By FRANCO PANIZO
Steve Cherundolo's Hannover 96 has endured as difficult a season as one could imagine, but the club's 3-0 victory over VfL Bochum saw it do something that seemed so unlikely just months ago. It avoided relegation.
On the final day of the Bundesliga season, three first half goals were enough to assure Hannover another year in Germany's top flight. The result also relegated Bochum, which will be joined by Hertha Berlin in Germany's second division next season. Nurnberg could be the third team to drop, but will play in a relegation play-off against second division side FC Augsburg to decide its fate.
Hannover's longest serving player, Cherundolo played all 90 minutes in the win, finishing off a season that will surely rank among his most difficult. Along with battling relegation for much of the campaign, Cherundolo and Hannover had to deal with the death of starting goalkeeper Robert Enke, who committed suicide in November.
While the win will keep Hannover in the Bundesliga, it doesn't mean Cherundolo will return. Cherundolo's contract with the club ends this summer, and the 31-year-old might be able to attract offers from elsewhere with a solid showing in next month's World Cup.
How happy are you that Cherundolo and Hannover avoided relegation? Surprised? Do you see Cherundolo re-signing with the club, or will he land elsewhere? Would you like to see him in MLS?
Share your thoughts below.