With nearly all leagues on the continent back from the winter break, we are approaching the time where summer seasons are now in training and the countdown begins when pretty much every league around the world is in play. A few second divisions are waiting to get back at it, notably the 2.Bundesliga where a handful of Canadians are currently competing.
With Kevin McKenna and Randi Edwini-Bonsu waiting to get back at it, they will have a familiar face in the division as Rob Friend has been loaned from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt to 1860 Munich for the rest of the season. This is the third time Friend has been moved back down to the division to try and regain his impressive form at Borussia Monchengladbach from the 2007/08 season.
In Turkey
It was an up and down week for Milan Borjan and his Sivasspor side. As detailed last week, they are in the midst of a highly competitive stretch in the Turkish Cup that if they can pull of a huge run, get automatic entry into the Europa League. After surrendering a late goal in Trabzon last week in a 1-1 draw, Sivasspor came back to win 2-1 this week and put them in a strong position to advance out of the group. However, a result at home against Fenerbahce will be essential to ensure their passage through because their last match will be away to Bursaspor.
Unfortunately Sivasspor could not follow up their midweek victory as they were downed soundly 3-0 by relegation battlers Mersin Idmanyurdu. Borjan was hung out to dry on all three goals, one of which was a pentalty. Hovering around mid table, Sivasspor will need to remain focused on their league position as they could easily move high up the table, but just as easily plummet into the relegation zone as they are only three points ahead of 16th placed Elazigsport.
In Netherlands
If there is one league to follow with high drama that has Canadian content, this year it is the Eredivisie. From week to week PSV Eindoven and Atiba Hutchinson miss out on opportunities against weak opposition to distance themselves, but when their main opposition should keep pace, slip up and fall behind. PSV manhandled Heracles 5-1 to continue their awe-inspiring +44 goal difference and once again regain sole top spot in the table. Both Ajax and FC Twente failed to keep pace as Ajax lost away to Vitesse 3-2, while Twente drew 0-0 with Feyenoord. PSV won’t be up against the top sides soon, but will be facing strong sides in the next month in Vitesse, Utrecht and Feyenoord.
Pedro Pacheco levels the score, but Santa Clara are downed 4-2 in the end:
Issey Nakajima-Farran sees red as he collects two cards and his Alki side lose 2-1 in Cup play.
Milan Borjan won midweek in the Turkish Cup, but away from home SIvasspor were poor in a 3-0 defeat.:
Here's how the rest of Canada's Internationals did Across the Pond:
Issey Nakajima-Farran – Alki (CPR – D1):
Wednesday, January 23, played 82 minutes and received a RED CARD in a 2-1 loss to Anorthosis in Cup play.
Next match, Monday January 28 v. Doxa.
Mike Klukowski – APOEL (CPR – D1):
Sunday, January 27, played all 90 minutes in a 2-0 victory over Olympiakos.
Simeon Jackson – Norwich City (ENG - D1):
Saturday, January 26, played all 90 minutes in a 1-0 loss to Luton Town in the FA Cup.
David Edgar – Burnley (ENG - D2):
Saturday, January 26, played all 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory over Birmingham City.
Iain Hume – Doncaster Rovers (ENG – D3):
Next match, Saturday February 2 v. Bury.
Marcus Haber – Stevenage (ENG – D3):
Next match, Saturday, February 2 v. Leyton Orient.
Haidar Al-Shaibani – Nimes (FRA - D2):
Friday, January 25, did not play in a 2-1 victory over Sedan.
Olivier Occean – Eintracht Frankfurt (GER - D1):
Saturday, January 26, subbed in at the 71st minute in a 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim.
Marcel De Jong – FC Augsburg (GER - D1):
Saturday, January 26, did not play in a 0-0 draw with Schalke 04.
Kevin McKenna – FC Koln (GER – B2):
Next match, February 2 v Erzgebirge Aue.
Rob Friend – 1860 Munich (GER – B2):
Next match, Monday February 4 v Kaiserslautern.
Randy Edwini-Bonsu – Eintracht Braunschweiger (GER - D2):
Next match, February 2 v Paderborn.
Adam Straith – Saarbrucken (GER - D3):
Saturday, January 26, did not play in a 2-0 loss to Alemannia Aachen.
Tomer Chencinski – Maccabi Tel Aviv (ISR – D1):
Saturday, January 26, did not play in a 4-0 victory over Hapoel Acre.
Atiba Hutchinson – PSV Eindoven (NED - D1):
Saturday, January 26, played all 90 minutes in a 5-1 victory over Heracles.
Jordan Santiago – Veendam (NED – D2):
Friday, January 25, match postponed v. MVV.
Pedro Pacheco – Santa Clara (POR – D2):
Sunday, January 27, played all 90 minutes and scored A GOAL in a 4-2 loss to Tondela.
Andre Hainault – Ross County (SCO – D1):
Saturday, January 26, did not play in a 1-1 draw with Dundee United.
Stefan Cebara – NK Celje (SLV – D1):
Next match, March 1, 2013 v Gorica.
Milan Borjan – Sivasspor (TUR – D1):
Wednesday, January 23, played all 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory over 1461 Trabzon in the Turkish Cup.
Sunday, January 27, played all 90 minutes in a 3-0 loss to Mersin Idmanyurdu.
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