Sal Zizzo: Rough Outing For Hannover Against Mallorca

There has been some speculation during the preseason that Hannover veteran Steve Cherundolo may get bumped from his starting right back role by a younger player, including possibly young American Sal Zizzo. After a 4-2 friendly loss to RCD Mallorca Friday night in which coach Dieter Hecking gave Zizzo a start, Cherundolo's job looks as secure as ever.

The largely experimental team made many mistakes which their Mallorcan hosts capitalized on each time, especially toward the end of the match. Zizzo was credited with many defensive mistakes, including getting the blame for causing the penalty kick which let Mallorca's Jose Manuel Jurado tie the score at 2:2. Zizzo was replaced in the 62nd minute by 19 year-old Leon Balogun as Mallorca scored two more goals by Oscar Trejo in the 72nd and Juan Arango in the 77th minute to make it 4-2.

Hecking seemed to be saving his first team for the next match in the preseason tourney against Hertha Berlin on Sunday night - expect to see Cherundolo in his customary right back position. Also, given Bryan Arguez' current situation at Hertha Berlin, it is doubtful if he will play against Hannover on Sunday.