photo by John Todd/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Before Carlos Bocanegra captains the U.S. national team in its friendly against Brazil, he'll be trying to do something he hasn't done in nearly two years: make his team debut.
Bocanegra will be aiming to see action with new club Saint Etienne as it opens the season on the road against Paris Saint-Germain. If Saint Etienne's pre-season match against Swiss club Neuchatel Xamax last week was any indication, then Bocanegra will likely start at left back.
Another player looking to make his debut this weekend will be Anton Peterlin. The former Cal Poly SLO midfielder could see time for Plymouth Argyle when it faces Southampton.
Far from being a newcomer on his team, Alejandro Bedoya will be hoping to help Orebro SK maintain its current streak of six games without a loss when it hosts second-place Malmo FF.
Here is a rundown of who the Americans Abroad will be playing this weekend:
FRIDAY
Zak Whitbread and Norwich City play Watford.
SATURDAY
Mike Grella and Leeds United play Derby County.
Anton Peterlin and Plymouth Argyle play Southampton.
Frank Simek and Carlisle United play Brentford.
Carlos Bocanegra and Saint Etienne play Paris Saint-Germain.
Charlie Davies and Sochaux play Arles.
Sacha Kljestan and RSC Anderlecht play Royal Charleroi SC.
Marcus Tracy, Chris Rolfe and Aalborg BK play Silkeborg IF. (Rolfe is out injured.)
Alejandro Bedoya and Orebro SK play Malmo FF.
Michael Hoyos and Estudiantes de la Plata play Newell's Old Boys.
Jose Torres, Herculez Gomez, Marco Vidal and Pachuca play Santons. (Torres is out injured.)
Edgar Castillo and San Luis play Chivas de Guadalajara.
SUNDAY
Michael Parkhurst and FC Nordsjaelland play Brondby.
Ryan Miller and Halmstads BK play Elfsborg.
Steve Clark and Honefoss BK play Kongsvinger.
Mikkel Diskerud and Stabaek IF play Stromsgodset.
Clarence Goodson, Hunter Freeman and IK Start play Brann.
———–
How do you see Bocanegra faring this weekend should he make his debut? Believe Peterlin will play this weekend? Do you think Bedoya and Orebro will defeat Malmo?
Share your thoughts below.