Americans Abroad

Beasley gets relief from Nguyen in PSV 1-0 win over Heracles.

(Tuesday, February 14, 2006) -- United States attacking midfielder DaMarcus Beasley made a strong, if abbreviated performance on the left flank for PSV Eindhoven which strengthened its hold on first place in the Dutch Ededivisie Saturday despite a drab 1-0 decision over visiting SC Heracles Almelo.

Beasley's removal in the 61st minute was notable because his replacement was newly-arrived American Lee Nguyen, making his first appearance for PSV's first team.

Striker Jefferson Farfan found net with a free kick from 20 yards with the decisive goal in the 71st minute.

PSV's best chance in the first half came when Beasley slipped an accurate pass through the Heracles defense to Farfan, whose shot from a sharp angle was well-saved by goalkeeper Martin Pieckenhagen.

Nguyen was warmly received by the home fans, who chanted and sang his first name, and cheered as he attempted several solo runs down the flank.

Eindhoven (19-2-3, 60 points) holds a five point lead over AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord Rotterdam, both 17-3-4. Over the weekend, Alkmaar blanked Sparta Rotterdam 1-0 while Feyenoord drew 3-3 with NAC Breda.

Nguyen also played 90 minutes for Eindhoven's second team in a 0-0 draw with NAC Breda in the Beloftencompetitie, the equivalent of an under-23 league.

U.S. defender Cory Gibbs made his long-awaited return to Dutch soccer when he started and played the first half for Young ADO Den Haag which defeated the Go Ahead Eagles 1-0 in the Beloftencompetitie.

Gibbs, who earned a yellow card before being replaced by Chris Kum, has been recuperating since June knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He was injured in the U.S. men's 2-1 loss to England June 28 in Chicago.

Gibbs was obtained February 1 on loan from Feyenoord Rotterdam.

American midfielder Michael Bradley also made his debut in a youth game in the Beloftencompetitie, scoring a goal and turning in a generally impressive effort for Heerenveen in a 2-2 draw with Heracles.

Bradley was recently transferred to Heerenveen from Major League Soccer's MetroStars.

Mostly, however, Duisburg, which has not won wince October, could not produce much attack despite Mönchengladbach being reduced to 10 men after Eugen Polanski was ejected with a red card in the 64th minute.

Keller, who was beaten by Klemen Lavric in the fourth minute, controlled his area well though the home side did not threaten much. Bo Svensson tied the game at 1-1 for G'ladbach in the 20th minute.

U.S. defender Steve Cherundolo was solid for entire game on the right side of defense for Hannover 96 which extended its 10-match unbeaten steak (4-0-6) with a good 1-0 win Saturday at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Hannover (6-4-11, 29) is tied for sixth place with Borussia Dortmund (7-6-8). Mönchengladbach (6-6-9, 27) is tied for eighth with VfB Stuttgart (5-4-12). Frankfurt (7-10-4, 25) is tied for 10th. Duisburg (3-10-8, 17) sits atop the relegation zone, tied for 16th.

Berhalter had two good chances to score in the first half. In the 27th minue, he was set up and then cut back for a good shot, but his blast was tipped away by the goalkeeper. In the 44th minute, he a rebound opportunity came his way, but shot wide.

Cottbus (9-6-5) is tied for sixth place on points with 32, but has a game in hand on Paderborn (9-7-5). Siegen (5-11-5, 20) is in 14th place.

Robert Wagman is SoccerTimes senior correspondent. E-mail Robert Wagman. Gary Davidson is SoccerTimes managing editor. E-mail Gary Davidson.

Do you have a comment on this story or something to say about soccer in general? Send us a letter.