Games to Watch: EPL, MLS, NASL, U.S. women's national team
Sunderland at Manchester United
10:00 a.m. Saturday (NBCSN)
Sunderland has endured a dreadful season, but they've have finally pulled themselves out of the Premier League's relegation zone. Unfortunately, they've done so just in time for a matchup with Wayne Rooney and powerhouse Manchester United. It's a must win for both teams, as the Red Devils cling to faint hopes of reaching next season's Europa League.
Manchester City at Everton
12:30 p.m. Saturday (CNBC, mun2)
Liverpool's loss at home to Chelsea last weekend has put City back in the lead for the EPL championship. If Yaya Touré and company can win their last three games, they'll take the title. Everton won't go down easily, though, and not just because of U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard. Young midfielder Ross Barkley is a rising star for England, and Romelu Lukaku is a bulldozing forward.
Indy Eleven at Minnesota United
8:00 p.m. Saturday (ESPN3.com)
When the Union let Kléberson go last year, you might have expected him to go back to Europe or return to his native Brazil. He chose to stay in the United States, though, and signed on with Indianapolis' expansion team in the second-tier North American Soccer League. This weekend, he'll face a Minnesota team that includes former Union teammate Greg Jordan.
Columbus Crew at Sporting Kansas City
4:00 p.m. Sunday (NBCSN)
Columbus has been this year's biggest surprise in Major League Soccer. New coach Gregg Berhalter, a former U.S. national team defender, has breathed new life into one of MLS' original teams. Crew midfielder Will Trapp has been especially impressive, and could be a star at future World Cups. The man of the present, meanwhile, is Kansas City's Graham Zusi. He plays a vital creative role for club and country.
Liverpool at Crystal Palace
3:00 p.m. Monday (NBCSN)
This may seem like a cakewalk on paper, but in reality it's a trap game. Palace stunned Chelsea earlier this month, and now can derail Liverpool's title dreams. Steven Gerrard was so close to finally lifting the Premier League trophy, but the pressure has skyrocketed in the last week. Every game is a must-win now.
United States women at Canada
7:50 p.m. Thursday (ESPN3.com)
Abby Wambach, Lauren Holiday and Delran's Carli Lloyd lead the U.S. women up to Winnipeg to face their perennial arch-rivals. Christine Sinclair and Princeton product Diana Matheson are the headline names for Canada, which will host next year's Women's World Cup. The U.S. is still without a full-time coach, but is expected to name one in the next few weeks. Longtime assistant Jill Ellis will be in charge for this game.