Onyewu opens well for Liege
Robert Price, USSOCCERUK.COM
Giant American defender Oguchi Onyewu started and played 90 minutes on Saturday for Standard Liege as the club travelled to Lierse for the season opener and drew 1-1.
Playing central defence the physically imposing 6-4, 205-pound Onyewu anchored the Liege backline. In the 87th minute, he picked up a yellow card as he fouled a Lierse attacker to prevent a dangerous scoring threat. For his efforts Onyewu received the highest marks on his team from the the Belgian newspapers.
The opening day effort did not show Liege, who finished third in the league the year before, in its best light.
"This was not a good result for us," said Onyewu speaking after the match by telephone. "They scored against the run of play. It wasn't a terrible result but we should have done better. Fortunately, all the top three finishers from last year either lost or tied on opening day."
With his play last year at La Louviere and in the run-up to this season Onyewu has caught the attention of the Belgian press, at least. Onyewu made the cover of Foot magazine with a multi-page photo spread and article, two weeks ago, wherein he was dubbed "The Giant American of Liege" and recognized for his impressive play.
The magazine is the largest sports magazine in Belgium, equivalent to Sports Illustrated of the United States.
Next up is the Liege home-opener as the club hosts Charleroi on Friday.
I've heard good things about Cooper so hopefully he can get some playing time with Academica.