In his fifth match with his new club Sunderland, U.S. midfielder Claudio Reyna injured his ankle during a 1-1 tie with Aston Villa on New Year’s Day.
Kasey Keller, meanwhile, picked up his first victory with Tottenham at the expense of fellow U.S. goalkeeper Brad Friedel and Blackburn. Friedel was beaten by a close-range header for the game’s only goal.
England
ò Claudio Reyna (Sunderland, PL) vs. Aston Villa (1-1). Started (23 minutes).Reyna left the field on a stretcher in the 23rd minute after taking a tackle from Lee Hendrie. According to Sunderland’s web site, Reyna was scheduled to have a the ankle scanned for damage Wednesday. ò Kasey Keller (Tottenham, PL) Started (90 minutes).
Coach Glenn Hoddle’s decision to keep usual starter Neil Sullivan on the bench allowed Keller his second start since joining Hotspur last summer and he responded with a shutout. Blackburn did not generate many quality chances despite the debut of former Manchester United striker Andy Cole. ò Brad Friedel (Blackburn, PL) Started (90 minutes).
Friedel’s club lost for the seventh time in eight games as Darren Anderton’s corner kick set up Dean Richards for a “unstoppable” three-yard header in the 45th minute. ò Joe-Max Moore (Everton, PL) vs. Middlesbrough (0-1). Entered as a substitute (37th minute).
Everton lost its fifth straight game and coach Walter Smith is under pressure heading into the team’s FA Cup match against Second Divsion Stoke City on Saturday. Moore put one of Everton’s best chances on goal in the 47th minute, but Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Crossley turned it aside for a corner. ò Jovan Kirovski (Crystal Palace, D1) vs. Gillingham (PPD – frozen field) ò Gregg Berhalter (Crystal Palace, D1) vs. Gillingham (PPD – frozen field)