Breakfast Links - April 28, 2023
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
We made it to another Friday in the beautiful city of Houston, Texas. Let’s get into the links to get you ready for this weekend.
Houston
The Dynamo are off this weekend. They were originally scheduled to play LAFC tomorrow but the game has been rescheduled because of the MLS Cup Champions playing in the Concacaf Champions League semifinals. The Dynamo did find out their opponent for the Round of 32 in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Houston will host Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday, May 10 at Shell Energy Stadium. It will be a 713 night so get your tickets.
The Dash are back at Shell Energy Stadium tonight to take on the North Carolina Courage. Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 PM. We may have to dodge a line of storms rolling through this evening but, there’s great food at the stadium to enjoy if everyone does have to retreat to the concourse. We’ll have a full preview of tonight’s match later this morning.
Dynamo 2 are on the road for a match up with Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday night. Dos will be looking to right the ship after a slow start to the season, winning just once in regulation through their first five games.
Major League Soccer
MLS NEXT announced two new Texas clubs for the 2023-24 season, including newly-founded Houston Rangers SC. The new club will compete in the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19 divisions during their first season. Former MLS player Josh Gardner will serve as the academy director for Rangers SC. We will have more info on this new club soon right here at BCS.
Kellyn Acosta’s stoppage time goal gave LAFC an advantage after the first leg of their Concacaf Champions League semifinal against the Philadelphia Union. Daniel Gazdag gave Philly a late lead from the penalty spot but Acosta equalized in stoppage time to give the MLS Cup champs a vital away goal as they head back to Southern California for next week’s second leg.
D.C. United have signed captain Steven Birnbaum to a two-year contract extension. Birnbaum was the second overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft and has made 256 appearances for the Black and Red.
Around the World
Alejandro Garnacho has signed a new deal with Manchester United as the club also confirmed they will not allow their Argentine youngster to play in the Under-20 World Cup. Garnacho would have missed the Red Devils’ final three games of the Premier League season, as well as the FA Cup Final against Manchester City.
On the field, United let a 2-0 lead slip away as they drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday. United could have all but sealed their spot in the top four but a draw for Spurs keeps their faint hopes alive. They are now 6 points behind United but have played two more matches.
Barcelona booked a spot in the Champions League final for the fourth time in five years after a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Nou Camp. Barcelona advanced 2-1 on aggregate. Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas made the bench for the first time since her ACL injury but did not feature in the match.
