Just because it is Super Bowl Sunday doesn’t mean the world of soccer comes to a halt. It also doesn’t mean we stop talking soccer at www.glenndavissoccer.com
It’s an appropriate time to talk about American players in the English Premier League this past weekend.
Who would have thought that an English Premier League game would feature four American players but that is exactly what happened in London yesterday.
Brian McBride, Carlos Bocanegra all started for Fulham with McBride getting the game winner(his 10th) in the 73rd minute to knock off Newcastle 2-1. Clint Dempsey also came off the bench for Fulham while Oguchi Onyewu recently loaned to Newcastle played for the Northern English squad.
Pretty amazing to think that four American players would play a part in the world’s best league with historic clubs. Fulham manager Chris Coleman certainly has respect for the American player and stated that he wished McBride was five years younger. McBride is revered by the Fulham fans for his professionalism, toughness, dependability and integrity as a player. It’s too bad media doesn’t jump on stories like McBride more.
I would expect that Tim Howard would get the start against Mexico this Wednesday for the U.S. National team. If his weekend form is any indication he will be tought to beat. Howard came up with some sparkling saves against Liverpool in their ‘derby’ that ended 0-0 and earned him his tenth Premier League Shutout. Lets hope that form carries over against Mexico for the player that should inherit the number one mantle in goal for the U.S.
Tottenham Hotspur learned a lesson that against a team like Manchester United you have to produce goals during your best periods. Playing United even during the first half Tottenham were victimized by a penalty (controversial and fortunate) on the stroke of halftime by Cristiano Ronaldo and then on the other side of halftime got stuck by an early Vidic second half goal that put it beyond reach at White Hart Lane.
The final 4-0 with vets Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs adding to the scoreline.

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin VanderSar had to leave the game late after getting hit in the face and was replaced by Nick O’Shea. O’Shea preserved the shutout with a late breakaway save on Robbie Keane of Spurs.
IT was funny to see both Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs all smiles on the Manchester United bench after O’Shea came up with the save against Keane.
Speaking of Giggs…..what more can you say about the Welshman who has performed at an amazing level for 15 years for United and continues to produce amazing soccer.
Since I am rambling on I had the chance to speak to Ricardo Clark via phone two days ago and he made it clear that the U.S. is up for Wednesday’s game against Mexico. Ricardo not looking ahead did not want to adopt the attitude of thinking that he would get the start against Mexico in midfield because he had against Denmark. Heady thinking from the young Dynamo midfielder who also expressed excitment about the upcoming MLS season and the Dynamo international slate in the coming year. Circle that July date against Club America in the Superliga tournament.
Don’t forget to join me for the Soccer Hour this Tuesday at 7pm on 790AM Radio the Sports Animal.
Glenn