Welcome to The Watchlist! It’ll be a semi-regular feature (whenever justified) giving you some games of interest around the soccer world from a Nashville SC perspective. Whether that’s future/past opponents, transfer targets, Boys in Not Gold, or former Boys in Gold (this week: all of those!), there’s plenty of soccer to go around.
8 a.m. CDT • Wales v. Switzerland • ESPN • Euro 2021
The Saturday slate for Euro 2021 begins with a team that US Men’s National Team fans just got to know: Switzerland. It’s not the most impactful game in the world, but a solid continental championship for the Swiss would certainly reflect well upon the Red, White, and Blue. And it
2 p.m. CDT • Austin FC @ Sporting Kansas City • ESPN+ • MLS regular season
The bizarre only game during this international break (particularly bizarre because it’s not like these are two teams that were expected to be untouched by call-ups: SKC’s Alan Pulido played for Mexico, while several Austin players have been part of their national-team setups, though none were called this time). Sporting has been one of the West’s best, while if past NSC opponent Austin can hold its own in Children’s Mercy Park, it reflects well on the Boys in Gold (Nashville does not face SKC this year).
3 p.m. CDT • El Salvador v. St. Kitts and Nevis • Paramount+ • Concacaf World Cup Qualifying
The winner of this two-legged series will be the USMNT’s first opponent as the Red, White, and Blue enters qualifying in September. Getting a first look at these teams (El Salvador is a heavy favorite) can set expectations for that match.
4 p.m. CDT • Canada v. Haiti • Paramount+ • Concacaf World Cup Qualifying
A Canada team that is two matches away from advancing to the next round of World Cup qualifying features one of the Boys in Gold: right back Alistair Johnston gets regular playing time (though he’s not a lock starter) for the Canucks. The United States also plays the winner of this match in the September window of WCQ qualifying Round Three.
6 p.m. CDT • Panama v. Curaçao • Paramount+ • Concacaf World Cup Qualifying
Once again, a Nashville SC player will try to help his nation get a step closer to the 2022 World Cup. Midfielder Aníbal Godoy has been in and out of the Canaleros‘ lineup as the veteran doesn’t get unnecessary wear-and-tear on the body. However, in a meaningful two-game series, he should see time at some point this week.
6:30 p.m. CDT • Memphis 901 FC @ Louisville City FC • ESPN+ • USL regular season
Two of Nashville’s USL rivals (well, a USL rival and a team that really wanted to be a rival – but not to the extent that it’d actually put a good product on the field ever) square off in Derby City. Louisville features former NSC player Cameron Lancaster. These are also two of the three local-ish USL teams for Nashville fans.
8:30 p.m. CDT • Austin Bold FC @ New Mexico United • ESPN+ • USL regular season
Bold is the home of two NSC players on the back-end: left back Nick Hinds and goalkeeper Elliot Panicco are both on loan for the season. Get a glimpse of the future.
9:30 p.m. CDT • LA Galaxy II @ San Diego Loyal • ESPN+ • USL regular season
Another Nashville SC loanee plies his trade in the USL West: centerback Jack Maher suits up for San Diego Loyal, and has played every minute since his arrival in the 619.
4 p.m. CDT SUNDAY • Venezuela v. Brazil • Fox • Copa América
Back in international action, striker Jhonder Cádiz is in Brazil with the Sele Vinotinto for Copa América. The expectations for Venezuela are not high, but a win – or even draw – in the group stage would go a long way toward extending the run through South America’s continental tournament.
7 p.m. CDT SUNDAY • Ecuador v. Colombia • FS2 • Copa América
Nashville SC has Ecuador striker Michael Estrada in its sights, and the 25-year old is a key player for the Ecuador national team as Copa América gets under way. If you didn’t have a chance to check him out in the recent World Cup Qualifiers, this would be a good chance to learn more about the style of play NSC is hoping to bring in.
9 p.m. CDT SUNDAY • USWNT v. Jamaica • FS1 • International Friendly
The Good Nats take on a Concacaf rival in an international friendly after a nailbiting win over Portugal just a couple days ago. Jamaica represents a slight step down in level of competition (and even the 1-0 win over No. 29 Portugal was closer than you’d expect out of this USWNT side against squads outside the top 10 or so).
What are you watching?
Club and Country 