A few things...

It's been an odd weekend. I'm still trying to regulate sleep after two middle-of-the-night U.S. matches in five days. But the games go on, so let's persevere...


#1 - Jozy Altidore made a very strong La Liga debut as Villarreal scored a 1-0 win over Deportivo on Sunday. The U.S. international came on at halftime and displayed an array of power forward skills, drawing raves from Spanish daily Marca.

The teen phenom ran Depor defenders ragged from wing-to-wing, went close twice with rifle shots and ably killed time with possession in the waning moments. I haven't found a highlight reel yet, but will look again tomorrow.

#2 - It's time again to honor the weekend American goalscorers overseas...

• Hammarby ace Charlie Davies bagged his 10th of the term and third in four games on the leap, but it was mere late consolation in a 2-1 loss to tabletop Kalmar.
  

• Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotić rammed home his third of the young Bundesliga season to spark a comeback 3-3 draw with heated rivals Schalke. Watch the full derby highlights, including him conceding the first goal by handling in the area, here.
  

• Jeremiah White opened his season account in spectacular fashion to seal a 2-0 upset win at Danish champions Aalborg.
  

I've yet to find any Americans Abroad assists, but haven't gone through all of the players yet, so check back.

#3 - The U.S. ladies opened their Olympic gold medal celebration tour with a 2-0 win over Ireland in "always sunny" Philadelphia. You can "watch" the highlights in the teeny tiny video box on the right... I'm not sure why each of these clips doesn't make it's way over to the US Soccer YouTube page. Odd.

In any event, you can read my interview feature with gold medal game winner Carli Lloyd here.

#4 - Don't miss this fine article by Soccernet's Justin Rodriguez, who fleshes out some revelations made by Top Drawer Soccer (and then some) as he reports that U.S. youth international Charles Renken looks set to go the European glamour club academy route before long. I haven't found a video of the 15-year old U-17 Residency phenom, but I will post any I come across in the future.

#5 - The Office is back in less than 11 days. Can't ya just feel it?




Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off for a nice game of murder checkers before bed.

- Greg Seltzer

[Photo: Marca]