UEFA Cup: Bradley scores twice in Heerenveen rout

   

U.S. national team midfielder Michael Bradley scored the first goal and last goal in Heerenveen's 5-3 rout against Henrik Larsson's Helsingborg in UEFA Cup action on Thursday. Bradley, who also scored in Heerenveen's league win last week, netted his second goal in a week in the 20th minute before adding an insurance goal in the 61st minute. Larsson scored twice for Helsingborg

Here is how the rest of the Americans did, or didn't do, in Thursday's UEFA Cup action:

• Larissa 2, Blackburn 0. Brad Friedel played 90 minutes in the loss.
• Zenit St. Petersburg 2, Standard Liege 0. Oguchi Onyewu played 90 minutes in the loss
• Hammarby 2, Braga 1. Charlie Davies did not dress for Hammarby
• Heerenveen 5, Helsingborg 3. Michael Bradley scores two goals and played 72 minutes.
• Everton 1, FC Metalist Khark 0. Tim Howard did not dress for Everton.
• Sampdoria 2, AaB 2. Danny Califf started and played 90 minutes for AaB. Gabriel Ferrari did not dress for Sampdoria.

Here are the rest of the day's UEFA Cup scores.

What do you think of Bradley's performance today and the rest of the UEFA Cup action? Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[Tony M]

Obvious nepotism...

[CD]

It would be nice if the Americans in Europe would get dressed.

[Elliott]

Although I can't find a box score to confirm, bigsoccer is reporting that Danny Califf started for Aalborg BK against Sampdoria.

[dano]

glad to see MB have such a good run of form. hope he keeps it up

[Tom S.]

I never imagined that Bradley would be the player he has become when the Metro drafted him. His growth as a player is amazing. On a side note, we should be sending more of our young kids to the Dutch League to develop.

[Nick]

Nice work Wee Bradley.

[Yossarian]

Interesting. From the games I've seen him play, I didn't see the skill level and touch to be a goal scorer. Maybe his skillset is higher than I thought.

[Lawrence]

Can we round up all the Bradley haters/nepotism criers together in a circle and laugh and point at them?

[Ives]

Califf did start and play 90 minutes against Sampdoria. The AaB team name on ESPN.com threw me off. Thanks for pointing that out.

[kpugs]

Blackburn taken down by the giants from Cyprus!

[rpb]

MB's development is no shocker. He held the central midfield together for the Metros at age 16; without much flair he contributed on a grander scale than Freddy Adu. His size, speed and tenacity is something the US has not had in the central midfield at such a young age.

[Haig]

"MB's development is no shocker. He held the central midfield together for the Metros at age 16; without much flair he contributed on a grander scale than Freddy Adu."

I agree with the second part, but his ability to consistently keep the ball from pressure and find the positive pass has developed to the point where I can't see how he's not a transfer or two away from a very big club.

The one thing I wish he would do is stop with the Chris Armas-style tackles. If the guy is turning from you with the ball, and you continue your tackle, you're going to hear a whistle, maybe even see a yellow card, and if you're in the box, allow a penalty. Armas is a little guy, but Mike isn't, and as Gooch knows, appearances count.

[eric]

Heerenveen (doesn't that always seem like it Has to be too many e's when you type it?!?) highlights:

http://www.footytube.com/

still on the first page as of now, but if it's bumped go to pg 2. looks like Bradley played a lot in the middle of the field - i thought i remember reading they were playing him a lot out on the RW?

[YankatOxford]

Bradley has played pretty consistently as a CMF for Heerenveen. I watched this match live over the net, and he was easily the 2nd best player on the pitch (until he committed yet another foul in the box). The always impressive Henrik Larsson carried the Swedish side Helsingborg.

[madison]

yeah, he gave up another penalty.

reckless one, too. slide tackles in the box are serious business.

[emanon]

more on M. Bradley

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2007-09-18-2376743410_x.htm

[Sanjeev Dev]

When I saw H. Larrson on the scoresheet for Helsinborg, I did a double take. I forgot the former Celtic legend is playing for his hometown club back in Sweden.

Way to go Michael B!

[YankatOxford]

Larsson is probably the most underrated football player of the most 15 years. He is simply a beast. Doesn't matter if its Celtic for years, Barca, Man U, Helsingborg, or the team at your club field, the man will score goals. And he will look badass while doing it. He oozes class.

[Andrew]

dear michael bradley,

i apologize for dissing you before the USA vs. Brazil match and saying that you shouldnt be given any more USMNT playing time till the next WC cycle. you played great that game and you've been playing great for Heeeerenveeeen. Keep it up.

Sincerely,
Andrew

there, im no MB hater anymore

[Sanjeev Dev]

As an Arsenal fan, I know all too well about Larsson. In the Champions League final a couple of years ago, the Gunners were 13 mins from the title. He came on and made all the difference. True great.

[Adam]

Bradley and Dempsey are hot this year. Let's hope their form continues into qualifiers.

[LAJames]

This is great news. I hope he continues his development in the offensive area and learns to tackle judiciously. If Bradley continues at this pace as well as Dempsey, Feilhaber gets quality playing time at Derby, and Jozy finally takes his spot up top; we have the makings of a fairly formidable USMNT.

My two greatest wishes prior to 2010:

1) A qaulity center back steps from the shadows to make the starting 11

2) Somewhere, somehow, a player with great technique and playmaking ability joins the starting 11 in the midfield.

[Mark]

After watching Lil' Bradley in the U-20s when it seemed he had the shot of a 8 year old, I'm happy to see that he's raise his game a little bit. Will be nice to have guys in central midfield like him, Benny and Rico who can move from destroyer to creator relatively easily.

[Mark]

One other note; does anyone know if Lalas and MLS included some sort of sell-on clause for Lil' Bradley? If he continues to get playing time and can perform at this level, it'd be nice if MLS and Red Bull could benefit from his growth as a player by getting a little frog.

[FP from the Left Coast]

http://www.footytube.com/2007/09/20/heerenveen-5-3-helsingborg/

The 2nd goal with the left foot...is inspiring...however, as telling of his weakness the foul in the penalty area that follows...

However, he is developing very well in the Dutch league, and should provide a roadmap for many more to follow.