Spector didn't really do anything to hurt his chances of retaining his starting spot in the coming weeks.
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In the English Championship, Jay DeMerit went 90 minutes in Watford's 1-0 loss to Barnsley.  He blocked a shot, made a number of clearances, and even sent a couple of long balls towards the 18, but it was ultimately a disappointing result for his side after their recent win over Sheffield United.

Kenny Cooper, meanwhile, made his debut for his new loan club Plymouth Argyle, coming on in the 58th minute of a scoreless draw.  Cooper's best chance to get on the board came in the 62nd minute, when his direct free kick from 25 yards out missed high.  He and his teammates were unable to find the back of the net throughout the second half, with West Brom eventually taking home three points on the strength of a second half goal.
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In Greece, Eddie Johnson, Freddy Adu, and Aris played a match in nothing short of monsoon conditions.  EJ got the start (his first in Greece, I believe) and was very active throughout the opening 45.  He had one header just over the bar and accounted for Aris' best scoring opportunity of the first half when he fended off a defender deep into the 18 before hitting a low, hard shot towards the back post.  A quick foot save from the goalkeeper, however, kept Eddie from doubling his season goalscoring total.  Overall, though, it was a promising half from the former FC Dallas star, who (believe or not) isn't too far away from that final 23 for South Africa.  

Freddy Adu, meanwhile, started the match on the bench but seemed like a probable second half substitution, particularly given his great substitute appearance last week.  Mother Nature, however, had other plans, as the torrential rains led the referees to abandon the match at half time.  The game will be finished at a later date, with Aris trailing 1-0.
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Carlos Bocanegra started and went 90 minutes for Stade Rennes in their 4-2 win over reigning Ligue 1 champions Bordeaux this afternoon.  Bocanegra was solid at left back once again, and was not involved in either Bordeaux goal.  After a brief scare, he now seems to have a firm grasp on the starting left back spot at his club in the lead up to South Africa.
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Injured/DNP:
Stuart Holden (not yet match fit)
Steve Cherundolo (shoulder injury)
Clint Dempsey (knee injury)
Maurice Edu (ankle injury)
DaMarcus Beasley (thigh injury)

Both Beasley and Edu have expressed optimism about returning to the Rangers lineup soon.  With the World Cup getting closer and closer, they're running out of opportunities to impress Bob Bradley and will really need to finish the season strong to earn a ticket to South Africa.
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Enjoy the rest of your Saturday!