Whether MLS coaches like it or not, another full wave of friendlies packs the weekend schedule, with games involving European teams taking place in five North American cities.
Four of the games are part of the World Football Challenge, as high-profile teams Manchester United, Real Madrid and Manchester City continue their tours of America.
A couple of United States internationals are involved in two of the matches as well, although one of them reportedly will not be playing in his team's match.
Here's a look ahead to this weekend's friendly lineup:
THIS WEEKEND'S FRIENDLIES
Chicago Fire vs. Manchester United, Saturday, 5 p.m., ESPN2
The Red Devils will look to make it three in a row in America after soundly beating New England last weekend and putting a 7-0 hurting on the Seattle Sounders during their mid-week clash.
The Fire haven't exactly been in top form, and with United making a statement ahead of the MLS All-Star Game and with its depth proving to be too much for MLS sides to handle over the course of a 90-minute exhibition, it could be a rather one-sided result at Soldier Field.
Juventus vs. Sporting Clube de Portugal, Saturday, 7 p.m., ESPN Deportes
Fans in Toronto will get a look at U.S. centerback Oguchi Onyewu with his new team, as the two European powers clash at BMO Field.
Onyewu will be tested by veteran Italian internationals Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Del Piero and Luca Toni as he looks to make a solid preseason impression heading into his first campaign in Portugal.
D.C. United vs. Everton, Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel
U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard will be in attendance but will not play, according to manager David Moyes, which should be a bit of a buzzkill for attendees who were looking forward to seeing him between the pipes at RFK Stadium.
Nevertheless, Everton is a quality side with a strong American following. D.C., which will be playing its third game in seven days, will likely spread minutes up and down the roster while looking to move forward from the disappointment of its mid-week loss to New England.
Philadelphia Union vs. Real Madrid, Saturday, 9 p.m., ESPN Deportes
The Union topped Everton Wednesday night at PPL Park and will look to take it up a notch when Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. invade Lincoln Financial Field.
Real Madrid has looked rather sharp for a team in preseason mode, dispatching the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas de Guadalajara without a problem and outscoring the two teams by a combined 7-1.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Manchester City, Sunday, 4 p.m., ESPN2
Bruce Arena spoke his mind about how these summer friendlies are all geared toward the needs of the European clubs, but that won't stop his Galaxy from participating in their second match of the World Football Challenge.
City, meanwhile, has been in solid form during its summer tour on the strength of Shaun Wright-Phillips' goal-scoring ways. Expect to see plenty of Galaxy reserves at the Home Depot Center in light of Arena's comments and the team's congested summer schedule.
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Which friendly are you looking forward to watching the most? Planning on attending any of these matches? Patiently waiting for friendly season to pass?
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