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U.S. men's schedule, results
Keller provides heroics, but Spurs still suffer fatal 2-0 loss to Manchester City.
Lewis shines again, leading North End past Sheffield United 2-0.
Friedel leads Rovers to 1-0 decision over Charlton in more ways than one.
Keller boots Tottenham to past Birmingham City 2-1; Friedel has easy time.
Lewis continues strong play, assists late goal to give Preston a 1-1 draw with Portsmouth.
On separate continents in disparate leagues, American goalkeepers shine in shutouts.
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Americans Abroad Friedel is named to English Premier League's "Best 11."LONDON (Monday, April 28, 2003) -- Brad Friedel became the first American picked for the English Premier League "Team of the Year" when he was voted the top goalkeeper by his fellow players. "I'm no longer thought of as a foreigner in this league, which is an achievement in itself," said Friedel, the starter for the United States men in their run to the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals. "I think it's fantastic for U.S. Soccer that any player can be named in a best 11 for a league in Europe. Regardless of who it is, it only adds to the perception that the United States is producing quality footballers." Friedel, 31, led Blackburn to the 2002 Football League Cup, then earned international notoriety when he became one of only two men to save two penalty kicks at a World Cup. He was named 2002 U.S. Soccer Chevy "Male Athlete of the Year." "I don't play this game for individual awards, but when they do come around, it's very nice and you have to accept them humbly,'' Friedel said. "This award means more than most because fellow players are the ones that do the voting.'' The Bay Village, Ohio, native, who has acquired a British accent, has 15 shutouts this season for Rovers who are seventh in the Premier League and still alive in the battle for a berth in next season's UEFA Cup. He helped Blackburn upset Manchester United and Arsenal, the top two teams in the league. "It's been a very good year, there's no doubt about it," Friedel said. "Right now, we're focused on trying to qualify for the UEFA Cup. We've distanced ourselves from the teams below us and now we're chasing Everton. For a club of our size to be able to qualify for Europe through league play would be quite an accomplishment." In voting by the Professional Footballers Association, Arsenal striker Thierry Henry was named "Player of the Year" and Newcastle United midfielder Jermaine Jenas was selected "Young Player of the Year." The English Premier League "Team of the Year:" Goalkeeper: Brad Friedel (Blackburn Rovers)
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