It was another busy weekend for Americans Abroad, headlined by a crafty Sacha Kljestan free kick goal in Anderlecht's 4-2 defeat of Belgian champs Genk.

The U.S. midfielder tricked the keeper, bouncing past him on one hop from 25 meters to help the Mauves open up a seven-point lead at the summit.

Meanwhile, fresh Gent loan catch Mikkel Diskerud went unused as the visitors held on for a 3-2 win at OH Leuven.

Across the water in England, Zak Whitbread departed Norwich City's 2-0 win over Bolton shortly before halftime with a hamstring knock.

A big Tim Howard blunder put Everton behind the eight-ball late, but Victor Anichebe replied quickly to earn the visitors a 1-1 draw at Wigan. Landon Donovan also went the distance for the Toffees.

Through no fault of the industrious Clint Dempsey, Fulham handily dropped a 3-0 decision at Manchester City.

Brad Guzan and Eric Lichaj were unused subs for Aston Villa's 2-1 loss at Newcastle.

One league below in the Championship, Jonathan Spector slipped a spot to fifth after a 0-0 home draw with fellow promotion chasers Southampton.

Robbie Rogers, meanwhile, did not feature in Leeds United's 3-0 win at Bristol City.

Another flight down in League One, Frank Simek and Carlisle moved to the doorstep of the promotion playoff zone with a 2-1 win over visiting Chesterfield.

Over in Germany, Steve Cherundolo and guests Hannover bested first-time starter Alfredo Morales' Hertha Berlin for a 1-0 win.

Fabian Johnson provided patchy cover at left back and Daniel Williams saw yellow in his return to midfield as Hoffenheim settled for a 2-2 home draw with lowly Augsburg.

FC Nuremberg right-sider Timothy Chandler returned from minor injury with 30 minutes on the wing as the home side fell 2-0 the champs Borussia Dortmund.

One level down, Matt Taylor watched on as title chasers Paderborn climbed to within a point of the summit with a 3-2 victory over Union Berlin.

Heading south to Italy, Michael Bradley was solid in midfield as Chievo suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Parma.

Along the coastline in Portugal, Oguchi Onyewu was hit for the decisive penalty foul and sent off with a second yellow as Sporting CP were bounced by a 1-0 loss to Taca de Liga visitors Gil Vicente.

Also, Tony Taylor went the full route as Estoril bowed out with a 1-0 defeat against Pacos Ferreira.

In Scottish Cup play, Carlos Bocanegra and yellow-card victim Maurice Edu bowed out along with Rangers thanks to a shock 2-0 home loss to Dundee United.

Over in Israel, Bryan Gerzicich was strong in midfield as league leaders Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona moved 12 points clear at the top be edging holders Maccabi Haifa 1-0.

Across the globe in Mexico, Jose Francisco Torres was in charge as Pachuca pulled off a glorious away comeback, rallying from three down after just 17 minutes for a last gasp 4-3 triumph against Toluca.

Herculez Gomez saw 10 minutes of action as Santos Laguna stayed in first place with a 2-1 win over Apertura champs Pumas.

Edgar Castillo went the distance at left back and Joe Corona 70 minutes in attack as Tijuana posted a 1-1 draw at Puebla, who got 56 minutes from DaMarcus Beasley.

Michael Orozco Fiscal came off just past the hour of San Luis’ 3-0 defeat at Monterrey.

Also, Jonathan Bornstein went unused in a 1-0 Tigres win at Club America.