Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Cottagers prepare for Premiership Cup
Sunderland come to visit Craven Cottage for first leg

After their rude dismissal by eventual champions, Manchester United, Fulham are set to regain momentum deep into the Premiership Cup - but standing in their way is a resilient Sunderland side.

With Kieran Richardson doing the playmaking and Daniel Chopra scoring at will - Sunderland could be the team that ruins all hopes for the Cottagers.

"There's no questioin they can find the back of the net," said Fulham keeper, Riou, "But we can also find goals and I believe we are the stronger defending team this year. Granted, it is early - but I have full confidence we will get past Sunderland FC."

Kieran Richardson noted the inconsistencies in a constructive manner of Sunderland's defense:

"When you move players around, such as McShane moving from the right mid to playing right back - you tend to lose focus at the game at hand. Sometimes it's our tactical approach that wins games - I think that is something we excel in over Fulham to be honest."

The Cottagers may have to watch out for other 'inconsistencies' as this Sunderland side can attack at will - but at the same time leave gaps open. As Richardson mentioned, McShane was a critical part of the offense at right mid - so his attacking mentality will most likely prevail over his defensive obligations.

Prediction: Fulham 3-0 Sunderland

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Next Match (Premiership Cup, 1st Leg v Sunderland)

vs


(Form: W-W)

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Hangeland, Leijer, Baird, Konchesky, Danny Murphy, Bullard, Obertan, Lazaros, Kamara, Lam Matteo

Reaction: Shuffling the lineup is what Roy Hodgson does best it seems. Most Fulham faithful are waiting for the day the man works with just one setup - but with the immense amount of talent on the bench, it's no surprise. I would say this is a very attack-minded setup in regards to personel with Lazaros and Obertan - then Kamara and red hot Lam Matteo.

Sunderland (4-4-2): Fulop, Hartley, ANDerson, McShane, Danny Collins, Deroin, Whitehead, Arda Turan, Richardson, Chopra, Prica

Reaction: Richardson will be the focal point facing up against Paul Konchesky mainly. Sunderland will try to keep the ball on the ground more often than the air due to the incredible height of Fulham's center back, Breda Hangeland.

[Matt10]

[Matt10]

Fixture 3, Barclays Premiership League

11| (1-0-1)

03| (2-0-0)

Fulham travel to Goodison Park
A hope to continue winning streak versus Everton

The Cottagers have a battle to face when they travel to Goodison Park today to face 11th place Everton. Everton have lost one match and won a match. Their loss was against Liverpool in a close duel that ended 3-2 in favor of the Reds. The victory was another close match, a seven-goal thriller against Tottenham, in which the Blues won - 5 to 4.

Everton are a side that is equipped with personnel that will not surprise the stadium occupants. Arshavin is one of the bigger names, as are Tim Cahill and new English defender, Ashley Cole - who partners with Lescott.

Fulham bring in a similar squad that won 3-0 versus Sunderland last wekend in the first leg of the Premiership Cup. Striker Lam Matteo has three goals through four matches this year and is looking for more as he is paired alongside Gabriel Agbonlahor. Outstanding free-kick specialist, Giovinco will be placed on the outside right wing - a spot that he has never played.

Prediction: Everton 2-2 Fulham

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Everton (4-4-1-1): Cuypers, Irving, Lescott, Terossidis, Ashley Cole, Aaltonen, Cahill, Valbuena, Pienaar, Arshavin, Jutkiewicz

Fulham (4-4-2): Petric, Leijer, Stefanovic, Hughes, Painstil, Andreasen, Simon Davies, Giovinco, Lazaros, Agbonlahor, Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Jutkiewicz and Toffees spoil Cottagers streak
Johnson Peoples, July 2013



It wasn't the most graceful match of the season, but Everton got the job done against Fulham - who were without the services of Lam Matteo for 75 minutes since the striker crumpled down to injury...again.

A match that was dictated by the rainy conditions - the ball slipped among the slick turf, and both teams struggled to keep hold of their markers.

"It was brutal," says Fulham forward, Gabriel Agbonlahor, "There was no real possession, it was a scrum for every loose ball."

Eventually it was Everton who would gain somewhat control when they took the lead thanks to a lucky shot that was deflected from Tim Cahill. The ball, after bouncing off of Leijer's knee - trickled into Petric's near post to put the Toffees up 1-0.

Soon after, John Painstil was giving his marching orders when he took down Pienaar in the box at the half-hour mark. Aaltonen made no mistake and converted the penalty kick - sending Petric the wrong way.

Immediately at the start of the second half, the Cottagers pressed on. Center back Leijer would come up for a free kick and initially, Agbonlahor's shot was saved, but the center back would catch the ball in stride off the rebound - and finish with ease.

They were rewarded a great chance to tie when Gabriel Ogbonlahor beat the offside trap, but the England international's shot sailed just high on Cuypers' far post.

Agbonlahor would make no mistake on his second chance, when Giovinco crossed the ball to an open space in the box - unchallenged, Agbonlahor rushed into space and slid into the ball - which found the back of the net.

After a back and forth of possession, both sides continuing to struggle controlling the ball, it would be Everton who would find the back of the net via forward Jutkiewicz.

Jutkiewicz's first goal came when Valbuena's cross was deflected and ended up being a perfect pass to the forward, who volleyed the ball into the near post - surprising Petric, who had no chance.

Everton would put the nail in the coffin through Jutkiewicz after second half sub, Baines would cross in a beauty that the striker put his head on - and into the back of the goal, leaving Petric nothing to grasp for.

The loss doesn't hurt Fulham as much as the win means for Everton. However, pride is hurting as the Cottagers will be without Matteo's services next week when they face Hull City due to a sprained ankle.
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Standings: Fulham (2-0-1, 6pts -- 7th)

Form: Last three, W-W-L
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[Matt10]

Fixture 4, Loss to Hull City 5-1 (Simmed)
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Fixture 5, Barclays Premiership League

20| (0-0-4, 0 pts)

14| (2-0-2, 6 pts)

West Brom host Cottagers
Fulham hoping to regain form versus bottom of the table

West Brom have failed to manage any points so far this season, essentially picking up where they left off from last year when they finished 18th with 34 points.

Fulham come into the match off of two disappointing losses against Everton (4-2) and Hull City (5-1). The Cottagers are looking to regain some composure as the two substantial losses has seemed to hurt the direction of the team.

"We will get back to the basics," says manager, Roy Hodgson, "That is the only thing that we can really do at this point. We have been complacent with finishing these past matches, so I am hoping we can find some much needed goals today."

Fulham's Lam Matteo returns to the bench after a brief stint with an ankle injury suffered in the Everton match.

"Yeah, it's good to be back," said the American, "I am frustrated to be on the bench - but boss says I'm not 100% yet. Hopefully I can find some playing time yeah."

With Matteo on the bench, David Healy gets the go ahead alongside Gabriel Agbonlahor. Fulham's midfield is one of their strengths with Obertan and Danny Murphy being one of the more regular starters, while Cook and Seol Ki Hyeon are given some playing experience.

Prediction: West Brom 1-4 Fulham

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West Brom (4-4-2): Volkan, Barnett, Andreolli, Hodgkiss, Isidoro, Vargas, Ji Parana, Frei, Capi, MacDonaldo, Ching

Fulham (4-4-2): Riou, Baird, Hangeland, Paintsil, Kallio, Danny Murphy, Cook, Seol Ki Hyeon, Obertan, Agbonlahor, Healy

[Matt10]

West Brom hold on for three points
Johnson Peoples, July 2013



A pathetic showing from the Cottagers as they fall to the last place team in the Premiership, West Bromwich Albion, 2-0 away from Craven Cottage.

"Piss poor," reflected a dejected Danny Murphy, "There was no finishing today - we had our chances - all of them blown."

Blown chances was the theme of the match for Fulham, second half substitute Lam Matteo was the main focal point in seeing chances missed.

"I couldn't shoot away from the keeper today," said Matteo, "He made himself big enough that I would just fail at finding my target. It wasn't a good day."

Despite having an off shooting day - the striker was still one of the better players on the field as he tried to set up Agbonlahor on multiple occasions - one time setting up the forward one-on-one against Volkan, but Agbonlahor would shoot the ball over the goal.

Three losses in a row now for Cottagers, is it too early to be thinking of a change from Ol' Roy?

Next week, Fulham will be hosting Sunderland in the 2nd leg of the Premiership cup. The Cottagers last good performance this season was gainst Sunderland, winning by a good 3-0 margin.
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Standings: Fulham (2-0-3, 6pts -- 16th)

Form: Last five, W-W-L-L-L
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[Matt10]

[The Messenger]

This is nice.

[Matt10]

Matteo's hat trick lifts Fulham past Stoke with ease
Johnson Peoples, August 2013



After a relatively dry scoring streak this year, Lam Matteo came into today's match against Stoke with nothing but guts and glory. The American striker took home Man of the Match awards as he recorded his second hat trick of his illustrious career with Fulham.

"Yeah, brilliant," said the American, "I had some excellent support throughout the match though. Lazzy (Lazaros) and Gio (Giovinco) supplied some great passes to me - which I was lucky enough to convert."

The win was much needed considering the Cottagers were on a three-match losing streak.

Next week's matchup versus Aston Villa will be a good test to see if Lam Matteo and company can exhibit this type of football again.
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Standings: Fulham (3-0-3, 9pts -- 10th)

Form: Last five, W-L-L-L-W
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[Matt10]

Obertan's match winner sends Cottage in frenzy
Johnson Peoples, August 2013



Aston Villa came into Craven Cottage expecting to at least settle for a point against a resilient Fulham side. Led by a strong midfield, the Cottagers managed to upset the favorites and win 2-1 thanks to Obertan's 77th minute goal.

"I wanted to score an important goal for this team," said the Frenchman, "It has been a dream start for me - but I wanted to really grab a match winner like today."

With the win, the Cottagers move up 4 spots from 10th to 6th.

Next week - Fulham travel to the lair of the Red Devils - Old Trafford - to face Manchester United, who are currently first in the Premiership (fancy that).
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Standings: Fulham (4-0-3, 12pts -- 6th)

Form: Last five, L-L-L-W-W
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[Matt10]

Still enjoying the story. If I had more time I would write one up, but school and lack of computer knowledge for gather pictures would be a negative for the story.

Keep up the good work. Are there any plans for Matteo to move onto another club at any point? Maybe make his way back stateside for an MLS club?

Hey man, you know I'm always here to help you out with the computer knowledge part. I've helped out a few guys in the past.

I think Matteo will eventually move on - just not sure when, I personally love Fulham, but if the big offers start knocking - he might be a-coming.

[Matt10]

Sounds good man. If I get some time once the semester slows down at all, which won't be for awhile I'll maybe think about starting one. I already have some ideas going about a story line. Just need the time.

Has Matteo played in national matches at all for the U.S.?

I hear ya there. Matteo has not been called up by the US team just yet.

Come to think of it, he's getting a bit older in the age dept now. Some readers may not remember but in the first page, Johnson Peoples mentions how old Matteo is. When I started this he was 25 - so 17 in the game - so now Matteo is 28.

I know that kind of thing is easy to miss, I actually forgot too. So hopefully a call up soon before he retires.

[Matt10]

Johnson Peoples -Fulham FC editor

Down 3-0 at halftime, Alex Ferguson felt that his Red Devils needed to regain what was rightfully theirs; and that was at least a point to take away from their pathetic match against the Cottagers.

Fulham's David Healy was the man of the match as he tore apart the United defense, scoring two goals and almost assisting another. Lam Matteo and Healy, known for their slight lack of chemistry on the field - played well in an aging United defense led by Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville.

After Man United scored their second goal in the second half thanks to Quagriella (subbed in for Tevez), it was Vidic who would score the match tying goal in the 88th minute - dashing all hope of 3 points from the visitors. The left center back found himself some room off of a corner and sprinted into open space before glancing a header past Riou.



David Healy celebrates one of his goals before United performed their pre-destined comeback.

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Standings: Fulham (4-1-3, 13pts -- 6th)

Form: Last five, L-L-W-W-D

Next Match: v West Ham (12 pts -- 7th)
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[Matt10]

*live match played, scoreboard updated every goal (in same post)

FIXTURE 9



9' Bullard is in the right place at the right time when Matteo's close effort was blocked.

13' After Matteo finds the ball from Giovinco down the sidelines, he places a perfect pass to Lazaros - who easily buries the ball in the back of the net from 5 yards away.

HALFTIME Fulham look to be in control of this one at the half. Matteo looks a bit fatigued - will he be able to go the full 90? The second half starts now.

59' Giovinco's corner kick meets the head of Lazaros - his second goal of the match! West Ham have no answer!

77' Substitution, Fulham - Lam Matteo out, Kamara in. Matteo has done his part today grabbing an assist earlier in Lazaros' first goal. There were goals to be had for the American - but his shooting boots seemed to have been misplaced.

FULL TIME The Hammers had no such luck, only 3 shots on target, against a powerful and poised defense. Fulham win 3-0 at home today, a great victory over a team like West Ham will only build confidence into the next week's match versus Newcastle.

[kyhadley]

live!?!

what innovation!!