ASN: Choice day plus huge video games for Sargent & McKennie spotlight weekend

As is a practice, ASN’s weekend preview is right here. Among the many 10 finest video games to look at are some intriguing Choice Day contests in addition to huge video games for a number of the prime younger American gamers in Europe. In the meantime in Argentina, two People may face off towards one another for the primary time in that league’s historical past. 

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
October 04, 2019
6:00 AM

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THE WEEKEND forward will likely be a enjoyable one with Choice Day in MLS in addition to a number of huge video games overseas. Additionally it is the final slate of video games earlier than the worldwide window opens so some gamers will likely be seeking to carry momentum from these video games into representing the US.

Certain, the overseas contingent has misplaced slightly little bit of its luster because of Christian Pulisic and Tyler Boyd solely seeing rare minutes and Sergino Dest uncommitted to the US in the mean time. There are additionally key accidents to gamers like Tyler Adams, John Brooks, and Tim Weah. However the latest robust performances of Zack Steffen, Weston McKennie, Josh Sargent, and Duane Holmes proceed to supply significant and intriguing performances.

On the home entrance, Choice Day will decide the ultimate standings and playoff positions of the 2019 MLS season. Within the Jap Convention, the seven playoff groups are already settled however the positions of the workforce are nonetheless to be decided. The Crimson Bulls, DC United, and Toronto are all nonetheless attempting to battle for the ultimate spot for homefield within the first spherical of the playoffs.

Within the Western Convention, issues are way more chaotic. Los Angeles FC is the perfect workforce however the remaining positions are all unsettled. Along with the positions that permit for internet hosting first spherical video games, there’s a battle simply to make the postseason. San Jose, Portland, FC Dallas, and even Colorado FC are all within the combine for the ultimate two playoff positions.

With all that mentioned, listed below are the ten finest video games to look at this weekend from an American perspective.

Eintracht Frankfurt – Werder Bremen
Bundesliga
Sunday, October 6: 12:00pm ESTFox Sports activities Go
Josh Sargent must be heading into the worldwide window loaded with confidence. The U.S. nationwide workforce striker is coming off two straight begins for Werder Bremen and final weekend was certainly one of his finest performances. Whereas he didn’t rating, Sargent was efficient in a 2-2 away draw towards Borussia Dortmund and notched an help.

On Sunday, Werder will likely be taking up one other workforce that’s in midtable in Eintracht Frankfurt. Former U.S. nationwide workforce proper again Timothy Chandler nonetheless sees occasional minutes for Eintracht.

However for Sargent, that is necessary for his U.S. nationwide workforce prospects as a result of the workforce wants extra firepower on the ahead positions. That begins with Sargent enjoying properly heading into camp.

Portland Timbers – San Jose Earthquakes
MLS
Sunday, October 6: 4:00pm EST
ESPN

This magnitude of this recreation depends upon the way you have a look at it. The winner will advance to the playoffs and the loser will in all probability miss out. However each groups have squandered so many possibilities down the stretch that its straightforward to know followers pondering neither workforce deserves to go to the put up season.

Portland has the sting on this one as it’s enjoying at house and has a veteran core that has performed in do-or-die video games. The core is actually the identical because the one which superior to MLS Cup final 12 months. Designated participant Brian Fernandez was crimson scorching when he joined midseason however has gone chilly. That hole has been made up by U.S. U-23 ahead Jeremy Ebobisse.

However Portland not too long ago got here off a ten recreation homestand the place it received 4 video games however simply two of its remaining eight of the homestand. That allowed different groups to catch as much as its lack of progress.

San Jose, in the meantime, was as soon as cruising in the direction of the postseason however that’s now unsure after the membership has misplaced 5 video games in a row. This week, head coach Matias Almeyda has been linked to taking the Monterrey job and that has solely served as an unneeded distraction.

San Jose has two U.S. internationals in Nick Lima and Jackson Yueill, however each could possibly be coming into camp slumping if the Quakes are eradicated on Sunday.

Schalke 04 – 1.FC Koln
Bundesliga
Saturday, October 5: 12:30pm ESTFox Sports activities Go
Schalke is without doubt one of the hottest groups within the Bundesliga after having received 4 in a row. Final weekend was one of many workforce’s finest ends in over a 12 months when it downed then league main RB Leipzig by a 3-1 rating away from house. Weston McKennie went the gap and was useful on either side of the ball within the upset.

Awaiting them will likely be a winnable recreation towards seventeenth place Koln at house. Schalke is certainly one of 5 groups within the Bundesliga at 13 factors. That’s one level behind Bayern Munich. So a win towards Koln may see Schalke both safe its grip on second place or maybe transfer into the lead if different outcomes break its manner.

Seattle Sounders – Minnesota United
MLS
Sunday, October 6: 4:00pm EST
ESPN+
This recreation must be the decide of the litter to look at on Choice Day. Sure, each groups have already certified for the put up season however this recreation’s winner will safe second place within the Western Convention. Whereas unlikely, the loser won’t even host a first-round playoff recreation.

Each groups have typically performed properly within the second half of the season and if LAFC fail to advance to MLS Cup, it’s straightforward to see the West’s consultant come from these two. This recreation ought to have loads of offense in Seattle and it’s more likely to be vast open – particularly with Nicolas Lodeiro again for Seattle.

For American followers, Seattle has two internationals in Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan. In the meantime, Minnesota United has the U.S. U-23 duo of Mason Toye and Hassani Dotson. Toye has cooled off in latest weeks and can look to get going heading into the playoffs. In the meantime Dotson, a midfielder who additionally performs fullback, is in line for the rookie of the 12 months.

After all, Seattle will likely be seeking to welcoming again membership legend Ozzie Alonso.

Hertha BSC – Fortuna Dusseldorf
Bundesliga
Friday, October 4: 2:30pm ESTFS2

Zack Steffen has been nice since becoming a member of Fortuna this 12 months. The primary U.S. nationwide workforce goalkeeper is in a strong spot on the membership stage and Fortuna will certainly need to lengthen his mortgage from Manchester Metropolis. Additionally, Alfredo Morales has finished properly however has been injured not too long ago. The U.S. nationwide workforce central midfielder would possibly return for this recreation, which must be a lift to its possibilities.

Fortuna Dusseldorf is a workforce that might discover itself in a relegation battle, if it’s not cautious. Gamers like Steffen and Morales may very properly be the distinction in its survival. Even enjoying away, Hertha is a winnable recreation for Fortuna and three factors may go a great distance in the direction of protecting its Bundesliga standing.

FC Dallas – Sporting Kansas Metropolis
MLS
Sunday, October 6: 4:00pm EST
ESPN+

FC Dallas controls its personal future on Choice Day, regardless of poor kind down the stretch. It will be an enormous take a look at for head coach Luchi Gonzalez to discover a system that works. U.S. worldwide Paxton Pomykal has been coping with hamstring points and isn’t 100%. Brandon Servania continues to be in concussion protocol.

That being mentioned, this can be a recreation that Dallas ought to win. Will probably be enjoying at house towards a Sporting Kansas Metropolis workforce that has lengthy since been eradicated from the postseason. Additionally it is coping with accidents and suspensions.

A win would put Dallas into the playoffs however that’s simpler mentioned than finished. The membership hasn’t received in 4 video games.

Atlanta United – New England Revolution
MLS
Sunday, October 6: 4:00pm EST
ESPN+
Atlanta United is seeking to safe second place within the Jap Convention with a win over New England. However the workforce will nonetheless be with out Josef Martinez, some of the efficient forwards in league historical past. However adjusting to life with out Martinez has not been straightforward and Atlanta has been mediocre the previous two video games (loss to New York Metropolis and a draw towards Montreal).

Can Atlanta being to indicate progress with out Martinez?

In the meantime, New England clinched a playoff berth final weekend with a surprising 2-0 upset win over New York Metropolis FC. It as soon as appeared like a foregone conclusion that the workforce wouldn’t make the playoffs however the Revs have rallied below Bruce Enviornment and have three attracts and a win of their final 4. A win in Atlanta, nevertheless, will surely elevate alarm bells amongst any potential playoff opponent as a result of it might give the membership its second straight assertion win.

Derby County – Luton City
The Championship
Saturday, October 5: 10:00am EST
Duane Holmes was some of the shocking omissions for the upcoming U.S. nationwide workforce roster. Holmes was slated to be on the Gold Cup workforce this summer time however needed to withdraw and wasn’t capable of return to the primary workforce till late August. However these days, Holmes has returned to the membership’s first workforce in tremendous kind.

The Georgia-born Holmes is actually not out of the U.S. nationwide workforce image and continued robust performances will solely pressure his manner again onto the workforce. Particularly as Derby is recovering from an unlucky incident the place a number of of its key gamers had been injured and/or arrested for a drunk driving incident. Holmes is being requested to step up, and he’s.

Argentinos Juniors – Arsenal de Sarandi
Argentina’s Primera
Saturday, October 5: 12:15pm EST

Having American gamers concerned within the Argentine Primera is uncommon. However on Saturday, two People may face off towards one another for the primary time in Argentina’s prime flight when Matko Miljevic and Argentinos Juniors host Joel Sonora and Arsenal Sarandi. Each gamers are play making midfielders

Joel Sonora has scored three objectives for Arsenal de Sarandi however is coming off the bench not too long ago. The 2015 U.S. U-20 World Cup midfielder is hoping his performances with Arsenal earn him a spot on the U.S. nationwide workforce.

For the primary time ever, two U.S.-born gamers may face one another in an Argentine 1st div match when Joel Sonora’s Arsenal play Matko Miljevic’s Argentinos Jrs on Saturday…. Sonora: “Matko would fit really well into Tab’s team.” https://t.co/dnEAlptkmH

— Arch Bell (@ArchBell) October 3, 2019

For Matko Miljevic, he performed for the U.S. U-16 workforce three years in the past however that is still his solely U.S. call-up so far. U.S. U-20 head coach Tab Ramos tried to name him up final month however his launch was denied by Argentinos Juniors. Ramos, nevertheless, has mentioned he desires to get Miljevic into his workforce’s subsequent camp. Miljevic has made three appearances for Argentinos and has scored as soon as.

Chatted earlier this week with Argentinos Juniors MF and #USMNT eligible Matko Miljevic. Says he loved talking with U.S. U-20 coach Tab Ramos and hopes to have an opportunity to play for the U.S. quickly: https://t.co/wbidShQOoY

— Arch Bell (@ArchBell) October 2, 2019

However misplaced within the combine of getting two People on this recreation is that this recreation is definitely huge. Via eight rounds of the Primera, Arsenal is in fourth place and Argentinos is in fifth.

Fulham – Charlton Athletic
Championship
Saturday, October 5: 7:30am EST
ESPN+

Two groups from London will kickoff Saturday’s slate of video games as U.S. nationwide workforce defender Tim Ream and Fulham will face Charlton Athletic.

After being soundly relegated out of the Premier League final season, Fulham is a workforce that’s able to making a fast return. Most of that effort goes to come back all the way down to the workforce’s protection – which is lead by Tim Ream. The St. Louis was named Fulham’s participant of the season in 2017/18 when it received promotion and Ream is off to a different robust begin.

Via 10 video games, Fulham sit in fourth place however is just two factors off of first. However it has the perfect purpose differential within the league (+10) after solely having solely conceded eight objectives.

Ream’s profession within the Championship has been excellent. He’s been named his membership’s participant of the season 3 times at this stage, which could be very uncommon for an American participant.