AMSTERDAM – Monday night football in Europe started harshly for Bob Bradley's Stabæk and it stayed that way, ending in a 3-0 home loss to derby rivals Vålerenga.
Michael Stephens went the distance in midfield for the Blue Ones, who had suffered a backline injury and an own-goal by the 16th minute. Things continued to get worse for Bradley's boys as Vålerenga doubled their lead at the half-hour mark and Stabæk defender Pablo Fontanello saw red on the edge of halftime.
It was a sub-par night for Stephens, but he did carve out one good look at goal on a fast break just past the hour mark. However, his shot was partially blocked, enough to allow Vålerenga netminder Michael Langer to smother the effort.
Having lost four of five, Stabæk dipped two spots to ninth place.
