Dynamo Theory - All PostsYou may all go to hell and I will support the Dynamo.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48763/dynamotheory-fave.png2023-01-25T12:00:00-06:00http://www.dynamotheory.com/rss/current/2023-01-25T12:00:00-06:002023-01-25T12:00:00-06:00Dynamo Theory Podcast - Final Episode: Thank You
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<img alt="MLS: FC Dallas at Houston Dynamo FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Mup28FNVWzd8JyLctF0s5wTp3B0=/0x0:5503x3669/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71905060/usa_today_18686201.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The guys say goodbye on the final episode of the Dynamo Theory Podcast.</p> <p id="kRwp05">Welcome to the last ever episode of the official Dynamo Theory Podcast! The guys reminisce on their time at Dynamo Theory. We saw Dynamo Theory in a full upwards climb the last 2 years and all of it was because of the support that you guys give us. Whether you are reading the articles on the website, listening to the podcast, heck liking and retweeting our social media posts, we are extremely grateful for it. However, while Dynamo Theory will be no more, we aren’t going to stop covering the Houston soccer teams. </p>
<p id="FlUYIi">We invite you to join us on the next chapter for us at Bayou City Soccer! See you there. The last episode provides more information about Bayou City Soccer and what to except.</p>
<p id="pjaW2D">Don’t forget to check us out:</p>
<p id="c77t0F"><a href="http://www.bayoucitysoccer.net">BayouCitySoccer.net</a></p>
<p id="lDb3Ec">@BayouCitySoccer on Facebook, IG, and Twitter</p>
<p id="trgyVG">Hit us up using our hashtag #AskBCS</p>
<p id="FMwmZW">Hosts:</p>
<p id="bhFatp"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rudysegura3">@RudySegura3</a> on Twitter</p>
<p id="RbrUi1"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/crisputallaz">@CrisPutallaz</a> on Twitter</p>
<p id="x1L4uQ"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/rodrigosegura01">@RodrigoSegura01</a> on Twitter</p>
<p id="6nARR4">Again, BayouCitySoccer.net for everything.</p>
<p id="NwCiSl"><a href="https://feeds.megaphone.fm/dynamo-theory">-RSS feed for Dynamo Theory Podcast</a></p>
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<p id="Mn4QDC"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/722NOTrZBtQzqczjpWgOHq">-Subscribe with Spotify</a></p>
<p id="uCzVPl">Enjoy the show!</p>
<p id="SLBi3Y"></p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2023/1/25/23571227/dynamo-theory-podcast-final-episode-thank-youDynamoTheoryStaff2023-01-20T17:41:54-06:002023-01-20T17:41:54-06:00What’s next for Dynamo Theory?
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<img alt="MLS: Austin FC at Houston Dynamo FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SeegABZC5mKemCpEKZEx1oxvcjU=/109x0:4842x3155/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71889540/usa_today_18180757.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>SB Nation is ending support of all MLS websites on the network.</p> <p id="UlRMrA">As you have probably heard by now, SB Nation and their parent company Vox Media announced a number of layoffs today. Included in that were the brands’ NHL and MLS sites. We received the email that Dynamo Theory was a part of that and we would no longer be supported or monetized. We join all of our fellow contributors across the brand in voicing our disappointment and frustration.</p>
<p id="7eY8NW">We have done what we feel are some important and valuable work here at Dynamo Theory covering the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com">Houston Dynamo</a> and <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dash</a>, as well as Dynamo 2. We were really beginning to gain traction and had been showing some big gains in visitors to the site and listeners to our website. The media that covers soccer in Houston, and in many cities, is already a small group and the decision made by corporate leaders today is extremely unfortunate.</p>
<p id="Uzq5vX">With that being said, what we have built here at Dynamo Theory in the past two years is not going anywhere. Our coverage and bringing you unprecedented access to soccer in Houston is not going anywhere. We have built a team of contributors that are passionate about soccer here and telling its’ story. Our coverage will no longer be under the umbrella of Vox Media and SB Nation, but we will continue. </p>
<p id="ONuGUY">We are actively working on our new project and hope to have it up and running next week. Houston is a soccer city and Houston deserves first class soccer coverage. If SB Nation and Vox don’t want to give you that, we’ll just do it ourselves. Covering the teams we do was never about the small check they gave us each month and access to some photos. We won’t have the support of a multi-million dollar company but in ways, we kind of wanted that for some time. Now we’ll be able to monetize our own way, through local sponsors who we care about and who care about soccer in our city. I built Total MLS, with some amazing help, to one of the most respected MLS outfits with over 40 thousand followers on social media, I’m not afraid of the challenge.</p>
<p id="VQspgO">Stay tuned this weekend for our next steps, our contract runs with SB Nation until the end of February so we will be able to update you on all of the Dynamo Theory socials and our website until then. In the meantime, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for making Dynamo Theory what it has been. Thank you to our staff for sharing your passion and story telling. Thank you to the readers and listeners. Thank you to everyone at the Dynamo, Dash, and Dynamo 2 who have always been accommodating and helpful in anything we needed to help tell the stories of the club and its characters. </p>
<p id="fHgZgr">This is not goodbye, instead, see you soon.</p>
<p id="wNB6qR">- Dustyn</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2023/1/20/23564729/whats-next-for-dynamo-theoryDustyn Richardson2023-01-20T09:35:23-06:002023-01-20T09:35:23-06:00Dynamo Theory Podcast - Episode 54: Lundy to Austin, a true culture shift, new stadium name, and more!
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<figcaption>Houston Dynamo FC</figcaption>
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<p>The guys are back to discuss all the happenings around the Dynamo including roster moves and a new stadium name.</p> <p id="34qpBO">On this episode of the Dynamo Theory Podcast episode we discuss the trade of Adam Lundkvist to rival Austin FC and the arrival of Franco Escobar. Seeing all the former players leave just shows how in year two of Pat Onstad as the general manager, the culture shift is in full throttle. </p>
<p id="YyOBlD">The <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com">Houston Dynamo</a> continue to strengthen their staff by hiring Brendan Burke as an assistant to Ben Olsen and the first team. The club also announced hiring SRC FTBL to help develop their analytical department.</p>
<p id="9CIUpU">The stadium renovation is coming with along with a new name. Houston’s professional soccer stadium will now be called Shell Energy Stadium. After ending its ties with PNC bank, local Texas Bay Credit Union will be the club’s new partner.</p>
<p id="kRwp05">And we hit on much more!</p>
<p id="jBKgXr"><em>Programming Note:</em> If there is anything (anything), that you want us to touch on the next show, just ask by tweeting it to us at <a href="https://twitter.com/dynamotheory">@DynamoTheory</a> with the hashtag #AskDT</p>
<p id="NwCiSl"><a href="https://feeds.megaphone.fm/dynamo-theory">-RSS feed for Dynamo Theory Podcast</a></p>
<p id="lnkBuu"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dynamo-theory-for-houston-dynamo-fans/id1384760030">-Subscribe with iTunes</a></p>
<p id="Mn4QDC"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/722NOTrZBtQzqczjpWgOHq">-Subscribe with Spotify</a></p>
<p id="uCzVPl">Enjoy the show!</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2023/1/20/23563968/dynamo-theory-podcast-episode-54-lundy-to-austin-a-true-culture-shift-new-stadium-name-and-moreDynamoTheoryStaff2023-01-20T08:34:11-06:002023-01-20T08:34:11-06:00Breakfast Links - January 20, 2023
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<figcaption>Houston Dynamo FC</figcaption>
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<p>Bassi deal nearly done, Josef Martinez signs with Miami, big weekend of matches in Europe, and much more.</p> <p id="OzLOoB">It’s Friday and that means the weekend is almost here. Let’s get it started with some links.</p>
<h3 id="CYo8R2"><strong>Houston</strong></h3>
<p id="DNESyy">Early Thursday morning <a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Amine-bassi-metz-s-envole-pour-la-mls-et-houston/1375540">L’Equipe reported</a> that Amine Bassi from Ligue 2 side Metz is traveling to Houston to sign for the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com">Houston Dynamo</a>. They are reporting that the deal will be a two and a half year contract. He has been a player that has the same profile as players like Diego Fagundez, Nicolas Lodeiro, Ganso and Carles Gil. At just 25 years of age, he will be an exciting fit for the Dynamo.</p>
<p id="HubJjR">First reported by <a href="https://twitter.com/GusMenFox/status/1616115938381774856?s=20">Gustavo Mendoza via Twitter</a>, the Dynamo are reportedly in a group with Santos Laguna and <a href="https://www.themaneland.com">Orlando City</a> for the 2023 Leagues Cup this summer. Each club will have 2 matches and the top two teams will advance. The official announcement should be coming later today.</p>
<p id="OACU3o">According to sources, the Dash will start their preseason training next week with their entry physicals. The Dash preseason details will be out as soon as we know what the league schedule will look like.</p>
<h3 id="HxHBqI">
<strong>MLS/</strong><strong>NWSL</strong>
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<p id="jfH18Z">First, we want to take the time to give our thoughts and prayers to Anton Walkes’ family and everyone at Charlotte FC. The 25-year-old <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/charlotte-fc-defender-anton-walkes-passes-away-at-25">tragically passed away</a> on Thursday due to a boating accident.</p>
<p id="UpML5f">Big news for Inter Miami. They have signed former MLS MVP Josef Martinez from <a href="https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com">Atlanta United</a>. The former Atlanta forward is looking forward to <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/josef-martinez-starts-anew-the-king-addresses-move-from-atlanta-to-miami">a new challenge in MLS</a>. This will be a great signing for Miami after having a gap in their forward line since Gonzalo Higuain retired and the club expects to let Rodolfo Pizarro go.</p>
<p id="gU5jcq">The <a href="https://www.burgundywave.com">Colorado Rapids</a> are finalizing a deal for Denmark international center back Andreas Maxsø from Brøndby, per <a href="https://twitter.com/tombogert/status/1616127532717293594?s=20">Tom Bogert</a>. He will add huge experience in the back line for the Rapids and give them that push for playoffs next season.</p>
<h3 id="TF8W9Q"><strong>Around the World</strong></h3>
<p id="MwsLwR">The Goats match happened yesterday, probably for the last time, as Lionel Messi’s PSG took on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Riyadh All-Star Team. This match <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/paris-saint-germain--frapsg/story/4856731/ronaldo-on-messi-reunion-nice-to-see-old-friends">did not disappoint</a> as both legends got on the scoresheet and the match ended with a 5-4 PSG win. Both legends were subbed out in the 62nd minute. One last good memory of these two battling out on the field.</p>
<p id="mAuG8e">Yesterday was the day of comebacks. <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com">Manchester City</a> were behind 2-0 against <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com">Tottenham</a> at halftime but rallied with goals from Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, and two from Riyad Mahrez to <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=638263">secure the comeback</a>. Also, <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a> were 2-0 down at halftime against <a href="https://www.villarrealusa.com/">Villarreal</a> in the Copa del Rey. A <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/661177">quick response</a> from them in the second half showed that you can’t count them out at all. It also tells you that a 2-0 lead really is the most dangerous lead in all of football.</p>
<p id="ahYJXt">Transfer news is heating up for the London clubs. After losing out on Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea, Arsenal are <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/4855674/arsenal-in-talks-over-brightons-leandro-trossard-sources">close to signing</a> Leandro Trossard for $21 million plus $6 million add-ons from Brighton. Chelsea are <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/4856075/chelsea-agree-transfer-for-psv-eindhoven-winger-noni-madueke">nearing a deal</a> for Noni Madueke from PSV for around $35 million. Both teams will need to boost the squad for their prospective campaigns at the tail end of the season.</p>
<p id="f24lmP">There are some tasty matches for this weekend with the Bundesliga back as league leaders <a href="https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com">Bayern Munich</a> face off against RB Leipzig. For our Argentinian fans, the Argentina Super Cup match against Boca Juniors and Racing club will be early this morning. On Saturday, we should have an interesting tie with <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> against Chelsea, with both clubs struggling as of late. Lastly on Sunday, we have the match of the weekend as Arsenal go up against <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a>. Both are in the run for the title and both are playing great football so stay tuned for it!</p>
<p id="aBzFUq">This will be a weekend to remember! Enjoy the weekend and see you back on Monday!</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2023/1/20/23563873/dynamo-theory-breakfast-links-january-20-2023mannyvela42023-01-19T18:00:00-06:002023-01-19T18:00:00-06:00Dynamo hire SRC FTBL to build club’s analytics department
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c_-T7De7T_orkunbbdO5QV7j8R0=/0x320:1400x1253/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71885645/ravi.0.jpeg" />
<figcaption>Photo courtesy of Jane Gershovich / JaneG. Photo</figcaption>
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<p>SRC FTBL will help the club focus on player identification and much more.</p> <p id="QJLwz4">The <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com">Houston Dynamo</a> announced the hiring of <a href="https://www.srcftbl.com/">SRC FTBL</a> to build an analytics department for the club. I know what you’re thinking, the Dynamo didn’t have an analytics department in 2023? That’s right, they didn’t. The club had analytics staff in the past but has been without recently. <a href="https://www.americansocceranalysis.com/home/2022/4/12/state-of-mls-analytics-tier-list-2022-season">American Soccer Analysis</a> does a yearly look at MLS teams and their analytics and the Dynamo were in the bottom tier last year.</p>
<p id="Q8E36e">It’s pretty mind-boggling to think a sports team in a top flight league would have no analytics department in this day and age. So much of sports has become numbers and data and more importantly, what you do with that information. The Dynamo now are not only going to add an analytics department but they have some of the best people in the sport leading the build. Build is the key word here, however. It’s going to take some time to get a department built and operating at a high level.</p>
<p id="9aJVaL">So, who is behind SRC FTBL? The company was founded by three people, Ravi Ramineni, Sarah Rudd, and Cole Grossman. Ramineni helped build the analytics department of the <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com">Seattle Sounders</a>, winners of two MLS Cups and last season’s CONCACAF <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a>. Rudd developed and lead the analytics department at English Premier League club <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com">Arsenal FC</a>. Rudd has also published a seminal research paper on possession and the impact of direct and indirect actions in the final third. Grossman played for the <a href="https://www.massivereport.com">Columbus Crew</a> and <a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com">Real Salt Lake</a>, as well as overseas in Norway. He worked for English clubs <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com">Manchester United</a> and Burnley before joining SRC.</p>
<p id="CAoPks">What is SRC FTBL going to do for the Dynamo? The company is going to help the club build an analytics department with a focus on player identification and first team performance. Like I said earlier, this is going to take time. SRC FTBL is coming in and having to basically start from scratch. They’re going to have to hire a team and begin to have that team working with the front office and coaches to analyze the types of players they are looking to build the club with. This won’t be a quick fix but it’s a very welcome sign for the Dynamo to join the 21st century sports movement of data and analytics. </p>
<p id="fjbmsr">If you want some more information on the “nerdy” side of soccer, Ravi and Sarah both did episodes on the Expected Value Podcast, talking about analytics in the sport and much more. You can find those episodes <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ravi-ramineni-director-of-soccer-analytics-seattle/id1477998252?i=1000469463306">here</a> and <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sarah-rudd-vice-president-blue-crow-sports-group/id1477998252?i=1000570611120">here</a>.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2023/1/19/23563210/houston-dynamo-hire-src-ftbl-to-build-clubs-analytics-departmentDustyn Richardson2023-01-18T11:38:00-06:002023-01-18T11:38:00-06:00Possible left back options for the Dynamo
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<img alt="MLS: Columbus Crew SC at Atlanta United FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/83hFmfpcundo0vSASM88FAPD2sE=/0x0:3219x2146/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71879691/usa_today_18383850.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With the trade of Adam Lundkvist, the Dynamo have no healthy left backs on the roster. So who might they bring in?</p> <p id="52SUqY">When Adam Lundkvist asked to be traded and was sent down I-35 to Austin FC, the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com">Houston Dynamo</a> were left with a big hole at left back. Brad Smith was signed as a free agent recently but the Australian is still recovering from an ACL injury and won’t be ready for the early part of the MLS season. So, the big question on peoples’s minds is, who starts the season at left back? Let’s go over a few options.</p>
<p id="M2grp7"><strong>In-House Options</strong></p>
<p id="Bm3B8J"><em>Isaiah LeFlore</em></p>
<p id="b6JyAS">LeFlore is currently with Dynamo 2, joining them last season after spending time overseas with Braga in Portugal. LeFlore just turned 20 last month. He can play at the front as a winger and also played as a left back for Dos, with the ability to get forward in the attack. But, do you want to throw LeFlore straight to the wolves in MLS? Is he ready to make that big of a leap to a starting spot in MLS? I think those concerns are very valid.</p>
<p id="dUQAf0"><strong>Free Agent Options</strong></p>
<p id="XE5L9U"><em>Mikey Ambrose</em></p>
<p id="EuvCsX">Ambrose is a Texas native, albeit from the opposite side of the state in El Paso, and was in the <a href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com">FC Dallas</a> academy. The 29-year-old is out of contract after spending last season with <a href="https://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com">Atlanta United</a> and their USL team. Ambrose has MLS experience and would be a cheap option, he made just over $85K in salary last season.</p>
<p id="Xu181E"><em>Jorge Villafana</em></p>
<p id="GZ15ma">The former reality TV star has had a successful career in MLS. After winning <em>Sueno MLS</em> in 2007, a reality show for a try-out in the league, Villafana was signed by Chivas USA. He later spent time with the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com">Portland Timbers</a>, where we won MLS Cup and then moved to Mexico with Santos Laguna and won the 2018 Clausura. Villafana returned to MLS with Portland in 2018 and spent the last two seasons with the <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com">LA Galaxy</a>. He did not appear in any games for the Galaxy in 2022 after undergoing knee surgery last March, and had his option declined at the end of the season. Villafana is 33 but if he is healthy, he could bring a veteran presence to the roster and is someone you would not be afraid to start multiple games in MLS until Smith is healthy. The one potential drawback, outside of the injury, he made nearly half a million in salary last season.</p>
<p id="C6rqMc"><em>Sam Junqua</em></p>
<p id="c5ixgZ">I know, Junqua left the Dynamo after the season and was extended a bona fide offer with no news of an answer. He is still out there in wherever MLS players without teams hang out, looking for a job. At this point, it might be worth bringing him back if he would be open to it. You may not be thrilled with the idea of Junqua returning, but he did rank in the 99th percentile of MLS fullbacks last season in clearances and the 94th percentile in aerials won.</p>
<p id="lfguL6"><strong>Trade Options</strong></p>
<p id="DwlOKb"><em>Christopher McVey</em></p>
<p id="cyAxsr">Why not replace a Swedish left back with a Swedish left back? McVey started 34 matches for Inter Miami last season and is penciled in to be their starter in 2023. Miami also has 18-year-old homegrown Noah Allen on the roster and he showed promise in some time with the first team last season. Does the emergence of Allen make McVey expendable? McVey has a similar profile to Lundkvist in that he is more defensive-minded and could be a good compliment to Smith when both are healthy.</p>
<p id="tHgwaN"><em>Taylor Washington</em></p>
<p id="Cj0076">Washington is another veteran, he turns 30 this year, who is currently with Nashville SC. Nashville currently has Daniel Lovitz as their starter at left back, and selected Joey Skinner, another left back, in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft. Washington made just $107K in salary last season and he has some good defensive numbers in his 600 minutes played last season. With two left backs on the roster, this could be a player that Nashville would be willing to trade for relatively cheap. </p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2023/1/18/23560778/possible-left-back-options-for-the-houston-dynamoDustyn Richardson2023-01-16T08:00:00-06:002023-01-16T08:00:00-06:00Breakfast Links - January 16, 2023
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<img alt="Sheffield United v Barnsley - Sky Bet Championship - Bramall Lane" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BnV-LOPezqZMXCM7On7zw7JuA5Q=/0x0:4051x2701/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71870917/1239395210.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Will Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Dynamo eye another attacker, Galaxy could have 2 DP spots open, Chelsea complete Mudryk signing, and much more.</p> <p id="uZFH1r">Hopefully you got some rest over the weekend. Let’s get the work week started by hitting some freshly cooked Breakfast Links!</p>
<h3 id="HfodHm"><strong>Houston</strong></h3>
<p id="W5fn0p">The <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com">Houston Dynamo</a> will be hard at work at Houston Sports Parks this week. At this point it seems that, behind the scenes, the front office is continuing to cook when it comes to improving the squad. The club hasn’t made it official yet, but it is reported that a deal with Moroccan creative midfielder, Amine Bassi, <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/2023/1/13/23553724/report-houston-dynamo-finalizing-signing-of-moroccan-midfielder-amine-bassi">looks done</a>. Maybe he can be the “10” fans have been screaming for? Let’s go Dynamo!</p>
<p id="dVfQ5p">The <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dash</a> have added a lot of <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/2023/1/12/23553025/houston-dash-select-3-players-at-2023-nwsl-draft">new players</a> to the roster, as we saw general manager Alex Singer continuing to work some magic. The team is still enjoying the off-season but will look motivated when the preseason starts next month. DTFO!</p>
<p id="GR4ERl">Make sure you check out the latest episodes of the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/2023/1/13/23553694/dynamo-theory-podcast-special-episode-el-batallon">Dynamo Theory Podcast</a>, available everywhere you get you podcasts.</p>
<p id="wAFByv"><strong>Major League Soccer</strong></p>
<p id="ZB2TPc">The <a href="https://www.onceametro.com">New York Red Bulls</a> have <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/kyle-duncan-returns-to-new-york-red-bulls-on-loan-from-belgian-club">re-signed defender Kyle Duncan</a> on a season-long loan from KV Oostende with a purchase option, the club announced Sunday. The 25-year-old right back joined Oostende last January on a free transfer and made seven league appearances for the Belgian First Division A side before a loan move back to the Red Bulls in August.</p>
<p id="sMXnFV">With Kevin Cabral traded to the <a href="https://www.burgundywave.com">Colorado Rapids</a> in early December, the <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com">LA Galaxy</a> already know their winger corps <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/la-galaxy-eye-2-3-good-sound-moves-before-2023-season-starts">will look somewhat different</a> during the 2023 MLS season – and they have at least one vacant Designated Player spot to work with. But with preseason camp now underway, there’s speculation the positional group will look drastically different as the five-time MLS Cup champions approach Matchday 1 – and a second DP spot may become available.</p>
<p id="lNarke">Gareth Bale will always cherish his briefer-than-expected spell at <a href="https://www.angelsonparade.com">LAFC</a>. The Welsh superstar conveyed as much in a <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/gareth-bale-i-ll-never-forget-my-lafc-experience">farewell video message</a> LAFC shared in the wake of Monday’s surprise news that the 33-year-old forward has retired from professional soccer. “I just want to say thank you for my welcome, being here in LA,” Bale said, swinging by LAFC’s training facility to offer goodbyes. “It’s been an amazing experience and to win the MLS Cup together and create lasting memories is something I’ll never forget. So thank you very much.”</p>
<p id="5lXC2m"><strong>Around the world</strong></p>
<p id="EkhPGN">Aaron Ramsdale <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/arsenal-engarsenal/story/4853267/arsenal-goalkeeper-aaron-ramsdale-kicked-by-fan-following-victory-over-tottenham">appeared to be kicked</a> by a <a href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com">Tottenham Hotspur</a> supporter following Arsenal’s 2-0 North London derby victory on Sunday. Ramsdale, who was involved in an incident with Spurs striker Richarlison moments earlier, was collecting his goalkeeper gloves from behind the goal after the final whistle when a fan appeared to kick out at him.</p>
<p id="u01hZw">Carlo Ancelotti denied that <a href="https://www.managingmadrid.com">Real Madrid</a>’s 3-1 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa final was a “<a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/real-madrid-espreal_madrid/story/4853415/barcelona-humiliation-talk-disrespectful-to-real-madrid">sporting humiliation</a>” on Sunday, blaming individual errors and insisting the team would bounce back. Gavi put Barca ahead before Robert Lewandowski made it 2-0 and Pedri added a third goal after half-time, with Karim Benzema netting a late consolation strike for Madrid.</p>
<p id="zwmbnW">Paris Saint-Germain suffered their <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=639793">second defeat</a> of the season in a 1-0 loss to Stade Rennais on Sunday as their Ligue 1 lead was slashed to three points. Rennes, who have won a club record ninth consecutive home game in the top flight, prevailed thanks to Hamari Traore’s second-half goal as the visitors suffered their second loss in three league outings.</p>
<p id="mzwRWV">Chelsea have completed the signing of Ukraine winger Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk on an 8½-year contract, the club announced during their Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The two clubs agreed a deal on Saturday worth €100 million, <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/soccer-transfers/story/4852666/chelsea-complete-70m-transfer-of-mykhailo-mudryk-from-shakhtar-donetsk">sources told ESPN</a>. The package comprises a fixed fee of €70m with a further €30m in add-ons, matching the Ukrainian club’s valuation for the transfer of the 22-year-old.</p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2023/1/16/23557209/dynamo-theory-breakfast-links-january-16-2023Rudy Segura2023-01-13T12:30:00-06:002023-01-13T12:30:00-06:00Dynamo Theory Podcast - Special Episode: El Batallon
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<img alt="MLS: Los Angeles FC at Houston Dynamo FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ozylUW9iUGW9PYRvrT5XzioToCM=/193x0:4416x2815/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71862487/usa_today_18961002.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We got to chat with Mannie, senior leadership council member of El Batallon. We get to know who they are, what they stand for, what to expect as an EB member, and how to join!</p> <p id="OLPShU">On this special Dynamo Theory Podcast episode, we got to talk with Mannie, senior leadership council member of El Batallon. We got to know Mannie and took a deep dive at what to expect as a member of El Batallon. </p>
<p id="6APPj4">Mannie goes into detail of what makes this passionate supporters’ group beat as they work themselves back into the groove post-Covid. Whether it be pre-gaming 2 hours before kickoff at Texas Tailgate, catching an away match with friends, or traveling to support the team away from home, El Batallon has you covered for any gameday. Their biggest motivation is family, allowing fans to enjoy and relax that day-to-day stress by chanting on their favorite team, making great memories with plenty of stories to tell.</p>
<p id="pWFvgt">Make sure to follow El Batallon on their social media pages and if you are interested in joining the group connect with Mannie and other leaders, they would love to meet you and get to know you.</p>
<p id="RedHn2"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/el_batallon_">@el_batallon_</a> on IG</p>
<p id="BbRsQd"><a href="https://www.twitter.com/BatallonEb">@BatallonEb</a> on Twitter</p>
<p id="fQzOom">EB La Banda del Dynamo on Facebook</p>
<p id="ioAasX">We look forward to to touching base with the rest of the supporters’ groups for the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com">Houston Dynamo</a> and <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dash</a> so that we can connect more people to them!</p>
<p id="ocdzd2"><em>Programming Note:</em> If there is anything (anything), that you want us to touch on in the next show, just ask by tweeting it to us at <a href="https://www.twitter.com/dynamotheory">@DynamoTheory</a> with the hashtag #AskDT</p>
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<p id="bwly6L">Enjoy the show!</p>
<p id="p5FMlb"></p>
https://www.dynamotheory.com/2023/1/13/23553694/dynamo-theory-podcast-special-episode-el-batallonDynamoTheoryStaff