Big Day for USA Soccer

Three huge matches for USA Soccer today as the U.S. men, U.S. women, and U.S. men's U-23s are all in action.

Photo Credit: zimbio.com

The day kicks off with the USA women taking on Denmark at noon eastern kicking off the 2012 Algarve Cup. The 12th ranked Danes have only beaten the U.S. women 4 times in 22 tries, and are winless in their last six attempts against them. The two countries haven't met since the 2009 Algarve Cup when the U.S. defeated Denmark 2-0 on first half goals by Angie Woznuk and Tina DiMartino. Denmark is led by midfielder and captain Katrine Pedersen who has appeared 184 times for Denmark in her international career.

Photo Credit: isportsweb.com

Then at 2:45 eastern, the U.S. men take on 8th ranked Italy in Genoa. No team has had more success against the United States than the Italians as the U.S. has managed just 3 draws in 10 matches between the two countries. Italy defeated the U.S. 3-1 in the 2009 Confederations Cup in their last meeting, and they followed up a disappointing 2010 World Cup by going 8-0-2 in group play in the Qualifying Round for Euro 2012 allowing just 2 goals in 10 matches and none at home. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

Photo Credit: philly.sbnation.com

Finally, tonight at 10 Eastern, the U.S. Men's U-23s have their final tune-up before Olympic Qualifying when they host Mexico in Dallas. The U.S. won't be at full strength though as Brek Shea and Terrence Boyd will both be in Italy with the Senior National Team. Still, the U.S. isn't exactly hurting for talent with big names Freddy Adu, Juan Agudelo, Mix Diskerud and Bill Hamid leading the way. The U.S. kicks off qualifying on March 22nd when they take on Cuba in Tennessee.