By FRANCO PANIZO
The majority of leagues across Europe may have come to a close already, but that does not mean there is a shortage of action involving the Americans Abroad contingent this weekend.
Michael Bradley and AS Roma headline what should be another dramatic few days in the world of soccer, as they battle rivals Lazio in a Rome derby with much on the line on Sunday. The two teams will be competing in the Coppa Italia final in their home stadium, Stadio Olimpico, and more than hardware and bragging rights will be up for grabs, as the winner also books a place in next season’s Europa League (both teams failed to do that in Serie A).
Another match with big implications for the upcoming campaign will take place on Monday, as Fabian Johnson and Hoffenheim travel to take on Kaiserslautern in the second leg of their relegation play-offs series. Hoffenheim are up 3-1 on aggregate after winning at home on Thursday, so a solid but unspectacular performance should be enough for them to stay in Germany’s top flight.
Wondering what other game might be worth watching? Look no further than Bahia’s season opener against Criciuma, as it could mark Freddy Adu’s latest outing for the Brazilian club. Adu played 26 minutes for Bahia in the Baiano finals this past weekend and it seems like he is in favor with new head coach Eduardo Barroca.
Here is who the Americans Abroad play this weekend:
SATURDAY
Josh Gatt and Molde FK play Steve Clark and Honefoss BK.
Mix Diskerud and Rosenborg BK play Valerenga.
SUNDAY
Oguchi Onyewu and Malaga CF play Deportivo La Coruna.
Carlos Bocanegra and Racing Santander play Guadalajara.
Michael Bradley and AS Roma play Lazio in the Coppa Italia final.
Eugene Starikov and FK Rostov play CSKA Moscow.
Terrence Boyd and Rapid Vienna play SV Josko Ried.
Ventura Alvarado and Club America play Cruz Azul in the final leg of the Liga MX finals.
Freddy Adu and Bahia play Criciuma.
MONDAY
Fabian Johnson, Danny Williams and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim play Kaiserslautern in the second leg of their relegation play-offs series.
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What do you think of these matches? Expecting a fierce battle between Bradley’s Roma and Lazio? How do you see Johnson and Hoffenheim faring against Kaiserslautern?
Share your thoughts below.
Hoffenheim is basically guaranteed to go back to BL after Friday.
Ummm… you know nothing about the BL right? A 2-0 win for Kaiserslautern, which is a very likely scenario at Fritz Walter, will promote Lautern.
Does he know about Aggregate scores?
Most important matches are Roma and Hoffenheim’s. Need to get wins as well as not pick up injuries. At least those guys will come into camp fit and ready to go.
… and already in the mindset of big, important games.
Big games for Bradley and FJ!