Breakfast Links - May 3, 2023
(image via Houston Dash)
Are you ready for the weekend?! Let’s get it Houstonians! Here is your midweek update to get your morning going with our Breakfast Links.
Houston
The Houston Dynamo are heading into their match against Real Salt Lake well rested after only playing in the US Open Cup last week and having the weekend off. “You always want to get back on the field, particularly with the form we're in,” head coach Ben Olsen said Tuesday. “Just like the last bye week, it's a chance for us to grow and get better in areas that we need to see some growth. There’s a lot of them, so we're still a work in progress. We're still moving forward.” The last three times these teams have met at Shell Energy Stadium they have ended in a draw; it’s time to break the pattern!
The Houston Dash return to Shell Energy Stadium to host the Chicago Red Stars for the second match of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup group stage. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 PM CT. Come support your Houston Dash!
Houston Dynamo 2 continue on the road to face Vancouver Whitecaps 2. Dos is looking to keep their momentum going after their big victory versus SKC II.
Make sure you check out the latest episodes of the Bayou City Soccer Podcast, available everywhere you get your podcasts!
Major League Soccer
LAFC have booked their second shot at a Concacaf Champions League title in four years, earning that opportunity with a resounding 3-0 rout over the Philadelphia Union in Tuesday night’s semifinal second-leg clash at BMO Stadium.
The Portland Timbers have lost a second central midfielder to a season-ending ACL injury, announcing Tuesday that David Ayala will miss the rest of the 2023 campaign.
Nashville SC and striker Aké Loba have mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Loba, as of early January, was on loan at Liga MX club Mazatlán.
Around the World
Arsenal bounced back from their deflating loss to Manchester City by easing to a 3-1 victory over struggling Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday to keep their Premier League title hopes alive.
Napoli could finally lift the scudetto after a disappointing weekend when Memo Ochoa and Salernitana kept them at bay in a 1-1 draw. Napoli is set to face Udinese tomorrow and their chance to lift the trophy is in their hands.
Barcelona defender Jordi Alba came off the bench to strike late on and secure a 1-0 victory over a 10-man Osasuna at Camp Nou on Tuesday as the home side moved a step closer to clinching their 27th LaLiga title. Second-placed Real Madrid suffered a 2-0 defeat at Real Sociedad in LaLiga after being reduced to 10 men when defender Dani Carvajal was sent off early in the second half on Tuesday. The result gives leaders Barcelona the chance to clinch their 27th LaLiga title with a win in their next game at city rivals Espanyol on May 14.
