AMSTERDAM – Stoke advanced to the third round of the Capital One Cup with a 3-0 rout of visiting Portsmouth on Wednesday, but Geoff Cameron, subject of considerable transfer speculation of late, had to depart from his defensive midfield slot near halftime with what appeared to be a midsection muscle pull.
Cameron, getting his first start of the term, is reportedly not facing an extended absence:
Facing Stoke in the third round will be Jozy Altidore and Sunderland, who beat Jonathan Spector's Birmingham City 3-0 on the road. Enjoying his first start of the campaign, Altidore provided the industry for Sunderland's capper. Three minutes from time, the US power forward barged into the area to fire on goal and Adam Johnson was on hand to clean up the rebound. Spector, who entered on 32 minutes as an injury sub at right back, drew a good save from his own surge into the Sunderland box shortly thereafter.
Also, Brad Guzan got a breather as Aston Villa bowed out of the draw with a galling 1-0 home loss to League One's Leyton Orient.
Several other Americans were also paying attention to the third round draw. With all ties set to kick off the week of September 22, Emerson Hyndman and Fulham were drawn to welcome Doncaster, while Tim Ream's Bolton will get a visit from Cottager rivals Chelsea.
Eric Lichaj and red-hot Nottingham Forest will head south to face Brad Friedel's Tottenham in the next round, with Zak Whitbread's Derby County drawn to host Reading. In addition, Tim Howard and Everton will join the proceedings, with their third round task involving a trip to Swansea City.
