AMSTERDAM – Several Americans laced up for midweek cup duty on Tuesday, with Brad Friedel backstopping Tottenham Hotspur into the Capital One Cup sweet 16 with a 4-0 cruise past Aston Villa.
The former World Cup hero did not require a single save to extend his Spurs win streak to five and his shutout string to 357 minutes, both of which date back to last season. The 42-year-old Friedel, who received a warm welcome at his former Villa Park stomping grounds, also became the oldest player to ever appear for Tottenham. Former Villa understudy and current No. 1 Brad Guzan went unused by the hosts.
Over at Sunderland, Jozy Altidore worked a threatening 85-minute shift in a 2-0 win over second flight visitors Peterborough.
The US striker carved out a handful of good looks at goal in the first half, with one early chance artfully blocked from the net and another that he rocketed off the woodwork near halftime. Guided by interim boss Kevin Ball following Paolo Di Canio's dismissal, the Black Cats snapped a three-game losing slide.
Meanwhile, Tim Howard served as backup netminder as Everton blew a halftime lead to fall out by a 2-1 count at Fulham and Zak Whitbread watched on as Leicester City advanced with a 2-1 win over guests Derby County.
The fourth round draw for survivors will take place following Wednesday night's five matches.
Turning focus to Germany's DfB-Pokal, Fabian Johnson worked all 120 minute at left back as Hoffenheim reached the last 16 with a 3-0 home win over Energie Cottbus.
Preussen Münster strike ace Matt Taylor was robbed on an early chance in their 3-0 loss to guests Augsburg. Bobby Wood was an unused sub in 1860 Munich's 2-0 extra time loss to Borussia Dortmund.
