WEEKEND WATCH GUIDE
NWSL: Western New York at Washington, 6 p.m. Saturday, YouTube.com. Now that the Olympics are over, women's national team players are filtering back into the NWSL, and the league's stretch run is beginning. Washington has missed midfielder Crystal Dunn but still leads the league — and can clinch the regular-season title with at least a draw in this game.
MLS: Portland at Dallas, 8 p.m. Sunday, MLS Live. Fresh off a 4-2 beating of rival Seattle, Portland continues its push for the final Western Conference playoff spot. FC Dallas, though is unbeaten this year at home. With very little in the way of trophies over its history, Dallas would dearly love to hold on to its lead in the race for the Supporters' Shield.
MLS: Columbus at Los Angeles, 9:30 p.m. Sunday, MLS Live. Suddenly, the Galaxy is in crisis mode. Standouts Gyasi Zardes, Steven Gerrard and Jelle van Damme suffered injuries last week, and the team unloaded big-name veteran Nigel de Jong as well. Columbus has faltered in what most predicted would be a successful year, but the Crew is visiting L.A. at the right time.
UEFA: England at Slovakia, 11 a.m. Sunday, ESPN3. England had a disastrous campaign at the European Championships, and now it has to get right back into the swing of things with the beginning of World Cup qualifying. A trip to Slovakia is the hardest possible start for England, under new manager Sam Allardyce. Can the country forget the team's summer struggle?
