Shooting in very harsh sunlight

Any tips on keeping colors close to real and still get decent images w/o shadows taking over and or the shot getting blown out by the sun?
Was shooting soccer at 5:30pm-7pm so the sun started bright but then turned orange and harsh while setting making it a real PITA to get quality shots.

Here are a few examples of the changing light I had.

Try to position yourself so that the sun is either directly behind you (expose for highlights) or directly in front of you (expose for shadows). As far as light temperature, you can easily correct the WB in post.

The technique of keeping the sun behind you worked well with these images of football matches.

If you shine an orange light on an object, then what color will it show? Shadows: fix 'em in RAW, or if .jpg turn down your contrast.