In the MLS, Tim Cahill played a full game in midfield as the New York Red Bulls lost 2-0 to Columbus Crew. Cahill was quiet in an uncharacteristically flat Red Bulls performance.

In the Chinese Super League, Ryan McGowan played a full game in defence as Shandong Luneng conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 with Dalian Aerbin. Daniel Mullen made his first appearance in the Dalian match-day squad this season following his loan spell at Melbourne Victory, although the defender watched on from the bench. Shandong are now winless in their past five games and trail league leaders Guangzhou Evergrande by 13 points.

Erik Paartalu played a full game in midfield as Tianjin Teda remained in the relegation zone following a 1-1 draw with Shanghai Shenhua, while Matt McKay played a full game as Changchun Yatai threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Huangzhou Greentown in a game which contained some calamitous defending from both sides. McKay had some good moments on the ball and whipped in a fine cross late in the first half which was met by Isac, although the Brazilian couldn’t hit the target with his header.

Jonas Salley played a full game as Guizhou Renhe played out an entertaining 0-0 draw with Qingdao Jonoon. Salley, renowned as a combative midfielder, has reinvented himself as a central defender in recent games.

Daniel McBreen made his debut for Shanghai SIPG, playing 90 minutes in their 3-0 loss to Beijing Guoan, despite Beijing being down to 10 men for almost 80 minutes. McBreen had numerous opportunities throughout the contest but a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping from Yang Zhi kept the A-League golden boot at bay. Bernie Ibini also made his debut, coming on at half time, but the former Mariner had little impact on the left wing. 

Elsewhere, Rostyn Griffiths was absent from the match-day squad as Guangzhou R&F lost 1-0 to Liaoning Whowin, while Michael Marrone remained out with a cracked shin as Shanghai Shenxin lost 3-0 to Guangzhou Evergrande.

In the Chinese Second Division, Ryan Griffiths continued his good form, scoring in Beijing Baxy’s 2-0 win over Shenyang Shenbei.

Brendon Santalab was absent from the match-day squad as Chongqing Lifan beat Hunan Xiangtao 1-0. Santalab’s agent Lou Sticca announced during the week that Santalab will leave the club in the coming days.

In South Korea, Alex Wilkinson played a full game in defence, putting in a strong performance as Jeonbuk Motors beat Pohang Steelers 2-0.

Luke Devere started but was replaced at half time as Gyeongnam’s poor form continued, losing 4-2 to Jeju United. Adrian Madaschi was absent from the Jeju match-day squad.

Robert Cornthwaite was an 83rd minute substitute as Chunnam Dragons drew 1-1 with Incheon United. Nathan Burns was again absent from the Incheon match-day squad.

Elsewhere, Brendan Hamill was absent from the match-day squad as Gangwon played out 0-0 draw with Daegu. Hamill hasn’t made a league appearance since October last year, while Eddy Bosnar was absent from the match-day squad as Suwon Bluewings drew 0-0 with Ulsan Hyundai. Bosnar continues to be linked with a move away from Suwon.

In Japan, Josh Kennedy played a full game as Nagoya Grampus beat Shimizu S-Pulse 2-1.

In the Croatian Super Cup, Steven Lustica was an unused substitute as Hadjuk Split lost to Dinamo Zagreb in a penalty shoot-out after the game finished at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

In Ireland, Mark Griffin was an unused substitute as Derry City lost 1-0 to Griffin’s former club, Dundalk.

Finally in Malaysia, Adam Griffiths played a full game as Selangor drew 1-1 with Darul.