Yanks in Europe: EJ Scores, Stu Returns

Here's some Sunday Yanks in Europe for your enjoyment:

We'll start this edition off in Greece, where Eddie Johnson turned in a very strong performance up top for Aris in their match against AEK, one that was dictated by a handful of red cards.  EJ was involved in a number of opportunities in the attacking third, proving to be a handful for the AEK defense all game long.  With the match level at 1-1 in the second half, EJ got on the end of cross from the wing, snapping a header into the far side netting to give his team the lead:



He could have added another goal or two throughout the match, particularly when a teammate botched a two-man breakaway by waiting far too long to square the ball to a wide open EJ.  All in all, though, it was a very good performance for Johnson, probably the best he could have hoped for ahead of the May 11th preliminary World Cup roster deadline.

Freddy Adu, meanwhile, did not get off the bench for this one, but he will likely get time in Aris' next game thanks to the aforementioned red cards.  Aris lost the match 4-2, leaving them with very slim hopes of earning a spot in the Champions League next season.

Meanwhile, the English Premier League season came to a close today, with Stuart Holden making his return to the field for Bolton as a 66th minute substitute in their 2-1 win over Birmingham.  He was energetic and active in his time on, showing no ill effects of the injury that sidelined him for two months.

Tim Howard ended his season on a high note, earning yet another clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Portsmouth.  He made four saves.

Marcus Hahnemann also capped off the campaign with a victory, as Wolves defeated Sunderland by a score of 2-1.  Hahnemann made three saves, finishing off a very strong season in which he was one of the main reasons that Mick McCarthy's team was ultimately able to avoid relegation.

In Fulham's final league match of the season, Clint Dempsey started and played 67 uneventful minutes in a 4-0 loss to Arsenal.  He didn't have too much help, with Roy Hodgson resting many starters ahead of Wednesday's Europa League final.  His last minute on the field turned out to be his most noteworthy, as he was taken down in the box, denied a penalty by the referee, booked for dissent, and then subsequently subbed off. 

In Scotland, Maurice Edu played 72 minutes in Rangers 3-3 draw with Motherwell, with his team receiving the SPL champions' trophy after the final whistle.

Alejandro Bedoya started and played 90 minutes for Orebro in their 1-0 win over Djurgarden.  His team currently sits in third place in the 16 team Allsvenskan.  


Elsewhere in Scandinavia, Clarence Goodson started and played 90 minutes for IK Start in their 1-0 road loss to Tromso.  

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Injured/Did Not Play

Oguchi Onyewu traveled with AC Milan to Genoa today, but he did not make the match day squad.  The Rossoneri have just one match remaining, at home against Juventus next weekend.  They have essentially clinched third place, barring a massive swing in goal differential, so who knows, we might just see Gooch on the bench come Sunday.

Benny Feilhaber was an unused substitute today in Aarhus' 1-0 win over FC Nordsjaelland.  The win keeps Aarhus' hopes for safety alive, but unfortunately for them it was matched by wins from fellow relegation candidates Sonderjyske and Randers.  They will need a win and some help in their final match next weekend to avoid the drop.

DaMarcus Beasley did not make an appearance for Rangers today, leaving him one appearance shy of earning a league winner's medal.  He went on to announce after the game that he will be leaving Rangers in the summer, saying on Twitter:

"Yes Im leaving for everyone that asked.. Will never forget my time at RANGERS!! Thanks for all the messages from the best fans in the world!"

Last, Jonathan Spector's poor run of form finally caught up to him, as he rode the pine today behind 19-year old Fabio Daprela.


Oguchi Onyewu (not in match day squad)
Benny Feilhaber (unused substitute)
Jonathan Spector (unused substitute)
Jozy Altidore (suspension)
Brad Guzan (unused substitute)
DaMarcus Beasley (not in match day squad)
Freddy Adu (unused substitute)

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