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Pair of Donovan assists leads Everton past Fulham in FA Cup

DonovanDempsey (Reuters Pictures)

The All-American showdown went to Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and Everton.

Donovan came up with two assists to guide the Toffees to a 2-1, come-from-behind victory over Clint Dempsey's Fulham at Goodison Park in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday.

Donovan hit summer acquisition Denis Stracqualursi with a pinpoint left-footed cross from the right in the 27th minute, and the Argentine headed it past Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale to pull Everton level at 1-1.

The on-loan American was at it again in the 73rd minute, this time finding Marouane Fellaini with a right-footed cross from the right. The wild-haired Belgian international headed it across his body to the far post, leaving a diving Stockdale with no chance at keeping out the game-winner.

Fulham had taken the lead in the 14th minute, with Danny Murphy converting from the penalty spot after John Heitinga was guilty of a handball when sliding to block Damien Duff's shot.

Aside from that, the Cottagers were quite silent on the night and had a difficult time putting together a cohesive attack. Dempsey, coming off his second hat trick in three games, struggled to get involved offensively. His two best chances of the game were an early shot from 30 yards that sailed wide of Howard's goal, and a second-half header off a cross from Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz that sailed over the crossbar.

Donovan had the best chance to score among the two U.S. national team standouts, who were sharing a field as opponents for the first time since a New England Revolution-Los Angeles Galaxy MLS match in 2006. Donovan was on target with his 41st-minute blast from 25 yards out, but he struck it right at Stockdale. The keeper yielded a rebound, but Fulham was able to clear the danger.

With the victory, Everton advances to the Round of 16, while Fulham's chances at silverware are over.

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