Around the Leagues: Semifinal Showdowns in Continental Competitions
Published on July 6, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
The Copa and EURO 2020 are winding down with silverware almost within reach while the USWNT is firing on all cylinders heading into the upcoming Olympics
Whether fans are watching the Copa or the EURO 2020, both tournaments have been packed full of fantastic fixtures.
While massive matchups are being played abroad, the boys in Old Glory Red are busy at work and currently in the midst of a four-game slate over the span of twelve days. Most recently, Mark Briggs' men came from behind to secure a point on the road in San Diego against Loyal SC on Saturday night, 1-1.
But before all the attention turns to Sacramento's midweek matchup against Oakland Roots SC this Wednesday night at Heart Health Park, there's no shortage of sensational soccer to be tuning into over the next couple of days.
Major League Soccer
It was goals galore this past weekend in the men's domestic topflight.
The MLS action kicked off on Thursday with Austin FC slamming four goals by Portland Timbers for a 4-1 win in Texas.
On Saturday, the day began with Columbus Crew SC and Eastern Conference leaders New England Revolution playing to a 2-2 draw before D.C. United pulled off a resounding 7-1 win at home over Toronto FC. Chicago Fire cruised to a 3-0 win over Atlanta United, San Jose Earthquakes found a later equalizer to level 2-2 with Minnesota United and a lone goal by LAFC's Jose Cifuentes was enough to secure a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
Sunday's slate saw a stoppage time equalizer for FC Dallas snag a point against Vancouver Whitecaps following a 2-2 result, Colorado Rapids and Seattle Sounders FC shared the spoils after an exciting 1-1 draw and two late goals on the road for Western Conference leaders Sporting Kansas City handed LA Galaxy a 2-0 loss in Southern California.
League play continues for a number of clubs this Wednesday including New England hosting Toronto, Chicago welcoming Orlando City SC to the Windy City and LAFC travel to Austin FC.
National Women's Soccer League
There were a number of entertaining games to tune into in the women's game this past weekend and it all began with Chicago Red Star' 1-0 win on the road against Washington Spirit on Friday.
Friday's additional fixtures included Houston Dash securing a 2-0 win over OL Reign while Gotham FC and Kansas City shared the spoils after playing to a 1-1 draw.
On Saturday, goals from Raquel Rodriguez and Simone Charley helped to lift Portland Thorns to a 2-0 win on the road against Racing Louisville.
The lone Independence Day match saw North Carolina Courage grab a 2-0 win at Orlando Pride. The victory saw Courage leapfrog Pride for the top spot in the table with 16 points from eight matches.
But Pride will have a chance to immediately regain the top spot when Orlando host Racing Louisville this Friday before North Carolina takes the pitch the next day against Spirit in Washington.
U.S. Women's National Team
The Send Off Series for the U.S. Women's National Team came to a close in fitting fashion with a 4-0 win over Mexico.
The series of fixtures was the final preparation for the squad prior to heading off to Tokyo for the upcoming Olympics in an effort to bring home the gold. On July 1, the USWNT downed Mexico by the exact same 4-0 score line. Tobin Heath found the back of the net during both fixtures while Christen Press bagged a brace in the first of the two meetings.
Over its last six friendly fixtures, the USWNT did not surrender a single goal and outscored its opponents 17 to zero.
EURO 2020
The Semifinals are officially here, and the Quarterfinals of the competition did everything but disappoint.
The quarters kicked off with Spain surviving a penalty kick shootout over Switzerland on Friday before Italy triumphed 2-1 over Belgium later that day.
Denmark's dream push for EURO glory continued after pulling off a 2-1 win over Czech Republic. Saturday's two-game schedule closed out with England downing Ukraine 4-0 as Harry Kane bagged a brace for the Three Lions.
The Semifinal showdowns are set to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, with a heavyweight bout between Italy and Spain scheduled to kickoff the final four on Tuesday. The following day, England will take on Denmark with a spot in the Final at Wembley on the line.
Copa America
The Quarterfinals in the Copa were ripe with red cards and penalty kick shootouts.
In Friday's first fixture in the Quarterfinal round, Peru advanced by Paraguay in a match that went into PK's all square at 3-3. Later that day, a Lucas Paqueta goal lifted Brazil to a 1-0 win over Chile despite Gabriel Jesus seeing red in the second half.
Following a nil-nil draw on Saturday, Colombia downed Uruguay after penalty kicks before Argentina downed a 10-man Ecuador side, 3-0.
On Monday, it was Paqueta again to save Brazil when he scored his second goal in as many matches and send his side into the Semifinals following a 1-0 win over Peru.
Brazil will take on the winner of Tuesday night's match between Argentina and Colombia. The Final is set to take place this Saturday inside the famous Maracanã.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 6, 2021
- San Antonio FC Plays Thrilling Contest against Liga MX Side Queretaro FC - San Antonio FC
- USL Statement: COVID-19 Test Results - July 6, 2021 - USL
- Match Preview: Republic FC V Oakland Roots SC - Sacramento Republic FC
- RGV FC Heads to Austin for Midweek Clash - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- Hounds Add Defender Tom Judge on Loan from Nashville SC - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Preview: Riverhounds SC at Charleston Battery - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Match Preview: Everything You Need to Know When Orange County SC Host Tacoma Defiance in Week 12 - Orange County SC
- Asante and Schmitt Named to USL Team of the Week - Phoenix Rising FC
- Official Club Statement Regarding Racial Abuse at May 29th Match - New Mexico United
- CHSvPIT Closed to Public, Kickoff Now 4 p.m. - Charleston Battery
- Kyle Murphy Named to USL Championship Team of the Week Bench - Memphis 901 FC
- Rowdies Have a Midweek Date with Miami - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Neco Brett Named to USL Championship Team of the Week - Birmingham Legion FC
- El Paso Locomotive FC's Dylan Mares voted Player of the Week after two-goal game vs. New Mexico - USL
- Around the Leagues: Semifinal Showdowns in Continental Competitions - Sacramento Republic FC
- Sporting KC II Forward Jamil Roberts up for Best Play at 2021 ESPYS - Sporting Kansas City II
- Roots Sign Palo Alto Native Paul Blanchette - Oakland Roots
- Roots Field Trip: Fans Are Back at Temporary Venue - Oakland Roots
- Match Preview: ATL UTD 2 vs. Indy Eleven - Atlanta United 2
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