Despite dropping their third straight Eredivisie road match, Heerenveen midfielder Michael Bradley says the club will soon come correct away from the cozy Abe Lenstra.

The Yank, thrust into the Sunday line-up for ailing veteran Paul Bosvelt at Heracles Almelo, believes these failures are somewhat incidental.

After topping ADO Den Haag to christen the road slate, the Frisians have fallen three straight times, scoring only one goal in the process.

"It's not like we haven't been creating chances," Bradley told YA. "Our captain, Petter Hansson, was sent off in the first five minutes (at Excelsior Rotterdam), then we lost the last two 1-0 on penalties."

"I think for whatever reason we've been unlucky the last few away games. The most important thing is that we keep going - the goals and points will come."

Although Bosvelt was officially scratched from the weekend selection at the last minute, Bradley was clued in early by coach Gertjan Verbeek.

"I got back to Heerenveen on Friday, and was eventually told," said the #18 shirt, who had spent a few days with the US Under-20 National Team in Florida.

Thomas Rongen's group were able to gather for some crucial team building, squeezing in some early prep for next summer's World Youth Championships.

"The camp was good, especially for myself," reports Bradley, who quickly hopped back across the pond with club teammate Robbie Rogers. "It may be the only time I can be with the team ahead of the tournament."

The youngster bagged a goal in last Wednesday's 5-1 friendly dismantling of the Haiti U-23's - a result he says is indicative of the group's collective spirit.

"The feeling inside that team is really good," boasted Bradley. "We're really excited because we can make a good run, and maybe do better than any US team before us."

With the games now coming fast and furious for Heerenveen and Bosvelt still in doubt, the former MetroStar stands a fair chance of maintaining a place in the midfield.

Next up is Thursday's UEFA Cup group stage opener at Spanish battlers Osasuna, followed quickly by a Sunday visit from arch rivals Groningen.