The 2023 Leagues Cup semifinal round takes place this week with three MLS clubs and one Liga MX side remaining.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami travel to Subaru Park on Tuesday to face off with the Philadelphia Union. The Herons cruised past Charlotte FC 4-0 in the quarterfinals, using goals from three different players and an own goal to advance.
Messi scored his eighth goal for the club in only his fifth appearance, continuing a stellar run under Tata Martino.
Jim Curtin and his Union squad will try to silence Messi, Josef Martinez, and Co. while booking their second finals berth in the past two years. The Union used a late winning goal from Chris Donovan to eliminate Queretaro in the quarterfinals and prior to that needed penalty kicks to defeat DC United and the New York Red Bulls.
Philadelphia hasn’t lost at home to Miami since 2021, most recently downing the Herons 4-1 in June before Messi’s arrival.
On the other side of the bracket, Nashville SC hosts Liga MX heavyweights Monterrey. Gary Smith’s squad routed Minnesota United 4-0 in front of a rocking home crowd while Monterrey overcome a two-goal deficit to eliminate LAFC 3-2.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup nears it end with the remaining four countries all aiming to lift the tournament trophy for the first time in their histories.
Spain and Sweden kick off the final four on Tuesday before tournament co-hosts Australia faces off with England on Wednesday. The Spaniards defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in a thrilling extra time affair while Sweden collected a 2-1 victory over red-hot Japan.
Co-hosts Australia can continue making history after reaching the semifinals for the first time in its history. The Matildas outlasted France 7-6 in penalties and will look to continue their historic run against England. The Lionesses have only conceded three goals throughout the tournament and will give Sam Kerr a tough test.
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will be presented with another opportunity at silverware on Wednesday against 2023 Europa League Champions Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup.
The Citizens opened their new campaign in familiar fashion last weekend, defeating Burnley 3-0 in their Premier League opener. Erling Haaland led the way with a brace but Kevin De Bruyne was substituted off with an apparent knee injury.
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Here is a look at This Week’s Top 5 Matches to Watch, as well as a full rundown of This Week’s Soccer on TV and Online:
This Week’s Top 5 Matches to Watch
1. Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami FC
8/15 – 7 pm – MLS Pass on Apple TV
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami travel to Subaru Park to take on the Philadelphia Union in Leagues Cup semifinal action.
2. Spain vs. Sweden
8/15 – 4 am – Fox Network, fuboTV, Peacock
Spain and Sweden kick off the semifinal round of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Tuesday.
3. Australia vs. England
8/16 – 3 pm – Fox Network, fuboTV, Peacock
Australia has reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time, but mighty England stands in its way.
4. Manchester City vs. Sevilla
8/16 – 3 pm – CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
The UEFA Super Cup takes place in Greece with Manchester City facing off with Sevilla on Wednesday night.
5. Monterrey vs. Nashville SC
8/15 – 9:30 pm – MLS Pass on Apple TV
The second of two Leagues Cup semifinal matches takes place at Geodis Park with Nashville SC seeking to eliminate Monterrey.
Click HERE for this Week’s schedule: