[THIS WEEK IN SOCCER: March 31-April 6] Both the U.S. men and women will be in action at home this week. More than 50,000 tickets had been sold for USA-Mexico atUniversity of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. The week also features two big MLS rivalry games — Portland-Seattle and Chivas USA-LA Galaxy — plus Sporting KC-Real Salt Lake in a rematch of MLSCup 2013.

MONDAY, March 31:
Venezuela, the Cinderella story of the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in CostaRica, faces its biggest test as La Vinotinto faces Japan in the semifinals in Liberia. La Vinovinto, led by 14-year-old Deyna Castellanos and Gabriela Garcia, goes up against a Japanese team that hasoutscored its opponents, 17-0, in four games. In the other semifinal at the Estadio Edgardo Baltodano Briceno, Italy and Spain square off in a battle of European teams.

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