AMSTERDAM – A pair of Americans rang the bell overseas on Sunday, with Anderlecht midfielder Sacha Kljestan bagging the opener in a wild 4-3 loss at Zulte-Waregem.
In the first meeting between the two since the Mauves edged last season's title with a closing day draw, the US international needed just 16 minutes to break the ice. Slipped in by Dennis Praet, Kljestan made no mistake to claim his third goal in the last four Jupiler League matches.
Eventually reduced to nine men, Anderlecht rallied to level twice in the second half, with Demy De Zeeuw knotting the game at three-a-side in the 77th minute. Kljestan then came close to a potential winner when he fired off the cross bar 10 minutes from time.
When Franck Berrier decided the game for the hosts in stoppage time, the north Brussels side fell two rungs to fourth place.
Over in Austria, Terrence Boyd returned to the line-up with his third goal in four league games this term, a late 1-1 equalizer away to table toppers Red Bull Salzburg.
After seeing yellow in the first half, Boyd leveled matters from close range just past the hour mark. The result kept fifth place Rapid winless in four.
Next door in the Bundesliga, Fabian Johnson was among the Hoffenheim players least at fault for a 6-2 drubbing at derby hosts Stuttgart.
The left back earned an "MLS assist" on his side's first goal, but also failed to cover the back post on Stuttgart's capper. Burned by a hat trick from old ace Vedad Ibišević, the visitors slipped to 11th place with their first defeat of the season.
Turning to Italy's Serie A, Michael Bradley came on for the final 18 minutes to help AS Roma close up shop on a 3-0 blanking of Hellas Verona. Though still perfect through two rounds, the Giallorossi now stand second on goals scored.
Over the border in the Eredivisie, Aron Jóhannsson played the last 20 minutes of AZ Alkmaar's 1-1 home draw against Vitesse. Due to a Jonathan Reis equalizer in the 87th minute, the Cheese Farmers dropped two spots to 11th.
Across the North Sea in England's Premier League, Brad Friedel served as back-up netminder for Tottenham's 1-0 derby defeat at Arsenal.
In Denmark's Superliga, Babajide Ogunbiyi and Viborg had a rough day at the home office in a 4-1 loss to FC Copenhagen. The seventh place Greens meekly surrendered their two-game win streak to the title holders.
Steve Clark notched six saves as Hønefoss clawed back near the death for a 1-1 share at Tromsø. The Michigan native finished the match with an ankle knock, while his club dipped back into the relegation zone.
Finally, Ben Spencer made his debut for Tippeligaen champs Molde FK, providing 15 relief minutes up top to wrap up a 4-0 schooling of guests Vålerenga. The 18-year-old New Mexico native didn't get on the scoresheet.
