Americans Abroad: Breaking Down the US Performances in Europe

It was an interesting week for Americans plying try trade abroad. With the games coming fast and furious, there was no shortage of action.

Some players have found themselves trying to help their respective clubs into the European places, while others are fending off relegation. A few are even angling for moves to bigger clubs come this summer.

With places in Jurgen Klinnsman's squad at a premium for this summer's World Cup qualifiers, this is the last chance players have to impress the manager. The German will certainly have some interesting decisions to make.

Here is a look at some of the American performances from Europe.  

Jozy Altidore Stars for AZ Alkmaar

It was a big week for Jozy Altidore, who banged in three goals for AZ Alkmaar. The goals took his tally to 21 this season for the Dutch club.

Altidore scored a brace against FC Twente in a 2-2 draw on Wednesday before scoring a beauty against PSV during the weekend. If you have not seen the goal, check out the video.

However, some slapstick defending cost AZ, and the team lost 3-2 to PSV, ending the club's hopes of catching Ajax in the race for the Eredivisie. AZ currently sit in second on goal differential but must regroup, as only one point separates them from sixth place.

It would be a big drop for AZ, as second place would seal a spot in the Champions League while a fifth- or sixth-place finish would put them into the playoff for Holland's final Europa League spot.

For Altidore, this has been a great season that has seen him rediscover his scoring touch. The only downside is that scoring in the Eredivisie is about as hard as blinking. 

Jermaine Jones Struggles as Schalke 04 Lose to Nurnberg

Jermaine Jones returned to the Schalke 04 lineup after serving a one-match ban on Wednesday, but he was unable to help his team overcome Nurnberg. 

Schalke were crushed 4-1 and Jones had a rather poor performance. He picked up an early yellow card and was lucky not be sent off after another questionable tackle in the second half. He was eventually substituted after 63 minutes.

It would not get much better for Jones on Saturday, as Schalke would lose to champions-elect Borussia Dortmund 2-1. It was a disappointing Revierderby for Jones, who also picked up his second yellow card of the week. He did manage to play the full 90 minutes. 

Tim Howard and Brad Fridel Bow out in FA Cup Semifinals

The weekend started with two American keepers in the FA Cup semifinals and ended with zero progressing in the competition.

Tim Howard took his place between the sticks for Everton as the Merseyside Derby made its way to Wembley. 

Everton took a first-half lead but could not maintain it, as Luis Suarez and, astonishingly enough, Andy Carroll got on the scoresheet for Liverpool.

Howard could have done little on either goal and a made a few saves during the match.

Brad Fridel was on the bench for Tottenham Hotspur as they lost 5-1 to Chelsea on Sunday. It was a game filled with controversy for Fridel's backup Carlo Cudicini.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp continued his policy of resting the 40-year old for cup matches, opting to keep Fridel fresh for the club's upcoming league match against QPR.   

Sacha Kljestan Endures Highs and Lows at Anderlecht

The utterly confusing and superfluous Belgium Pro League playoffs continued with two rounds of matches this week.

Anderlecht swept aside KAA Gent on Wednesday 4-1. Kjlestan played the full 90 minutes, contributing a lovely assist for for his side's second goal. The former Chivas midfielder also picked up a booking during the match.

Saturday was not so kind for Kljestan or his team, as they fell to last season's champions KRC Genk at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium. The American was hauled off at halftime, but that did little for the Purple and Whites after the break.

Anderlecht remain in first place in Belgium after the first four playoff rounds. They lead Club Brugge by one point. 

Fabian Johnson Scores Stunner for Hoffenheim in Busy Week

It was a busy week for TSG Hoffenheim and their American duo of Fabian Johnson and Danny Williams, as they looked to keep their faint hopes of Europa League qualification alive.

Wednesday was the highlight for Johnson, who scored a magnificent individual goal against Hamburg. It was the second goal of the season.

Hoffenheim would go on to win the game 4-0, pushing Hamburg even closer to the relegation places. Williams came off the bench for the final five minutes.

Johnson and Williams got the start for Sunday's match against Freiburg. The match ended 0-0, with Williams coming close to breaking the deadlock in the closing stages of the match, but he could not get his shot on target.

Both players played the full 90 minutes for Hoffenheim in what was a fairly dour encounter.