Americans Abroad

Keller, 'Gladbach are routed by Bayern Munich in Bundesliga opener.

Kasey Keller

By Robert Wagman (in Washington, D.C.)
SoccerTimes

(Saturday, August 6, 2005) -- United States goalkeeper Kasey Keller and Borussia Mönchengladbach opened the 2005-06 German Bundesliga season on a sour note, falling 3-0 last night to powerful Bayern Munich despite playing a full half with a man advantage.

Bayern opened its new Allianz Arena, built for the World Cup next year.

The home side dominated from the start. Mönchengladbach, with its attack easily stymied by Bayern's stout defense, was kept in the match by Keller and some good defensive plays. Late, as Borussia pushed forward in hopes of leveling the match, it opened space that allowed Bayern striker Roy Makaay to score two late goals.

In the 81st minute, with Bayern holding a narrow 1-0 lead, Borussia hit the goal post. With Mönchengladbach pushing forward seeking the equalizer, Bayern countered quickly. In the 86th minute, Jens Jeremies sent a long pass over the defense. Makaay controlled and advanced alone on Keller who could do little with the striker's clinical finish. Two minutes later, MacKaay finished the scoring on a breakaway.

The two other Americans playing in Germany's first division -- defender Steve Cherundolo of Hannover 96 and striker Conor Casey of FC Mainz -- are injured and out for extended periods of time.

Hannover erased a two-goal deficit to tie visiting Hertha Berlin 2-2. Mainz fell 1-0 on the road when Bjorn Schlicke converted a penalty kick in the 87th minute.

Robert Wagman is a SoccerTimes senior correspondent. E-mail Robert Wagman.