AMSTERDAM – Bob Bradley's Stabæk won their first road game since May on Saturday, holding on to knock off defending champs Strømsgodset 3-2.
Both Andrew Jacobson and Michael Stephens worked whistle-to-whistle in midfield as the Blue Ones tentatively jumped six points clear of the relegation mire. The former, on loan from New York City FC, came close to his first Tippeligaen goal midway through the opening frame, only to have his shot off a corner kick cleared from the line.
The victory lifted Stabæk into the top half of the table, but they still can be passed by 9th-place Sarpsborg 08 if they avoid defeat at Mikkel Diskerud's Rosenborg on Sunday.
Turning to England's Championship, Eric Lichaj entered at halftime to play left back as league-leading hosts Nottingham Forest schooled Reading 4-0.
The US international threatened to grab his side's fifth goal in the waning moments, but away netminder Karl Darlow was able to turn his angled drive around the post. The Reds celebrated their biggest goal haul since January to stay a point ahead of the nearest chaser after four rounds.
Meanwhile, Tim Ream and Bolton remained in search of their first win of the season after a 2-1 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion. The left back notched three tackles as Wanderers fell to their third loss in four.
Birmingham City right back Jonathan Spector ably went the distance in a 1-1 share at 10-man Brentford. The Brums conceded 11 minutes from time to extend their road win drought in league play to five games, dating back to last season.
Derby County defender Zak Whitbread was an unused sub as the home side won 5-1 over Fulham, for whom Emerson Hyndman was also anchored to the bench.
Over in the Bundesliga, Timothy Chandler went unused as Eintracht Frankfurt opened the season by edging guests Freiburg 1-0 and John Anthony Brooks did likewise in Hertha Berlin's 2-2 home draw with Werder Bremen.
Greg Seltzer covers Americans based in Europe for MLSsoccer.com.
