Breakfast Links - August 18, 2023
(image via Houston Dash)
Welcome to what is the last Friday of summer for many in school districts around the Houston area. This is a friendly reminder to not speed in school zones on Monday! You are welcome. Here are your Breakfast Links.
Houston
The Houston Dynamo are back in action as the MLS regular season returns from its Leagues Cup hiatus. The Dynamo are still in the mix for a playoff spot, and with only 11 matches left the push starts this weekend against Portland Timbers. Kickoff is set for Sunday night at Shell Energy Stadium. Get your tickets and support the club! Let’s go Dynamo!
The Houston Dash also return to regular season action after the NWSL break due to the World Cup. The ladies did participate in Challenge Cup fixtures, in which they failed to advance in that tournament. Now, while the team needs to pickup wins, the real concern that remains is how can the team score goals? They will take on Washington Spirit, Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium, therefore buy your tickets and show up to support the Dash. DTFO!
Houston Dynamo 2 are on fire as of late. Kenny Bundy and his team are back on track to make the postseason with only 6 games remaining in their regular season schedule. They boys will fly out West to take on San Jose Earthquakes II. A win could get them closer to securing a spot in the playoffs. Vamos Dyna Dos!
Make sure you check out the latest episodes of the Bayou City Soccer Podcast, available everywhere you get your podcasts as well as our YouTube Channel!
Major League Soccer
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami CF has been a long time coming, and it’s one he and his family are profoundly contented with as he prepares to vie for the club’s first-ever trophy just one month on from his sensational arrival in South Florida – even with their long-term residence still being sorted out. That was a clear theme on Thursday afternoon as the Argentine legend took part in his first full media availability since signing with the Herons, two days out from IMCF's Leagues Cup Final duel with Nashville SC at the latter’s GEODIS Park ground (8 PM | MLS Season Pass).
Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy has a message for anybody expecting new Designated Player Diego Rossi to be a like-for-like replacement for recently-departed club legend Lucas Zelarayán: you’re barking up the wrong tree. “Every human being [is] unique. So, I’m not here to compare anyone,” Nancy said Thursday, three days before the Crew – with their marquee summer signing in tow – host Supporters’ Shield leaders FC Cincinnati.
Around the World
Former Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg led the backlash against Gianni Infantino on Friday after the FIFA president said women need to "pick the right battles" and "convince men" to enforce change. The Norway and Lyon striker responded to Infantino on X (formerly Twitter) after his speech, which came ahead of Sunday's Women's World Cup final between England and Spain in Sydney.
United States captain Tyler Adams is on the verge of a move to Premier League side Bournemouth, sources have told ESPN. The USMNT midfielder was with Leeds United last season, but, after Leeds' relegation from the Premier League, Bournemouth have activated a clause in Adams' contract that will see him leave Elland Road for a fee in the region of £20 million ($25.4m).
Sarina Wiegman has said she is committed to seeing out her contract with England which runs out in 2025. Wiegman has guided England to the World Cup final where they'll face Spain on Sunday, and it caps a remarkable record of having managed a team to the last four major tournament finals.
Chelsea have completed the signing of Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, continuing their big spending this summer transfer window, the club announced on Friday. Sources have told ESPN that Chelsea will pay an initial £53 million ($67.5m) with a further £5m ($6.4m) in performance-related add-ons.
