Tim Howard tries to help his club move forward in England's cup competition, while the Xolos searches for wins. Elsewhere, Michael Bradley, the Hoffenheim boys, and more takeover your TV.
BY
Jon Arnold
Posted
February 15, 2013
1:53 PM
With MLS season drawing nearer, you’re only weeks away from your live football fix. Until then, there are still plenty of matches American soccer fans can enjoy on television. Here’s your weekly guide to the weekend’s best matches.
FRIDAY
Jaguares v. Tijuana
8:30 p.m. (all times Eastern)
ESPN Deportes
How will Tijuana rebound from a league loss? It’s a question that we haven’t had to ask in a while, but now los Xolos are coming off a defeat to Club América. Even though Edgar Castillo, Joe Corona, and Tijuana are headed on the road, it’s a nice opportunity for a rebound game. Jaguares are yet to win this season and have only two points from six matches. If Tijuana can get all three points, they’ll be right back as a title contender. If not, things might be getting a little hairy on the border.
SATURDAY
Oldham v. Everton
1 p.m.
Fox Soccer
While Everton is still setting its eyes upon its league goals, the FA Cup still remains an attainable prize, and American goalkeeper Tim Howard
says the team will attempt to win the competition. Howard, who was named Everton’s player of the month for January, will be in goal if David Moyes does indeed play his first team against the lower-division opposition.
Roma v. Juventus
2:40 p.m.
beIN Sport Spanish, tape delayed at 4 on beIN Sport
Michael Bradley and Roma started the season so brightly and were contending for a European spot, but they’ve faltered since then and are sitting mid-table. A victory over the league leaders, Juventus, would boost their spirits as well as their spot in the table. Juventus is coming off a midweek Champions League victory, but Roma will hope to use that to their advantage and exploit what could be a weary Old Lady.
Tigres v. Santos
7:30 p.m.
Unimás
Tigres and Jose Torres are atop Liga MX and have yet to lose in the Clausura. Torres is regularly lining up in midfield for the leaders and this week will face off with fellow American Herculez Gomez. Santos is looking to Gomez for goals with forward Oribe Peralta still unavailable because of injury. Gomez says he’s up to the challenge of scoring in the most difficult atmosphere in Liga MX.
SUNDAY
Hoffenheim v. Stuttgart
11:30 a.m.
GolTV
This hasn’t been the prettiest season for Hoffenheim, but there’s still reason to tune in. Hoffenheim has shown flashes of better play, which could lift them out of the danger zone. Fabian Johnson is regularly starting and performing admirably.Danny Williams hasn’t been seeing time but came off the bench in last week’s 1-0 loss to Hannover. Stuttgart themselves aren’t having the strongest season, so this home match is a big chance for Johnson and Williams to help their club to a much-needed win.
BEST OF THE REST
Liga MX: Puebla v. Chivas (5 p.m., Sunday, ESPN Deportes)—Can DaMarcus Beasley replicate his feat last week score a winner for Puebla? It’ll be tougher this week with Guadalajara the opponents rather than San Luis.
Jupiler Pro League: Anderlecht v. Sporting Charleroi (2 p.m., Friday, Streaming (http://thebelgianwaffle.co.uk/jpl-live/))—Sacha Kljestan struggled with the national team when he came on as a sub in Honduras, but there shouldn’t be any struggle this weekend. Anderlecht is the top team in the Belgian league while Charleroi are sitting 11th.
NO U.S. ANGLE BUT...
La Liga: Malaga v. Athletic Bilbao (Noon., Saturday, beIN Sport Spanish)—Malaga continue to ignore the club’s poor situation off the pitch and find success on it. There technically is a U.S. angle, but you’re unlikely to see Oguchi Onyewu suit up for Malaga.
FA Cup: Manchester City v. Leeds (9 a.m., Sunday, Fox Soccer)—Will City win any trophies this season? They’ll have to beat Leeds if they want to have a chance at this one.
So what are you watching this weekend? Which matches did we miss that we should tune in for?
Jon Arnold (@ArnoldcommaJon) is a writer based in Arizona and ASN’s CONCACAF correspondent.