AMSTERDAM – A pair of US internationals rang the bell abroad on Saturday, with FA Cup debutant Oguchi Onyewu striking the 2-1 winner for Sheffield Wednesday at Rochdale.
Having already struck the post from a restart on the edge of halftime, the burly defender powered home from a corner near the hour mark to give the Owls a two-goal lead. It was Onyewu's 22nd career goal across all European competitions, tops for an American defender. Wednesday will learn their round-of-16 assignment during Sunday's draw.
Around the tournament, Jozy Altidore had a frustrating full shift as Sunderland advanced with an unimpressive 1-0 home defeat of Conference side Kidderminster Harriers.
The US striker squandered a couple of good positions with poor touches, but more often went ignored despite the Black Cats dominating possession.
Will Packwood made his first Birmingham City start of the campaign in a 2-1 loss to guests Swansea City. Playing central defense, the youngster was largely solid, but partially culpable as the Swans hit twice in a span of three second-half minutes to flip the result.
Bolton left back Tim Ream had a decent outing as the home side dropped out with a tough 1-0 loss to Cardiff City. Tasked with the new responsibility of delivering set pieces, the American served up some dangerous restarts.
Duane Holmes ended an strong 26-minute sub shift by nudging a great chance to equalize agonizingly wide as Huddersfield Town fell 1-0 to guests Charlton. With time running out, the speedster broke into the area and shook off a defender only to watch his 14-yard effort clear the wrong side of the post.
Turning to the Bundesliga, Timothy Chandler fired the opening goal as FC Nürnberg finally broke their duck with a 4-0 demolition of Fabian Johnson and visiting Hoffenheim.
Midway through the opening frame, the FCN right back picked the top corner from about 24 yards for his first tally since September of 2012. Soon after, Chandler went close with a lefty try from distance. Johnson, just back from injury, was replaced as Hoffenheim left back at halftime.
The win tentatively pulled Nürnberg to within two points of the safety zone, while also dipping the visitors to 13th place.
