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5 to Watch This Weekend

Your TV Hit List: U-20 World Cup and Lots of MLS

With the Hex on hold for a while, Major League Soccer returns to the spotlight with some juicy matchups. And don't forget to check in on the U-20 World Cup Friday, as the young Yanks tackle Spain.
BY Eduardo Mendez Posted
June 21, 2013
1:30 PM
The summer solstice is here, the days are getting longer, and that means there's more time for you to watch soccer on TV, right?

Wait—it doesn't mean that?

Nevermind. Here's a curated guide to the best televised action this weekend.

FRIDAY
U.S. Under-20 men’s national team vs. Spain
2:00 p.m. (all times Eastern)
ESPN 2, Univision Deportes

Spain continues to be a dominant force in the world of football. The senior team is toying with the competition at the Confederations Cup. The U-21 side just finished capturing its fourth UEFA Championship in Israel. And now, the U-20 team will take its turn. An upset for the U.S. over Spain is unlikely, but the same was said in the 2009 Confederations Cup....

SATURDAY
Sky Blue FC vs. Portland Thorns
7:00 p.m.
YouTube

Sky Blue FC and the Portland Thorns sit atop the NWSL standings with identical records. Both with will have an opportunity to stake a claim as the league’s best team on Saturday. Just don’t expect too much from Alex Morgan, Christie Rampone, and other members of the U.S. women’s national team. Players from both sides saw significant minutes in Abby Wambach’s record-breaking performance on Thursday.

FC Dallas vs. Sporting Kansas City
8:30 p.m.
MLS Live

Sporting Kansas City is in a bit of a funk, having gone winless in its last three matches. Fortunately for Sporting, the cavalry is on the way. Graham Zusi and Matt Besler are expected to return in Week 17, and not a moment too soon. A battle against the Supporters’ Shield leaders awaits Kansas City on Saturday.

Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders
9:30 p.m.
MLS Stream of the Week

One of MLS’ best rivalries is ready to write another chapter. Real Salt Lake and the Seattle Sounders have met in each of the last two postseasons, with RSL eliminating the Sounders in 2011. The Sounders returned the favor in 2012. The two will look to settle the score once more at Rio Tinto Stadium Saturday night.

SUNDAY
Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls
5:00 p.m.
ESPN

The Jack McInerney watch continues. After a three-week layoff, the No. 33-ranked player in the ASN 100 will look to continue his scorching form. It won’t be easy, though. McInerney is yet to score a goal against the Red Bulls, and the Union have fallen in the last five matches between the two. Can Jack Mac finally reverse Philadelphia’s fortunes Sunday evening? We’ll be watching.

BEST OF THE REST
MLS: Chivas USA vs. Los Angeles Galaxy (11:00 p.m., Sunday, UniMas)—This SuperClasico pales in comparison to some others around the globe, but it’s still an opportunity to check in on Landon Donovan ahead of the Gold Cup this summer.

NO U.S. ANGLE BUT...
Confederations Cup: Italy vs. Brazil (3:00 p.m., Sunday, ESPN)—Group A is on the line in this battle of traditional soccer powers.

So what are you watching this weekend? Which matches did we miss that we should tune in for? Let us know in the new and improved comments section.

Eduardo Mendez is a Brooklyn-based writer and an ASN contributor.

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