Outlaws Overseas: Wood ends goal drought

by JACK HAZZARD

As the holiday season approaches, European football leagues are drawing close to their winter breaks. Nevertheless, many Americans are heading into the respite in full form.

With Bruce Arena conducting a list for his first January Camp as the United States Men’s National Team boss, the Outlaws Overseas need to make lasting impressions on their new boss.

Goals were aplenty this weekend as frequent United States striker Bobby Wood converted his first club goal since September and JamTarts striker Bjorn Johnsen continued his impressive goal tally for his Scottish side.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

Bobby Wood (Hamburger SV):

Although his side fell 3-1 to Mainz 05, United States International striker Bobby Wood scored his first club goal since September.

Hamburg will hope Wood’s goal can propel the young striker to lead the team in the second half of the Bundesliga season. Hamburg currently sits second to last in Germany’s first division, putting them in prime position for relegation.

What is GOOD, Bobby Wood! All tied up in Columbus. #USAvMEX https://t.co/8MMIXfBYoc

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 12, 2016

Bjorn Johnsen (Heart of Midlothian):

Bjorn Johnsen deserves a spot in Bruce Arena’s upcoming January camp. The 25-year-old striker has continued his revelation of a season with the JamTarts, scoring his sixth goal of the season for the Scottish side in their 1-1 draw against Patrick Thistle.

Heart of Midlothian currently stand fourth in the Scottish Premiership, only a spot away from European football next season.

PIC: Bjorn Johnsen opens the scoring against Partick Thistle at Tynecastle pic.twitter.com/COLVXXVQ7j

— Heart of Midlothian (@JamTarts) December 17, 2016

UNDER THE RADAR:

Alfredo Morales (FC Ingolstadt):

After earning his spot in the starting lineup after a brief hiatus, American international midfielder Alfredo Morales scored his first goal of the season as his side, FC Ingolstadt, defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 over the weekend.

FC Ingolstadt currently sits 16th in the Bundesliga, one spot away from a relegation possession.

Der #Schanzer Jubel über das bisher einzige Tor des Tages von @alfredo1008 #Morales! Kann von uns aus so bleiben 😉
_______#B04FCI 0:1 pic.twitter.com/ylaPPgKtCx

— FC Ingolstadt 04 (@Schanzer) December 18, 2016

Conor O’Brien (AC Horsens): Having spent most of his career in Europe, New York native Conor O’Brien is taking charge with Danish Superliga side AC Horsens. In the side’s recent match against AaB Aalborg, O’Brien both scored and assisted a goal in his Horsens 3-0 win. 

With the winter break approaching, Horsens sit midtable in the Danish Superliga, only five points away from third place Midtjylland.

Aabech kanonerer bolden på overliggeren, og O'Brien følger op med et hovedstød, der ryger ind over Larsen (3-0) #achaab #sldk

— AC Horsens (@ACHorsensGULE) December 9, 2016

NEWS:

Bruce Arena: In a recent Fan Friday Facebook Live Event, the new United States Men’s National Team mentioned 12 players he planned on inviting to the upcoming January training camp.

Of the 12 players stated, all of them were MLS players. Although this by no means indicates that European players do not have a chance, it looks as if Arena is focused on domestic players.

Dax McCarty set for USMNT January Camp – https://t.co/trkjxgp2Yk – by @AttitudeAJM #RBNY #MLS

— EoS (@EmpireOfSoccer) December 16, 2016

STATS: