A bleak day for Americans playing in Europe

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With one lone exception, it was not a good day for Americans playing top-flight soccer in Europe. Only six got on the field at all, only five played a full game, and only one emerged a winner. Here’s the breakdown:

ENGLAND

Tim Howard: Played all 90 minutes and earned the shutout in Everton’s 1-0 win at Portsmouth.

Brad Friedel: Played all 90 minutes in Aston Villa’s 2-1 loss at Blackburn Rovers.

Brad Guzan: On the bench as Friedel’s backup for Aston Villa.

Jozy Altidore: Came on for the final seven minutes for Hull City in its 6-1 loss at Liverpool.

Clint Dempsey: Played all 90 minutes in Fulham’s 1-0 home loss to Arsenal.

Eddie Johnson: Not selected for Fulham’s 18-man roster.

FRANCE

Charlie Davies: Played all 90 minutes in Sochaux’s 2-1 loss at AS Nancy Lorraine.

GERMANY

Steve Cherundolo: Played all 90 minutes in Hannover 96’s 4-2 loss at defending Bundesliga champion VfL Wolfsburg.

Sal Zizzo: Not selected for Hannover 96’s 18-man roster.

Jermaine Jones: Injured, did not play, in Schalke 04’s 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund.

SCOTLAND

Maurice Edu: Injured, did not play, in Rangers’ 0-0 tie at Motherwell.

DaMarcus Beasley: Not selected for Rangers’ 18-man roster.

-- Grahame L. Jones