This Weekend's Soccer on TV

By MICHAEL KLINE

The international break has come and gone, and the worlds top leagues return to action this weekend.

Bayern Munich take on Hannover 96 in their fifth league match of the young German season. Bayern trail Borussia Dortmund by two points in the league, and will have to beat an in-form Hannover 96 squad who sit tied for third-place after winning three of their first four matches. Pep Guardiolas club sit in tenth-place in goals scored through the first four matches, and will likely depend upon their solid defense to earn three points on Saturday.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Arsenals new signing Mesut Özil this weekend, as he attempts to wow the Gunner faithful with a strong first showing on the road to Sunderland. He will have had only a couple of training sessions with his new teammates under his belt, and will be forced to adjust quickly on Saturday.

A little bit later in the afternoon, Inter Milan and Juventus will duel it out in the San Siro. Carlos Tevez will relish his first new test in a Juve shirt, and he will look to continue his perfect goal scoring form (3 goals in 3 matches for Juventus) by netting against The Black and Blue.

Here is a rundown of This Weekends Soccer on TV:

FRIDAY

2:30pm beIN Sport – Bordeaux vs PSG

2:30pm GolTV – Hertha BSC vs Stuttgart

8:30pm ESPN Deportes – Querétaro vs Atlante

10pm NBC Sports Network – Seattle Sounders vs Real Salt Lake

10:30pm Univision Deportes – Santos Laguna vs América

SATURDAY

7:45am NBC Sports Network – Manchester United vs Crystal Palace

9:30am GolTV – Bayern Munich vs Hannover 96

10am NBC Sports Live Extra – Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

10am NBC Sports Live Extra – Fulham vs West Bromwich Albion

10am NBC Sports Live Extra – Hull City vs Cardiff City

10am NBC Sports Live Extra – Stoke City vs Manchester City

10am NBC Sports Live Extra – Tottenham Hotspur vs Norwich City

10am NBC Sports Network – Sunderland vs Arsenal

10am beIN Sport en Español – Atlético Madrid vs Almería

12pm beIN Sport – Inter Milan vs Juventus

12pm beIN Sport en Español – Levante vs Real Sociedad

12:30pm NBC – Everton vs Chelsea

2pm MLS Direct Kick – Montreal Impact vs Columbus Crew

2pm Univision Deportes – Ajaccio vs Evian TG

2pm beIN Sport – Barcelona vs Sevilla

4pm UniMás – DC United vs Los Angeles Galaxy

4pm beIN Sport – Villarreal vs Real Madrid

6pm Univision Deportes – Veracruz vs León

6pm Univision – Cruz Azul vs Tigres UANL

7pm MLS Direct Kick – New York Red Bulls vs Toronto FC

7:30pm MLS Direct Kick – Philadelphia Union vs Houston Dynamo

8pm Univision Deportes – Monterrey vs Pachuca

8:30pm MLS Direct Kick  Chicago Fire vs New England Revolution

9pm MLS Direct Kick – Colorado Rapids vs Dallas FC

10pm Univision Deportes – Chiapas vs Atlas

10:30pm MLS Direct Kick – Chivas USA vs Portland Timbers

10:30pm MLS Direct Kick – San Jose Earthquakes vs Vancouver Whitecaps

SUNDAY

8am beIN Sport – Monaco vs Lorient

9am beIN Sport en Español – Lazio vs Chievo

11am NBC Sports Network – Southampton vs West Ham United

1pm beIN Sport en Español – Málaga vs Rayo Vallecano

1pm ESPN Deportes – Puebla vs Toluca

1pm Univision – Pumas UNAM vs Morelia

2:45pm beIN Sport – Sampdoria vs Genoa

3pm Univision Deportes – Olympique Lyonnais vs Rennes

3pm beIN Sport en Español – Real Betis vs Valencia

6pm UniMás – Guadalajara vs Tijuana

 

 

 

 

USMNT to play Scotland at Hamden Park in November | Soccer By Ives

Photo by ISIPhotos.com

By DAN KARELL

U.S. Soccer announced on Friday that the U.S. Mens National Team will play the Scotland National Team in a friendly match on Friday, November 15 in Glasgow.

The game is the first of two friendlies (the other against an opponent to be determined is set for November 19) that the No. 13 ranked USMNT will play during the November FIFA international fixture dates. The match against Scotland will take place at Scotlands national stadium, Hampden Park.

“The game against Scotland is crucial for us because we have so few games between now and when we name the roster for the FIFA World Cup,” USMNT head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said in a statement. “It’s a huge opportunity for the players, and we are excited to play against a team and in a venue that has so much tradition and history in football.”

Its the second time in two years that the U.S. will face Scotland in a friendly match. In May 2012, the USMNT routed Scotland, 5-1, with a Landon Donovan hat-trick leading the way. Scotland are currently in fifth-place in their World Cup qualifying group and were the first nation eliminated from contention for Brazil 2014.

Scotland lead the all-time series between the two nations, 3-2-2, with their last win coming in 1992. They are currently ranked No. 63 in the FIFA rankings, having dropped 13 places despite a 2-1 victory on Tuesday in Macedonia.

“I am looking forward to playing the USA at Hampden Park in November, Scotland National Team head coach Gordon Strachan said in a statement. While it would be great to be preparing for the World Cup in Brazil, or taking part in the play-offs, this match will give us another opportunity to maintain the momentum achieved with the results and performances against Croatia and Macedonia.

The game between the USMNT and Scotland is set to kickoff at 3pm ET and will be shown on ESPN2 as well as the Univision Networks.

What do you think of this news? Do you believe that Scotland is a good challenge for the team? Who do you see Klinsmann calling up for the match?

Share your thoughts below.

Costa Rica facing sanctions as FIFA investigates actions during qualifier vs. USMNT | Soccer By Ives

By DAN KARELL

The Costa Rican Football Federation did their best to put the U.S. Mens National Team off their game when the squads met up seven days ago, but it appears that they stepped over the line on multiple occasions.

According to reports in Costa Rica, the Federation is under investigation by FIFA for three separate incidents that occurred on September 6 at the Estadio Nacional. The reports state that prior to kickoff, fans booed and whistled during the United States national anthem, the PA turned off Clint Dempseys microphone as he read out a statement about fair play, and Costa Rica supporters pointed lasers at U.S. coaching staff and players.

In addition, FIFA is investigating the actions of Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell during the second half, which saw U.S. centerback Matt Besler yellow carded despite video evidence clearing him of wrong-doing.

The secretary of the Costa Rican Federations executive committee, Juan Carlos Roman, confirmed the news, and said that FIFA could potentially force Costa Rica to play their next home game (October 15 vs. Mexico) behind closed doors, taking away a key revenue stream for the organization.

Roman mentioned that the Federation has until September 16th to respond to the complaints lodged by U.S. Soccer, and the investigation is currently going through the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

Costa Rica head coach Jorge Luis Pinto commented on the investigation of Campbell on Friday, though he likely did himself no favors here in the United States.

Pinto complained that when Costa Rica was at the Estadio Azteca and in El Salvador, fans booed their national anthem and lasers were pointed, but nothing was done. He also said that U.S. Soccer shouldnt have been allowed to place cameras around the stadium, where they could catch certain incidents, like Campbells folly.

I am worried about Campbell, Pinto said on Costa Rican TV, transcribed by Diez.hn in Honduras. I hate the licit gesture from the United States for putting a camera behind the coachs area. Theyre not going to refute that, but we should not allow that. Its a camera that confuses regulations.

Its an aggressive act and its resentful of the United States.

–

What do you think of these reports? Glad FIFA is investigating the claims from the match? Do you see Costa Ricas next match played behind closed doors? What do you think of Pintos comments?

Share your thoughts below.

MLS Week 29: A Look Ahead | Soccer By Ives

By DAN KARELL

First place in the Western Conference standings is on the line on Friday when Real Salt Lake visits Clint Dempsey and the Seattle Sounders.

The Sounders are the hottest team in the league since the middle of July, losing just once and earning 23 of 27 points thanks to seven wins in their last eight matches. RSL though enter the match having won the season series against the Sounders as well as winning their last two matches by a combined score of 8-2. The likelihood of these two teams meeting again in the playoffs make this match a must-watch affair.

Elsewhere around MLS, the Colorado Rapids host FC Dallas, the Philadelphia Union hope to stay in the playoff race when they face the reeling Houston Dynamo, and the Montreal Impact host the Brian Bliss-coached Columbus Crew.

Here is a rundown of the Week 29 slate:

SEATTLE SOUNDERS vs. REAL SALT LAKE (Friday, 7pm, NBC Sports Network)

Eddie Johnson and Clint Dempsey return to Seattle after their successful night in Columbus helping the U.S. Mens National Team qualify for the World Cup. Kyle Beckerman and Nick Rimando return to RSL as well from the U.S. squad.

With the international dates over, both teams should be close to full strength, though the Sounders are likely to miss Shalrie Joseph and Brad Evans is still questionable. On the other side, Alvaro Saborio is still listed as questionable for RSL.

MONTREAL IMPACT vs. COLUMBUS CREW (Saturday, 2pm, MLS Live)

Marco Di Vaio extended his league leading 17 goals last Sunday with two in a 4-2 victory against the ten-man New England Revolution. Patrice Bernier also added two in the win, as the Impact stayed atop the Eastern Conference with 45 points.

The Crew meanwhile were thumped handily by Sporting Kansas City last week, falling back to earth. Federico Higuain is still likely to miss out after suffering an adductor injury, and the centerback depth is being tested with Josh Williams and Eric Gehrig still working their way back.

D.C. UNITED vs. LOS ANGELES GALAXY (Saturday, 4pm, UniMas)

Saturdays game at RFK Stadium marks the 40th meeting between the Galaxy and D.C. United, but the D.C. franchise has seen better days during the long-standing rivalry.

The Galaxy have an eight-match winning streak against D.C. United and its likely to continue, as D.C. is mired in a five-game winless streak at the moment. The hosts are the first team to be eliminated from playoff contention. Jared Jeffrey is missing for D.C. United, while Robbie Rodgers is still sidelined for the Galaxy.

NEW YORK RED BULLS vs. TORONTO FC (Saturday, 7pm, MLS Live/TSN 2)

Toronto FC hasnt won a game in six matches, and if they lose on Saturday at Red Bull Arena to the Red Bulls, theyll be mercifully eliminated from playoff contention.

The visitors will be without Doniel Henry due to suspension, but the Red Bulls have plenty of injury issues of their own, including Roy Miller, Tim Cahill, and the recent injury to Lloyd Sam, who was making a name for himself on the right wing.

PHILADELPHIA UNION vs. HOUSTON DYNAMO (Saturday, 7:30pm, MLS Live)

Union head coach John Hackworth called his sides match against the Dynamo a six-pointer and for good reason.

Following the Unions defeat last Sunday to San Jose, a victory for the Dynamo on the road would see them leap-frog the Union in the standings. Depending on how the New England Revolution play, the Union could even be outside of the playoff positions.

Union forward Jack McInerney has continued his goal drought, and Hackworth promised to make a number of lineup changes for this weekend. The Dynamo will have to do without Adam Moffat, who was just traded to the Seattle Sounders on Friday afternoon.

CHICAGO FIRE vs. NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION (Saturday, 8:30pm, MLS Live)

Bobby Shuttleworth returns to goal for the Revolution as Matt Reis is forced to serve his one-match suspension after picking up a red card in the fifth minute of last Saturdays loss to the Impact.

The Fire missed out on a chance to gain ground in the standings with their mid-week draw at Toronto FC, but they return home with Arevalo Rios and Joel Lindpere, pieces in the lineup that could get them a crucial victory late in the season. Revolution forward Juan Agudelo is still day-to-day with a hamstring injury.

COLORADO RAPIDS vs. FC DALLAS (Saturday, 9pm, MLS Live)

If the Union-Dynamo match is classified as a six-pointer for the hosts, then so is the Rapids vs. FC Dallas match set to take place in rainy Denver on Saturday.

An FC Dallas victory would put them above the Rapids in the standings, a stunning turn of events considering that the Rapids have been in the playoff picture all summer. Meanwhile, a win for the nearly healthy Rapids will could potentially put them over the Los Angeles Galaxy once more.

CHIVAS USA vs. PORTLAND TIMBERS (Saturday, 10:30pm, MLS Live)

The Timbers were once the talk of the Western Conference, but now sit in fifth place, needing a victory to keep themselves in the playoff picture.

Caleb Porters club defeated Toronto FC last week in dominating fashion, but theyve won just two matches since July 20, which has lead to them dropping down the standings. Chivas USA meanwhile have looked sharper since Erick Torres joined the club in July, and have lost only once in their last four matches. Timbers midfielders Will Johnson and Diego Valeri are questionable, but they should play.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS (Saturday, 10:30pm, MLS Live)

Two teams tied on points in the fierce Western Conference playoff battle face off at Buck Shaw Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Earthquakes, who won last seasons Supporters Shield, have struggled mightily this season, but they are still only five points outside of the playoff. However, theyll have to play without Rafael Baca and Steven Lenhart, two regular starters in the lineup. The Whitecaps should have their whole squad available to them, aside from the long-term injury issues of Brad Rusin and Jay DeMerit, who is still working his way back from a torn Achilles.

Americans Abroad: Weekend Preview | Soccer By Ives

By FRANCO PANIZO

There will be no shortage of mouth-watering Premier League games involving U.S. Mens National Team players this weekend.

Several Americans are set to partake in some of the most intriguing matches in Europe this weekend, including Tim Howard. The veteran goalkeeper and Everton will host second-placed Chelsea in a Saturday match the Toffees are hoping will end with them grabbing their first win of the season. Everton has settled for three straight draws to start the campaign, so an upset victory over the Blues would be the perfect remedy for the Toffees recent struggles.

Jozy Altidore is another player anticipated to be involved in a high-profile game, as Sunderland welcome fourth-placed Arsenal to Stadium of Light on Saturday. Altidore and the Black Cats are expected to have their hands full in the match, especially if talented midfielder Mesut Ozil makes his Arsenal debut, but they will be playing for a much-needed victory after coming out of the gates at 0-2-1.

Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea and Stoke City do not need to win as badly as Sunderland does, but they will still be looking for a major upset over Manchester City to keep themselves near the top of the table. Stoke are currently in fifth place in the standings and a victory at home on Saturday over star-studded City would only add to the Potters strong start to the season.

Here is who the Americans Abroad battle this weekend

FRIDAY

John Anthony Brooks and Hertha Berlin play VfB Stuttgart.

Bobby Wood and TSV 1860 Munich play VfR Aalen.

Josh Gatt, Ben Spencer, Ethan Horvath and Molde FK play Aalesund. (Gatt is out injured.)

SATURDAY

Brad Guzan and Aston Villa play Newcastle United.

Geoff Cameron, Maurice Edu, Brek Shea and Stoke City play Manchester City. (Edu is out injured.)

Jozy Altidore and Sunderland play Arsenal.

Brad Friedel and Tottenham Hotspur play Norwich City.

Tim Howard and Everton play Chelsea.

Tim Ream, Stuart Holden and Bolton Wanderers play Leeds United. (Holden is out injured.)

Zak Whitbread and Leicester City play Wigan Athletic.

Eric Lichaj and Nottingham Forest play Barnsley.

Jonathan Spector, Will Packwood and Birmingham City play Queens Park Rangers. (Packwood is out injured.)

Steve Cherundolo and Hannover 96 play Bayern Munich. (Cherundolo is out injured.)

Michael Parkhurst and FC Augsburg play SC Freiburg.

Jermaine Jones and Schalke 04 play Mainz 05.

Andrew Wooten and Kaiserslautern play SV Sandhausen.

Alejandro Bedoya and FC Nantes play Sochaux.

Sacha Kljestan and RSC Anderlecht play KV Mechelen.

Terrence Boyd and Rapid Vienna play FC Wacker Innsbruck.

Jose Torres, Jonathan Bornstein and Tigres UANL play Cruz Azul.

Alonso Hernandez and Monterrey play Pachuca.

SUNDAY

Danny Williams and Reading play Brighton Hove Albion.

Fabian Johnson, Joe Gyau and TSG Hoffenheim play Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Timmy Chandler and FC Nurnberg play TSV Eintracht Braunschweig.

Alfredo Morales and FC Ingolstadt 04 play FC Union Berlin.

Aron Johannsson and AZ Alkmaar play Go Ahead Eagles.

Eugene Starikov and FK Tom Tomsk play Anzhi Makhachkala.

Conor OBrien and Odense BK play Brondby IF.

Steve Clark and Honefoss BK play IK Start.

Mix Diskerud and Rosenborg BK play Tromso.

DaMarcus Beasley, Michael Orozco and Puebla play Toluca.

Herculez Gomez, Joe Corona, Edgar Castillo, Greg Garza, Paul Arriola and Club Tijuana play Chivas de Guadalajara. (Gomez is out injured.)

Freddy Adu and Bahia play Coritiba FBC.

MONDAY

Michael Bradley and AS Roma play Parma. (Bradley is out injured.)

Brian Span and Djurgarden IF play Malmo FF.

Which of these matches are you most looking forward to? How do you see Howard and Everton faring vs. Chelsea? Think Altidore will score on Arsenal?

Share your thoughts below.

Liga MX Round 10: A Look Ahead | Soccer By Ives

By DAN KARELL

The last time that Club America and Santos Laguna met, it was a battle of the best offense (America) against the best defense (Santos Laguna).

As it turned out, defense won, as Santos Laguna held on for a 1-0 victory over the eventual Clausura champions. However, this time around on Friday evening at the Estadio Torreon, America have the best defense and second-best offense in Liga MX, trailing only Morelia in goals scored by two. America have a goal differential of plus-12, while Santos sit at just +4.

Regardless, players like Oribe Peralta of Santos and Raul Jimenez and Francisco Maza Rodriguez of America return to their clubs, looking to overcome the disappointment of the two losses for Mexico during the international break.

Elsewhere in Liga MX this weekend, Veracruz host Club Leon, Tigres UANL visit Cruz Azul, and Club Tijuana faces Chivas in Guadalajara.

Here’s a full rundown of this weekend’s schedule in Liga MX, complete with TV listings:

FRIDAY

8:30pm Queretaro vs. Atlante ESPN Deportes/Azteca America

10:30pm Santos Laguna vs. Club America Univision Deportes

SATURDAY

6pm Cruz Azul vs. Tigres UANL Univision

6pm Veracruz vs. Club Leon Univision Deportes

8pm Monterrey vs. Pachuca Univision Deportes

10pm Chiapas vs. Atlas Univision Deportes

SUNDAY

1pm Puebla vs. Toluca ESPN Deportes/Azteca America

1pm Pumas UNAM vs. Morelia Univision

6pm Chivas vs. Club Tijuana UniMas

Cosmos Notes: Dimitrov calls Saturday a "must-win"; Turf surface a factor for scoring troubles; and more

By DAN KARELL

Through the first half of the North American Soccer League fall season, the New York Cosmos are still not where theyd like to be.

The rebooted club currently have nine points and sit in fourth place in the NASL standings, though theyre only one point behind the Carolina RailHawks, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who are in a three-way tie for first place. Had the Cosmos been able to convert a second of their nine shots on goal last Saturday in their 1-1 draw with the Atlanta Silverbacks, they Cosmos would be in first place right now.

Its likely this thinking, and the fact that the team failed to win at home for the first time this season last Saturday, that forward Stefan Dimitrov is calling this Saturdays game against Minnesota United a must-win.

We know that the upcoming game against Minnesota is a must-win game for us, because we dont want to be dropping points at home, Dimitrov told SBI in a phone interview. We (want to) create a lot of chances, score goals, and take away the game early in the first half so we dont allow the opponent to get their confidence.

Following Saturdays match, the road ahead is a difficult one for the Cosmos, with games against the current top five teams in the standings (excluding the Cosmos) in each of the next four weeks.

Here are some more notes on the Cosmos this week:

TURF SURFACE IS A FACTOR FOR SCORING WOES

Despite the Cosmos having a group of forwards with MLS experience (Peri Marosevic, Stefan Dimitrov), international experience (Henry Lopez, Satoru Kashiwase), and European league experience (Alessandro Noselli), the team has scored only six times through six matches.

Throughout the season, questions about the teams finishing issues have been brushed away by both the players and the coaches, with the narrative centering around how chances were created, and its only a matter of time. However, according to Dimitrov, playing on artificial surfaces like the one at Shuart Stadium does play a factor.

We are adjusting to the (home) field in terms of being artificial versus our training ground being natural grass and that takes a little bit of an adjustment, Dimitrov said. Traveling in and out, playing on the different surfaces put you a little bit off your touch.

The Bulgarian-born forward refused to use the switching of fields an excuse for the teams goal output, but did admit that it makes it tougher sometimes to convert a opportunity at full speed.

(The surface) is a bit in the back of the minds of our forward and midfield players because were anticipating bad bounces or just looking at the ball where it goes, Dimitrov said. Its not an excuse, we all know that, but its also a factor thats very crucial in a split second sense.

COSMOS TO HONOR NYPD AND FDNY PRIOR TO SATURDAYS MATCH

Earlier this week, the Cosmos announced the final details of their pre-match ceremonies on Saturday.

As part of what the Cosmos are calling Heroes night, the team will honor the NYPD and FDNY soccer teams prior to the start of the Cosmos match against Minnesota United, as well as Harold Dinzes, a 96-year-old World War II and Korean War veteran, who was an original Cosmos season ticket holder.

Throughout the evening, the USO of Metropolitan New York will also be taking donations for troops stationed overseas. The USO Show Troupe will also be in attendance and perform prior to the match and at halftime.

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What do you think of these notes? Do you agree that this Saturdays game is a must-win? Do you believe the turf has been an issue this season?

Share your thoughts below.

NASL Week 7: A Look Ahead | Soccer By Ives

By MIKE GRAMAJO

After losing their last two matches, which were on the road, the Carolina RailHawks look to change things around when they return home on Saturday.

The RailHawks will take another shot at the Tampa Bay Rowdies when they welcome the St. Petersburg side to WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday evening. (7:00 p.m. WATCH HERE).

The RailHawks boast Brian Shriver and his 12 goals in 2013, the Rowdies will have a tough task on their. Despite being the only team being unbeaten in the fall, coach Ricky Hill’s side will look to avoid falling at Carolina again, last time occurring in June.

Both clubs met last Saturday in Tampa Bay, which saw the Rowdies’ take a stoppage-time goal thanks to forward Lucky Mksoana, on-loan from USL Pro side Harrisburg City Islanders.

Here’s a closer look at this weekend’s NASL matchups:

NEW YORK COSMOS vs. MINNESOTA UNITED (Saturday, 7:00 p.m. WATCH HERE)

After failing to secure a victory at James Shuart Stadium last week, the New York Cosmos will take another crack at earning all three points when they welcome Minnesota United FC to Long Island.

The Cosmos lead United by one point in the standings and Manny Lagos’ Minnesota United side will bolster the return of their leading goalscorer Pablo Campos, who has eight goals in 2013, after sitting out last week due to suspension.

Both teams are currently on unbeaten runs, with the Cosmos three games unbeaten (two draws and one victory) and Minnesota United two games unbeaten (one draw and one victory).

ATLANTA SILVERBACKS vs. SAN ANTONIO SCORPIONS (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. WATCH HERE)

Sitting in sixth place with seven points in the standings, the 2013 spring champions aren’t having the best fall season. In fact, the Atlanta Silverbacks haven’t won a match since their fall opener in August.

While the Silverbacks suffer from there fall season woes, they host a winless San Antonio Scorpions side, which looks to turn the tide around. Forwards Hans Denissen (10 goals) and Tomasz Zahorski (five goals) may be the pair to cause havoc in the second half of the Scorpions’ fall campaign.

FC EDMONTON vs. FORT LAUDERDALE STRIKERS (Sunday, 4:00 p.m. WATCH HERE)

A red-hot Fort Lauderdale Strikers side will look to warm things up as they go north of the border to battle FC Edmonton at Clarke Stadium.

While the Eddies hold a five-game unbeaten run, the Strikers’ four-games unbeaten streak has paved the way for the South Florida side as they sit in third place with 10 points, only goal differentials separate them from first place.

Strikers goalkeeper Richard Sanchez, on-loan from FC Dallas, has proved to be pivotal for Gunter Kronsteiner’s club, but it’s the duo of goal scorers of Chris Nurse and Corey Hertzog that can keep the Eddies’ season alive.

–

What do you think of Week 7? Do you see the RailHawks snapping their skid? Can the Cosmos beat United? Do you see the Scorpions surprising the Silverbacks?

Share your thoughts below.

MLS Ticker: Supplemental draft reportedly abolished; Earthquakes' stadium delayed; and more

By DAN KARELL

Not much different from the way the retention fund rule came to light this summer, it seems that Major League Soccer has ended the Supplemental Draft without any prior notice.

A trade executed on Friday sent Philadelphia Union backup goalkeeper Chris Konopka to Toronto FC for a third round draft selection in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, a move that would not have been possible in the last two seasons after MLS shortened the regular draft to two rounds. According to a report from Philly.com, the Supplemental Draft is now indeed abolished, as the league has again installed four rounds for the 2014 MLS SuperDraft set for this offseason in Philadelphia.

This isnt the first time that MLS has suspended or removed the Supplemental Draft. After its creation in 1996, the league ended it in the year 2000. In 2005 it was started up again, only to be removed in 2008 once the league roster size was cut. It was re-introduced again in 2011, but it appears that the 2013 Supplemental Draft is the last one for now.

Of note from last years draft is San Jose Earthquakes forward Adam Jahn, who has had a solid campaign in his rookie season, scoring four goals in 21 matches, 11 starts.

Here are some more stories from around the league:

EARTHQUAKES STADIUM DELAYED AGAIN

The San Jose Earthquakes will have to spend another full season at Buck Shaw Stadium after a fresh round of delays at their new stadiums construction site.

In a press release sent out on Friday, the club said that due to unforeseen circumstances, the new stadium would not be open for business until the start of the 2015 season. Originally the team had hoped to have it ready by the start of next season, though discoveries at the construction site in July pushed the opening estimate to mid-season of 2014.

Without the certainty that we can open next year, we felt that the best decision would be to move the opening to the start of 2015, Earthquakes President Dave Kaval said in a statement on the clubs website. We are obviously disappointed, but we are more committed than ever to build a first-class venue that we know our fans deserve.”

According to the release, the new delays have to do with the complications in connecting the stadium to the citys sewer system, and a high water table has slowed down other work. Despite this, the release says that the new team office building is set to be built in November, and the stadium seating bowl should begin construction in December.

BURLING EXTENDS CONTRACT WITH CHIVAS USA

Chivas USA havent had many positive moments on or off the field this season, but they certainly had a reason to smile on Thursday.

The club announced that defender Bobby Burling has signed an extension with the club through 2015. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Burling, 27, first joined the team in 2007 as a developmental player, playing 23 times for the Goats through 2009, when he was acquired by the San Jose Earthquakes. After two years in Northern California, he was selected by the Montreal Impact in their expansion draft, though he didnt sign. Chivas USA stepped up and acquired in him July of 2012 after months away from soccer, and he stepped back into the lineup for the team and has been starting throughout the 2013 season.

“Obviously I have a special place in me for this club,” Burling said in a statement. “It’s the second time I’ve been here and there are a lot of familiar faces. I just want to be part of the re-building process and I’m excited to be able to stay in L.A. and be a part of the turnaround of this club.”

SOUNDERS REMOVE ZAKUANI FROM DISABLED LIST

The Seattle Sounders still have former No. 1 overall pick Steve Zakuani in their plans this season.

On Thursday, the Sounders took Zakuani off the disabled list, just one day before the MLS imposed roster freeze that would have ended his season. Zakuani has missed the bulk of the last three seasons with injuries, the first a nasty leg break that kept him out for 14 months between the 2011 and 2012 seasons, and this season, hes been hampered by a hernia injury.

Back in June, Zakuani completed successful hernia surgery and has been rehabbing from the injury since. Prior to the hernia injury, Zakuani had started the Sounders first six matches of the season, though he hasnt played a minute since April 20.

European Weekend Preview: Juventus host rivals Inter Milan; Chelsea visit Everton; and more | Soccer By Ives

By JUSTIN FERGUSON

After an eventful transfer deadline day and a highly entertaining international break, the top leagues in Europe are back in action this weekend as the domestic seasons start to pick up steam.

While some of the other leagues lack a true marquee matchup this weekend, Serie As Week 3 schedule boasts one of Italys biggest rivalries, Juventus vs. Inter Milan. On Saturday, these two giants of Italian soccer will square off in Turin for an early-season Derby dItalia match.

Defending league champions Juve will enter their home stadium Saturday as favorites, but they will be facing a different type of Inter squad than the one they have beaten in four out of their last five league meetings. Both Juventus and Inter Milan have started the season with back-to-back wins, and Saturdays visitors have arguably been more impressive through the first two match weeks.

In England, the weekends top matchup will be at Goodison Park, where American goalkeeper Tim Howard and Everton look for their first win of the season in a home match against Chelsea. The Toffees have had a fair amount of success against Chelsea in recent years, as the Blues 2-1 win at Goodison last season was their first in five road matches against Evertonand Chelsea had only scored once in those earlier four visits.

Here is a closer look at the weekend’s action from the top leagues in Europe:

ENGLAND

Arsenal fans will most likely get their first look at deadline day signing Mesut Özil on Saturday as the Gunners travel to Sunderland. Manager Arsene Wenger has not revealed if the German star midfielder, who arrives from Real Madrid, will start for Arsenal against the winless Black Cats. While Arsenal have rebounded from their opening loss to Aston Villa with four straight victories in Champions League and EPL play, Sunderland are coming off a disappointing 3-1 loss against newly promoted Crystal Palace.

Tottenham will also be in the spotlight Saturday as they take on Norwich City at White Hart Lane. Spurs eventful transfer window of purchases and one record-breaking sale is now over, and all the focus will be back on the field for Andre Villas-Boass squad. Tottenham, who lost to North London rivals Arsenal before the international break, have yet to score from open play this season, winning their other two matches, 1-0, on Roberto Soldado penalty kick goals.

Here are this weekend’s matches in the English Premier League:

Saturday:Manchester United vs. Crystal PalaceAston Villa vs. Newcastle UnitedFulham vs. West Bromwich AlbionHull City vs. Cardiff CityStoke City vs. Manchester CitySunderland vs. ArsenalTottenham vs. Norwich CityEverton vs. Chelsea

Sunday:Southampton vs. West Ham United

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SPAIN

Two of the four 3-0-0 sides in La Liga will battle it out Saturday, when Villarreal host Real Madrid. Newly promoted Villarreal posted two thrilling comeback victories before a dominating shutout of Osasuna two weeks ago. Their perfect return to Spains top division will be put under extreme pressure this weekend as Real Madrid, fresh off their world-record signing of Tottenham winger Gareth Bale, look for another win ahead of their first Champions League group stage match next week.

Defending champions Barcelona are on top of the league table through the first three weekends of the season, and they will be back at Camp Nou on Saturday for a match against winless Sevilla. In their last league match at home, Barcelona scored seven goals on Levante. Sevilla are routinely a top-half side in La Liga, but the sales of several key players and frustrations from those still at the club could be the start of a very long season for Unai Emery and his players.

Here are this weekend’s matches in La Liga:

Saturday:Atletico Madrid vs. AlmeriaLevante vs. Real SociedadBarcelona vs. SevillaVillarreal vs. Real Madrid

Sunday:Granada vs. EspanyolGetafe vs. OsasunaMalaga vs. Rayo VallecanoReal Betis vs. Valencia

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GERMANY

First-place Borussia Dortmund are eying another win to add to their perfect start to the Bundesliga campaign, and they will be favorites at home against Hamburg this Saturday. While rivals Bayern Munich were forced to share points during their last league match, Dortmund took full advantage with another close win against Eintracht Frankfurt. Dortmund have won their last three matches by one goal each, and their defense will face a tough test from rising Hamburg, who are coming off a 4-0 win against Eintracht Braunschweig.

Bayern Munich won the UEFA Super Cup before the international break, and they will be looking to get back on track in the Bundesliga with a win before the start of their Champions League title defense. Manager Pep Guardiolas side will host Hannover 96, who have won back-to-back matches against Schalke 04 and Mainz. Hannover had two awful performances against the league champions last season, as Bayern outscored them 11-1 in their dominating run to the title.

Here are this weekend’s matches in the Bundesliga:

Friday:Hertha Berlin vs. Stuttgart

Saturday:Bayer Leverkusen vs. WolfsburgBayern Munich vs. Hannover 96Augsburg vs. FreiburgMainz vs. Schalke 04Werder Bremen vs. Eintracht FrankfurtBorussia Dortmund vs. Hamburg

Sunday:Hoffenheim vs. Borussia MonchengladbachEintracht Braunschweig vs. Nurnberg

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ITALY

While Juventus and Inter square off Saturday, the other two clubs from Torino and Milan will also face each other in Serie A action. Both AC Milan and Torino have one win and one loss from the first two weekends of the season, but the Rossoneri are coming into this match at San Siro with the momentum. Milan finished off PSV in Champions League playoff action and defeated Cagliari before the break while Torino were beaten by a second-half charge from Atalanta.

Napoli are on top of the Serie A table through their first two matches, and Rafa Benitezs men will have to play well to keep their place at the top intact through this weekend. Before their midweek visit from Borussia Dortmund in Champions League play, Napoli host Atalanta, a side that has given them real trouble in the past. Napoli snapped a winless run against Atalanta at the end of last season on a late Goran Pandev goala strike that helped maintain their hold on second place in the league during Milans late charge up the table.

Here are this weekend’s matches in Serie A:

Saturday:Inter Milan vs. JuventusNapoli vs. AtalantaTorino vs. AC Milan

Sunday:Fiorentina vs. CagliariHellas Verona vs. SassuoloLazio vs. Chievo VeronaLivorno vs. CataniaUdinese vs. BolognaSampdoria vs. Genoa

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FRANCE

Before they return to the Parc des Princes for a massive clash with AS Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain will kick off a road trip with a Friday league match. The Parisians travel to face Olimpiakos after their visit to Bordeaux, who held them to just one goal in their two meetings last season. The 2013 Coupe de France champions are tough defensively, and they have a good chance at handing the defending Ligue 1 champions their first loss of the season.

Monaco are the only other undefeated side in the league, and they will be at home this weekend to take on Lorient. The newly promoted big spenders pulled off a 2-1 comeback victory over traditional power Marseille the last time they were in action. Emmanuel Riviere and Radamel Falcao have been on fire for Monaco in their first four matches, scoring all eight of the clubs goals.

Here are this weekend’s matches in Ligue 1:

Friday:Bordeaux vs. Paris Saint-Germain

Saturday:Toulouse vs. MarseilleAjaccio vs. Evian Thonon GaillardGuingamp vs. BastiaMontpellier vs. Stade de ReimsNantes vs. SochauxValenciennes vs. Saint Etienne

Sunday:AS Monaco vs. LorientLille vs. NiceLyon vs. Stade Rennes

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Which European matches are you looking forward to the most this weekend? Think Inter Milan can get a result at rival Juventus? See another draw for Everton? Excited to see Özils debut for Arsenal?

Share your thoughts below.