Wednesday Games

Cardiff City and Watford meet in English League Championship action this afternoon, and Watford captain Jay DeMerit could feature for the Hornets. DeMerit, who has been out injured, returned to training this week. Eddie Johnson could get time for Cardiff City, who will be keen to hold on to their sixth place position in the table. The Bluebirds currently occupy the fourth and final playoff spot.

It's as close to do-or-die time as possible for Michel Orozco and San Luis in the Copa Libertadores. San Luis, with only one point to its name after three matches, takes on Universitario of Peru tonight in Mexico.The Gladiadores will host the Peruvian club, with Orozco's side very much in need of a win to stay alive in the competition. As it stands, they are at the bottom of Group 8 with one point and a -4 goal differential, behind Libertad (9 points), Universitario (4 points) and San Lorenzo (3 points).

The MNT Blog

Welcome to the new-look MNT Blog. While the layout isn't that different from before, there are a few major differences that we think you'll enjoy. Most importantly, we're now able to post larger videos, so all the great action and behind the scenes footage will be that much easier to enjoy. Just to show you the difference, we've added the USA-Mexico "Behind the Scenes" feature from last month.

Feb. 11, 2009: USA vs. Mexico - Behind the Scenes from ussoccerdotcom on Vimeo.


You'll also start to notice more extended coverage on the MNT Blog, and that's because we've merged the MNT Blog and the Global Blog. Now you'll have one-stop shopping for all the news on MNT players from abroad, whether they are marching through their league campaigns or in with the national team. The MNT Blog is now the single best source for the inside scoop on the men in the red, white and blue.

Stay tuned this week as the players compete in their final matches before the start of the next set of crucial World Cup qualifiers against El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago.

Better Highlights: Le Mans vs. Rennes

Highlights from Rennes' 1-1 draw with Le Mans this past weekend:

Standard Move into First Place

Standard Liege capped a great weekend by beating Genk 2-0 on Sunday. Friday the 13th was unkind to Anderlecht, as the challengers to Liege's title went down 2-1 to KV Mechelen. Oguchi Onyewu and company took the field on Sunday knowing that a win could take them top of the table, even on games played with their rivals. Liege did just that, claiming all three points to put themselves one point ahead of Anderlecht.

Sunday Results

• Heath Pearce started at left midfield for Hansa Rostock, playing 57 minutes in a 1-1 draw.
• Michael Orozco and San Luis fell 2-1 to Puebla.
• Benny Feilhaber made his return from injury by coming on as a late sub for AGF Aarhus.
• Eddie Johnson came on as a second half sub in a 1-1 draw for Cardiff City.
• Last night, Pachua and José Francisco Torres fell 2-0 to Monterrey:

Highlights: Everton v. Stoke City

Highlights of Tim Howard and Everton's win over Stoke City:

Highlights: Bolton v. Fulham

Highlights of Clint Dempsey and Fulham's win over Bolton:

Last Minute Equalizer for Rennes

Carlos Bocanegra and Rennes kept pace with a European spot by rescuing a last minute draw yesterday against Le Mans. Moussa Sow popped up in injury time to tie the score at 2-2 and keep Rennes in 7th spot in Ligue 1.

Saturday Results

• Michael Bradley scored twice in Borussia Mönchengladbach's 4-2 win over FC Cologne. Bradley opened the scoring in the first half before adding a late penalty to ensure 'Gladbach of all three points.
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• Clint Dempsey and Fulham bounced back from their recent struggles to claim a 3-1 victory over Bolton at the Reebok Stadium
• Tim Howard and Everton withstood lots of second half pressure from Stoke City and saw out the 3-1 victory at Goodison Park.
• Frank Simek entered as a second half sub but he couldn't help Sheffield Wednesday overturn a 2-1 loss to Watford.
  

What We're Watching

Lots going on this weekend, so head to your local U.S. Soccer Official Bar to take in some of the action. If you're up early enough on Saturday, you may just see us there catching the massive Premier League game between Manchester United and Liverpool from Old Trafford. Here's what else we'll be watching this weekend.

Saturday

11 a.m. ET - Everton vs. Stoke City, FSC - David Moyes is celebrating seven years in charge of Everton this weekend and the and he's spoke of returning the club to its days of winning trophies. No silverware on the line this weekend but three points never hurts.

7 p.m. ET - Monterrey vs. Pachuca, Telemundo - José Francisco Torres and Pachuca face Monterrey in a clash between first and second in the Primera División's Group 1.

7:30 p.m. ET - Bolton vs. Fulham, FSC (delayed) - Clint Dempsey's goal in Fulham's last match failed to help the Cottagers get the win, and Fulham ended up falling to Blackburn at home. With three losses in a row in all competitions, Fulham will look to get back on track this weekend with a visit to the Reebok Stadium.

Sunday

12 p.m. ET - Aston Villa vs. Tottenham, FSC - Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan and Aston Villa look to stave off Arsenal and Everton in their quest for the much-coveted fourth place spot in the Premier League.

5 p.m. ET - Puebla vs. San Luis, Azteca America - Michael Orozco and San Luis face Puebla in this Sunday afternoon matinée.