Yanks in Europe: Relegation Battle Updates and More

Some Saturday Yanks in Europe; enjoy:


Steve Cherundolo started and played 90 minutes for Hannover in their match against Borussia Monchengladbach this morning.  Coming into this match, Hannover were in the drop zone and had a goal differential that was 10 less than fellow relegation candidate Nurnberg.  Today, however, proved to be a fabulous day for Die Roten, as they put together a 6-1 victory over a BMG side that really had nothing to play for other than pride.  This result, coupled with Nurnberg's 4-0 loss to Hamburg, propels Hannover into 15th place with just one round to go in the Bundesliga season.  They control their own destiny, as a win at 17th place Bochum next Saturday will secure safety.  Cherundolo and company will also stay up if they tie next weekend and Nurnberg is unable to win at home against 12th place Koln.  After a long, precarious stay in the bottom three, things are finally looking up for 96, who are now on the brink of earning a spot in the Bundesliga for an eighth straight season.

Michael Bradley started and played 90 minutes in the loss.

Elsewhere in Germany, Ricardo Clark once again got the start for Frankfurt in their match against Hoffenheim.  His team fell 2-1 due a pair of late counter attack goals after leading for much of the match.  Clark was not involved in Frankfurt's lone tally and was not at fault for either of Hoffenheim's goals.  He had some nice moments throughout the match, but nothing overly remarkable.  His play was described as committed and improved, which should hopefully not only earn him one last start before international duty, but also secure him an extension on his Eintracht contract.  Overall, Clark's form doesn't appear to have really suffered in his long absence, so he remains a viable option for South Africa.  At this point, I expect Bradley to take him.

In England, Tim Howard once again got the start for Everton in their 0-0 draw with Stoke City.  The match was pretty uneventful, with Howard needing to make just three saves to preserve the clean sheet.  The result, however, means that the Toffees will miss out on European play next season, as they can now finish no higher than eighth place.

Marcus Hahnemann, meanwhile, started for Wolves in their match at Portsmouth.  He made three saves on the day, including a quality stop early in the match to keep the scoreline close.  Wolves would go on to lose, however, by a score of 3-1.  Hahnemann couldn't do much about the first goal, a free header from eight yards out, but he probably could have done a little better on the second and certainly should have on the third, both of which were low shots to his left.  All in all, though, the result is meaningless with Wolves having already secured safety.

In Scotland, Maurice Edu played 90 minutes and DaMarcus Beasley came on as a 28th minute sub in Rangers' 2-1 win over Dundee United.  Beasley didn't look particularly sharp in his time on, but the appearance does bring him within one of the total required to earn a league winner's medal.  I expect him to get that tenth league appearance in one of Rangers' final two matches.  While Beasley's rust may concern some, I still expect him to be in camp come May 15th, and I think his performance there will ultimately decide his fate.

Last, Benny Feilhaber and Aarhus snapped a four game losing streak and picked up a crucial 4-1 away win against Silkeborg.  The result pushes them three points clear of the drop zone; a win Thursday against Sonderjyske will likely be enough to keep them up.  Feilhaber came off in the 71st minute after a fairly uneventful match.

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Injured/Did Not Play

There was speculation that Stuart Holden would play and possibly even start today against Tottenham, particularly after he was included in the preliminary 20-man roster for the match.  However, Owen Coyle kept him out of the match day squad, meaning Holden will have just one more chance to earn some minutes ahead of international duty.  Bolton's final match of the season is next Sunday against Birmingham.


Oguchi Onyewu (not in match day squad)
Brad Guzan (unused substitute)
Stuart Holden (not in match day squad)

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