Yesterday, Mr. Davis updated us on the U.S. contingent in England. Today, let’s get caught up on what’s happening with the Yanks das Bundesliga.
And … lets’ go ahead and count these down, five to one:
5. Timothy Chandler, RB, Nurnberg – Yes, Chandler still counts here, though with his national team future still up in the air, we’ll keep him at number five. On Saturday, Chandler was one of Nurnberg’s better players, though the team disappointed with a 2-0 home loss to Stuttgart. After seven points in their first three games, Nurnberg has lost three matches in a row, though Chandler has hardly been the problem, registering a goal mid-week versus Hannover.
4. Jermaine Jones, DM, Schalke – After missing his first match of the year mid-week, Jones was back in Huub Stevens’ starting lineup, his ankle strong enough to reclaim his place along side Roman Neustäder in Schalke’s midfield. Jones lasted 73 minutes, picking up a yellow card shortly before coming off for Marco Höger. Schalke drew at still undefeated Dusseldorf, 2-2.
3. Danny Williams, DM, Hoffenheim – Williams gave a decent if uneven performance. The 23-year-old started deep in Hoffenheim’s 4-2-3-1, picking up a yellow card in his 90 minutes. Reports of paint a picture consistent with the rest of his team: solid defensively, but failing to provide much going forward.
2. Fabian Johnson, LB, Hoffenheim – Johnson continued his strong start to the German season, again proving dangerous down Hoffenheim’s left. The U.S.’s first choice left back was able to ask a couple of questions of Augsberg keeper Mohamed Amsif, though as was the case with his teammates, the chances ultimately came to naught. Hoffenheim played to a disappointing 0-0 at home to Germany’s last place team.
1. Steve Cherundolo, RB, Hannover – Dolo’s team became the latest victim of a resurgent Hamburg, 2-0-1 since reacquiring Rafael van der Vaart. The former Spur was key to the game’s only goal, feeding Artjoms Rudnevs on a 20th minute break that destined Hannover to their second loss in three. Cherundolo, however, had a good game, proving his typical, pesky self. The Hannover captain consistently broke up play down Hamburg’s left and proved problematic when able to break forward.
