Breakfast Links - January 30, 2023
(Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)
Hope everyone had an incredible weekend. There were some amazing games for the underdogs of world soccer! Here are your Monday morning Breakfast Links.
Houston
Dynamo prospect Juan Castilla played 90 minutes in a 1-0 win for Colombia’s U-20 national team over Argentina to secure a spot in the next round of the U-20 South American Championship. Colombia fans and media had high praise for the young midfielder who will look to impress Ben Olsen and make his mark on the first team this season. Defender Micael rejoined the team for their last practice before leaving for Mexico to kickoff the preseason friendlies.
The Dash begin preseason today with their first practice at Houston Sports Park this morning as they prepare for the new season. No preseason games have been announced as of now.
Major League Soccer
The New York Red Bulls have had some movement with the striker position moving DP Patryk Klimala to Israeli club Hapoel Be’er Sheva. They are already finalizing the transfer of his replacement Dante Vanzeir from Union SG. Vanzeir will be a DP and is the third striker the Red Bulls have added this offseason after adding Elias Manoel on a permanent deal and veteran Cory Burke.
Inter Miami are finalizing the signing of 31 year old defender Serhiy Kryvstov from Shakthar Donetsk. Kryvstov will be a key addition to a Miami defense, which was one of the weakest in the playoffs last season. The Ukrainian will replace Damion Lowe who was traded to Philadelphia this past week.
FC Cincinnati forward Brenner has not shown up for training as he is unhappy with the way the club is handling the potential of an outgoing transfer to Europe. Premier League club Nottingham Forrest made a loan offer with a purchase obligation which was countered by Cincinnati.
The USMNT played their second and final friendly of their January camp against a Colombia side which featured multiple MLS players. The two teams played to a dull scoreless draw.
Around the World
England’s FA Cup began the 4th round of the competition. America’s team Leeds United had a big 3-1 win over Accrington while finalizing the transfer of USMNT star Weston McKennie. Two of the Premier League’s elite clubs Liverpool and Arsenal suffered defeats to Brighton and Manchester City. National League side Wrexham played an incredible game against Sheffield United, who are promotion favorites to make the Premier League next season. The teams played to an incredible 3-3 draw, meaning Sheffield will host a replay.
Bundesliga Champions Bayern München played to a 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt closing the gap at the top of the table to only 1 point. There is a real title race heating up in Germany now with 6 teams all being within 5 points from the top.
Napoli beat Roma 2-1 further cementing their strong lead at the top of the Serie A table. Juventus suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat to Monza keep them in mid table after their point deduction.
Barcelona defeated Girona 1-0 while Real Madrid tied with Real Sociedad, growing Barcelona’s lead in the league to 5 points. Canadian international Cyle Larin scored a 90th minute winner on his debut for Real Valladolid to defeat Yunus Musah’s Valencia side 1-0.
