AMSTERDAM — It was a mixed bag for Americans in Europe on Thursday, with Michael Parkhurst headlining the action with an assist on FC Nordsjælland's winning goal in their 1-0 victory over visiting FC Midtjylland. It was their 15th consecutive Ekstra Bladet Cup advancement.
The two-time defending champs got all the offense they needed to reach the elite eight when Parkhurst crossed for Søren Christensen to convert in the 40th minute. The Wild Tigers have now won four games in a row and nine of 10 since bowing out of the Europa League at Sporting CP two months ago.
Elsewhere in the round of 16, Brad Rusin was back in central defense as league relegation bait HB Køge continued their cup magic with a 2-1 overtime triumph at second-flight Roskilde.
Clarence Goodson and Brøndby won't be joining them in the quarterfinals thanks to a 3-0 defeat against FC Copenhagen, a match marred by brawls between the opposing supporters. The US international defender drew a yellow card in the contest, which saw the hosts spring all their leaks inside a 20-minute span across halftime.
Nearby in the Netherlands, Jozy Altidore worked 65 minutes to help AZ Alkmaar to the round of 16 in the KNVB Cup with a 3-2 win at FC Dordrecht. It was a win more complicated for the visitors than they would perhaps have liked; the US striker left with his side up two, but a late collapse compelled the need for Adam Maher's winner seven minutes into extra time. Their reward in the quarterfinals? A harrowing trip to Ajax.
Over in Norway's Tippeligaen, Mikkel Diskerud twice went close to scoring to spark a late rally as Stabæk fell 2-0 at Aalesunds FK. Squandering a game in hand, the visitors dropped to 10th, having won just once in the last nine.
