It was the final weekend in many of the European leagues as goalkeeper Tim Howard grabbed another clean sheet for Everton, and midfielder Maurice Edu played for Rangers who won the Scottish Premier League title. In the League 1 Promotion Play-off final Zak Whitbread and Millwall fell to Scunthorpe, but Michael Bradley and Monchengladbach were able to avoid relegation. Here’s the full recap of Americans playing abroad in the top European soccer leagues.
Tim Howard (GK) – Everton – English Premier League – A convincing 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage and another clean sheet for Howard was a fantastic way to cap the 2008/09 English Premier League season for Everton. Howard’s 17 clean sheets helped lead Everton to a 5th place finish ahead of next weekend’s FA Cup Final. Howard had 4 saves on the game and is starting to reach the peak of career. After the FA Cup next weekend, Howard will have several international matches this summer.
Maurice Edu (MF) – Rangers – Scottish Premier League – Edu started and played the full game as Rangers won 3-0 at Dundee United and clinched the league title. After not getting much playing time, Edu has been a regular in the starting line-up down the stretch and helped provide solid play in the midfield. The American will likely be back with Rangers and should be a regular starter in next season’s team. Edu has been called up for the World Cup Qualyfing in a few weeks.
Clint Dempsey (LM) – Fulham – English Premier League – Fulham struggled against Everton at home but held onto 7th place in the league and UEFA Europa League spot for next season. The team lost 0-2 as Dempsey had several shots in the game. The club has enjoyed a great season and Dempsey should be a part of next season’s team but could attract offers from other Premier League clubs.
Brad Friedel (GK) – Aston Villa – English Premier League – Friedel started and played the full game for Villa who defeated Newcastle 1-0. The American goalkeeper had 4 saves and ended the season with 13 clean sheets. Friedel is likely to stay with Villa and after his retirement could lead the way for his back-up, fellow American Brad Guzan to take over the starting job.
Zak Whitbread (D) – Millwall – English League One Promotion Playoff Final – Whitbread started and played the full game Millwall who fell short against Scunthorpe 2-3. It was a disappointing loss but Whitbread has been rumored to have interest from Sunderland and Scottish side Rangers.
Jonathan Spector (RB) – West Ham United – English Premier League – Spector and West Ham defeated Middlesbrough 2-1 to cap the 2008/09 season as the American played the full game. After a string of injuries, Spector appears to be healthy and should get some playing time with the National Team during a busy summer schedule.
Michael Bradley (CM-L) – Borussia Monchengladbach – German Bundesliga – Bradley and Monchengladbach earned a 1-1 draw against Dortmund to avoid relegation. The season was mixed for Bradley as his form was inconsistent and Monchengladbach were in a battle to stay up the whole season. It is unknown if he will stay with the club as he has attracted interest from the other leagues.
Carlos Bocanegra (CB-L) – Stade Rennais (Rennes) – French Ligue 1 – Bocanegra started for Rennes but was in center defense after usually playing left-back for most of this season. The club defeated Lorient 3-1 and in striking distance for a Europa League spot. Bocanegra should play several games for the international side with WCQ and the Confederations Cup.
Oguchi Onyewu – (CB) – Standard Liege – Belgian Jupiler Pro League – Standard Liege played Anderlecht in a tie to determine the league championship and won 2-1 on aggregate. Onyewu has been a consistent starter and has thrived in the Belgian leagues but now will be moving on. His contract is up for Standard and several teams in Ligue 1 and the Premier League have been rumored to be interested.
Jeremiah White (MF) and Benny Feilhaber (MF) – AGF Aarhus – Danish SAS-Ligaen – White and Feilhaber started for AGF who beat Brondby 1-0 in the Danish League. Feilhaber was subbed out in the 66th minute while White played the full game. AGF is in the middle of the table with one game left in the season.
Michael Parkhurst (D) - FC Nordsjaelland – Danish SAS-Ligaen – Parkhurst was a second half sub as Nordsjaelland had a 3-1 lead and held on for a 3-2 victory. The club is safe from relegation after a scare earlier in the season.
Marcus Tracy (ST) – Aalborg – Danish SAS-Ligaen – Aalborg drew 1-1 with Sonderjyske as Tracy played the full game. The club is in 7th place and has been disappointing after finishing first last season.
Danny Califf (D) - FC Midtjylland – Danish SAS-Ligaen – Califf played the full game for Midtjylland who drew with Odense BK. The club is 4th in the league table and Califf should have a busy summer schedule with the National Team.
