With another weekend of soccer drawing close, Americans across Europe will have their chances to shine.
AZ Alkmaar forward Aron Johansson hasn’t suited up for the United States national team since the World Cup this summer, but as of late, the forward has been making a bit of noise overseas, tallying three goals in his past five matches. AZ and Johansson will face Cambuur Leeuwarden tomorrow.
In his past four games appearing for Stoke City, Geoff Cameron has been used as a substitute, if at all. However, against Everton earlier in the month, the Massachusetts native put in a great effort as Philipp Wollscheid’s replacement. Injury concerns from the Potters’ side may give Cameron the opportunity to crack the starting lineup and prove himself once again versus Crystal Palace.
[RELATED: Cameron’s guide for visiting London]
Coming off a dejecting 3-0 Europa League defeat to Dynamo Kiev and consequent elimination, Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard will now focus on improving his team’s status in the Premier League. At 14th in the league table, the Toffees are striving to finish in the top half, and that push can start with more consistent defensive efforts in front of Howard on Sunday versus QPR.
DeAndre Yedlin, the United States recent young gun, is still far off from making his first team debut for Spurs, according to Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl, as Yedlin will be seriously examined during preseason this summer. Hoping to get back on track in the wake of a 3-0 loss to Manchester United last week, Tottenham will play Leceister City on Saturday.
In England’s second-tier, Nottingham Forest defender Eric Lichaj, an ex-North Carolina Tar Heel, has watched his form improve as his team’s performances have spurred nine out of ten matches without a loss. The Reds will travel to encounter Norwich City tomorrow.
Over to Germany, center back John Brooks will look to put any doubters to rest in Hertha BSC’s fixture against Hamburger SV today. The 21-year-old Brooks featured at the World Cup for the United States and has demonstrated his quality in Germany since then. Although he’s often been noticed playing at a high level, his latest showing in a 2-2 draw vs. Schalke was poor.
OTHERS
Fabian Johnson: Has notched a goal and an assist this month; prepared for clash vs. Bayern Munich on Sunday
Brad Guzan: Aston Villa going for third win in four games and a third consecutive clean sheet against Swansea City
Alejandro Bedoya: May start in Rennes vs. Nantes tomorrow
Timothy Chandler: Held his own as Eintracht Frankfurt managed rare clean sheet last week; face VfB Stuttgart on Saturday