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U.S. men's schedule, results
Sanneh to undergo procedure for ailing back; Gibbs breaks ribs.
Americans shine in England while U.S. men come up short against Argentina.
McBride continues to spark Everton rise to top of Premier League table.
Rovers, Friedel rally to remain in FA Cup; O'Brien remains injured.
Sanneh courtship with West Brom is over after exchange of barbs.
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Americans Abroad Hahnemann, Berhalter are central to Reading, Cottbus victories.By Robert Wagman (in Washington, D.C.)
(Sunday, February 16, 2003) -- With the FA Cup's fourth round being played in England, and a very light schedule in Germany and France, few Americans played this weekend in Europe. Two that did, goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann in England and defender Gregg Berhalter in Germany, both had outstanding matches. Hahnemann was at the top of his game in goal for Reading which shut out Millwall 2-0 in England's First Division. He made three outstanding saves in the match to preserve the clean sheet. In the 22nd minute, Hahnemann produced a brilliant save to tip David Livermore's powerful header around the post. In the 62nd minute, Kevin Braniff triggered an overhead kick that seemed destined for net, but Hahnemann also turned it around the post. Late, he stopped Steven Reid's point-blank shot. Reading (16-11-4, 52 points) climbed into a third-place tie with Sheffield United (15-7-7) and strengthened its position to qualify for the promotion tournament at season's end. In the German Bundesliga, Energie Cottbus climbed out of last place, led by Berhalter's solid play at center back in a 3-0 shocker over Hannover 96. The defense made the difference until Cottbus recorded three goals in the final 16 minutes. Berhalter has earned praise in the German media with his play since the winter break and has become the focal point of the Cottbus defense that is central to the club's recent success. St. Pauli defender Cory Gibbs is sidelined with broken ribs and Hannover's striker Conor Casey is playing with the reserve team as he regains fitness from his serious preseason knee injury.
Robert Wagman is a SoccerTimes senior correspondent and can be
e-mailed at bobwagman@soccertimes.com.
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