U.S. national team goalkeeper Brad Friedel became the third American to win a title in England when he was named the Man of The Match in Blackburn’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Sunday.
Elsewhere in Europe, John O’Brien and Tony Sanneh were the only Americans to play in victories for their respective clubs.
Friedel made three brilliant stops on Les Ferdinand, including a first-half breakaway and a reflex save in the final minute of play. Andy Cole’s 69th minute strike was the difference in the game.
Blackburn’s first cup trophy in 74 years also earned them a spot in next year’s UEFA Cup competition.
Kasey Keller, currently competing with Friedel for a spot on the U.S. World Cup team, but still second-string behind Neil Sullivan at Tottenham, watched from the sideline.
John Harkes was the first American to capture an English championship, winning the 1991 League Cup during his first season with Sheffield Wednesday. Keller won the 1997 League Cup with Leicester City.
The League Cup, now known as the Worthington Cup, is considered the third most prestigious title in England behind the English Premier League and FA Cup. U.S. Abroad (Feb. 23-24):
England
Worthington Cup Final
= Brad Friedel (Blackburn, PL) vs. Tottenham, 2-1. Started: 90 minutes. = Kasey Keller (Tottenham, PL) vs. Blackburn, 1-2. DNP. = Jovan Kirovski (Crystal Palace, D1) vs. Sheffield United, 0-1. Started: 72 minutes. Palace’s winless streak extended to five games as they have slipped to eighth place in the English First Division. Michael Brown’s 60th-minute tally was enough for visiting Sheffield United. Palace’s best chance came when Hayden Mullins headed a Kirovski free kick just over the crossbar in the first half. = Gregg Berhalter (Crystal Palace, D1) vs. Sheffield United, 0-1. Started: 90 minutes. Justtwo weeks after being put on the club’s transfer list and presumably in coach Trevor Francis’ doghouse, Berhalter got his first start in six league games. Berhalter’s last start had been on Dec. 29 when he scored in a 2-1 win against Bradford and he had only appeared in two games, totaling 47 minutes, so far this year. = Claudio Reyna (Sunderland, PL) vs. Newcastle, 0-1. Started: 90 minutes. In front of a boisterous crowd of 48,290, host Sunderland allowed its top rival to remain in contention for the English Premier League lead. Reyna battled well for possession in a hotly-contested midfield, but missed a quality chance in the 54th minute, shooting wide. Greek defender Nikos Dabizas scored the lone goal in the 64th minute off a set play that was flicked on to him by Alan Shearer. = Joe-Max Moore (Everton, PL) vs. Liverpool, 1-1. DNP. Moore was not listed as a substitute for this match, one of the most legendary rivalries in sports.