Jeremy_olson__usmnt_crc_wcq_3_21_89_dxo Jeremy Olson for American Soccer Now
5 to Watch This Weekend

Potential USMNTers Shine as MLS Dominates TV Slate

Omar Gonzalez and the United States take on Costa Rica in action Friday night, but there are plenty of other matches this weekend to satiate the die hard red, white, and blue supporters.
BY Eduardo Mendez Posted
March 22, 2013
12:30 PM
World Cup qualifying will limit the soccer action across the globe this weekend, but American soccer fans have no need to fret. A full slate of MLS matches will be at your disposal to cure that U.S. men’s national team hangover. Before those American eyes fixate on Tuesday’s clash against Mexico, here’s your guide for this weekend’s action.

FRIDAY
United States vs. Costa Rica
10:00 p.m. (all times Eastern)
ESPN

If you need an explanation, you're officially on the wrong Website.

SATURDAY
DC United vs. Columbus Crew
3:30 p.m.
NBC Sports Network

After being bullied for 90 minutes at Red Bull Arena, D.C. United returns to the friendly confines of RFK Stadium in search of another victory at home. Bill Hamid’s exclusion from the U.S. roster comes as a bit of a surprise, especially after his Herculean effort last week. Joined by fellow American hopeful Chris Pontius, D.C. will look to take advantage of a Crew team that is without its leading goal scorer from 2012. Jairo Arrieta bolstered the Crew’s attack when he arrived last season but will be forced to miss the match due to his international duty with Costa Rica.

Montreal Impact vs. New York Red Bulls
4:00 p.m.
MLS Live

This one loses its appeal with a pair of big-name designated players absent. Tim Cahill was recalled to the Australian national team for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Oman. Thierry Henry—who’s been allergic to turf since he arrived in 2010—is out with a mild MCL sprain. That gives U.S. hopeful Dax McCarty an opportunity to shine before a raucous crowd at the Big O. The midfielder needs to improve on his workman-like effort from last week. The Red Bulls are in search of the season’s first victory and can ill-afford missed attempts like the one he had in the 23rd minute of the scoreless draw. The upstart Impact—currently atop the Eastern Conference—hope to improve to 4-0.

Houston Dynamo vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
8:30 p.m.
MLS Live

Brad Davis’ last-second call up leaves the Dynamo without its two most gifted talents on the ball as Boniek Garcia is also away on international duty. That places the onus of extending Houston’s 26-game unbeaten streak at home on the American shoulders of Will Bruin. It’s been a sluggish start to the 2013 campaign for Bruin after leading the Dynamo in scoring with 12 goals in 2012. The Dancing Bear has had little to celebrate with only one shot on target. It doesn’t get any easier in Week 4. Bruin and company face an undefeated Whitecaps team led by a pair of dynamic newcomers. Nigel Reo-Coker and Daigo Kobayashi have helped propel Vancouver to the top of the Western Conference standings.

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids
10:30 p.m.
MLS Live

The Galaxy will look to rebound after last week’s disappointing draw in the SuperClasico. Mike Magee is among the league’s leading goal scorers, but has not found the back of the net since his hat trick in the season’s opener. Youth is being served in Colorado. Rookie sensation Deshorn Brown has had no issues acclimating himself to the professional game. It may be a preview of things to come for the USMNT. The Jamaican international leads the winless Rapids with one goal and an assist on 13 shot attempts. As if Jamaica needed any more dynamic forwards.

BEST OF THE REST
Chicago Fire vs. Chivas USA (5:00 p.m., Sunday, UniMas) It’s in Spanish, but if you find yourself going through withdrawals on Sunday, there’s no team more entertaining in MLS than El Chelis’ Chivas USA. Doesn’t hurt to have another great American goalkeeper in action, either.

So what are you watching this weekend? Which matches did we miss that we should tune in for?

Eduardo Mendez (@Mendez_FC) is a writer based in Brooklyn and an ASN contributor.

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