[AMERICANS ABROAD] Jozy Altidore's AZ defeated Udinese of Italy, 2-0, in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-16 series. Altidore, who started and played the entire game, helped set up both goals in the second half.

His cross deflected off an Udinese player for Maarten Martens to put away and then he set up Erik Falkenburg.

In his last four starts -- three for AZ and one for the USA -- Altidore has scored three goals and added three assists.

Altidore, whose best chance was stopped from close range in the 89th minute, was one of three Americans in action on Thursday.

Jermaine Jones started for Schalke 04 in its 1-0 loss at FC Twente, while Steve Cherundolo started and received a yellow card in Hannover 96's 2-2 tie at Standard Liege.