As one U.S. Men’s National Team star says goodbye to his club, former MLS foes hope to extend their stay into the Mexican post-season.
After regular play in the second division ended last weekend, the few Americans starting in the Premier League will fly the flag in England on championship Sunday. Tim Howard will start for the final time at Goodison Park, and Matt Miazga may have a chance to play in a meaningless game for Chelsea.
A number of USMNT regulars are taking part in the Liga MX playoffs, with two defenders facing off in a marquee matchup. Omar Gonzalez and Pachuca play Jorge Villafana and Santos Laguna in the first round of the Clausura post-season. Elsewhere, Edgar Castillo’s first-place Monterrey square off with a talented Tigres team that included Jose Torres.
Meanwhile, it looks sure that an American will be put into the relegation playoff in Germany. Headed into the final week, it looks like one of Aron Johannsson, Timmy Chandler, or Russell Canouse will end the season 16th in the table. On the upside, though, Caleb Stanko’s SC Freiburg and Terrence Boyd’s Red Bull Leipzig are guaranteed promotion. Shawn Barry’s FSV Frankfurt head into the final day of the season with a chance to escape a guaranteed drop.
Here’s whats in store for the Americans abroad this weekend:
THURSDAY
Jorge Villafana started and played 90 minutes in Santos Laguna’s 1-1 draw with Pachuca.
Omar Gonzalez started, played 90 minutes, and earned a YELLOW CARD for Pachuca.
Ventura Alvarado dressed but did not play in Club America’s 0-0 draw with Chivas.
Desavio Payne did not dress for FC Groningen’s 2-1 win over Heracles.
Rubio Rubin dressed but did not play in FC Utrecht’s 0-0 draw with PEC Zwolle.
Perry Kitchen started and played 90 minutes in Hearts’ 1-0 win over Aberdeen.
AJ Soares started and played 90 minutes in Viking’s 1-0 loss to Stabaek.
Cole Grossman started and played 90 minutes for Stabaek.
SATURDAY
Alfredo Morales and FC Ingolstadt play Bayer Leverkusen.
John Brooks and Hertha Berlin play Mainz.
Russell Canouse and Hoffenheim play Schalke 04.
Christian Pulisic and Borussia Dortmund play FC Cologne.
Fabian Johnson and Borussia Monchengladbach play SV Darmstadt.
Timmy Chandler and Eintracht Frankfurt play Werder Bremen.
William Yarbrough, Miguel Ibarra and Club Leon play Morelia.
Edgar Castillo and Monterrey play Jose Torres and Tigres.
Alejandro Bedoya and Nantes play Paris Saint-Germain.
SUNDAY
Matt Miazga and Chelsea play Leicester City.
Brad Guzan and Aston Villa play Arsenal.
Tim Howard and Everton play Norwich City.
Geoff Cameron and Stoke City play West Ham.
DeAndre Yedlin and Sunderland play Watford.
Ventura Alvarado and Club America play Chivas.
Jorge Villafana and Santos Laguna play Omar Gonzalez and Pachuca.
Desavio Payne and FC Groningen play Heracles.
Rubio Rubin and FC Utrecht play PEC Zwolle.
Perry Kitchen and Hearts play St. Johnstone.
Bobby Wood and Union Berlin play Caleb Stanko and SC Freiburg.
Fafa Picault and St. Pauli play Kaiserslautern.
Shawn Barry and FSV Frankfurt play 1860 Munich.
MONDAY
Ethan Horvath and Molde play Odds.
Cole Grossman and Stabaek play SK Brann.
AJ Soares and Viking play Sogndal.
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What do you think of this weekend’s action? Which Americans will continue their runs in the Liga MX playoffs? Which American will lose the relegation fight in the Bundesliga?
Share your thoughts below.
Ok this is a crazy us lineup but here goes:
Altidore
Bedoya Pulisic Nagbe FJ
Yedlin
Birnbaum Brooks Miasga Cameron
Holy cow the LeBobvre’s made up the goal differential. Not sure what the tiebreaker after that is, if its total goals they are still staying down.
Anybody keeping up with Bob Bradley they are up 4-0 and Metz is down 1-0, still a slim chance but it could happen. They got about 10 mins to go
I watched that to the end. It ended with Le Havre 5-0 up and Metz 1-0 down. If either Le Havre or Lens had scored ONE more goal, Le Havre would’ve been promoted. As is, Le Havre both finished on 65 points apiece, with each having a +15 goal differential, and it came down to goals scored over the entirety of the season. Le Havre had 52; Metz had 54.
If you’re a Sporting KC fan, you will find this situation painfully familiar: Le Havre at one point had a chance to score, but put the ball off both posts (granted, it wasn’t a PK, but still…)
And to think, if Dijon had only lost 3-0 instead of 4-0 against Metz, Le Havre would’ve done it ;(
p.s. I wish he were playing in the Europa League with Stabaek:(
…Maybe Ligue 1 next season, unless he changes clubs.