AMSTERDAM — Several Americans clocked in overseas on Sunday, with Clint Dempsey one fingertip-save away from nicking a last-gasp winner in Fulham's 1-1 draw with Blackburn.
The US star's curler from 20 yards was tipped around by Rovers netminder Paul Robinson near time. The Cottagers are winless and mired in 18th place through four EPL games.
Down in the Championship, Jonathan Spector went this distance in midfield as Birmingham City climbed 11 spots to 12th by topping guests Millwall, 3-0.
Elsewhere, Timothy Chandler put in a solid shift as FC Nürnberg climbed to seventh in the Bundesliga with a wild 2-1 decision at FC Cologne. A pair of Timmy Simons spot kicks won out on a day when both teams finished at 10 men.
It was opening day in Serie A, where Michael Bradley did not feature as 10-man Chievo leaked late to settle for a 2-2 draw with visiting risers Novara. The US international was warming up for his club debut when Gennaro Sardo was sent off on 72 minutes, forcing the hosts to spend their final sub on a defender.
Over in the heat of the Norwegian title race, second-half sub Josh Gatt and Tippeligaen leaders Molde FK could only move six points clear after allowing a late 2-2 equalizer to 10-man Brann. The American winger, who had started seven straight, came on for the final 22 minutes.
Jupiler League action saw Sacha Kljestan and fourth place Anderlecht stay within reach of the top with a 2-0 victory over Kortrijk. The former Chivas USA ace drew a fine save from distance midway through the opening period and saw yellow 15 minutes from time.
Finally, Eugene Starikov returned from injury to work the second half of Tom Tomsk's 2-0 loss at Krylya Sovetov. The 14th-place visitors have now dropped five of six winless games.
