AMSTERDAM – Geoff Cameron contributed a big center back effort as an early injury sub on Wednesday, helping Stoke City run their Premier League win streak to three games with a 2-0 blanking of USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard and Everton.
The US handyman replaced Philipp Wollscheid in the 17th minute to rack up a team-high nine clearances, four pass interceptions, three tackles and two shot blocks. Despite attempting just 18 passes, Cameron connected six of them for forward gains in or into the attacking half.
Meanwhile, Howard rung up a single save to go with three strong cross claims that foiled opportunities for beanpole Potters striker Peter Crouch. The result boosted Stoke into eighth place, seven points shy of the last Europa League slot, while the Toffees, on a five-game win drought, stayed docked in 14th.
One league below in the Championship, Jonathan Spector put on another star display as 13th place Birmingham City posted their second 1-0 shutout victory at home in five days, this time against Blackpool.
Making his eighth start in the heart of defense, the Blues veteran led all players with eight interceptions, including five in or in front of the home side's box. Spector also pitched in with four clearances and two blocked shots, while being charged with just a single foul and zero turnovers.
Turning to Germany's DfB-Pokal, Fabian Johnson came on for the final 16 minutes to help Borussia Mönchengladbach tack on the late insurance tally in a 2-0 triumph at round-of-16 hosts Kickers Offenbach. The Foals will learn their quarterfinal assignment 673265903" tabindex="0">on Sunday, with the ties to be played on 673265904" tabindex="0">April 7-8.
Next door in Austria, Conor O'Brien set up the capper as suddenly streaking Wiener Neustadt finally climbed out of the drop spot with a 3-1 victory at SV Grödig.
The American was foiled on a golden chance to double his side's 1-0 halftime lead just after the break, but was eventually on hand to knock a restart down for Mattias Sereinig to make it 3-0 with 16 minutes remaining. In addition to his first assist of the season, O'Brien logged four tackles as the visitors scored back-to-back wins for the first time since August to move two points above the danger line.
