Keller is solid, helping Tottenham Hotspur to draw, victory; Vanney plays key role getting Bastia to French Cup final; Mathis draws interest in Europe.

Americans Abroad

Reyna’s two goals, all-around play help Sunderland get past Leicester City 2-1, put distance on relegation zone.

(Monday, April 1, 2002) -- If United States midfielder Claudio Reyna needed to justify his $5.7 million transfer fee, he probably did just that this afternoon, scoring twice in the first 18 minutes to lead Sunderland over cellar-dwelling Leicester City in England’s Premier League.

With the victory, Sunderland (10-15-8, 38 points) had its relegation fears eased, climbing into a tie for 14th place with Southampton, five points clear of Ipswich which sits in 18th place, the top of three spots targeted for demotion to the First Division.

Just three minutes had elapsed when collected a poor clearance from the Foxes’ defense and hammered a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Ian Walker from 20 yards to make it 1-0.

Leicester pulled even at 1-1 on a Paul Dickov tally in the ninth minute. Then, in the 18th minute, Reyna blistered a 22-yard free kick into the top corner to put the Wearsiders ahead for good 2-1.

Reyna’s contributions were not limited to his two goals. The American made a key defense stop in the 45th minute and twice made pinpoint passes in the second half, setting up teammates for what should have been a third Sunderland strike. In the 67th minute, Reyna broke in alone on Walker and was taken down harshly in the penalty area, but no foul was called. Finally, Reyna was replaced in the 86th to a fine ovation from the home crowd of 44,950 at the Stadium of Light.

Reyna had one previous goal since joining Sunderland from Glasgow Rangers in December. His three tallies place him third on a team that has found net 26 times in 33 outings. Because he joined Sunderland in midseason and has missed time with injuries, including recent hamstring and ankle woes, Reyna has been limited to 14 games for the Wearsiders.

"Claudio was excellent and, along with Kevin Phillips, did us a massive favor by playing despite injuries," Sunderland manager Peter Reid said. "The crowd were also outstanding."

On Saturday, Reyna did not have much of a day, but he was no worse than his teammates who turned in a dreadful performance in a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of league-leading Arsenal (20-3-9, 69).

In the second minute, a cross from the right by Arensal’s Sylvain Wiltord went to Paul Thirwell. After holding the ball and seeing he had no outlet, Thirwell mishit a backpass to keeper Thomas Sorensen. It was intercepted by Patrick Vieira who blasted it past Sorensen from close range for a 1-0 advantage.

Dennis Bergkamp made it 2-0 two minutes later with Sylvain Wiltord increasing the lead to three in the 30th minute.

Reyna nearly scored in the 54th minute when he received a pass at the top of the box. With two defenders hanging on him, he triggered a powerful shot that was saved by Arsenal keeper David Seaman with a superb diving parry, the closest Sunderland came to scoring.

Despite Sunderland’s struggles, Reyna has enjoyed his time thus far in northeast England. "I felt very welcomed when I arrived," he said. Saturday. "We have a great stadium and great fans. It’s been a bit of a struggle, but it’s the Premiership and that can be expected. Week in and week out, it’s a struggle, but that’s what it’s about playing in a league like that. In Sunderland, they are really crazy about soccer so it’s nice to be a part of that and in an area where they love the team."

Robert Wagman contributed to this report.

Gary Davidson is managing editor of SoccerTimes and can be e-mailed at editor@soccertimes.com.