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Houston Dynamo Football Club Announces New Ownership

MLS Editor
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Houston Dynamo Football Club Announces New Ownership

NEED TO KNOW:

 

Ted Segal Acquires Majority Interest in the Club that Includes the MLS’s Houston Dynamo FC, the NWSL’s Houston Dash and Leasing Rights to BBVA Stadium

Segal to join NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird, MLS Commissioner Don Garber and additional guests for press conference at BBVA Stadium later today at noon

Gabriel Brener, Oscar De La Hoya, Ben Guill and James Harden will retain minority stakes in the Club

 

HOUSTON – Houston Dynamo Football Club today announced that Ted Segal has acquired a majority ownership position in the Club. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Segal becomes the Club’s majority investor, which includes Houston Dynamo FC of Major League Soccer (MLS), the Houston Dash of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the leasing rights to BBVA Stadium. In addition to his ownership role, Mr. Segal will serve on the MLS Board of Governors. Limited partner investors Gabriel Brener, Oscar De La Hoya, Ben Guill and James Harden will retain minority stakes in the Club and work closely with Mr. Segal to return the Dynamo and Dash to the top of their respective tables.

 

“As someone with a lifelong passion for soccer, having the opportunity to invest in professional soccer in Houston – a dynamic, diverse and growing city with such a storied history in professional sports is truly exciting,” said Mr. Segal. “The interest and passion for soccer in Houston are clear. The Dynamo and Dash have incredibly devoted fans that have supported championship clubs, Houston is a go-to destination for hosting major international soccer games, and there’s a great group of leaders making a strong case for Houston to deservedly serve as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. I am honored to join the Club and its great supporters as the sport continues to ascend in the region and throughout the United States.”

 

Mr. Segal is an experienced investor, accomplished business leader and passionate sports fan with a track record of creating and building value in real estate development and finance, energy infrastructure and sports investments. He is the founder and president of EJS Group, a New York City-based real estate development and financing company that invests directly in real estate development opportunities across primary markets in the United States, with an emphasis on the New York metropolitan area. Prior to founding EJS, Mr. Segal was a Vice President at LS Power Equity Advisors, where he led corporate transactions and project development opportunities in the U.S. power generation sector. Mr. Segal was previously an associate at Latham & Watkins LLP, where he worked in the project finance practice group and represented developers, private equity sponsors and financial institutions in project financings and acquisition financings, with a principal focus on the power generation sector.

 

In sports, he is the co-founder and chairman of Verance Capital, an investment vehicle that provides early and growth stage capital for sports, media and live entertainment businesses. Mr. Segal is also an investor in and member of the board of directors of the Professional Fighters League, an elite MMA league with a differentiated full-season format that has attracted $175 million in funding.

 

Mr. Segal continued: “I am squarely focused on building a winning organization – both on and off the pitch. As I get to know both teams, my primary objectives are to ensure they have the necessary resources to succeed at the highest level and to foster the Club’s connection to its community. I am very eager to engage with the staff, players and fans over the weeks, months and years ahead.”

 

Mr. Brener commented: “As we celebrate our fifteenth year in Houston, I am incredibly proud of the organization we’ve built and the success we’ve achieved. Houston Dynamo FC has become a cornerstone within Houston and its teams a source of entertainment and community engagement. As passion for soccer continues to grow in Houston, I am looking forward to supporting Ted’s vision for the Club and working with him and my fellow limited partner investors to continue to grow and guide the Club’s success moving forward.”

 

“We are pleased to welcome Ted to the MLS family and I am confident that he will be a strong leader for the Dynamo and a strong and committed supporter of the sport in such an important market for Major League Soccer,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “I’ve known Ted for a number of years and believe that his passion for the sport and disciplined and thoughtful approach to building and leading businesses will translate well for the future growth and success of the Dynamo, our league and the sport of soccer in the Houston market.”

 

“We welcome Ted to an expanding group of prominent owners in the NWSL,” said NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird. “Ted is joining at an exciting time as we continue to see the league grow across the United States. I look forward to working with Ted and his team as he supports the Dash during this exciting new chapter and promotes the growth of the women’s game in Houston.”

PREVIEW: Orlando City to Host San Jose on Tuesday

MLS Editor
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PREVIEW: Orlando City to Host San Jose on Tuesday

Lions to feature in front of a full-capacity crowd at Exploria Stadium

 

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC (4-1-3, 15 points) returns to Exploria Stadium on Tuesday, June 22 to host the San Jose Earthquakes (3-5-1, 10 points) in front of a full-capacity crowd for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

 

Tuesday’s match will serve as the Club’s Pride in Our City match, presented by the National Pulse Memorial & Museum , formerly known as the onePulse Foundation. To celebrate Pride month, the Lions will wear rainbow numbers on the back of their Thick n Thin kits along with a specialty jersey patch located in the center of the chest. The side will also sport adidas’ “Love Unites” rainbow tops for warm-ups with the items set to be auctioned off after the match.

 

The fixture will be nationally broadcast on UniMás and TUDN with English commentary available on Twitter, while being transmitted on 96.9 The Game in English and Acción 97.9FM, 810AM in Spanish.

 

“It’s a quick turnaround for the boys and we already visualized that. The result [on Saturday] was fantastic for us, but we need to turn the page quickly and prepare for San Jose, be present in the game like we always demand of the players,” Head Coach Oscar Pareja said. “Certainly it’s going to be a difficult rival, but we are incorporating more players now. We’re good, we’re optimistic. It’s important to turn our thoughts and set ourselves up for Tuesday’s game.”

 

The Lions come into Tuesday’s fixture after battling to a 3-2 victory over Toronto FC this past Saturday. Both sides found the back of the net twice before the halftime break, with Tesho Akindele and Nani accounting for the Lions’ pair of finishes before Júnior Urso decided the contest in the 84th minute of play.

 

Nani leads the Lions with four goals on the year followed by Akindele with three. Akindele sits tied for the team-high in assists with Chris Mueller, both with three to their credit.

 

San Jose comes to The City Beautiful following a scoreless draw to open Q2 Stadium at Austin FC this past Saturday night. Earthquakes goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski tallied six saves in the match for his first clean sheet of the year.

 

Four members of the San Jose roster sit tied for the team lead in goals scored with two finishes apiece this season, while Cade Cowell holds the team high in assists with three.

 

Following Tuesday’s contest, the Lions face yet another quick turnaround, traveling down south to face intrastate foes Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on Friday, June 25 in an 8 p.m. ET kickoff.

Major League Soccer Launches New Professional League

MLS Editor
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Major League Soccer Launches New Professional League

New league to accelerate player development and bring professional soccer to new markets

 

NEW YORK – Continuing its deep commitment to growing and elevating the sport of soccer throughout North America, Major League Soccer today announced plans to launch a new professional league in 2022 that will complete the player pathway, from the youth development platform MLS NEXT to the professional ranks, while also bringing the excitement and passion of professional soccer to cities that currently do not have a professional soccer team.

 

Establishing this new league will provide an integral step in the professional player pathway, accelerating the development of elite talent by providing a highly competitive environment for rising stars to compete alongside established professional players.  With a record high of 20 percent of MLS roster slots now occupied by players who were developed through MLS club academies, MLS NEXT and the new league will provide even greater opportunities to players to participate for the first team.  The creation of a new league will provide MLS clubs with the optimal environment to produce the next generation of players and more opportunities for talented young players.

 

Launching in a FIFA World Cup year, and just four years prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the new league will rise to meet a growing interest for professional teams around the country. With vibrant soccer cultures throughout North America, the new league will provide those fanbases with the opportunity to support a local team.

 

Alongside MLS club-owned and operated teams, the new competition will also open the door for new owners and markets, not affiliated with MLS, to join the league, bringing professional soccer teams to additional communities throughout the country.

 

In addition, the new league will give rise to more professional opportunities on the technical and business side of the game, developing new jobs for coaches, referees, and executives to become involved in the growth of the game. Importantly, the new league will follow MLS’ commitment to activate programs as part of the Soccer Upward Mobility initiative to develop talent and create opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups.

 

“We are excited to launch a new league to complete the professional pathway between our academies and the MLS first teams,” said MLS President and Deputy Commissioner Mark Abbott. “In addition to providing more opportunities for MLS-caliber players, the new league will develop a diverse talent pool of coaches, referees and front office executives while also attracting fans who previously were unable to support a local club in their hometown.”

 

Consisting of 20 MLS clubs along with the potential for independently owned teams for the inaugural season in 2022, the league will begin in late March and conclude with playoffs in the fall and a championship match in early December.

 

During the coming months, a leader and new staff of league office employees will be hired to oversee the launch and ongoing management of the new league, which will have dedicated space in MLS’ New York City headquarters.  The new league will be supported by the infrastructure, experience, and resources of MLS.

 

Further details, including the league’s name and logo, participating teams in the inaugural season, and application process for expansion clubs will be unveiled over the course of this year.

Rangers recall INF Andy Ibáñez from Round Rock, OF Jason Martin optioned to Round Rock

MLB Editor
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Rangers recall INF Andy Ibáñez from Round Rock, OF Jason Martin optioned to Round Rock

Ibáñez will be in second stint with Texas this season

Arlington, Texas – The Texas Rangers announced prior to Monday’s series opener with the Oakland A’s that the club has recalled infielder Andy Ibáñez from Triple-A Round Rock. To make room for Ibáñez on the active roster, the team has optioned outfielder Jason Martin to Round Rock.

Ibáñez was also with the Rangers from May 4-20 after having his contract selected from Round Rock, batting .143 (3-21) with a double and 2 RBI over 9 games in his first Major League action. Since being optioned to Triple-A after the Rangers’ game on May 20, he has batted .352 (37-105) with 6 home runs, 11 doubles, 25 RBI, and 20 runs scored over 27 games with Round Rock, drawing 9 walks against just 16 strikeouts. He currently ranks among Triple-A West leaders in OPS (3rd, 1.058), batting average (4th, .352), slugging (4th, .648), and doubles (T6th, 11).

After going 2-for-4 with a home run last night vs. Oklahoma City, Ibáñez has an active 9-game hit streak at Triple-A, batting .529 (18-34) with 4 home runs, 13 RBI, and a 1.678 OPS over that span. He has played primarily third base and second base with Round Rock, along with limited action at first base and in left field.

Martin has batted .171 with one home run and 4 RBI over 20 games/6 starts for Texas since having his contract selected from Round Rock on May 26. He has spent the rest of the season with the Express, batting .302 with 7 home runs and 16 RBI over 15 games.

Following today’s transactions, the Rangers remain at the 40-man limit on the club’s Major League roster, along with eight players on the 60-day Injured List.

Cubs activate RHP Adbert Alzolay from 10-day IL, LHP Kyle Ryan optioned to Triple-A Iowa

MLB Editor
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Cubs activate RHP Adbert Alzolay from 10-day IL, LHP Kyle Ryan optioned to Triple-A Iowa

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today activated right-handed pitcher Adbert Alzolay from the 10-day injured list. Left-handed pitcher Kyle Ryan has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Alzolay, who was placed on the 10-day injured list on June 8 due to a blister on his right middle finger, will start tonight’s 7:05 p.m. CT contest against Cleveland at Wrigley Field.

Alzolay, 26, is 4-5 with a 4.06 ERA (26 ER/57.2 IP) in 11 starts for Chicago this season. He has allowed 16 walks and struck out 62 batters, contributing to a 1.04 WHIP.

Since making his major league debut with the Cubs in 2019, Alzolay is 6-7 with a 4.24 ERA (43 ER/91.1 IP) in 21 games (17 starts). He has struck out 104 batters, good for an average of 10.2 strikeouts per 9.0 innings, compared to 38 walks that has contributed to a 1.17 WHIP. In 2020, he pitched to a 2.95 ERA (7 ER/21.1 IP) while going 1-1 in six games (four starts) for Chicago.

Alzolay was signed as an international free agent by Chicago on December 6, 2012. He entered the 2019 season as the organization’s sixth-best prospect according to Baseball America and that year was named to the MLB All-Star Futures Game. He owns a 33-27 career minor league record with one complete game and a 3.63 ERA (198 ER/491.0 IP) in 105 games (84 starts).

Ryan, 29, has had four stints with the Cubs this season and has no record with a 3.38 ERA (1 ER/2.2 IP) in three relief appearances, walking two and striking out two.

Split-T Management’s Eric Puente and Omar Rosario Remain Undefeated With Wins in Las Vegas

Fight Editor
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Split-T Management’s Eric Puente and Omar Rosario Remain Undefeated With Wins in Las Vegas

NEW YORK – Lightweight Eric Puente and junior welterweight Omar Rosario remained perfect by scoring big wins at The Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas on Saturday.

 

The duo are managed by Split-T Management.

 

Puente had to shake off an opening round knockdown to win a unanimous decision over Jose Antonio Meza in a lightweight bout.

 

In round one, Puente was sent to the canvas from a left hook. Puente showed a tremendous heart and determination as he fought himself back into the contest. By round three, Puente seized control of the bout, and won by scores of 58-55 twice to raise his perfect mark to 6-0. Meza falls to 7-6.

 

Rosario was very impressive by stopping previously undefeated JJ Mariano in the fourth and final round.

 

In the opening round, Rosario buckled Mariano. In round two, Rosario registered a knockdown, and later in the round he landed a hard hook that had Mariano staggering back yo his corner.

 

Rosario hurt Mariano several times in round three, and finished off Mariano with a left that sent Mariano down again, and the fight was stopped at 2:13.

 

Rosario of Caguas, PR is now 4-0 with two knockouts. Mariano is now 3-1.

 

Rosario said, “We took full advantage of the opportunity and put on a good performance on a great card. We got the job done against an opponent who was undefeated and who came to put up a great fight.”

D-backs recall Humberto Castellanos from Triple-A Reno; place Matt Peacock on the bereavement list

MLB Editor
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D-backs recall Humberto Castellanos from Triple-A Reno; place Matt Peacock on the bereavement list

The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves:

Recalled RHP Humberto Castellanos from Triple-A Reno.

Placed RHP Matt Peacock on the Bereavement List.

Dodgers recall OF Zach Reks

MLB Editor
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Dodgers recall OF Zach Reks

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled outfielder Zach Reks from Triple-A Oklahoma City and optioned right-handed pitcher Edwin Uceta to Triple-A.

Reks, 27, will be recalled for the first time in his career after spending the last five seasons in the Dodgers minor league system. His next appearance will be his Major League debut. In 288 minor league games, he batted a combined .305 (314-for-1031) with 40 homers and 164 RBI. This season, he was hitting .341 (42-for-123) with five homers and 19 RBI for Triple-A. The Chicago, IL native was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 10th round of the 2017 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Kentucky.

Uceta, 23, returned for his fourth stint with the Dodgers and allowed five runs in 1.2 innings for the Dodgers in yesterday’s game. He has appeared in eight games for the Dodgers, posting an 0-2 record with a 6.28 ERA (10 ER/14.1 IP) and 16 strikeouts. The Dominican Republic native has been with the Dodgers organization since signing as international free agent on July 2, 2016. In parts of six minor league seasons, he has posted a 20-14 record with a 3.78 ERA

A’s select RHP Acevedo from Las Vegas; option LHP Luzardo to Las Vegas

MLB Editor
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A’s select RHP Acevedo from Las Vegas; option LHP Luzardo to Las Vegas

OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland A’s selected right-handed pitcher Domingo Acevedo from Triple-A Las Vegas and optioned left-handed pitcher Jesús Luzardo to Las Vegas, the club announced today.

Acevedo was a non-roster invitee with Oakland this spring and allowed two runs in 3.2 innings across five outings. The 27-year-old right-hander has five saves and a 2.76 ERA (5 er in 16.1 ip) in 15 outings for Las Vegas this year. He has walked three and struck out 27 for a 9.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Acevedo was signed by the A’s to a minor league contract Nov. 12, 2020. He spent the first eight seasons of his professional career in the New York Yankees organization where he was 26-17 with a 3.02 ERA in 117 games, including 80 starts, in seven minor league seasons.

Luzardo opened the season in the starting rotation and went 1-3 with a 5.79 ERA in six starts before being placed on the injured list on May 2 with a fractured left hand. After being reinstated from the injured list on May 30, he allowed 11 runs on 13 hits and four walks while striking out 10 over 10.0 innings in seven relief outings.

Rays to add Wander Franco to Major League roster

MLB Editor
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Rays to add Wander Franco to Major League roster

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays are expected to select infielder Wander Franco (WAHN-der FRAHN-co) from Triple-A Durham. To make room on the active roster, right-handed pitcher Drew Rasmussen was optioned to Durham. A corresponding move to the 40-man roster will be announced on Tuesday.

Franco, 20, will wear No. 5. He was ranked by Baseball America and MLB.com as the top international free agent when he signed with the Rays out of the Dominican Republic on July 2, 2017. In three minor league seasons, he is a .332 (275-for-829) hitter with 48 doubles, 20 triples, 27 home runs, 145 RBI and 27 stolen bases. In 2020, he was part of the Rays 60-man player pool and spent the summer at the alternate training site in Port Charlotte. He was named the Minor League Player of the Year by the Rays Baseball Operations department in 2019 and the Appalachian League Player of the Year in 2018.

Franco hit .315/.367/.586 (51-for-162) with 11 doubles, six triples, seven home runs, 35 RBI and five stolen bases in 39 games this season for Durham, including .371 (26-for-70) with three home runs and 17 RBI since the beginning of June and a 14-game hitting streak from June 1-17. Through Saturday, he led Triple-A East with 24 extra-base hits, was tied for first with 35 RBI and ranked among league leaders in avg. (.323, second), runs (30, third), hits (51, second), doubles (11, tied for seventh), triples (6, first), total bases (95, second), slugging pct. (.601, fifth) and on-base plus slugging pct. (.977, fifth).

Franco will be 20 years, 3 months and 21 days old on Tuesday and will become the second-youngest player in Rays history at the time of his debut for the club. B.J. Upton was 19 years, 11 months and 10 days old when he debuted in 2004.

Franco is the consensus No. 1 overall prospect in baseball. He entered the season ranked by Baseball America and MLB.com as the No. 1 overall prospect for a second straight year. He became the fourth player to rank as Baseball America’s top prospect in back-to-back years, joining Bryce Harper (2011-12), Joe Mauer (2004-05) and Andruw Jones (1996-97). The publication also tabbed him as the Best Hitter for Average and Best Strike-Zone Judgment in the organization for a third consecutive year. Following the 2019 season, he became the fifth shortstop to earn the No. 1 overall prospect ranking from Baseball America, joining Corey Seager (2016), Jurickson Profar (2013), Alex Rodriguez (1995) and Chipper Jones (1993). He was also the youngest player to land atop MLB.com’s prospects rankings since they began in 2004.

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