#canMNT Club Recap from 7 February to 12 February
Posted on 14 February 2012 in Around the Soccer World
Atiba Hutchinson made his long-awaited return to the starting line-up at PSV Eindhoven following a lengthy lay off due to knee problems.
Kevin McKenna, Simeon Jackson, Olivier Occean, Josh Simpson and others also saw action across the top leagues in Europe.
Germany
Canadian skipper Kevin McKenna was again part of the action in Germany’s top flight as he came on at half time for FC Köln against SV Hamburger in a tense Bundesliga battle.
Hamburger were on top throughout the majority of the second half putting McKenna and the rest of the Köln back-line under continued pressure, and the visitors inevitably found the breakthrough in the dying stages of the match. Peruvian Paolo Gurrero snatched the winner for Hamburger in the 88th minute leaving McKenna’s Köln rueing such a late collapse.
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, there is fresh concern over the fitness of Canadian left-back Marcel De Jong.
De Jong was substituted in the ninth minute of FC Augburg’s 0:0 draw with Nürnberg after sustaining a nasty challenge to his ankle. The Newmarket-native continued on in the match for five minutes after the injury but eventually needed to be subbed out early.
In Germany’s second tier, striker Olivier Occean continues to prosper as he scored one and assisted on another to help vault Greuther Fürth back to first place in Bundesliga 2.
With only 15 matches to play Fürth are well positioned to claim one of the two automatic promotion places to the Bundesliga.
Occean is currently the second top scorer in Bundesliga 2 and has scored more goals from open play then anyone else in the league.
In Germany’s 3. Liga, Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault and Adam Straith both played 90 minutes for their respective sides.
England
Simeon Jackson earned his second consecutive start for Norwich City FC as the Canaries came from behind to beat Swansea 3:2 away from home.
Jackson was subbed out in the 83rd minute but again received plaudits in a number of reports for his persistence and determination throughout the match. The start continues Jackson’s upturn in playing time in England’s top flight – an achievement that will delight Canada boss Stephen Hart.
The win continues a remarkable run for Norwich who have now – against all odds – risen to eighth in the Premier League table.
In England’s Championship, David Edgar played his usual 90 minutes at centre-back for Burnley FC as they fell 2:0 away to Southampton.
Edgar has been a stalwart at the back throughout the entirety of Burnley’s league campaign as the club sit only five points outside of the playoff places.
Netherlands
After months of anticipation Canadian talisman Atiba Hutchinson made his return to the starting eleven for Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.
Hutchinson played 90 minutes at right back as PSV dispatched De Graafschap 4:1 in Eredivisie action taking the Eindhoven side back to the top of the table.
The top finisher in the Eredivisie earns automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stage, and after narrowly missing out on Europe’s premier club competition last season, Hutchinson and PSV will be desperate to claim the Dutch league title this season.
Hutchinson’s return to fitness is being hailed by the club as a major catalyst after the Canadian veteran was one of their strongest players during the 2010-2011 season.
Switzerland
Winger Josh Simpson made his much-anticipated debut for Swiss outfit Young Boys, coming on as a 67th minute substitute in the side’s 1:0 win away to Sion in Switzerland’s Super League.
There had reportedly been some concerns around Simpson’s eligibility following his surprise transfer away from Manisaspor in Turkey – but he was given the green light to take part in the weekend action.
Young Boys are currently second in the Swiss table, which would be good enough for a place in next season’s UEFA Europe League – but the Bern club will be eager to push on in search of a league title and a place in the Champions League. Simpson’s side are currently six points behind FC Basel atop the Super League standings.
Around the Football World
Left-back Mike Klukowski played his usual 90 minutes as Manisapor fell 3:1 at home to Bursaspor in Turkey.
Marcus Haber came on in 76th minute as St. Johnstone received a 5:1 home thrashing at the hands of Dundee United in Scotland.
Midfielder Pedro Pacheco played 90 minutes in Santa Clara’s 0:0 draw away to Atlético CP in Portgual’s second division.
