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5 to Watch This Weekend

TV Talk: Confederations Cup, MLS, and USWNT

Don’t fret, American soccer fans. You won’t have to wait until Tuesday. MLS and the U.S. women’s national team will cover you this Father’s Day weekend. Here’s your curated guide for this weekend’s action.
BY Eduardo Mendez Posted
June 14, 2013
5:20 PM
SATURDAY
Portland Timbers vs. FC Dallas
5:00 p.m. (all times Eastern)
ESPN

Ninety minutes weren’t enough to separate these two in Week 11. A penalty kick from Kenny Cooper allowed Dallas to salvage a point in Frisco, Texas. Now, the Timbers will look to extend their 12-game unbeaten streak in front of their home crowd. It’s a battle for Western Conference supremacy, but like they say on Iron Chef, only one team will reign supreme when the final whistle blows.

U.S. women’s national team vs. South Korea
7:00 p.m.
ESPN 3

Saturday could mark the return of another American great. Shoulder surgery kept Hope Solo from participating with the national team since February, but the 31-year-old is ready to return to her rightful place between the posts. The friendly against South Korea will also mark the return of Megan Rapinoe. The American midfielder was forced to miss recent action with the national team due to her club obligations with Lyon.

Columbus Crew vs. Montreal Impact
7:30 p.m.
MLS Live

The Crew have lost more than Eddie Gaven in recent weeks. The No. 87-ranked player in the ASN 100 suffered a season-ending injury in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup. The team followed suit with a two-game winless streak. A 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup didn’t help remedy the situation, either. If Columbus hopes to remain relevant in the Eastern Conference, the team must return to its winning ways against the Impact on Saturday.

Colorado vs. San Jose
9:00 p.m.
MLS Stream of the Week

What a difference a year makes. Last year, Chris Wondolowski found himself lifting the Supporters’ Shield trophy. Now, just a few months later, he finds himself without a head coach. Frank Yallop’s decision to mutually part ways with the Earthquakes was a shocking revelation, but San Jose’s 3-6-6 record this season is even more surprising. It’s a new era for Wondolowski and company. They’ll look to kick it off with a victory in Colorado.

SUNDAY
Portland Thorns vs. Seattle Reign
2:00 p.m.
YouTube

This Cascadia showdown lost a bit of its luster with Alex Morgan fulfilling her patriotic duty, but the show must go on in Portland. The Thorns are still chasing the top spot in the NWSL. Portland was able to eke out a 1-0 victory the last time these two met in May. Get ready to enjoy your Father’s Day with another exciting finish at JELD-WEN Field.

BEST OF THE REST
NWSL: FC Kansas City vs. Chicago Red Stars (3:10 p.m., Sunday, YouTube)—How will Kansas City fare with Kristie Mewis, Nicole Barnhart and Becky Sauerbrunn away on international duty?

NO U.S. ANGLE BUT...
Confederations Cup: Mexico vs. Italy (3:00 p.m., Sunday, ESPN)—Fortunately for Mexico, the Confederations Cup will not be taking place at the Azteca.

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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