Around the Leagues: MLS Officially Back and USL Returning This Weekend

The Indomitable Club’s preseason training camp is nearing its end with the 2021 USL Championship regular season right around the corner.

Republic FC has been hard at work tuning up for the campaign ahead, including having logged multiple matches against Major League Soccer opponents. Over this past weekend however, Mark Briggs men lined up against a newcomer to the Championship this season – Oakland Roots SC.

The squad stormed by Roots on Saturday by a 5-1 score line. The two northern California clubs will meet a total of four times during the regular season – twice home and twice away.

USL Preseason & NWSL Challenge Cup

Plenty of other USL clubs continued their preseason friendly fixtures with the first competitive league match only a few days away when Louisville City host Atlanta United II on April 24. The same day SRFC played Oakland, LA Galaxy II – the Indomitable Club’s first opponent – beat Orange County SC, 3-1. The preseason clash between FC Tulsa and Austin Bold FC ended 1-1, Louisville City FC downed Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 2-0 inside Lynn Family Stadium and Hartford Athletic triumphed over New York Red Bulls II, 2-1.

Before the season for some kicks off on Saturday, the boys in Old Glory Red still have one final tune-up fixture – a Saturday afternoon showdown against the 2019 USL title-winners, Real Monarchs SLC.

One competition that’s currently in full swing is the NWSL Challenge Cup and Tuesday night sees Gotham City FC take on Group A leaders North Carolina Courage.

Wednesday’s schedule includes a trio of matches beginning with Chicago Red Stars hosting Kansas City, Washington Spirit visiting Orlando Pride, and Group B leaders Portland Thorns playing OL Reign at Providence Park.

One competition that’s currently in full swing is the NWSL Challenge Cup and Tuesday night sees Gotham City FC take on Group A leaders North Carolina Courage.

Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer made its return to regular season play as the 2021 campaign kicked off on Friday when Houston Dynamo downed San Jose Earthquakes, 2-1, followed by Seattle Sounders FC slamming four goals by Minnesota United.

The action continued throughout weekend headlined by LA Galaxy’s dramatic 3-2 win over Inter Miami in Florida with Chicharito bagging a brace.

This coming weekend, it’s another full slate of MLS play with LAFC hosting Seattle Sounders on Saturday afternoon before New England Revolution take on DC United. Sunday’s lone showdown sees LA Galaxy playing host to New York Red Bulls.

European Leagues

While the MLS season is still in the early stages, European leagues are deep into each of their respective campaigns with a number of crucial midweek matchups lined up in the coming days.

On Tuesday in the Barclay’s English Premier League, Chelsea host Brighton and Hove Albion and a win for the west London club would propel the Blues firmly into third place. The very next day, seventh place Tottenham Hotspur – fresh off of sacking former manager Jose Mourinho – host Southampton before league leaders Manchester City visit Aston Villa.

In just five days, City will clash with Spurs at Wembley in the Carabao Cup Final. A win for Tottenham would bring an end to the north London club’s 13-year trophy drought.

While the MLS season is still in the early stages, European leagues are deep into each of their respective campaigns with a number of crucial midweek matchups lined up in the coming days.

In just five days, City will clash with Spurs at Wembley in the Carabao Cup Final. A win for Tottenham would bring an end to the north London club’s 13-year trophy drought.

But the Cup Final isn’t the only English game worth watching this weekend as Arsenal host Everton on Friday before Chelsea visit West Ham United the following morning in a match with major UEFA Champions League implications on the line.

A win for West Ham could see the Hammers climb as high as third place in the standings.

A pair of heavyweight bouts are lined up in Italy’s topflight on Wednesday when Roma host high-flying Atalanta in third place before sixth place Lazio visit Naples with the hopes of leapfrogging fifth place Napoli with a win.

Come Sunday, Barcelona has a big match when it comes to staying in the fight for the La Liga title when the club travel to fifth-place Villarreal.

The topflight in France features a mouthwatering matchup when table-toppers Lille travel to Lyon in fourth place. A Sunday win for Lyon would see the two sides level on points with 70.

Come Sunday, Barcelona has a big match when it comes to staying in the fight for the La Liga title when the club travel to fifth-place Villarreal.

The topflight in France features a mouthwatering matchup when table-toppers Lille travel to Lyon in fourth place. A Sunday win for Lyon would see the two sides level on points with 70.

In Russia, it’s the Main Moscow Derby this Sunday when Spartak Moscow host CSKA Moscow. It’s a match between two of the largest clubs in the Russian capital city and it’s routinely a fiercely contested match – not the mention the ultras from both sides are some of the world’s most passionate supporters. Spartak sits in third place while CSKA is currently in fifth but trail its local rival by a single point in the standings.

Don't miss a minute of the action this season. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season, Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.

Don’t miss a minute of the action this season. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit www.sacrepublicfc.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season, Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.