Today Was A Great Day For American Soccer Players In Europe

Right now is not a banner time for American soccer players in Europe. There are precious few starters for top-tier European clubs, and many American stars have repopulated MLS rather than try to hack it in the big leagues.

There are a few exceptions to this disappointing trend, and today was the best day for European-based American players in a long time. Let’s start in the EPL, where Geoff Cameron and Stoke beat league leaders Manchester City 2-0. Cameron played the full 90 for Stoke, and held a potent City attack scoreless while also starting plenty of attacks. He moved up from the backline to central midfield, and outclassed City’s Fernando and Fernandinho duo.

However, Fabian Johnson was even more impressive than Cameron in today’s Borussia Mönchengladbach win over Bayern Munich. Bayern have only lost once all season (in the Champion’s League to Arsenal), but Mönchengladbach took them down 3-1, thanks in part to this remarkably easy goal from Johnson.

Johnson has four goals and two assists since the start of November, and has been playing the best soccer of his life since Jürgen Klinsmann sent him away from the USMNT in October.

Meanwhile, fellow exile John Brooks headed home the winner against Bayer Leverkusen. It was a very similar goal to the dagger he beat Ghana with in the World Cup.

Throw in Brad Guzan somehow scrounging up a point for terrible Aston Villa and DeAndre Yedlin still holding down a starting spot with Sunderland and it was as good of a day as Americans have had for a long time over on the continent. That is, until Bob Bradley wins the UCL with Le Havre next year.

Photo via Getty