<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>Despite the fact that Europe’s major soccer leagues return in a week, there are recommended games galore to watch this weekend.</p>
<p>In fact, this weekend puts a wrap on the summer schedule, and acts as a prelude to the main European season. For example, there are notable summer friendlies this weekend. Simultaneously, one of the major soccer tournaments from this summer comes to a conclusion.</p>
<p>That is not the only trophy awarded in this weekend’s slate of games. While many English fans focus on the resumption of the Championship, there is a precursor to what the Premier League may hold. Two teams that bathe in recent success go head-to-head yet again. This time, it is at Wembley, in a less-competitive fixture than other ties.</p>
<p>Knowing that, here are my top five recommended games to watch this weekend.</p>
<h3>Recommended games to watch this weekend</h3>
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Three out of four of last season&apos;s UEFA Champions League semi-finalists are in action this weekend, including England&apos;s freshest rivalry.</p>
<p>Plus, the UEFA Women&apos;s Euro Final is on Sunday. Is football coming home, or does Germany reestablish dominance?<a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/kylefansler?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KyleFansler</a> UF has more. <a href="https:\/\/t.co/vS6oECFFIG">pic.twitter.com/vS6oECFFIG</a></p>
<p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1553003002914545665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2022</a></p></blockquote></div>
<p><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h5>5. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a> vs. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> – Saturday, 10 p.m. ET</h5>
<p>Let’s start with the outgoing soccer. This summer’s schedule of friendlies provided some interesting storylines. Everton losing 4-0 to MLS side Minnesota United. Also, Real Madrid and Barcelona showed&nbsp;<em>El Clásico&nbsp;</em>to Las Vegas, with Barcelona edging out Los Blancos, 1-0. Then, Erling Haaland made his debut with Manchester City against Bayern Munich at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI.</p>
<p>Now, two of Europe’s most successful clubs put a bow on the major summer friendlies in the United States. Juventus and Real Madrid are at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of recent success. However, this is a chance for both teams to play one final tune-up against strong opposition before the European calendar kicks into high gear.</p>
<h5>4. Orlando City vs. DC United – Sunday, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN+)</h5>
<p>On paper, this game is not full of the ‘wow factor.’ After all, DC United has the lowest point total in all of Major League Soccer. However, we could see the managerial debut of Wayne Rooney at Audi Field. The former Manchester United skipper awaits his work visa, even though he attended each game since his announcement.</p>
<p>Orlando City is a respectable fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference. The push for playoffs is one thing. However, Orlando City recently punched its ticket to the US Open Cup Final in September. Therefore, use this game as a way to familiarize yourself with the squad taking on Sacramento Republic FC.</p>
<table class="table5">
<tbody>
<tr class="table5">
<td width="30%"><a href="https:\/\/go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="blank" rel="noopener"><div><figure class="image"><img src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220729_WST_394529_ESPNPlus.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" alt="ESPN+"></figure></div></a></td>
<td width="40%">
<h4>ESPN weekend of soccer</h4>
<p>Includes: MLS, Championship, Community Shield and more</p></td>
<td><a class="button" href="https:\/\/go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" target="blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: white;"><strong>Browse Offers</strong></span></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h5></h5>
<h5>3. Huddersfield Town vs. Burnley – Friday, 3 p.m. ET (ESPN2, ESPN+)</h5>
<p>Now, let’s get into the games with true, pivotal meaning. That starts with the return of league play in Europe. The Championship is one of the most contentious leagues due to the parity involved in the competition. However, if there are two teams that have strong odds to be in the mix for promotion, these are two clubs that fit that description.</p>
<p>Last season, Huddersfield Town narrowly missed out on a return to the Premier League. Nottingham Forest defeated Huddersfield in the Championship Playoff, 1-0. On the other hand, Burnley just missed out on survival in last season’s Premier League. One point in the Clarets’ last four games doomed the side to relegation.</p>
<p>That is in the past. This is a new season with new aspirations for both clubs wanting to get back to England’s top flight.</p>
<h5>2. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> vs. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> (FA Community Shield) – Saturday, noon ET (ESPN+)</h5>
<p>Understandably, the Community Shield is not of the grandeur of something like the Champions League. However, this game holds significance for a couple of reasons. First off, it is still a trophy. Dreams of a sextuple to match Barcelona are not in the picture like they were for Chelsea a season ago. Yet, both Liverpool and Manchester City are the favorites in each English competition this season. An early trophy lays the path for success over the next eight or nine months.</p>
<p>Plus, this game serves as a statement of intent. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/28/2022-community-shield-adds-chapter-to-liverpool-manchester-city-rivalry/">Manchester City and Liverpool have a budding rivalry</a> that features trophies, clashes and drama. With new signings like Darwin Núñez and Erling Haaland joining the fray, fans can get a true glimpse of what this season holds using the Community Shield.</p>
<h5>Our recommended game to watch this weekend: England vs. Germany (2022 Women’s Euro Final) – Sunday, noon ET (ESPN)</h5>
<p>Not just a final, but a major final in the women’s game. There is no area of growth in soccer faster than women’s soccer in Europe. That allowed the 2022 Women’s European Championship to be laden with drama and fantastic play. In the end, it is a familiar rivalry for glory. England battles Germany in a sold-out Wembley Stadium.</p>
<p>On the men’s side, this is a well-documented derby. On the women’s side, England takes a hefty back seat to the successes of Germany. In fact, Germany’s eight Euro titles doubles every other nation’s tally combined. England, for its part, is playing in its third Women’s Euro Final. Last time the Lionesses reached this stage, they lost to Germany, 6-2. For reference, Germany is undefeated in Women’s Euro Finals. England, of course, is winless in two previous attempts.</p>
<p>These two nations are the class of play in this competition. Germany conceded for the first time in the entire tournament during its semifinal fixture against France. England’s 20 goals vastly exceeds any other team’s output. Plus, it has the honor of playing in front of a home crowd 90,000 strong. It has all the makings of a momentous fixture.</p>


As the European season continues to near, here is World Soccer Talk's list of recommended games to watch this weekend for July 29-31.

Top 5 recommended games to watch this weekend - World Soccer Talk

Top 5 recommended games to watch this weekend

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>Fans turned out in droves on Wednesday night to see DC United play against European giants, Bayern Munich. &nbsp;Certainly, red shirts appeared in abundance at Audi Field. In fact, Bayern supporters vastly outnumbered the local DC United supporters. Much of the atmosphere gave a glimpse into a potential pregame festivities over in Munich.</p>
<p>Prior to entrance, fans had a small tailgating section. There, they could sample German beer and bratwurst. Along with listening and dancing to German folk music, there were standard American acitivities. For example, people played corn hole with each other. Plus, fans had the opportunity to grab a picture with the Bundesliga trophy on display. Bayern Munich has some of those to give away. After all, the Bavarian side won the <a href="https:\/\/www.sportsunfold.com/bundesliga-winners-list-all-time/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">last nine Bundesliga titles</a>, entering 2022/23 with great odds to make it 10.</p>
<p>Among those in attendance were some fans that actually grew up in Germany. For example, I spoke to a family with kids that are second-generation soccer fans. For one, it was their first time going to Audi Field. So, that in itself is a great experience. Yet, the father of the family followed Bayern Munich during his time growing up in Germany. He and I discussed the club’s new signings, highlighted by former Liverpool star Sadio Mané. Like so many other Bayern supporters, he held some concern over the departure of Robert Lewandowski. Mané is a great talent, but Lewandowski’s goal output is unmatched.</p>
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-393683" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220721_WST_393670_German-Dance.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=725" alt="" width="1200" height="725" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/07/German-Dance.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/07/German-Dance-600x363.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/07/German-Dance-150x91.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/07/German-Dance-768x464.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div>
<h3>Bayern Munich breaks through in DC</h3>
<p>Any concerns over how Mané fits in at Bayern Munich alleviated somewhat after the first five minutes of the game. That is how long it took for the Senegalese to score his first goal in the red and white shirt. Albeit, it was from a penalty.</p>
<p>Matthijs de Ligt also appeared on the scoresheet for Bayern Munich against DC United. The aforementioned family all seemed beyond satisfied with the eventual 6-2 defeat over the MLS side.</p>
<p>Likewise, other supporters left the friendly pleased with how Mané performed in his debut. Even then, one supporter said he was disappointed over not being able to see Robert Lewandowski. See, when he bought his tickets much earlier in the year, the Polish international was the star of the side. His transfer to Barcelona was a disappointing departure. Yet, he left the game pleased seeing Matthijs de Ligt’s debut and Lewandowski’s former strike partner, Thomas Muller, score in extra time.</p>
<p>It may not have been a great outing for a struggling DC United club. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/13/wayne-rooney-meets-with-dc-united-supporters-as-new-boss/">Wayne Rooney’s announcement as the new manager of DC United</a> came just last week. Formally, at least, he has not stepped foot on the pitch. However, DC United fans rest assured knowing he was watching and noting areas for improvement. While the side from the capital never truly had a chance to win, few expected a loss as devastating as 6-2.</p>
<p>Fortunately for one side, Bayern Munich supporters went home happy. The Bayern Munich game in DC was a chance to see their stars in person. Traditionally, that privilege requires a trip all the way to Europe.</p>


On Wednesday night, Bayern Munich showed up in Washington, DC, to droves of supporters. The German side appeased them with a clinical showing

Bayern Munich dominates in DC to droves of Bavarian supporters - World Soccer Talk

Bayern Munich dominates in DC to droves of Bavarian supporters

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>Wayne Rooney signed on as the new manager of DC United. The same day the club made it public, the Manchester United made his presence known among supporters.</p>
<p>Of course, most of these fans recognize the Englishman’s name, face and illustrious career. After lighting up the Premier League with Manchester United and Everton, Rooney switched to <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">MLS</a> in June 2018. In his 48 games in Major League Soccer, he racked up 23 goals and 15 assists. He finished his inaugural season as an MLS MVP Finalist and reached the MLS Best XI in 2018.</p>
<p>Recently, Rooney resigned from his first coaching job with Derby County. Now, he begins a fresh managerial tenure here in Washington, DC.</p>
<h3>Wayne Rooney meets with DC United supporters</h3>
<p>Fans braved the pouring rain as Wayne Rooney came out to say a few words of encouragement to the fans. To make it more authentic and grand, local DC sportscaster Dave Johnson introduced the club’s new boss.</p>
<p>To start, Rooney discussed his recent struggles with Derby County. At Derby, he faced the challenge of <a href="https:\/\/www.goal.com/en/news/why-derby-deducted-21-points-can-rooney-keep-them-up-rams/bltd6f036768519e024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">points deductions</a> for reasons out of his control. With DC United, Rooney acknowledged that he faces a new challenge. In fact, he must be the driving force in turning around a floundering DC United side.</p>
<p>As of his takeover, DC United sit at the bottom of its division, tied for the <a href="https:\/\/www.mlssoccer.com/standings/2022/conference#season=2022&amp;live=true">lowest point total in all of Major League Soccer</a>. Managing the team is a good challenge for him. After all, he is a young manager eager to learn and develop himself as such.</p>
<p>Rooney left by saying that it’s an exciting time for him and the club. He hopes to bring some pride and respect to a team that has lost its way in the past few years. Before he left he took a few pictures with some of the leaders of the local supporter clubs and left with a thunderous applause and cheer to see him off.</p>


Wayne Rooney, recently announced as the new manager of DC United, made an instant impression on supporters by meeting with them.

Wayne Rooney meets with DC United supporters as new boss - World Soccer Talk

Wayne Rooney meets with DC United supporters as new boss

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>The slate of July summer friendlies on TV includes a number of world-class players. Oftentimes, these players are part of new teams, looking to make an instant impression on their new teammates and fans.</p>
<p>Plus, summer friendlies provide an opportunity to see matchups that would otherwise seem bizarre. A top Italian team playing a French side that finished the past season battling for a Champions League spot. Or, a Champions League team from Germany playing against a team just five points away from relegation in England.</p>
<p>These are weird fixtures, but that is what makes them fun. For some players, they use these games to just get fit with match-level intensity. Other plays have something to prove, generally for play time in the upcoming season.</p>
<p>We, as fans, have the opportunity to watch these players go head-to-head. However, due to the fact that these games are not part of an official league, they are not always available on TV in the United States. For example, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> plays Crystal Palace on Tuesday, July 19. In the United States, this game does not have a broadcaster. However, you can watch the game using the club website. Oftentimes, that requires a paid-subscription specific to that club.</p>
<p>In any case, here are a few examples of the July summer friendlies that you can watch on TV.</p>
<h3>July summer friendlies on US TV</h3>
<h5>Benfica vs. Nice – Friday, July 15 – 4 p.m. ET – ESPN Deportes,&nbsp;<a href="https:\/\/www.fubo.tv/signup/?irad=359590&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" aria-label="Watch on DirecTV Stream">DirecTV Stream</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http:\/\/vidgo.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&amp;aff_id=1004" aria-label="Watch on Vidgo">Vidgo</a></h5>
<p>This is one of those games that fans seldom get to see. Are either club a true European powerhouse constantly threatening for the UEFA Champions League? No. Yet, that does not make this a boring or bland game. Instead, take it as an opportunity to see how two of the underdogs in less-discussed leagues shape up heading into the 2022/23 season.</p>
<p>These two sides have just one prior meeting, coming back in 2013. Therefore, this July summer friendly is a rare meeting for the two.</p>
<h5>Inter Milan vs. AS Monaco – Saturday, July 16 – 2:15 p.m. ET – ESPN3,&nbsp;<a href="https:\/\/sling-tv.pxf.io/c/330866/1324302/14334" aria-label="Watch on Sling Orange">Sling Orange</a></h5>
<p>The return of Romelu Lukaku could be in store for Inter Milan as they take on a Monaco side prepping for another stint in the UEFA Champions League. Historically, Monaco played Inter in a total of four games. Those came over two legs in European Cup and Champions League qualifying. On both occasions, Inter advanced.</p>
<h5>DC United vs. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> – Wednesday, July 20 – 7:30 p.m. ET – <a href="https:\/\/go.web.plus.espn.com/mWebq" aria-label="Watch on ESPN+">ESPN+</a></h5>
<p>On the 20th, there are five July summer friendlies involving MLS clubs and European opposition. One of those is DC United battling the most dominant side in German soccer. Wayne Rooney is the new head coach of DC United, making this something of a test for the former Derby manager. Even if it is a friendly, it can be a learning experience to play against a talented a strong side like Bayern.</p>
<h5>Borussia Dortmund vs. Villarreal – Friday, July 22 – 1 p.m. ET – ESPN Deportes,&nbsp;<a href="https:\/\/www.fubo.tv/signup/?irad=359590&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" aria-label="Watch on DirecTV Stream">DirecTV Stream</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http:\/\/vidgo.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&amp;aff_id=1004" aria-label="Watch on Vidgo">Vidgo</a></h5>
<p>Two constant underdogs that put out great efforts on the European scene. Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal are fan favorites due to the passion they provide despite a relative lack of hardware compared to their rivals. Dortmund underwent some change this offseason, bringing in Sebastian Haller for the departing Erling Haaland. Villarreal will look to have a similar campaign to last season. However, there will be no European competition for the Yellow Submarine. Therefore, this contest is perhaps the side’s best competition outside Spain.</p>
<h5><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> vs. Bayern Munich – Saturday, July 23 – 6:30 p.m. ET – ESPN, ESPN Deportes,&nbsp;<a href="https:\/\/www.fubo.tv/signup/?irad=359590&amp;irmp=330866" aria-label="Watch on fubo TV">fubo TV</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" aria-label="Watch on DirecTV Stream">DirecTV Stream</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https:\/\/sling-tv.pxf.io/c/330866/1324302/14334" aria-label="Watch on Sling Orange">Sling Orange</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http:\/\/vidgo.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=1&amp;aff_id=1004" aria-label="Watch on Vidgo">Vidgo</a></h5>
<p>Without a doubt, this is the best of the July summer friendlies. Two clubs that have realistic expectations of not just success, but a treble of trophies or more, go head-to-head from historic Lambeau Field. The talent on display is second to none it seems, with Manchester City potentially bringing out the aforementioned Erling Haaland. Bayern Munich could have its way with some transfers as well. Matthijs De Ligt is a rumored name to be eyeing up a move to the Bavarians.</p>
<p>Check out our new schedule of <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/club-friendlies-tv-schedule/">club friendlies on US TV and streaming</a>. Please note that the listings are subject to change. And with <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/schedule-of-soccer-friendlies-in-us-this-summer/">more than 50 friendlies scheduled in the United States</a> alone this summer, there may be some late additions.</p>


The July summer friendlies feature a number of games that U.S. soccer fans can watch that include some of the biggest names in the sport.

July summer friendlies feature best and brightest talents on TV - World Soccer Talk

July summer friendlies feature best and brightest talents on TV

<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/henry-gun.jpg"></a></p><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/henry-gun.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-120777" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20141106_WST_120763_henry-gun-600x338.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=338" alt="henry gun" width="600" height="338" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/11/henry-gun-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/11/henry-gun-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/11/henry-gun-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/11/henry-gun.jpg 630w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a></figure></div><p></p>
<p>The first legs of the MLS Cup Quarterfinals are in the books and we finally got to see what teams really have to offer with their seasons on the line. Some stepped up while others crumbled. As is usually the case, the difference between a win and a loss is one or two moments of brilliance from a single player. Lets take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly to come out of the MLS Cup Quarterfinals first legs.</p>
<p><strong>GOOD:</strong></p>
<p>Charlie Davies (New England Revolution/Forward) – Charlie Davies, along with teammates Jermaine Jones and Lee Nguyen were a three headed monster against the Columbus Crew in their first leg matchup. Columbus had multiple lapses in concentration throughout the match and Davies was there to punish them. His two goal performance was punctuated by his final goal, which more than likely sealed the Crews fate in this series. It was a screamer from long range that showed all the promise Davies showed before his horrible car accident five years ago.</p>
<p>Jamie Penedo (Los Angeles Galaxy/Goalkeeper) – Penedo was forced to make save after save against a relentless Real Salt Lake attack. His performance meant everything to the Galaxy, who would have had a mountain to climb if they went back to LA with a multiple goal disadvantage. That easily could have been the case if Penedo hadn’t turned into a brick wall in the second half of the first leg. His six saves gave the Galaxy a shut out on the road, but Real Salt Lake only have to tie LA in the second leg to move on to the next round.</p>
<p>Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls/Forward) – Henry showed us all once again why he is considered one of the greatest footballers of all time. His vision and playmaking ability totally stunned DC United and showed they were playing at a different speed than Henry was. His first assist, a back to goal back-heel that drew the entire defense out of position, came out of nowhere and could only be pulled off by a handful of players in the league. United weren’t ready for this game and they will have to pour it on hard in the second leg in the nation’s capital. They will also have to hope Henry is playing down from his current form.</p>
<p><strong>BAD:</strong></p>
<p>Steve Clark (Columbus Crew/Goalkeeper) – Clark was very poor against a powerful New England attack, giving up four goals. The defense played well below standard in front of him but he needs to become more of a leader and demand better of them. He did manage five saves, which speaks to how badly the Crew defense and midfield played considering he also gave up four goals.</p>
<p>Real Salt Lake/LA Galaxy Offense – In a game that was screaming for someone to take a hold of it, nobody was able to make it happen. Netting a goal in this game would have provided a massive advantage yet neither team seemed to really go for it. RSL pushed the pace for a long stretch but couldn’t score on a masterful Jaime Penedo. LA on the other hand has been sputtering as of late and haven’t won a game outright in more than a month. The team was seemingly unstoppable during stretches of the season but lately hasn’t been able to come together with a complete game. They need a retiring Landon Donovan to provide a signature performance this coming weekend if they want a chance at a fifth championship.</p>
<p>Ben Olsen (DC United/Head Coach) – Going from worst to first in the Eastern Conference was a great achievement for the former most decorated team in league history. The team has shown great grit and determination throughout the year with injuries, but with the season on the line they put together a stinker, and at the worst possible time. I wouldn’t put it past them to come out swinging and land a knockout blow to the Red Bulls, but that is looking like a very tall task for them at the moment. I have to wonder how well they were coached up for this match up. They had plenty of time to prepare and looked out of sorts in the first leg. Coach Olsen will have to return to his season long tactics in order to get his squad ready for an elimination game.</p>
<p><strong>UGLY:&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Playoff game atmosphere – The Crew didn’t even manage to crack the 10,000 mark for attendance in a playoff game, FC Dallas showed out well but had some open seats from my view in my living room and Red Bull Arena looked sparse at best. While Salt Lake was in full force, the overall atmosphere of the first leg games was a bit underwhelming. This is greatly disappointing for a league that seems to be growing season after season but for different reasons seems to struggle drawing people to stadiums from time to time. With the second league games being played in LA and Seattle we will see better fan turn out which will improve the overall feel of the games. United and Revolution fans will also turn out better than their series rivals did last weekend. I expect the second leg games to be hotly contested and the home field fans will be one of the key reasons why.</p>


MLS Quarterfinals Leg 1: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly - World Soccer Talk

MLS Quarterfinals Leg 1: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/thierry-henry.jpg"></a></p><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/thierry-henry.jpg"></a></figure></div><p></p>
<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/category/leagues-major-league-soccer/">Major League Soccer</a> wrapped up its regular season with one final weekend that saw teams eliminated from playoff contention and other teams cement their spot in the postseason.</p>
<p>Before the league’s best get to play their first game in the postseason, the MLS Knockout Round must be held to finalize the field. Four teams will battle it out for the final two spots.</p>
<p>In the Western Conference, FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps will meet in Frisco, TX on Wednesday&nbsp;night. Both teams are trying to return to the playoffs as neither qualified last season. FC Dallas qualified in 2011 and Vancouver played their way in in 2012.</p>
<p>FC Dallas finished fourth in the Western Conference in 2014 with 54 points. They won 16 games this year, scoring 55 goals and conceding 45. They currently sit on a +11 home goal differential. Vancouver was good for fifth in the West, winning 12 games in 2014. Their offense struggled for long stretches, scoring only 42 goals in the process. Their success this season rests on the shoulders of the teams stingy defense, which conceded only 40 goals this year, fourth best in the league.</p>
<p>FC Dallas has a fairly simple game plan, stop Pedro Morales. He is the Whitecaps leader in goals scored (10), assists (12), shots and shots on goal. When the teams slim offense does get moving, he is usually the main driving force. Dallas coach Oscar Pareja will rely on MLS veteran Adam Moffat and young gun Victor Ulloa to combat Morales in the midfield and stop the Whitecaps attack.</p>
<p>Carl Robinson and Vancouver have a similar task in trying to stop Blas Perez. He leads Dallas in goals scored (11) and assists (six). Fabian Castillo and Michel are both dangerous in attack and drive the team forward from their midfield positions, but make no mistake, Perez is the man Vancouver needs to stop to have the best chance of winning.</p>
<p>Both teams improved greatly over their 2013 efforts. Dallas finished last season with 10 fewer points, scoring 11 fewer goals and conceding seven more than its 2014 totals. Vancouver improved just slightly over last year, finishing with just two more points.</p>
<p>The winner of Dallas and Vancouver will be given a date with the Supporters’ Shield winning Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference Semi-Finals, and will subsequently host the opening game of the series.</p>
<p>The showdown most fans will be paying attention to in the knockout round is the massive Eastern Conference match between the top two teams from 2013. New York Red Bulls and Sporting Kansas City went from first to worst in terms of playoff seeding in just one season. They meet this Thursday night.</p>
<p>The Red Bulls won the Supporters’ Shield in 2013, winning 17 games and finishing with 59 points. Their form dipped this term, claiming only 50 points, winning 14 contests. Similarly, Sporting dropped nine points from their 2013 form.</p>
<p>New York will hope that home field advantage will be kind to them for this game as it has been most of the year. The team has scored 69% of its goals at Red Bull Arena this season and has the second best home attack in MLS behind the Los Angeles Galaxy. Sporting KC has had consistency in their play away from home this season. They have the leagues best away goal differential (+3) and over the course of 34 games scored only two fewer goals on the road than at home.</p>
<p>The fact that either of these teams is participating in the knockout round is rather amazing. Both teams are stacked with talent on paper. Unfortunately, that meant losing out on numerous players throughout the summer as more than a few first teamers departed their sides to take part in the 2014 World Cup.</p>
<p>The Red Bulls will have a difficult time shutting down Dom Dwyer. He is one of the leagues fastest rising stars, scoring 22 goals this season for a team that was depleted for a long stretch of the summer. Graham Zusi, while not having eye popping numbers, (five goals, eight assists), is a true leader that can inspire his team and pull something amazing out of nowhere to help seal the points for his team. Expect Dax McCarty to be tasked with man-marking Dwyer whenever he is within arms reach. New York coach Mike Petke has been criticized at times for his tactics and he will not take kindly to a poor showing by his team in this match. Expect fireworks on the sidelines if things begin to look bleak for the Red Bulls.</p>
<p>Sporting KC will also have to contend with a young stud trying to put his stamp on the teams biggest game of the year. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/10/27/bradley-wright-phillips-continues-to-do-the-business-for-new-york-red-bulls/">Bradley Wright-Phillips</a>, who scored two goals in the teams regular season finale to tie the MLS single scoring record (27-Chris Wondolowski), has had a hot hand this season and can score rapidly if given the chance. He is often overlooked because of big name teammates such as Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill, but he has put the team on his shoulders and cemented his status as an elite MLS player. Coach Peter Vermes will have to worry about Henry and Wright-Phillips in a New York attack that has shined at home. The center-back pairing of Matt Besler and Aurelien Collin, arguably the leagues best defensive duo, will have to play a near perfect game to keep New York off the board.</p>
<p>The game has an added importance, seeing as it could potentially be the final MLS appearance for Henry. Most within the organization expect him to walk away after this season, and a loss on Thursday night would be his swan song for the Red Bulls. He joined the club in 2009, along with former Barcelona teammate Rafa Marquez. Marquez never fit in with the team and fizzled out after just 44 appearances, whereas Henry has been an out-and-out star.</p>
<p>The winner of New York and Sporting KC match means that it will set up an Eastern Conference Semi-Final series against DC United, and will be on home soil in the first match.</p>


ALL POSTS TAGGED "DC United" - Page 2

Soccer On TV

Top 5 recommended games to watch this weekend

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich dominates in DC to droves of Bavarian supporters

DC United

Wayne Rooney meets with DC United supporters as new boss

Summer Friendlies

July summer friendlies feature best and brightest talents on TV

Columbus Crew

MLS Quarterfinals Leg 1: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

FC Dallas

Preview Of The MLS Knockout Round Matches