Games to Watch: NYCFC set to take Yankee Stadium stage
Orlando City at Houston Dynamo
7:00 p.m. Friday (UniMás, Univision Deportes)
After getting a raucous reception from over 62,000 fans at the Citrus Bowl last weekend, Orlando hits the road for the first time. Kaká is the big star - and Amobi Okugo is well known to Union fans, of course - but keep an eye on forward Bryan Rochez. The 20-year-old Honduran has pace, intelligence and a ferocious shot. Houston's strength is in its midfield, thanks to veterans Brad Davis, Óscar Boniek García, Giles Barnes and Ricardo Clark.
Southampton at Chelsea
9:30 a.m. Sunday (NBCSN, NBC Universo)
Chelsea was knocked out of the Champions League in stunning fashion on Wednesday, giving up a late goal to Paris Saint-Germain despite having a man advantage from the 31st minute on. Returning to the Premier League, where the first-place Blues have a five-point lead, should help calm things down. José Mourinho may have to call on some of his reserves, but when your bench features Colombian World Cup star Juan Cuadrado, you don't have to worry too much.
Across the field, Graziano Pellè's Saints have slipped down the table in recent weeks, and seems likely to finish outside of the qualifying spots for European tournaments.
New England Revolution at New York City FC
5:00 p.m. Sunday (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes)
Major League Soccer officially arrives in New York for the first time in its 20-year history as NYCFC, jointly run by the Yankees and Manchester City, takes the field at Yankee Stadium. It will be a big test for David Villa and Mix Diskerud, and not just because they'll be playing soccer in a baseball stadium. Diego Fagundez, Juan Agudelo and the Revs will come to the Bronx in a bad mood after being routed in Seattle last weekend.
Los Angeles Galaxy at Portland Timbers
7:00 p.m. Sunday (Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes)
Any game in Portland is guaranteed to be a TV spectacle. The colorful atmosphere is Major League Soccer's best (sorry, Union fans), and Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri is one of MLS' elite playmakers. L.A. counters with reigning MVP Robbie Keane, who scored a fine (ahem) volley in last weekend's decisive win over Chicago.
Arsenal at Monaco
3:45 p.m. Tuesday (Fox Sports 1, ESPN Deportes)
Monaco's 3-1 win at Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 series was one of the most stunning results in the tournament's history. Now Santi Cazorla, Danny Welbeck and the Gunners must win on the road by at least three goals in order to advance. The French principality's club is renowned for its stingy defense, led by Portuguese veteran Ricardo Carvalho.
Manchester City at Barcelona
3:45 p.m. Wednesday (Fox Sports 1, ESPN Deportes)
A few months ago, it seemed like Lionel Messi and Barcelona were in the midst of a crisis. But since the start of January, they've won 15 of 17 games in all competitions. That includes a 2-1 victory in Manchester in the first leg of this Champions League Round of 16 series. Sergio Agüero and City will head south believing they have a chance, but do they have the horsepower to win the high-scoring game they'll need to advance?