AMSTERDAM – Fresh Sunderland signing Jozy Altidore notched an assist in his club debut on Wednesday, a come-from-behind 3-1 Premier League Asia Trophy semifinal victory over Tottenham in Hong Kong.
Lining up against USMNT teammate Clint Dempsey for the first time since setting up Hull City's winner in a 2-0 EPL victory over Fulham back in March of 2010, Altidore was robbed of a breakaway goal in the 32nd minute. Mere seconds later, though, he scooped up a turnover to send fellow new arrival Cabral in alone to equalize just past the half-hour mark.
A third American, Tottenham netminder Brad Friedel, entered the contest in the 40th minute. Shortly thereafter, the veteran made a comfortable save on Altidore's mis-hit attempt from a good position.
Dempsey, who worked 70 minutes for Spurs, nearly matched Altidore with an assist shortly after the break, only to have Emmanuel Adebayor send his cross just wide of goal. The Black Cats then hit twice in the final half-hour to set up a final date with Manchester City on Saturday.
Elsewhere in preseason action, Jermaine Jones played 72 minutes as Schalke scored a 2-0 win over Southampton in Villach, Austria.
On Tuesday, Brad Guzan allowed one goal in 30 minutes of action as Aston Villa fell 2-0 at Luton Town.
John Anthony Brooks worked the first half of Hertha Berlin's 2-1 victory against Palermo in Kapfenberg, Austria.
Zak Whitbread went the distance as Leicester City blanked home side Port Vale 1-0.
