102414_johannssonaron_isi_usmntjt062914152 John Todd/isiphotos.com
Americans Abroad

The Iceman Returneth; Hyndman, Rubio Face Tests

This weekend, one American could play in the Europe’s best game, two teenagers will have great opportunities to impress, and an American coach can win a title on the Continent. Here are the stories to watch.
BY Brian Sciaretta Posted
October 24, 2014
11:12 AM

Aron Johannsson to return for AZ

AZ Alkmaar hosts Groningen on Saturday in a game that could mark the return of United States national team forward Aron Johannsson. He scored 26 goals in all competitions for AZ Alkmaar in 2013-14, but Johannsson has not played since the American’s World Cup victory over Ghana on June 16. After recovering from ankle and groin surgery, he scored off a penalty for AZ Alkmaar’s reserve team.

Fabian Johnson and Monchengladbach take on Bayern Munich

Fabian Johnson has been battling a nagging Achilles strain recently but if he is fit for Sunday, he will have the opportunity to play in the weekend's best game (yes, bigger than Chelsea-Manchester United). Borussia Monchengladbach, second place in the Bundesliga, host leaders Bayern Munich who are coming off stunning 7-1 win over Roma on the road in the Champions League. Can Monchengladbach do any better at home? The stage is set for Johnson to prove he is the best American player at the moment and deserving the No. 1 spot in the ASN 100.

John Caulfiled to play for the title

It is all on the line for Bronx-native John Caulfield in Ireland who has been a revelation in his first season as Cork City’s coach. The team can win the title in the season’s final game with a win or draw against second place Dundalk on Friday. Caulfield would become the first American coach to lead a team to a title in Europe.

Emerson Hyndman on television

Emerson Hyndham is one of Fulham’s brightest prospects and has been earning consistent minutes this year with the London-based club that is slowly recovering from a disastrous start. On Friday, Fulham hosts Charlton Athletic in a London-derby. The game is on BEin Sport, so here's your chance to watch one of the best American teenagers in action.

Rubio Rubin and Utrecht play PSV Eindhoven

Rubio Rubin is another bright young U.S. star, and he will have perhaps the biggest game in his young career when Utrecht host Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven. Utrecht head coach Rob Alflen praised Rubin ahead of last week’s 3-1 win on the road over Dordrecht. Now he plays against Holland’s best team.

Geoff Cameron to build off a strong return

Geoff Cameron made a very strong return from his hernia surgery last weekend in Stoke City’s 2-1 win over Swansea. The defensive midfielder was 15 for 15 passing and made the defensive interception that led to the winning goal. On Saturday, Stoke City host West Ham United. Cameron should see more minutes and perhaps earn the start.

Jozy Altidore and Sunderland vs. Arsenal

Sunderland is coming off an embarrassing 8-0 loss to Southampton last weekend and whenever teams lose by that margin, coaches tend to make a lot of chances. Altidore has struggled mightily for minutes this season but this weekend will be quite telling in just how bad his situation really is. Expectations are low in a game against Arsenal, and if Gus Poyet is not willing to turn to Altidore after such an embarrassing performance, when will he feature the striker?

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