AMSTERDAM — It was a hot and cold Sunday for American exports in Europe, highlighted by Sacha Kljestan and Anderlecht remaining seven points clear at the Jupiler League summit with a 3-1 win over visiting Westerlo.
The former Chivas USA man was granted a rare bit of rest, departing in the 79th minute with the Mauves up one. Anderlecht have now won five straight league games at home and nine of the last 10, with at least three goals in each victory.
In Serie A action, a decent shift saw Michael Bradley booked during Chievo's 1-0 victory at Genoa. The Flying Donkeys completed the season sweep and reached 10th place by winning their second away contest of the month.
Along the coastline in Portugal, Oguchi Onyewu was removed near the half hour of Sporting CP's 1-0 victory against Paços Ferreira, which featured a late cameo from erstwhile MLS man Arturo Alvarez. Shortly after going close with a header in the 20th minute, the US defender came off with a right knee complaint.
Heading north for Eredivisie action, Jozy Altidore entered at halftime with all the damage already done as 10-man AZ Alkmaar fell 3-0 at nearby rivals FC Utrecht. The striker rattled the frame with a header 20 minutes from time as the Kaasboeren missed an opportunity to reclaim first place from earlier beaten PSV Eindhoven
In the fifth round of England's FA Cup, Brad Friedel watched on as Tottenham were held to a replay-inducing 0-0 draw at League One battlers Stevenage, which recently hired former Colorado Rapids manager Gary Smith to lead the side.
