U.S. goalie Brad Friedel moved closer to his first English cup final when Blackburn Rovers crushed Arsenal, 4-0, in the quarterfinals of the League Cup. Friedel came up with a big save early on French star Sylvain Wiltord before Blackburn steamrolled the Gunners, who were not at full strength. Matt Jansen had a hat trick to lead Rovers. In other English action, Jovan Kirovski played all 90 minutes in Crystal Palace’s 1-0 loss at Birmingham City in the First Division. The match was significant because recently departed Palace boss Steve Bruce is set to take over as Birmingham manager.