Mixed Opening Day for Americans in Premier League

The self-proclaimed world's most popular sporting league -- England's Premier League -- kicked off its 2010-11 season Saturday.

Although overall American participation seems to have leveled off, three of the league's 16 starting keepers on Saturday hailed from the States.

While it was a happy day for veterans Marcus Hahnemann and Brad Friedel, who each saw their teams post opening day victories, it was an afternoon to forget for U.S. No. 1 Tim Howard as his gaffe ended up costing Everton in a 1-0 loss at Blackburn.

The usually sure-handed Howard was responsible into the only goal Saturday at Ewood Park. In the 14th minute he came far off his line to collect a bouncing ball near the left corner of the penalty area. After grasping the ball he somehow lost control, dropped it and allowed Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinić to pounce. The Croatian striker turned and shot in one motion, not allowing Howard even a second to recover as the ball slowly rolled into the opposite corner.

It was the first defeat for Everton in Premier League play since February last season.

Results were much sunnier for Hahnemann, who helped Wolves to a 2-1 home win over Stoke City.

It was even better for former U.S. international Brad Friedel, as his Aston Villa side thoroughly trounced visiting West Ham 3-0. Friedel only needed to make one or two saves, as Villa ran the Irons off the park.

U.S. backup keeper Brad Guzan remained in the Villa squad, as usual on the bench behind Friedel. Young defender Eric Lichaj was also on the Villa bench but didn't feature.

American defender Jonathan Spector was probably fortunate to remain on the bench as the team was shredded consistently in Avram Grant's first game in charge for West Ham.

The bigger intrigue at Villa Park probably revolves around the manager, with current U.S. coach Bob Bradley strongly linked -- mainly through the English press -- to the job, after Martin O'Neill walked out earlier this week.

Villa did look fantastic, so perhaps caretaker manager Kevin McDonald is given some time to prove himself. Of course, it was probably the last game at Aston Villa for Manchester City target James Milner, who scored the game's third goal. Ashley Young, Villa's best player on the day, too is rumored to be moving away from the club. In short, the situation, with or without Bradley remains in flux.

In northwest England, Saturday's Bolton v. Fulham game featured two of American field players in the Premier League -- Stuart Holden and Clint Dempsey. Holden got the start and went the full 90 for Bolton coming close to breaking what ended in a 0-0 draw, when he hit the post in the second half. Dempsey, in his first competitive match under new Fulham boss Mark Hughes, came on in the 75th minute and almost immediately sent a shot from distance to test Bolton keeper Jussi Jääskeläinen.

Fulham's American striker Eddie Johnson was not included in the Cottagers matchday squad.

Also, in a major shock, promoted Blackpool thumped Wigan Athletic 4-0 in their first-ever game in the Premier League.