[AMERICANS IN ENGLAND] Fulham's 3-0 loss to Manchester United, combined with wins by fellow strugglers Reading and Birmingham, puts the American-laden Cottagers in increased relegation danger. Coach Roy Hodgson, who has five Americans in his squad, says Fulham will have to win at least five, of its last 10 games to avoid the drop – and "maybe even more than that."
Brian McBride and Eddie Johnson started for Fulham against a Man U team resting several regulars because of its Champions League game against Lyon on Tuesday. McBride went the distance, Johnson was subbed out in the 90th minute sub; Kasey Keller and Carlos Bocanegra stayed on the bench; Clint Dempsey did not suit up.
Second-to-last place Fulham, which has won only two road games since the start of the 2005-06 season, is now six points deep in the relegation zone.
With its 1-0 win at Middlesbrough, Reading is still in the relegation zone but Bolton leads it only on goal difference. Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann posted a shutout thanks to Middlesbrough'd faulty shooting while Bobby Convey did not suit up for the Royals.
The two other American EPL keepers also celebrated wins. Brad Friedel helped Blackburn down Newcastle, 1-0, while Tim Howard and Everton won, 3-1, against Portsmouth.