Breakfast Links - August 2, 2023
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
Happy Messi Day! Leagues Cup knockout stages will be underway and there is soccer to be played in Houston tonight! Here is your midweek update to get your morning going with our Breakfast Links.
Houston
Houston Dynamo will host C.F. Pachuca. The match will kickoff at 8 PM at Shell Energy Stadium. The winner of Houston and Pachuca will face the winner of Charlotte FC and Cruz Azul in the Round of 16. Charlotte and Cruz Azul play at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas on Thursday at 7:30 PM. Although he will not be eligible to play in Wednesday’s Leagues Cup match, Houston Dynamo FC announced the signing of attacking midfielder Sebastian Kowalczyk on a full transfer from Pogoń Szczecin in Poland. The 24-year-old attacker joins the Dynamo on a full transfer through 2024 with club options in 2025 and 2026, occupying an international roster spot.
After defeating Racing Louisville FC, the Houston Dash will close out the group stage of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup on the road against the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday, August 5. Kickoff at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois is set for 7:00 PM.
Houston Dynamo 2 return to SaberCats Stadium on Sunday, August 6 to face SKC II at 6 PM. The hame will be broadcast through Apple TV - MLS Season Pass.
Make sure you check out the latest episodes of the Bayou City Soccer Podcast, available everywhere you get your podcasts!
Major League Soccer
The LA Galaxy have turned to the MLS trade market to boost their offense, announcing Tuesday they have acquired midfielder Diego Fagundez from Austin FC in exchange for midfielder Memo Rodríguez.
The Portland Timbers have added to their midfield, announcing Tuesday they have acquired Bryan Acosta from the Colorado Rapids.
Inter Miami CF have added a rising Argentine star, announcing Tuesday they have signed center back Tomás Avilés from top-flight side Racing Club.
Around the World
A courageous Jamaica held Brazil to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday to reach the knockout phase for the first time in only their second Women's World Cup while condemning the South Americans to their earliest exit since 1995.
Sweden beat Argentina 2-0 to top Group G. Sweden will next face holders United States in a blockbuster clash in Melbourne on Sunday -- a rematch of the Olympic quarterfinals in 2021 when the Europeans won 3-0 en route to the final.
Juventus and Italy great Gianluigi Buffon has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 45. The World Cup winner enjoyed a successful 28-year career and played his last two seasons at boyhood club Parma in Serie B.
Argentinos Juniors defender Luciano Sanchez was left with a broken leg after an accidental stomp from veteran Fluminense left-back Marcelo during a Copa Libertadores match in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
