San Diego Soccer News From Tom Nickel at O'Brien's Pub

SoccerNation thought it might be fun to let everyone know what Tom Nickel thinks is hot in professional soccer for this weekend and coming up ahead!

Women's World Cup

The US Women's National Team will take on Brazil in the Women's World Cup quarterfinals this Sunday at 8 am.  O'Brien's will open up early and serve breakfast sandwiches and bagels along with coffee, OJ, mimosas and beer.  The US will have revenge on its mind after losing to Brazil 4-0 in the 2007 WWC, a game that nearly tore the team apart as Hope Solo was benched.  Let's hope the team can convert some more of their chances into goals against a talented Brazil side.  Join your fellow Outlaws and let's cheer on the women to bring home some silverware!

Rise and Shine: The Jay Demerit Story

Rise and Shine is documentary film about USMNT player Jay Demerit.  It follows his path to professional soccer and the national team.  The film's producers are using local screenings to help raise money to release the film in theaters - they need money to buy footage from other leagues and the World Cup, which is very expensive.  The film has already won awards at international film festivals.  The San Diego Premier will be this Sunday, July 10th on the UCSD campus at Porters Pub, a great little spot if you have never been there.  Porters will be donating 10% of their sales that night to support the film.  The show will start at 7 pm.  Porters Pub is located at 9500 Gilman Road, phone 858-587-4828.  For more information, or to order a copy of the DVD, visit www.kickstarter.com.  Lets help support this great soccer story.

San Diego Flash Playoff Game

The San Diego Flash have finished its first season in the NPSL in first place in the Southwest Division and will host a playoff game at 7 pm this Saturday, July 9th at Westview High School in Carmel Valley.  They will play the Sacramento Gold, the second place team from the Northwest Division.  The winner will advance to the regional finals next weekend and one winner will represent the West in the NPSL final four on July 22nd-24th.  Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.sandiegoflashsoccer.com.  This is outdoor playoff soccer, something San Diego has not had in a long time.  Come out and support local soccer with us.

Copa America

Ok, so it doesn't involve the US, but it does involve some of the best teams in the world and nearly every game will be on tv.  I have put up what I know for sure for the first part of the tournament.  The 12 team tournament runs from July 1st to July 24th and it is taking place in Argentina, so all of the games are on at normal times.  Telefutura and Univision will be showing the games in HD.

ESPNU will be showing the 3rd Place and Final from the U-17 World Cup on Sunday the 10th that is being hosted by Mexico.

Cheers, Tom

Upcoming Matches:

Friday, 7/8:
3:15 pm - Peru v. Mexico - Telefutura
5:45 pm - Uruguay v. Chile - Univision

Saturday, 7/9:
9 am - England v. France - ESPN
11:45 am - Germany v. Japan - ESPN
Noon - Brazil v. Paraguay - Univision
2:30 pm - Venezuela v. Ecuador - Telefutura
7 pm - San Diego Flash v. Sacramento Gold - Westview High School - NPSL Playoffs!
7:30 pm - LA Galaxy v. Chicago Fire - FSC

Sunday, 7/10:
4 am - Sweden v. Australia - ESPN
8 am - USA v. Brazil - AO/SD Viewing Party
Noon - Colombia v. Bolivia - Telefutura
1 pm - Portland v. Seattle - ESPN
1 pm - Brazil v. Germany - U-17 World Cup 3rd Place Match - ESPNU
4 pm - Uruguay v. Mexico - U-17 World Cup Final - ESPNU

Monday, 7/11:
5:45 pm - Argentina v. Costa Rica - Telefutura

Tuesday, 7/12:
3:15 pm - Chile v. Peru - Telefutura
5:45 pm - Uruguay v. Mexico - Univision

Wednesday, 7/13:
3:15 pm - Paraguay v. Venezuela - Telefutura
5:45 pm - Brazil v. Ecuador - Telefutura

Friday, 9/2:
8 pm - USA v. Costa Rica - ESPN2 - AO/SD bus trip

Tuesday, 9/6:
11:30 am - Belgium v. USA - ESPN - AO/SD viewing party