MLS, Premier League, and USA-Mexico in the Spotlight

5 to Watch This Week/end

MLS, Premier League, and USA-Mexico in the Spotlight

It’s a spread out week for American soccer, with key games on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and then capped off Wednesday with the U.S. national team taking on Mexico in Arizona.


BY

Christopher McCollum



Posted

March 28, 2014

5:17 PM

Saturday

Aston Villa vs. Manchester United
8:40a.m. (all times Eastern)
NBC Sports Live Extra

After the shock victory over Chelsea two weeks ago, Brad Guzan and Aston Villa have the opportunity to take out another Premier League giant this week. Villa continues to put on surprisingly impressive performances this season, while the Red Devils appear to be on the verge of firing David Moyes after this relatively disastrous season.

Real Salt Lake vs. Toronto
9:30 p.m.
MLS Live

Toronto FC has been the star of the 2014 season so far, much to the delight of Ontario soccer fans and Tim Leiweke. On the backs of Michael Bradley and Jermain Defoe, the club has excelled in its first two games and it now turns its attention to Kyle Beckerman, Nick Rimando, Luis Gil, and Real Salt Lake. Check out Mike McCall’s Match of the Week feature for lots more on this contest.

Sunday

Puebla vs. Leon
2:00 p.m.
ESPN Deportes

DaMarcus Beasley and Michael Orozco have been called in for the midweek game against Mexico, and this will be their final tune up match to prepare for the final friendly before World Cup training camp begins in May. Look for energized performances going against Leon.

Monday

Sunderland vs. West Ham
3:00 p.m.
NBC Sports Live Extra

Jozy Altidore is struggling in England, as is Sunderland. The club has found the back of the net a few times but the prized American striker must find a way to capitalize on the few precious opportunities left this season to prepare for the summer. West Ham has had a strong season and will not be an easy opponent.

Wednesday

USA vs. Mexico
11:00 p.m.
ESPN 2

It’s the greatest soccer rivalry in CONCACAF, and one of the best in the world as Mexico travels to Glendale, Ariz., to face the United States. The big question on everyone’s mind is: How will Julian Green play? The recently converted German-American has a high ceiling and everyone is wondering how it will translate to his first meaningful minutes at the senior level.

So what are you watching this week? Let us know in comments section below.

Christopher McCollum is a New York City-based writer and an ASN contributor.