RECAP: WEEKEND FRENCH ACTION Monday, February 16, 2009
Carlos Bocanegra was the only American on the field in France this past weekend as both Quentin Westberg and Freddy Adu took no part as both their teams went down to defeat.
Rennes 1 -1 Nancy Lorraine
Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes narrowly escaped dropping three points to Nancy on match day 24 of Ligue 1.
The hosts had the better of the chances in the first half of play but failed to capitalize. Jimmy Briand tested Gennaro Bracigliano early with a well hit volley inside the area, but the Nancy goalie was equal to the challenge.
The Rouge et Noir again threatened just before the break when Mickael Pagis came close on a long range free kick and then once again moments later on a shot from distance.
Taking control of the contest, the visitors responded in the second half. The men from Lorraine took the lead just before the hour mark through a right footed strike from the ever dangerous Youssouf Hadji. Rennes goal keeper, Nikola Douchez got a hand to the strike but parried the palm stinging effort into his own goal.
Facing defeat in the 87th minute of play, Rennes pulled off some late game heroics to dramatically find an equalizer at the death. Petter Hanson swung a cross into the area from the left. Briand collected the ball on the back post and rifled a shot past Bracigliano with just minutes remaining to escape defeat.
Carlos Bocanegra put in another solid performance at the back but could not prevent his team from dropping two vital points.
Next up, Rennes travel away to Nice.
Notes
Freddy Adu watched from the stands as Monaco fell 1-0 to Marseille. The American will be eager to make the bench next week against Lille.
Quetin Westberg was an unused substitute when Les Troyes lost to Nimes 1-0 in Ligue 2 action. Next week, ESTAC will play host to Clermont.
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