image: mlsnet.com

MLS clubs continue to supplicate themselves at the feet of their European counterparts this Saturday. I'm partial to the odd "international friendly" but it seems MLS can't win. They interrupt their regular season to throw money at big clubs who are eager for a slice of the US replica-jersey buying market anyway, then any hard fought home team victories are easily dismissed with phrases like "pre-season" and "still approaching match fitness."

That aside, the games are still worth a look.

Bruce Arena makes his debut as Red Bulls Head coach against none other than Barcelona at 7:30 p.m. EST. Bruce always wanted to pit his coaching wits against Europe's best, though he was probably hoping to do so on a more regular basis.

Then at 9:30 p.m. there's a battle Real, as Real Salt Lake take on Real Madrid in the wonderfully named Rice-Eccles stadium. The loser has to go by the name Fake Salt Lake/Madrid until next year's rematch. Spanish speakers will know that joke doesn't work as "Real" is actually Spanish for "Royal."

On a serious, future of the US national team type note, it'll be interesting to see how promising young defender/midfielder Nik Besagno (pictured) fairs against Robinho and friends.