AMSTERDAM — It was a heavy and entertaining card for American Exports on Sunday, with Rangers newcomer Carlos Bocanegra ending up among the stars in his first Old Firm derby, a 4-2 rally win over archrivals Celtic at Ibrox.
With fellow US international Maurice Edu also pitching in 90 fine minutes, the Light Blues won their sixth straight SPL game to move four points clear at the top. The home side trailed at the break, but won the day thanks to second-half strikes from Nikica Jelavić, Kyle Lafferty and Steven Naismith.
Next door in England's Premier League, Brad Friedel needed just one save to beat his old employers as dominating Tottenham scored a 4-0 White Hart Lane victory over Liverpool. The former USMNT hero now has consecutive clean sheet wins and Spurs are up to 11th.
Clint Dempsey notched an assist and went close to scoring himself four times in Fulham's 2-2 draw with Manchester City. The winless Cottagers fought back from two down at the break to deal the visitors their first tie of the season.
Dempsey helped get the home rally started, with Bobby Zamora curling home the American's entry pass on 55 minutes. His best attempt on goal of the day came shortly after, when City netminder Joe Hart had to be on his toes to turn Deuce's rocket header over the bar.
Over in Serie A, Michael Bradley made his Chievo debut with 18 solid minutes in a 2-1 loss at Parma.
Heading to the Eredivisie, Jozy Altidore put in 57 strong minutes as AZ Alkmaar climbed into a first place tie by topping host RKC Waalwijk 2-1.
In Belgian Jupiler League action, Sacha Kljestan and Anderlecht knocked defending champs Gent off the summit with a 1-0 away decision. The victory vaulted Les Mauves to the top for the first time this season.
Up north in Denmark's SAS Liga, Michael Parkhurst worked a very active two-way shift at right back as FC Nordsjælland grabbed second place with a 2-0 win over Clarence Goodson's Brøndby. The Wild Tigers have now won three straight and four of five.
Chris Rolfe went 64 decent minutes as Aalborg BK slipped from second to fourth with a 2-0 defeat at unbeaten champs FC Copenhagen. The former Chicago Fire ace departed with the game scoreless, having twice threatened to open in the first half. However, the Lions roared late with two goals in the final eight minutes to open up a nine-point league lead through nine games.
SønderjyskE playmaker Conor O'Brien got a run at forward in their 2-0 loss at FC Midtjylland. The New York native notched three shots on goal in his 75 minutes.
Meanwhile, in the Bundesliga, Steve Cherundolo was given the day off to watch Hannover 96 rally late for a 2-1 victory over Bundesliga holders Borussia Dortmund.
Finally, Tony Taylor scored on his Atlético CP debut, helping the leaders of the Portuguese second division to a 3-0 win over Trofense. The right winger, who capped off a counter attack four minutes before halftime, eventually departed in the 84th minute.
