ASN 100 Update
ASN 100 Update: Parkhurst Receives Rude Welcome
Michael Parkhurst made his Bundesliga debut Saturday, and promptly received a boot to the face. In other ASN 100 news, Steve Cherundolo is on the mend while Brad Guzan continues to shine.
Clint Dempsey—ASN rank #2
After the scoring the lone goal for the U.S. in its 2-1 loss to Honduras on Wednesday, Dempsey returned to action for Tottenham on Saturday, playing 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory over Newcastle. Dempsey looked lively early, drawing a free kick in the fifth minute that Gareth Bale converted for the game’s opening goal. The win keeps Spurs in the top four, but both Arsenal and Everton are still within striking distance of the final Champions league berth. Steve Cherundolo—ASN rank #7
The U.S. veteran will miss up to three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his ailing knee. The 33-year old right back has not featured for Hannover since the Bundesliga returned from its winter break, missing three league games for the club. The club is hopeful Cherundolo can return to training in early March, however that timetable leaves his participation in March’s World Cup qualifiers in question. Brad Guzan—ASN rank #15
Although there has been little reason to celebrate at Villa Park this season, the performance of Brad Guzan continues to be a bright spot for supporters. On Sunday, Guzan went 90 minutes in goal as the Villains defeated West Ham, 2-1, picking up its first league win since December 15. Fresh off a trip to Honduras, Guzan made five saves including two huge reaction stops in the game’s final minute to preserve the win. With the three points, Aston Villa climbed out of the bottom three after Reading, Wigan, and Queens Park Rangers all lost at the weekend. Eric Lichaj did not make the game day roster for Aston Villa. Michael Parkhurst—ASN rank #19
On Saturday the former Nordsjaelland defender saw his first minutes in the German top flight since signing with Augsburg in December. Following an injury, Parkhurst was subbed in, playing 47 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Mainz. Only minutes after entering, Parkhurst was on the receiving end of a raised boot to the face, courtesy of American-eligible Mainz forward Shawn Parker (who was sent off with a red card). Augsburg dominated the remainder of the match, but couldn’t come away with 3 points. Augsburg remains in the relegation zone and is currently nine points from safety. Mix Diskerud—ASN rank #33
Although Diskerud is currently training with Rosenborg, it is still not a certainty that that the 22-year old will re-sign with the Norwegian club. Reports on Sunday detailed that there are still several offers on the table from teams in the Norwegian, Ukrainian, and Russian leagues. Although one might assume Rosenborg is a favorite to retain his services, Diskerud has yet to commit, wanting to absorb the system of Rosenborg’s new manager before making a decision. He is expected to sign—somewhere—next week. DaMarcus Beasley—ASN rank #57
The Puebla winger opened his Clausura account in impressive fashion on Saturday, playing 33 minutes and scoring two goals in a 3-1 victory over San Luis. In the 81st minute, Beasley chested down a cross inside the box and netted the game winner off an unbalanced half-volley from a difficult angle. Seven minutes later, off a counter attack, the 30-year old added an insurance goal with right footed blast just inside the 18-yard box. The win keeps Puebla in sixth place in a competitive Liga MX table. Fellow American Michael Orozco Fiscal started and played 90 minutes for Puebla in defense. Kenny Cooper—ASN rank #61
The New York Red Bulls continued their offseason roster overhaul last week, sending forward Kenny Cooper to FC Dallas in exchange for an undisclosed amount of allocation money. With the move, the former All-Star—and MLS's second-leading scorer in 2012 with 19 goals—makes his return to the club that drafted him in 2006. After losing Brek Shea to Stoke City, the move may end up being the steal of the MLS offseason for Dallas, who now have a revamped attacking corps after struggling to find the back of the net down the stretch in 2012. John Anthony Brooks—ASN rank #74
Although he was called to the German U-20 training camp last week, Brooks did not make the game day roster for a midweek friendly against Italy, which Germany won 2-1. There is still the possibility Brooks joins the U.S. U-20 team for the CONCACAF Championships, but if not Brooks should be in the Hertha Berlin lineup Monday when it takes on Union Berlin. Brooks’ international situation is precarious at the moment: Although he has stated the U.S. is his first choice, recently a German youth coach mentioned Brooks as someone who could possibly join Germany for the U-21 Euros in the summer. Conor O'Brien—ASN rank #79
The New York native played his first minutes for new club Nordsjaelland on Sunday, coming off the bench during a 3-2 preseason loss to Aalesund. Since signing for the club as a free transfer from Sonderjyske, O’Brien is anxious to prove himself both at his new club and with the U.S. national team. In a video posted on the Nordsjaelland website, O’Brien commented on his national team aspirations, saying, “Seeing how professional this club is, I think the national team has to take notice of me while I’m here.” Andrew Wooten—ASN rank #91
Former U-23 forward Wooten recorded another start this weekend for 2.Bundesliga side Sandhausen, picking up an assist and drawing a penalty in a 4-1 demolition of St. Pauli. Sandhausen dominated the match, scoring three goals in the first half, including one off a 29th-minute penalty drawn by Wooten. Wooten assisted on the squad’s final goal shortly after half time, sealing the victory for the home side. Despite the win, Sandhausen remains in the bottom three of the German second division. Current U-23 winger Joe Gyau was an unused substitute for St. Pauli. QUICK NOTES
Both Graham Zusi (#11) and Andrew Wenger (#91) scored in a preseason match between Sporting KC and Montreal Impact. Montreal took the victory 2-1. Jose Torres (#28) has quietly carved out a starting spot for U.A.N.L. Tigres, which defeated Toluca 4-1 on Sunday. Tigres are currently sitting atop the Liga MX table. Despite the turmoil surrounding AS Roma’s departing manager, Michael Bradley (#1) made his 18th consecutive start for the club in a 3-1 loss to Sampdoria. Jonathan Spector (#44) and Zak Whitbread (#63) remain sidelined with injury for English Championship sides Birmingham City and Leicester, respectively. Josh Deaver is a former academic turned soccer obsessive. Follow him @JoshDeaver for daily updates.
After the scoring the lone goal for the U.S. in its 2-1 loss to Honduras on Wednesday, Dempsey returned to action for Tottenham on Saturday, playing 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory over Newcastle. Dempsey looked lively early, drawing a free kick in the fifth minute that Gareth Bale converted for the game’s opening goal. The win keeps Spurs in the top four, but both Arsenal and Everton are still within striking distance of the final Champions league berth. Steve Cherundolo—ASN rank #7
The U.S. veteran will miss up to three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his ailing knee. The 33-year old right back has not featured for Hannover since the Bundesliga returned from its winter break, missing three league games for the club. The club is hopeful Cherundolo can return to training in early March, however that timetable leaves his participation in March’s World Cup qualifiers in question. Brad Guzan—ASN rank #15
Although there has been little reason to celebrate at Villa Park this season, the performance of Brad Guzan continues to be a bright spot for supporters. On Sunday, Guzan went 90 minutes in goal as the Villains defeated West Ham, 2-1, picking up its first league win since December 15. Fresh off a trip to Honduras, Guzan made five saves including two huge reaction stops in the game’s final minute to preserve the win. With the three points, Aston Villa climbed out of the bottom three after Reading, Wigan, and Queens Park Rangers all lost at the weekend. Eric Lichaj did not make the game day roster for Aston Villa. Michael Parkhurst—ASN rank #19
On Saturday the former Nordsjaelland defender saw his first minutes in the German top flight since signing with Augsburg in December. Following an injury, Parkhurst was subbed in, playing 47 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Mainz. Only minutes after entering, Parkhurst was on the receiving end of a raised boot to the face, courtesy of American-eligible Mainz forward Shawn Parker (who was sent off with a red card). Augsburg dominated the remainder of the match, but couldn’t come away with 3 points. Augsburg remains in the relegation zone and is currently nine points from safety. Mix Diskerud—ASN rank #33
Although Diskerud is currently training with Rosenborg, it is still not a certainty that that the 22-year old will re-sign with the Norwegian club. Reports on Sunday detailed that there are still several offers on the table from teams in the Norwegian, Ukrainian, and Russian leagues. Although one might assume Rosenborg is a favorite to retain his services, Diskerud has yet to commit, wanting to absorb the system of Rosenborg’s new manager before making a decision. He is expected to sign—somewhere—next week. DaMarcus Beasley—ASN rank #57
The Puebla winger opened his Clausura account in impressive fashion on Saturday, playing 33 minutes and scoring two goals in a 3-1 victory over San Luis. In the 81st minute, Beasley chested down a cross inside the box and netted the game winner off an unbalanced half-volley from a difficult angle. Seven minutes later, off a counter attack, the 30-year old added an insurance goal with right footed blast just inside the 18-yard box. The win keeps Puebla in sixth place in a competitive Liga MX table. Fellow American Michael Orozco Fiscal started and played 90 minutes for Puebla in defense. Kenny Cooper—ASN rank #61
The New York Red Bulls continued their offseason roster overhaul last week, sending forward Kenny Cooper to FC Dallas in exchange for an undisclosed amount of allocation money. With the move, the former All-Star—and MLS's second-leading scorer in 2012 with 19 goals—makes his return to the club that drafted him in 2006. After losing Brek Shea to Stoke City, the move may end up being the steal of the MLS offseason for Dallas, who now have a revamped attacking corps after struggling to find the back of the net down the stretch in 2012. John Anthony Brooks—ASN rank #74
Although he was called to the German U-20 training camp last week, Brooks did not make the game day roster for a midweek friendly against Italy, which Germany won 2-1. There is still the possibility Brooks joins the U.S. U-20 team for the CONCACAF Championships, but if not Brooks should be in the Hertha Berlin lineup Monday when it takes on Union Berlin. Brooks’ international situation is precarious at the moment: Although he has stated the U.S. is his first choice, recently a German youth coach mentioned Brooks as someone who could possibly join Germany for the U-21 Euros in the summer. Conor O'Brien—ASN rank #79
The New York native played his first minutes for new club Nordsjaelland on Sunday, coming off the bench during a 3-2 preseason loss to Aalesund. Since signing for the club as a free transfer from Sonderjyske, O’Brien is anxious to prove himself both at his new club and with the U.S. national team. In a video posted on the Nordsjaelland website, O’Brien commented on his national team aspirations, saying, “Seeing how professional this club is, I think the national team has to take notice of me while I’m here.” Andrew Wooten—ASN rank #91
Former U-23 forward Wooten recorded another start this weekend for 2.Bundesliga side Sandhausen, picking up an assist and drawing a penalty in a 4-1 demolition of St. Pauli. Sandhausen dominated the match, scoring three goals in the first half, including one off a 29th-minute penalty drawn by Wooten. Wooten assisted on the squad’s final goal shortly after half time, sealing the victory for the home side. Despite the win, Sandhausen remains in the bottom three of the German second division. Current U-23 winger Joe Gyau was an unused substitute for St. Pauli. QUICK NOTES
Both Graham Zusi (#11) and Andrew Wenger (#91) scored in a preseason match between Sporting KC and Montreal Impact. Montreal took the victory 2-1. Jose Torres (#28) has quietly carved out a starting spot for U.A.N.L. Tigres, which defeated Toluca 4-1 on Sunday. Tigres are currently sitting atop the Liga MX table. Despite the turmoil surrounding AS Roma’s departing manager, Michael Bradley (#1) made his 18th consecutive start for the club in a 3-1 loss to Sampdoria. Jonathan Spector (#44) and Zak Whitbread (#63) remain sidelined with injury for English Championship sides Birmingham City and Leicester, respectively. Josh Deaver is a former academic turned soccer obsessive. Follow him @JoshDeaver for daily updates.
