AMSTERDAM – Aron Jóhannsson worked a fairly quiet first Bundesliga start, but his efforts did help Werder Bremen notch their first point of the season with a 1-1 share away to John Anthony Brooks’ Hertha Berlin.
The US forward was limited to just 23 non-defensive touches in 80 minutes of action. Jóhannsson completed 13 of 17 passes with three successful dribbles and one danger free kick earned. On the other hand, Brooks only managed a three-minute cameo for the hosts.
One flight below, Shawn Barry marked his FSV Frankfurt debut with the game-winning assist in a 2-0 defeat of home side Greuther Fürth.
Stationed outside his normal position on right wing, the Florida native had an early penalty shout ignored after wiggling into the home area on the dribble. Shortly before the half-hour, Barry again bested the Fürth left back to cross for Besar Halimi to nod home the opener. He would eventually depart in the 84th minute as FSV Frankfurt posted their first win of the season.
Meanwhile, Sandhausen winger Andrew Wooten went scoreless for the first time this season in a 0-0 home stalemate with Heidenheim. The reported US national team September call-up remains atop the league scoring chart, while his side remained unbeaten to tentatively hold second place.
Over in the English Championship, Jonathan Spector put in another solid showing in the heart of Birmingham City's defense, but the hosts were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Derby County.
The Blues veteran piled up four clearances, three interceptions, two blocked shots and a cross smother as the St. Andrews side stayed unbeaten in a conditional seventh-place standing through three rounds.
Finally, Jake Keegan netted his 12th goal across all competitions, but an injury-ravaged Galway United dropped out of the FAI Cup following a 4-1 home defeat against Dundalk. The New York native nodded home the opener just 11 minutes into the contest, but it would not hold up for long.
