EPL Yanks: Oct. 3, 2006

Blackburn Rovers 2 – 1 Wigan Athletic

Brad Friedel played the first half for Rovers, but a groin injury forced him to sit out the second half. With the international break looming, Blackburn is hopeful that Friedel will not miss any additional time with the injury.

West Ham United 0 – 1 Reading

Jonathan Spector made his home debut for the Hammers and played the enitre match. Bobby Convey had an assist on a free kick which I believe is Convey’s 4th assist of the season. (I’ll double check that, but the EPL doesn’t keep official track of assists). Marcus Hahnemann posted yet another clean sheet for surprising Reading.

Everton 1 – 1 Manchester City

Tim Howard played a good match for Everton but was beat in the dying seconds by a spectacular Micah Richards goal. DeMarcus Beasley entered the match in the 66th minute and made an instant impact drawing a free kick at the top of the penalty area. Beasley was effective pushing the ball down the left flank, but made some errand passes and seemed scared to shoot. Claudio Reyna entered the game for City in the 73rd minute and had a solid match.

Watford 3 – 3 Fulham

Brian McBride scored a goal for Fulham in this exiciting 3-3 draw at Vicarage Road. Jay DeMerit went the full 90 minutes for Watford but didn’t have his best game at the back as Watford’s defense looked disorganized at times. Carlos Bocanegra worked the first 53 minutes in a holding midfield role, something the next US coach should consider when placing Bocanegra in the squad.