Sunday Night News Nuggets: FrankenCooper, Yanks Abroad Looking For Love and Recognition

-Another weekend of club fixtures, another weekend of America’s best and brightest being ignored by their managers: Jozy Altidore wasn’t even available as a sub in Villareal’s 1-0 win over Sporting Gijon on Saturday (Giuseppe Rossi came off the bench to score the lone goal), and Freddy Adu got another token 10 minutes of garbage time at the end of Monaco’s 0-2 loss to Lille on Sunday. You have to think a loan deal could be in Jozy’s future, but given Adu’s situation, even that might not help him get more time on the pitch. What does it take for an American with huge potential to get playing time overseas? (Answer: Bribes of hookers and drugs. But that’s true with anything.)

-One Yank who has had enough of his time on the bench is Clint Dempsey. With just one appearance in Fulham’s starting XI so far this season, Dempsey is feeling a little frustrated with his situation. Says Deuce to the News of the World: “The coach here now is not the one who brought me in so it’s difficult proving that I deserve to be on the field.” [News of the World via Goal.com]

-But it’s not all frustration and loathing for Americans looking for success abroad. US U-23 backup keeper Dominic Cervi signed a contract with Scottish giants Celtic last Friday. [AP via Yahoo! Sports]

-National team mainstay Pablo Mastroeni appears to finally be closing in on a move to Europe, with Spanish clubs Malaga and Real Betis both interested. [wewantrapidman.com via SI.com]

-Also, rising member of the U-20 side, 18-year-old Vincenzo Bernardo, was given a three-year contract with Napoli after impressing with their reserve team. [Letters from Vagabondia]

-In other positive news, Charlie Davies, who showed flashes of potential with the US Olympic team last summer, is making noise in Sweden and garnering praise from Soccernet’s Ravi Ubha. [Soccernet]

-And finally, Kenny Cooper found the back of the net for the 15th time this season in FC Dallas’ 3-0 win over DC United on Sunday. That puts him four behind MLS leader Landon Donovan. What more does he have to do to get a national team look? (Answer: Again, hookers and drugs. How do you think Brian Ching keeps getting the call?)