Breakfast Links - February 22, 2023
(image via Houston Dynamo FC/Twitter)
We are so close to the start of professional soccer matches beginining here in the states. This isn’t your typical midweek Breakfast Links.
Houston
The Houston Dynamo are a few days away from the start of the 2023 season as they will take on FC Cincinnati. Last night the team threw a massive Kickoff Party for the fans at Buffalo Bayou Park. The event was hosted by our friend Cesar Procel, where the fans got to hear from the players and check out the new home kit. The hype is real, but can the team improve this year compared to years past? Vamos Dynamos!
The Houston Dash are preparing to take on some opponents during the preseason as they gear up for an exciting regular season. Today, the club will be unveiling their new home kit. I hope you weren’t a fool and tried to mess with the contrast of the video shared yesterday like me, and found a “Nice Try” gag. Ha! DTFO!
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer announced the format and schedule for the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup. Building on the popular single-elimination format, the 2023 MLS postseason will see the addition of a pair of single-elimination MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card matches ahead of an enhanced Round One, which now includes a Best-of-3 series.
The Columbus Crew have signed their top pick from the 2023 MLS SuperDraft, announcing Tuesday that Maximilian “Max” Arfsten has joined the club. Selected 14th overall (first round), the 21-year-old forward has signed through the 2024 season with options for 2025-26. Arsten arrives in Columbus after spending 2022 in MLS NEXT Pro with San Jose Earthquakes II, notching 9g/6a over 24 appearances. Prior to that, he played at UC Davis between 2019-21, earning Big West Conference All-Freshman Team honors while scoring eight goals and seven assists in his final collegiate season.
The Philadelphia Union promoted their latest academy product to the first team Tuesday, inking forward Nelson Pierre to a homegrown contract through the 2026 MLS season with an option for 2027. The 17-year-old becomes the 20th homegrown signing for the club – renowned as one of the league's best producers of young talent. There are several former Union homegrowns currently playing in Europe, including Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt), Mark McKenzie (Genk), Auston Trusty (Birmingham, on loan from Arsenal), and Jack de Vries (KTP, on loan from Venezia).
Around the World
Jurgen Klopp criticised Liverpool for their "slapstick" defending as they suffered a humiliating 5-2 Champions League defeat against Real Madrid on Tuesday. The Premier League club led 2-0 after 14 minutes on goals from Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, but Vinicius bagged a brace before half-time to level the scores. His second came from an Alisson mistake.
Erik ten Hag has said his dinner with Sir Alex Ferguson in the build-up to the Europa League tie with Barcelona was to share the former Manchester United manager's "knowledge and experience." The pair were spotted in a Cheshire restaurant on Tuesday as Ten Hag prepares his team for a crucial couple of days including Barcelona's visit to Old Trafford on Thursday and the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle at Wembley on Sunday.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has said more is to come from him after his sensational performance in the comeback victory over Liverpool on Tuesday. The Brazil international scored twice, set up another goal and was voted UEFA's player of the match in Madrid's 5-2 win at Liverpool in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.
