Photo by Robin Parker/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
The U.S. Open Cup was not the only tournament that saw Americans in action this week.
Several competitions abroad either resumed or began over the last couple of days, and a handful of players from the Americans Abroad contingent saw the field as a result.
Jonathan Spector started and went the distance in Birmingham’s 3-1 win over fourth division side Cambridge United in the Capital One Cup. The appearance marked Spector’s season debut for the Blues after he missed out on the Championship opener over the weekend.
Veterans Michael Stephens and Andrew Jacobson also found success in their domestic cup match. Both played the full 90 minutes for Stabaek IF, helping push Bob Bradley’s club to the NM Cupen semifinals with a 1-0 win against Haugesund.
Here is how the Americans Abroad fared during midweek action:
ENGLAND
- Jonathan Spector started and played 90 minutes in Birmingham City’s 3-1 win vs. Cambridge United in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.
- Will Packwood did not dress for Birmingham City.
- Tim Ream started and played 90 minutes in Bolton Wanderers’ 3-2 win vs. Bury in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.
- Eric Lichaj started and played 90 minutes in Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win vs. Tranmere Rovers in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.
- Danny Williams did not dress in Reading’s 3-1 win vs. Newport County in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday. He is recovering from a knee injury.
- Duane Holmes did not dress in Huddersfield Town’s 5-3 win vs. Chesterfield in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.
NORWAY
- Michael Stephens started and played 90 minutes in Stabaek IF’s 1-0 win vs. Haugesund in the NM Cupen quarterfinals on Wednesday.
- Andrew Jacobson started and played 90 minutes for Stabaek IF.
- Ethan Horvath did not play in Molde FK’s 5-1 win vs. Viking in the NM Cupen quarterfinals on Wednesday.
- Josh Gatt did not dress for Molde FK. He is recovering from a knee injury.
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What do you think of these performances? How far can Spector and Birmingham go in the Capital One Cup? Do you see Bradley leading Stabaek to the NM Cupen title?
Share your thoughts below.