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Americans Abroad

Josh Gatt Injury, New Deals Headline Soccer Weekend

Friday and Saturday brought a flurry of news, both good and bad, for Americans abroad. Josh Gatt suffered yet another injury only minutes into his comeback while a pair of U.S. internationals landed new deals.
BY Brian Sciaretta Posted
May 23, 2015
8:15 PM

JOSH GATT INJURED AGAIN

In what was supposed to be the first major step of an arduous comeback, Josh Gatt’s return to the field instead took an extremely unfortunate turn. The Michigan native has not played a league game for Molde since June 29, 2013 due to knee surgeries to repair an ACL tear. He had previously undergone surgeries for LCL and ACL tears. After a long recovery process, Gatt recently resumed full training and even scored for Molde’s reserve team last weekend.

In Friday’s game away at Mjondalen, he made the bench for Molde for the first time since his injury. In the 73rd minute, he was subbed into the game with Molde up 3-0. After only four minutes, however, Gatt went down grabbing his leg. He had to be substituted out yet again.

At this point, there is no word on the nature of his injury or if it has anything to do with the ACL or LCL injuries which have plagued him in recent years. The results should be known in the coming days.

Horvath Debuts in Tippeligaen 

In that same contest, Colorado native Ethan Horvath made his first start in goal for Molde. Not only did he pick up the win, but he got the clean sheet as well.

Horvath, 19, was initially selected by Tab Ramos to be on the U.S. U-20 World Cup team but was subsequently not released by Molde to play in the tournament. He was part of the World Cup qualifying team but mostly played a back-up role behind Zach Steffen. Horvath did make one appearance when the U.S. team defeated Aruba 8-0.

Morales and Cameron get new deals

Saturday brought very positive news for a pair of United States national team playes who agreed to new contracts to remain with their current clubs.

First, Ingolstadt announced that Alfredo Morales signed a new deal that will keep him at the club through 2018. The Bavarian club was founded in just 2004 but clinched promotion to the Bundesliga this year after winning the 2.Bundesliga. Morales was a key part of the team’s success, making 32 appearances this year.

ESPN reported Saturday morning reported that Massachusetts native Geoff Cameron, 29, agreed to terms with a new deal to remain at Stoke City. The duration of the contract was not made public. His current deal was set to expire after this season.

Regardless of what happens in its season finale on Sunday, Stoke City will finish in ninth place which makes it one of the best seasons in club history. The versatile Cameron who can play central defense, right back, and defensive midfield made 26 Premier League appearances for Stoke on the season including 20 starts.

Aron Johannsson eyes MLS?

While back home on vacation in Iceland, U.S. national team forward Aron Johannsson gave an interview to local media. He discussed a wide range of topics including that he is unfazed by those in Iceland who are still disappointed over his decision to play for the United States internationally. He also mentioned that he had an argument with his coach at AZ around the time of winter break regarding playing time.

Unsurprisingly, he revealed Jurgen Klinsmann called him up for the U.S. national team for upcoming games against the Netherlands and Germany.

The most interesting bit of news came at the end when Johannsson mentioned that he “sincerely hopes” in MLS someday in his career.

Bjorn Maars Johnsen nets a hat trick

In Bulgaria, North Carolina native Bjorn Maars Johnsen carried Litex Lovech to an enormous 4-2 win over league leaders Ludogorets. With CSKA Sofia’s draw today, Litex’s win moved it into third place for the final Europa League qualifying spot.

Johnsen, 23, joined Litex in January from Portuguese second-tier club Atletico CP. His hat trick gives him five goals in 11 appearances for Litex.

In Saturday’s win, Litex looked in trouble after trailing 2-0 at halftime. With the deficit cut to 2-1, Johnsen equalized in the 65th minute and then pulled his team ahead four minutes later. He completed his hat trick in the 90th minute. Litex will visit CSKA Sofia next weekend in the league finale and a win would clinch a spot in Europa League qualifying.

Bundesliga season draws to a close

  • Timothy Chandler went a full 90 for Eintracht Frankfurt in an impressive 2-1 win over fourth-place Bayer Leverkusen. With the win Eintracht finished in ninth place in the league while Chandler registered 29 appearances and 25 starts. David Yelldell was an unusued substitute for Leverkusen.

  • John Brooks was suspended for Hertha Berlin in its season-ending 2-1 loss to Hoffenheim. Hertha narrowly avoided relegation, finishing above 16th place Hamburg on goal differential. Brooks finished with 27 appearances and 24 starts on the year.

  • Fabian Johnson played the final 26 minute of Borussia Monchengladbach’s 3-1 loss to Augsburg. Gladbach was shorthanded for the final 29 minutes after Havard Nordtveit’s red card. Monchengladbach finished in third place and earned a spot in the Champions League group stages next season.

  • Hannover defeated Freiburg 2-1 to close the season with two straight wins and avoid relegation. Former U.S national team right back Steve Cherundolo joined the team’s coaching staff in March when the club was mired in a tailspin. 

Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Follow him on Twitter.

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