Managers across the continent weighed how to use their American internationals in the wake of a long trip to Honduras in midweek. Most of them reached the same conclusion: the excursion shouldn't impact business as usual. Several U.S. internationals featured in the starting XI this weekend as they returned to their club duties.

The active weekend for Americans Abroad may not have erased the disappointment of the 2-1 defeat in San Pedro Sula, but it did provide plenty of talking points. Read on to learn more about Clint Dempsey's turn as a number nine and Geoff Cameron's role in Stoke's first league win of the New Year.

Dempsey led the line in Jermain Defoe's absence for a portion of the 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at White Hart Lane on Saturday. Spurs boss André Villas-Boas deployed Dempsey as the lone striker with Defoe ruled out and Emmanuel Adebayor taxed by his Africa Cup of Nations toil with Togo. Adebayor ultimately climbed off the bench during the second half to push Dempsey back into midfield for the remainder of the encounter.

Those attacking machinations did not particularly influence the outcome of the game as Gareth Bale struck twice to see off the visitors.

Stoke claimed its first league victory since Boxing Day with a 2-1 home win over Reading on Saturday. Cameron watched the first 84 minutes from the bench after his midweek exertions in Honduras, but the circumstances mandated his introduction in the late stages. Stoke boss Tony Pulis threw Cameron into the fray after Jamaica defender Adrian Mariappa reduced the deficit six minutes from time. The U.S. international center back replaced Andy Wilkinson and reinforced the defense for the final minutes to ensure the home side collected all three points.

Recently signed midfielder Brek Shea missed out on a place in the squad despite securing his work visa prior to the match.

Hoffenheim slipped deeper into the relegation mire by suffering a tenth defeat in 11 matches on Saturday. Hannover forward Mame Biram Diouf scored the only goal of the game after eight minutes to give his side a second win in three attempts and maintain the push for a European place. Johnson played all 90 minutes for the visitors, but Williams settled for a late cameo in the defeat. Hannover right back Steve Cherundolo missed out entirely with a knee complaint.

Puebla climbed into the top six after Beasley scored twice off the bench to secure a 3-1 victory at San Luis on Saturday night. The former U.S. left winger entered the match shortly before the hour mark and settled the match inside the final nine minutes. Beasley struck in the 81st and 88th minutes to snatch the points in the late stages.
 

Club América ended the Xolos' unbeaten run to start the campaign with a 2-1 victory at Estadio Caliente on Saturday night. Mexico fullback Paul Aguilar collected America's critical second goal eight minutes after the interval with a fine solo run and a swerving effort from distance. The nine-man visitors conceded once as the second half progressed, but the game outfit held on to inflict Tijuana's first league defeat of the campaign.

Castillo exited after 56 minutes as the Xolos chased the game. Corona replaced Fidel Martínez nine minutes later to bolster those attacking efforts, but he could not lift his side to a result.