Games to Watch: Landon Donovan's farewell, Women's World Cup qualifying
Ecuador at United States
6:40 p.m. Friday (ESPN, UniMás)
The U.S. national team heads to Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn., for its first home game since the World Cup. It will also be the finale for retiring legend Landon Donovan. He'll start and wear the captain's armband, and will play around 30 minutes before officially giving way to the new generation.
Keep an eye out for Real Salt Lake's Luis Gil and Borussia Dortmund's Joe Gyau, two rising stars in the American attack. Gil will see one of his RSL teammates across the field, as Joao Plata will line up with West Ham's Enner Valencia.
Vancouver Whitecaps at Seattle Sounders
10:00 p.m. Friday (NBCSN)
While most big leagues around the world go dark during the FIFA international window, Major League Soccer's playoff race crashes right through it. At least the weekend will kick off with a really big game, as arivalry that dates back to the 1970's decides this year's Cascadia Cup winner.
Seattle, led by Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, is also aiming for MLS' best regular-season record. Vancouver, led by Pedro Morales and former Union star Jordan Harvey, hopes to hold on to the West's last playoff spot.
Brazil vs. Argentina
8:00 a.m. Saturday (beIN Sport)
Any game between South America's most famous powerhouses is a big deal - even when it's halfway around the world in Beijing. The stadium that hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics will welcome Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Neymar, Manchester United's Angel Di Maria and Orlando City's Kaka.
Haven't heard of Orlando City? You will soon. They're joining MLS next year, and they'll be paying Kaka a league-record $7 million salary.
Toronto FC at New York Red Bulls
7:00 p.m. Sunday (Univision Deportes)
Toronto FC didn't spend nearly $100 million on Michael Bradley and Jermain Defoe last winter to be on the edge of the Eastern Conference playoff face. If the Reds are to make the postseason for the first time in their eight-year history, they need big results to close out the season. Thierry Henry's Red Bulls also need this game to hold on to fourth place in the East.
Portugal at Denmark
2:30 p.m. Tuesday (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
Cristiano Ronaldo and company started Euro 2016 qualifying in disastrous fashion, losing at home to Albania. They'll try to get back on track in Copenhagen against a Danish squad that has two under-the-radar young talents. Leicester City goalkeeper Kaspar Schmeichel - son of Manchester United legend Peter - anchors the defense, and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen leads the attack.
Honduras at United States
8:00 p.m. Tuesday (ESPN, UniMás)
Honduras might not bring the glamor of a European or South American power, but they always provide a tough test. Houston Dynamo teammates Luis Garrido and Oscar Boniek Garcia form a formidable partnership in Los Catrachos' midfield engine room.
Expect to see U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann make roster changes between Friday's game and this one, potentially calling in Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey after the weekend's MLS action.
Trinidad & Tobago women at United States
8:30 p.m. Wednesday (Fox Sports 2)
Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo and the rest of the U.S.' stars begin CONCACAF's qualifying tournament for next summer's World Cup at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. The other group stage opponents will be Guatemala and Haiti, followed by the semifinals and final at PPL Park on Oct. 24 and 26.
Spare a thought for Trinidad, which arrived at its training camp in Dallas this week with just $500 in cash on hand - nowhere close to enough for food, lodging or other needs. An impromptu internet fundraiser saved the day, as fans donated over $9,000 in just 24 hours. Even the Haitian federation offered financial support, with help from the Bill Clinton Foundation.