AMSTERDAM — It was another busy Sunday for American Exports in Europe, headlined by a sublime Jozy Altidore strike to cap a 3-0 home victory for Eredivisie leaders AZ Alkmaar against ADO Den Haag.
With seven minutes remaining, the US striker worked a dynamic one-two with Adam Maher before dancing around the 'keeper to slot home. Altidore also had a shot cleared off the line during his 86-minute shift as the Cheese Farmers stayed six points above the Dutch crowd.
Elsewhere, English Premier League action saw Brad Friedel steal the show with 13 saves as Tottenham Hotspur kept pace with the top four by downing Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage.
Clint Dempsey did all he could to help the home side dominate play, forcing four close-range saves from his compatriot and having another pair of efforts blocked off the line — including one head-shaker of each variety in stoppage time. Friedel and Spurs now have won six out of an unbeaten seven, while the Cottagers slipped to 16th place.
Down in the Championship, Jonathan Spector picked up a yellow card at right back in Birmingham City's tough 1-0 loss at Reading.
Meanwhile in Serie A, Michael Bradley and Chievo got well with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over visiting Fiorentina. By snapping a three-game losing streak, the hosts hopped up to 14th place.
Over in the Bundesliga, Jermaine Jones saw yellow for the third straight round as Schalke slipped from second to fifth with a 2-2 share at Hannover 96. Reds skipper Steve Cherundolo watched on from the dugout as his side nudged up to sixth despite leaking a late equalizer.
One league below in the 2.Bundesliga, Matt Taylor entered a scoreless game in the 67th minute and proceeded to notch an assist on the insurance tally as promotion hunters Paderborn scored a 2-0 win at Energie Cottbus.
Heading to Belgium, Sacha Kljetsan and Anderlecht had their league lead trimmed to three points by a last-gasp 1-0 Cercle Brugge winner. The former Chivas USA man went close in the first half by firing a long free kick just over.
In Denmark's SAS Liga, Michael Parkhurst and FC Nordsjælland reclaimed second place with a 2-0 victory at basement side HB Køge. Brad Rusin matched his countryman by going the distance in defense for the beaten home side, drawing a yellow card along the way.
Clarence Goodson and Brøndby remain winless in four after holding hosts Odense BK to a scoreless draw. Though they still stand just three points above the danger zone, the Lads from the Western Outskirts did post their first road clean sheet since August 21.
