Photo by ISI PHOTOS
It was a very light weekend of action for American soccer players in Europe, thanks in large part to all the England-based Americans having the weekend off.
No, Michael Bradley did not score a goal. The U.S. national team midfielder’s insane hot streak was halted as Heerenveen settled for a tie, dropping the club from second place to fifth place in the Dutch first division.
So who was the star of the weekend? U.S. national team defender Oguchi Onyewu enjoyed the best weekend as he and Standard Liege posted a pivotal 2-1 win against Club Brugge to pull into a tie for first place in the Belgian First Division.
Here is how the Americans in Europe did this weekend:
GERMANY
- Steve Cherundolo started, played 90 minutes and drew a yellow card in Hannover 96’s 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich on Sunday.
- Sal Zizzo did not dress for Hannover 96.
- Bryan Arguez did not dress in Hertha Berlin’s 1-0 win against Arminia Bielefeld.
- Gregg Berhalter started, played 50 minutes and drew a red card (two yellows) in 1860 Munich’s 1-0 loss to TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday.
- Josh Wolff started and played 65 minutes for 1860 Munich.
- Luis Robles dressed but did not play in Kaiserslautern’s 1-0 win vs. SpVgg Greuther Furth on Sunday.
- Neven Subotic and Mainz 05 will face Borussia Monchengladbach on Monday.
- Josh Grenier started and played 90 minutes in TUS Koblenz’s 1-1 tie vs. FC St. Pauli on Friday.
HOLLAND
- Michael Bradley started, played 90 minutes and drew a yellow card in Heerenveen’s 2-2 vs. Heracles Almelo on Saturday.
ITALY
- Danny Szetela did not play in Brescia’s 2-1 loss to Messina on Sunday.
SPAIN
- Giuseppe Rossi started, played 90 minutes and missed a penalty kick in Villarreal’s 0-0 tie vs. Racing de Santander on Sunday.
FRANCE
- Andrew Jacobson did not dress in Lorient’s 1-0 win against Strasbourg on Saturday.
- Quentin Westberg dressed but did not play in FC Troyes 2-0 win vs. Chateauroux on Sunday.
PORTUGAL
- Freddy Adu came off the bench and played 18 minutes in Benfica’s 2-0 win against Naval 1 Maio on Sunday.
BELGIUM
- Oguchi Onyewu started and played 90 minutes in Standard Liege’s 2-1 win against Club Brugge on Sunday. The victory moved Liege into a tie for first place in the Belgian First Division with Club Brugge.
GREECE
- Clint Mathis came off the bench and played 11 minutes in Ergotelis’ 1-0 loss to Olympiakos on Sunday.
“Being from Argentina there is no way in hell they go reporting x-players that are in other nations playing for other countries.”
Yeah, they never mention David Trezeguet in Argentina.
P.S
If Klinsman was the US Manager,,,,I bet he would have Rossi playing for him….
I am sure Bob is a nice guy , but he is no Klinsmann.
Ives,
You forgot to mention .
Rossi scored a goal in 89th minute, which was called off for a dubious offside.
and Jonathan…. why all the hate?
I have to agree with dwbpnm,jonathan,reid, etc., and i’m not even american. Being from Argentina there is no way in hell they go reporting x-players that are in other nations playing for other countries. Franco plays for mexico (and villareal) but you don’t see any mention of him when he plays or scores for either one. Whatever , rossi turned his back to the USA so why still include him? WAR no AMOR si por favor!
Also since there seems to be some confusion Rossi became cap tied to Italy on Feb 1 when he turned 21 by virtue of his youth team appearances. So there is no decision left to make for him unless FIFA makes a ruling that only senior caps cap tie a player.
Yes Rossi was free to chose to play for Italy just as you are free to go work in another country and if they allowed it even work for their government(civilian or military). And deciding to do that is not treasonous by itself. Now if that government took a position against the interests of the US and you worked towards that end then you would be committing treason. This line of thought is why I have stated that I could care less if Rossi plays for Italy until he steps on the field against the US. So say we were drawn against Italy in a WC group stage, I’d have no problem with Rossi if he said “I’ll play in the 2 group games when Italy doesnt play the US but I can’t play against the US.” Of course I’d wish he was playing for us instead(as I think we all would),I’d have no animosity towards him for playing for Italy in the other games.
Jonathan, I agree with you 100%. I don’t mind it when people want to talk about how much talent this kid has or his play in general. He is a very skilled player, but it does enrage me when people call him a Yank. If he is serious about playing for Italy then he should have tried to stay there and play. It is hard to say what his intentions are considering if on is a young italian they like to give you a full call up more if you are playing within the country. I’m basically just tired of hearing about this kid until he finally decides
Sorry dwbpnm, but regardless of your opinoin on the whole matter you are wrong to say Rossi is turning his back on his country. Under FIFA rules, he is eligible to play for either country. He made the choice, it has nothing to do with treason.
The problem is that you can’t get over the fact that he chose to play with Italy and you yourself resort to, to use your words, derogatory names.
Leftcoast how exactly was I coming anywhere close to being a xenophobe? The simple fact is he has chosen to abandon his country this has nothing to do with his ethnic background and there is no feeling of US superiority to the rest of the world, I have no hatred towards an nationality/ethnicity/etc. just people who chose to turn their backs on the US to play for another entity against us. If you’re comfortable with his choices great thats your decision and I don’t go around calling you any derogatory names so itd be nice if you could return the courtesy to the rest of us. Also, I never said soccer was equivalent to war instead it was an analogy much like questions on the SAT Benedict Arnold is to war as Rossi is to the National Team(once he plays against the US which I don’t actually think will happen). If I thought a soccer game was equivalent to war then I’d be advocating capital punishment which would be ridiculous because soccer is most certainly not war. Just so you know the Geneva Convention does not apply to American citizens commiting treason against the US otherwise trying people for treason would be a war crime(and no I don’t support the Bush policies regarding the Geneva Convention since I know thats what you’re thinking now). And finally I regard the US playing countries like Iran in the WC as a great thing because it provides an opportunity to put aside the propoganda. So no, going to war with Iran would not allow us to get revenge for 98 that could only be accomplished in the WC since soccer does not equal war. Hopefully this will allow you to see through the cloud of partisanship and recognize that when a person holds one view they won’t necessarily hold another which you might associate with the first view.
jonathan—-
the metro24freak of Ives’ blogs.:)
“But, once he steps on the field to play against the US he will be a traitor and I’ll be hoping someone breaks his leg and ends his career.”
Wow.
Icould understand if u were born in brazil and ur nation, will probably never call u in for the national team, becuase the position u play is stack with players just a little better than u. And u decide to play for ur parents country, because u wanna get exposure on the international scene, so that u can make more money with another bigger club, etc…But that’s not the case here with Rossi, besides the fact that he was born and raised here, his mom still works at Clifton High School, probably so that she can get the pension this our country offer, his dad for so many years benifited from all the fruits and labor that great country offers(probably has a pension),that’s y he came here in the first place.(So did my parents, by the way, so I hope no one takes it the wrong way) I don’t know when the deadline is or was, thou I think I read an Ives article that he had until he was 21 to make the decision. If he sticks with his desicion and yes,Ives can post watever he wants on his website.I agree with most people on this site, he is not an american abroad, thou he has an american passport, he turn his back on his country. I respect him for his decision, but I too, don’t consider him on our yanks abroad list.
The military analogy is not perfect. A traitor is someone who goes against their own country. Under FIFA rules, he is eligible to play for either Italy or the US, so it was his decision to choose.
Guys….
There are numerous political boards where discussion about Patriotism and Wars can be discussed.
Let’s not let this forum denigrate into pissing matches. It is a Football forum after all.
Jonathon…Ives has explained his inclusion of Rossi on this forum several times – enough said on the subject.
What makes this board different is the interesting perspective members have on matters pertaining to Football.
Calling people names and engaging in flame wars provides no real value except to feed individual egos. For insults and overall bad behavior, I would suggest the ?Big Soccer” boards for you.
Oh now we have dwbpnm – the thinking man’s xenophobe. A soccer game is the moral equivalent of a war, except without the bother of the Geneva Convention. I guess that makes it real easy to justify the Persian gulf mess we’re in – it’s simply an opportunity for a rematch of when Iran beat us in the World Cup.
Ives,
that picture is classic
Using the military analogy he only becomes a traitor if/when he plays against the US before that he is simply a person who has additional allegiances. Until that day I could care less about his progression as a player one way or the other since he’s just like any other player in the world. But, once he steps on the field to play against the US he will be a traitor and I’ll be hoping someone breaks his leg and ends his career.
Was Freddy Adu injured? I see that he came in around the 75th minute and was taken off in injury time. Was this tactical or was there an injury?
Thanks
Huh? The US passport defines the term “true patriot”? Mine doesn’t (I must have the type issued to commie pinkos).
Maybe we should look it up and see how it’s defined in Gabe Rossi’s passport – the one that says “United States of America”.
This is fun – and like stealing candies from a baby.
LeftCoastMetro… it’s not my definition, it’s the US government’s definition… read the inside of your passport
True Patriot – you, Jonathan? That’s he most abused term in the English language. Washington and Ethan allen were patriots, as was Lafayette (though he fought in an Army of a country other then his birth, so by your definition he’d be a traitor). They were patriots. You’re a goat.
Jonathan,
Your ignorance is not only disgusting, but infuriating. Think of Rossi the way you would think of anyone else’s son. He is young and talented and does not deserve to be attacked in this way. If you grew up and developed the skill that he has, then you would have to right to make decisions how you see fit. But you did not, and regardless of how you feel he should be living his life, he earned the right to live it the way he pleases. He is an American, and if you are truly as patriotic as you claim, you would support him and wish him the best simply for that fact. But instead you are an ignorant neanderthal and you are the real reason people feel like Americans are not true footy fans.
I’m sorry for the long post, but I have gone way too long without voicing my opinion on Rossi and it began to eat away at me.
Ives,
I ask you to keep Rossi part of the weekly update if for no other reason than to assure that we continue to get some of the entertaining back-and-forth like we’ve seen today.
In all seriousness, its beyond insanity to continue to complain to Ives about keeping Rossi in the update. He’s already stated his position on this issue, and it is his site. So, if you don’t like it, don’t read it. Wow, how simple was that?
Gents,
Take it easy. Gio Rossi is not YET disqualified from playing for the United States although he getting closer to that point as the Olympics approach. So technically,….he is still a Yank Abroad and more importantly, this is Ives website so Ives can do whatever he wants (its good to be the King!)
For what is worth,…I have heard from a very good source that Rossi has no interest in playing for the US. He feels he is Italian and doesn’t have it in his heart to put on the RW&B. Furthermore, he is a confident kid and believes that it is only a matter of time before he is called in to the Azzuri. Just leave the kid alone. Besides,…if he doesn’t want to play for the USMNT then the USMNT should NOT want him. Plain and simple.
Good thing Danny Svetella transferred to Seria B, so he could sit on the bench over there.
Seriously, I’m hoping this is just a problem adjusting to the new team and that he will be getting some major playing time now.
Jonathan,
Your ignorance is not only disgusting, but infuriating. Think of Rossi the way you would think of anyone else’s son. He is young and talented and does not deserve to be attacked in this way. If you grew up and developed the skill that he has, then you would have to right to make decisions how you see fit. But you did not, and regardless of how you feel he should be living his life, he earned the right to live it the way he pleases. He is an American, and if you are truly as patriotic as you claim, you would support him and wish him the best simply for that fact. But instead you are an ignorant neanderthal and you are the real reason people feel like Americans are not true footy fans.
I’m sorry for the long post, but I have gone way too long without voicing my opinion on Rossi and it began to eat away at me.
Ives,
I ask you to keep Rossi part of the weekly update if for no other reason than to assure that we continue to get some of the entertaining back-and-forth like we’ve seen today.
In all seriousness, its beyond insanity to continue to complain to Ives about keeping Rossi in the update. He’s already stated his position on this issue, and it is his site. So, if you don’t like it, don’t read it. Wow, how simple was that?
Jonathan, Please try to remember this is Ives’ blog and we are guests here. He has obviously made a decision to include Rossi, so try and do your best to scroll really fast past his name when you are reading this type of post. If that won’t work excercise your right as a consumer and don’t visit the site. If enough people do it he will get your message. If you are a long time reader you will know how many of your type of posts have been posted already. And they dont work, Rossi is still here.
Chicago Millonario… re-read my post… if you don’t think that playing for a country other than you’re own… isn’t the closest thing to treason… then you’ve probably never been to/seen a world cup.
Typical american attitude your either with us or against us. Jonathan is probably in favor of the patriot act. Get a life jonathan it shouldn’t bother you so much one way or another. It makes you no greater a soccer or futbol fan just because you hate rossi and the italians. It just makes you ignorant.
No mention of the fact that Bradley’s yellow card means he won’t be playing for Heerenveen’s next game?
And Jonathan, don’t worry – many, many people already act like you. That’s way we’re at war and why most of the world thinks we’re a country of belligerent, sociopathic morons.
Jonathan,
Get a plane ticket, see the world, try to hook up with a foxy au pair or something. Anything – but meet some foreigners somehow. They’re generally nice people. Would do you a world of good. Do put your shotgun away first though, please.
Matt Kassel has been listed as committed to UMD’s recruit class for next season. It does not commit him, but the coach seems to think that he will be there in the fall.
Except Jonathan, he DIDN’T join another country’s military, so your example means nada.
Oh, wait wait, I’m sorry, I spoke non-American. I mean, nothing.
Except Jonathan, he DIDN’T join another country’s military, so your example means nada.
Oh, wait wait, I’m sorry, I spoke non-American. I mean, nothing.
I wish more people would start acting like me, then maybe we could appreciate football in this country like it should be appreciated… if you’re not enraged like myself, then you’re not a true patriot and not a true football fan… or maybe you just have a soft spot for the italians (which is perfectly ok btw… if he was playing for france, or brazil [my favorite teams] i probably wouldn’t be as angry, but seeing since he plays for a team that everyone with a spine should hate… he deserves our hatred)
can’t say that i’m sad to see him miss a PK, but i wish there were some USMT players taking big time PKs for big time teams
Re: Rossi — Agreed, Rossi is a traitorous weasel. Please, Ives, no more references to Rossi the Rat, unless you also count Benedict Arnold’s performance for the British as an American operation worthy of respectful documentation. Rossi is a full-fledged Euro now, replete with leather pants and douche haircut (or maybe that’s just a NJ disguise). Anyway, his USA cred has been revoked.
If Rossi missed a penalty, doesn’t that mean he should play for England?
not only that, Chicago Millonario, but I notice that the banner at the top of the site has “Jersey Flavor” in it. seems like I remember Mr. Rossi growing up in, you got it, Jersey. I wish people would just stop acting like a jilted lover on this, it’s a little disturbing.
Ives,
Please ignore neanderthal postings like Jonathan’s – last time I checked Rossi still had a US passport. Jonathan, stop being so insecure – there’ll be other top-notch stars coming up in the US ranks soon enough. Every country on earth has had its Rossi equivalents ( Camoranesi, Wegerle, hundreds of others – heck even Eusebio). Why should the US be any different. We’re a nation of immigrants, and I’m assuming your great great grandparents did a lot worse than Rossi from your perspective – left their homeland and tore out their passports to come here. Do you wish they hadn’t?
“At the end of the day, he is STILL an American and deserves our respect.” Ummm I beg to differ… you know that short of joining the military, supporting a country’s football team is the single greatest show of patriotism… He has chose to fight for another country… Everyone knows that if you join another country’s military you forfeit all rights as an american citizen, he has done so and therefore he does not deserve our respect.
Rossi missed a penalty! Thank god he’s not playing for the US.
“or play for villareal be part of the hottest young striker tandem for the former #6 team in the world.”
HAHAHAHA. Thanks for making my morning so much brighter there, Jonathan. Yeah, playing for a team that was ONCE ranked 6th in the world is much more noble then attempting to fulfill a life long dream of playing for the REIGNING WORLD CHAMPIONS. Say hi to the Easter Bunny for me.
You now what I’m sick of, not that anyone asked? Geeky, wounded-ego, woe is me Americans who can’t get over the fact that Rossi chose to do what he wanted, not what the all-knowing Big Soccer crowd expected. At the end of the day, he is STILL an American and deserves our respect.
Ives,
What happened to Gabe Ferrari? He seems to have fallen off the map and I’m not even sure where he is currently playing.
regarding the above post… I apologize for some of the spelling errors… the idiocy of rossi and ives stubborn refusal to remove him from this site, has finally gotten to me… (words from a long time dedicated… completely pissed off reader)
Hey Ives, you forgot to mention that Rossi sucks, and that you have no justification for continuing to list him on this site… Every weekend i see fellow uuuuuusssssahhhhh compatriots who lambast you for putting him on this sight and rightfully so… would you continue to call your wife your wife after she sleeps with the 21 year old frat guy with a hot bod and a ferrari??? The question is no… so grow a proverbial pair and kick rossi to the curb please. And buy the way… if you do have a personal relationship with him, can you tell him how idiotic his decision is… His earning potential as the face of US soccer would be limitless… instead he chooses to toil in American and almost international obscurity? Hmmm, play for villareal and have only villareal diehards give a crap about you and not get any callups to your national team… or play for villareal be part of the hottest young striker tandem for the former #6 team in the world and get your face on the cover of FIFA 08′ along with ridiculous amounts of money… yea it seems like a tough decision to me also
Jaqua had a goal in his debut.
Also, Rossi missed a PK wide…