Americans Abroad

Friedel to miss end of season with groin injury.

After starting the first 36 games of the Premier League season, Brad Friedel is expected the miss the last two outings with a groin injury -- Blackburn Rovers web site photo --

BLACKBURN, England (Thursday, May 6, 2004) -- United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel is expected to miss the Blackburn Rovers' final two games of the English Premier League season because of a groin injury, the club announced today.

Friedel was hurt literally on his last kick of Saturday's 1-0 victory over Manchester United, the team reported.

Peter Enckelman should make his first-team debut Saturday when Rovers play host Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane Saturday.

Friedel, popular with fans and management, was named the Premier League's top goalkeeper for the 2002-03 season, leading Rovers to a sixth-place finish at 16-10-12 with 60 points.

This season, Friedel started the first 36 Premier League games with a 1.58 goals-against average and eight shutouts. Including two UEFA Cup matches, one FA Cup appearance and one League Cup outing, Friedel had a 1.73 goals against average for struggling Rovers.

Rovers (12-17-7, 43) have battled to avoid relegation all season, escaping by winning its last three matches with 1-0 shutouts. Blackburn was eliminated in the first round of all three Cup competitions.