Americans Abroad

With Mathis absent, Cherundolo helps Hannover 96 defeat Hansa Rostock 3-1.

(Thursday, October 7, 2004) -- Hannover 96 had only half of its American contingent when it soundly defeated host Hansa Rostock 3-1 Saturday removing, for the time being, some of the heat off the club, players and coach Ewald Lienen.

United States striker\midfielder Clint Mathis was absent, traveling to Washington D.C. to join manager Bruce Arena's training camp in preparation of the two upcoming U.S. World Cup qualifiers. Steve Cherundolo was not called in and wore the Hannover captain's armband, going the distance and helping to anchor an outstanding defensive effort.

Rostock's lone goal came in the 88th minute, long after the game had been decided.

Leandro Fonseca, Tranquillo Barnetta and Daniel Stendel scored in the 14th, 23rd and 85th minutes, respectively, for Hannover. Leandro's goal, which came off of a free kick, potentially could have been waved off as the striker's hand was clearly in play on television replays. Nonetheless, Hannover's victory was decisive.

Hannover (2-3-2, 8 points) moved from last in German 1Bundesliga to 10th place. With World Cup qualifiers around the globe this weekend and next Wednesday, the first and second Bundesligen are off until October 16 when Hannover hosts top-of-the table VfL Wolfsburg (6-1, 18).

Newly-promoted FSV Mainz, with U.S. striker Conor Casey, continued its improbable run in Germany's top flight with a 2-1 road victory against SC Freiburg.

As has been the case many times for Mainz early this season, the club was able to score late, with Marco Rose finding net with the winner two minutes into stoppage time

After Fabian Gerber scored for Mainz in the 22nd minute, Freiburg increasingly took control of the game, especially in the second half, and was able draw even on a tally by Levan Tskitishvili in the 69th minute. Freiburg continued to push forward for the victory with Mainz left to playing defensively, hoping to score off a counterattack which materialized in extra time.

Casey, who later left to join the U.S. camp, entered the game in the 68th minute, a minute before Freiburg drew even. He distributed the ball well from the midfield, but had no serious chances in front of the goal. He was, however, part of the combination that led to the winning goal.

Mainz (3-1-3, 12) is in fifth place, even on points with reigning 1Bundesliga champion Werder Bremen which Mainz will host October 16

Cottbus showed the ability to compete on two-thirds of the field, but was never able to put Fürth under pressure with a final, dangerous pass into the Fürth box. Berhalter, who traveled to Washington after the game, put in 90 minutes in central defense and picked up a yellow card.

In a nationally-televised night game September 27, Berhalter started in a 1-1 draw with visiting 1860 Munich.

Each team controlled a half with 1860's goal coming in the 31st minute after a defensive mistake. Cottbus scored in the 73rd minute when Michael Thurk brilliantly knocked down a cross with his chest before dribbling around the last defender and shooting past the keeper from 11 yards out.

Berhalter, who is looking better and better in central defense after his long recovery from facial injuries, put in 90 minutes as the captain.

Cottbus (2-2-3, 9) is even on points with Munich (2-2-3) in 10th place. Despite the recent string of poor results, Cottbus, which will be at home October 16 against LR Ahlen, is only four points away from third place, the last promotion spot,

American striker John van Buskirk finally saw action for Rot-Weiss Erfurt Friday night, but did not enter until the 62nd minute with his team was down 2-0 en route to a 4-0 loss to host SpVgg Unterhaching.

Erfurt (1-2-4,7) is in 14th place, one spot above the relegation zone with its next outing October 16 at home against Erzgebirge Aue.

Harris King, an American from South Carolina, has lived in Germany for five years. He is a Business English lecturer at the University of Bamberg. E-mail Harris King.