It’s playoff time in England’s Championship, with promotion to the Premier League on the line. Brighton hosting Derby County in the first-leg of their playoff series. Also on Thursday’s soccer TV schedule, the Liga MX playoffs continue on Univision Deportes, Fox Deportes has the Copa Libertadores, and the USA Women play on ESPN3.com.
Brighton – Derby County is on beIN Sport in the Championship playoff semifinals. This is a meeting of 3rd-place Derby County and 6th-place Brighton in the opening round of the playoffs for the final Premier League promotion spot. The winner of this two-leg series meets the winner of QPR – Wigan for a one-game finale at Wembley Stadium. As you might imagine, the stakes are as high as they get for these clubs.
“It’s important that we stay relaxed and enjoy the whole playoff experience,” Derby County manager Steve McClaren said. “That has been the key word from the players, they want to enjoy being in this position. The games are something you have to endure, but I am talking about the whole bigger picture. You can use the perspective as a big pressure and huge expectation, or use it as an opportunity.”
Canada – USA Women on ESPN3.com at 7:50pm. The USA Women travel to Ottawa for a game at one of the Women’s World Cup venues.
“With World Cup qualifying in less than six months, each game against a quality opponent is significant for this group, but no question playing Canada in Canada stirs the emotions and gives it greater meaning,” US Women’s interim coach Jill Ellis said. “We have been scouting the NWSL games, and we have some injuries, so I think the roster is indicative of some of the top performers playing in the league at the moment. I am looking forward to getting the group to Winnipeg and having a few days of prep before the match.”
Also on Thursday’s soccer TV schedule, Univision Deportes has Pachuca – Santos Laguna in the Liga MX playoffs at 8:30pm. Fox Deportes has the Copa Libertadores: Lanus – Bolivar at 6:30pm and Atletico Nacional – Defensor at 9pm. All Times Eastern
