American Exports: Bocanegra nets in Saint-Étienne rout

AMSTERDAM - It was a hit and miss Saturday for Americans playing in Europe, with Carlos Bocanegra opening the scoring in Saint-Étienne's galling 4-1 home loss to derby rivals Lyon.

The US skipper gave his side a dream start by shoveling home a free kick at the near post on 12 minutes, but would eventually lose track of Michel Bastos on a second half long ball that ended with the visitors' third tally.

In the Bundesliga, Timothy Chandler celebrated his first ever start by notching his first goal and first assist in FC Nuremberg's 4-1 triumph at Stuttgart.

After crossing for Julian Schieber's first half winner, the youngster netted his side's third just after the break by racing forward from right midfield to cap an FCN counter attack with a back post conversion.

Next door in the Eredivisie, Oguchi Onyewu returned to left back for a full shift as FC Twente stayed level on points with the top by pipping guests Vitesse 1-0.

In English Premier League action, Michael Bradley made an 18-minute Aston Villa debut in a 1-1 draw at Blackpool. The loan midfielder helped out keeper Brad Friedel with an important late block on Charlie Adam's drive.

Jermaine Jones worked a lukewarm 90 minutes as Blackburn settled for a scoreless draw with Newcastle.

West Ham United handyman Jonathan Spector returned from injury with 12 midfield minutes and a yellow card to help the visitors complete a comeback from three down for a 3-3 draw.

Down a flight in the Championship, Brad Guzan notched the shutout as Hull City ran their unbeaten streak to seven with a 1-0 victory over an active Eddie Johnson and Preston North End.

Eric Lichaj made a strong loan debut as Leeds United climbed to sixth with a 2-0 win at Bristol City.

Norwich City defender Zak Whitbread came on for the final 11 minutes to help the fourth place hosts top Reading 2-1 near the death.

Heading to Scotland, Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu clocked in for the final 20 minutes of a 6-0 Ibrox rout of Motherwell.

Over in the Jupiler League, Sacha Kljestan made a very late cameo, coming on just after Mbark Boussoufa's 88th minute winner as tabletop Anderlecht edged Cercle Bruges 1-0.

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