Breakfast Links - June 14, 2023
(image via Houston Dash)
It's Match Day! Both the Dynamo and Dash play tonight! Here is your midweek update to get your morning going with our Breakfast Links.
Houston
Houston Dynamo FC close a 12-game stretch that began on May 6 when Houston tallied their fifth clean sheet of the season at Shell Energy Stadium against Real Salt Lake. The 12th game is scheduled for a 9:30 PM CT kickoff at BMO Stadium against LAFC tonight and this is the second time these squads face off in the last four days. The Dynamo defeated LAFC 4-0 at Shell Energy Stadium on Saturday for their sixth victory of the season at home.
The Houston Dash return to group play after an almost 40-day hiatus from the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup against Racing Louisville FC at Lynn Family Stadium this evening. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 PM CT.
Houston Dynamo 2 return to SaberCats Stadium tomorrow, June 15, to host Portland Timbers 2. Dynamo 2 close the two-game homestand on June 25 against San Jose Earthquakes II.
Make sure you check out the latest episodes of the Bayou City Soccer Podcast, available everywhere you get your podcasts!
Major League Soccer
Inter Miami winger Corentin Jean will miss the remainder of the season after tearing the ACL in his left knee. Miami will be busy in this upcoming transfer window, even before the injury to the Frenchman, as will reportedly look to bring in Lionel Messi and friends.
Nashville SC made history Tuesday, announcing forward Adem Sipić as their first-ever homegrown player signing. Sipić will formally join Nashville’s first team during the 2024 MLS season, with his deal lasting through 2027 (with a club option for 2028). The 17-year-old Kentucky native will continue to compete with Huntsville City FC, the club’s new MLS NEXT Pro team, during the 2023 season.
The US men’s national team have named their 23-man roster for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, with interim head coach B.J. Callaghan calling up 16 players from Major League Soccer.
Around the World
North America’s biggest international soccer rivalry returns with a 2023 Concacaf Nations League final spot up for grabs, as the United States and Mexico meet Thursday evening for a semifinal encounter at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. After topping Concacaf qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Canada look to further solidify their claim as a regional powerhouse at the 2023 Concacaf Nations League finals – beginning with Thursday night's semifinal showdown against Panama.
Croatia, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands will contest the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League finals. Spain (2021) and the Netherlands (2019) were runners-up in the first two editions while Italy finished third two years ago. For Croatia, the tournament in June will be their first finals appearance.
Real Madrid have completed the signing of England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, the club announced this morning. Bellingham, 19, has put pen to paper on a six-year deal at the Bernabeu and will face the media at his official presentation on Thursday.
