Chandler's stoppage-time assist salvages draw for Nurnberg

 Timmy Chandler delivered an assist in second-half stoppage time Sunday to secure a point for FC Nurnberg, which played Hannover 96 to a 2-2 draw in Bundesliga action at Grundig Stadion.

The U.S. international right back crossed from the right flank deep in Hannover territory, and Sebastian Polter met it by the near post to redirect it into the goal and erase a one-goal deficit. Chandler started and played all 90 minutes against the team for which American veteran Steve Cherundolo, whom Chandler will be battling for U.S. starting duties, is the captain. Cherundolo remained out of action for Hannover as he recovers from arthroscopic left knee surgery, preventing the head-to-head matchup.

The draw prevented Hannover from pulling level with Mainz for seventh place in the Bundesliga table. Nurnberg sits in 14th place with the point but is unbeaten in three matches and is a comfortable 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

The team currently at the top of the relegation zone, Hoffenheim, fell again on Sunday, dropping a 1-0 result to Stuttgart to remain in 16th place. U.S. internationals Fabian Johnson and Danny Williams both started for Hoffenheim, with Johnson going the distance at left back and Williams picking up a yellow card in central midfield before being subbed off in the 54th minute.