Champions Cup clashes headline a busy week for former Loons
The midweek slate is dominated by high-stakes continental football as several former Minnesota United standouts prepare for crucial Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures. Highlighting the action, Alejandro Bran and LD Alajuelense travel to face a star-studded Los Angeles FC side at BMO Stadium. Meanwhile, Dayne St. Clair and Inter Miami CF head to Nashville for a massive all-MLS clash in the same prestigious competition.
The week wraps up with a heavy-hitting Cascadia rivalry as Hassani Dotson and the Seattle Sounders visit BC Place to take on Aziel Jackson and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Beyond the bright lights of the Champions Cup, veteran forward Darwin Quintero leads Millonarios into cup action, and Franco Fragapane faces a daunting road test against Argentine giants Independiente. From Singapore to Slovakia, here is your viewing guide for the next four days.
Monday, March 9
Nabi Kibunguchy and Hougang United host Balestier Khalsa
Hougang United welcomes Balestier Khalsa for a Monday morning clash in the Singapore Premier League. Nabi Kibunguchy will look to anchor the defense as Hougang aims to secure three points at home.
- Teams involved: Hougang United vs. Balestier Khalsa (Singapore Premier League)
- Date and time: Monday, March 9, 7:30 am
- Location: Hougang, Singapore (Hougang Stadium)
- Former Loon: Nabi Kibunguchy
- How to watch in Minnesota: Check local listings for international sports packages.
Wessel Speel and Shelbourne face Shamrock Rovers
Wessel Speel and Shelbourne return to league action on Monday afternoon to face Shamrock Rovers. Coming off a tough Friday result, Speel will be a key figure in net as Shelbourne looks to bounce back against a strong opponent in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
- Teams involved: Shelbourne vs. Shamrock Rovers (League of Ireland Premier Division)
- Date and time: Monday, March 9, 2:45 pm
- Location: Dublin, Ireland (Tolka Park)
- Former Loon: Wessel Speel
- How to watch in Minnesota: LOITV.
Darwin Quintero and Millonarios travel to face Cúcuta
Darwin Quintero and Millonarios are set for a Monday evening matchup against Cúcuta. Quintero’s veteran presence and creativity will be vital for the Millonarios attack in this Colombian competition.
- Teams involved: Millonarios vs. Cúcuta (Copa Colombia)
- Date and time: Monday, March 9, 6:20 pm
- Location: Cúcuta, Colombia (Estadio General Santander)
- Former Loon: Darwin Quintero
- How to watch in Minnesota: ViX.
Tuesday, March 10
Molik Khan and AS Trencin visit Žilina
Molik Khan and AS Trencin head to Žilina for a midweek cup battle in Slovakia. Khan will look to make an impact in the midfield as Trencin pushes for advancement in the Slovak Cup.
- Teams involved: Žilina vs. AS Trencin (Slovak Cup)
- Date and time: Tuesday, March 10, 12:00 pm
- Location: Žilina, Slovakia (Štadión pod Dubňom)
- Former Loon: Molik Khan
- How to watch in Minnesota: Check OneFootball for potential streaming.
José Aja and Union Espanola take on Magallanes
José Aja and Union Espanola face a defensive test against Magallanes on Tuesday afternoon. Aja will be expected to lead the backline in this Chilean Primera Division encounter.
- Teams involved: Union Espanola vs. Magallanes (Chilean Primera Division)
- Date and time: Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 pm
- Location: Santiago, Chile (Estadio Santa Laura)
- Former Loon: José Aja
- How to watch in Minnesota: Fanatiz.
Franco Fragapane and Union Santa Fe travel to Independiente
Franco Fragapane and Union Santa Fe head to Avellaneda for a significant Liga Profesional clash against Independiente. Fragapane’s ability to create chances from the wing will be crucial for Union in a hostile road environment.
- Teams involved: Independiente vs. Union Santa Fe (Argentine Liga Profesional)
- Date and time: Tuesday, March 10, 5:45 pm
- Location: Avellaneda, Argentina (Estadio Libertadores de América)
- Former Loon: Franco Fragapane
- How to watch in Minnesota: Paramount+ or Fanatiz.
Alejandro Bran and LD Alajuelense face LAFC in Champions Cup showdown
Alejandro Bran and LD Alajuelense travel to the West Coast for a massive Concacaf Champions Cup showdown against Los Angeles FC. Bran will be a key figure in the midfield as Alajuelense looks to navigate a difficult test under the lights at BMO Stadium.
- Teams involved: Los Angeles FC vs. LD Alajuelense (Concacaf Champions Cup)
- Date and time: Tuesday, March 10, 10:00 pm
- Location: Los Angeles, USA (BMO Stadium)
- Former Loon: Alejandro Bran
- How to watch in Minnesota: FS1 or TUDN.
Wednesday, March 11
Samuel Shashoua and Britton Fischer face off in USL Championship
Former Loons Samuel Shashoua and Britton Fischer meet as Birmingham Legion hosts Hartford Athletic in a midweek USL Championship battle. Both players will be looking to establish themselves early in the season for their respective clubs.
- Teams involved: Birmingham Legion vs. Hartford Athletic (USL Championship)
- Date and time: Wednesday, March 11, 11:00 am
- Location: Birmingham, USA (Protective Stadium)
- Former Loons: Samuel Shashoua and Britton Fischer
- How to watch in Minnesota: ESPN+.
José Leitón and AD Sarchí visit Quepos Cambute
José Leitón and AD Sarchí travel to face Quepos Cambute on Wednesday afternoon. Leitón will look to provide width and creative service in this Costa Rican second-division match.
- Teams involved: Quepos Cambute vs. AD Sarchí (Costa Rican Liga de Ascenso)
- Date and time: Wednesday, March 11, 4:00 pm
- Location: Quepos, Costa Rica (Estadio Municipal de Parrita)
- Former Loon: José Leitón
- How to watch in Minnesota: TD+ (Costa Rica).
Dayne St. Clair and Inter Miami travel to Nashville SC for Champions Cup tilt
Dayne St. Clair and Inter Miami head to Music City for a midweek Champions Cup match against Nashville SC. St. Clair will be tasked with keeping a clean sheet against a dangerous Nashville attack in this high-stakes continental competition.
- Teams involved: Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami (Concacaf Champions Cup)
- Date and time: Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 pm
- Location: Nashville, USA (GEODIS Park)
- Former Loon: Dayne St. Clair
- How to watch in Minnesota: FS1.
Thursday, March 12
Ramón Ábila and Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto visit Belgrano
Ramón Ábila and Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto travel to Cordoba for a Thursday evening clash against Belgrano. “Wanchope” will be the focal point of the attack as Estudiantes looks for a road result in the Argentine Liga Profesional.
- Teams involved: Estudiantes de Rio Cuarto vs. Belgrano Cordoba (Argentine Liga Profesional)
- Date and time: Thursday, March 12, 5:15 pm
- Location: Cordoba, Argentina (Estadio Julio César Villagra)
- Former Loon: Ramón Ábila
- How to watch in Minnesota: Paramount+ or Fanatiz.
Dotson, Jackson, and Zendejas meet in Cascadia Champions Cup clash
A trio of former Loons are involved as Hassani Dotson and the Seattle Sounders visit the Vancouver Whitecaps for a Thursday night Champions Cup battle. Aziel Jackson and Adrian Zendejas will look to help Vancouver defend their home turf in this regional rivalry.
- Teams involved: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Seattle Sounders (Concacaf Champions Cup)
- Date and time: Thursday, March 12, 9:00 pm
- Location: Vancouver, Canada (BC Place)
- Former Loons: Hassani Dotson, Aziel Jackson, and Adrian Zendejas
- How to watch in Minnesota: FS1.
