Major League Soccer
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Time: 8:09 p.m.
Venue: PPL Park, Chester, Pa.
TV: ESPN2 (Glenn Davis, Taylor Twellman and Alexi Lalas) and ESPN Deportes, starting at 8:00 p.m.
Starting Lineups
Philadelphia Union (4-3-3)
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
According to documents recently filed as part of Peter Nowak's lawsuit against the Philadelphia Union, Peter Nowak "may have improperly profited from player transactions" involving "contracts for players in South America" while manager of the team.
That allegation came to light as part of a series of motions filed by both sides' attorneys in the case, which is being adjudicated in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The main question in the case right now is whether Nowak's complaint should be settled by an arbitrator or a federal judge.
But the procedural chess game isn't the big story. You want the juicy stuff, and there's plenty of it.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Seattle Sounders at Portland Timbers
3:30 p.m. Saturday (NBC)
It might not be the most competitive game of the weekend in Major League Soccer, but from a leaguewide perspective it's the biggest game in years. This will be the first MLS game broadcast on an over-the-air English-language television network since 2008.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Chelsea vs. Atlético Madrid
2:30 p.m. Friday (Fox Soccer Channel)
Some of European soccer’s biggest names take the field in Monaco for the UEFA SuperCup, as Champions League winners Chelsea face Europa League winners Atlético. All eyes will be on Chelsea forward Fernando Torres, who first rose to prominence in the red-and-white stripes of Madrid’s second most popular team. Athlético is led by its own scoring sensation, Colombian forward Radamel Falcao.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Within 24 hours of the Union's all-but-official elimination from playoff contention, the team has removed the interim tag from manager John Hackworth's title.
"I’m very excited to have been given this opportunity," Hackworth said in a statement issued by the team. "We have a very talented and committed group of players in our locker room and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with them long term as they and the organization continue to develop."
In that same statement, Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz said that Hackworth "deserves" the job.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
In the minutes after the Philadelphia Union gave up a last-minute 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew at PPL Park, the atmosphere at one of Major League Soccer's most lively venues was pin-drop quiet.
The fans who made the midweek trip to Chester knew how important the defeat was. So did Union manager John Hackworth. When asked during his postgame press conference whether the Union are out of the playoff race, Hackworth did not mince words.
"I'm the eternal optimist, but I would say that I'm not stupid either," Hackworth said. "I don't think it's a possibility anymore. I think we should stop talking about it, personally, and I think we should concentrate on playing good soccer the rest of the way."
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
After the Union and Real Salt Lake played to a scoreless draw Saturday night at PPL Park, I got together with The Inquirer's Mike Jensen to talk about the team's strengths, weaknesses and fading playoff hopes.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Time: 7:51 p.m. EDT (see why below)
Venue: PPL Park, Philadelphia, Pa.
TV: NBC Sports Network (Arlo White, Kyle Martino and Russ Thaler; broadcast begins at 7:30 p.m. EDT)
If you haven't read my story from earlier today with the latest details on Peter Nowak's lawsuit against the Union, click here.
The Union are catching Real Salt Lake, perennially one of MLS' best teams, at perhaps the best possible time. Tonight's visitors lost at home to surging FC Dallas last Saturday, then scratched out an ill-tempered CONCACAF Champions League home win over Panamanian club Tauro FC on Tuesday. I wouldn't be surprised if Jason Kreis rests some of his regular players tonight
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
West Ham United at Swansea City
7:45 a.m. Saturday (ESPN2; ESPN3.com)
Contrary to what some people might believe, there are more teams in the Premier League than just the London and Manchester giants. This game features two of the league's so-called minnows, but the lack of star power could easily be made up for with hustle and a few goals.
West Ham are one of England's most historic teams, with famous former players including Bobby Moore and Paolo Di Canio. The current team is led by midfielder Kevin Nolan and Portuguese forward Ricardo Vaz Tê. Swansea will look for inspiration from Spanish forward Michu, who scored two spectacular goals in a 5-0 rout of Queens Park Rangers last weekend.
Fulham at Manchester United
10:00 a.m. Saturday (Fox Soccer Channel)
U.S. national team star Clint Dempsey has endured a rough start to the season at Fulham. After a transfer to Liverpool fell through, Dempsey reportedly refused to play, and was forced to train with Fulham's youth team by manager Martin Jol.
Manchester United, meanwhile, is in great shape. With Robin van Persie bolstering an already-potent attack, the Red Devils are primed to deliver a serious title challenge to crosstown neighbors Manchester City.
Schalke 04 at Hannover 96
11:30 a.m. Sunday (GolTV)
Even though GolTV has lost the rights to the Spanish and Italian leagues, it still has rights to one of the most entertaining leagues in Europe – Germany's Bundesliga. This game will feature two U.S. national team stalwarts, Hannover defender Steve Cherundolo and Schalke midfielder Jermaine Jones.
FC Dallas at Los Angeles Galaxy
7:00 p.m. Sunday (NBC Sports Network)
After a dreadful start to the season, FC Dallas has won four straight game in August – including tough road tests against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Real Salt Lake. Now they're just five points back of Vancouver and Los Angeles, who hold the Western Conference's last two playoff spots.
Dallas' resurgence has no better symbol than midfielder Brek Shea. After being benched by coach Schellas Hyndman for two weeks in July, Shea got his confidence back by assisting on the game-winning goal in the United States' historic victory in Mexico. If that form carries over, teams across MLS will start getting nervous.
New York Red Bulls at Sporting Kansas City
9:00 p.m. Sunday (ESPN2; ESPN Deportes; ESPN3.com)
The marquee game of the weekend in MLS features the Eastern Conference's two best teams at what should be a raucous Livestrong Sporting Park. It's the first time this year that New York and Kansas City have met, with further meetings to come in September and October. Whichever team comes out on top is likely to finish first in the conference standings.
Santos Laguna at Toronto FC
8:00 p.m. Tuesday (Fox Soccer Channel)
Toronto FC's Cinderella run through the CONCACAF Champions League may finally be coming to an end. Despite winning four straight Canadian Championship tournaments, the Reds have perennially been one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference.
Now they've been drawn with Mexican powerhouse Santos in the Champions League group stage, and only one team can advance to the knockout rounds. With a forward line that features U.S. national team star Herculez Gomez and Mexican Olympic gold medalist Oribe Peralta, Santos has proven itself to be one of North America's truly elite teams.
New York Red Bulls at D.C. United
8:00 p.m. Wednesday (Galavisión)
Major League Soccer's oldest rivalry has regained its edge this year, as both D.C. and New York are in the thick of the Easteren Conference playoff race.
The Red Bulls have scored the most goals in the conference this year, which matters a lot since goals scored is the first tiebreaker for playoff seeds. United hasn't lost at home since March 10. Something will likely have to give in this game.
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
Sunderland at Arsenal
9:50 a.m. Saturday (ESPN; ESPN3.com)
Whether or not you think it’s the world’s best league, there’s no denying that the English Premier League is the most glamorous. The new season kicks off this weekend.
Reach Jonathan at jtannenwald@phillynews.com or 215-854-2330.
