Breakfast Links - March 17, 2023
(image via Houston Dash/Twitter)
Another week of news, transfers, and good games ahead for the weekend. Let’s dive in more on this St. Patrick’s day before this weekend of chaos!
Houston
Only a few more hours now before Houston Dynamo takes center stage in their home opener at Shell Energy Stadium against Texas rivals Austin FC at 7:30 PM Satuday. It looks like the Dynamo will have a full squad, apart some knocks to some players. If you can’t attend the game, it will be free this week on Apple TV Season Pass.
Dynamo 2 enter their last weekend of preseason before their first game next Friday. Not only have they prepared for match fitness, head coach Kenny Bundy mentioned to the media yesterday that they started to train how to implement the new rules and guidelines the league has placed for this season.
The Dash also enter their last preseason weekend before the league launches next Sunday against Racing Louisville at Shell Energy Stadium.
Keep and eye on our website, podcast, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates as the full soccer season os about to kick off in Houston!
MLS/Concacaf
MLS Champions LAFC won their Concacaf Champions League tie in a nail-biting match against Alajuelense with a 4-2 aggregate scoreline. Team captain Carlos Vela’s late goal helped to secure the win. Now LAFC will have to face MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps, who won their tie 7-3 on aggregate against Real España, in the quarterfinals.
Orlando SC had another tough match with Tigres on Wednesday night. Pedro Gallese came out as Man Of The Match against a dominate Tigres with 7 shots saved. Sadly, Orlando lost by the away goal rule with the tie ending in a 1-1 aggregate.
Around the World
March Madness?? More like Europe Madness! It looks like Napoli is running away in the Champions League and is the team to avoid in the final stages! Real Madrid looks like to be the boogyman of this competition, a team that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The draw for the quarterfinals and semifinals of the Champions League took place this morning, you can see the results here.
Sadly, English Premier League leaders Arsenal lost in penalties against Sporting CP in the Europa League. The Europa League also had its draw for the quarterfinals and semifinals, you can also check out those matches here.
This will be last weekend of league matches before and international break and it will be full of Clasicos! On Saturday night, it will be El Super Clasico of Chivas vs America. Both teams are in top form and both have had a great Clausura. On Sunday morning, you have il Derby d’Italia with Inter Milan vs Juventus. Even though Juventus is outside of the top 4, it will still be a heated rivalry. Lastly, we have El Clasico with Barcelona vs Real Madrid. Both look to get the advantage in the league and it is always a heated matchup.
This will be a weekend to remember! Enjoy the weekend and see you back on Monday!
