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Soccer Wednesday: A Look Ahead

Chicharito (Getty Images)

Between a UEFA Champions League semifinal, two Major League Soccer games and the Canadian championship semifinals, there's plenty of mid-week soccer action to go around.

Manchester United's quest to return to the Champions League final sets the table for six MLS teams.

D.C. United hosts Seattle in the first MLS match of the night, followed soon after by Houston and Colorado. Not to be overlooked, Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps each look to finish off their NASL opponents and advance to the finals of the Canadian championship. 

Here's a look ahead to Wednesday's matches:

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIFINAL

Manchester United vs. Schalke, 2:45 p.m., FX

The Red Devils host Schalke in the second leg of their semifinal, hoping to finish off the German side and join Barcelona in what would be a rematch of the 2009 Champions League final.

Manchester United grabbed a 2-0 lead in the away leg but could put out a less-than-full-strength lineup considering Wayne Rooney's hamstring injury and the crucial league match with Chelsea on the horizon this weekend.

Schalke, meanwhile, will look to put forth a road performance on par with its 5-2 victory at the San Siro over Inter Milan in the quarterfinals.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

D.C. United vs. Seattle Sounders, 7:30 p.m., MLS Direct Kick/Matchday Live, SBI Live Commentary

In a short time, these two teams have played some memorable matches, including last year's 3-2 thriller at Qwest Field, when Seattle nearly scored three goals in the final minute (plus stoppage time) in the teams' last match prior to the World Cup break.

D.C. is in need of a positive result after yielding four goals in each of its last two matches. Seattle, meanwhile, rode a wave of emotion in the aftermath of Steve Zakuani's injury to a 3-0 thrashing of Toronto FC over the weekend. If history dictates anything, tonight's match should be an entertaining one that goes down to the wire.

Houston Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids, 8:30 p.m., MLS Direct Kick/Matchday Live

The Dynamo rides a six-game unbeaten streak into this clash at Robertson Stadium. These two teams made one of the more influential trades last season, with Houston swapping winger Brian Mullan for Colin Clark. While Mullan helped the Rapids to an MLS Cup title last season, he's suspended for this match and the next eight. Clark continues his comeback from an ACL tear, while Houston continues to ride rookie striker Will Bruin and veteran winger Brad Davis to positive results.

It doesn't appear that Colorado striker Conor Casey (hamstring) will be ready to go for the match, but Wells Thompson, Caleb Folan and Quincy Amarikwa are all expected to return from injury for the Rapids, who snapped a three-game losing streak with a tie against Chicago on Saturday.

CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Toronto FC vs. FC Edmonton, 8 p.m., TFC live stream

The Reds take a commanding 3-0 lead into the second leg of their semifinal bout and figure to coast into the final, where they will look to defend their back-to-back national championships.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Montreal Impact, 11 p.m., live stream

The MLS side only managed a 1-0 victory in the first leg, which could make for a more tense return leg at Empire Field. Away goals are in play, so Terry Dunfield's strike at Stade Saputo could be the difference as the Whitecaps look to claim their first Voyageurs Cup.

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How do you see Wednesday's action unfolding? Which game are you looking forward to the most?

Share your thoughts below.

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