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U.S. men's schedule, results
Hobbled Friedel still sensational for Rovers who upset Arsenal 2-1.
Keller, Friedel continue to roll, while Reyna sinks in England.
Walker apparently OK after scary collision in Universidad de Católica goal.
Bayer Leverkusen is considering Donovan recall to revive sagging fortunes.
Keller, Hotspur best Friedel and Rovers 2-1 on fluke goal.
Keller posts shutout despite strained strained calf; Reyna enjoys Sunderland success.
Sanneh, Stewart lead European clubs with key goals for second straight week.
Keller is top-ranked goalkeeper in England's Premier League; Friedel is rated sixth.
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Reyna must wait for diagnosis on potentially serious
knee injury.
Americans Abroad Friedel's solid effort can't prevent Blackburn 1-0 loss to Celtic in UEFA Cup.By Robert Wagman
(Thursday, October 31, 2002) -- United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel turned in a solid effort, but it went for naught when he was beaten in the 85th minute, allowing host Glasgow Celtic to defeat Blackburn Rovers 1-0 in the first leg of a UEFA Cup second round match. Meanwhile, Sunderland of England's Premier League is waiting for the swelling to go down in the left knee of midfielder Claudio Reyna so conclusive testing can be done of the injury he suffered Monday, but the American told Soccer America he believed the ligaments were torn and he'd be out eight months. With five minutes remaining in the so-called "Battle of Britain, a long shot from Alan Thompson was deflected by a defender for a corner kick. Thompson sent the corner to a completely unmarked John Hartsen whose rocket header was nodded off the goal line by Rovers' David Thompson. The ball fell to Henrik Larsson who directed it just beyond Friedel's reach for his 22nd goal, to become Scotland's all-time leading scorer in Europe. Rovers, of the EPL, controlled much of the match, but it was Celtic that started quickly, only to be frustrated by a sharp Friedel. In the 11th minute, he palmed away Stilian Petrov's bullet header, a minute before he stopped Henrik Larsson's header. From that point, through much of the second half, Rovers controlled the midfield and much of the flow of the match, but couldn't produce the important away goal. The return match is in two weeks. For the second match in a row, Friedel played with a brace on his left knee which has cartilage damage. "It's a slight problem with the cartilage, which I've had for quite some time," he told British reporters. "It's inevitable that I will need an operation, but it will not affect my play. It can wait until the end of the season, or can be done if I can get a 10-to-14 day break. I'm comfortable with it, there's no doubt about that." On Saturday, Friedel had a terrific match as Blackburn defeated English champion Arsenal 2-1. Friedel needed treatment on his knee before the match after a piece of cartilage popped loose during warmups. "The trainers had to put it back in place," Friedel explained.
Robert Wagman is a SoccerTimes senior correspondent and can be
e-mailed at bobwagman@soccertimes.com.
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