AMSTERDAM – Tim Howard and Everton enjoyed a 2-0 road win over Hull City on Premier League closing day, with the American racking up his 15th shutout of the season.
To achieve his largest sum of clean sheets in five seasons, the US No. 1 needed only three saves and a cross capture. His best action came six minutes from time, when he kept the shutout with a strong stop on Robert Koren.
Thanks to Howard's fourth win in the last five away matches, Everton finished the season in fifth place.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Geoff Cameron helped Stoke City complete their best EPL finish in 39 years with a 2-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion.
The Potters right back had a solid day that included three tackles, three clearances and a tempting cross that was nodded agonizingly wide by teammate Jamie Walters midway through the opening frame. By closing the season on a 7-2-2 run, Cameron & Co. ended up in ninth place.
Brad Guzan found himself essentially abandoned in the Aston Villa goal during the first half of a 3-0 defeat at Tottenham.
With former Villans mentor Brad Friedel watching from the Spurs dugout, Guzan piled up four saves and claimed one cross. The former Chivas USA star was at his best to keep Michael Dawson's header from making it four just before the break.
The result saw Villa finish in 15th place with six straight road losses, while Tottenham claimed a Europa League berth in sixth place.
Jozy Altidore managed to buzz the frame once in just six minutes of relief action as Sunderland fell 3-1 to visiting Swansea City.
Just before stoppage time began, the striker turned toward the middle to run along the top of the area and rifle a shot just over from 22 yards. With their safety-rescuing four-game win streak over, the Black Cats finished 14th.
Greg Seltzer covers Americans based in Europe for MLSsoccer.com.
