Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Time: 6:00 p.m. EDT
Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Ont.
TV: The Comcast Network (J.P. Dellcamera and Alejandro Moreno)
TORONTO - There was a particularly prominent name in the Union's half of the pregame injury report: starting goalkeeper Zac MacMath. I don't know how he hurt his right hamstring, but MacMath's condition will be very much worth watching. Given the Union's lack of depth in net it's rather troubling to know that his mobility could be limited in this game.
Other than that, tonight's main point is simple. Toronto FC are really bad, and the Union should beat them.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
TORONTO - Maybe it's because a long winter has finally given way to a splendid spring north of the border. Or maybe it's because Canada's teams in this year's Stanley Cup playoffs were sent to the golf course weeks ago.
Whatever the reason, soccer has seized a big share of the spotlight up here this week. On Wednesday, the Montréal Impact won a thrilling Voyageurs Cup final over the Vancouver Whitecaps, clinching a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League. The game was broadcast on national TV, and it made headlines in newspapers from coast to coast.
Now the buzz is building at BMO Field ahead of Sunday's showdown between the U.S. women's national team and Canada (4:30 p.m., ESPNews). It's the first time that the two neighbors have met since their epic semifinal clash at last summer's Olympics, and it's being hyped as a chance for Canada to get revenge for that thrilling 4-3 U.S. win at Old Trafford.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
United States under-20 men vs. Democratic Republic of the Congo
9:30 a.m. Saturday (beIN Sport)
The U.S. squad looks for its first win at the prestigious annual Toulon tournament, a showcase for youth national teams in the French city of the same name. This year’s edition is a warm-up for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup later this year in Turkey. Notable names on the U.S. squad include Columbus’ Will Trapp, Seattle’s Jordan Morris and Santos Laguna’s Daniel Cuevas.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT
Venue: Stade Saputo, Montréal, Que.
TV: Comcast SportsNet (J.P. Dellacamera and Alejandro Moreno)
MONTRÉAL - Is it really late May? You wouldn't know here at Stade Saputo. Today's high temperature barely cracked 50 degrees, and it will be cold and rainy throughout the evening.
The Union have been no strangers to foul weather this year, both at home and on the road. This game is a big test, as a win would vault them over the Impact and into fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund
2:00 p.m. Saturday (Fox)
For the first time ever, the UEFA Champions League final will be an all-German affair. It's a sign of how strong the Bundesliga has become - though Americans might not know it, since the league has virtually no TV presence here.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
If the Union beat Ocean City at home in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, they won't get to host a fourth round matchup. They would travel to either D.C. United or the USL Pro's Richmond Kickers.
The complete fourth round draw is below. The full third round draw, with games taking place on May 28 and 29, is here.
All fourth games will be played on Wednesday, June 12, and all kickoff times listed are Eastern:
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Here are highlights of Reading United's 1-0 win over the Harrisburg City Islanders, setting up a third-round game against the New York Red Bulls:
And here are highlights of the Ocean City Nor'easters' 1-0 win over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, setting up a third-round game against the Union:
NBC40.netJonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
New York City FC, the new MLS team run by Manchester City and the Yankees, is holding a press conference to introduce its first big-name staff member and take questions about its plans. Watch below:
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
For the second straight week, I'm joining forces with longtime friend Josh Hakala, editor of TheCup.us to provide live coverage of the U.S. Open Cup. It's the 100th edition of this country's oldest soccer competition, and the second round takes place tonight.
There are two games that Union fans will want to pay close attention to.
The first is between the Ocean City Nor'Easters (PDL) and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Pro). The winner of that game will face the Union in the third round next week. If Pittsburgh wins, they'd host the tie; if Ocean City pulls off the upset, they'd come to PPL Park.
Marc Narducci of the Inquirer and Jon Tannenwald of Philly.com report from PPL Park where the Union defeated the Fire for the second time in a week, 1-0.
Reach Jonathan at jtannenwald@phillynews.com or 215-854-2330.
