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Slate on Soccer: Copa America, Manchester United and Luis Suarez – Metro US

Slate on Soccer: Copa America, Manchester United and Luis Suarez

Slate on Soccer: Copa America, Manchester United and Luis Suarez
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The buildup to the 2016 Copa America has begun with the U.S. men’s national team naming its 23-man roster on Saturday and then winning a friendly 3-1 at Puerto Rico on Sunday afternoon. The biggest stars return to their lineup later this week as they host Ecuador on Wednesday (8, ESPN2) in Frisco, Texas and then Bolivia on Saturday (8, ESPN2) in Kansas City. U.S. vs. Colombia kicks off the 2016 Copa America on June 3 in Santa Clara, CA (7:30, FS1).

Manchester United Wins FA Cup but van Gaal is Still Fired

Louis van Gaal’s last match in charge of Manchester United (England) was a memorable one on Saturday afternoon as they rallied for a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in extra time of the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. Manchester United’s 12 FA Cup titles ties Arsenal for the most all-time. Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will replace van Gaal who was unceremoniously fired on Monday after only two seasons and most recently, a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League.

Bayern Munich Records Another Double

After winning the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich (Germany) captured another German Cup with a 4-3 penalty kick victory over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday afternoon. Douglas Costa scored the game-winner to send manager Pep Guardiola out on a high note (he’s headed to Manchester City). Bayern also welcomed the return of center back and former Dortmund captain Mats Hummels (who started his professional career with Bayern), signing him to a five-year contract on Monday.

Barcelona Also Completes a Double but Suarez Got Hurt

Finally, Barcelona (Spain) won the Copa del Rey Final on Sunday afternoon against Sevilla, 2-0 in extra time. Jordi Alba and Neymar provided the goals for the La Liga champions but superstar striker Luis Suarez left in the 57th minute with a potentially serious hamstring injury. He was in tears on the bench after being subbed out, leaving many to wonder if he’ll be able to play in Copa America next month for his country-Uruguay.

Follow Metro soccer writer Richard Slate on Twitter: @RichSlate