If there was ever an FA Cup match that was going to garner interest in the USA, it was this one. Of course I mean interest by people who aren't like me and don't obsess over world football. This match featured what are probably the three biggest names in US Soccer right now. For Everton Tim Howard was in goal as per usual, and Landon Donovan started in the midfield. Fulham featured Clint Dempsey, scorer of two hat tricks in the last month, in the midfield.
Of course beyond the interest in the Americans abroad, those of us who do follow English football knew that this was the FA Cup, and really the only chance either of these clubs had at winning a trophy this year. The loser would be done.
Everton has had the Cottagers' number at home over the years, but Fulham had been the dominant side in the FA Cup. Everton came out of the gates looking to put an end to the latter trend. Outside of a wild shot by Dempsey in the 2nd minute, the Toffees controlled possession in the early going. Fulham seemed largely lethargic, not chasing the ball much and turning it over when they did get it.
All that changed in the 12th minute as Fulham had the chance to take the lead. Damien Duff drove into the box, and John Heitinga got in front of his shot, handling the ball as he went. Referee Howard Webb quickly and correctly pointed to the spot. Heitinga was given a yellow for the handball. Fulham captain Danny Murphy converted the PK and Fulham took the 0-1 lead, totally against the run of play.
Everton didn't waste any time in responding though and to their credit went right back into their game plan. It's hard to panic a David Moyes side, even with an early goal. Around the 20th minute the Toffees brought a ton of pressure to bare on the Fulham goal that culminated in a great shot from Magaye Gueye being blocked to end the threat.
However Everton got their much deserved equalizer in the 28th minute, and one of the Americans on the pitch featured prominently. Landon Donovan sent a beautiful and spot on cross into Denis Stracqualursi, who got up and headed it past the helpless Fulham 'keeper and into the net to tie the match at 1-1. Great goal.
After halftime, Clint Dempsey really tried to make a difference for Fulham. Unfortunately for the Cottagers, only Dempsey, Duff, and Ruiz really showed, and they couldn't not get the ball to Deuce to get him involved. Still, in the 52nd minute he put a header over the bar and had a decent effort blocked in the 58th, but that would be about the extent of his involvement.
Everton were still firmly control and looking for the go ahead goal. Landon Donovan was constantly getting himself in position to be helpful for his club. In the 70th minute he rolled a shot just wide of the post, but made a significant contribution again just 3 minutes later as he sent another finally crafted cross into the area. This one found the head of Marouane Fellaini, who tucked it into the net to give Everton the 2-1 lead. Just aim for the hair, Landon.
Everton continued to dominate for the rest of the match, but Fulham did get one good look in stoppage time that almost forced a replay. In the 1st extra minute, Bryan Ruiz, who was the biggest bright spot on the day for Fulham, got a hold of a good strike but sent it just agonizingly wide of Tim Howard's goal. The Toffees held on for the 2-1 win.
They advance to the 5th round of the FA Cup. They will play at home against the winner of Blackpool/Sheffield Wednesday.
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