What a day!
It might be pouring rain In Natal, where the US national team is preparing for Monday's World Cup clash with Ghana, but the sun in shining down on soccer fans here in New York and all over the USA and Canada today. Why? Because there is a boatload of cool soccer things happening today.
Here's the rundown
12 noon ET: Colombia vs. Greece, World Cup Group C. Former Philadelphia Union players Faryd Mondragon and Carlos Valdes get their Mundial on (both started on the bench) in their opener vs. the always tough (boring?) Greeks.
3 pm ET: Uruguay vs. Costa Rica, World Cup Group D. New York Red Bulls left back Roy Miller and Columbus Crew center back Giancarlo Gonzalez could start for the Ticos. And we still miss Alvaro Saborio.
6 pm ET: England vs. Italy, World Cup Group D. The motherlode. This is the big one, and take note all you USMNT fans: This is our first look at how a match plays out in the dreaded city of Manaus.
7:30 pm ET: Atlanta Silverbacks vs. Real Salt Lake, US Open Cup 4th Round. You just know Atlanta coach Eric Wynalda would love to take down one of MLS's heavyweights.
8 pm ET: Carolina Railhawks vs. Chivas USA, US Open Cup 4th Round. The Goats could use a little pick-me-up. Not that a cross-country flight and a tilt with the Railhawks, who are mid-table in the NASL right now, will necessarily do the trick.
8:30 pm ET: New York Cosmos vs. New York Red Bulls, US Open Cup 4th Round. Finally. A Big Apple Derby! Let's be honest: If the World Cup weren't on right now, this match would be one of the biggest to-dos of the year. Actually, it's going to be that anyway.
9 pm ET: Ivory Coast vs. Japan, World Cup Group C. The perfect nightcap. This is the latest scheduled game of the entire World Cup, and with goalscorers and playmakers on both sides, it has the makings of a cracker, as the Brits say.
Enjoy, everyone.
