Welcome to Wednesday, everyone. Today sees the continuation of UEFA Champions League with 3 matches: Real Madrid vs. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid vs. Leicester City, and the rescheduled matchup of Borussia Dortmund vs. AS Monaco. Yesterday was a busy one, so let’s jump into the news:
Dortmund v Monaco postponed following explosion near team bus | Onefootball
In what was the story of the day, Borussia Dortmund’s team bus was the target of an explosion on the way to the stadium for their UEFA Champions League match against Monaco. Marc Bartra was hurt in the blast, but only suffered minor injuries and has been released from the hospital. The match was postponed until 12:45pm today, and in a show of kindness, Dortmund fans took in Monaco supporters who were stuck due to the postponement.
This would be an unprecedented move: the United States, Mexico and Canada have asked FIFA to expedite their bid for the 2026 World Cup by listing what their requirements will be for the tournament and, provided that the nations submit a proposal for meeting those requirements, be awarded the tournament by June 2018 instead of the bid process opening up as scheduled in 2020.
Paulo Dybala strikes twice as Juventus down Barcelona in UCL | ESPNFC
This just in: Paulo Dybala is really good. He blasts two into the net and Juventus drops FC Barcelona 3-0 in their first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.
Barcelona’s Neymar to miss clásico after extra ban for ‘sarcastic applause’ | The Guardian
Neymar will not be around for El Clásico. The Barcelona star will miss 3 more games due to an extra ban after sarcastically applauding the fourth referee last weekend against Malaga, and he will miss the big matchup on April 23rd against Real Madrid.
What would a combined USMNT, Mexico, and Canada team look like? | SB Nation
Hint: not a lot of Canadians, Christian Pulisic makes the starting XI, and where’s Jozy Altidore?
Edgardo Bauza: Argentina coach sacked after eight matches in job | BBC
With Argentina sitting in 5th place in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, Edgardo Bauza is out as coach. No word on who will replace him to try and guide Lionel Messi and the Albicelestes to direct qualification.
Bobby Boswell is back at his normal position – starting for D.C. United | Black & Red United
It took him a few weeks, but Bobby Boswell is again a starter for D.C United and a happier player. He’s one of the reasons the Black-and-Red have overcome the rough start with 2 straight victories.
Atlanta United still planning stadium debut on July 30 | NBC Sports
Despite some construction delays, Atlanta United is still planning on opening Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 30th against Orlando City.
And, there it is. Comments section is open, so head there for some soccer discussion!