Even with several leagues still out on winter break (Bundesliga returns this week!), the action wasn’t light for Americans plying their trade overseas. Here’s a rundown of how they performed:
DNP = did not play
FRIDAY
William Yarbrough (Club Leon) – For the second straight week, Yarbrough started in goal for Leon and the club got a win. Leon currently sits atop the Clausura standings in Liga MX.
Miguel Ibarra (Club Leon) – In the 18, DNP in win.
Jorge Villafana (Santos Laguna) – 90′ in 1-0 win.
Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) – For a young kid who is quickly growing into a man, and having been
Christian Pulisic/BVB (Courtesy of goal.com)
promoted to the BVB first team over the winter break, Pulisic is doing remarkably well. Played the second half, scored a GOAL in a 4-1 friendly win. Minutes in the Bundesliga in sight? Don’t be surprised if this talented youngster does it by season end…
SATURDAY
DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland) – He didn’t play. In fact, he wasn’t even in the 18. Not good news.
Tim Howard (Everton) – Amid rumors he’s headed to Colorado Rapids, Howard endured a wild finish against Chelsea. A 3-3 draw will feel like a loss as Chelsea somehow grasp a very, very late equalizer.
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa) – It was a rough first half of the season for Guzan, and the second hasn’t started well either. In the 18, but did not start and DNP. Villa squeak a 1-1 draw with Leicester.
Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City) – In the 18, DNP. 3-0 win over high-flying Derby.
Duane Holmes (Huddersfield Town) – Entered in the 79′. 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Emerson Hyndman (Fulham) – A season revitalized, Emerson is getting plenty of chances to show his talent with everyone’s favorite Championship side (It’s Fulhamerica, come on!). Started this one, subbed off at HT in a tactical switch.
Tim Ream (Fulham) – In the 18, but DNP. Hopefully the last few weeks have just been a breather for Ream, who was a regular starter for most of the season thus far. Not time to get worried…yet.
Danny Williams (Reading) – Williams just might be the most consistent thing about Reading this season, with the club finding it hard to string together a series of good results. Sitting in 14th, Williams started as usual and played 90′ against MK Dons. Picked up a yellow as well.
Cody Cropper (MK Dons) – Not in the cellar but not far off. Unfortunately, Cropper seems far from the action for now. In the 18, but DNP. A 1-0 win over Reading will help boost confidence though.
Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest) – Robin Hood stole from the rich to feed the poor. Perhaps Klinsmann should steal Lichaj from Forest for the USMNT. 90′ played for the man from Chicago in a 3-0 win.
Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes) – 90′ for Bedoya in a decent outing. Sadly, Nantes could only draw 2-2.
Jose Torres (Tigres) – In the 18, DNP.
Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca) – Started, 90′ in a 1-0 win. Things are looking good for Omar right now.
Ventura Alvarado (Club America) – It’s been a good beginning to the season for Alvarado, who has started the last two weeks. 90′ played in a 3-0 win. Perhaps we were too quick to judge – clearly talented, and it’s not just Klinsmann that sees it.
Joe Corona (Dorados) – In the 18, subbed on in the 66′. 1-0 loss. The fight for minutes continues.
Paul Arriola (Tijuana) – Still young, but searching for minutes, Arriola’s career thus far has been like trying to start a wet fire. There have been sparks, but nothing has been able to catch yet. In the 18, DNP against Dorados.
Michael Orozco (Tijuana) – In the 18, DNP. Not what he wanted from this move to the border.
Gedion Zelalem (Rangers) – In the 18, on in the 68′. With a renewed loan, he will look to re-establish his starting spot.
John Brooks (Hertha Berlin) – Started, played 90′ for Hertha in preseason friendly. Lots of chatter around his name…will he stay at Hertha or move on, and will it happen this window? If Hertha don’t cash in, they run the risk of losing him on a free transfer if he doesn’t sign a new contract. Wolfsburg thought to be the big name being thrown around right now.
SUNDAY
Desevio Payne (Groningen) – Started, played 56′ for the northerners. A start is something we’ll take as a very good sign. Now to do it consistently and when there’s no injury to the man in front of you. Patience.
