Breakfast Links - September 15, 2023
(image via Houston Dynamo FC)
Happy Friday! Let’s make today a good day and here is something you haven’t heard in awhile, stay dry Houston!
Houston
The Houston Dynamo are back in action after taking a 2 week break due to a FIFA international window. Ben Olsen and his team will host St. Louis CITY SC tomorrow night at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston will look to be a tough opponent at home in the hunt for a playoff berth that has alluded the club for years. Get your tickets and support the team, they need your energy. Let’s go Dynamo!
The Houston Dash season seems to be in shambles after a coaching change was made with 4 games remaining in the season. Sarah Lowdon has taken over as the interim head coach for the Dash. While the ladies stand only 6 points out of the playoff line with 4 games remaining, it seems nearly impossible for them to make the post season. Tonight they will take on Racing Louisville in a must win match for both clubs. Catch the match on Paramount+ starting at 6:30 PM. DTFO!
Houston Dynamo 2 have gone the whole season alternating hot and cold streaks. Kenny Bundy will hope that last weekend’s win over Portland, will kick off a positive streak for his boys in the last 2 games of the season and into the playoffs. Dynamo Dos will host North Texas SC on Sunday afternoon at SaberCats Stadium. Stay tuned to our social media for a chance at some free tickets! Vamos Dyna Dos!
Make sure you check out the latest episodes of the Bayou City Soccer Podcast, available everywhere you get your podcasts as well as our YouTube Channel!
Major League Soccer
A third Best FIFA Men's Player award could await Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi after being among the 12 players shortlisted for the 2023 recognition. Messi, who previously won the prestigious award in 2019 and 2022, holds the joint-world record alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski (two wins). Last week, Messi was nominated for the Ballon d'Or, a distinguished award he has won a world-record seven times.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC have added another Canadian men's national team player, announcing Thursday they have signed midfielder/forward Junior Hoilett through the 2023 MLS season.
Sporting Kansas City have signed striker Alan Pulido to a new Designated Player contract through the 2026 MLS season, the club announced Thursday.
Around the World
Spain's World Cup winning footballers will continue their boycott of the national team despite the resignation of Luis Rubiales and dismissal of Jorge Vilda, according to Associated Press and EFE. The squad for UEFA Nations League games against Sweden and Switzerland this month is due to be announced on Friday, but the players have sent a joint email to the Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] explaining that they are not ready to return.
Jadon Sancho is risking his Manchester United career if he refuses to apologise following his public row with manager Erik ten Hag, sources have told ESPN. Sancho has been ordered to train alone after accusing Ten Hag of lying about the reasons he was dropped for the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal before the international break.
Barcelona will play Real Madrid on Oct. 28 in the first Clásico matchup of the 2023-24 season, LaLiga announced on Friday. The world-famous clash will see Barca host Madrid at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys -- their temporary home, while Camp Nou is being redeveloped.
Arsenal are increasingly confident of agreeing a new contract extension with midfielder Martin Ødegaard, sources have told ESPN. The 24-year-old's deal expires in 2025 but talks are progressing well over fresh terms, which are expected to see him commit his future to the club for at least a further two seasons.
Spanish police arrested three Real Madrid youth players Thursday for allegedly distributing a sexual video featuring a minor, at a time of heightened tension around sexist behaviour in Spanish soccer. The players, who are not minors, were later released after a court decision and after the data on their mobile phones was seized, police said in a statement.
