CertSim helps you pass IT certification exams with AI-driven practice tests and analytics. It delivers expert-validated questions for AWS, Azure, GCP, and more, with instant explanations, real-time translation, and timed simulations that mirror the real exam. You can track strengths and weaknesses on a dashboard, set a target date, and study on any device with continuously updated content.
Rogue Traders broadcasts a fully operational trading floor in real time. Subscribers watch experienced traders run live books across assets, debate setups, and manage risk with no scripts or hindsight. You get live execution, cross-asset signal alignment, inflection analysis, desk notes, and portfolio-level perspective, delivered with the raw culture of prop floors. This is immersive access to how professionals think and act, not a course or copy-trading.
Master the art of budget travel in Perth, Australia. Discover free CBD transport, zero-cost botanical gardens, and hidden wildlife spots in this 2026 guide.
The post How to Hack Your Perth Vacation: Here’s the Secret Guide for Travel Lovers to Explore Australia for Almost Free! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Flight cancellations and delays across key global routes due to airspace restrictions are affecting travelers in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Stay informed.
The post Travel Chaos Hits Middle East As Passengers Stranded At Hamad International, Bahrain International, Dubai International And Abu Dhabi International Airport With Multiple Airlines Canceling 519 And Delaying 187 Flights, Showing Ripple Effects On Routes To And More appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Explore 6 US towns with European charm from Danish villages to Swiss traditions.Discover how these towns give the European experience without the flight.
The post Travel Like You’re in Europe: Explore Six US Towns That Transport You Across the Atlantic appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Montreal-Trudeau Airport faces major delays and cancellations today, impacting travelers and local tourism. Air Canada, WestJet, and others affected
The post Travel Chaos Hits Montreal-Trudeau Airport as Air Canada, WestJet, and Jazz Face 169 Delays and 11 Cancellations Across Toronto, Vancouver, New York, London and Major Us cities appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Travel And Tour World (TTW), the premier global platform for digital travel intelligence, today announced it has reached a new milestone as the Official Media Partner for more than 120 major international travel trade shows in 2025.
The post Travel And Tour World Attends More Than 120 Global Travel Events as Official Media Partner in 2025, Strengthening Position as a Leading Voice in International Tourism appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Resident visa holders in New Zealand must manage travel conditions to avoid losing residency.
The post New Zealand Resident Visa: Essential Guide to Travel Conditions and Expiry Rules appeared first on Travel And Tour World.El Dorado International Airport experiences significant delays and cancellations, with 75 flight delays and 20 cancellations, disrupting passengers' travel plans."
The post Hundreds of Passengers Stranded at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia as 75 Flights Are Delayed and 20 Canceled, Disrupting Operations for Avianca, American Airlines, and More to Destinations Including Miami, New York, Madrid, and São Paulo appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Gulf Air announces special flights from Dammam, Saudi Arabia due to Bahrain's airspace closure, offering routes to London, Mumbai and Bangkok. Full details here
The post Gulf Air Temporarily Shifts Flights to Dammam, Saudi Arabia Amid Bahrain Airspace Closure: Routes to London, Mumbai, Bangkok appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Norris Clement is named Deputy Director of Professional Services at CTO, aiming to enhance workforce development and support the Caribbean tourism growth.
The post CTO Appoints Norris Clement as Deputy Director of Professional Services to Strengthen its Workforce Development in Caribbean Tourism Growth appeared first on Travel And Tour World.The Vault Hotel opens in Menorca with unique design local experiences & luxurious amenities.Discover new destination for culture-driven travel now.
The post New Luxury Hotel The Vault Opens in Menorca: A Fresh Take on Travel with Curated Experiences and Modern Design appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
© <p>N+T/Getty Images</p>
Some smartphone users in Europe are unhappy after pre-ordering the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. A few buyers say the phone became cheaper shortly after the pre-order period ended.
Samsung started pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 series on 25 February 2026 after its launch. Customers who pre-ordered the device were able to secure the phone before its official release. The Galaxy S26 series officially became available in stores on 11 March 2026.
However, one user recently shared their frustration online. According to the user, he pre-ordered the 16GB RAM and 1TB storage version of the Galaxy S26 Ultra for around €1,760. After the pre-order phase ended, the same model appeared to be about €100 cheaper.
The user questioned why people should pre-order if the phone later becomes cheaper. The user said it felt like the only benefit of pre-ordering was getting the phone earlier than others. The situation made users feel like the company made early buyers look foolish.
Pre-orders are usually meant to reward early customers. Many companies offer benefits such as early delivery, special discounts, free accessories, or trade-in offers to encourage people to order before the official release date.
But when the price drops soon after launch, some customers feel disappointed. Buyers who paid more during the pre-order stage may feel they did not get the best deal.
So far, Samsung has not made any official statement about these specific complaints. Meanwhile, the discussion continues online, with some users debating whether pre-ordering expensive smartphones is really worth it.
The post Some Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-order customers feel disappointed appeared first on Sammy Fans.
| WHO | Charlotte vs Inter Miami |
| WHAT | MLS 2026 season |
| WHEN | 7:30pm ET / 4:30am PT • Saturday, March 14, 2026 |
| WHERE | Apple TV |
| STREAM | WATCH NOW |
With the 2026 Major League Soccer season beginning to take shape, Inter Miami have quickly rebounded from its opening setback, stringing together two straight wins to climb within a single point of Eastern Conference frontrunners New York City FC and Nashville SC.
Now powered by the influence of Lionel Messi, Miami aim to extend that surge when it meets Charlotte FC, a side still trying to find its rhythm after beginning the campaign with a win, a draw, and a defeat. With momentum on the line and valuable early-season points at stake, this clash promises plenty of intrigue.
| WHO | Chivas vs Santos Laguna |
| WHAT | Liga MX |
| WHEN | 7:05pm ET / 4:05pm PT • Saturday, March 14, 2026 |
| WHERE | DirecTV Stream, Peacock Premium, Telemundo and Universo |
| STREAM | FREE TRIAL |
Chivas head into their upcoming matchup against Santos Laguna looking to keep the pressure on the top of the Liga MX standings. With 21 points, Guadalajara sit just four behind league leaders Cruz Azul and recently regained momentum by snapping a two-game losing streak in Matchday 10.
Meanwhile, Santos Laguna have struggled all season and remain at the bottom of the table with only five points from 10 games, making this a key opportunity for Chivas to continue their climb—so make sure not to miss the action.
has named one fighter he would have never wished to lock horns with, purely because of their robust friendship outside the ropes. The former five-division world champion fought a selection of elite competitors, including Canelo Alvarez and Errol Spence Jr, but would rarely consider any such opponents as ‘friends’. Shawn Porter, it seemed, was the […]
The post Terence Crawford names the only man he would have refused to fight appeared first on Boxing News.
Jazza Dickens makes the first defence of his WBA super-featherweight world title tonight against Anthony Cacace at the 3Arena in Dublin, topping a Queensberry Promotions card broadcast live on DAZN. Liverpool’s Dickens is enjoying the best run of his career, having upset Zelfa Barrett and stopped Olympic gold medallist Albert Batyrgaziev to become interim champion […]
The post Jazza Dickens vs Anthony Cacace live scorecard and undercard results appeared first on Boxing News.
Trendyol 1. Lig'in 31. haftasında Atko Grup Pendikspor ile İstanbulspor 1-1 berabere kaldı.
Stat: Pendik
Hakemler: Burak Olcar, Mehmet Pekmezci, Ömer Gezer
Atko Grup Pendikspor: Deniz Dilmen, Kitsiou (Dk. 87 Erdem Gökçe), Yiğit Fidan, Soldo, Sequeira (Dk. 8 Furkan Mehmet Doğan), Berkay Sülüngöz, Wilks (Dk. 87 Enis Safin), Bekir Karadeniz, Hakan Yeşil, Thuram, Clarke-Harris (Dk. 29 Görkem Bitin)
İstanbulspor: Alp Tutar, Yunus Bahadır (Dk. 67 Özcan Şahan), Fatih Tultak (Dk. 75 Duran Şahin), Emrecan Uzunhan (Dk. 72 Abdullah Aydın), Deniz Tuncer (Dk. 67 Cham), Vorobjovas, Sambissa, Ömer Faruk Duymaz (Dk. 73 Vefa Temel), Mendy, Yusuf Ali Özer, Krstovski
Goller: Dk. 22 Ömer Faruk Duymaz (İstanbulspor), Dk. 63 Görkem Bitin (Atko Grup Pendikspor)
Sarı kartlar: Dk. 33 Ömer Faruk Duymaz, Dk. 35 Mendy, Dk. 46 Yunus Bahadır, Dk. 61 Deniz Tuncer, Dk. 70 Yusuf Ali Özer (İstanbulspor), Dk. 90+6 Görkem Bitin (Atko Grup Pendikspor)
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında Galatasaray ile RAMS Başakşehir takımları RAMS Park'ta karşılaştı. Başakşehirli Festy Ebosele'nin ikinci sarı karttan kırmızı kart gördüğü pozisyonu Eski FIFA Hakemi, Spor ve Hakem Yorumcusu Deniz Ateş Bitnel değerlendirdi.
Deniz Ateş Bitnel: Her ayağı basma sarı kart mıdır? Tabii ki değil.
Ayağı basmaların sarı kart olarak değerlendirilebilmesi için geç kalınmış bir müdahale ile rakibin ayağının üzerine net bir basmanın gerçekleşmesi gerekiyor.
Galatasaray-Başakşehir maçında Ebosele'nin ilk gördüğü sarı kart ne kadar doğruysa ikinci gördüğü sarı kart o kadar hatalı.
Çünkü net bir ayağı basma göremiyoruz. Rakibin ayağının üzerinden ufak bir sıyırma olabilir. Ama bu sadece faulle cezalandırılmalı. Sarı kartla değil.
Özellikle ikinci sarı kartların tartışılmaması gerektiğini söyleyen UEFA nezdinde bu sarı kart kabul görmez. Dolayısıyla Galatasaray-Başakşehir maçında Ebosele'nin gördüğü ikinci sarı kart hatalı.
FotoSpor (@fotosporcom)'in paylaştığı bir gönderi
Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi'nin 22. haftasında Türk Telekom, deplasmanda Karşıyaka'yı 85-75 mağlup etti.
Salon: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Karşıyaka
Hakemler: Zafer Yılmaz, Seher Ayşe Nur Yazıcıoğlu, Polat Parlak
Karşıyaka: Young 19, Samet Geyik 6, Gordic 2, Bishop 8, Moody 15, Sokolowski 11 , Serkan Menteşe, Manning 14, Alston, Mert Celep,
Türk Telekom: Devoe 10, Berkan Durmaz 11, Trifunovic 17, Doğuş Özdemiroğlu 6, Bankston 4, Allman 3, Emircan Koşut, Ata Kahraman 3, Alexander 12, Usher 12, Smith 7,
1.? ?Periyot: 13-32
Devre: 30-42
3.? ?Periyot: 49-74
Galatasaraylı Mauro Icardi için ortaya atılan River Plate iddialarına yanıt geldi. Arjantin ekibinin sportif direktörü Enzo Francescoli, transfer söylentilerini yalanladı.
Galatasaray forması giyen Mauro Icardi için dikkat çeken bir açıklama gündeme geldi. River Plate Sportif Direktörü Enzo Francescoli, transferde adı geçen Mauro Icardi ile ilgili konuştu.
ICARDI'NİN TRANSFER OLASILIĞI
Mauro Icardi'nin River Plate'e transfer olasılığı sorusuna cevap veren Enzo Francescoli, "Hayır, kimse bundan bahsetmedi ve ben de bu konuyu hiç konuşmadım." dedi.
Sözlerine devam eden Enzo Francescoli, "River Plate'in nasıl bir yer olduğunu biliyorsunuz. 140 yönetim kurulu üyesi var, 140 kişi konuşuyor. Bilmiyorum, bu futbol takımının resmin gündeminde yer alan bir konu değil." diye konuştu.
MENAJERİNDEN YALANLAMA
Mauro Icardi'nin menajeri Elio Letterio Pino da geçtiğimiz günlerde Mauro Icardi için River Plate iddiasını yalanlamıştı.
Pino, "Onlardan hiç telefon almadım." diye konuşmuştu.
32 yaşındaki Icardi'nin, Galatasaray ile sözleşmesi sezon sonunda bitecek.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında Trabzonspor, evinde Çaykur Rizespor'u ağırlıyor. Trabzonspor Teknik Direktörü Fatih Tekke maç önü açıklamalarda bulundu.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında Trabzonspor, sahasında Çaykur Rizespor'u konuk ediyor. Bordo-mavililerde teknik direktör Fatih Tekke, mücadele öncesi açıklamalarda bulundu.
Yayıncı kuruluşa konuşan Tekke'nin açıklamalarından öne çıkanlar şu şekilde:
"ORHAN ABİMİZE ALLAH'TAN RAHMET DİLİYORUM"
"Öncelikle 14 Mart Tıp Bayramı bütün doktorlarımızın Tıp Bayramı'nı kutlarım. Annem de dün gece küçük bir rahatsızlık geçirdi şu an hastanede. Doktorlarımız iyi ki var. Hafta başından itibaren acımız büyük. Orhan Abimize Allah'tan rahmet diliyorum. Hepimizin başı sağolsun. Ama bu acının üstesinden kalktık gibi ifadeler kullanmayacağım. Orhan Abi yokmuş gibi davranamayız. Orhan Abi hep varmış gibi devam edeceğiz. Onun son hali, güleç yüzü hep yanımızda duracak. Hepimiz çok üzgünüz. Orhan Abinin de oyunculardan isteyeceği şey her zamanki aile olabilmek için verdiği mücadeleyi göstermemizi isterdi. Tam manasıyla mükemmel bir aile olduk mu? Tabii ki hayır ama eksikleriyle beraber aile olmaya çalışıyoruz. Ne olursa olsun her şeyden bağımsız o mücadeleyi isteği aile olabilmeyi ona göstermemiz gerekiyor. Üzgünüz, bu üzüntümüz devam ediyor ama hayatta devam ediyor. Duygularım bunlar. Oyun olarak karşımızda moralli bir takım var. Bölgenin önemli bir maçı. Kolay bir maç yok."
Son haftalarda kaybettiği puanlarla taraftarlarını üzüntüye sokan ve zirveden uzaklaşan Göztepe, evinde Alanyaspor'u ağırladı. 15. dakikada Hagi'nin golüne 59'da Krastev ve 73'te Miroshi ile cevap verdi. Herkes maçın bu şekilde biteceğini ve 45 puanla 5'inci sıraya yerleşeceğini düşünüyordu. Göztepe yine aynı sıraya çıktı ama 43 puanla...çünkü 90+10. dakikada Akdeniz ekibi adına I. Kaya sahneye çıktı ve beraberliği getiren golü attı. Mücadele 2-2 sona erdi.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında Göztepe ile Corendon Alanyaspor karşı karşıya geldi. Gol düellosuna sahne olan mücadele 2-2 sona erdi.
Ev sahibi ekibin gollerini 7. dakikada Juan ve 59. dakikada Janderson kaydetti. Konuk ekibin gollerini 15. dakikada Ianis Hagi ve 90. dakikada İbrahim Kaya kaydetti.
Göztepe, 43 puana yükseldi. Corendon Alanyaspor ise puanını 28 yaptı.
MAÇTAN DAKİKALAR
7. dakikada Göztepe öne geçti. Antunes'in ortasında Jeferson'dan seken top Dennis'in önünde kaldı. Makouta'nın müdahalesiyle Dennis'in yerde kalması sonucu hakem Asen Albayrak, beyaz noktayı gösterdi.
Juan'ın kullandığı penaltı vuruşunda, kaleci sağına uzanarak topu çıkardı. Topa ikinci kez hamle yapan Juan, meşin yuvarlağı ağlarla buluşturdu: 1-0
14. dakikada Alanyaspor eşitliği sağladı. Ceza sahası sol çaprazından serbest vuruş kullanan Hagi'nin yerden sert bir şekilde kaleye gönderdiği top, defans oyuncularına çarparak kaleci Lis'in sağından filelerle buluştu: 1-1
35. dakikada Alanyaspor gole yaklaştı. Duarte, kendi sahasından alıp getirdiği topu ceza sahası sağ önündeki Mounie'ye aktardı. Mounie'nin vuruşunda, kaleci Lis meşin yuvarlağı çeldi.
41. dakikada Alanyaspor'da orta saha gerisinde topu kapan Hagi, meşin yuvarlağı Hwang'a aktardı. Kaleci Lis'in önde olduğunu gören Hwang, topu uzaktan kaleye gönderdi. Lis'in müdahale etmeye çalıştığı meşin yuvarlak, direğin yanından auta çıktı.
Karşılaşmanın ilk yarısı 1-1 eşitlikle tamamlandı.
Öte yandan karşılaşmayı, hakem Asen Albayrak yönetti. Albayrak, 22 yıl sonra Süper Lig'de görev yapan ilk kadın orta hakem oldu.
55. dakikada Göztepe gole yaklaştı. Cherni'nin sol kanattan kullandığı kornerde ceza sahası içerisinde iyi yükselen Heliton'un kafa vuruşunda, kaleci Victor topu kornere çeldi.
59. dakikada Göztepe öne geçti. Krastev ile paslaşan Janderson, ceza sahası sağ çaprazdan vuruşunda, top kalecinin sağından filelerle buluştu. VAR'ın müdahalesi sonucu pozisyonu faul olduğu gerekçesiyle izleyen hakem Asen Albayrak, kararını değiştirmeyip orta noktayı gösterdi: 2-1
70. dakikada Göztepe atağında Janderson, sağ kanattan getirdiği topu ceza sahası içerisindeki Juan'a gönderdi. Defansın araya girmesi sonucu boşta kalan topu alan Krastev'in vuruşunda, meşin yuvarlak yandan dışarı çıktı.
77. dakikada Alanyaspor gole yaklaştı. Ceza sahası sağ çaprazından serbest vuruş kullanan Hadergjonaj, topu Hagi'nin önüne bıraktı. Hagi'nin yerden sert gönderdiği meşin yuvarlak, defansa çarpıp direğin yanından kornere gitti.
90+8. dakikada Alanyaspor eşitliği sağladı. Aliti'nin ara pasıyla ceza sahası içerisinde topla buluşan İbrahim Kaya, meşin yuvarlağı ağlarla buluşturdu: 2-2
Karşılaşma 2-2 eşitlikle tamamlandı.
Stat: ISONEM Park Gürsel Aksel
Hakemler: Asen Albayrak, Samet Çiçek, Murat Şener,
Göztepe: Lis, Godoi, Heliton, Bokele, Ogün Bayrak (Dk. 57 Arda Okan Kurtulan), Dennis, Miroshi, Cherni (Dk. 86 Mohammed), Antunes (Dk. 57 Krastev), Jeferson (Dk. 57 Janderson), Juan (Dk. 90 Efkan Bekiroğlu)
Corendon Alanyaspor: Victor, Lima (Dk. 90+3 İbrahim Kaya), Aliti, Ümit Akdağ, Hadergjonaj, Makouta (Dk. 69 Enes Keskin), Janvier, Duarte (Dk. 90 Meschack), Hagi (Dk. 90 Efecan Karaca), Hwang, Mounie (Dk. 69 Güven Yalçın)
Goller: Dk. 7 Juan, Dk. 59 Janderson (Göztepe), Dk. 14 Hagi, Dk. 90+8 İbrahim Kaya (Corendon Alanyaspor)
Sarı kartlar: Dk. 38 Aliti, Dk. 39 Lima, Dk. 61 Victor (Corendon Alanyaspor), Dk. 39 Bokele, Dk. 45+2 Jeferson, Dk. 73 Miroshi (Göztepe)
Fenerbahçe'den kış transfer döneminde ayrılan Jhon Duran, yeni kulübü Zenit'te ilk golünü attı. Kolombiyalı yıldız, Spartak Moskova ile oynanan maçta ağları penaltıdan havalandırdı.
Rusya Premier Lig'in 21. hafta mücadelesinde Zenit, Spartak Moskova'yı konuk etti. Ev sahibi takım, rakibini iki penaltı golüyle 2-0 mağlup ederek 3 puanı aldı. İkinci sırada yer alan Zenit bu sonuçla birlikte puanını 45'e yükseltti. Altıncı sıradaki Spartak Moskova ise 35 puanda kaldı.
Jhon Duran ilk golünü attı
2-0 sona eren karşılaşmanın ilk golünü 45. dakikada penaltıdan Sobolev attı. Maçın ilk yarısı 1-0 sona erdi. Mücadelenin son anlarına doğru 81. dakikada Jhon Duran, yine bir penaltı golüyle farkı ikiye çıkardı. Kolombiyalı golcü böylelikle Zenit formasıyla ilk golünü kaydetti. Duran, yazın Fenerbahçe ile olan kiralık sözleşmesini feshetmiş ve Lille'in teklifini reddettikten sonra Al Nassr'dan Zenit'e kiralanmıştı.
Sadettin Saran'dan Duran açıklaması
Bu arada Sadettin Saran, geçtiğimiz günlerde FB TV'de yaptığı açıklamada Jhon Duran'ı gönderme sebebini anlatmıştı. Saran, "Duran ile devam edecek olsaydık takıma da ihanet etmiş olacaktık! Çünkü artık kendisini takımın önünde tutmaya çalıştı. Bükreş'teki maça 'gitmeyeceğim' demesi, bardağı taşıran son damla oldu." ifadelerini kullanmıştı.
Alagöz Holding Iğdır FK, teknik direktör Hikmet Karaman ile anlaştığını açıkladı.
Kulüpten yapılan açıklamada, yeni teknik direktörlük görevine Hikmet Karaman'ın getirildiği belirtildi. Açıklamada, şu ifadelere yer verildi:
"Kulübümüz, teknik direktörlük görevi için Hikmet Karaman ile anlaşmaya varmıştır. Kendisine 'hoş geldin' diyor, görevinde başarılar diliyoruz."
Trendyol 1. Lig ekiplerinden Iğdır FK'de teknik direktör olarak görev yapan Kenan Koçak, son oynanan ve 3-2 kaybedilen Sipay Bodrum FK maçının ardından istifa etmişti.
Qadınlardan ibarət basketbol üzrə Azərbaycan millisi bu gün Avropa çempionatının seçmə mərhələsində növbəti oyununa çıxıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Evren Alkayanın baş məşqçisi olduğu yığmamız səfərdə Monteneqro milli komandası ilə üz-üzə gəlib.
Yığmamız bu görüşdə növbəti məğlubiyyətinə üzülüb. Basketbolçularımız meydanı 35:94 hesablı məğlubiyyətlə tərk ediblər.
Xatırladaq ki, Azərbaycan millisi Monteneqro yığmasına qarşı keçirdiyi ev oyununda da 62:104 da hesabı ilə məğlub olmuşdu.
Azərbaycan yığması daha əvvəl Bolqarıstana da hər iki oyunda uduzub – 48:141, 40:120. Komandamız Ukrayna yığması ilə görüşdən də məğlubiyyətlə ayrılıb – 34:98.
Yığmamız yer aldığı E qrupunda 5 xalla sonuncu – dördüncü sırada qərarlaşıb. Qrupa 10 xala malik Bolqarıstan yığması liderlik edir. Monteneqronun 8, Ukraynanın 7 xalı var.
Azərbaycan millisi bu qrupdakı növbəti və sonuncu görüşünü martın 17-də Bakıda məhz Ukrayna yığmasına qarşı keçirəcək.
Qeyd edək ki, basketbol üzrə növbəti Avropa çempionatının final mərhələsi 2027-ci ildə təşkil ediləcək.
“Zirə”nin baş məşqçisi Rəşad Sadıqov Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 24-cü turu çərçivəsində “Qarabağ”a qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Zirədə baş tutmuş görüşü meydan sahiblərinin 1:3 hesablı məğlubiyyəti ilə yekunlaşıb.
Rəşad Sadıqov matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:
“Oyun bizim üçün yaxşı başladı, təhlükəli hücumlarımız oldu. Birinci hissənin ortalarında rəqib hesabda irəli çıxdıq. Ondan sonra 5-10 dəqiqə oyunumuzda eniş oldu, rəqib daha üstün idi. Hətta 2-ci qolu vura bilərdilər. Hissənin sonlarına yaxın oyun bizim üçün daha yaxşı keçdi. 2:0-dan sonra oyunu dəyişdirmək çətin idi. Əvəzetmələr etdik, müəyyən effekt verdi. 2:1-dən sonra düşünürdük ki, rəqibi basqı altında saxlasaq, qol vurmaq ehtimalımız olar. Amma “Qarabağ” irəli atıldı və 3-cü qolunu vurdu. Bu gün meydanda güclü, yaxşı “Qarabağ” var idi. Futbolçularım əllərindən gələni etdilər. Mübarizə apardılar. Hansısa məqamlarda alınırdı, hansısa məqamlarda alınmırdı. Oyun təbii olaraq “Qarabağ”ın dominantlığı ilə keçirdi. Amma bizim oyunçular da yaxşı əzmkarlıq göstərdilər, ruhdan düşmədilər. Ən azından bir xal qazanmaq istəyirdik. Bu cür “Qarabağ”a qarşı uğur qazanmaq üçün gərək hər şey sənin üçün uğurlu alınsın. “Qarabağ” sıx qrafikdə idi. Amma hazırda bütün fikirləri çempionatdadır.
Futbolçularımdan razıyam. Oyun planına sadiq qalırdılar. Futbolçular tapşırıqları yaxşı səviyyədə yerinə yetirdilər. Qarşıda yenə sıx qrafik olacaq. Çox ciddi itkilərimiz var. İssa Cibrilla Qubadakı meydandakı zədədən sonra hələ də yoxdur. 5-6 aydır heç cürə bərpa ola bilmir. Brahim Konate zədədən sonra qayıdıb. Çalışırıq ki, formasını yığsın. Qismət Alıyevin qızdırması var idi. Onun yerini doldurmaq bizim üçün çətin idi. Qış fasiləsindən sonra komandamız pis çıxış etmir. Yeganə olaraq “Kəpəz”lə matçdan oyun baxımından məmnun deyiləm. O oyunla bağlı tənqidlərə də razıyam. Amma 1/4 finalı keçmişik, digər matçları qazanmışıq. “Sabah”, “Turan Tovuz” və “Qarabağ”a uduzmuşuq. Əlimizdən gələni etmişik, amma rəqib bizdən daha yaxşı olub. Klub olaraq yeni limitə uyğunlaşmağa ehtiyacımız var. Bütün oyunlara eyni limitlə çıxırıq. Yeganə fərq qapıda Aydının yox, Tyaqo Silvanın olmasıdır. Digər rəqiblər 10-11 legionerlər mübarizə aparırlar. Bu da bizim üçün növbəti illər üçün yaxşı dərs oldu”.
Sadıqov klubun büdcəsindən və transfer siyasətindən də söhbət açıb:
Mən də istəyərəm ki, büdcəmiz daha çox olsun, əminəm ki, rəhbərlik də onu istəyir. Bir qəpik kiməsə borcumuz yoxdur, hamıya qarşı ədalətli olmuşuq. Müəyyən məqamlarda istədiyimiz transferləri edə bilmədik. Gedişatlar yaydan bəlli idi ki, rəqiblər çempionatda necə iddialı idi. Futbolda belə hallar baş verir. Bu gün vacib olan odur ki, sona qədər mübarizə aparaq. Rəhbərlik qarşımıza avrokuboklara düşmək kimi hədəf qoymamışdı. Mümkün şəraitdə ən yaxşısını etməyə çalışırıq. Avrokuboklara düşmək istəyirik. Rəhbərliyi, özümüzü, azarkeşlərimizi sevindirmək istəyirik”.
Rəşad Sadıqov hakimlərdən də şikayətlənib:
“Paltardəyişmə otağında telefonda baxdım, mübahisəli epizodların hər ikisi penalti idi. Nəticəyə necə təsir edərdi, başqa sualdır. Bizim üçün çox üstünlük olacaqdı. Rəqib daha çox basqı ilə oynaya bilərdi. İkinci penalti epizodu da 86-cı dəqiqədə idi, qol vursaydıq, 3:2… Maraqlı olan odur ki, indi epizodları şərh etdikdə haqq qazandırılacaq. Hər iki epizodda penalti verilsəydi, doğru qərar kimi şərh veriləcəkdi. Bilirsiniz, o epizodlara verilən şərhlər də adamı məyus edir. Bu iki penalti verilsəydi, şərh veriləcəkdi ki, penaltidir. Verilmədi, deyiləcək penalti deyil. Bu oyunu demirəm, lap başqa oyunda. Fərid Hacıyev, Nicat İsmayıllı… Əvvəlki oyunlarımızda da mübahisəli qərarları olub”.
“Qarabağ”ın baş məşqçisi Qurban Qurbanov Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 24-cü turunda “Zirə”yə qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Zirədə baş tutmuş görüşü Ağdam təmsilçisinin 3:1 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.
Qurban Qurbanov matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:
“Futbolçularımı təbrik edirəm. Çox yaxşı mübarizə oldu, yaxşı dinamika var idi. Bizim üçün vacib oyun idi. Qarşımızda çox istəkli, bizi çox yaxşı təhlil etmiş kollektiv var idi. Sona qədər təslim olmadılar. Bizə rahat oynamağa imkan vermədilər. Rəşad Sadıqova və komandasına uğurlar arzulayıram.
Avrokubok oyunları olmayanda daha sərbəst oluruq. Amma hələ optimal formamızdan uzağıq. Tam özümüzə gəlməmişik. Bəzi futbolçuların performansında çatışmazlıqlar var. Komanda az-çox yorulur. Futbolçular Çempionlar Liqasında hər oyunda çox enerji itirirdilər. Gərgin mövsüm keçdi. Hər matçdan öncə məsuliyyət, stress… Futbolçular çox yükləndilər. Hətta özüm də. İnanıram ki, qarşıdakı matçlara daha yaxşı köklənəcəklər. Qarşıda yenə sıx qrafik olacaq. 3-4 gündən bir oynayacağıq. Xeyirlisi. Yenə də çalışacağıq ki, futbolçuları tam hazır edək və sıx qrafikə uyğunlaşsınlar.
Kubok və çempionat oyunlarını ardıcıl eyni komandaya qarşı keçirmək xoş deyil. Bəzən azarkeşlər üçün də bir rəqiblə oynayıb, sonra pauza edib yenidən onlarla oynamaq yaxşıdır. Yəqin qrafik sıxdır deyə, belə olub. Hər iki komanda üçün eyni vəziyyət olacaq. Mən də istəyərdim ki, bir rəqiblə oynadıqdan sonra vaxt olsun, hazırlaşaq”.
Qurban Qurbanov Kris Kuakunun Norveçin “Sarpsborq” klubuna keçidinə də şərh verib:
“Kuaku intizamlı futbolçu idi. Daha çox oynamaq istəyirdi. Amma burada az oynayırdı. Məşqçi olaraq onu başa düşərək, bu keçidə “yox” demədim. Onda da alınmadı, bizdə də. Bundan sonra oyunlarımızın sayı az olacaq. Bu üzdən də onun qarşısını kəsməyə ehtiyac görmədik.
Qurbanov “Sabah”la çempionluq mübarizəsindən də söhbət açıb:
“Sabah” hazırda çox yaxşı vəziyyətdədir. Özünəməxsus oyun üslubu olan komandadır, yaxşı kollektiv və yaxşı baş məşqçiləri var. Üstünlük onların tərəfinddədir. Amma sona qədər mübarizə aparacağıq. Heç kimə təslim olmurlar. Qarşıdakı matçlarda mütləq daha istəkli, daha ciddi olmalıyıq. Xeyirlisi. Heç vaxt deməmişəm ki, taleyimiz öz əlimizdədir, hər şey Allahın əlindədir. İndiki “Sabah”ın istənilən komandaya o sayda qol vuracağını gözləyirəm. Stadionun durumu bizimlə oyundan daha yaxşı idi. Nə qədər futbolçu zədədən qurtuldu orada”.
Misli Premyer Liqasının XXIV turunun “Zirə” – “Qarabağ” oyunundan (1:3) sonra meydan sahibi komandanın baş məşqçisi Rəşad Sadıqov jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bildirib…
– Oyun bizim üçün yaxşı başladı, təhlükəli hücumlarımız oldu. Birinci hissənin ortalarında rəqib hesabda irəli çıxdı. Ondan sonra 5-10 dəqiqə oyunumuzda eniş oldu, rəqib daha üstün idi. Hətta 2-ci qolu vura bilərdilər. Hissənin sonlarına yaxın oyun bizim üçün daha yaxşı keçdi. 0:2-dən sonra oyunu dəyişdirmək çətin idi. Əvəzetmələr etdik, müəyyən effekt verdi. 1:2-dən sonra düşünürdük ki, rəqibi basqı altında saxlasaq, qol vurmaq ehtimalımız olar. Amma “Qarabağ” irəli atıldı və 3-cü qolunu vurdu. Bu gün meydanda güclü, yaxşı “Qarabağ” var idi. Futbolçularım əllərindən gələni etdilər. Mübarizə apardılar. Hansısa məqamlarda alınırdı, hansısa məqamlarda alınmırdı. Bu cür “Qarabağ”a qarşı yaxşı nəticə qazanmaq üçün gərək hər şey sənin üçün uğurlu alınsın.
– Apreldə sıx qrafikiniz olacaq…
– Milli aradan sonrakı sıx qrafik daim ağlımdadır. Çox ciddi itkilərimiz var. İssa Cibrilla Qubadakı meydandakı zədədən sonra hələ də yoxdur. 5-6 aydır heç cürə bərpa ola bilmir. Brahim Konate zədədən sonra qayıdıb. Çalışırıq ki, formasını yığsın. Qismət Alıyev qızdırması var idi. Onun yerini doldurmaq bizim üçün çətin idi. Milli aradan sonra həlledici perioda girəcəyik.
– “Zirə” digər komandalardan legioner almağı ilə fərqlənir. İzlədiyiniz legionerlər var?
– Bu haqda qəti şəkildə düşünmürük. Mövsümün ən vacib periodu başlayıb. Çempionatda çox bəyəndiyimiz futbolçular var.
– 4-cü yer uğrunda mübarizəyə görə gərginlik ola bilər?
– Yarışdır da. Qış fasiləsindən sonra komandamız pis çıxış etmir. Yeganə “Kəpəz”lə matçdan razı qalmadım. O oyunla bağlı tənqidlərə də razıyam. Amma 1/4 finalı keçmişik, digər matçları qazanmışıq. “Sabah”, “Turan Tovuz” və “Qarabağ”a uduzmuşuq. Əlimizdən gələni etmişik, amma rəqib bizdən daha yaxşı olub. Klub olaraq yeni limitiə adaptasiya olmağa ehtiyacımız var. Bütün oyunlara eyni limitlə çıxırıq. Yeganə fərq qapıda Aydının yox, Tyaqo Silvanın olmasıdır. Digər rəqiblər 10-11 legionerlərlə mübarizə aparırlar. Bu da bizim üçün növbəti illər üçün yaxşı dərs oldu deyim, düzgün anlaşılsın. Yeni limitə adaptasiya üçün.
– “Zirə” artıq uzun illərdir ki, stabil nəticələr göstərir, avrokuboklarda mərhələ adlayır. Sizcə, kluba daha böyük büdcənin ayrılmasının zamanı çatmayıb?
– Mən də istəyərəm ki, büdcəmiz daha çox olsun, əminəm ki, rəhbərlik də onu istəyir. Ən vacib odur ki, komanda vacibdir. Bir qəpik kiməsə borcumuz yoxdur, hamıya qarşı ədalətli olmuşuq. Rəqiblərin seleksiyaları filan, biz müəyyən məqamlarda istədiyimiz transferləri edə bilmədik. Gedişatlar yaydan bəlli idi ki, rəqiblər çempionatda necə iddialı idi. Futbolda belə hallar baş verir. Bu gün vacib olan odur ki, sona qədər mübarizə aparmaq, avrokuboklara düşmək. İnandırım sizi, rəhbərlik qarşımıza avrokuboklara düşmək kimi hədəf qoymamışdı. Mümkün şəraitdə ən yaxşısını etməyə çalışırıq. Avrokuboklara düşmək istəyirik. Rəhbərliyi, özümüzü, azarkeşlərimizi sevindirək. Rəqiblərin gücünü başa düşürük. Əlimizdən gələni edəcəyik ki, avrokuboklara biz də düşək.
– İki epizod var idi ki, penalti istəyirdiz. O epizodlarla bağlı fikirləriniz nədir?
– Paltardəyişmə otağında telefonda baxdım, hər ikisi penalti idi. Nəticəyə necə təsir edərdi, başqa sualdır. Bizim üçün çox üstünlük olacaqdı. Rəqib daha çox basqı ilə oynaya bilərdi. İkinci penalti epizodu da 86-cı dəqiqədə idi, qol vursaydıq, artıq hesab 2:3 olacaqdı. Maraqlı odur ki, indi epizodları şərh etdikdə haqq qazandırılacaq. Hər iki epizodda penalti verilsəydi, doğru qərar kimi şərh veriləcəkdi. Bilirsiz, o epizodlara verilən şərhlər də adamı məyus edir. Bu iki penalti verilsəydi, şərh veriləcəkdi ki, penaltidir. Verilmədi, deyiləcək penalti deyil. Bu oyunu demirəm, lap başqa oyunda. Fərid Hacıyev, Nicat İsmayıllı…Əvvəlki oyunlarımızda da hakimlərin mübahisəli qərarları olub.
Misli Premyer Liqasının XXIV turunun “Zirə” – “Qarabağ” oyunundan (1:3) sonra qonaq komandanın baş məşqçisi Qurban Qurbanov jurnalistlərin suallarını cavablandırıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, mütəxəssis əvvəlcə görüşlə bağlı fikirlərini bildirib…
– Futbolçularımı təbrik edirəm. Çox yaxşı mübarizə oldu, yaxşı dinamika var idi. Qarşımızda çox istəkli, bizi çox yaxşı təhlil edən komanda vardı. Sona qədər təslim olmadılar. Bizə rahat oynamağa imkan vermədilər.
– Uzun illərdir belə söhbətlər var ki, “Qarabağ” avrokuboklarda iştirakını dayandırdıqdan sonra daxili turnirlərdə qarşısıalınmaz olur, daha çox fokuslana bilir. Bu fərqi özünüz də hiss edirsiz?
– 100 faiz. Avrokubok oyunları olmayanda daha sərbəst olursan. Amma hələ optimal formamızdan uzağıq. Bəzi futbolçuların performansında çatışmazlıqlar var. Çempionlar Liqasında hər oyunda çox enerji itirdilər. Gərgin mövsüm keçdi. Hər matçdan öncə məsuliyyət, stress… Futbolçular çox yükləndilər. Hətta özüm də. İnanıram ki, qarşıdakı matçlara daha yaxşı köklənəcəklər. Hələ qarşıda yenə sıx qrafik olacaq. 3-4 gündən bir oynayacağıq. Xeyirlisi. Yenə də çalışacağıq ki, futbolçuları tam hazır edək və sıx qrafikə uyğunlaşsınlar. Bəli, düşüncə var ki, Avropa oyunları olmayanda hər məşqə və oyuna daha yaxşı fokuslanırlar.
– Leandro Andrade oyuna mərkəzdə başladı. Necə təsir bağışladı?
– Oyunun gedişatında rotasiyalar olur. Gözləyirdim ki, matçın gedişatında rotasiya edək. Leandro həm sağ, həm sol cinahda, həm də ortada oynamağaı bacarır. Çox yaxşı performans göstərdi.
– Kamilo Duranın Kolumbiya millisinə dəvət edilməsini gözləyirdiz? Dünya çempionatına getməsini real sayırsız?
– Qabiliyyətli futbolçudur. Onun sürəti, davranışı, idman xarakteri imkan verə bilər ki, daha böyük futbolçu olsun, daha böyük turnirlərdə oynasın. Buna sevinərik. Görək hansı qərarları verəcəklər.
– Apreldə “Sabah” və “Neftçi” ilə ardıcıl oyunlarınız var. Bu cür qrafikə görə üzülmürsüzki?
– Kubok və çempionat oyunlarını ardıcıl eyni komanda ilə oynamaq xoş deyil. Bəzən azarkeşlər üçün də bir rəqiblə oynayıb, sonra pauza edib yenidən onlarla oynamaq yaxşıdır. Yəqin qrafik sıxdır deyə, belə olub. Hər iki komanda üçün eyni vəziyyət olacaq. Mən də istəyərdim ki, bir rəqiblə oynadıqdan sonra vaxt olsun, hazırlaşaq.
– Kris Kuaku rəqabətə hazır deyildi deyə, ayrıldı?
– İntizamlı futbolçu idi. Özü də daha çox oynamaq istəyirdi. Az oynayırdı. Məşqçi olaraq onu başa düşərək, “yox” demədim. Onda da alınmadı, bizdə də.
– Rui Jorjenin U-20 millisinə təyinatını necə qarşıladız?
– Xeyirli olsun. Müzakirə olunan məsələ idi, hazırlıq gedirdi. Uğurlu olsun.
– Joni Montiel ilə Marko Yankoviç arasında seçim etmək çətinlik yaratmır?
– İkisinin də meydanda olduğu vaxtlar çox olub. Son bir neçə matçda Yankoviç ardıcıl oynadı və yorğunluq ola bilər. Əsas odur ki, formada olsunlar və mən fikirləşim ki, kimi oynadaq (gülür).
– Sizcə, “Qalatsaray” “Liverpul” səddini İngiltərədə keçə bilər?
– İnamımız böyükdür. O stadionda oynamaq asan deyil. Amma “Qaltaasaray”a bol-bol uğurlar arzulayırıq, dualarımız onlarladı. Allah qoysa, keçərlər. Onlar da çox yaxşı formadadır. Yaxşı xarakterli kollektiv var, təslim olmağı xoşlamırlar.
– Çempionlar Liqasında komandanız uğurlu çıxış etdi. Sizə təkliflər var?
– Bakıdayıq da hələ (gülür).
– Sami Mmae əsas komandaya geri qaytarıla bilər?
– Ola bilər. Cəzalandırılmışdı. Qarşıdakı fasilədə baxacağıq.
– “Sabah”ın büdrəməsini real hesab edirsiz?
– Bu dəqiqə çox yaxşı “Sabah” var. Özünəməxsus oyun üslubu olan komandadır, yaxşı kollektiv və yaxşı baş məşqçiləri var. Üstünlük onlar tərəfdədir. Amma sona qədər mübarizə aparacağıq. Heç kimə təslim olmurlar. Qarşıdakı matçlarda mütləq daha istəkli, daha ciddi olmalıyıq. Xeyirlisi. Heç vaxt deməmişəm ki, taleyimiz öz əlimizdədir, hər şey Allahın əlindədir.
– “Sabah”ın Qubadakı stadionda bu qədər qol vuracağını gözləyirdiz?
– Hazırkı “Sabah”ın istənilən komandaya o sayda qol vuracağını gözləyirəm. Stadionun durumu bizimlə oyundan daha yaxşı idi. Nə qədər futbolçu zədədən qurtuldu orada.
“Napoli” icarə əsasında komandada çıxış edən Rasmus Hoylundun transfer hüquqlarını alacaq.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə klubun idman direktoru Covanni Manna İtaliya mətbuatına açıqlamasında deyib. O, danimarkalı hücumçunun növbəti mövsüm də komandada olacağını bildirib.
Hoylund müqavilə ilə “Mançester Yunayted”ə məxsusdur. O, ötən yaydan “Napoli”də icarədədir.
Danimarkalı forvard bu mövsüm 35 oyunda 13 qol vurub.
Matteo Politano ended his goal drought after 43 games, as Napoli fought back to beat Lecce 2-1 on the return of Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne to the Stadio Maradona.
The Partenopei regained their confidence with back-to-back 2-1 wins over Verona and Torino. A significant boost was Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa’s first start since November, although Antonio Vergara and Juan Jesus joined Stanislav Lobotka, David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani on the treatment table. Scott McTominay returned to the bench after a month out. Lecce clambered out of the bottom four with a victory over Cremonese, and had Omri Gandelman back after a knee problem, but missed Medon Berisha, Francesco Camarda and Kialonda Gaspar.
See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.
It was a very aggressive start from the visitors, who took the lead on their second Antonino Gallo corner of the game, as Jamil Siebert was allowed a free header from six yards at the back post after just two minutes and 20 seconds.
They very nearly conceded an identical second, as this time Tiago Gabriel nodded a Gallo corner over from five yards after the Lameck Banda shot had been deflected off target.
Billy Gilmour prodded inches wide from 12 yards on an Alisson Santos pull-back, while Gallo was decisive to intercept an Alisson cross for Matteo Politano and Rasmus Hojlund couldn’t quite get on the end of a cross from six yards.
Alex Meret got down to parry a Nikola Stulic strike at the base of the near post, while Politano’s screamer only hit the side-netting.
Antonio Conte pulled out the big guns for the restart, introducing McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne, and it paid off within 60 seconds.
Gilmour’s inspired pass sent Politano down the right, he pulled back from the by-line and Hojlund was ready to tap in from six yards.
Tiago Gabriel failed to make the most of slack marking on a free kick moments later, as Walid Cheddira only hit the side-netting against his parent club and Alisson Santos sent through by De Bruyne forced a desperate Wladimiro Falcone save with an outstretched leg.
Napoli turned the game around completely when De Bruyne’s corner was flicked on to the back post for the precise Politano volley. It was his first goal in almost a full calendar year, ending a drought of 43 competitive games.
De Bruyne also sent Alisson Santos through to drill inches wide of the near post, while Siebert did just enough to stop Hojlund getting a shot away from a dangerous position.
There was a hushed silence in the Stadio Maradona when Lameck Banda was struggling to breathe after being winded, but he was stretchered off after a few minutes for treatment. Lecce had completed their substitutions, so played stoppages with only 10 men.
Siebert 3 (L), Hojlund 46 (N), Politano 67 (N)
| 3' | Jamil Siebert (Assist: Antonino Gallo) | |||
| 19' | |
Jamil Siebert |
| Rasmus Højlund (Assist: Matteo Politano) |
46' | |||
| Matteo Politano | |
67' |
Juventus launch a new strike force of Kenan Yildiz, Jeremie Boga, Francisco Conceicao and Weston McKennie against Udinese’s Keinan Davis and Nicolò Zaniolo.
It kicks off at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
The Bianconeri had been in a crisis of results until thrashing Pisa 4-0 last week, and hope the fixture list can give them a helping hand to get back into the top four.
Dusan Vlahovic returned to training over the last few days, but has not made the trip along with Emil Holm and Arek Milik.
Misfiring Jonathan David is therefore dropped and replaced with Yildiz as a False 9, supported by Francisco Conceicao, McKennie and new entry Boga.
The former Sassuolo and Marseille winger impressed off the bench and gets his first start.
Udinese had a dismal run of three straight defeats, but it’s no coincidence that ended with the return of Davis from injury.
He had a starring role in the 3-0 win over Fiorentina and 2-2 draw with Atalanta, so again partners Italy international Zaniolo upfront.
Arthur Atta and Oumar Solet are back in the squad after injury, but Nicolò Bertola, Jordan Zemura and Alessandro Zanoli miss out.
Udinese: Okoye; Ehizibue, Kabasele, Kristensen; Zarraga, Ekkelenkamp, Karlstrom, Atta, Kamara; Zaniolo, Davis
Juventus: Perin; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly, Cambiaso; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, McKennie, Boga; Yildiz
Former Roma defender Ashley Cole has reportedly been lined up as the new coach of Serie B side Cesena, leaving the staff of the Under-21 England team.
According to Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà, Cole is already in Italy and having physical meetings with the Cesena hierarchy to sign the contract.
The 45-year-old had some experience in Italian football as a player for Roma from 2014 to 2016, when he went on to the LA Galaxy and ended his playing career at Derby in 2019.
Before that, he had made his mark as a full-back for Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
When it came to management, Cole has worked at the Chelsea youth academy, plus as an assistant manager to the likes of Lee Carsley, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and more.
Above all, he worked with Carsley, and is currently the assistant to the England Under-21 team coach.
Cesena were held to a 2-2 home draw by Frosinone today and the decision was made to sack coach Michele Mignani.
It left them in eighth place, the final slot available for the promotion play-offs.
Manu Koné returns to the Roma squad for their fourth place showdown with Como, but Matias Soulé and Paulo Dybala are still out of action with Evan Ndicka suspended.
It kicks off at the Stadio Sinigaglia on Sunday at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
This is a huge crossroads in the race for Champions League qualification, as the two teams are stuck together in joint fourth place.
The good news for Gian Piero Gasperini is the return of Koné, who was not even on the bench after a muscular twinge during Thursday’s Europa League 1-1 draw with Bologna.
Wesley is also back after sitting out last week’s Serie A defeat to Genoa, but he is replaced on the naughty step by Ndicka.
It had been hoped that Soulé would recover from his on-going inflammation of the groin area, but the pain persists and he is again not going to make the trip.
Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson are long-term absentees, leaving very few alternatives in attack.
As for the defence, Ndicka’s ban makes it likely that Mario Hermoso will receive his first start since February 2, having played 25 minutes against Bologna on Thursday.
Svilar, De Marzi, Gollini; Rensch, Angelino, Tsimikas, Celik, Hermoso, Mancini, Ziolkowski, Wesley, Ghilardi; Cristante, Pellegrini, El Aynaoui, Kone, Pisilli; Malen, Venturino, Vaz, El Shaarawy, Zaragoza
Speculation surrounding the future of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has resurfaced once again, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid reportedly continuing to monitor the Norwegian star.
According to TEAMtalk, the two Spanish giants remain interested in Haaland as part of their long-term attacking plans.
However, the latest reports have been quickly downplayed. Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta has firmly rejected claims that negotiations have taken place with Barcelona, dismissing suggestions that discussions over a potential future move are already underway.
Haaland remains firmly under contract with Man City after signing a major extension last year that ties him to the club until 2034.
The renewed speculation began after Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font claimed he was attempting to secure a “preferential option” to sign Haaland if the striker ever decided to leave Man City.
Font’s comments immediately drew attention across European football, as Barcelona have long been linked with the prolific Norwegian forward.
The club has been rebuilding its squad in recent years and is expected to pursue high-profile signings if financial conditions allow.
However, Pimenta quickly dismissed the suggestion that any formal negotiations had taken place, clarifying that Haaland’s camp has not engaged in talks regarding a transfer.
Haaland’s current situation makes any immediate move unlikely. The striker signed a long-term contract extension with Man City in 2025, committing his future to the Premier League champions for the foreseeable future.
Since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has established himself as one of the most dominant goal scorers in world football.
Haaland has consistently delivered impressive goal-scoring numbers, playing a key role in Man City’s domestic and European ambitions under manager Pep Guardiola.
Real Madrid’s interest in Haaland is not new. The Spanish giants have previously been linked with the striker as part of their long-term strategy to assemble one of the strongest attacking lineups in Europe.
Real Madrid monitor Man City star’s situation as experienced player nears key decision
The post Erling Haaland exit reports have resurfaced again as Man City attackers tops transfer wishlist appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni could soon develop into a transfer battle with Barcelona.
According to Sport, the Premier League side will face strong competition from Barcelona, who are also closely monitoring the Italian international’s situation.
Bastoni has emerged as one of the most highly regarded central defenders in European football.
Inter Milan are believed to value the 26-year-old at around €70 million, and reports suggest the player could be open to a move away from Italy should the right opportunity arise.
Bastoni has become a central figure in Inter Milan’s defence over the past few seasons.
Operating primarily on the left side of Inter’s defensive line, Bastoni has excelled in a system that demands defenders to initiate attacking play from deep areas.
His precise passing range and ability to carry the ball forward have made him particularly valuable in possession-based systems.
The defender has also established himself as a regular for the Italian national team, further enhancing his reputation across Europe.
Liverpool’s interest in Bastoni has been reported for some time, with the club believed to be evaluating options to strengthen their defense in the coming years.
With veteran leaders such as Virgil van Dijk approaching the latter stages of their careers, the club is exploring long-term solutions capable of anchoring the back line.
Bastoni’s ability to play progressive passes and operate comfortably in a high defensive line makes him an appealing fit for Liverpool’s tactical philosophy.
Barcelona’s involvement in the race for Bastoni adds a new dimension to the transfer saga.
Reports suggest that the Catalan club’s transfer strategy could be influenced by the outcome of their presidential election, which may shape the club’s recruitment priorities moving forward.
From Spain: Liverpool given chance to sign versatile 23-year-old for just €50m
The post Liverpool face €70 million battle with Barcelona for defender considered Van Dijk replacement appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams has emerged as a key transfer target for several Premier League heavyweights ahead of the upcoming summer window.
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all actively monitoring the situation of the United States international, with United currently believed to be leading the race for his signature.
Adams has attracted significant attention thanks to his strong performances and leadership qualities in midfield.
While Bournemouth remain keen to keep hold of the player, reports suggest the club could consider offers in the region of £45 million if serious interest materialises.
Adams has become an integral figure in the team’s midfield structure. The 27-year-old is widely admired for his work rate, tactical awareness, and ability to disrupt opposition attacks.
Adams typically operates as a defensive midfielder, providing protection for the back line while helping his team transition quickly from defence to attack.
His ability to cover ground, press aggressively, and recover possession has made him one of the most effective ball-winning midfielders in the Premier League.
In addition to his club performances, Adams is also a key player for the United States national team, where he has frequently served as captain.
His leadership qualities and experience at international tournaments have further boosted his reputation across European football.
Man United’s reported interest in Adams matches with their ongoing efforts to strengthen the midfield department.
The club has been searching for players capable of providing energy, defensive stability, and tactical discipline in the center of the pitch.
Liverpool and Chelsea are also believed to be exploring midfield reinforcements as part of their long-term squad planning.
Adams’ playing style, combining defensive intensity with intelligent positioning, makes him an appealing option for teams that prioritize high pressing and quick transitions.
Despite the growing interest, Bournemouth are under no immediate pressure to sell. Adams is under contract until 2028, which gives the club a strong negotiating position.
However, a substantial offer could test Bournemouth’s resolve, particularly if the player expresses a desire to take the next step in his career.
Man United & Liverpool handed £86.2m transfer boost following major development
The post Man United frontrunners to sign £45 million Premier League midfielder ahead of Liverpool & Chelsea appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Manchester United’s season has taken a more positive turn since Michael Carrick stepped in as interim manager following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this year.
However, despite the recent improvement in results and performances, the club is still believed to be planning for a long-term managerial appointment once the season concludes.
According to reports from The Sun, United’s hierarchy have drawn up a shortlist of five potential candidates to take permanent charge at Old Trafford.
The list reportedly includes Oliver Glasner, Unai Emery, Andoni Iraola, Roberto De Zerbi, and Julian Nagelsmann, all managers with strong reputations in European football.
Carrick’s appointment as interim boss initially appeared to be a temporary measure designed to steady the club after Amorim’s difficult spell.
Since taking over, however, the former United midfielder has overseen a noticeable improvement in the team’s structure and results.
Players have responded positively to Carrick’s leadership, with several improved performances helping United regain momentum in the Premier League and reestablish some confidence within the squad.
Despite this progress, sources suggest the club’s leadership remains committed to appointing a long-term head coach with a clearly defined tactical identity.
The shortlist reportedly reflects a mix of experienced managers and progressive tacticians.
Oliver Glasner, currently at Crystal Palace, is expected to leave the London club at the end of the season. The Austrian manager gained widespread praise during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he led the club to UEFA Europa League glory in 2022.
Unai Emery, meanwhile, has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most tactically astute managers. His work at Aston Villa has earned admiration across the Premier League, while his previous success, including multiple Europa League titles, highlights his pedigree.
Andoni Iraola, currently impressing with Bournemouth, is viewed as one of the league’s most progressive coaches thanks to his high-energy tactical style.
Former Brighton and Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi is also being considered. Known for his possession-based football and innovative tactical approach, De Zerbi has previously attracted interest from several top European clubs.
Finally, Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann remains a highly respected figure in the game. At just 38, Nagelsmann has already managed clubs like RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, gaining recognition as one of the brightest coaching minds in modern football.
Man United & Liverpool handed £86.2m transfer boost following major development
The post Managers shortlisted: Man United have FIVE managers on their radar for the hot seat appeared first on CaughtOffside.
The post Grayscale’s Top Analyst Just Said XRP Is Mispriced: Here’s What Changes That appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
One of Wall Street’s most important voices on digital assets just made a statement about XRP. Zach Pandl, Head of Research at Grayscale Investments, told Paul Barron Network that XRP is positioned for a meaningful repricing event, and the trigger is something the entire crypto industry has been waiting on for years: regulatory clarity.
Speaking directly on the question of whether XRP would be repriced if the proposed crypto legislation passes, Pandl was unambiguous.
“I do,” he said. “I think we would see a repricing across a range of assets, certainly including XRP.”
His confidence is rooted in what he is already seeing in the market. Grayscale’s GXRP product, the firm’s XRP-focused investment vehicle, has been drawing consistent and growing demand from institutional investors. Pandl described those investors as looking ahead to clarity and asking what it means to unlock further value in these networks.
In other words, sophisticated money is already positioning. The repricing, in his view, has not happened yet because the regulatory framework that would justify it has not arrived yet.
The conversation zeroed in on a specific and largely underreported element of the proposed crypto legislation: Section 205, which would require projects to demonstrate their blockchain meets a threshold of decentralisation to qualify as a mature blockchain under the law.
For Ripple, this clause carries direct implications. It would require the company to restructure or potentially burn portions of its XRP holdings to meet the 20% mature blockchain component requirement. Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple’s CEO, has publicly stated he believes the odds of the legislation passing are high, though the window for passage is narrowing.
Pandl acknowledged the uncertainty but suggested the direction of travel is positive. Regulatory clarity on these questions, he argued, would unlock value that is currently suppressed by legal and structural ambiguity.
Pandl also weighed in on Ethereum, aligning himself with the view that it remains one of the most important assets in the future financial system. He noted that Grayscale is currently the only asset manager staking Ethereum at scale within its ETF products, describing it as the most efficient way for institutional investors to gain Ethereum exposure across different types of savings and investment accounts.
On the broader question of digital asset treasuries holding Ethereum directly, Pandl was supportive, noting that whether through an ETF, self-custody, or a treasury structure, investors ought to have some Ethereum exposure in their portfolios.
Pandl’s comments carry weight precisely because Grayscale is not a fringe voice. It is one of the largest digital asset managers in the world, managing billions in investor capital and operating regulated products across multiple jurisdictions. When its Head of Research says a repricing is in order for XRP if clarity arrives, that is not community speculation. It is institutional analysis.
The question is no longer whether XRP would benefit from a clear legal framework. The question is how long the framework takes to arrive, and whether the window Garlinghouse described as closing stays open long enough.
The post Pi Network News Exclusive: After Kraken, Expert Reveals Why Binance Listing Changes Everything appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Pi Network is down 14.31% today, on the one day the community had circled on the calendar for months. The broader crypto market fell just 1.61% in the same window. The gap between those two numbers tells the real story of what is happening to PI right now, and it is not as alarming as it looks.
However, PI surged 55% over the past 30 days. Today’s drop is the natural consequence of that kind of run.
Beyond the price, in an interview with Coinpedia, Dr. Altcoin pointed to a growing ecosystem that most critics overlook entirely.
“Over 46,000 apps have been created by the community using the Pi AI App Studio and are currently awaiting approval,” he told Coinpedia. “More than 300 applications, including gaming and e-commerce platforms, are already live on mainnet and actively used by over 2.1 million users.”
He also flagged the DEX and AMM functionality currently in testnet, describing it as a catalyst that has not yet been priced in. “Once the Pi blockchain protocol upgrade is completed, these features are expected to be deployed to mainnet,” he said, adding that real world asset tokenisation on the Pi Network is also in active development.
On volatility, his assessment was blunt: “At this stage, traders have more influence than users. Over time, as merchant adoption increases and ecosystem apps generate consistent daily transactions, price behaviour should become more stable and less driven by short-term speculation.”
With Kraken having listed PI yesterday and Pi Day arriving today, the community had built significant expectations. Dr. Altcoin acknowledged the community’s frustration but pointed to what matters most long-term.
“Listings alone do not sustain price. Sustainable value comes when exchange access is matched with real ecosystem demand from users and businesses,” he said. “Exposure through tier-1 exchange listings such as Binance, Kraken, or Coinbase would significantly broaden awareness and liquidity, supporting both ecosystem growth and community confidence.”
The community has waited nearly seven years, he noted, and price appreciation must eventually follow if Pi Network is to maintain long-term trust.
Dr. Altcoin also revealed the project he is monitoring most closely outside of PI: InterLink Labs, a mobile mining crypto project launched in March 2025 that has already grown to over 6.3 million users with 3.7 million daily active participants.
For PI today, the selloff stings. But on a day when the DEX is launching and the Kraken listing is live, the fundamentals have not moved backward. The price has. Those are two different things.
The match between Chelsea and Newcastle this Saturday (12) in the Premier League produced an unusual scene even before the ball started rolling at Stamford Bridge.
As referee Paul Tierney was preparing to blow the whistle for kickoff at the center of the field, he found himself surrounded by players from the home team and suddenly in the middle of the team's final pep talk before the game.
Some of the Blues players found the situation amusing and laughed, with Cole Palmer even giving the referee a hug.
Check out the moment below:
Chelsea and Newcastle took to the field amidst their Champions League round of 16 clashes.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
On Matchday 29 of Serie A, Luciano Spalletti’s Juventus visits Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium.
The Bianconeri are looking for their second consecutive victory after their win against Pisa, aiming to stay in the Champions League race and take advantage of the direct clash between Como and Roma.
Runjaic’s Udinese, on the other hand, is coming off a good run, after a 3-0 win over Fiorentina and a draw against Atalanta, and aims to keep the momentum going in front of their home fans.
🔴 Article constantly updated, for live text coverage click on the match card above.
UDINESE (3-5-2): Okoye; Ehizibue, Kabasele, Kristensen; Zarraga, Ekkelenkamp, Karlstrom, Atta, Kamara; Zaniolo, Davis. Coach: Runjaic
JUVENTUS (3-4-2-1): Di Gregorio; Kalulu, Bremer, Kelly; McKennie, Locatelli, Thuram, Cambiaso; Conceicao, Boga; Yildiz. Coach: Spalletti
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
NFL free agency has started, and three former Scarlet Knights have signed deals with new teams. The Detroit Lions, in particular, have become a landing spot for former Scarlet Knights, as two of the three former Knights with new players have decided to sign with the Lions.
Pacheco joins Detroit, likely as a replacement option for David Montgomery, who left the team in a trade to Houston this offseason. The Lions already have a star rusher in Jahmyr Gibbs, meaning that Pacheco likely won’t get the bulk of the carries. However, he could be used as a reserve running back, depending on how Detroit changes its offense this offseason. Last year, Detroit came in 21st in the league in rush attempts per game. Hopefully, they make some changes and spread the carries around between Gibbs and Pacheco.
During his time in Tampa Bay, Izien proved himself to be a solid NFL-caliber Safety. Izien appeared in 45 games over three seasons for the Buccaneers, where he made 165 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, five pass break-ups, and three interceptions. The Lions were one of the weaker pass defenses last season, meaning that Izien will have an opportunity to compete for playing time as Detroit hopes to find the best players to fix their weakened secondary.
Both signed one-year deals with the Lions
The Steelers and former Rutgers defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day have reached an agreement, with the seven-year NFL veteran taking his experience up to Pittsburgh to help them shore up their run defense in a very run-heavy division. In his seven years in the NFL, he’s racked up 314 total tackles, 15.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, six pass break-ups, and even an interception, while being part of a Super Bowl-winning Rams team in 2021. During his time in the NFL, Joseph-Day has proven himself to be a solid run stuffer. Now he will be taking part in a defense tasked with stopping Derrick Henry twice a year.
46’ – Underway again at the Emirates.
Halftime Thoughts – Everton have defended decently enough minus their two best centrehalves, and actually have had the two better chances to score here at the Emirates. As long as the Blues can continue to keep them out, Arsenal’s frustration will mount, there will be bigger spaces to catch them on the break.
45+5’ – Gana keeps pushing forward and now Garner and McNeil combine, the latter’s cross is overhit, Ndiaye dribbles and sets up Gana for a tame shot that Raya catches.
There’s the halftime whistle, 0-0 at the Emirates.
45+2’ – Havertz runs at the Blues defence, but is foiled and the ball cleared.
Saliba tries to play in Saka but it’s overhit, goalkick.
44’ – Corner to Arsenal. Rice, O’Brien heads it away from danger, Ndiaye charges down Madueke’s shot and the resultant shot from distance is well over.
Five minutes to be added on here.
41’ – McNeil plays a give and go, and races down the touchline, cuts in and is barged over by Rice. Freekick to the Blues on the right, about thirty yards out. Puts it into the box, and Raya fluffs his punch and hits his own man Saliba, ball bounces harmlessly away.
40’ – Myko nicks the ball off Saka and Ndiaye bursts free and races into the Arsenal half but then Beto fouls Saliba.
37’ – Saka goes through Myko and is in space to cross, Gana cuts it out for a corner. Timber is going off injured, with Mosquera coming on for him.
Saka takes the corner, a couple of Arsenal players trying to box in Pickford but he does well to palm it away and Everton can clear.
35’ – Gana pulls down Saka about 25 yards out, and it’s a freekick. Rice into the wall, ball bounces around and McNeil hooks it clear.
31’ – Oooh! Lovely move from KDH and he makes enough room to hammer a shot from the edge of the box, too close to Raya though and he saves!
29’ – Takes three tackles from Gana, O’Brien and Garner to stop Rice. Eze fires off a shot that goes off Zubimendi’s back.
26’ – Myko blocks a Havertz cross, corner from the Everton left this time. Hit deep and a foul in the box as Saliba shoves Dewsbury-Hall down to the ground. Freekick to the Blues.
23’ – Eze plays in Havertz behind Keane with the Arsenal forward throwing himself to the floor after coming across the defender.. no penalty, and VAR concurs.
19’ – Oh goodness two incredible chances for McNeil! Ndiaye’s cross is palmed on by Raya, falls to McNeil who pulls the ball down and fires.. and Calafiori with a diving stop with his flailing foot!
Then McNeil gets the ball in the right channel, dekes and makes some space, and curls one at the far post beating Raya all ends up but it clatters off the upright! Ndiaye first on the rebound and it goes wide off his ankles, but he was offside.
16’ – Madueke runs onto a ball and is shoulder-barged off it by Keane running at the highest speed we’ve seen him at.
13’ – Stunning save by Pickford! It won’t count anyway since Saka was offside, but Rice headed a cross on into the box and Saka was open at the far post to head across Pickford, and he stuck out a paw and turned the ball around the post.
Jordan Pickford was frustrated to find out his MASSIVE save against Bukayo Saka didn't matter due to offside 😅 pic.twitter.com/0RDP1inxYE
— Tribuna Football (@tribuna_ftbl) March 14, 2026
10’ – Rice potshot goes over.
8’ – Calafiori tries a shot from distance but Iroegbunam closes him down and it’s another corner. Rice’s corner cleared by Beto, ball back into the box, Zubimendi sets up Calafiori for the shot, over.
6’ – Deep throw is poorly cleared by the Blues and Arsenal have their first corner of the game. They catch everyone by surprise going short and Madueke has a shot from inside the box but well saved and cleared.
4’ – Blues sitting deep as expected with Keane and O’Brien as the centrehalves, Keane on the left.
1’ – Everton kick off with their rugby-style up-and-under which Arsenal handle.
Rice has gotten trod on by Iroegbunam early on and is hobbling.
Everton – No Tarkowski or Branthwaite for the Blues!
Your Toffees to face @Arsenal! 🔵#ARSEVEpic.twitter.com/pk0HionRgv
— Everton (@Everton) March 14, 2026
Arsenal – Arteta has both Saka and Havertz in the starting lineup.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 14, 2026
💪 Calafiori comes in
⚡ Madueke and Saka out wide
🎯 Havertz with the start
Let’s take another big step, Gunners 👊
🤝 Presented by @deel
Everton are back on the road again this weekend, but face a quandary. They have been much better away, but they have also been absymal at the Emirates. The Toffees have won just one of their last 29 away league games against Arsenal (drawn 5, lost 23) too, picking up a 1-0 win in April 2021, and their hosts today have lost only once at home throughout this season, with eleven wins and two draws.
Arsenal are desperately trying to shed their ‘bottlers’ label as they lead the Premier League, finding ways to win ugly at times which is something they have often failed to do in past title chases. While dangerous from open play, their success this season has been predicated on setpieces where they’ve scored 19 times, higher than anyone else in the league by at least five. The Blues have conceded six times from setpieces while the Gunners have given up seven.
Jarrad Branthwaite appears to be fit, with Jack Grealish, Seamus Coleman and Charly Alcaraz out. For the hosts, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard are out with Leandro Trossard a late decision.
Competition: Premier League Matchweek 30
Date and start time: Saturday, March 14th at 10:30 a.m. PT / 1:30 p.m ET / 5:30 p.m. BST
Stadium: The Emirates Stadium, London, England, United Kingdom
Capacity: 60,704
Weather: 46°F/8°C, sunny, 0% chance of precipitation, 4 mph winds
TV: USA Network, Telemundo – United States; Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, Sky Ultra HD, Sky Sports Main Event – United Kingdom; Fubo– Canada, beIN Sports HD 1, SuperSport Premier League ROA, SuperSport MaXimo 2, Star Sports Select HD1
Radio: evertontv, BBC Radio 5 Live, SiriusXM FC
Live stream: Fubo, nbcsports.com, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, discovery+, discovery+ App, ESPN Play Sur, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, DStv Now, RUSH, Jio Hotstar
Gamethread: There will be a live blog for this game, with our coverage continuing after the final whistle with the match recap and reaction.
*Royal Blue Mersey has affiliate partnerships and may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links provided.
Information from LiveSoccerTV.com
Everton had lost at home 1-0 to the Gunners a few days before Christmas in a hard fought game. The Blues had managed a pair of draws against Arsenal last season, including a nil-nil stalemate at the Emirates.
The Tennessee Volunteers fell to the Vanderbilt Commodores on Friday in the quarterfinal round of the SEC Tournament.
The game was tight in the first half, and the teams went to the break tied at 31. However, the Commodores went on a 15-3 run early in the second half and were also more efficient from the free throw line. As a result, the Commodores did enough to stay in front of the Vols and escape with a 75-68 victory.
This is now the second time the Vols have lost to the Commodores this season. Vanderbilt now advances to the semifinal round to take on the #1 Florida Gators, while the Vols wait until Sunday to see what their seed will be in the NCAA Tournament.
Now, let’s identify the three takeaways from this defeat.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before- the Vols did not shoot well from the line.
As a team, the Vols shot just 16 of 26 from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, the Commodores shot 22 of 26 from the charity stripe. In a game that you only lost by seven, it’s hard not to look at 10 missed free throws as a huge culprit.
Nate Ament made 10 of his 12 free throws, and J.P. Estrella made all four of his. However, Felix Okpara, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, and Jaylen Carey both had bad days from the line. It’s slightly more understandable for the big men, but there’s no reason a scoring guard like Gillespie should be this inconsistent from the charity stripe.
You can survive a bad night from the free throw line if you’re hitting shots from deep. If you’re doing neither, though, it’s going to be hard to beat anybody.
The Vols shot just 4 of 17 from behind the arc on Friday. Ament missed all five of his tries, and this team just doesn’t have enough scoring to survive an off night from Ament against good teams. Luckily, the Commodores didn’t have a great night from deep either, so this one never got out of hand.
It’s concerning that this late in the season, you still never know what you’re going to get from this offense. If Ament and Gillespie are hitting their shots, the Vols can hang with anybody. You just never know when that’s going to happen.
Props to Duke Miles, because he had a fantastic game. The senior guard had a game-high 30 points to go along with six rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
In the first 27 minutes of the game, Miles had 25 points. At one point, Miles was 9 of 9 from the floor while the rest of his team was just 6 of 25. The Vols did a fantastic job of controlling the paint, but they were unable to keep Miles in check.
Liverpool are set for a major midfield reconstruction this coming summer.
The Reds have been relying on the same core of senior midfield players for the last couple of campaigns.
But the strain is beginning to tell on certain members of the group - with Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in particular not reaching the same consistent heights since winning the 2024/25 Premier League.
Factor in the ongoing uncertainty over Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo and you can see why Richard Hughes may be tempted to test the market for a new arrival.
Jones, 25, is entering the final year of his contract and would bank the club plenty of “pure profit” if he is offloaded in summer 2026.
Endo meanwhile is working on getting back to full fitness for the FIFA World Cup but he too could be sacrificed in summer in order to register a transfer fee.
And we have been given the clearest indication yet that a new midfielder could be coming into the club in a report in the Athletic.
Because it suggests that Trey Nyoni is the most likely young player to be loaned out by Richard Hughes and Arne Slot for next season.
“Nyoni is seen as the most likely to be loaned out,” the report reads.
With Jones and Endo potentially leaving - it would leave Slot with just THREE senior midfielders including Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
You would expect Nyoni, 19, to fill out one of the senior squad roles next season in order to prevent the club from being short in the position.
Teams have been officially allowed to sign free agents for almost a week now. The Washington Commanders have added several players already, making improvements on both sides of the ball.
Some of the team's notable additions are edge-rusher Odafe Oweh, linebacker Leo Chenal, and running back Rachaad White. On Saturday, the team made another addition to the offense, adding veteran running back Jerome Ford, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Ford spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The running back didn't factor in much as a rookie or in 2025, but he was a productive rotational back in 2023 and 2024.
In 2023, Ford rushed for a career-high 813 yards and four scores. The running back had 565 yards and three scores in 2024, but was reduced to just 73 yards in 2025.
The #Commanders have agreed to terms with former #Browns RB Jerome Ford, per me and @MikeGarafolo, giving him a 1-year deal. He leaves Cleveland after four seasons. pic.twitter.com/JCqEjtc6JE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2026
In Washington, Ford should just be a solid insurance policy behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White. Croskey-Merritt had some flashes as a rookie, but the team clearly wants more consistency out of the ground game in 2026.
White, who was a college teammate of Jayden Daniels, should receive plenty of carries and also contribute in the passing game. Ford will likely get some third-down reps and help out around the goal line.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders sign former Browns RB Jerome Ford
Spanish La Liga
Atletico Madrid 1 - 0 Getafe FT
Atletico Madrid's 1-0 La Liga victory was overshadowed by Getafe defender Abdel Abqar's dismissal for touching the genitals of their striker Alexander Sorloth.
With the hosts leading through Nahuel Molina's long-range strike into the top corner in the eighth minute, Saturday's match descended into chaos seven minutes after the second-half restart.
Referee Miguel Angel Ortiz halted play and indicated a video assistant referee (VAR) check for a possible red-card offence.
Replays on the big screens at Estadio Metropolitano showed Abqar touched Sorloth's groin during an off-the-ball altercation, with the Norwegian forward then pulling his opponent to the ground in retaliation.
After consulting the pitchside monitor, Moroccan Abqar was sent off and Sorloth booked for his reaction.
"It was not my intention to touch the player in this area," Abqar told Movistar afterwards.
"You see it in every game, and in football, we're touching, clashing and everything, but I never thought about touching him in that area.
"I don't know what the referee saw but you can see it clearly and I swear that I never thought about touching him there."
But Atleti goalkeeper Juan Musso added: "These are things that happened 30 years ago, the referee was right to sent him off.
"Before you could do this [in football], now there is no place for these things."
Sorloth had hit the post before the break, but it was Getafe who spurned several late opportunities to level despite their numerical disadvantage.
A fourth straight win moved Diego Simeone's side up to third place in La Liga with 57 points, six behind second-placed Real Madrid and 10 adrift of leaders Barcelona having played a game more.
The Oklahoma City Thunder held practice on Saturday. They're amid another two-day break. They will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in a Sunday afternoon primetime matchup.
Last time out, the Thunder picked up a 104-102 win over the Boston Celtics. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed Wilt Chamberlain for the longest 20-point streak in NBA history at 127. Now it's about how much he can pad his place at the top of the record books.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault and Aaron Wiggins talked to the media afterward. Daigneault talked about the value of their recent string of close games. Wiggins talked about what Ajay Mitchell brings to the table and his bad luck with freak injuries.
Here's what else happened at OKC's Saturday, Mar. 14 practice:
Mark Daigneault said Jalen Williams is ‘progressing’ with his hamstring strain recovery
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) March 14, 2026
Mark Daigneault on the Mitchell-McCain lineups: “Ajay has got the ability to play with anybody. He's really versatile. He plays both ends of the floor. He guard bigger guys. He can play on or off the ball. So he can create, obviously, but he can also play off of other creators.” pic.twitter.com/LmakdipKoR
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) March 14, 2026
Mark Daigneault on playing close games recently: “These have been quality opponents that tested us in a lot of different ways. Certainly tactically, we've seen a lot of different things here in the last just two weeks and had to problem solve.” pic.twitter.com/HokkzvvgjO
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) March 14, 2026
Mark Daigneault on Jalen Williams rooting for the team during his absence: “He's the man. You got a great group of guys that root for each other's success. I think it certainly he’s giving himself to the team by being like that. I also think it helps them work through their own… pic.twitter.com/zAX2jEn0UM
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) March 14, 2026
Aaron Wiggins on Ajay Mitchell: “Obviously a good player. Well rounded. He's got that aggressive mindset. He's got that hungry mindset. You can see it in the way he plays on both ends of the court. We're glad to have him back. He's obviously made a difference already.” pic.twitter.com/1dyb7E2sIK
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) March 14, 2026
Aaron Wiggins on Ajay Mitchell’s return: “He had some weird injuries in his first two years. You wouldn't think are normal and see that often. For him to come back, especially this year, the way he has. It’s only been two games. But that first game, the way he started off, it was… pic.twitter.com/zzPEIPtKQS
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) March 14, 2026
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Recap: What happened at OKC Thunder's Saturday, Mar. 14 practice
The 2026 NCAA tournament is set to be a massive NBA Draft showcase.
The upcoming draft is considered to be exceptionally deep and littered with college basketball talent. However, not every top draft prospect will be playing in March Madness. Here are five players who could be picked in the first round this summer who will not be on the floor during the NCAA tournament.
The possible top-five pick had the bad luck of suffering an injury while rehabbing from an injury.
Wilson had been sidelined for most of February after fracturing his left hand in the Tar Heels’ Feb. 10 loss to Miami. As he was working his way back from that hand injury, Wilson broke his right thumb while dunking during a non-contact drill in practice on March 5.
Wilson had been on track to potentially return for the NCAA tournament and maybe even part of all of the ACC tournament. Instead, the Tar Heels are playing the entire postseason without their best player.
Before he was injured the first time, Wilson was averaging nearly 20 points and over nine rebounds a game while shooting almost 58% from the field. He had been a star since putting on a Tar Heels jersey, too. The top recruit scored 22 on 8-of-10 shooting against Central Arkansas before going 9-of-11 from the floor and scoring 24 points in a 13-point win over Kansas.
But his offensive game isn’t the only reason he could be picked highly in the draft. Wilson has the potential to be a plus defender at the next level too.
Toppin could be the type of player whose game doesn’t translate perfectly to the NBA level. But he’s still a possible first-round pick and his torn ACL is a massive injury for a Texas Tech team that was very capable of getting to the Final Four with him on the floor.
After he was a consensus All-American and the Big 12 player of the year in 2024-25, Toppin took on an even greater offensive workload this season. Before going down against Arizona State on Feb. 17, Toppin was averaging 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds a game while shooting just under 55% from the field. A year ago, Toppin shot just over 55% from the floor on 3.6 fewer shots per game.
He scored at least 10 points in all but one game this season and had 31 points and 13 rebounds in the Red Raiders’ overtime win at Arizona on Feb. 14.
Without Toppin on the floor, guard Christian Anderson became even more important for Texas Tech. But he slipped and appeared to injure his groin in a Thursday loss to Iowa State in the Big 12 tournament. Anderson suffered a muscle strain, but said after the game that he was “feeling good.” Tech needs him at 100% to make a run to the second week of the tournament.
The 18-year-old son of Gilbert Arenas appeared in 14 games this season for the Trojans after suffering a torn meniscus in July. And the knee injury came three months after he had been placed in an induced coma after he was trapped in his Tesla Cybertruck after a car crash.
Given his tumultuous 2025, it was an impressive accomplishment for Arenas to even see the court this season. And he showed flashes of why he can be a top-10 pick, though his season — like USC’s — was uneven at best.
Arenas shot just 34% from the field this season and had six games with multiple 3-point attempts without a make. He was just 13-of-61 from behind the arc and had only two games where he shot 50% from the field.
But Arenas still has major potential and was a top-30 recruit in the high school class of 2025. It would not be surprising at all if he declared for the 2026 draft and was a lottery pick in June.
The freshman big man has been a double-double machine for the Huskies. Steinbach averaged 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds a game this season. He never scored fewer than 10 points in a single game and had just seven games with fewer than 10 rebounds.
He was especially dominant against USC on March 4. Steinbach had 22 points and 24 rebounds in the Huskies’ 91-72 win. Twelve of those rebounds were on the offensive end, too, and he was 9-of-12 from the field.
Steinbeck didn’t shoot much from behind the arc — just 53 attempts — but was a passable 34% and could show enough promise to force NBA teams to not leave him alone outside at the next level. The Germany native may not be a lottery pick, but he could be a top-20 selection for a team looking for some help on the inside.
After playing just 18 games across two seasons at Tennessee, Carr emerged as Baylor’s best player this season.
The junior averaged 19.2 points and 5.5 rebounds a game while shooting 51% from the field and almost 40% from behind the 3-point line. He dropped over 20 points in four of Baylor’s last five games and dropped 27 against St. John’s in November.
Carr did have two games during Big 12 play where he was just 1-of-11 from the field, however. He missed 10 shots and made one in a 10-point loss at Cincinnati in January, and had the same line while going 1-of-7 from behind the arc in an 82-71 loss at Louisville on Feb. 14
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The world No. 1 is back to being more like the world No. 1.
After shooting over par in 36 holes for the first time at a non-major since the 2023 Memorial, Scottie Scheffler turned in a bogey-free 67 at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on Saturday.
“The first two days were a bit of a battle,” Scheffler said. “I was a little sharper today than I was the first two days. I felt like I was swinging it better each day of the tournament. Today hit a few more fairways and was able to give myself a few more looks for birdie.”
LIVE UPDATES: Follow the action from Saturday's third round of the Players Championship
Scheffler noted that he was “hacking it from some new places” off the tee the first two days.
He attempted to use TaylorMade’s new Qi4D driver at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week but returned to the Qi10 that he has used to great effect since 2024. Scheffler ranked T-98 in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee the first two rounds. Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee broke down Scheffler’s swing Friday night on "Live From."
“I don't even recognize this golf swing from Scottie Scheffler. It's a foot-and-a-half shorter than last year and the face is wide open," Chamblee said. "This is not a crisis, this is a bump in the road."
"I don't even recognize this golf swing from Scottie Scheffler. It's a foot-and-a-half shorter than last year and the face is wide open."
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) March 13, 2026
"This is not a crisis, this is a bump in the road."
An interesting deep dive on Scottie's driver swing from tonight's Live From The Players… pic.twitter.com/HX2zky7DH4
Asked if he had found anything during his rainy range session on Thursday, Scheffler didn’t offer much.
“Did I find anything? I think that would imply that I was lost, which is not the case,” he said.
Pressed whether longtime swing coach Randy Smith had identified anything that had made a difference, he said, “I'm always just trying to get a feel for I think where my swing's at. Whenever I can feel the clubhead, I'm in a pretty good spot. If you ever see us practicing, that's typically what I'm trying to — if I'm searching for something, that would be kind of what I'm searching for, the feel for the clubhead, and so that way I'm kind of able to see and create shots.”
On Saturday, Scheffler hit 11-of-14 fairways and was a perfect 9-for-9 in scrambling. He birdied the par-5 second hole but made par on the other three par 5s. For the week, he’s just 3 under on the par 5s, which that alone could be the reason he’s not in the hunt for a third Players title.
Scheffler capped off the day by canning a 12-foot birdie putt at the par-3 17th, which has the Tiger hole location from his iconic 60-foot putt he sank in 2001 on the way to victory. Scheffler improved to 4-under 212 and sits eight shots back of Ludvig Aberg, the 36-hole leader, who hadn’t teed off yet.
Asked if he was holding out hope to make an improbable comeback, Scheffler laughed and said, “Not unless it starts blowing like 30 miles an hour.”
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Scottie Scheffler denies being 'lost' after 67 at Players Championship
Nebraska softball (19-5, 1-0) faced off against Michigan (19-7, 0-1) on Friday night for its first conference series of the season. The Huskers took the opening game, holding off the Wolverines in a 5-2 victory.
Nebraska jumped out to a 4-0 lead by scoring two runs in each of the first couple of innings. Michigan cut the lead in half in the sixth, but the Huskers added one more run in the bottom of the inning before ending it in the seventh.
Nebraska totaled eight hits on the night, with Alexis Jensen leading the team in both the circle and the batter's box. She finished 2-for-2 with one walk and three RBIs. Jensen also hit a two-run home run in the win, her first career home run.
In the circle, Jensen (9-2) pitched 6.0 innings in her win, striking out eight batters and allowing four hits, two runs and one walk. Jordy Frahm picked up her sixth save after pitching the seventh. She is now one away from tying the record that was set back in 1983 by head coach Rhonda Revelle. Frahm also batted 2-for-4.
Hannah Camenzind earned one RBI after going 1-for-3 in the win. Samantha Bland batted 2-for-3. Hannah Coor also tallied one hit.
The Huskers concluded the series with Michigan on Saturday in a doubleheader. The first game is set to start at 1 p.m. CT on B1G+.
Contact/Follow us @CornhuskersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Nebraska news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Nebraska softball survives against Michigan in Big Ten opener
In the first matchup of a three-game series against the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Washington Huskies hit four home runs, but that wasn't enough as coach Eddie Smith's team fell 10-9 in ten innings.
The Huskies battled back from a 6-2 deficit behind solo blasts from shortstop Sam DeCarlo, designated hitter Jackson Hotchkiss, and right fielder Daniel Porras to close the gap, while the Reigning Big Ten Player of the Week, catcher Colton Bower, added a two-run blast as part of a 2-for-3 day with a pair of walks.
However, despite committing 5 errors in the contest, including a pair to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Buckeyes hung with the Huskies every step of the way as they racked up 13 hits on the night. The second-to-last one twisted the knife for the Huskies when shortstop Lee Ellis launched a solo homer in the tenth inning to give Ohio State the lead for good.
HOTCHKISS GETS IN ON THE PARTY 🥳
— Washington Baseball (@UW_Baseball) March 14, 2026
Four Husky home runs in this one! pic.twitter.com/laskerpUWG
The Huskies went quietly in the bottom of the frame. DeCarlo drew a two-out walk, but Porras grounded a ball right back to Jake Michalek, who earned the win for the Buckeyes. He worked the final 3 innings and allowed a pair of unearned runs on 4 hits with a walk and 3 strikeouts.
Bryce Johnson took his first loss of the season after pitching the final three frames. He allowed 3 runs on 5 hits and a walk as Washington's pitching staff surrendered 7 free passes on the day and hit a batter.
With the loss, the Huskies fell to 6-11 on the year and 2-2 in Big Ten play. The two teams will return to the field on March 14 at 7:00 p.m. PT.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Huskies hit four homers, fall 10-9 to Ohio State in extras
The upstart team representing Italy, mostly consisting of Italian-Americans (though there are actually four on the team born in Italy), will try to take down a Puerto Rico team that’s missing a number of its stars, but still has a pretty good club. Italy does have one small advantage: They’ll be the “home” team and bat last. The winner moves on to the semi-finals.
Here’s all the information you’ll need for this afternoon’s game, which is at Daikin Park in Houston. There will be a separate game thread for tonight’s other quarterfinal game. Tonight’s game is at 8 p.m. CT and so that game thread will post at 7 p.m. CT.
2 p.m. CT: Puerto Rico vs. Italy. Pitchers: Seth Lugo (RHP) vs. Sam Aldegheri (LHP). TV: FS1, Fox Deportes. There will be audio on Sirius XM (Channel 89) and MLB Audio. MLB.com Gameday
That’s all you should need for this afternoon’s WBC contest. Enjoy, and discuss amongst yourselves.
lineups to follow
lineups to follow
Hertha BSC will hope to improve their slight chance of promotion to Bundesliga with a home win against midtable side Bochum. With Darmstadt, Elversberg, and Paderborn dropping points on matchday 26, Stefan Leitl’s side have a chance to close the gap with the top three.
Fabian Resse and Mats Pannewig are absent due to accumulated yellow cards. Here are the lineups for the game at the iconic Olympiastadion.
Hertha: Ernst ©; Karbownik, Gechter, Dardai, Kolbe; Mamuzah Lum, Seguin; Winkler, Cuisance, Brekalo; Kownacki
Bochum: Horn; Olsen, Loosli, Strompf, Wittek; Lenz, Bero ©; Miyoshi, Onyeka, Wätjen; Hofmann
Russell Westbrook is often portrayed as one of the NBA’s fiercest competitors, but many players who have shared a locker room with him tell a very different story.
Across several teams, teammates have repeatedly described the veteran guard as one of the most supportive and generous figures in the league.
Those who know him best say the perception around Westbrook rarely matches the reality inside the locker room.
Steph Noh of The Sporting News highlighted Westbrook’s relationships with teammates and detailed several stories about the guard’s generosity and personality behind the scenes.
One example came from Clint Capela, who spent only part of a season alongside Westbrook but still described him as the most genuine superstar he had ever played with.
Capela explained that Westbrook was constantly smiling and joking around with teammates, something that surprised him given the guard’s intense on-court persona.
During one moment, Capela mentioned that he admired an expensive bracelet Westbrook was wearing. Westbrook immediately took the bracelet off his wrist and handed it to him as a gift.
Other former teammates have shared similar experiences, saying the former MVP often goes out of his way to make younger or struggling players feel supported.
Alex Abrines once described how Westbrook helped him during a difficult stretch of his career when he was dealing with loneliness while playing in Oklahoma City.
Abrines said Westbrook took him out for dinner when he was thinking about leaving basketball, an act he remembered as a moment of genuine kindness from a teammate.
Jerami Grant, who also played alongside Westbrook with the Thunder, echoed that sentiment by saying the guard always tried to understand teammates as people rather than just players.
Veteran center DeAndre Jordan, who has known Westbrook for two decades, also praised his character and even helped recruit him to the Nuggets last season.
Jordan recalled Westbrook mentoring younger players and paying for dinners or clothes for teammates who looked up to him.
Despite his generosity toward others, Westbrook is also known for being extremely disciplined with his own finances, with former teammates recalling how he would even balance his own checkbook during breakfast.
Read more:
Former Roma defender Ashley Cole has reportedly been lined up as the new coach of Serie B side Cesena, leaving the staff of the Under-21 England team.
According to Sportitalia transfer pundit Alfredo Pedullà, Cole is already in Italy and having physical meetings with the Cesena hierarchy to sign the contract.
DERBY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Ashley Cole, Assistant Head Coach of England, and Lee Carsley, Head Coach of England, looks on prior to the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifier match between England and Andorra at Pride Park on October 13, 2025 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
The 45-year-old had some experience in Italian football as a player for Roma from 2014 to 2016, when he went on to the LA Galaxy and ended his playing career at Derby in 2019.
Before that, he had made his mark as a full-back for Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
When it came to management, Cole has worked at the Chelsea youth academy, plus as an assistant manager to the likes of Lee Carsley, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and more.
Above all, he worked with Carsley, and is currently the assistant to the England Under-21 team coach.
Cesena were held to a 2-2 home draw by Frosinone today and the decision was made to sack coach Michele Mignani.
It left them in eighth place, the final slot available for the promotion play-offs.
When: Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Where: Bluenergy Stadium, Udine, Italy.
Official kickoff time: 8:45 p.m. local time in Italy and across Europe, 7:45 p.m. in the United Kingdom, 3:45 p.m. Eastern time, 2:45 p.m. Central time, 12:45 p.m. Pacific time.
(Please note that the kickoff time might be an hour later than usual like it will be in the United States due to Daylight Saving Time taking place last weekend. The time change will happen in Italy on March 29.)
Juventus starting XI: TBA
Juventus bench: TBA
Juventus manager: Luciano Spalletti
Udinese starting XI: TBA
Udinese bench: TBA
Udinese manager: Kosta Runjaić
Match referee: Maurizio Mariani
Television: TLN (Canada), Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport Calcio, Sky Sport 251 (Italy).
Online/Streaming: Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network, Amazon Prime USA, DAZN USA, fuboTV (United States); DAZN Canada; fuboTV Canada (Canada); DAZN UK (United Kingdom); DAZN Italy (Italy).
Other live viewing options can be found here, and as always, you can also follow along with us live and all the stupid things we say on Bluesky. If you haven’t already, join the community on Black & White & Read All Over, and join in the discussion below.
AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura's storied rivalry stretches across more than a decade, having initially feuded in NJPW before locking up in WWE. This past January, both men battled against each other for the last time at Saturday Night's Main Event, as Styles officially retired from professional wrestling a week later at the Royal Rumble. However, the final clash between both stars was one of their best, and according to Styles, it's the quality of match they should've had eight years ago.
Styles and Nakamura's first singles match together in WWE was at WrestleMania 34, a contest that famously underdelivered, and during a recent appearance on "The Phenomenally Retro," the 48-year-old claimed that the fan expectations were too unrealistic going in, but is proud of his most recent bout with "The King Of Strong Style."
"The match with Shinsuke was really good, and it was the match we probably should have had at WrestleMania, but everybody, their expectations at WrestleMania were way too high. And we thought we had to find a way to get to that expectations rather than doing what we knew would work and that's what we did at Saturday Night's Main Event."
Styles continued by reflecting on his time competing in Japan, stating that the country's fans are unlike anywhere else because of their appreciation for the sport and its wrestlers.
"I'm convinced too that Japanese fans will make every match great. They're just so amazing as far as being fans and so respectful ... they inspire you to be better because they appreciate what you're doing in that ring. They appreciate the athletes."
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "The Phenomenally Retro" with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Read more: Why WWE Won't Rehire These Current Wrestlers
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Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.
Head coach Andy Farrell said Ireland had a "ruthless edge" in Saturday's 43-21 win over Scotland, which secured a fourth Triple Crown in five years.
Ireland scored six tries in a thrilling game in Dublin as Farrell's side denied Scotland a first Triple Crown since 1990.
Tommy O'Brien scored two late tries to secure the win after the Irish defence held off a barrage of Scotland pressure.
Jamie Osborne, Dan Sheehan, Robert Baloucoune and debutant Darragh Murray had earlier crossed for Ireland.
Ireland can still win the Six Nations but need England to beat France in the final game of the tournament at 20:10 GMT.
Farrell said that Scotland "kept banging the door down" but he was thrilled with how his players responded in Dublin.
"I thought we had a ruthless edge to us in how we defended and converted in their 22," Farrell said in his post-match press conference.
"That was the story of the game really."
Farrell added he was "proud as punch" about Ireland's performance, and said there was a bigger picture to this year's tournament.
Ireland started the Six Nations by losing to favourites France, but responded with a gritty win over Italy.
They impressed in a victory over England, but were then pushed all the way by Wales in their penultimate game in Dublin.
"Winning matters but what's happened over the eight weeks matters more to us in the sense that there is a lot of firsts, with first caps, first Six Nations and first taking it to the final week when it matters for quite a few people in our group," Farrell added.
"How our group have come together and navigated their way through that is pretty special so we grow massively because of it, and the group has become more resilient because of that."
While the destination of the Six Nations trophy is out of their hands, Farrell reiterated he was delighted with another piece of silverware.
"That's five trophies in five years for us," he added on ITV.
"I know it's a Triple Crown but it's hard to win over the years for Ireland and we're proud of that."
Warriors predicted to attempt to sign $101 million four-time MVP, 22-time All-Star to reunite Steph Curry with Olympic teammate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After a near-decade of dominance through the mid-2010s to the early 2020s, the Golden State Warriors are finally slowing down, sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference with a record of 32-34. However, there may be a familiar face that can give Steph Curry one last chance at a Finals run.
The Golden State dynasty’s first four Finals runs all had one thing in common: the opponent was the Cleveland Cavaliers, which pitted Curry against the other face of the NBA, LeBron James. FanSided’s Christopher Kline believes that this former rival-turned-Olympic-teammate could be the answer the Dubs are looking for.
“This is not the first time we've heard rumblings of LeBron James and Stephen Curry teaming up in Golden State. Rich Paul famously put a stop to trade talks between the Lakers and Warriors in 2024. LeBron and Steph are longtime rivals and clear off-court friends. Draymond and LeBron are marquee Klutch Sports clients and also longtime friends. If James is ready to depart L.A., which it feels like he is, the Warriors make a ton of sense for business and basketball reasons alike…LeBron's playmaking feel, combined with Steph's constant motion and gravity, could render Golden State extremely difficult to contain. James isn't quite the player he was in his prime, but even as he approaches his 42nd birthday, LeBron can score at all three levels and he probably looks better in Golden State, with a chance to really run the offense, than he does as Luka Dončić's sidekick in L.A.,” Kline wrote.
So far this season, LeBron is averaging 21.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 33.1 minutes per game. Add him with Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, and the Dubs have a veteran core that is pretty intimidating.
However, the only snag with this idea is the fact that the most likely move for LeBron is to sign with Cleveland once again. As Kline noted, he’s almost 42, so his time in the NBA is almost done. Finishing where he was born, raised, and started his NBA career is the poetic end needed for a player as legendary as he is.
However, if the Warriors can appeal to LeBron’s competitive spirit, there might be a way to get him to Golden State. Hopefully they can, to give Curry a proper send out as well.
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Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany was adamant Luis Díaz should not have been sent off for a dive in the 1-1 Bundesliga draw at Leverkusen, but praised his players for battling to a point with nine men.
The Colombia winger scored the leveller in the second half of a dramatic game before later being shown a second yellow card.
There was contact with Leverkusen's Janis Blaswich in the box but Díaz had begun to go down beforehand and tangled with the keeper in the action.
"I am not happy that Lucho is banned," Kompany told Sky.
"See how quickly he gets up and there was contact. You can have the conversation if it is a penalty. But it is not a yellow card."
The referee agreed he had made a mistake after the match. But Christian Dingert pointed out that the video assistant could not intervene over the booking under current rules limiting reviews to goals and direct sendings off.
"It is not a penalty. But now I have seen the video I would not have given the yellow card. That is how it goes in our job," he said.
Kompany's side still lead the Bundesliga by nine points with eight games left. They rallied having gone behind to Aleix Garcia's goal and also had to deal with Nicolas Jackson's red for a stud-up tackle in the first half.
"I’m incredibly proud of the lads’ mental resilience," the Bayern boss added.
"There was an awful lot going on today, with many crucial moments where we’ll inevitably have differing views."
Marc Stein: The Warriors are expected to sign Omer Yurtseven to a 10-day contract in the face of their growing injury crisis.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Warriors to sign Omer Yurtseven to 10-day deal
Justin Martinez: Asked Mark Daigneault about the energy Jalen Williams has provided from the sideline while dealing with numerous injuries this season: “He’s the man. We have a great group of guys where they root for each other’s success. I think he’s certainly giving himself to the team by being like that, and I also think it helps them work through their own adversities. It gives them a sense of purpose. It connects them to the group. Those injuries can detach you from the rest of the team at times just because you’re on your own plan, you’re not necessarily at all of the practices and you might not be on the road all of the time. So staying connected, I think, helps those guys’ mental. Hopefully it’s helping him. He’s certainly helping us. He’s a great teammate.”
Asked Mark Daigneault about the energy Jalen Williams has provided from the sideline while dealing with numerous injuries this season:
— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) March 14, 2026
“He’s the man. We have a great group of guys where they root for each other’s success. I think he’s certainly giving himself to the team by… pic.twitter.com/pgbtuwtKWA
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Asked Mark Daigneault about the energy Jalen Williams …
Marc Stein: Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo has now been ruled out of today’s game against Atlanta with a left ankle sprain.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Giannis Antetokounmpo has now been ruled out of …
SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory!
Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET)
After a strong regular season and ACC tournament, the Miami Hurricanes are in prime position for a bid to the NCAA Tournament. Under first-year coach Jai Lucas, the Canes have undergone a stunning turnaround from last season. 13-5 in the ACC regular season and a win in the ACC tourney to reach the semifinals, the Canes stand at 25-8 heading into Selection Sunday.
Led by 1st team All-ACC forward Malik Reneau, 2nd team All-ACC guard Tre Donaldson, and All-Defensive standout Ernest Udoh Jr., the Canes are a physical squad who can present challenges for any opponent. And with their talent, the Canes have strong odds heading into the Tournament, which you can check out here from our friends at FanDuel.
What seed will Miami get? Who will their opponent and path forward be? We’ll find all of that out tomorrow during Selection Sunday. Here’s how to watch:
Selection Sunday: March 15th
Time: 6:00pm Eastern
TV: CBS and Paramount+
Live stream:March Madness live
As we’ve written here at SOTU, Miami has been circling a 7 seed over the last 2 weeks. There’s a chance, however, after the blowout loss to Virginia in the ACC tournament Semifinals that the Canes could slide down to the 8 seed line in the end.
The difference between the 7 seed and 8 seed really comes down to this: with a win, the 7 seed would face the 2 seed in the 2nd round, while the 8 seed would face the 1 seed. Small difference, but that’s basically it. The National Champions have to win 6 games in a row in the tournament, so you’re going to have to play good teams to win. That’s fine. Line it up.
You’ve watched and supported the Canes all season, now enjoy Selection Sunday and see where the journey will continue next week!
QPR head coach Julien Stephan spoke to BBC Radio London following their 3-1 win at Leicester City.
"We deserved this win because we showed great character, great personality, and very good collective connection," he said.
"Even though we conceded the first goal we stayed very focused on what we needed to do on the pitch. It was very important for me mentally that we stayed focused.
"We needed to manage cleverly at the end of the game and we did that very well."
The stage didn’t matter. Nor did the moment. In the Division 5 state championship game against Eleva-Strum, who entered the game unbeaten, Pacelli did what they did all season, and that’s plow through whatever obstacles stood in their way.
It didn’t take long for the Cardinals to take control after tip off at the Resch Center – the Cardinals jumped out to an early lead they refused to relent.
The bell-to-bell effort – and junior Jaedyn Zdroik historic performance – helped the Cardinals capture the program’s first-ever Division 5 WIAA girls basketball state championship in a 70-40 win over Eleva-Strum.
“I couldn’t do it without my team,” Zdroik said on the live broadcast. “I’ve been playing with these girls since I was little, so it’s just really good to end our season out on a win.”
Central Wisconsin's top HS performances: Find out Central Wisconsin's top HS performances from March 2-9
Zdroik led Pacelli’s historic day with what will go down as one of the strongest WIAA tournament performances in history.
Zdroik, the Central Wisconsin-South co-player of the year, finished with a game-high of 20 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists, becoming the second player in WIAA history to finish a tournament game with a triple-double.
19 rebounds forced a two-way tie with Eva Brooks of Lena for the most boards in a tournament game – while 10 assists broke the Division 5 state tournament record.
Ella Van Order finished the entirety of the state tournament with a total 44 points across the state semifinal and state championship game.
Newman pioneer Betty Lange retires: Newman Catholic pioneer, coach Betty Lange closes historic career
“It’s what we've been wanting ever since we were little, to win a gold ball,” Van Order said. “ To end my senior season on a (championship) win is probably the most exhilarating feeling in my life.”
“I'm so proud of everyone, obviously I'm sad my (high school) career is over, but that’s not it and I’m so excited for Jaedyn and everyone at Pacelli to continue on the legacy.”
The Cardinals defense made its presence felt early, snatching a 11-3 lead in the first few minutes. The defensive pressure set the pace and foundation for Pacelli’s offense – a trait that’s carried over all season for the Cardinals.
Forcing 14 turnovers in the state championship game, the Cardinals pushed Eleva-Strum out of their comfort zone and into the uncharted territory of playing from behind early on.
Eleva-Strum entered the state tournament averaging 11 turnovers a game.
Eleva-Strum’s offensive engine, sharp-shooting junior Avery Glenz held a team-high of 12 points at the halftime break, but she was held scoreless for the remainder of the game.
Overall, Pacelli held Eleva-Strum to 24 percent shooting from the field, while producing three double-digit scorers in Van Order, Zdroik and junior Haylee Ciesewski who finished with 14 points and seven rebounds.
For Smaglik, that tenacious effort on both sides of the floor reflects the resilience the girls have faced and conquered all season.
“Theres been practices where we've had 7-8 girls,” Smaglik said. “ We could have used that as an excuse of why we weren't winning games, but we did it.”
Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Reporter Alfred Smith III at alfred.smith@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @AlfredS_III.
This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Pacelli tops Eleva-Strum in D5 championship behind historic performance
The Islanders really need to not mess this up. The second-worst team in the league (even worse than the Rangers) is in town and the Isles need the points in the very tight Eastern Conference playoff race. David Rittich will get the start, so hopefully he and the skaters in front of him recapture their better forms.
The Flames are two games from finishing a long trip, having lost 4-0 at MSG but then winning 5-4 in Newark. Both teams have equally putrid power plays, clicking at 16% for a tie for 29th in the league.
With the Isles having played (and lost to) the Kings last night, lineup updates and injury statuses will come closer to game time.l
First Islanders Goal picks go here.
Only two games last night. In the other, the Blues rallied to top the Oilers in overtime.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — IndyCar officials had to throw a red flag to freeze the cars as they were pulling out of the pit area for a second practice session Saturday when three workers were spotted on the hot track. No one was injured.
Practice for the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington resumed after a delay of several minutes as IndyCar officials checked the temporary 2.73-mile, 14-turn circuit on the streets around the stadiums of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers.
The television broadcast showed the trio of workers who appeared to be part of a catering crew. One of them was pushing a catering cart in a spot between AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys' home, and a nearby hospitality area.
Cars practicing for Sunday's race hadn't yet gotten up to speed when the track breach was spotted.
___
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
After moving on from Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, the Miami Dolphins have added a pair of veteran wide receivers, Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert, to their roster in the first week of the new league year.
While Miami certainly has some talent in the room, they should be looking to bring in more. That's why they're doing their due diligence on one of the top receiver prospects in the draft, as Simon Clancy reported that the Dolphins will host Makai Lemon on a pre-draft top-30 visit.
Lemon, 21, was a five-star recruit out of Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos, California, before committing to USC for the 2023 season.
Over the last three years, Lemon appeared in 33 games for the Trojans and caught 137 passes for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns. He earned All-Big Ten honors twice and All-American honors once. He also won the Fred Biletnikoff Award this past year.
At 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, Lemon isn't a dominant physical presence, but he could absolutely help this roster in 2026 and beyond.
More Dolphins: Dolphins 2026 free agency tracker: Latest news, rumors and signings
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL draft: Dolphins reportedly hosting WR Makai Lemon for top-30 visit
Tom Brady will be returning to the gridiron soon – sort of – and he looks more than ready for his comeback moment.
You won't see Brady in the NFL anytime soon, but he is set to play competitive flag football this month as he takes the Flag Football Classic, an event which he founded, to Los Angeles. The event will feature Team USA Football ahead of the 2028 Olympic flag football competition, and is scheduled for March 21 at the 22,000-seat open-air stadium in Exposition Park in Los Angeles.
And as Brady prepares to take the field, he shared a shirtless photo on social media that quickly went viral, showing he is in peak shape for the event.
Tom Brady should NOT be able to look like this at 48 years old 🥵
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 13, 2026
Brady makes his football return in nine days.
6"4 and 225 pounds of pure muscle. pic.twitter.com/3EZfSQodwU
Last season, when asked about a potential NFL return amid Philip Rivers's comeback, the multi-time Super Bowl champion indicated he would be able to handle it easily. However, his current ownership position with the Raiders would make it logistically impossible at the moment.
"Yes, I certainly could," Brady said. "I think the answer for me would be yes. I'm not allowed to anymore because I'm a minority owner of the Raiders, so I can't unretire."
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Viral photo shows NFL icon Tom Brady in peak shape ahead of comeback
Mohamed Salah has built a reputation at Liverpool through decisive moments, relentless consistency and a remarkable instinct for goals. As Tottenham Hotspur arrive at Anfield for the latest Premier League contest, the Egyptian forward stands on the brink of another personal milestone.
Liverpool’s right sided talisman will enter the match knowing a goal could secure a new record in his career. Salah has already enjoyed extraordinary success against Tottenham, and Sunday’s fixture offers another opportunity to underline his enduring influence at Anfield.
Even during a season that has carried occasional turbulence, Salah remains central to Liverpool’s attacking plans. Under Arne Slot, the 33 year old continues to occupy his familiar position on the right flank, contributing 17 goals across 32 appearances in all competitions this season.
Few opponents have felt Salah’s impact more sharply than Tottenham. Across his career he has scored 16 goals against Spurs, a total that matches his tally against Manchester United as his most prolific return against a single opponent.
Photo: IMAGO
A goal on Sunday would change that statistic forever. A seventeenth strike against Tottenham would represent the highest number of goals Salah has scored against any one club in his career.
The prospect adds another narrative layer to a meeting that already carries Premier League significance. Salah’s history against Spurs also suggests he thrives in this fixture. In his last six league appearances against Tottenham he has found the net five times, scoring seven goals in total.
Those numbers illustrate why Tottenham supporters often approach meetings with Liverpool with a degree of caution whenever Salah is in the starting line up.
Salah’s connection with Tottenham fixtures stretches beyond recent seasons. Across all competitions he has scored 12 Premier League goals against Spurs, placing him among the most effective attackers the North London side have faced in the modern era.
His pursuit of another record does not end there. A hat trick on Sunday would elevate Salah even further into Premier League history. Only Alan Shearer has scored more goals against Tottenham in the competition, with the Newcastle United legend registering 14.
Should Salah produce a treble at Anfield, he would surpass that mark and claim another notable record in English football’s top flight.
Liverpool supporters have witnessed countless examples of Salah delivering when records approach. The Egyptian forward often seems inspired by the prospect of another milestone.
Photo: IMAGO
Despite his historic productivity, conversation surrounding Salah’s role has surfaced again following Liverpool’s recent Champions League defeat to Galatasaray. The winger was substituted shortly after the hour mark during the narrow loss, prompting discussion about whether competition for places might intensify.
Federico Chiesa is expected to return from illness ahead of the Tottenham clash, offering Arne Slot another attacking option. Tactical adjustments could also see Dominik Szoboszlai deployed on the right flank, with Florian Wirtz operating centrally and Cody Gakpo or Rio Ngumoha competing for the left sided role behind Hugo Ekitike.
Yet experience often carries weight at moments like these. Neither Chiesa nor Ngumoha have consistently secured the manager’s trust, while Gakpo’s form has drawn scrutiny in recent weeks.
Salah therefore remains the most likely starter against Tottenham, and if history offers any guidance, Anfield may once again witness a familiar sight. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s relentless record chaser, stepping forward when another milestone awaits.
As per a report from Foot Mercato, the Morocco national team are set to call up Lille OSC’s Ayyoub Bouaddi (18) and Fulham’s Issa Diop (29) for the upcoming international break.
The latter has played 15 games for Fulham this season. Diop has never represented France’s senior side, however, he featured prominently at youth level and made six appearances for the U21 side. Morocco have been engaged in an attempt to convince Diop to join their national set-up for several years and the defender has now decided to respond to the call, Foot Mercato understands.
Bouaddi, meanwhile, has recently broken through at Lille and he is being sold a bright future, a future that many thought would happen within the France set-up. At just 18, he has already played eight games for France’s U21 side.
However, the Morocco national team are now set to call him up for the March international break. Whether he responds favourably to the call up is something else entirely. Sources close to the federation have revealed that Bouaddi has given a verbal agreement to play for the Atlas Lions. That came after a positive meeting between the federation, Bouaddi, and his family this week.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
College basketball postseason tournament shockingly canceled originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The postseason is in full swing in college basketball, with various programs already winning their respective conference tournaments.
The action will continue on Saturday and Sunday with more teams hoping to be the last ones standing. Once Sunday’s Big Ten Tournament championship game concludes, teams will look ahead to the next leg of the postseason, where they’ll receive another chance to compete for titles in tournaments featuring squads from different conferences.
However, a particular postseason tournament has been shockingly canceled.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, the CBI (College Basketball Invitational) will not be held this year,” the CBI’s official X/Twitter account announced Thursday. “We will see you next year!”
With the CBI non-existent in 2026, the NCAA Tournament, the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), and the College Basketball Crown (in its second season) will be the premier post-conference tournament events.
The CBI was created in 2007 and held its first-ever tournament in 2008. Of course, the CBI was canceled in 2020, like every other postseason event, due to the unfortunate pandemic.
For the most part, though, the tournament has been run smoothly since its initial launch, with Illinois State defeating Cleveland State in the latest installment of the CBI.
While high-major programs have competed in the tournament before, it’s always been designed to help low and mid-major schools that missed the Big Dance and NIT get another crack at a late-season championship. Unfortunately, it won’t happen this year.
More college basketball: What does Auburn's SEC Tournament loss to Tennessee mean for Miami (Ohio)'s March Madness chances?
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will be out for the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season after being a recipient of a hit from Anaheim Ducks captain and defenseman Radko Gudas on Thursday night. As a result, Gudas was suspended five games.
The hit took place with four minutes and 13 seconds left in the second period. Gudas received a five minute major for kneeing and a 10 minute misconduct for the infraction in a 6-4 Toronto win.
Matthews has a grade three medial collateral ligament tear. He also has a quad contusion.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was displeased at the lack of response from the Maple Leafs team after the knee incident took place. A lack of emotion has been a problem for the Maple Leafs this season.
The lack of response was also noticed by Elliotte Friedman of Rogers Sportsnet. Friedman has a podcast with Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas.
The fact that Gudas only got a five game suspension has been criticized by Matthews’s agent Judd Moldaver.
In 60 games, Matthews has 27 goals and 26 assists for 53 points. He is a -4 with 18 penalty minutes, 12 power-play points, 227 shots on goal, 580 faceoff wins, 81 blocked shots, 42 hits, 30 takeaways, and 51 giveaways.
Anyway you look at it, it has been a very disappointing season for Toronto. The fact that the Maple Leafs are last in the Atlantic Division is bitterly disappointing to a Eastern Canadian fan base that watches the Maple Leafs in high numbers.
It is unlikely the Maple Leafs will make the postseason now. Toronto is nine points back of the Boston Bruins for a playoff spot.
As a result, do not be surprised at all if Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving and Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube will be fired when the regular season ends next month.
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The post Can the Maple Leafs make the playoffs after the Auston Matthews’s injury? appeared first on The Big Lead.
Tyler Adams missed Bournemouth's match against Burnley on Saturday, putting his availability for upcoming U.S. men's national team friendlies in doubt.
Adams was not included in Bournemouth's matchday squad as the Cherries drew 0-0 at Turf Moor.
According to the Bournemouth Daily Echo, Adams "felt something in training [Friday] and they decided not to risk him today — sounds purely precautionary and nothing major."
Adams only recently returned after missing two months with an MCL sprain he suffered on Dec. 15.
The 27-year-old started three consecutive games for the Cherries until missing Saturday's match.
Though the injury doesn't appear serious, it still could put Adams at risk for missing the USMNT squad for matches against Belgium (March 28) and Portugal (March 31) in Atlanta.
Mauricio Pochettino is expected to name his roster for the two matches next week.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USMNT's Tyler Adams misses Bournemouth match vs Burnley
It’s a goal that, up until that point, didn’t fit the flow of the game at all, because unlike the first 38 minutes, this one truly deserves the title “world-class.”
After a high ball from teammate Mikelbrencis into the path of Fabio Vieira, he scored with his very first touch—a delicate outside-foot chip from about fourteen meters out, sending the ball into the top left corner (39’).
Pulling off a first touch like that doesn’t happen often—but it once again highlights what a classy player the Arsenal loanee is, and what an important role he plays for HSV, who would move up to 9th place with a win today.
📸 Stuart Franklin - 2026 Getty Images
But before halftime, Said El Mala responded to Vieira’s world-class moment with his first career headed goal, so the teams went into the break level once again.
What do you think? Who will come out on top in the second half? Let us know in the comments!
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
FC Red Bull Salzburg Women 0-1 FK Austria Vienna; (H/T:0-1). Goal: Triendl (39')
Our FC Red Bull Salzburg women pushed league leaders FK Austria Vienna all the way, but an avoidable goal conceded just before half-time proved to be the difference as they lost their 2026 home opener.
The league leaders, who are comfortably in first place, visited our fifth-placed team but there was no noticing the gap in the table at the start. While the visitors dominated possession – creating half-chances through Cordes and Wenninger – our attacks, though less frequent, were more incisive. First, Julia Grünwald headed the ball over from a promising position after a corner, then Sara Grabovac narrowly missed the target during a solo run.
That the ADMIRAL Women's Bundesliga leaders from Vienna still went into the break with a lead was entirely our fault. As we tried to build-up from the back, a Hamzic ball across to goalkeeper Lara Ritter was too weak, Triendl capitalised, intercepted the pass, and finished (39th minute) – to make it 0-1 at half-time.
Our team continued to play with energy after the restart, but only sporadically found ways to break down the strong Violet defence – Julia Grünwald and Sophia Schirmbrand, with a double chance after a clever corner, were the exceptions. Instead, the visitors dictated the play, with Cordes firing over the crossbar from distance, for Austria's best opportunity in an otherwise uneventful second half.
Since our team couldn't mount a late attacking salvo, we had to accept defeat in our 2026 home opener.
I am so proud as that was a truly even match! We showed against the best team in Austria that we are competitive. What pleases me most is that we held our own physically, even in aerial duels, and conceded absolutely nothing from set pieces. The performance was spot on. Against such top opponents, small details make the difference, and one such detail decided the game today. I'm happy that we've definitely made our mark. We'll take this positive momentum into the next few matches!
Dusan Pavlovic
FC Red Bull Salzburg Women: Ritter – Illinger, Hamzic, Schirmbrand, L. Spinn (74. Gierzinger) – Orkic © (74. Gragger), G. Spinn, Grünwald (80. D'Angelo), Grabovac – Crnoja (58. Krassnig), Kobler (74. Wienerroither)
FK Austria Vienna: Pal – Wenninger ©, Schiechtl, Kirchberger – Weiss, Cordes, Schöffel, Skorvankova (73. Strode), Weilharter – Uka (86. Sisic), Triendl (63. Pfattner)
Grabovac (33./Foul), Hamzic (70./Foul), Illinger (78./Unsporting behaviour) - Vasile (73./dissent), Weilharter (77./Unsporting behaviour)
250
Edin Kustura
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 20: A general view of a 'March Madness' logo is seen during practice before the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 20, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesWhat do Duke, Arizona and Michigan all have in common when it comes to March Madness? They’re all contenders to be the No. 1 overall seed in this year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
In addition to the bragging rights of being declared the top-ranked team in the country, the No. 1 overall seed has the ability to choose its preferred region and first-/second-round site.
Of course, being the No. 1 overall seed doesn’t guarantee ultimate victory in the tournament. The last three No. 1 overall seeds to win the championship were UConn in 2024, Louisville in 2013 and Kentucky in 2012. Last year’s winner, the Florida Gators, were the No. 4 national seed.
Every round a team survives through, however, does earn more than $2 million for its conference paid out in annual increments over the next six years. The NCAA hasn’t released the value for this year’s unit, but it will be at or above last year’s $347,275 value. Presumably, the higher your seeding, the better your chance at earning those units for your conference.
Prior to this year’s tournament, teams received a unit for every game played through the Final Four, with no additional units for appearing in the championship game. However, in January, NCAA members voted to add an additional three units each to the men’s and women’s basketball distribution funds. That allows the championship contenders to each earn a unit, plus an additional unit with be awarded to the national champion team.
As is the case with the College Football Playoff, some schools will take home more than others thanks to conference revenue distribution policies. For example, the Big 12 and Big Ten didn’t give teams participating in the CFP any kind of bonus, instead dividing all revenue from the playoffs equally between members.
The SEC, however, gave a bonus for each round of the CFP and do the same for the men’s basketball tournament. Each SEC team receives one payment of $100,000 for appearing in the Preliminary, First, and/or Second Round, an additional one payment of $125,000 for appearing in the Regional Semifinals and/or Regional Finals, and an additional one payment of $300,000 for appearing in the Final Four.
Last year, the SEC had a record number of teams in the tournament, with 14 of its 16 teams in the bracket. Those teams went on to play 35 games leading up to the championship, earning 35 units worth approximately $70 million for the conference, the highest total in history.
Who will win both on and off the court this season? It won’t be long before it’s time to fill out those brackets and see how it all unfolds.
Rémi Himbert (18) sustained an ankle injury during Olympique Lyonnais’ draw against Celta Vigo in midweek. Paulo Fonseca has now revealed the severity of the injury.
The Frenchman has featured increasingly often in recent weeks, due to a lack of depth in the forward positions, but also because, when he has come on, he has impressed. Prior to Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League draw against Celta Vigo (1-1), Himbert had made 10 first-team appearances this season, scoring three goals (one in Ligue 1, one in the UEFA Europa League, and one in the Coupe de France).
He once again came off the bench in Spain, but lasted just seconds before he was on the floor clutching his ankle. Pablo Duran had fallen on the striker’s right ankle and, unable to walk, he was aided off by OL’s medical staff. Brought on in the 67th minute, he was replaced by Adam Karabec in the 70th.
Post-match, Fonseca said that he thought Himbert’s injury was “not good”, and so it has transpired. Speaking on Saturday, the Lyon manager said that the forward would be absent for between six and eight weeks with a “severe sprain”, ruling him out for much of the remainder of the Ligue 1 season.
“It is sad for him. He is disappointed. It is difficult. I told him that he now just has to focus on his recovery,” added Fonseca.
ATLANTA (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn't available for the Milwaukee Bucks' matchup with the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, marking the 31st game the two-time MVP has missed this season.
Although Milwaukee's injury report initially had listed Antetokounmpo as questionable due to injury management of his right calf, the team later ruled him out because of a left ankle sprain.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers said at his pregame availability that the issue stemmed from the Bucks’ 112-105 loss to Miami on Thursday night.
The Bucks are playing on back-to-back days; they return home to face the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. Antetokounmpo hasn’t played on consecutive days since returning on March 2 from a right calf strain.
This represents the highest total of games Antetokounmpo has missed in any season during his 13-year career.
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Sheffield Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen was proud of his side's efforts against promotion-chasing Ipswich in their 2-0 defeat.
Wednesday threatened to back up their midweek draw with their first point at Hillsborough since December 29 before Ipswich scored two late goals.
The Owls also showed more in attack and Pedersen felt his side did well against such a difficult opponent.
He told BBC Radio Sheffield: "It was a tough, tough game against a very, very strong opponent. They are a strong, strong team with a fantastic manager. With this cocktail, we all knew it would be a big challenge today.
"But I think from the first moment we showed that the boys really tried. We also saw in the first 10 minutes, there was some tiredness in their bodies and then we worked into the game. I think we played a really, really strong first half.
"Then second half, we really had some challenges to make the correction for their tactical changes. We did this and we had a really good period again.
"Then we had a difficult period up to the goal where we won the ball, we lost the ball and then you could feel it was difficult for us to come back."
All eyes were on Celtic Park for this afternoon’s clash between the Hoops and Motherwell, with the away side’s reputation for playing good football preceding them.
What unfolded over the course of the 90 minutes was a thoroughly entertaining match which saw four goals scored, three of which went the way of Martin O’Neill’s men.
Yang continued with his good run of form, grabbing a brace, whilst Tomas Cvancara buried an effort from the penalty spot for the second week in a row, giving Celtic a 3-1 victory.
Speaking to Celtic TV after the match, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill reflected on a good game of football and a brilliant win for his side.
He said: “The match lived up to its billing. It was a great performance from both teams, a great game of football.
“We knew it was going to be tough for us and that was the case. Motherwell are a fine side.
“We showed a lot of determination after giving them a goal to go one behind and it was a terrific performance.
“Yang was absolutely outstanding, he got the goals that he deserved and I thought Daizen was also brilliant.”
Martin O’Neill’s full post-match interview is available to watch below.
Celtic Vs. Motherwell - Sat, Mar 14th 2026, 15:00 Match Report
Los Angeles Lakers (41-25) vs. Nuggets (41-26) | Game 67 of 82
Date: Saturday, March 14
Tip-off: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, Calif.
TV: ABC
Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW
The Lakers enter tonight’s matchup against the Nuggets looking to push their win streak to five games.
Los Angeles is coming off a 142-130 win over the Bulls on Thursday, where Luka Dončić exploded for a 51-point triple-double.
It was his first 50-point game as a Laker and eighth triple-double of the season as the Slovenian continues to push the MVP conversation narrative, a topic coach JJ Redick said he should more involved in.
"He's playing as well as anyone right now, and that's not getting talked about enough, but I'm going to talk about it," Redick said after their win over Chicago.
Over their last eight games, the Lakers have arguably played their best basketball of the season, finding their rhythm on both ends of the floor.
In that eight-game span, they have had the 2nd-rated offense (123.3) and 7th-rated defense (109.8) while allowing the lowest 3-pointers (10) and 3-point percentage (29%) to opponents.
LeBron James returned from a three-game absence against the Bulls, scoring 18 points in 33 minutes.
This matchup marks the third meeting between the teams this season.
With the regular season entering its final stretch, the Lakers (41-25) are currently No. 4 in the Western Conference standings.
A win tonight would push them to No. 3 in the West ahead of the Houston Rockets, who the Lakers play back-to-back times next on the road.
The Lakers will have a tough task against Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray.
The Lakers' bigs are in for a long game against Jokic, who slices through every part of teams' defenses in different ways, and Murray just hates that Lakers logo.
Jokic is averaging a triple-double this season in another MVP-like season at 28.7 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists, while you should anticipate an A game night from Murray, as he always does against the Lakers.
Murray is averaging 25.7 points and 7.1 assists per game.
If the Lakers can limit the players around those two, it could swing the momentum.
The Lakers need to avoid a slow start.
In their previous matchup against Denver, the Lakers started 11-0 after a brutal, low-energy first quarter. Something they need to avoid in L.A. with teams eager to play their best with the brighter lights.
The Nuggets enter tonight’s game with a 41-26 record, 23-12 on the road, and currently sit at No. 5 in the Western Conference.
They are coming off a five-point win over the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday behind a 39-point outing from Murray.
The Nuggets currently rank:
No. 1 in offensive rating (120.4)
No. 21 in defensive rating (116.2)
Other rankings:
Points — No. 1 (120.6)
FG% — No. 2 (49.3%)
Assists — No. 9 (28.1)
3PM — No. 12 (13.7)
3P% — No. 1 (39.1%)
Game 1 — Lakers 115-107 win in Denver on Jan 20
Game 2 — Lakers 120-113 loss in Denver on March 5
LeBron James is 14 rebounds away from reaching 12k rebounds all-time. He sits at 11,986, which ranks him 23rd all-time.
Nikola Jokic has had a triple-double in his past three games as he leads the NBA in total triple-doubles this season with 26.
Lakers:
Jaxson Hayes (back soreness): PROBABLE
Maxi Kleber (back strain): OUT
Nuggets:
Jamal Murray (ankle sprain): Probable (Don’t see him not playing)
Aaron Gordon (hamstring): Probable
Peyton Watson: Out
The Lakers will wear their iconic gold uniforms, while the Nuggets will wear their white association edition uniforms.
The Lakers now head to a six-game road trip, facing the Houston Rockets in their next two games. They will play their next home game on March 27 against the Brooklyn Nets.
Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic spoke to BBC Radio Humberside after his side's 3-0 defeat at West Brom.
"I knew that they had quality and they are fighting relegation. They brought a lot of energy to the pitch and this is the reason we lost today," he said.
"I think it's about energy and courage when you have the ball. They were better today.
"Also we had a lack of concentration. On the first goal Ivor must kick the ball longer and the red card came from nothing, it was bad from Charlie. It's football, it can happen.
(On Lewie Coyle injury) "I'm not optimistic because he has a protective boot on. We'll see after an examination what the damage is. He got kicked on the same ankle he already had a problem on."
LORIENT, France (AP) — Substitute striker Aiyegun Tosin scored the winner as second-placed Lens lost 2-1 at Lorient in the French league on Saturday, missing the chance to move back to the top of the standings.
With Paris Saint-Germain not playing this weekend, Lens had the chance to move two points clear with a win at mid-table Lorient.
But coach Pierre Sage's players struggled to get things going and were punished in the 18th minute when Bamba Dieng was left unmarked and scored from close range with a right-footed effort.
Following Odsonne Édouard's second-half equalizer, Tosin snatched three points for Lorient in the 65th minute, fluffing his initial attempt before rounding the Lens goalkeeper to score. Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo made five saves for the hosts.
PSG is off duty because Nantes agreed to postpone their scheduled game on Sunday in order to give PSG better preparation for the Champions League second leg against Chelsea next week. PSG is leading 5-2 from the last-16 first leg on Wednesday.
Angers hosts Nice and Monaco is at home to Brest later Saturday.
Third-placed Marseille won 1-0 against struggler Auxerre on Friday. The result left Marseille in third place, three points clear of Lyon, which plays at Le Havre on Sunday. Marseille was seven points behind Lens and eight adrift of PSG.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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Mediterranean travel bookings surge as global tourists shift plans from the Middle East. Discover safer European destinations and smart travel tips.
The post Mediterranean Travel Bookings Surge in 2026 as International Travellers Choose Greece, Spain and Italy for Safer, Easier and Scenic Coastal Holidays appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Middle East war travel shift to Europe reshapes global tourism. Learn safer destinations, travel tips, smart planning advice for international travelers.
The post Middle East War Travel Shift to Europe: Why International Tourists Are Choosing Mediterranean Destinations Over Gulf Holidays in 2026 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Sofitel Montreal's newly redesigned flagship hotel showcases French-style luxury with modern touches, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors to Montreal.
The post Sofitel Montreal’s Bold Redesign Sets New Standard For Luxury Stays appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Global air travel costs surge as Cathay Pacific, Air India, and numerous carriers raise fuel surcharges amid jet fuel price spikes linked to the Iran war.
The post Cathay Pacific Joins Air India, FlySafair, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Qantas, Air France, and More in Raising Fuel Surcharges Amid Skyrocketing Jet Fuel Prices! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Explore how Middle Eastern airlines are leading global profitability in 2026 despite regional conflicts.
The post The Middle East Aviation Paradox: Record Profits Amidst Geopolitical Resilience in 2026 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria feature in Celebrity River Cruises' Destination Discovery program on Danube and Rhine for 2027-2028. Curated tourism experiences boost Europe river tourism.
The post Budapest and Vienna Spotlight Celebrity River Cruises Destination Discovery for Tourism Immersion: What You Need to Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Discover The Florentin by Althoff Collection, a luxurious retreat in Frankfurt's Sachsenhausen district, blending wellness, modern design, and local charm.
The post Discover Luxury And Wellness At The Florentin, Frankfurt appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Europe's new biometric Exit/Entry System launches in April, replacing passport stamps with fingerprint scans and facial recognition for travelers.
The post Say Goodbye to Passport Stamps: New Biometric Border System of Europe Is Here. appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Hotel Riu Ventura opens in Cancun with stunning pools luxury rooms all-inclusive experiences.Discover what’s new in this beachfront resort.
The post Experience the Best of Cancun at the New Hotel Riu Ventura – Grand Opening Brings a Fresh Luxury Vibe to Mexico’s Coastline appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Nepali citizens in Qatar must now book appointments at the Tasheer Center for Saudi tourist visas to travel home via Saudi airports.
The post New Saudi Transit Rules for Nepalis in Qatar: How to Book Your Visa Appointment in Doha appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Samsung TVs help people enjoy basketball games simply and excitingly. During tournament season, basketball games are full of action. Players move quickly, the ball travels fast, and every point is important. Watching these moments on a good TV helps fans enjoy the game even more.
AI Customization Mode is a useful feature of Samsung TVs. This feature understands what you are watching and changes the picture settings automatically. When you watch sports like basketball, the TV makes the colors brighter and the picture clearer.
Basketball games move very fast, so it is important that the picture stays smooth. Samsung TVs use AI Motion Enhancer Pro to reduce blur during fast action. Also, Motion Xcelerator helps make motion smoother by improving the refresh rate. Because of this, the game looks natural and easy to follow.
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Huawei formally outed a few details regarding the Enjoy 90 Pro Max and Enjoy 90 Plus – two upcoming handsets. The highlight of the reveal is probably the “Whale battery,” which is said to have a capacity of around 8,500 mAh. Huawei Enjoy 90 Pro Max and 90 Plus The source also expects both phones to feature a 6.84-inch, QHD+ LTPS OLED display and either a Kirin 8000 or Kirin 8020 chipset, plus 8GB of RAM and a choice between 128GB, 256GB and 512GB of storage. Huawei Enjoy 90 Plus We also get a few images of the two devices, revealing their design. These images are...
The Saudi Pro League title race continues to deliver drama, and the battle for the Golden Boot has become just as intense. While Cristiano Ronaldo remains sidelined with injury, the spotlight has shifted toward two other prolific forwards: Ivan Toney and Julian Quinones.
All three stars have been central figures in the scoring charts this season, representing Al‑Nassr, Al‑Ahli, and Al‑Qadsiah, respectively. But a dramatic night of soccer, filled with a stunning comeback, title-race implications, and a heated confrontation, has reshaped the race for the league’s top scorer.
What unfolded during and after Al-Ahli’s match against Al-Qadsiah not only altered the dynamics of the championship battle but also reignited the Golden Boot rivalry spectacularly. Al-Ahli entered its away fixture against Al-Qadsiah with the chance to apply serious pressure on league leader Al-Nassr. Early on, the team appeared firmly in control.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute, when Ivan Toney capitalized on defensive confusion inside the box to open the scoring. The English striker reacted quickest to a loose ball and produced a composed finish to put Al-Ahli ahead. Just before halftime, Valentin Atangana tapped in Galeno’s cross to make it 2-0, putting Al-Ahli firmly in control.
However, Al-Qadsiah mounted a dramatic second-half comeback. Musab Al Juwayr pulled one back in the 63rd minute after a pass from Christopher Bonsu Baah, shifting the momentum. Deep into stoppage time, Turki Al Ammar equalized in the 92nd minute before Ibrahim Mahnashi completed the stunning turnaround in the 98th minute, sealing a remarkable 3-2 victory. The result stunned the visitors and had immediate implications for the title race.
As emotions ran high after the final whistle, the drama continued off the ball. The match’s intensity spilled over when Ivan Toney became involved in a confrontation with Julian Quinones during the post-match handshake sequence. The altercation quickly escalated, with video footage showing the two Golden Boot contenders exchanging heated words and briefly grabbing each other by the collar before teammates stepped in.
Ivan Toney greets both linesmen but ignores the referee, before getting into a scuffle with Julian Quinones.
— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) March 13, 2026
pic.twitter.com/Ua3zHlSR45
The incident appeared to underline the fierce rivalry between the league’s top scorers, whose competition has intensified throughout the season. Fans quickly reacted on social media, with many describing the scene as a reflection of the high stakes surrounding both the title race and the Golden Boot chase.
😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
— نواف الاسيوي 🇸🇦 (@football_li5) March 13, 2026
تشابك بالايدي بين ايفان توني وكينيونيس!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/UbcRzo6F3q
The aftermath of the match also produced a significant shift in the scoring charts. Ivan Toney now leads the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot race with 25 goals, narrowly ahead of Julian Quinones with 24. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo remains on 21 goals while recovering from injury.
That development has reshaped the competition for the award, particularly as Ronaldo’s absence limits his chances of adding to his tally in the immediate future. The Portuguese superstar had entered the campaign pursuing a historic milestone: becoming the first European player to win the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot three seasons in a row.
He previously claimed the award in 2024 with 31 goals and again in 2025 with 30 goals, reinforcing his dominance in Saudi soccer even in the later years of his career. However, the current season has proven far more competitive, with multiple strikers delivering exceptional performances.
Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 24-cü turunun “Zirə” – “Qarabağ” matçı meydan sahiblərinin 1:3 hesablı məğlubiyyəti ilə başa çatdı.
Arena.az Bakıda baş tutmuş bu matçın yekun protokolunu və icmalını təqdim edir.
Azərbaycan Premyer Liqası
24-cü tur
14 mart
“Zirə” – “Qarabağ” 1:3
Qollar: Ceyhun Nuriyev, 70 – Xoni Montiel, 22. Kamilo Duran, 55. Kadi Borges, 72.
Sarı vərəqə: Enrike Kustodio, 66 (qeyri-idman hərəkəti).
Artırılan vaxt: Birinci hissədə 2 dəqiqə, ikinci hissədə 4 dəqiqə.
Saat 19:15. Zirə İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 1200 tamaşaçı.
Baş hakim: Fərid Hacıyev.
Baş hakimin köməkçiləri: Namiq Hüseynov, Rəhman İmami.
Dördüncü hakim: Vüqar Həsənli.
VAR: Nicat İsmayıllı.
AVAR: Emin Əliyev.
Hakim-inspektor: Rəhim Həsənov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Elgiz Abbasov.
Zirə: 97. Tyaqo Silva, 8. İsmayıl İbrahimli, 7. Rövlan Muradov (29. Ceyhun Nuriyev, 56), 14. Elçin Əlicanov (21. Hacıağa Hacılı, 56), 4. Ruan Renatov (k), 25. Enrike Kustodio, 9. Davit Volkov (28. Leroy Mikels, 76), 30. Rikardo Martins, 93. Brahim Konate (10. Georgi Papunaşvili, 63), 5. Ange Mutsinzi, 11. Junior Martins (22. Eren Aydın, 63).
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 13. Aydın Bayramov, 70. Namiq Ələsgərov, 73. Anatoli Nuriyev, 19. Rüfət Abdullazadə, 26. Stefan Akka, 20. İssa Cibrilla, 6. Eldar Quliyev.
Baş məşqçi: Rəşad Sadıqov.
Qarabağ: 99. Mateus Koxalski, 44. Elvin Cəfərquliyev (27. Toral Bayramov, 90+2), 10. Abdullah Zubir (k) (22. Musa Qurbanlı, 85), 81. Kevin Medina, 20. Kadi Borges, 2. Mateus Silva, 9. Xoni Montiel (8. Marko Yankoviç, 73), 18. Dani Bolt (30. Abbas Hüseynov, 90+2), 15. Leandro Andrade (11. Emmanuel Addai, 90+2), 35. Pedro Bikalyo, 17. Kamilo Duran.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 97. Fabian Buntiç, 89. Amin Ramazanov, 55. Bədavi Hüseynov, 77. Ramil Şeydayev, 32. Hikmət Cəbrayılzadə, 21. Aleksey Kaşuk, 24. Jeremi Qnali.
Baş məşqçi: Qurban Qurbanov.
Bu gün futbol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 24-cü turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun gününün sonuncu qarşılaşması Zirədə baş tutub.
Turun mərkəzi oyununda “Zirə” son çempion “Qarabağ”la üz-üzə gəlib. Oyunu Fərid Hacıyev idarə edib. Dörd qolun qeydə alındığı görüşdə Ağdam təmsilçisi inamlı qələbəyə sevinib.
Daha öncə keçirilmiş oyunlarda “Araz-Naxçıvan” “Karvan”a (2:1), “Şamaxı” “Sumqayıt”a (1:0), “Sabah” “İmişli”yə (5:0) qalib gəlib. “Kəpəz” – “Turan Tovuz” və “Qəbələ” – “Neftçi” matçları isə sabah keçiriləcək.
Premyer Liqa
24-cü tur
14 mart
“Zirə” – “Qarabağ” 1:3
Qollar: Ceyhun Nuriyev, 70 – Xoni Montiel, 22. Kamilo Duran, 55. Kadi Borges, 72.
Hakimlər: Fərid Hacıyev, Namik Hüseynov, Rəhman İmami, Vüqar Həsənli.
VAR: Nicat İsmayıllı.
AVAR: Emin Əliyev.
Hakim-inspektor: Rəhim Həsənov.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Elgiz Abbasov.
Zirə İdman Kompleksinin stadionu. 19:15.
Zirə: 97. Tyaqo Silva, 8. İsmayıl İbrahimli, 7. Rövlan Muradov, 14. Elçin Əlicanov, 4. Ruan Renatov (k), 25. Enrike Kustodio, 9. Davit Volkov, 30. Rikardo Martins, 93. Brahim Konate, 5. Ange Mutsinzi, 11. Junior Martins.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 13. Aydın Bayramov, 70. Namiq Ələsgərov, 73. Anatoli Nuriyev, 21. Hacıağa Hacılı, 19. Rüfət Abdullazadə, 29. Ceyhun Nuriyev, 26. Stefan Akka, 28. Leroy Mikels, 10. Georgi Papunaşvili, 20. İssa Cibrilla, 6. Eldar Quliyev, 22. Eren Aydın.
Baş məşqçi: Rəşad Sadıqov.
Qarabağ: 99. Mateus Koxalski, 44. Elvin Cəfərquliyev, 10. Abdullah Zubir (k), 81. Kevin Medina, 20. Kadi Borges, 2. Mateus Silva, 9. Xoni Montiel, 18. Dani Bolt, 15. Leandro Andrade, 35. Pedro Bikalyo, 17. Kamilo Duran.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 97. Fabian Buntiç, 89. Amin Ramazanov, 55. Bədavi Hüseynov, 30. Abbas Hüseynov, 77. Ramil Şeydayev, 27. Toral Bayramov, 22. Musa Qurbanlı, 32. Hikmət Cəbrayılzadə, 8. Marko Yankoviç, 21. Aleksey Kaşuk, 11. Emmanuel Addai, 24. Jeremi Qnali.
Baş məşqçi: Qurban Qurbanov.
Bu gün Azərbaycan Basketbol Liqasında (ABL) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 19-cu turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, üçüncü oyun günündə iki qarşılaşma baş tutub.
Günün ilk matçında “Gəncə” son çempion “Sabah”ı qəbul edib. Gəncə İdman Sarayında baş tutmuş qarşılaşma qonaqların qələbəsi ilə bitib – 87:73.
Digər oyun “Abşeron Lions”la “Neftçi” arasında təşkil edilib. Qarşılaşma Abşeron təmsilçisinin 107:87 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.
Xatırladaq ki, tura martın 15-də yekun vurulacaq. Əvvəlki matçlarda “Ordu” “Sumqayıt”ı (121:98), “Naxçıvan” “Sərhədçi”ni (83:67), “Quba” “Lənkəran”ı (95:88) məğlub edib.
A qrupu: Sabah – 37. Abşeron Lions – 36. Neftçi – 28. Gəncə – 27. NTD – 20. Şəki – 20.
B qrupu: Ordu – 36. Naxçıvan – 34. Sərhədçi – 26. Sumqayıt – 26. Quba – 26. Lənkəran – 23.
Xatırladaq ki, ABL oyunları dörd dövrədən və 20 turdan ibarət olacaq. Müntəzəm mövsümün oyunları A və B qruplarına bölünməklə keçirilir. Müntəzəm mövsümdə A qrupunu ilk 3 sırada tamamlamış klublarla yanaşı, B qrupunu lider bitirmiş komanda pley-offun 1/4 final mərhələsinə vəsiqə qazanacaq. A və B qruplarında digər yerləri tutmuş komandalar isə pley-offun 1/8 final mərhələsində üz-üzə gələcəklər. Bu mərhələdə ən tez iki qələbə qazanacaq klublar 1/4 finala yüksələcəklər. Həm 1/4 final, həm də yarımfinal seriyaları 2 qələbəyə qədər davam edəcək.
Final seriyasında isə ən tez 3 qələbə qazanacaq klub Azərbaycan Basketbol Liqasının çempionu olacaq.
BTC faces bull trap risks due to the formation of a bear flag pattern, with a measured downside target at around $51,000.
Cristian Chivu and Inter have imposed a press silence in protest at two controversial refereeing decisions in their 1-1 draw with Atalanta.
The coach was sent off for dissent after two yellow cards in quick succession, as he was protesting the decision to give the equaliser from Nikola Krstovic, claiming that Kamaldeen Sulemana had fouled Denzel Dumfries.
Francesco Pio Esposito had given Inter the lead before half-time, while the hosts also had penalty appeals rejected late on for Giorgio Scalvini’s contact with Davide Frattesi.
You can read how DAZN refereeing pundit Luca Marelli evaluated the two incidents here.
There was a lengthy wait in the press room for Chivu or some club representative to reach the microphones, but nobody ever came.
This press silence is Inter’s way of protesting the decisions of referee Gianluca Mangnaniello, and the failure of VAR to overturn those calls.
This is the second setback in a row for the Nerazzurri, who already saw their Serie A lead reduced to seven points after last week’s defeat to Milan.
If Milan manage to beat Lazio tomorrow, it will close the gap further to just five points.
Inter had also been very unhappy with some calls in the Derby della Madonnina last week, specifically a penalty appeal for handball, even though the referee’s association confirmed there were no errors.
DAZN refereeing expert Luca Marelli has given his verdict on the controversial decisions that infuriated Inter in their 1-1 draw with Atalanta. ‘They are subjective situations.’
There were two significant incidents in the space of a few final minutes of this Serie A match at San Siro, after Francesco Pio Esposito had opened the scoring.
Atalanta equalised with Nikola Krstovic only after Kamaldeen Sulemana had robbed Denzel Dumfries on the edge of the area, making the Dutch player stumble and fall over.
Referee Gianluca Manganiello had the whistle in his mouth, seemingly hesitated, and eventually did not blow it, awarding the goal.
A long VAR check confirmed the original decision, which infuriated Cristian Chivu so much that the Inter coach was sent off.
“There is no lower contact between the legs, the only contact is one hand resting on the back, but he doesn’t seem to push,” explained DAZN expert and former referee Marelli.
“In my view, Manganiello was right to let play continue, because any contact is minimal.”
The other moment to hit the headlines occurred a few moments later, when Davide Frattesi got to a bouncing ball first, caught on the boot by Giorgio Scalvini.
Here too, the referee waved play on, and VAR did not consider it necessary to suggest an On-Field Review.
“It is a subjective situation, penalties are a serious matter and should not be given for any contact,” added Marelli.
“I see contact between Scalvini and Frattesi that should be evaluated, but there isn’t a genuine kick from the Atalanta defender.
“I don’t think Manganiello saw it, but I also feel VAR was right not to intervene, because this is not a clear and obvious error.
“It is a situation that can be interpreted and of course all opinions are legitimate.”
Raffaele Palladino thanks Atalanta for ‘battling with such courage’ to a 1-1 draw with Inter, especially thanks to their substitutes, and shrugs off controversy.
La Dea were feeling the pressure after one point from two Serie A games, a 2-2 Coppa Italia semi-final draw at Lazio, and above all Tuesday’s 6-1 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
So when going a goal down at San Siro to Francesco Pio Esposito’s angled drive, it as not to be taken for granted that they’d get back into it.
“This is a great squad, I’ve been asking so much of then for the last four months, and I want to publicly thank them for all their efforts,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.
“They’ve battled with such courage and it’s not easy to play every three days, but they put in a strong performance today. We improved over the course of the match, we had wanted to sit a little deeper and use the transitions in the first half, but didn’t do it well enough.”
This has to be treated as a positive result in the circumstances, and there was a boost with the return of Ederson and Charles De Ketelaere as substitutes after injury problems.
“I knew the inertia of the game could change and those who came off the bench gave us a great energy boost,” continued Palladino.
“Krstovic gave a big hand, we needed his work ethic. We also got De Ketelaere back, Isak Hien won every defensive duel. The players who can come off the bench are a real strength of this club.”
There was controversy too, as Inter were furious a foul wasn’t given for Kamaldeen Sulemana on Denzel Dumfries in the build-up to Nikola Krstovic’s equaliser, then felt Giorgio Scalvini’s contact on Davide Frattesi was worthy of a penalty.
“I never talk about referees. Your own refereeing expert Luca Marelli confirmed the referee did not make a mistake here, so I try to respect everyone’s work.”
Now Atalanta travel to Munich for the second leg of their Champions League tie, having lost the first leg 6-1.
“The result is compromised and there’s a mountain to climb, but we’ll play our game against a great opponent,” concluded Palladino.
Italy international Sandro Tonali is not in the Newcastle United squad travelling for this evening’s game with Chelsea, raising questions on his fitness ahead of the World Cup play-offs.
The Premier League clash is due to kick off at Stamford Bridge at 17.30 GMT and Tonali had been expected to start the match.
Instead, he is not even on the bench, and the official club website confirms that his absence is due to illness.
According to Sky Sports UK, this is the same virus that also forced Newcastle United to leave Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade at home recently.
Both those players are back in the starting XI, so that suggests it should only be a short-term issue.
This will be reassuring for Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, who is set to name his squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup play-offs.
Arguably, the 25-year-old could do with some rest, having already played 46 competitive games at club level so far this season.
Tonali scored three goals and provided seven assists this term in the Newcastle United jersey.
Antonio Conte warns Napoli their match with Lecce is the start of a ‘mini-tournament’ and reassures fans on his future. ‘My intention is to continue this journey.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
The Partenopei had been stuttering in Serie A, but got back on track with two consecutive victories over Verona and Torino.
With the fixture list providing head-to-head battles and tough trips elsewhere, it’s a chance for them to consolidate third place.
“We are starting to recover players who were absent for a very long time. Inevitably, when you are out for that long, it takes time, so I need to evaluate the minutes I give them during the game,” Conte told DAZN Italia.
“I always tell the lads we must try to consider these last 10 matches as a mini-tournament where the Scudetto, Champions League, Europa League and Conference League places will be assigned.
“So we need to be very concentrated and try to do our best.”
Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa returns to the starting XI for the first time since November 2025, but Antonio Vergara and Juan Jesus have joined Stanislav Lobotka, David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani on the absentee list.
Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are only fit enough for a spot on the bench.
Conte has transformed his tactics several times throughout the season to fit the players at his disposal, so will he reshuffle the pack again?
“We were missing a fundamental element like Di Lorenzo, who along with Mazzocchi are the only players who can be full-backs, so we can’t have a four-man defence without Giovanni. Throwing away all the guarantees we’ve earned with this system now would in my view be dangerous and potentially damaging for us.”
There have been suggestions that Conte could be reconsidering his future for next season, having clashed with President Aurelio De Laurentiis a few times.
“When I arrived at Napoli, I signed a three-year contract, so that is the length of the project. Every end of the season, we sit down with the President, discussing and evaluating where we want to go. We’ll do it again at the end of this season, very calmly,” replied Conte.
“Everyone knows I am very happy in Naples, but at the same time, it is only right to evaluate the project and decide whether it is the right decision to keep going. My intention and desire is to continue this journey.”
Napoli give Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa his first start since November, as Alisson Santos supports Rasmus Hojlund against unpredictable Lecce.
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).
The Partenopei have the opportunity to consolidate third place after slender and hard-fought 2-1 wins over Verona and Torino.
Antonio Conte has yet more additions to the injury list, losing Antonio Vergara and Juan Jesus, with Stanislav Lobotka, David Neres, Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Amir Rrahmani already out.
Scott McTominay has been back in training since Tuesday and therefore gets a spot on the bench along with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, both recovering from long-term injuries.
Lecce earned a potentially crucial 2-1 victory over Cremonese to drag them out of the bottom four.
Omri Gandelman has shaken off a knee problem, but Medon Berisha, Francesco Camarda and Kialonda Gaspar are out of action.
Nikola Stulic leads the attack with Lameck Banda, while Napoli-owned Walid Cheddira is on the bench.
Napoli: Meret; Beukema, Buongiorno, Olivera; Politano, Anguissa, Gilmour, Spinazzola; Elmas, Alisson Santos; Hojlund
Lecce: Falcone; Danilo Veiga, Siebert, Tiago Gabriel, Gallo; Coulibaly, Ramadani; Pierotti, Ngom, Banda; Stulic
| 3' | Jamil Siebert (Assist: Antonino Gallo) | |||
| 19' | |
Jamil Siebert |
| Rasmus Højlund (Assist: Matteo Politano) |
46' | |||
| Matteo Politano | |
67' |
Real Madrid are reportedly continuing to track the situation of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté, as uncertainty surrounds the French centre-back’s long-term future at Anfield.
According to talkSPORT, the Spanish giants remain attentive to developments regarding Konaté’s contract negotiations with Liverpool, which are still ongoing.
Liverpool are working to secure the 26-year-old’s future, but interest from top European clubs means the situation is being closely watched.
Real Madrid are understood to be among the teams keeping tabs on the defender’s availability should talks between the player and Liverpool fail to produce an agreement.
Konaté has grown into one of the club’s most reliable defensive players. The France international has formed an important partnership in Liverpool’s backline, combining physical strength with impressive recovery pace and strong aerial ability.
Konaté’s defensive attributes make him particularly well suited to the high-intensity style Liverpool have often employed in recent years.
In addition to his club performances, Konaté has also continued to establish himself within the French national team setup, further enhancing his reputation as one of Europe’s leading young defenders.
The French centre-back is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and that has alerted Real Madrid who love to sign players as free agents.
Real Madrid’s reported interest in Konaté aligns with their long-term efforts to refresh their defensive line.
With some experienced defenders entering the latter stages of their careers, the club is believed to be evaluating options capable of strengthening the squad for the coming years.
Despite the growing speculation, Liverpool are unlikely to let Konaté leave easily. The club considers him a key part of their future defensive plans.
Liverpool are already preparing for defensive changes with young centre-back Jeremy Jacquet set to arrive from Rennes at the end of the season, while promising defender Giovanni Leoni is also expected to return after recovering from injury.
Liverpool remain committed to keeping the French defender, but interest from Real Madrid ensures that the situation will continue to attract attention.
Swap deal: Liverpool ready to finally sign long-term target in smart exchange
The post Real Madrid continue to monitor Liverpool star despite his involvement in contract talks appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Atlético Madrid are reportedly determined to block any attempt by Barcelona to sign Julián Álvarez, as speculation surrounding the Argentine striker’s future intensifies ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Diario Sport, the Spanish club have no intention of strengthening one of their biggest domestic rivals and would reject any approach from the Catalan side.
Reports suggest that the club might consider offers from the Premier League, but only if the proposal significantly exceeds €100 million.
Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs believed to be monitoring Álvarez’s situation closely.
Since joining Atlético Madrid, Julián Álvarez has become a central figure in Diego Simeone’s attacking setup.
The 26-year-old Argentina international is admired for his relentless work rate, pressing ability, and versatility in the final third.
Álvarez can operate both as a central striker and as part of a more fluid attacking system, making him particularly valuable in Simeone’s tactical approach.
His ability to combine intelligent movement with clinical finishing has seen him become one of the club’s most consistent attacking threats.
The forward also carries significant pedigree on the international stage. Álvarez played a key role in Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his performances alongside Lionel Messi elevated his reputation across world football.
While Barcelona face significant resistance, interest from England continues to grow. Both Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly assessing the possibility of making a major move for the striker.
Barcelona have reportedly been admirers of Álvarez for some time as they look to strengthen their attacking line in the coming years but competition from Premier League clubs is set to make their life difficult.
The Catalan giants are looking for a long term replacement of Robert Lewandowski and Álvarez is high on their radar for the summer transfer window this year.
Arsenal preparing ‘formal offer’ for 48-goal star, Andrea Berta personally involved
The post Arsenal and Chelsea given hope of making €100m signing ahead of Barcelona appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Barcelona have reportedly added Chelsea winger Pedro Neto to their list of potential summer transfer targets as the club prepares for another important rebuilding phase.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants are keeping a close eye on the Portuguese international’s situation at Stamford Bridge in case they decide to reinforce their wide attacking options during the upcoming transfer window.
Barcelona’s recruitment strategy is expected to focus on strengthening three key areas of the squad: a striker, a centre-back, and a winger.
While the club already possesses quality options on the flanks, the technical department is exploring alternatives should the opportunity arise in the market.
Neto, now 26 years old, has long been regarded as one of the Premier League’s most technically gifted wide players.
His pace, dribbling ability, and creativity in one-on-one situations has built a reputation as a player capable of unlocking defenses with direct attacking play.
After making his name at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Neto moved to Chelsea in a deal that attracted significant attention across Europe.
Neto’s contract includes a release clause or exit mechanism that could facilitate a transfer should Barcelona decide to move forward with negotiations.
For now, however, the Spanish club are simply observing his situation rather than actively pursuing a deal.
Barcelona’s attacking lineup already includes several prominent wide players.
Young superstar Lamine Yamal and Brazilian international Raphinha are currently considered automatic starters in the wide roles, both delivering consistent performances this season.
In addition, the club is still evaluating the future of Marcus Rashford, who joined on loan from Manchester United.
Barcelona have the option to make that deal permanent depending on how the remainder of the season unfolds.
Because of these existing options, Neto is not currently a priority signing. Instead, he represents a contingency option should circumstances change during the summer.
Report: Chelsea considering transfer move for 21-year-old who’s perfect for Liam Rosenior
The post Report: Chelsea winger on the radar of Barcelona after details of secret clause emerge appeared first on CaughtOffside.
The post USDT Liquidity Crunch Emerges as Exchange Withdrawals Surge Amid Hormuz Crisis appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
Something strange is happening with USDT, and it’s not the kind of shift traders and investors usually celebrate. On the surface, Ethereum’s USDT activity looks vibrant. Active addresses recently surged to 340,000, a level that normally screams strong network engagement.
But digging a little deeper and the story changes fast. This isn’t a speculative frenzy. Instead, it reflects a major pivot in how USDT is being used during the March 2026 Hormuz Crisis.
As geopolitical tensions disrupt traditional banking rails, stablecoins have quietly stepped in to fill the gap. Cross-border payments, emergency transfers, and quick settlements in fiat are increasingly happening through stablecoin rails rather than banks. In other words, the token that once fueled exchange trading desks is now doing something far more practical. And that shift is draining liquidity from where markets need it most.
The imbalance is striking. Exchange data shows elevating withdrawal transactions, compared with declining depositing transactions with recent just 11,000 deposits recorded. Users aren’t simply trading less; they’re actively pulling funds into private custody wallets or may be in fiat.
Why? Because when geopolitical instability enters the equation, trust becomes fragile.
Investors appear to be prioritizing self-sovereign storage over the perceived risks of leaving assets on centralized platforms. In uncertain environments, holding funds directly often feels safer than relying on an exchange infrastructure tied to global financial systems. So while wallets are filling up, exchange reserves are shrinking.
Well, here’s the uncomfortable part. Exchange-side stablecoin reserves have dropped in last three months and in march it fell more to $50.6 billion, leaving noticeably less liquidity sitting on order books. Markets rely heavily on stablecoins like USDT as the settlement layer for trades.
When those reserves shrink, the cushion that normally absorbs large sell orders gets thinner. And thin markets behave differently.
Without a deep pool of liquidity, even moderate liquidations can cause sharp price slippage. Moves that would normally be absorbed quietly by order books suddenly ripple across the market. In other terms, the engine is still running but the oil level is dropping.
That said, if the Strait of Hormuz blockade continues the global crisis will worsen and that could lead to rise in withdrawal of stablecoins. As long as global banking routes remain delayed or uncertain, USDT will likely continue functioning as a fast settlement layer outside the traditional financial system.
That creates a tricky environment for crypto markets. With less stablecoin liquidity available on exchanges, major assets from BTC and ETH to XRP could face increased vulnerability to volatility-driven swings. In that scenario, a routine correction could turn into something deeper simply because the usual buying power isn’t sitting on platforms ready to stabilize prices.
And right now, the shrinking exchange reserves suggest one thing: USDT isn’t just moving around the market, it’s quietly leaving it.
Hansi Flick revealed that Gavi could make his return from injury in Barcelona’s LaLiga clash against Sevilla on Sunday, but said the midfielder’s minutes will be managed. Gavi played just two matches for Barca at the start of the season before suffering a knee injury, which required surgery back in September. The 21-year-old’s return comes […]
The post Flick to manage Gavi´s minutes upon injury return appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Flick to manage Gavi´s minutes upon injury return appeared first on Soccer News.
Celtic picked up a crucial three points at home to Motherwell this afternoon, continuing their Premiership title challenge.
Elijah Just gave the visitors the lead early on, only to be pegged back by Hyun-Jun Yang who levelled the scores just a few minutes later.
Celtic took the lead in the second-half when Emmanuel Longelo saw red and Tomâš Čvančara converted the penalty before Yang scored again to seal the win.
As It Happened
You could tell this game was a big one, with a bit of bite in it as well, when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was shown the first yellow card of the game after just seven minutes following a foul on Just. The former Arsenal midfielder also registered the first shot on target of the afternoon when his right footed effort was saved by Calum Ward in the Motherwell goal.
However, it was the visitors who found the opener on the half hour mark through Just who fired into the bottom corner from inside the penalty area.
The lead didn’t last long though as Celtic drew themselves level just six minutes later with Yang tucking home the equaliser for his side, bringing the first half to a close.
The hosts made one change at the break with Cvancara replacing Sebastian Tounekti. As Motherwell looked to regain their lead, Ibrahim Said forced a strong save out of Viljami Sinisalo.
Just forced the second Celtic booking of the day before the hour mark, when he was fouled by Colby Donovan. A few minutes later, the home side made another change with Luke McCowan introduced from the bench in place of Benjamin Nygren.
Reo Hatate joined his teammates in the referee’s notebook shortly after. Having forced two yellows already in the match, Just received one himself with 25 minutes left on the clock.
The visitors went down to ten men in the 71st minute when Longelo was sent off after conceding a penalty, which was converted by Cvancara. Calum Ward also made his way into John Beaton’s notebook.
Celtic then made a triple change Marcelo Saracchi, Anthony Ralston and Paulo Bernardo replacing Oxlade-Chamberlain, Donovan and Kieran Tierney. The away side made two substitutions of their own at the same time with Oscar Priestman and Eythor Martin Bjøgolfsson bringing Said and Lukas Fadinger’s afternoons to an end.
Moments later, Yang netted his second of the afternoon to put Celtic 3-1 up and complete the comeback for an important three points.
Ralston saw yellow in the 82nd minute due to a foul on Just in his own half. Motherwell made a further three changes before the game was over with Just, Tom Sparrow and Tawanda Maswanhise withdrawn for Luca Ross, Jordan McGhee and Sam Nicholson.
That win takes Celtic within two points of league leaders Hearts, who are in action at Kilmarnock this evening.
Two flashpoint moments in the closing stages of Inter Milan’s 1-1 draw with Atalanta sparked fierce protests from the Nerazzurri, but referee analyst Luca Marelli has backed both of Manganiello’s key decisions, insisting neither incident warranted a penalty.
The first controversy surrounded Atalanta’s equaliser. Inter protested that a foul on Dumfries should have been called before Krstovic’s leveller stood.
“The goal came from a contact that was not whistled. For me, Manganiello was very good to let it run. There is no low contact, just a hand rested on the back. There is no push, no extension of the arm. It seems more like Dumfries losing his balance and falling. Manganiello was right.”
The second incident drew more debate.
Frattesi went down in the Atalanta area under a challenge from Scalvini in what could have been a match-winning penalty for Inter.
Marelli conceded there was contact but stopped well short of calling it a foul.
“There is contact between Frattesi and Scalvini, Frattesi gets there first. There is no real kick, I do not see contact worthy of a penalty. Penalties are a serious matter.”
He also defended the VAR’s decision not to intervene. “Certain contacts on the pitch are not easily visible, especially among many players. It is a subjective evaluation not objective, and therefore correct not to have the VAR step in.”
Inter’s frustration is understandable, but Marelli’s verdict offers little comfort for their case.
The match between Atlético de Madrid and Getafe on matchday 28 of LALIGA left one of the most surreal sequences of the season. At the start of the second half, the visiting defender Abdel Abqar was sent off after a peculiar assault on the local forward Alexander Sorloth, in an action that went unnoticed by the human eye but not by technology.
While attention was focused on another part of the field, the VAR alerted referee Ortiz Arias about an incident on the halfway line. After reviewing the footage, it was confirmed that Abqar gave a pinch to the Norwegian attacker's private parts without the ball in play. Sorloth reacted by knocking down the defender, which earned him a yellow card for protesting, but the greater punishment was for the Moroccan.
Ortiz Arias's decision to show a straight red left the "azulón" team with ten men at a critical moment in the match. This unusual aggression, finally captured by television cameras, adds to the controversies of a matchday marked by tension and rough play.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
Red Sox Lineup Predicted To Shatter Modest Power Projections originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Home runs have become a popular conversation point around the Boston Red Sox before the 2026 season.
The ZiPS projection system set tepid expectations for Boston's lineups, forecasting no Red Sox hitter to reach 20 home runs. Not everyone shares that pessimism.
Lucy Burdge predicted that several Red Sox players will accomplish that benchmark on NESN's "Boston Has Entered The Chat."
"And I thought, that's stupid already," Burdge said of the ZiPS projection. "But now I'm thinking this team could have five guys hit 20 home runs."
The Red Sox will have at least five guys hit 20+ home runs and win the World Series. pic.twitter.com/fUW9yLLVku
— Lucy Burdge (@LucilleBurdge) March 13, 2026
Jarren Duran went from 21 home runs in 2024 to 16 last year, but the outfielder is currently on a power heater. The 29-year-old has hit three home runs in spring training -- including a blast off left-handed ace Chris Sale -- and three more for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.
Burdge can see Duran carrying that momentum into the regular season and delivering 20-plus dingers.
"You see what Jarren Duran is doing?" Burdge said. "You watch what he has done so far in the WBC and in spring training. I was at one game where he hit two home runs, another game where he hit one home run, and that's just the two games I was there."
Five Red Sox hitters hitting 20 homers wouldn't be all that far-fetched.
Willson Contreras has reached that mark in five of the last six full seasons. Wilyer Abreu delivered 22 homers in 115 games last season, and Alex Cora said he wants the Gold Glove right fielder to also play against left-handed pitching this year.
It's a matter of health for Trevor Story, who socked 25 long balls in a bounce-back 2025. Ceddanne Rafaela could untap some more pop after touching them all 16 times last season, and Roman Anthony may surge far beyond 20 if he elevates the ball more.
Burdge went one step further, predicting a Red Sox championship when posting the show clip on social media.
"The Red Sox will have at least five guys hit 20+ home runs and win the World Series."
More MLB: Danny Coulombe Discusses 'No-Brainer' Decision To Join Red Sox
The Las Vegas Raiders have made massive improvements in the 2026 NFL off-season inking receiver Jalen Nailor, center Tyler Linderbaum, linebackers Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and defensive lineman Kwity Paye to three year deals while also re-signing veteran cornerback Eric Stokes, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, and defensive tackle Thomas Booker. The Raiders have made two additional moves with fullback Connor Hayward and receiver/special teams ace Dareke Young as well to lower value contracts. Las Vegas currently sits with roughly 35 million in cap space, not including Quay Walker, Connor Hayward, Dareke Young, and Matt Gay’s contracts though Las Vegas should have around 24 million after these signings accounted and additional room to make moves if they restructure Maxx Crosby or Kolton Miller. Las Vegas’ roster sits at 63 of 90, and they have plenty of room to add additional players to lower value deals as veterans look to sign before the draft.
I recently made the same article for offensive skill positions, which can be found on Silver And Black as well:
NT DJ Reader
Reader, 31 years old, is not the same player he was with the Bengals from 2021-2023 but he’s remained a strong nose tackle and coming off a 2025 season with 17 starts, 28 tackles, six QB hits, 20 pressures, and 15 stops while also posting a 10.5% pass rush win rate and finishing 19th in run stop win rate. Reader has struggled with injuries in his career, playing a full season in just three of his 10 seasons. He’s shown to be a productive pass rusher, while also showing strong run defense traits. Las Vegas is needing a true nose tackle, and Reader at 6’3, 335-pounds has a career 1641 snaps as a true 0 or 1 technique in his 5654 snaps, while traditionally being a run focused defensive tackle.
NT Andrew Billings
Similar to Reader, the Raiders need a nose tackle and Billings would fit that mold well. The former Bengals 4th rounder, has experience working with DL Coach Travis Smith who worked with him in Oakland, and in Chicago. The 31 year old, saw a breakout 2022 season with 39 tackles, a sack, and finished top 10 in run stop win rate and run stops. After missing half the season in 2024, Billings bounced back in 2025 with 31 tackles, 7 TFL, eight quarterback hits, a sack, 14 pressures, and 20 stops. Billings did decline at times with his run stop win rate, and he struggled to find consistency, but the former Raiders and Bears nose tackle has a strong track record which is something to note for a veteran nose tackle. Las Vegas needs a proven nose tackle, and Billings experience with both the Raiders and Smith could be a smart veteran addition. It’s also worth noting that Billings four best seasons have all come under Smith, and his worst came with Smith in Tennessee.
I could watch Andrew Billings defend the run all day #Bearspic.twitter.com/HJDWvWQjBJ
— Steve Letizia (@CFCBears) August 11, 2024
DL Jihad Ward
I promise this whole list isn’t former Raiders, but the 6’5/290 pound Ward is coming off a 2025 season with 47 pressures, 31 tackles, five TFL, 22 QB hits, 5 sacks, and 4 PBU. Additionally, Ward finished with a 9% pass rush win rate, and 24% run stop win rate. He logged majority of his time at EDGE, but also has spent a strong portion of his career as a 2, 3, and 4 technique splitting time nearly 50/50 at EDGE and inside the tackle. Coming off his best career season, Ward has experience with DL coach Travis Smith working with him in Oakland during the 2017 season, and working with him in Tennessee for the 2025 seasons where he had a career best year. Ward has proven to be a versatile defender, working well in a 3-4 system and also showing the ability to play as a 4-3 option also. The Raiders are deep at EDGE with Maxx Crosby, Kwity Paye, and Malcolm Koonce but could use more versatility on their defensive line where Ward plays in.
Veteran edge rusher Jihad Ward has been an outstanding addition for the #Titans through the first six weeks of the season. Contenders should be flocking to Tennessee trying to buy him at the trade deadline pic.twitter.com/Ajki8iFTmP
— Drew Beatty (@IronCityFilm) October 14, 2025
ILB Matt Milano
For all these linebackers, the same statement will remain true. Las Vegas did sign Quay Walker & Nakobe Dean, with the two of them clearing being the top two options for Las Vegas on their second level. Despite that, Dean has struggled with injures missing nearly one third of his career games, and the team is also likely to rotate linebackers regardless in order to keep the defense fresh. Milano, 31 years old, is not the same player he was during the peak of his career, but he’s coming off a 2025 with 67 tackles, seven for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in 12 starts. Additionally, Milano has dipped in coverage allowing 299 yards, two touchdowns, and 39 receptions on 50 targets with a 104.9 QBR. He’s struggled with injuries, but does play a key weakside role, which would allow Las Vegas to keep Dean at MIKE and Walker at SAM where both will succeed. Milano has experience with Raiders senior assistant Al Holcomb, and he’ll likely be a cheap veteran signing to help Las Vegas provide depth and a quality third linebacker to their unit.
ILB Jack Gibbens
Gibbens, 27, was non-tendered by the Patriots making him a free agent, and he should be a quality option to serve as a depth role. In 2025 he started 8 games for New England logging 81 tackles, eight TFL, a sack, four breakups, and a forced fumble with another 2 starts, 19 tackles, 2 TFL, and PBU in the playoffs. Gibbens added 36 stops though he struggled in coverage allowing 32 of 39 targets for 247 yards, three touchdowns, and a 110.1 QBR. Gibbens is a solidified linebacker who has a track record as a rotational weakside linebacker, and is a quality defender vs the run while providing special teams value also.
According to Next Gen Stats, Jack Gibbens played 14 snaps vs the Chargers and finished with a game-high 5 Defensive Stops! The third play in the video below was a tackle for no gain on 3rd & 2 from NE's 3! Held the Chargers to a FG.
— Follow: @ThrowbackPATS (@ThrowbackPATS) January 12, 2026
Defensive Stops = "Tackles that result in a… https://t.co/2gZadSviB0pic.twitter.com/qnUYcpAj97
ILB Shaq Thompson
Thompson, who turns 32 in April, has followed Al Holcomb everywhere in his career, and a trip to Las Vegas would be a fit for both sides. The weakside linebacker is coming off a strong 2025 season where he was able to stay healthy, and posted 56 tackles, seven tackles for loss, a sack, and two breakups through 14 games with 8 starts. While Thompson isn’t the same player he was with Carolina from 2019 to 2022 and he’s struggled with injures in 2023 and 2024 playing just six games. The Raiders need to add more veteran depth options, and Thompson experience with Holcomb becomes a top fit for the room, also allowing Thompson to work at weakside and mike.
CB Cam Taylor-Britt
The Bengals switched systems in 2025, going from a zone heavy to man focused system, and Britt struggled allowing 14 receptions, 183 yards, and three touchdowns along with a 133.5 QBR. Additionally, Britt struggled in 2024 as well with 54 receptions, 751 yards, and 10 touchdowns allowed though he added three interceptions and 16 breakups. The former second rounder has seen success, and is also an athletic upside player who Las Vegas can bank on as a developmental depth cornerback. Britt had strong success in 2023 with 31 receptions allowed for 532 yards, and two touchdowns but also added four interceptions and 12 breakups. Additionally, the 26 year old, has struggled with injuries missing time in 2025 (8 games played) and missing 13 games between 2022 & 2023. Britt is young, has shown high end ball production with seven interceptions and 41 breakups, while also being a proven run defender. Joe Woods was able to capitalize on Eric Stokes rebound in 2026, and the Raiders could be searching for young high upside depth in 2026 with Britt.
CB Martin Emerson Jr
Emerson, like Britt was a high pick in the 2022 draft, and he’s coming off a 2025 season where he missed the entire year off an Achilles injury. Emerson has a track record of success with four interceptions and 34 breakups in 50 games including back to back seasons with 14+ breakups to start his career. Emerson struggled in 2024 under DC Joe Woods, but the connection remains, which could help entice Emerson to Las Vegas where he’ll play in a zone system that allows Emerson to work in space and make a play on the ball in coverage. In his career he’s allowed just 136 receptions, 1605 yards, and 11 touchdowns along with an 83.8 QBR on 255 targets with the proven ball production. Emerson has been an average run defender, though his tackle issues have shown up at times, and will be a limitation to him going forward. Emerson is extremely young at just 25 years old, and has good size at 6’2, 205-pounds to pair with the track record of success which Las Vegas can bank on developing into a rebound season similar to Eric Stokes.
SAF Chuck Clark
Clark, soon to be 31, has experience working with Raiders coaches Rob Leonard and Matt Robinson from his time with the Baltimore Ravens and is coming off a 2025 season where in 470 snaps he logged 51 tackles, 3 for loss, three breakups, and a forced fumble in 15 games (5 starts). Additionally, Clark has maintained his success as a run defender missing just 9% of his tackles in his career including 10% over the last two seasons where he’s played near 1200 career snaps. Clark did struggle with consistency in 2025 during his coverage allowing 18 receptions, 235 yards, and a touchdown along with a 108.2 QBR on 23 targets. The Raiders need to upgrade their free safety role, with Isaiah Pola-Mao struggling in 2025 where Clark would slot in as a cheap veteran option.
SAF Donovan Wilson
Wilson, 31, posted two interceptions, seven breakups, 71 tackles, and four for loss in 2025 while missing 20% of his tackles, and allowing 29 receptions, 315 yards, seven touchdowns, and a 119.2 QBR. While, Wilson struggled he has a track record of success in a role that plays him more as a traditional two high safety instead of the nickel linebacker role that Wilson was forced into for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Wilson has seen career success allowing a sub 90 QBR in four of his seven NFL seasons and has a career eight interceptions, 21 breakups, and has been a proven run defender as well despite his struggles recently. At worse, Wilson provides depth at both safety spots, but also could show the ability to be a starting free safety for at least 2026.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Probably the least known member of the Red Sox organization in the World Baseball Classic might get a late-game opportunity to try to help Puerto Rico advance to the semifinals Saturday.
Eduardo Rivera, a 22-year-old left-handed pitching prospect, dominated in his start against Panama in pool play last Saturday. He allowed just one run, one hit and one walk while striking out five in 4 ⅓ innings.
Puerto Rico will play Italy in the quarterfinals at 3 p.m.
Seth Lugo, a 2024 AL All-Star, will start for Puerto Rico but Rivera might play a factor late in the game.
“I think he’s coming out of bullpen (Saturday), which is interesting with all those lefties, and see how he can perform,” manager Alex Cora said Friday at JetBlue Park.
Boston signed the 6-foot-7 lefty in June 2024 after the Athletics surprisingly released him. The Red Sox targeted him quickly.
“Age, physicality, velo, left-handed,” director of professional scouting Harrison Slutsky said last season. “Let’s not overthink this one. We wanted to get him in our program.”
Rivera struck out five and reached 97.4 mph with his fastball on two occasions in his start vs. Panama. Thirty-eight of his 56 pitches (68%) were four-seam fastballs. He averaged 95.2 mph with it.
He also mixed in eight changeups, seven sinkers and three sliders. He recorded nine swings-and-misses.
“Threw the ball well,” Cora said. “Controlled his emotions. He’s a big dude that throws hard. Throughout his career, he’s been able to beat the projections. So he’s an interesting guy. Interesting.
The Red Sox plan to pitch him, who’s in minor league camp, in some Grapefruit League games when he returns.
“Hopefully after the tournament, we can bring him here, face a few lefties and pitch here for us so people can see him,” Cora said.
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2026 has provided the New Orleans Saints with plenty of opportunities to improve their team during the offseason. During this period of time, however, the Caesars Superdome and the city of New Orleans are trying to find big events to host in their 83,000-seat stadium. It was announced only a little more than a week ago that the Summer X Games League Championship would be hosted in New Orleans, and now, another big sports event is set to take place later today.
The Superdome has been revamped for another sport, this time turning into a baseball stadium set to host the Savannah Bananas entertainment baseball team.
We're ready and so is the Superdome😎
— Savannah Bananas (@TheSavBananas) March 13, 2026
See you this weekend, NOLA! pic.twitter.com/tGwL28e69s
Ryan Cox of @TheSavBananas reppin' @TylerShough2 in the @CaesarsDome ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/qJDQP96Asp
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 13, 2026
The Superdome is ready for the Savannah Bananas and Party Animals this weekend!! pic.twitter.com/WK0gqYkMcK
— Tina Howell (@TinaM_Howell) March 13, 2026
It is a bit of a wonky fit, given the dimensions of the standard field make right field ridiculously deep, but it looks about as normal as one would expect with those circumstances. This will be a great opportunity to see just how many people this team can draw in, previously selling out Tiger Stadium, home of LSU. They have done a great job promoting this product over the years, and now have the opportunity to sell out some of the largest stadiums in the nation.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Caesars Superdome retooled to host Savannah Bananas baseball matchup
Scottish PremiershipSaturday, March 14, 2026Celtic Park
CELTIC…3(Yang 38 & 79, Cvancara 72)
MOTHERWELL…1(Just 32)
Celtic have taken all three points from a thoroughly entertaining match against Motherwell at Celtic Park, with a brace from Yang and a converted penalty from Tomas Cvancara giving Martin O’Neill’s men a 3-1 victory over the Fir Park side.
The visitors started quickly, moving the ball around at pace and with purpose as has become their style this season, and with less than five minutes played, Benjamin Arthur, making his first home start today, produced a good block to prevent a Tawanda Maswanhise shot from troubling Viljami Sinisalo.
Celtic’s first big chance of the match fell to Benjamin Nygren who was presented a golden opportunity just yards out from goal after a failed clearance from the Motherwell defence, but the Swede could not convert the chance.
Sebastian Tounekti then saw a curling effort from the edge of the box go wide of the target after Nygren had picked him out with a nice ball out towards the left wing.
Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain looked like he had put Celtic ahead with just shy of 20 minutes gone when he unleashed a powerful effort towards the bottom corner from outside the box. Motherwell keeper Calum Ward threw himself down towards the shot and pushed it on to the post before the ball trundled along the goal line, Celtic coming agonisingly close to taking the lead.
Benjamin Arthur was the next Celtic man to go close with his headed effort from a Benjamin Nygren corner creeping just over the bar.
Motherwell took the lead just after the half-hour mark when Reo Hatate was caught in possession at the edge of the Celtic box, giving Elijah Just a chance to take a shot on goal. His effort flew in to the bottom corner of the net, giving Motherwell a 1-0 lead.
The Hoops were level five minutes later when a Benjamin Nygren cut back in to the box was cleared only as far as Yang, who swept in to the box and slammed a shot in to the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
Just before half time, Motherwell had a big chance to take the lead again, but Callum Slattery’s effort from just inside the area drifted well wide of the target and the sides went in level at the break.
Martin O’Neill made one change at half time, bringing Tomas Cvancara on for Sebastian Tounekti, with Daizen Maeda moving out to the left.
Celtic worked themselves in to good shooting positions early in the second half, but both Benjamin Nygren and Tomas Cvancara seemed to hesitate in taking their shots. When Nygren did fire a shot towards goal early in the second period, it took a deflection on its way and rattled the base of the post, the woodwork once again coming to Motherwell’s rescue.
Vil Sinisalo was called in to action in the opening exchanges of the second half, producing a strong stop to deny Ibrahim Said, who got a shot on target from outside the penalty area.
With an hour gone, Martin O’Neill made another change, bringing Luke McCowan on for Benjamin Nygren, and shortly after coming on, a corner from McCowan resulted in a penalty for the Hoops, as Daizen Maeda was hauled to the ground at the back post.
After being sent to the VAR monitor, John Beaton pointed to the spot and showed a red card to Emmanuel Longelo before Tomas Cvancara, the penalty hero at Ibrox last week, stepped up and smashed his spot-kick in to the back of the net to make it 2-1 to Celtic.
With 15 minutes of the match left, there were three further changes for the Hoops as Marcelo Saracchi, Anthony Ralston and Paulo Bernardo were brought on for Kieran Tierney, Colby Donovan and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Celtic gave themselves some vital breathing space with just over 10 minutes to go, with Viljami Sinisalo proving that route one football isn’t a forgotten art. The Finnish keeper launched the ball forward towards Yang, who took it in his stride before producing a brilliant finish to make it 3-1 to Celtic and claim his second goal of the afternoon.
In stoppage time, Anthony Ralston fired a shot towards goal from distance, but his effort drifted wide, however the Hoops knew that, with an unassailable lead, the three points were safe.
In recent years, the Golden State Warriors have sought to straddle two developmental timelines. On the one hand, they're continuing to build around a veteran core, anchored by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. On the other hand, they're preparing for the future with young stars such as Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody.
At times, finding the right balance between youth and experience has been a difficult balancing act for Steve Kerr. Yet, at times this season, that balance has proven to be key, especially as Golden State has navigated a difficult run of injuries and multiple tough stretches of games.
However, according to Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz, the Warriors' aging roster is actually its biggest weakness. After all, this is a team that boasts Curry (38), Green (36), Al Horford (39), Jimmy Butler (36), Gary Payton II (33)and Seth Curry (35) as key members of the rotation.
"The Warriors are now the oldest team in the NBA (29.0)," Swartz wrote on March 12. "Stephen Curry is days away from turning 38, hasn't played since January and is projected to miss at least another 10 days with a knee issue. Draymond Green, 36, has a minus-5.2 swing rating and Jimmy Butler, 36, is out for the year with a torn ACL. Trading away 23-year-old Jonathan Kuminga for 30-year-old Kristaps Porziņģis only made this team older and more injury-prone. We're nearing the final act of Old Yeller, Bay Area edition."
Sooner or later, Golden State will need to pivot towards its younger generation, while also finding ways of bringing in some fresh talent that fits the new-look timeline. Podziemski and Moody could become two future pillars of the franchise's next generation.
Yet, for now at least, the focus on getting Curry and Green another championship ring remains.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Analyst pinpoints biggest weakness in Warriors' roster construction
Jose Delgado and Andre Fili meet on the UFC Fight Night 269 main card Saturday at Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Delgado (10-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) will look to get back on track following his first UFC loss, which came by unanimous decision against Nathaniel Wood at UFC 321. The Dana White's Contender Series veteran won his first two UFC bouts, stopping both Connor Matthews and Hyder Amil in the first round.
Fili (25-12 MMA, 13-11 UFC) has more wins in the UFC than Delgado has total fights. The experienced veteran will look to make it back-to-back wins following a split decision over Christian Rodriguez in August. Fili has struggled to keep winning momentum, though, as he's traded wins and losses in recent years, with his last pair of wins coming in 2019.
Serving as one of the best matchups on the card is a featherweight fight between Andre Fili and Jose Delgado.
Fili, whom I'm a big fan of, looks in fantastic shape coming into this fight and is not a fighter you should take lightly. That said, there's no denying Fili's consistently inconsistent win-loss trends during his tenure with the promotion.
Fili also has a .500 record in the UFC Apex, winning three fights by split decision and losing two of three fights by vicious knockout. For that reason, I find myself leaning toward the up-and-coming prospect in Delgado.
Aside from his clinch game resembling a wood chipper, Delgado is an offensively potent fighter who can fluidly change phases to find openings for finishes.
This battle should be a barnburner for as long as it lasts, but I'll officially pick Delgado to find a finish by the end of Round 1.
The oddsmakers and the public favor the younger fighter, listing Delgado -420 and Fili +310 via FanDuel.
Hardwick and Rahiki are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 9:40 p.m. ET. The fight streams live on Paramount+.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 114: Jose Delgado vs. Andre Fili prediction, time
JACKSON TWP., Ohio − You don't tug on Superman's cape. You don't spit into the wind. And for heaven's sake, you don't renovate a golf course designed by famed architect Donald Ross.
Just as you wouldn't splash more red on a Rembrandt.
Or fiddle with a Picasso.
Brookside Country Club's nine-member board of governors and club members know their iconic century-old golf course is a historic gem.
The private club is situated on 240 acres, between Hills & Dales Road NW and Perry Drive NW, east of Brunnerdale Avenue NW. On land that was once portions of three separate farms.
The property provided a blank canvas of sorts, which Ross transformed into an 18-hole, par-71 layout.
"A really special property," said Phil Eckinger, Brookside's immediate past chairman of the board.
Brookside consistently ranks high on many "Best course" lists. And it's aged well. But there's room for planned changes and improvements. They're part of a multimillion-dollar project — the club declined to release specific financial details — to begin in August 2027. The course will close through May 2028 to accommodate the work.
"That's a huge commitment," Eckinger said.
When done right — in the eyes of golf historians and design aficionados — such projects on Ross-designed courses are called restorations. Not simply pedestrian renovations.
The goal is to make Brookside more closely resemble its appearance when it opened in 1922, while at the same time adapting to changes in the game and improvements in technology.
Ross is widely regarded as an all-time great in course design. He was Rembrandt and Picasso rolled into one. Not only did he produce masterpieces, such as Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, Ross was quite prolific, with an estimated 400-plus courses to his name.
It's the first Brookside restoration of any kind since 2005. This one is huge. It's been in the works since a committee was formed in 2023. A master plan was created the following year.
Most recently, the club hired Tod Pierce as its new general manager to help oversee the restoration. He held the same job for the past 19 years at Longue Vue Club, near Pittsburgh.
"He had really deep experience," said Brookside board President Ryan Fulmer, who explained that Pierce was selected from a group of nine semifinalists who wanted the post.
Earlier in his career, Pierce spent five years in management at Pennsylvania's Oakmont Country Club, which has hosted 10 U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships and six U.S. Amateurs.
Coming back to Northeast Ohio, where he started at Youngstown Country Club 30 years ago, was enticing for Pierce. The destination in Stark County was certainly the clincher.
"It's Brookside," Pierce noted.
Enough said.
Pierce had heard all about the course from Andrew Grove (now the mayor of Alliance), who'd left Youngstown years ago for the general manager position at Brookside.
Through the decades, the Brookside course and golf itself have evolved — creating the need for the restoration.
Trees added post-Ross have grown. Twenty years ago, about 1,200 were removed, but more are on the chopping block. Rain and time eroded some original features. Sand-filled bunkers gradually shrunk. Greens constricted. Sometimes, Mother Nature did the damage. Other times, course managers probably made conscious decisions to save money on maintenance.
"You lose a lot of the edges ... definition," explained Superintendent J.R. Lynn.
Sprawling tree branches have encroached on corridors that Ross had laid out for players to get from tee to green.
"There should be no aerial hazards," said Cory Kumpf, the 36-year-old director of golf at Brookside, who began as a 12-year-old caddie at the club, then climbed up the ranks.
Golf today is much different, too.
In the 1920s, players swung clubs made with hickory wood shafts and forged iron clubfaces. Balls weren't as lively either. Players couldn't hit the ball as far as they can today with modern equipment.
Brookside's already lengthy 6,900 yards from the back tees will grow by a couple hundred yards.
Even casual golfers generally know about the Stimpmeter. The device is used universally to measure the speed of greens. The higher the number, the faster the green. What some golfers may not realize, though, is that grass on putting greens wasn't, and couldn't be, cut as short as it is now.
When Ross laid out Brookside, longer grass on the greens likely would have recorded a Stimpmeter reading of about five. Ross created severe slopes on greens with no fear a well-struck putt could inexplicably roll off the green, for example, if it missed the hole.
But today's PGA Tour courses check in around 12 on the Stimpmeter; private clubs often want to get close to that.
The effect of all that on Brookside: The pin must be placed in almost the same location throughout the season on four of the harshest sloped greens. That's not good for the health of the grass on them, or for players who expect varied pin placements.
"We're going to soften those greens," said Lynn, in explaining how the slopes will be modified.
Seventy-four-year-old Joseph Halter knows a thing or two about Brookside's history. Not only are he and his son, Matt, longtime members, his grandfather owned one of the original farms upon which the course was built.
"That land has been in my family since the 1850s," Joseph Halter said.
The course doesn't look like the one he played as a younger man.
"It's changed dramatically," he said.
Halter called the restoration project bold, adding that he hopes it helps the club prosper for years to come.
Vaughn Halyard, president of the Donald Ross Society, said members of that group will visit and play Brookside on May 13.
"We like seeing the course before, then coming back a few years later for the after," he said.
The Society boasts about 500 members from the U.S. and abroad. The nonprofit group was formed in 1989. Halyard said they used to be viewed as a band of almost militant rebels, because their mission was to save Ross courses from being bastardized or even worse, sold and developed.
"Many courses didn't understand the value of classic golf architecture," Halyard said.
He compared a Ross course to a Frank Lloyd Wright house — both worthy of being kept intact.
These days, the Society's broadened mission includes public golf course advocacy and education. Its members also get an opportunity to play many public and private Ross courses each year in a variety of scheduled outings.
Typically, they play a round, eat dinner and meet with the owner or operator to talk course history.
"We're really kind of a nerdy group," Halyard said.
Their three-day visit this year to Stark County is part of an event dubbed "Hall of Fame Fairways." Prior to Brookside, they'll play Clearview, the first course in the country built and owned by a Black man (the late William Powell), and Congress Lake Club.
Halyard said Brookside landed a superb architect when it hired Tyler Rae to devise the restoration blueprint. Rae's work includes the renovation of Lookout Mountain Club in Georgia — not a Ross course — which earned Golf Digest’s 2023 Renovation of the Year.
He said Rae sharpened his craft under the tutelage of some of the best, including the likes of Coore & Crenshaw and Tom Doak. Rae also worked under Ron Prichard for many years.
"And Ron Prichard is the father of restoration .... Prichard defined the process," Halyard said.
In preparing a master plan for the work at Brookside, Rae examined old photos, along with original Ross sketches and drawings, including a 1920 layout of the 18 holes.
"The process is like dissecting a layer cake," Halyard said.
Ross' work on Brookside was during a period that golf historians consider to be his prime years.
"This was the period when Ross moved past the geometric, functionality-driven hazards of his early work and began introducing the bold internal green contouring, diagonal bunkering, and naturalistic hazard shapes that defined his greatest designs," the master plan states. "Brookside’s heavily contoured green complexes and muscular bunkering place it firmly in this lineage, alongside Pinehurst No. 2, Seminole, and Oakland Hills."
The plan notes how Ross chose the Brookside property for "its rolling terrain and tumbling brook that winds through the property."
"This was a course built to reward the strategic golfer who could read the ground and work the ball," the plan states.
NMP Golf Construction of Massachusetts was awarded the bid for the work at Brookside.
Key elements of the restoration include enlarging greens and many of the 99 sand bunkers, while recovering others, widening of some fairways and replacing all fairway and green grass with a newer hardy, tolerant Bentgrass variety, which will require less maintenance in the future.
Brookside wasn't always Brookside. The club was formerly known as Lakeside Country Club. In 1903, its members bought a casino on Meyers Lake and built a nine-hole course.
In 1917, a who's who of Stark County business and civic leaders, including T.K. Harris and members of the Timken, Belden, Herbruck and McLain families, led a charge to buy more land for the club.
The three farms were perfect.
The Halters, whose family owned one of them, also has McLain blood on the other side of their family tree.
"A little Brookside in the DNA," said Matt Halter.
In the past, Brookside has been included in the country’s Top 100 golf courses by Golf Magazine. And this year, it was rated the ninth best course in Ohio by Golf Digest.
Fulmer, the board chair, said Brookside is a "family-oriented" member-owned club with a top-notch chef in Ken Bucholtz, premier swimming pool, four indoor and four outdoor tennis courts and a host of other amenities.
"It's not just about golf," he said, noting other recent upgrades to areas inside the facility.
The course hosts 17,000 rounds of golf each year. The club has about 400 members, whose average age is 55 years old.
"Most of our members are philanthropic," said Eckinger, the former board chair.
Fulmer said some of the club's 200 employees, and their families, benefit from an ongoing scholarship fund. In the past five years, they've been awarded a combined $250,000.
Along with the restoration project and addition of Pierce, Brookside will introduce a national membership program this year.
Reach Tim at 330-580-8333 or tim.botos@cantonrep.com.On X: @tbotosREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ohio club to restore Donald Ross golf course
Team USA are the reigning sled hockey champs at the 2026 Paralympic Games — this Sunday, they'll have the chance to defend their gold against Canada in the final game. Yes, you read that right, it's another USA vs. Canada showdown on ice. The USA vs. Canada game will be broadcast on the NBC and CNBC and stream on Peacock starting at 11 a.m. ET. Here's everything else you need to know about watching the U.S. vs. Canada sled hockey game, plus a complete schedule of the rest of this year's events.
Date: Sunday, March 15
Time: 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT
Channel: NBC, CNBC
Streaming: Peacock, DirecTV
Team USA will face Germany in sled hockey on Sunday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m. ET.
NBC and CNBC will be broadcasting the sled hockey game between Team USA and Canada. It'll also stream live on Peacock.
Sunday's sled hockey game and every other event at the 2026 Winter Paralympics will stream live on Peacock.
All times Eastern
Curling
Mixed Team Wheelchair Curling Gold Medal Game: 10:05 a.m.🏅(CNBC, Peacock)
Para Alpine Skiing
Women's Slalom VI Run 1: 4 a.m.🏅 (CNBC, Peacock)
Women's Slalom VI Run 2: 8 a.m. 🏅(CNBC, Peacock)
Para Cross Country Skiing
Mixed 4x2.5km Relay: 5 a.m.🏅(CNBC, Peacock, re-airs at 9:15 a.m. on CNBC)
Open 4x2.5km Relay: 6:10 a.m.🏅 (CNBC, Peacock)
Para Ice Hockey:
Classification Final: 7:05 a.m. (Peacock)
Classification Final: 11:05 a.m. (Peacock)
Para Snowboarding
Men's and Women's Banked Slalom Run 1: 5 a.m. (Peacock, re-airs at 5:45 a.m. on CNBC)
Men's and Women's Banked Slalom Run 2: 6:45 a.m. 🏅(CNBC, Peacock, re-airs at 12:30 p.m. on CNBC)
Para Alpine Skiing
Men's Slalom VI Run 1 : 4 a.m. ET🏅 (Peacock, re-airs at 5:15 a.m. on CNBC)
Men's Slalom VI Run 2: 7 a.m. ET🏅(Peacock, re-airs at 9 a.m. on CNBC)
Para Cross Country Skiing
Men's and Women's 20km IS Sitting: 4 a.m. 🏅 (CNBC, Peacock)
Men's and Women's 20km IS Free Standing: 5:20 a.m. 🏅(CNBC, Peacock)
Men's and Women's 20km IS Free VI: 6:45 a.m. 🏅 (CNBC, Peacock, re-airs at 10 a.m. on CNBC)
Para Ice Hockey:
Bronze Medal Game: 7:05 p.m. (CNBC, Peacock)
Gold Medal Game: 11 a.m. 🏅(NBC, Peacock)
The Oklahoma Sooners fell short in their bid to advance to the semifinals of the SEC tournament on Friday night in their 82-79 loss to the No. 17 Arkansas Razorbacks. The Sooners needed that win to secure a berth in the NCAA tournament, but now will await the decision of the selection committee on Sunday.
However, before Oklahoma learns its postseason fate, the Sooners know that head coach Porter Moser will be back for the Sooners in 2026-2027. According to a report from Colton Sulley of The Oklahoman and from ESPN's Pete Thamel, Oklahoma athletic director Roger Denny confirmed that Moser will return for a sixth season in Norman.
According to Sulley, Denny made the decision on Wednesday before the SEC tournament began and informed Moser of the decision on Saturday morning. In the story from The Oklahoman, Denny said Oklahoma needed to invest more in men's basketball to meet his expectations for the program.
Denny told The Oklahoman, “What I found was a real need to realign our program to match the expectations that I have for men's basketball at Oklahoma and the expectations our fans have for men's basketball at Oklahoma.”
The Sooners made the NCAA tournament for the first time in 2024-2025 and looked like a team that could make an appearance again this season. However, a nine-game losing streak in the middle of SEC play put those hopes and Moser's future in doubt. But the Sooners rallied to go 8-3 over their final 11 games, including a win over No. 15 Vanderbilt and wins over South Carolina and Texas A&M in the SEC tournament.
In five seasons in Norman, Moser has accumulated a record of 93-74. In two seasons in the SEC, Oklahoma's gone 13-23 in SEC play.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Porter Moser will be back for 6th season with Oklahoma Sooners
On Saturday morning, the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series cars were set to go out on track for practice at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. However, it was a safety truck driver that ended up stealing the show with quite the save.
Exiting the infield access road to the frontstretch, the safety truck started to spin sideways, with the driver quickly trying to recover it. However, it overcorrected itself and started shooting up the track towards the outside wall. The driver brought the sideways Ram truck back under control, turning it back to the left as they crossed the finish line, ultimately straightening it out after a very impressive drift.
You can watch the wild save in the video below, and here the reaction from the CW booth:
HOLD ON TO IT!😅pic.twitter.com/NWxCzhfA7A
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) March 14, 2026
NASCAR has seen plenty of bizarre incidents with safety vehicles over the years, but thankfully, this one ended without any damage. In the 2024 championship race for the Cup Series at Phoenix, the pace car actually spun into the sand barrels at the entrance of pit road, and race cars have struck safety vehicles several times in the past. However, the most infamous incident came during the 2012 Daytona 500 when Juan Pablo Montoya lost control under caution due to a mechanical issue. He slammed into the back of a jet dryer, which burst into flames, leaking fuel across the track, creating a wall of fire across the superspeedway.
Read Also:
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Joe Gibbs Racing push back on Spire 'trade' deal; discovery rebuttal
How to watch NASCAR 2026 at Las Vegas: Weekend schedule, start time, TV
To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.
Over the past week, FC Barcelona starlet Alvaro Cortes has found himself in the first-team dynamics under manager Hansi Flick.
The 20-year-old centre-back, who happens to the current captain of Barça Atletic, has been training with the senior team following the injuries to Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde.
He was also called up to the matchday squad for two games – against Athletic Club and Newcastle United.
Now, according to journalist Matteo Moretto, Alvaro Cortes is just ‘one step away’ from signing a new contract with Barcelona.
Cortes’ current contract with the Blaugrana expires in 2027, meaning he would be entering the final year of his deal at the end of the season.
Alvaro Cortes (L) closing in on a renewal at Barcelona. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Considering his performances with the reserve team and the fact that he has now entered the first-team dynamics, Barça are making moves to tie him down to a new contract.
As previously reported, Cortes, who was attracting significant interest during the January transfer window, had been seeking guarantees over first-team opportunities at Barcelona before committing to a new deal.
The Catalans, for their part, have always had maximum confidence in his potential and have been working on an extension for a while now.
And, as per Moretto, an agreement seems to be on the horizon, which will see Cortes commit to Barcelona beyond 2027.
This development comes amidst speculation that the 20-year-old left-footed centre-back could make his first-team debut tomorrow against Sevilla.
All in all, things are starting to look up for Cortes at Barcelona.
The St. Louis Cardinals are now less than two weeks from the regular season. They’ll get one game closer as they take on the Miami Marlins in Roger Dean Stadium on Saturday, March 14, 2026. According to MLB.com, Andre Pallante will start the game for the Cardinals. The starter for the Miami Marlins is to be determined. Here’s the Cardinals lineup for today.
Yankuba Minteh's unorthodox goal proved to be decisive as Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Sunderland on the road.
There was a bright start to the game at the Stadium of Light with Brighton having two chances early. Melker Ellborg needed to be alert to deny Jack Hinshelwood before Pascal Gross fizzed an effort just wide.
Minutes later at the other end of the pitch, Lewis Dunk made a goalline clearance to deny Chemsdine Talbi from what would likely have been the opening goal.
From that point on the pace of the game dipped and only an attempted Chris Rigg overhead kick towards the end of the half was worth noting.
There was much more going on in the second half though with Rigg thinking he had put his side in the lead three minutes after the restart. A long freekick had been headed down by Omar Alderete which somehow found its way to Rigg at the far post to finish.
However, the goal was ruled out with the Paraguayan offside as he headed down – a let off for the Brighton defence who somehow were unable to stop a trickling header finding Rigg.
Instead it was the visitors who took the lead in the 58th minute following a corner with the ball finding Yankuba Minteh on the right. The Brighton man drove into the area and sliced a shot that deceived Ellborg at the near post – not the prettiest goal of the season, but they all count.
After having scored, Minteh was lucky not to get sent off shortly afterwards. First he was given a yellow card after an off-the-ball scuffle with Luke O'Nien. Then just seconds later he committed a foul that, more often than not resulted in a yellow card.
Minteh was lucky to get away with it and Fabian Hürzeler immediately replaced him with Maxim De Cuyper to avoid any further incident.
Sunderland pushed for an equaliser but couldn't find a way through the Brighton defence and suffered a third home defeat in a row in the Premier League. Meanwhile the Seagulls move ahead of the Black Cats and up to 10th.
1':
The match begins
12':
Opportunity wasted. Pascal Groß from Brighton and Hove Albion attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area following a corner, but it went off target.
38':
Opportunity wasted. Chris Rigg from Sunderland took a left-footed shot from the center of the box, but it went wide to the left.
50':
Missed opportunity. Danny Welbeck of Brighton and Hove Albion attempted a header from a challenging angle on the right but failed to convert. The assist came from Pascal Groß, who delivered a cross.
53':
Missed opportunity! Brian Brobbey from Sunderland took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.
Brighton and Hove Albion takes the lead against Sunderland, making it 1-0. Yankuba Minteh scores with a right-footed shot from a challenging angle on the right, finding the bottom left corner after a corner kick.Brighton and Hove Albion takes the lead against Sunderland, making it 1-0. Yankuba Minteh scores with a right-footed shot from a challenging angle on the right, finding the left corner of the net following a corner kick.
58':
GOAL Brighton & Hove Albion: Yankuba Minteh (Brighton & Hove Albion) scores!
Yankuba Minteh scores goal number 2 in the competition (26 matches)
63':
Missed opportunity. Habib Diarra from Sunderland attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.
66':
Missed opportunity. Trai Hume from Sunderland attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went just wide to the left. The assist came from Chris Rigg.
68':
Missed opportunity! Diego Gómez from Brighton and Hove Albion attempted a right-footed shot from the center of the box, but it sailed high and wide to the right. The chance was set up by Mats Wieffer after a quick counter-attack.
998':
The referee whistles for the end of the match
In a tightly contested Premier League fixture, Burnley and Bournemouth were unable to break the deadlock, resulting in a 0-0 draw at Turf Moor. Despite numerous attempts from both sides, the match ended without any goals, leaving fans waiting for more action.
Bournemouth dominated possession, controlling the game with 61% compared to Burnley's 39%. However, their advantage in ball control did not translate into scoring, as both teams struggled to find the back of the net. Bournemouth managed to get 22 shots, with 3 on target, while Burnley had 15 attempts, only 2 of which were on target.
The match saw Bournemouth creating more chances, evidenced by their 8 corners and slightly higher expected goals of 1.59, against Burnley's 1.56. Despite this, neither side could capitalize on their opportunities, with both sets of defenders and goalkeepers standing firm to keep the scoreline level.
As the Premier League season progresses, this draw adds a valuable point to both teams' campaigns but leaves them wanting more to secure their positions. The lack of goals today at Turf Moor speaks to the intense competition and defensive strategies employed by both Burnley and Bournemouth.
1':
The match begins
2':
Opportunity wasted. Jaidon Anthony from Burnley attempted a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area.
7':
Opportunity wasted. James Hill from Bournemouth attempted a header from within the six-yard box, aiming for the left side, but it narrowly missed the top left corner. The assist came from Marcus Tavernier, who delivered a cross following a corner kick.
38':
Missed opportunity! Alex Scott from Bournemouth took a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, narrowly missing the target. The assist came from Marcos Senesi.
50':
Opportunity wasted! Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth had a header from within the six-yard box, aiming for the left side, but it went just wide of the target. The assist came from James Hill.
63':
Opportunity wasted! Evanilson from Bournemouth attempted a header from the middle of the penalty area, but it went wide. The cross was provided by Adrien Truffert.
67':
Opportunity wasted! Evanilson from Bournemouth took a right-footed shot from the center of the box, but it went wide to the left. The assist came from Álex Jiménez, who delivered a cross.
82':
Opportunity wasted. Hannibal Mejbri from Burnley attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.
90 +3':
Missed opportunity. Enes Ünal from Bournemouth attempted a header from the middle of the penalty area.
998':
The referee whistles for the end of the match
A new report has outlined Manchester City’s stance on the acquisition a new right-back in the upcoming transfer window to progress a squad rebuild.
Hugo Viana has orchestrated a sweeping remake of Pep Guardiola‘s first-team ranks since he replaced Txiki Begiristain as City’s sporting director in 2025, making seven new signings last summer before adding Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi to Guardiola’s squad in January.
City remain in the running for an unprecedented quadruple in the final months of a transitional season but are very likely to bid farewell to club captain Bernardo Silva and John Stones at the end of their respective contracts at the end of the season.
Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis also face uncertain futures at the Etihad Stadium as Viana and co put plans in motion for the summer transfer window, when club insiders will prioritise the signing of a world-class midfielder, with Nottingham Forest and England star Elliot Anderson a dream signing for Manchester City and Guardiola.
Manchester City poised to step up summer transfer interest in Nottingham Forest star
City are exploring the market for a new right-back ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, having monitored the market last summer and again in January to ultimately decide against signing an out-and-out specialist in the position.
Matheus Nunes has exceeded expectations with his consistent displays as a makeshift right-back this term, enjoying his best season in a Manchester City shirt since joining from Wolves for £53 million in 2023.
Guardiola also retains the option of deploying Lewis at right-back, with Abdukodir Khusanov called in for Nunes in the position in Manchester City’s recent 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News has detailed that it remains unclear at present when City will add a fresh right-back to their ranks this summer, having recently distanced themselves from reports indicating an interest in Newcastle United’s Valentino Livramento.
Kyle Walker left Manchester City for Burnley on a permanent deal last summer following his return from a six-month loan stint at AC Milan, having lost his starting spot at Manchester City midway through the disastrous 2024-25 season.
The report has noted that City officials have explored a series of young options at right-back, indicating that a new addition would likely not be coming in as first-choice and would be gradually integrated into the starting XI.
Furthermore, Vitor Reis is excelling on loan at Girona and is making a strong case for a recall to Manchester ahead of next season – which could bolster Guardiola’s centre-half options and even allow him to test Khusanov more regularly at right-back, alongside Nunes.
It does appear that Manchester City will prioritise the addition of a world-class midfielder this summer to open their incoming business, with departures from the first-team squad likely to dictate any and all subsequent transfer dealings.
Hockey East Men's Tournament Schedule 2026: Dates, Channels, Live Streams for NCAA Hockey Games originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Which team will win the 41st edition of the Hockey East Men's Tournament?
This year's bracket will feature all of the conference's 11 programs battling for the championship under a single-elimination format. The top five teams earned first-round byes, while the bottom six seeds must fight for the remaining spots in the quarterfinal round.
Providence will enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed after capturing its first-ever outright Hockey East regular season title. Massachusetts, UConn, Maine and Boston College are a few of the other contenders hoping to secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Hockey East Men's Tournament, including TV and streaming options for games.
Hockey East Men's Tournament games will air locally on NESN and NESN+. Those games will also be available to stream on Fubo and NESN 360.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100-plus top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Viewers outside of the local market can stream games on ESPN+.
| Game |
|---|
| No. 6 Boston University 4, No. 11 Vermont 1 |
| No. 7 Northeastern 7, No. 10 New Hampshire 3 |
| No. 8 Merrimack 5, No. 9 UMass Lowell 3 |
| Game |
|---|
| No. 4 Boston College 5, No. 5 Maine 0 |
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|
| No. 6 Boston University vs. No. 3 UConn | 1 p.m. | NESN+, Fubo, NESN 360, ESPN+ |
| No. 7 Northeastern vs. No. 2 Massachusetts | 4 p.m. | NESN+, Fubo, NESN 360, ESPN+ |
| No. 8 Merrimack vs. No. 1 Providence | 7 p.m. | NESN+, Fubo, NESN 360, ESPN+ |
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Semifinal 1: TBD vs. TBD | 4 p.m. | NESN+, Fubo, NESN 360, ESPN+ |
| Semifinal 2: TBD vs. TBD | 7 p.m. | NESN+, Fubo, NESN 360, ESPN+ |
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Championship: TBD vs. TBD | 7 p.m. | NESN, Fubo, NESN 360, ESPN+ |
Here are the last 10 tournament champions:
| Year | Championship Game |
| 2025 | Maine 5, UConn 2 |
| 2024 | Boston College 6, Boston University 2 |
| 2023 | Boston University 3, Merrimack 2 (OT) |
| 2022 | Massachusetts 2, UConn 1 (OT) |
| 2021 | Massachusetts 1, UMass Lowell 0 |
| 2020 | No tournament (COVID-19 pandemic) |
| 2019 | Northeastern 3, Boston College 2 |
| 2018 | Boston University 2, Providence 0 |
| 2017 | UMass Lowell 4, Boston College 3 |
| 2016 | Northeastern 3, UMass Lowell 2 |
| 2015 | Boston University 5, UMass Lowell 3 |
The Orioles are headed a half hour down the road to Bradenton, and they’re bringing a lot of their regulars with them. Six of the players in today’s lineup are guys who will be on the Opening Day roster, and possibly seven, depending how you feel about Jeremiah Jackson’s chances. Pete Alonso, Adley Rutschman, and Taylor Ward are among the crew making the trip.
So too is Trevor Rogers, the newly anointed Opening Day starter. Rogers has pitched very well in his two Grapefruit League starts, working five scoreless innings, but he got knocked around by Team Netherlands in a WBC exhibition on March 3, giving up six runs in 2.1 innings. For whatever reason, he hasn’t pitched in a game since then.
This will be Rogers’ second-to-last exhibition start before his Opening Day assignment, though the schedule doesn’t quite line up for him to pitch on regular rest. The opener is in 12 days, so if he pitches again five days from now, he’ll have a week of rest before Opening Day. Or he’ll need extra rest after this start if he wants to be on four days’ rest for the opener. It’s probably not a big deal, just something worth keeping an eye on.
Orioles lineup:
LF Taylor Ward
C Adley Rutschman
1B Pete Alonso
CF Colton Cowser
SS Blaze Alexander
2B Jeremiah Jackson
RF Dylan Beavers
DH Bryan Ramos
3B Weston Wilson
LHP Trevor Rogers
As we approach the summer transfer window, it appears that Barcelona have big plans to add a big-name striker and possibly even a center-back, with Julián Alvarez and Alessandro Bastoni currently the hottest names in the rumor mill.
The infamous 1:1 rule will be crucial to achieve those plans, but Barça might also have to sell and important player in order to help fund the big signings. And one player currently linked with a sale is Alejandro Balde, who is reportedly “not untouchable” and could be sold if the right offer arrives.
Balde is quite the hot topic among Barça fans. He has certainly developed into a very good left-back and is still young with room to reach his full potential, but some argue he’s not quite consistent enough to be a truly world-class player, and has already dealt with a number of injuries in his young Barça career.
So today’s Barca Blaugranes Question of the Day is:
Should Barcelona sell Alejandro Balde if the price is right?
Now it’s over to you! Feel free to share your thoughts, predictions, upsets, and opinions and answers in the comments section below!
Speaking at the NFL combine this year, Jerry Jones hinted at what some thought would be a free agency spending spree this year.
“I would bet that we will spend more money in free agency than we have,” Jones said. “I want to do everything we possibly can to stop somebody and to basically win some third downs more than we did last year. And so I think that would be the area that you would see me bust the budget,” Jones said.
The first thing to note, and the thing that almost everybody ignored, is that Jones was speaking specifically about busting the budget to win on third down. On defense, that would likely be about investing mostly in the defensive line, and that certainly has happened.
However, the general assumption was that “busting the budget” meant significantly exceeding this year’s salary cap. But the way things are going, the Cowboys aren’t even spending at last year’s level on player acquisition.
This post was written on Saturday, March 14, which is the sixth day of free agency – the legal tampering period began on Monday, March 9, with free agency “officially” opening on Wednesday – and so far the Cowboys have spent a little over $145 million in total contract value on internal and external free agents (some contract data is still missing). By the sixth day of free agency last year, they had already spent $156 million.
Nobody is busting anything right now.
The table below summarizes the team’s activity in 2025 and 2026. The timeline indicates on which day a deal was reported, which is not necessarily the date of the official signing. In addition to the total contract value for each player, the table also shows the Year 1 cash spend for each player as best as I could find it. This is usually the sum of the signing bonus and year one salary at the time the contract was signed.
body .sbnu-legacy-content-table td, body .sbnu-legacy-content-table th, body .sbnu-legacy-content-table { border: 1px solid #000 !important; border-collapse: collapse !important; }| Timeline | 2025 | 2026 | |||||||||
| Date | Pos | Player | Contract Value | Cash (Year 1) | Date | POS | Player | Contract Value | Cash (Year 1) | ||
| Pre-Free Agency | March 4 | CB | C.J. Goodwin (re-signed) | 1,255,000 | 1,255,000 | February 14 | RB | Javonte Williams (re-signed) | 24,000,000 | 8,750,000 | |
| March 4 | DT | Osa Odighizuwa (resigned) | 80,000,000 | 21,750,000 | February 27 | WR | George Pickens (tagged) | 27,298,000 | 27,298,000 | ||
| March 5 | OL | Brock Hoffman (re-signed) | 1,100,000 | 1,100,000 | March 7 | K | Brandon Aubrey (tendered) | 5,760,000 | 5,760,000 | ||
| March 5 | S | Juanyeh Thomas (resigned) | 1,030,000 | 1,030,000 | March 7 | OL | T,J, Bass (tendered) | 5,760,000 | 5,760,000 | ||
| March 5 | DE | Tyrus Wheat (re-signed) | 1,030,000 | 1,030,000 | |||||||
| March 9 | S | Markquese Bell (re-signed) | 9,000,000 | 3,700,000 | |||||||
| Free Agency Day 1 | March 10 | RB | Javonte Williams | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 | March 9 | DE | Rashan Gary (via trade) | 32,000,000 | 15,000,000 | |
| March 10 | LS | Trent Sieg (re-signed) | 4,450,000 | 1,805,000 | March 9 | S | Jalen Thompson | 33,000,000 | 12,500,000 | ||
| Day 2 | March 11 | DT | Solomon Thomas | 6,000,000 | 3,000,000 | March 10 | S | P.J. Locke | 5,000,000 | 5,000,000 | |
| March 11 | DE | Payton Turner | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | March 10 | DT | Otito Ogbonnia | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 | ||
| March 11 | OL | Robert Jones | 3,750,000 | 3,750,000 | March 10 | DE | Sam Williams (re-signed) | 2,500,000 | 2,500,000 | ||
| March 11 | KR | Kavontae Turpin (re-signed) | 13,500,000 | 5,000,000 | |||||||
| March 11 | P | Bryan Anger (re-signed) | 6,400,000 | 3,300,000 | |||||||
| Day 3 | March 12 | LB | Kenneth Murray (via trade) | 7,500,000 | 7,500,000 | March 11 | DE | Tyrus Wheat | 1,755,000 | 1,755,000 | |
| March 12 | CB | Kaiir Elam (via trade) | 1,100,000 | 1,100,000 | March 11 | QB | Sam Howell | tbd | tbd | ||
| March 12 | LB | Jack Sanborn | 1,500,000 | 1,500,000 | |||||||
| Day 4 | March 13 | OL | Dakoda Shepley | 2,315,000 | 1,157,500 | March 12 | CB | Cobie Durant | 5,500,000 | 5,500,000 | |
| March 13 | S | Israel Mukuamu (re-signed) | 1,750,000 | 1,750,000 | |||||||
| Day 5 | March 14 | DE | Dante Fowler | 6,000,000 | 6,000,000 | March 13 | OL | Matt Hennessy | tbd | tbd | |
| March 14 | RB | Miles Sanders | 1,337,500 | 1,337,500 | March 13 | TE | Princeton Fant (re-signed) | tbd | tbd | ||
| Day 6 | March 15 | WR | Parris Campbell | 1,337,500 | 1,337,500 | ||||||
| Total | 155,855,000 | 73,902,500 | 145,573,000 | 91,068,000 | |||||||
You’ll have quickly noticed that the table contains both internal and external free agents, and some have argued that we should only be looking at external signings. But both are signed from the same budget, so for cap purposes they are the same.
As it stands today, the Cowboys have spent less in total contract value this year than they did last year. And the contract value numbers aren’t going to change much once the contracts for Howell, Hennessy, and Fant come in.
This doesn’t mean the Cowboys didn’t get better this year. There is a significant difference in the quality of free agents they’ve signed versus last year, when they signed a bunch of bargain guys instead of actual NFL players. And yes, the numbers would look different had they signed Maxx Crosby or one of the premier linebackers they were after, but close doesn’t count. And yes, they still have two first-round picks and a third that can be used in a trade or to draft more quality defensive players. And yes, you could argue the 2025 numbers are inflated by Odighuzuwa’s contract, but that’s pretty much the going price for a defensive tackle, internal or external.
But the Cowboys didn’t bust anything so far.
And if you think they’ll catch up to last year’s spend in the coming days, weeks, or months, h0ld your horses. Because the Cowboys didn’t stop signing players after the sixth day of free agency last year. These are the additions they made through May last year:
body .sbnu-legacy-content-table td, body .sbnu-legacy-content-table th, body .sbnu-legacy-content-table { border: 1px solid #000 !important; border-collapse: collapse !important; }| Timeline | 2025 | ||||
| Date | Pos | Player | Contract Value | Cash (Year 1) | |
| Post-Free Agency | March 4 | CB | C.J. Goodwin (re-signed) | 1,255,000 | 1,255,000 |
| April 3 | QB | Joe Milton (via trade) | 3,225,000 | 960,000 | |
| April 09 | OL | Saahdiq Charles | 1,170,000 | 1,170,000 | |
| April 17 | OL | Hakeem Adeneji | 1,170,000 | 1,170,000 | |
| April 25 | OG | Tyler Smith (fifth-year option) | 23,400,000 | 23,400,000 | |
| May 7 | WR | George Pickens (via trade) | 3,656,000 | 3,656,000 | |
| Total | 32,621,000 | 30,356,000 | |||
Tyler Smith would end up signing a new four-year, $96 million contract later in the year which lowered his Year 1 cash value to $17.6 million, but these are the numbers through May last year.
The good news, if you will, is that the Cowboys could still hand out contracts worth about $43 million just to catch up to last year’s spending, never mind busting anything.
But how did we end up in a place where one side talks about busting the budget and the other side is disappointed about the amount of money spent in free agency?
The first follow-up question to Jerry’s “bust the budget” quote should have been “What budget?”
Allow me to explain.
Remember when Jerry Jones said in July 2024 that Lamb, Prescott, and Parsons (who were all waiting for contract extensions at the time) could account for up to 70% of the Cowboys payroll?
“Those three players you mean could be 70 percent of all the money you got — 70 percent of your payroll,”
Social media reaction was swift and merciless.
Jerry Jones said that Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons could take up 70% of their payroll.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) July 25, 2024
(Fact check: not true)
Even with their eventual cap hits (Prescott: $60 million AAV, Lamb: $34 million, Parsons via GB: $46.5), the trio would not count more than 55% against the $255 million salary cap in 2024 – and there was always the possibility of restructuring those contracts to lower the cap hit.
So, was Jerry Jones exaggerating for effect or maybe even outright lying?
Not at all.
What most people fail to understand is that the Cowboys are a Cash-To-Cap team. Cash-To-Cap is the idea that your cash spend equals your salary cap every year. A cash-to-cap approach does not mean that you never prorate any part of a player’s salary, that just isn’t feasible in today’s NFL with some of the megabucks contracts in play today. But you try to limit the use of contract devices aimed at pushing costs into future years.
The benefit of a cash-to-cap approach is that, in principle, because you’re only spending what you have available under the cap, you won’t run into cap difficulties where you have to cut player contracts, reduce your spend on players salaries, or field a team full of players on rookie or league minimum contracts just to get under the cap. Cash-to-cap works to preserve cap flexibility in the future if, inevitably, contracts do not work out, and helps avoid future dead money.
The other benefit, especially for the Jones family, is that you get to whine and moan publicly about the salary cap, you can liberally throw around the term “cap hell” in your off-the-record talks with local media, you can pontificate about the size of the salary cap pie, and much more – all because you are unwilling to spend more than your self-imposed limit.
“We spend max, max money year in and year out. All 32 can only spend the same amount of money over a five-year stretch,” Stephen Jones said (via 105.3 The Fan in Dallas). “When we’re all said and done, we max out our salary cap every year.”
All of which means the Cowboys are primarily focused on the actual cash they spend every year, not some annual contract averages.
Cash-Over-Cap teams operate differently. Cash-Over-Cap is the idea that your cash spend frequently or consistently exceeds your salary cap. You’re essentially borrowing from future years to increase your cash spend in the current year, allowing you to consistently spend more on your team than Cash-To-Cap teams, hoping that a higher spend will lead to better results. And this works as long as the salary cap keeps increasing, which it has over the last decades.
“Busting the budget” would require the Cowboys to act like a Cash-Over-Cap team, something they’ve abhorred in the past, and would likely require them to exceed the salary cap with their cash spend.
And now back to Jerry’s 70% comment.
In Year 1 cash, Prescott ended up costing the Cowboys $86.3 million, Lamb cost $39.2 million, and Parsons signed in Green Bay for $45.2 million in Year 1 cash. Combined, that’s $170.7 million and would have been 67% of the 2024 cap, which is very close to the 70% Jones mentioned.
Jerry wasn’t lying. He was just talking about a different budget than everybody assumed.
You’ll notice that the tables above also contain the Year 1 cash spend, which I conveniently glossed over in my initial comments. At $91.1 million this year versus $73.9 million, the Cowboys are already spending 23% more than they did last year. And that percentage could climb to ~27-30% once we add the numbers for Howell, Hennessy, and Fant. And they will climb even higher if the Cowboys find a linebacker and perhaps another OLB on the free agency market, or execute another trade or two.
And if they find a way to sign George Pickens and Brandon Aubrey to long-term contracts this year, that Year 1 cash number will balloon even further this year.
Is that “busting the budget”? In the Cowboys’ minds, it certainly is. For many non-accountants discussing NFL accounting numbers, it probably isn’t.
In the end, both can be true:
And that’s already something.
Since joining WWE in 2021, LA Knight has been on a slow but steady rise through the company, but his journey through the industry stretches back more than 20 years. According to Knight, he had to figure out his own way, as he said during an interview with "The Coach's Corner" that he's never had any specific person around to guide him through the business.
"What's that?" Knight said with a laugh after being asked to identify his mentor. "I don't know. I never had one. I had trainers, if that's what we're asking, but I think that's different than what I've come to understand as a mentor."
After getting his start on the independents, Knight had a brief WWE run that ended with his release in 2014. He headed to TNA after that, eventually capturing the top title there before moving on to NWA and eventually his WWE return.
Knight reiterated that he's never had anyone take him under their wing, so instead, pro wrestling has been a "very independent venture" for the WWE star. In some ways, Knight believes that may have set him back.
"Maybe that's why it took me as long as it did, possibly. I don't know," Knight mused.
With WWE WrestleMania 42 approaching in a matter of weeks, it remains unclear what (if anything) Knight will be doing on the show. The wrestler said as much in the same interview, with Knight claiming that he wasn't made aware of any specific plans WWE might have for him at the big event. Knight continues appearing on TV, however, including his participation in the 2026 Men's Elimination Chamber match and his involvement in The Vision's storyline following the last PLE.
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit "The Coach's Corner" and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Read more: 5 Wrestlers Worse Off After Leaving WWE
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Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.
Filip Jorgensen is not in Chelsea’s squad today, with Robert Sanchez returning as first choice, and the news is out why…
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All eyes were on Chelsea’s team sheet today to see who Liam Rosenior picked in goal.
The Blues boss had made quite the mess for himself by dropping Robert Sanchez, then seeing his replacement Filip Jorgensen make a horrible error against PSG.
As we suspected, Rosenior swallowed his pride today and went back to Sanchez in goal. But more surprisingly, Jorgensen isn’t even on the bench.
Kieran Gill of the Daily Mail is the first to get the scoop that this is due to a “groin injury.”
Ok, it’s tempting to get all conspiracy theory about this, and certainly it’s a very convenient time to have a “slight” groin injury. But actually it doesn’t really make much sense for anyone to lie in this case. The best thing for everyone would just be just for Jorgensen to be right back on the bench so that the story can move on.
Having him out of the squad only lengthens the lifespan of this story. It’s not in his interest to fake an issue either – he’s been the backup goalkeeper for most of the year, it’s hardly a humiliating situation to return to.
You can see the full lineup for today’s game – featuring the notable lack of Jorgensen, in the post here.
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Check out the latest edition of Simon Phillips’ SPTC podcast here:
A dominating victory over Nebraska sent the Boilers to the semi-finals of the B1G Tourney as they beat the Cornhuskers 74-58. A quick turnaround means a shortened intro here. Let’s get into the numbers!
Braden Smith is now fully within reach of the all time NCAA record. The senior point guard has the chance to cement himself as one of the very best of all time as he is just 21 assists away from Bobby Hurley’s record of 1,076 with 1,055 of his own. He has been incredible in the first two games as he has 26 assists but the scoring hasn’t quite been there. He is due for a big scoring game and when that happens, it’ll likely mean a huge double-double in a big game for the Boilers.
“At the end of the day, I just wanna win.” – Braden Smith #B1GMBBT x @BoilerBallpic.twitter.com/Oc25Z39gVE
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) March 14, 2026
Purdue took advantage on a lot of the mistakes that Nebraska made but none more than their 17 points off turnovers. They didn’t get any in the second half but their ability to turn 7 first half turnovers into 17 points while not allowing any points for Nebraska in the same regard was the driving factor in their 13 points first half lead. Overall, the Boilers ended up +12 leading 17-5 in points off turnovers.
Purdue now holds 9 Quad-1 wins in 17 total opportunities. That’s good for the 5th most in the country behind Duke (15), Arizona (14), Michigan (13), and Florida (11), as of games entering 3/13/26. Purdue’s resume stacks up with anyone outside of that top 4 who clearly have separated themselves as the 1 seeds but Purdue likely solidified themselves as a three seed and could very well play themselves onto the 2 line if they win the B1G Tourney.
With their victory over Nebraska, Purdue has now won 5 straight B1G Tournament gams inside the United Center in Chicago. Purdue has played well there and won by an average of 10 points per game in those victories that have come against four teams that were top 40 Kenpom teams. The second city has been kind to the Boilers but will it continue against a very hot UCLA team that has Donovan Dent?
CJ Cox has become a sort of catalyst for the Purdue offense as the sophomore guard is shooting 37.2% on the season from behind the arc. It seems though that when CJ is hitting those threes at a rate of at least 3 per game, Purdue is 8-1 on the season. That includes wins over Memphis, Auburn, Wisconsin, Penn State, Nebraska (x2), Iowa, and Northwestern.
The lone loss? The loss at Ohio State.
CJ Cox with his second three of the game already. We aren’t even 4 minutes in.
— Hammer and Rails (@HammerAndRails) March 13, 2026
Purdue, even with the excellence of Braden Smith and the smooth shooting of Fletcher Loyer, is still heavily reliant on their big men inside. The combination of Oscar Cluff and TKR is as physically imposing of a pair as you’ll see in college basketball this season. The Boilers benefit from that when the two of them are playing at their best.
🇦🇺 Oscar Cluff IMPACT vs Nebraska today
— Luke Travers fan club (@TraversHoops) March 14, 2026
– 12 PTS (6/8 FG)
– 9 REB
– 2 AST
– 1 STL
– 1 BLK
– +18
Back to back top performances from Oscar who might just be the hardest big man in college ball to keep off the rim.
He and Purdue win (74-58) and are into the big 10 semi final!! https://t.co/m4uW40H2f9pic.twitter.com/YnlbB4Q6n5
When the big men from Purdue combine for 25 points and 12 rebounds, Purdue is 12-1 with the only loss coming to Michigan. Some of those are Purdue’s best victories of the season like at Alabama, Auburn, Texas Tech, and at Nebraska.
Trey Kaufman-Renn is making some really good decisions in this tournament. So much of the offense has been getting the ball to him in the lane and letting him go to work.
— Dylan Sinn (@DylanSinn) March 13, 2026
When that gets bumped to 30 and 20, Purdue is an unbeaten 6-0 and dominant in doing so with victories like the 28 points victory over Minnesota and 20 point victory over Marquette. When those two struggle and don’t get to 25 or more points combined, Purdue is 13-7 overall.
Luis Díaz equalized and was later sent off in Bayern Munich's eventful 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday as the nine-man champions saw their Bundesliga lead trimmed to nine points.
Aleix García struck for the hosts after Díaz had given the ball away and an injury-hit Bayern then had Nicolas Jackson dismissed for a bad foul before half-time.
Harry Kane thought he had levelled on the hour moments after coming on, but he was controversially adjudged to have handled the ball during the build-up following a video review.
Colombia's Díaz then did make it 1-1 on 69 minutes from Micheal Olise's assist following Robert Andrich's wayward pass.
He received a second booking on 84 for diving, which he vehemently protested, and Leverkusen had a goal ruled out for a very tight offside late on.
Leverkusen stay sixth in the race for the Champions League spots, two points behind fourth-placed VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig in fifth, who meet on Sunday.
Borussia Dortmund cut the gap at the top with eight games left following a 2-0 home win over Augsburg.
The goals came courtesy of Karim Adeyemi and teeneger Luca Reggiani - his first in the Bundesliga - in a game captained by rival brothers Nico and Kevin Schlotterbeck.
Third-placed Hoffenheim drew 1-1 with second-bottom Wolfsburg as coach Dieter Hecking made his return to the Wolves dug-out after 10 years.
The 2009 champions are three points adrift and in danger of a first Bundesliga relegation after years of near misses and backer Volkswagen cutting some funding.
European hopefuls Eintracht Frankfurt - in seventh - won 1-0 at home to bottom side Heidenheim, who lie 10 points away from safety and are quickly heading for the second tier.
Unfortunately for golf fans everywhere, Tiger Woods is not at the 2026 Players Championship in person. While he could return to action next month at the Masters, Tiger will be at TPC Sawgrass in spirit during Saturday’s third round, thanks to a special tribute planned by the PGA Tour.
The tribute has two parts and is designed to commemorate Tiger’s greatest moment at the Players Championship, and, perhaps, the most indelible Players shot in history. And it’s hidden underground at the Stadium Course’s most iconic hole: the island-green 17th.
Here’s what you need to know.
Saturday at this year’s Players is the 25th anniversary of one of Tiger’s most-watched moments. It happened at the 2001 Players Championship.
That week, Woods was in the middle of arguably the most dominant stretch of golf ever played. He’d won the last three majors in 2000 (by wide margins at Pebble Beach and St. Andrews, no less), and one month later he’d complete the “Tiger Slam” with his 2001 Masters win.
At that point, the 25-year-old Tiger was the youngest career Grand Slam winner in history, but he hadn’t won a Players Championship. That was about to change.
The inside story of how Tiger Woods’ ‘Better than most!’ putt came to beBy: James Colgan
Woods overcame a two-shot deficit with a final-round 67 to claim his first Players title by one shot.
But that win may never have come to be if it wasn’t for some heroics toward the end of Woods’ third round that year.
At the island-green, par-3 17th hole on Saturday, Woods’ tee shot sailed too long, ending up on the back collar. Fortunately, it was dry. Unfortunately, his ball sat some 60 feet from the hole, with multiple downhill breaks between it and the cup.
Before Woods attempted his putt, NBC’s Gary Koch told fellow TV analyst Johnny Miller, “Johnny, I’ve seen a number of players putt from the back part of this green, and the results have not been good.”
The broadcasters’ next exchange will live forever in golf fans’ memories.
As Tiger’s ball began trundling its way toward the hole, Miller said, “Gary, how’s that look?”
To which Koch responded, “Johnny, that’s better than most.”
“How about in?” Miller shouted as Tiger’s ball broke hard directly toward the cup.
And then as Woods’ ball dropped in for an incredible, tournament-changing birdie, Koch repeated,
“Better than most, better than most!”
"BETTER THAN MOST!"
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 7, 2023
This legendary @TigerWoods moment happened 22 years ago @THEPLAYERSChamp 🤯 #TOURVaultpic.twitter.com/4vEC57voO3
It’s that moment organizers for this year’s Players Championship are planning to commemorate, as repored by Golf Channel on their social media accounts. And there are two aspects to that commemoration.
First, the pin on the 17th green will be the same pin position that Woods putted to back in the third round of the 2001 Players. It’s a difficult one that should draw a lot of water balls out of competitors: five paces from the front and five paces from the left.
But that’s not all. Hidden underground at the 17th green will be a second Tiger tribute.
The bottom of the cup on the island green will read “TIGER WOODS 2001” with a second quote pulled from Koch’s call also engraved: “BETTER THAN MOST”
You can see a sneak peek at the 17th hole Tiger tribute below, via Golf Channel.
The post This clever Tiger Woods tribute at Players is hidden underground appeared first on Golf.
Burnley and Bournemouth both needed all three points for their season's goals and walked away with one each from a frustrating 0-0 at Turf Moor on Saturday.
A game with 37 shot attempts and almost 3.5 expected goals — 22 and 2.88 for the visitors — would not yield a goal and leaves the Clarets and Cherries looking ruefully at the table.
WATCH — Burnley v Bournemouth full match replay
Bournemouth's 41st point inches them into ninth place, three back of seventh-place Brentford who have a match-in-hand. Europe is still a possibility, but another low-scoring draw despite decent production will leave manager Andoni Iraola in a bad frame of mind.
Burnley's 20th point moves them eight back of safety with eight matches to go, and Scott Parker will know his team could've easily found all of the points especially during a purple — claret? — patch to finish the first half.
More to come...
Either could've won it. Neither did, and Bournemouth will be especially upset to see 2.88 xG turn into just one point.
Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu will help Burnley chase the three points in place of Flemming and Josh Laurent.
It comes a minute after Iraola removed Rayan for Enes Unal.
Eli Junior Kroupi's day ends and David Brooks is into the fold for the final 10 minutes.
Maxime Esteve is struggling with an injury and he'll come off for Joe Worrall, while Lucas Pires replaces Quilindschy Hartman for the final 16 minutes plus stoppage.
Bournemouth introduced Amine Adli and Alex Jimenex around the hour mark for Ryan Christie and Adam Smith.
Burnley answered a few minutes later with Marcus Edwards for Lyle Foster.
Shots finished 9-9 as the Clarets not only found their footing but kept it.
This game's absolutely up for grabs.
Oh he's been bright against his old mates, and Jaidon Anthony sneaks away from his mark to meet a back post corner and absolutely smashes the front underside of the cross bar with a vicious volley.
It bounds out and this game stays 0-0 into the 43rd minute.
Jaidon Anthony, the ex-Bournemouth man and one of Burnley's true bright lights in attack, cuts in from the left side and puts his right foot into a shot across goal.
It requires a two-handed parry from Djordje Petrovic to keep the Clarets from a smash-and-grab lead.
Bournemouth continue to keep the ball and seek openings.
They find one and Marcus Tavernier rips a shot from distance that is saved by a stooping Martin Dubravka.
0-0, 22'.
Four minutes in and the Cherries have already won multiple corners and kept possession in the Burnley third.
Dubravka, Walker, Esteve, Humphreys, Laurent, Hartman, Ward-Prowse, Mejbri, Flemming, Foster, Anthony
Petrovic, Truffert, Senesi, Smith, Hill, Christie, Tavernier, Scott, Rayan, Kroupi, Evanilson
Burnley have nine matches to make up nine points on 17th place, and the Turf Moor will be hoping that Saturday is a day their heroes take three of them. Scott Parker and his Clarets have dropped back-to-back games in very different ways following a pair of positive results spurred hope of a great escape. A 4-3 loss at home to Brentford in Week 28 including heart-breaking razor-thin decisions while a 2-0 loss at Everton a few days later included far fewer thrills.
WATCH — Burnley v Bournemouth
Bournemouth are well out of their brutal two months slump to end 2025 but Andoni Iraola is now lamenting a trio of draws to West Ham, Sunderland, and Brentford that has cost them firm footing in the race to qualify for Europe. The Cherries have four wins and five draws since beating Spurs on January 7 and are just four points off seventh-place Brentford, three back of Everton. Fifth and sixth have 48 points, so it looks like Bournemouth are in the middle of anywhere between 6-8 teams harboring hopes of seventh and a place (probably) in the Conference League.
OUT: Axel Tuanzebe (calf), Josh Cullen (knee), Zeki Amdouni (knee), Jordan Beyer (knee), Connor Roberts (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Zian Flemming (calf), Armando Broja (ankle), Marcus Edwards (unspecified), Mike Tresor (ankle)
OUT: Lewis Cook (thigh), Justin Kluivert (knee), Matai Akinmboni (muscular), Julio Soler (unspecified) | QUESTIONABLE: Ben Gannon-Doak (hamstring)
The Clarets are capable of magic moments. Jaidon Anthony and Zian Flemming both have shots at a double-digit goal season and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has stolen some points for them this season (though not of late). Bournemouth will be favored to find the goal between Eli Junior Kroupi, Rayan, and Evanilson. And they'll likely do it more often than their hosts. Burnley 1-2 Bournemouth.
Kick off time:11am ET Saturday
Venue:Turf Moor — Burnley, Lancashire
TV Channel: Peacock
Streaming: Watch live on Peacock
Men's Six Nations
Ireland (19) 43
Tries: Osborne, Sheehan, Baloucoune, Murray, O'Brien 2 Cons: Crowley 5 Pen: Crowley
Scotland (7) 21
Tries: Graham, Russell, Darge Cons: Russell 3
Ireland pulled away from Scotland in a pulsating Six Nations Triple Crown decider to keep their championship hopes alive and end the Scots' trophy dreams.
In a breathless and full-blooded Dublin encounter, Ireland held off a spirited second-half surge from Scotland to deny Gregor Townsend's side a first Triple Crown since 1990 and a possible first championship since 1999.
While a 12th successive loss against Ireland ended Scotland's ambitions, the bonus-point victory moves the Irish three points clear of holders France, who face England in Paris in Saturday's Six Nations finale (20:10 GMT).
In a raucous Aviva Stadium atmosphere, Ireland full-back Jamie Osborne and Scotland wing Darcy Graham traded early tries before Dan Sheehan and Robert Baloucoune crossed to give the Irish a 19-7 half-time lead.
Scotland, who came into the game on the back of a stunning 50-40 victory over France, raised hopes of a first win in Dublin since 2010 when Finn Russell and Rory Darge scored either side of Darragh Murray's bonus-point score for the hosts.
But Scotland were left shattered following a rousing finish from Ireland as Tommy O'Brien scored twice to spark ecstatic celebrations among the home support.
The win seals Ireland's fourth Triple Crown in five years and leaves Andy Farrell's side with an anxious wait to see if England can do them a favour at the Stade de France.
Given the stakes, a cagey start would have been excused, but these old rivals had other ideas during a thunderously captivating first half.
As has often been the case in this fixture recently, Ireland struck first when in-form full-back Osborne ran in under the posts in the third minute. A scrum penalty against Zander Fagerson had given the hosts their platform to attack.
But Scotland scored 40 unanswered points after falling behind against France last week and they were unmoved by Ireland's early salvo as they expertly navigated 19 phases before Graham scampered clear in the corner.
Graham was caught offside following the restart, however, and Jack Crowley kicked to the corner, with Sheehan peeling off the resultant maul to score.
Scotland again pushed for immediate retaliation, but their momentum was killed when Stuart McCloskey's crunching tackle on Russell turned the ball over in Ireland's favour.
Then, in Ireland's next meaningful attack, McCloskey swung a killer pass out to Baloucoune, who shrugged off Graham to score in the corner.
Scotland were unable to narrow the deficit in the second quarter, leaving head coach Gregor Townsend with an enormous half-time team talk.
Going into Saturday's game, Ireland were unbeaten in 30 Six Nations home matches when leading at the break, illustrating the scale of Scotland's second-half task.
But the men in blue gave it a good crack at the start of the half with Russell shrugging off a frustrating start to the match to cross at the end of a sustained spell of Scottish pressure.
Six Nations debutant Murray then sniped over for Ireland's bonus score, but the home side's mettle was tested again when Darge capped an excellent Scotland attack to bring the visitors back to within five points.
At that point it was anyone's game, but Farrell responded by unloading his bench - including a first appearance for Bundee Aki after suspension - and it breathed new life into the Irish challenge.
O'Brien collected Ciaran Frawley's pass and extended the hosts' advantage, meaning the Scots required a big final push. It was beyond them.
After Crowley's penalty gave Ireland breathing space, O'Brien raced away for his second score in the dying minutes as the Fields of Athenry rang out to complete a superb win and leave Scotland's bid for silverware in tatters for at least another year.
While Ireland celebrated a 15th Triple Crown - and ninth of the Six Nations era - captain Caelan Doris admitted they will be cheering on England when they take on holders France in Paris in the conclusion to an enormously entertaining championship.
Ireland: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, O'Brien; Crowley, Gibson-Park; O'Toole, Sheehan, Furlong, McCarthy, Beirne, Conan, Van der Flier, Doris (capt).
Replacements: Kelleher, Milne, Bealham, Murray, Timoney, Casey, Frawley, Aki.
Scotland: Kinghorn; Graham, Jones, Tuipulotu (capt), Steyn; Russell, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Gilchrist, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Rae, Craig, Bradbury, Horne, Rowe, Jordan.
Referee: Luke Pearce
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner & Damian Schneider
Television match official: Andrew Jackson
Foul play review officer: Ian Tempest
Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck described the pre-match meeting with his brother Keven Schlotterbeck as a “very special moment” after Dortmund’s 2–0 victory over FC Augsburg.
Both brothers captained their respective teams and shared a brief moment together before kickoff - something Nico said meant a lot to both of them and their family.
“It was a super important and beautiful moment for Keven and me,” he said after the match. “We were really looking forward to it. It’s something very special for us and for our family.”
The Dortmund centre-back highlighted how remarkable it was that the two siblings were able to share such a moment while leading two major German clubs onto the pitch.
“The fact that we were both captains of two big German clubs like Dortmund and Augsburg today and could share that moment before kickoff - that was really beautiful,” Schlotterbeck added.
Nico also revealed that he hopes to spend a bit more time with his brother after the game.
“Now I just hope Keven can stay with me in Dortmund for a couple of days. We haven’t seen each other for a while.”
Texas A&M has long been synonymous with producing NFL‑caliber defensive linemen. Different coaches, different eras—same result. Under Mike Elko, that tradition didn’t just continue; it surged. And in 2025, the Aggies fielded one of their most disruptive edge defenders since future Hall of Famer Myles Garrett.
Last season marked the true breakout for Cashius Howell, but anyone who followed his path knew it wasn’t some overnight emergence. Before arriving in Bryan‑College Station, Howell flashed big‑time potential in the MAC, recording 9.5 sacks as a sophomore at Bowling Green. After transferring to A&M, he spent 2024 in a rotational role behind Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart, still managing 40 tackles and four sacks while proving he could produce in limited snaps.
So the question entering 2025 wasn’t whether Howell could play—it was whether he could sustain that impact as a full‑time starter. The answer was a resounding yes. Howell delivered double‑digit sacks, led the SEC in the category for most of the season, and added 14 tackles for loss. His dominance earned him SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors, unanimous All‑America recognition, and finalist nods for nearly every major defensive award he was eligible for.
He capped it off with a strong showing at the NFL combine, posting some of the best athletic numbers at his position. The testing only confirmed what the tape already showed: Howell is a dynamic, explosive athlete with real NFL traits. And the advanced metrics back it up. His 92.3 pass‑rush grade sits just behind Myles Garrett’s 94.4, and his 19.9% win rate narrowly edges Garrett’s 19.4% from his final season in Aggieland.
Does that mean Howell is destined to become one of the all‑time greats? Not necessarily. But it does mean he has every tool to be a productive NFL pass rusher. Once he lands with a franchise and refines what works best for him, they’ll be getting a relentless, high‑motor defender who prides himself on being the best player on the field.
Cashius Howell put up DOMINANT pass rush metrics at Texas A&M👀 pic.twitter.com/CSrj8p0CVq
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 13, 2026
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell earns standout PFF pass‑rush evaluation
The Senior Bowl and NFL Combine have come and gone, and we are full steam ahead to the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft set to begin on Thursday, April 23rd in Pittsburgh. Who could the Steelers potentially draft? Top-30 visits are usually a good indicator of who the Steelers are more intrigued with than others. BTSC has you covered with the complete list of prospects who complete pre-draft visits with the Steelers.
This list will be updated as more visits take place. Be sure to bookmark this article and check back throughout the draft process!
Linked to each prospect will be an in-depth article to give you a little more background on the prospect.
You can find all of BTSC’s prospect profiles, mock drafts, and draft coverage here.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
BERLIN (AP) — Bayern Munich came from behind and finished the match with nine players in a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, allowing Borussia Dortmund to close to within nine points of the Bundesliga leader.
Luis Díaz, who scored the equalizer following Aleix García's opener, was sent off in the 84th minute for a second yellow card. Nicolas Jackson had received a red card in the 42nd minute.
Leverkusen took the lead in the sixth minute after Montrell Culbreath stole the ball off Díaz and fed it to Patrik Schick, who set up García on the edge of the box. The midfielder slotted home with a deflected shot.
The hosts defended well to contain Bayern's attempts to come back, and frustration showed when Jackson was sent off before halftime for a late challenge on Martin Terrier.
Bayern played with third-choice goalkeeper Sven Ulreich because Manuel Neuer has a calf issue and backup Jonas Urbig was concussed in the 6-1 win over Atalanta midweek in the Champions League. Ulreich denied an effort from Schick in a one-on-one situation at the hour mark just before Harry Kane came on.
Back from a calf injury, Kane played for the first time since Feb. 28 after scoring eight goals in his past four Bundesliga games. He fired the ball into an empty net in the 62nd minute but it was disallowed for blocking the goalkeeper's clearance with a hand in the buildup.
Diaz leveled in the 69th with a low shot from Michael Olise's precise setup. The Colombia winger later received a second yellow card for diving and Bayern was down to nine men with six minutes left to play. The hosts could not snatch the win despite pushing hard until the end as Jonas Hofmann had a goal ruled out deep in stoppage time.
Bayern hasn’t won at Leverkusen in the league since October 2021.
Dortmund was in total control throughout the first half and Augsburg was lucky to trail by just one goal at halftime. Karim Adeyemi broke the deadlock in the 13th and had several other chances, hitting the woodwork twice. Luca Reggiani made it 2-0 in the 59th.
Hoffenheim, aiming to qualify for Champions League for first time since the 2018-19 season, stayed third — 17 points behind Bayern — after a 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Wolfsburg. Eintracht Frankfurt beat Heidenheim 1-0 with a goal from Arnaud Kalimuendo.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Team USA edged past Canada 5-3 in a tense quarterfinal at Daikin Park in Houston, advancing to the semifinals and drawing a big crowd. The win featured small-ball plays that cracked Canada’s pitching and kept fans on their feet. The night also produced a side story.
In the first inning, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh declined a fist bump from Canada captain and Seattle first baseman Josh Naylor at the plate. The brief snub was caught on camera and quickly became a talking point.
Naylor shrugged and laughed about it after the game.
MORE: Blue Jays tab 4-year MLB veteran to replace Buck Martinez: report
“We were all joking. Trying to make light of the situation,” he told reporters. “I texted him before that I was going to do it. He said, ‘Please don’t.’” Naylor replayed the moment with a grin. “He’s like, ‘Good to see you, brother.’ And I was like, ‘Good to see you, too.’…He’s such a leader too. I was really, really happy to get traded to the Mariners last year and kind of experience being in the locker room with him and just being his teammate and going to dinners with him off the field and stuff. So yeah, I love him. And I was just honestly, just super joking.”
He called Raleigh an “awesome teammate” and was clear there was no hard feeling.
Josh Naylor said he texted Cal Raleigh before the game and told him he was gonna offer him a fist bump
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) March 14, 2026
Cal said “please don’t”
This isn’t Cal Raleigh’s first on-field refusal during the World Baseball Classic. He left Mariners teammate Randy Arozarena hanging in an earlier game, and reports say Team USA agreed before the tournament not to fraternize with opponents. Raleigh defended the approach after that incident.
“They’re not just exhibition games. I have a responsibility to my teammates and my country to be locked in and focused each game,” he said.
Naylor kept the tone light and friendly. “It’s not that big of a deal.” For now, the focus stays on the field and on the semifinals.
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The post USA’s Cal Raleigh gets strong message from Mariners’ teammate after WBC drama appeared first on The Big Lead.
In one swing, Tristan Bissetta breathed life back into Ole Miss baseball with a towering grand slam in the ninth to help the Rebels come back in extra innings and defeat No. 2 Texas.
Watching the video of this home run is according to the kids these days “peak cinema” as the number of Longhorn surrender cobras in the stands ran deep and wide. Down to its last out, Ole Miss needed runs badly, and Bissetta delivered a magic moment in Austin.
Moments like this are what college baseball is all about 😍
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) March 14, 2026
Ole Miss was one of the big winners of Friday, ending Texas’ 16-game winning streak.
(🎥 @OleMissBSB)
pic.twitter.com/tFiWGzWshK
Chef’s kiss, insane bat flip, no notes for the young man who transferred in to make his name known in the SEC. Job well done and its only game one of conference play. The 464-foot blast was a no doubter, and while you’d think would have been a gut punch to end the game, credit to Texas to come back and score a run in the ninth to extend the game.
Landon Waters earned the save with a shutout 11th inning against the Longhorns (16-1, 0-1 SEC). The Rebels used five arms in the game with Taylor Rabe (3-0) officially earning the win. Starter Hunter Elliott went 5 IP, 4 ER and 8 strikeouts on 92 pitches. Texas used seven pitchers in the extra innings loss.
The Rebels (16-3, 1-0 SEC) now have a chance to take the series when first pitch is thrown at 2:30 p.m. CT in Austin. Cade Townsend (2-0, 0.48 ERA) will take the mound for Ole Miss against LHP Luke Harrison (1-0, 3.06 ERA) for Texas.
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy — Four years ago, Noah Elliott’s femur was sticking out of his amputated leg. He had pushed off surgery on a painful injury so he could compete in the Beijing Paralympics, but finished just off the podium and shy of a much-desired gold medal.
Following a successful surgery, Elliott began focusing on the 2026 Paralympics in Milano Cortina. And he only needed one run in the banked slalom to find redemption.
Already with a silver earlier in the week during the snowboard cross, the 28-year-old earned a victory lap after a first run of 58:96, one of only three runs under the one-minute mark.
“Oh my God, I'm feeling so good. This is exactly what we worked so hard for,” Elliot said in between smiles. “I've been working this whole time just to try to get up on that first podium spot and to be here coming into the banked slalom.”
The other sub-1-minute time came from Japan's Daichi Oguri, who, in the penultimate run of the event, brought Elliott to the brink. A 59.02, just .06 seconds behind the now redeemed American.
The U.S. crowd celebrated, but there were no smiles yet from Elliott. In his mind, there was still work to be done.
The final sub-1-minute time came in the victory lap from the American, a 58.94 to beat his own time and make a statement to the entire field.
“He's one of the guys that you spend 5 minutes around him, and you can just tell he is full of passion for snowboarding. He's got a great attitude,” teammate Zach Miller said. “He's always super positive up at the top of the course, but when it gets down to it — he's a lethal competitor.”
Reaching the finish line with a smile on his face, teammate and bronze medalist Mike Schultz was the first to embrace Elliott. Right behind him was Oguri. Snowboard culture is competitive, but appreciating other racers allows the sport to continue to grow in a welcoming environment.
Out of anyone to join Elliot on the podium, Schultz, in the final event of his Paralympic career, seemed poetic.
“Me and Mike met at my first World Cup, and immediately hit it off. Just over the years, being able to pick his brain and question him,” Elliot said. “He was actually my first sponsor.”
The medal ceremony was emotional, and Team USA members were as close as the Paralympic organizers allowed. Tears flowed as a legend of the sport Schultz enjoyed his final moments, and Elliott earned gold.
“If I wasn't in the front or if I wasn't on the top of the box, it better be Noah,” Schultz said. “He's on a different level. That dude is crushing it, and he will be for a while.”
Alex Carpenter is a reporter for the Paralympics Project, a partnership between USA TODAY Network and the College of Communication and Information at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA's Noah Elliott shows how 'lethal' he is with Paralympic gold medal
This Contract Decision Puts End To Christian Barmore Roster Debate originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots' Super Bowl run was unfortunately marred by late-season controversy, as former Patriots player Stefon Diggs and starting defensive tackle Christian Barmore became embroiled in legal battles.
Diggs’ case is still ongoing, with his next court appearance scheduled for April 1. Barmore’s chargers, however, were dropped last week, nearly nine months after the alleged assault on the mother of his child took place.
Many thought this incident, along with contract nuances, could play into the 2021 second-round draft pick’s time wth the Patriots coming to an end.
Going into year two of a four-year contract extension signed under ex-head coach Jerod Mayo, Barmore is set to make $64.3 million over the course of the next three seasons.
Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and head coach Mike Vrabel had until 4 p.m. ET on Friday to decide whether they wanted to save more than $30 million by cutting Barmore.
After the 4 p.m. deadline, $12 million of Barmore’s $17.1 million 2026 cap hit became fully guaranteed, solidifying Barmore’s place on the 2026 roster, barring a trade.
The 26-year-old defensive tackle did not miss a week during last season’s 21-game gauntlet, just one year removed from his frightening year-long battle with blood clots that caused him to miss much of the 2024 season.
Rutgers gymnastics delivered its strongest performances of the season on Friday night, setting a program record on floor exercise during the Rutgers Quad at Jersey Mike’s Arena.
The Scarlet Knights posted a 49.475 on floor, breaking the previous school record of 49.425 set in 2023. The historic rotation helped Rutgers finish with a season-high team score of 196.550, the third-highest overall score in program history.
Graduate student Gabrielle Dildy led the Scarlet Knights with an outstanding all-around performance, posting a career-best 39.525. Dildy matched her career high on vault with a 9.900 and delivered a standout 9.950 on floor, one of the top scores of the night and a key routine in the record-breaking rotation.
Rutgers’ floor lineup was dominant throughout the rotation, posting a string of high scores that pushed the team past the program record. Alongside Dildy’s 9.950, the Scarlet Knights received a 9.925 from Elliot Goldsmith, helping anchor the historic performance. The team finished the rotation with five scores of 9.9 or higher, demonstrating the depth and consistency of the lineup.
The record-setting floor rotation highlighted what has been a steady upward trajectory for Rutgers as the regular season nears its conclusion.
Beyond the floor exercise, Rutgers posted strong routines across multiple events to secure its season-high score. The Scarlet Knights posted a 49.125 on bars, a 48.900 on beam, and opened with a 49.050 on vault, each anchored by multiple gymnasts.
Rutgers continued to build momentum as the meet progressed, showing improved consistency and confidence across the lineup. The strong team performance culminated in the historic floor rotation, in which the Scarlet Knights delivered one of the best event scores in program history.
The result marks another milestone for a Rutgers gymnastics program that has steadily improved in recent seasons. The Scarlet Knights have continued to raise the program standard with higher team scores and record-breaking individual performances, reflecting the growth of the program within the competitive Big Ten conference.
With the postseason approaching, the timing of Friday’s performance could not be better.
The Scarlet Knights now head toward the Big Ten Championships with momentum after producing one of their best meets of the year. If Rutgers can carry the same energy and execution into the postseason, the program could be poised for another strong finish to the season.
The performance capped a strong night in Piscataway as Rutgers continues to build momentum late in the season. The program is in position to make NCAA Regionals for the second straight season, the first time since RU went three consecutive years from 2005 to 2007. Head coach Anastasia Candia has had this program rolling since serving as the acting head coach last season following the firing of Umme Salim-Beasley.
Friday night’s record-setting performance at Jersey Mike’s Arena served as both a celebration of a historic achievement and a sign that Rutgers gymnastics is peaking at the right time.
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Saints trade rumor involving 5-time Pro Bowler could lead to deal with Seahawks, Giants or Vikings originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Running back Alvin Kamara's future with the New Orleans Saints has never been more uncertain.
Kamara is coming off the worst season of his career in 2025 and has been on the decline over the last few years. As a result, the Saints signed Travis Etienne to a four-year deal in free agency, and could also have their eye on a running back in April's draft.
Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports reports that people he spoke to at Arkansas' Pro Day believe New Orleans could select running back Mike Washington Jr. in the second round of the draft and cut ties with Kamara.
"The Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants sent scouts specifically to watch [Mike] Washington. The Saints are a team to watch, as people at the workout tell me they could draft Washington in the second round, then trade or cut Alvin Kamara," Pauline said.
If New Orleans takes a running back on Day 1 or 2 in April, that would certainly put the nail in the coffin of the Kamara era.
Before potentially cutting him, the Saints would be wise to assess Kamara's value on the trade market, and the Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, and Minnesota Vikings could be among the teams interested.
Seattle lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency, and though Kamara wouldn't be able to fill the void left by Walker, he would certainly be an upgrade over Emmanuel Wilson.
As for New York and Minnesota, running back isn't a pressing need, but both franchises could look to take a flyer on Kamara and add another potential impact piece to their backfields.
Kamara's best days are behind him, but the five-time Pro Bowler can still be a solid starter in the right situation. We'll see where the 30-year-old ends up playing in 2026, as his departure from New Orleans seems more likely than ever.
The Duke Blue Devils are without starting center Patrick Ngongba II and point guard Caleb Foster in the ACC Tournament, which has not stopped them from advancing to the championship game, where they will play the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday.
Head coach Jon Scheyer provided an injury update on Ngongba Friday after they beat the Clemson Tigers, sharing that his recovery is going well and he is on track to return for the NCAA Tournament.
"Pat is working his butt off every day," he told Brendan Marks of The Athletic. "He took another really good step with our medical team today, so he's trending in a great direction from where he's going, which is exciting. For me, very exciting."
Ngongba has not played since March 2 and is averaging 10.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He is third on the team in scoring, second in rebounding, and first in blocks. The sophomore earned All-ACC Honorable Mention recognition and received votes to be the ACC Defensive and Most Improved Player of the Year.
The Blue Devils earned the No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament and are a strong contender to be the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament when the field is announced on Selection Sunday. They are looking to win their first national championship since 2015, and getting a healthy Ngongba back will be key for them.
Contact/Follow@College_Wire on X and@College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: Duke Basketball: Injury update on Patrick Ngongba
For those remaining hopeful in the Las Vegas area that they'll find a way to watch this year's WrestleMania 42 without having to pay the ticket price, well, you're in luck. According to new reports from Fightful Select,WWE has lifted the blackout, which in the recent past, outlawed local venues from airing premium live events (PLE) within 50 miles of the venue, like at last month's Elimination Chamber in Chicago.
In this week's reports, it appears Circa Las Vegas' Stadium Swim was the first to break the news that the ban had been lifted. Now, this allows venues that obtain its licenses to broadcast the event through Joe Hand Promotions to invite fans across the area to attend the live showings. Most of those who run the current venues carrying this year's "Showcase of Immortals" supershow told Fightful they were certain WWE wouldn't change its mind after previous reports.
Following practice protocols that most common sports guide themselves by today, WWE's original decision to blackout watch parties near the Allegiant Stadium was to help boost ticket sales. When original reports came out of this blackout, several casinos, hotels, and general tourist areas expressed great frustration over this decision. One anonymous source told Fightful that when the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors committed to a site fee for WrestleMania, it was to create an economic impact for the city, as opposed to just WWE and the stadium hosting the festivities for the second consecutive year.
As reports have indicated for weeks now, WWE is having a hard time selling tickets to this year's "Super Bowl of Pro Wrestling." Between the economic hardships most are feeling in the United States to political disparity and a lack of a solid buildup, fans are still contributing to the mega machine that is WWE; however, cost, travel, and absence of excitement are making prospective attendees think twice.
Read more: What Shawn Michaels Really Did During His Four-Year Retirement From WWE
Don't miss any of the major wrestling headlines. Sign up to our free newsletter for the biggest stories, sent straight to your inbox. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google.
Read the original article on Wrestling Inc.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Belmont, which is losing longtime coach Casey Alexander to Kansas State, won't participate in the postseason NIT, the university announced Saturday.
The Bruins won the regular-season Missouri Valley Conference title this season before losing to Drake in the conference tournament.
Alexander, who led the Bruins to 166 wins and four conference titles in seven seasons, on Friday agreed to a five-year deal with Kansas State that will pay him $3.3 million for the upcoming season.
“In light of recent developments, Belmont University men’s basketball has elected not to participate in the Postseason NIT,” Belmont said Saturday in a statement. “We appreciate the meaningful dialogue and consideration postseason tournament committees have extended Belmont throughout the year.”
The 53-year-old Alexander is 303-180 in 15 years as a head coach, including stops at Stetson and Lipscomb before Belmont. He won at least 20 games in each of his seven seasons with Belmont.
___
Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
Leaders Bayern Munich held on for a 1-1 draw at Bayer Leverkusen despite finishing with nine men in an eventful Bundesliga clash on Saturday.
Second-placed Borussia Dortmund's comfortable home win at Augsburg drew them nine points behind reigning champions Bayern with eight games to play.
Aleix Garcia's goal gave Leverkusen the lead and Bayern striker Nicolas Jackson saw red before half-time.
Luis Diaz levelled things up but picked up a second yellow card for diving in the box.
Bayern held firm to grab a point, even as Leverkusen had two efforts chalked off in stoppage time.
Bayern also had strikes from Jonathan Tah and substitute Harry Kane ruled out by VAR for handball in a sometimes manic match at the BayArena.
Garcia finished off a fluid team move to put Leverkusen ahead six minutes in, the Spain midfielder collecting a Patrik Schick pass and chipping the ball over Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich.
Former Leverkusen centre-back Tah looked to have levelled things up midway through the first half when he found the net from a corner, but VAR intervened.
Bayern's hopes took a further hit when Jackson saw red for sinking his studs into Martin Terrier's ankle just before the break.
With 30 minutes left, Bayern brought Kane on as a substitute after his recent absence with a calf knock and the England captain thought he had scored just 47 seconds later, but again VAR spotted a handball.
Diaz finally grabbed Bayern a leveller when he guided a pin-point Michael Olise pass in with 69 minutes gone.
With six minutes to play, the Colombian went down in the box under light contact from Leverkusen 'keeper Janis Blaswich and was shown a second yellow for diving.
Bayern dug deep despite their numerical disadvantage in the dying stages to cling on for a point.
Dortmund inched closer to Bayern with Karim Adeyemi and Luca Reggiani both getting on the scoresheet in a 2-0 home win over Augsburg.
Adeyemi gave Dortmund the lead in the 13th minute, turning in a Maximilian Beier pass from close range.
Stodgy and uninspired in beating a 10-man Cologne last week, Dortmund showed fluency in attack, but Adeyemi and Beier took turns in hitting the crossbar before the break.
Just before the hour mark, 18-year-old centre-back Reggiani headed in a Julian Ryerson corner for his first Bundesliga goal.
Elsewhere, Arnaud Kalimuendo scored as Eintracht Frankfurt beat lowly Heidenheim 1-0.
Wolfsburg's bid to beat the drop took a hit in a 1-1 draw at Hoffenheim which left them stranded in the relegation zone.
dwi/jc
NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – From Thursday to Sunday, Nike’s EYBL Scholastic League will have 12 teams compete at Riverview Park in North August, South Carolina, for the league’s championship. The league expanded this year to 20 teams, and only 12 qualified for this tournament. The event will run from March 12-15
The semifinals and final games, on Saturday and Sunday, will be shown on FS1 as countless Rivals150 players from the sophomore, junior, and senior classes will be playing in the event.
READ: EYBL Scholastic Tournament Day 1 Top Performers | Day 2 Top Performers
Let’s go through the rosters of the teams who made the Final Four of Nike’s EYBL Scholastic Playoffs and will be shown on FS1.
Date: Saturday, Sunday, March 14-15
Time: First game tips on Saturday at 11 a.m. ET
Location: North Augusta, S.C.
TV Channel: FS1
Saturday, March 14
11:00 AM – Game 9 – CIA Bell Vista (AZ) vs. Spire Academy (OH) (FS1)
1:00 PM – Game 10 – Wasatch Academy (UT) vs. AZ Compass (AZ) (FS1)
Sunday, March 15
12:00 PM – Game 11 – CIA Bella Vista vs. Winner Game 10 (FS1)
CIA Bella Vista (Phoenix, AZ)
No. 1 – ‘26 4-star PG Miles Sadler (West Virginia)
No. 2 – ‘28 4-star PG Liam Mitakaro
No. 5 – ‘27 4-star SF Jalen White
No. 20 – ‘26 3-star C Amadou Seini
No. 21 – ‘27 4-star SG Lyris Robinson
No. 24 – ‘26 4-star SF Vaughan Karvala (Indiana)
No. 25 – ‘27 4-star C Paul Osoruyi
Spire Academy (Geneva, Ohio)
No. 0 – ‘26 4-star SF Tarris Bouie (Alabama)
No. 2 – ‘27 5-star SG King Gibson
No. 2 – ‘27 4-star PG Darrell Davis
No. 4 – ‘26 4-star SF Aiden Derkack (Providence)
No. 11 – ‘27 4-star C Charles Pur
No. 14 – ‘26 4-star PF Dorian Rinaldo-Komlan (Iowa State)
Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah)
No. 1 – ‘27 NR G Mana Wintana
No. 3 – ‘26 3-star SG Mariano Manciel (Stephen F Austin)
No. 5 – ‘26 4-star G Katrelle Harmon (Creighton)
No. 14 – ‘26 4-star F Chidi Nwigwe
No. 23 – ‘26 4-star G Junior County (UConn)
No. 32 – ‘26 NR C Vuk Lazarevic
AZ Compass (Phoenix, Arizona)
No. 0 – ‘26 3-star G Rajan Roberts (Valparaiso)
No. 1 – ‘26 NR G Willie Piggot
No. 2 – ‘27 3-star SG Tripp Haywood
No. 5 – ‘26 4-star PG Kalek House (Xavier)
No. 10 – ‘26 4-star SG Kaden House (Maryland)
No. 15 – ‘27 4-star SF Demarcus Henry
No. 21 – ‘26 NR PF Elijah Summers
Packers rumor suggests trade for former top-5 pick to replace QB Malik Willis originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Green Bay Packers lost their reliable backup quarterback in free agency.
Malik Willis signed with the Miami Dolphins to become their starting QB, a big step for him, but one that leaves the Packers scouring the trade and free agent markets for a replacement. A new rumor might be the best possible outcome.
ESPN's Stephen Holder shared this on X on Saturday:
"Update on Colts QB Anthony Richardson, who is available via trade. No deal is imminent, per multiple sources. There are interested teams, but the dust is still settling from free agency. One particular team to monitor: the Green Bay Packers."
MORE: Michael Pittman Jr. had to fly 28 hours after trade from Colts to Steelers
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added this:
"Situation will be important for Richardson. Green Bay would be a good one."
The Packers are an established organization with a legitimate offense and a high-end starter at the most important position in sports.
Willis got a lot better from the time he arrived in Green Bay to the time he left. The hope for Richardson would be that he could do the same thing.
He hasn't panned out in his first three seasons with the Colts after being the No. 4 overall pick. Injuries have hurt his cause, and even when on the field, his inaccuracy has made it tough to find consistent success.
Richardson won't be the starter in Indy going forward. Daniel Jones has made sure that's him.
That means that Richardson's talent will likely wind up somewhere else. And apparently the Packers are viewed as an intriguing fit.
Manchester United’s search for midfield reinforcements has quietly widened to include Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams, a player whose return from injury has reintroduced him to the Premier League conversation. A recent report by TeamTalk highlights how the American international has become an increasingly intriguing option for several elite clubs.
According to the report, “Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all actively monitoring Adams’ situation at the Vitality Stadium.” In a league that prizes energy, tactical discipline, and ball recovery, Adams fits the mould of the modern defensive midfielder, industrious, combative, and tactically intelligent.
Tyler Adams’ journey over the past year has been defined by patience and resilience. The Bournemouth midfielder suffered a serious knee injury in a match against Manchester United last December, a setback that threatened to stall his momentum in England.
Yet his recovery has been notable. Since returning to action, Adams has made three appearances that have offered a reminder of his qualities, particularly in what TeamTalk described as “a solid display against West Ham”.
Photo: IMAGO
His influence under Andoni Iraola remains clear. Adams brings defensive structure and relentless pressing, traits that allow more creative players around him to operate with freedom. In a Bournemouth side that thrives on intensity, his profile has once again become visible to clubs with far greater resources.
Interest in Adams has not emerged in isolation. The TeamTalk report states that “information from reliable sources, indicate that Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are all actively monitoring Adams’ situation”.
Each of those clubs has slightly different motivations. Manchester United appear to be planning for midfield evolution. The report notes that Adams could become a “cost effective option” as the club prepares for potential departures such as Casemiro.
Liverpool and Chelsea are also assessing the player’s suitability. His ball winning ability, relentless running, and Premier League experience make him a plug in solution rather than a speculative gamble.
With Bournemouth reportedly willing to consider offers around £45 million, Adams represents a rare blend of reliability and relative affordability in a market that often inflates the price of midfield stability.
Despite growing attention, the situation remains calm for now. TeamTalk states that “at present, the interest remains at the scouting and monitoring stage, with no formal bids or approaches”.
That restraint may prove strategic. Adams is expected to play a central role for the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the nation will co host alongside Canada and Mexico.
For interested clubs, waiting provides a chance to evaluate his fitness and performance over the coming months. For Bournemouth, it ensures they continue to benefit from one of their most important players.
As the transfer window approaches, Adams’ name may not dominate headlines yet, but the quiet accumulation of interest suggests his future could quickly become a significant subplot in the Premier League market.
From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, the potential pursuit of Tyler Adams raises interesting questions about the club’s midfield direction. United’s engine room has lacked mobility and defensive coverage for several seasons, particularly when Casemiro has struggled with form and fitness.
Adams would represent a different type of signing compared with the club’s recent recruitment. Rather than chasing a headline name, United would be targeting a player who excels in the unseen work of midfield, pressing, covering ground, and protecting the defence.
There is also a practical element to the reported £45 million valuation. In the current market, that figure sits comfortably below the inflated fees often demanded for Premier League midfielders. If United want a player capable of stabilising the centre of the pitch, Adams offers a relatively low risk solution.
Supporters might wonder whether this reflects a smarter recruitment strategy under the new structure at Old Trafford. The idea of identifying functional players who complement the team rather than simply adding star power feels overdue.
Adams may not be the name that electrifies a fanbase, yet many United supporters recognise that balance often matters more than glamour in midfield construction. If the club genuinely want to rebuild their spine, this type of signing could prove quietly effective.
VidShift is a free in-browser video and audio converter that runs entirely on your device using WebAssembly and WebCodecs. You can convert between MP4, WebM, MKV, MOV, and export audio as MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, or OGG with no uploads, watermarks, or file size limits. You can choose quality and resolution, trim, rotate, mute, change speed, compress files, or batch convert multiple videos. After the initial load, it works offline, keeping your media private while delivering fast conversions.
The BYD’s Denza N9 and the Denza N8L plug-in hybrid crossovers will get a 40% electric range boost in China due to a new battery pack.
The post BYD’s Denza N9 & N8L to get 40% EV range boost with 75.3 kWh battery appeared first on CarNewsChina.com.
DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square welcomes Nikhil Malhotra as the new Commercial Director, focusing on corporate, leisure and MICE segments.
The post DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square in India Welcomes Nikhil Malhotra with Years of Hospitality Experience as the New Commercial Director appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Dar es Salaam is transforming. See how Tanzania uses German colonial history to redefine urban tourism and cultural heritage in 2026.
The post The Hidden Heritage of Dar es Salaam: How Tanzania’s Colonial Past is Powering a Modern Tourism Renaissance appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Spirit Airlines embarks on restructuring efforts to emerge as a stronger budget airline, enhancing its tourism services, network, and fleet by mid-2026.
The post Spirit Airlines Restructuring To Meet US Tourism Demands appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Kapalua Bay, Hawaii welcomes Marriott's St. Regis Hotels & Resorts at The Resort at Kapalua Bay, set for 2027 after renovations, boosting Maui's tourism economy.
The post Kapalua Bay in Hawaii Sees St. Regis Luxury Resort Arrival Boosting Tourism Revival appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Marriott International partners with Kemmons Wilson Hospitality to bring St. Regis Hotels & Resorts to Kapalua Bay, Hawai'i in 2027, elevating luxury tourism.
The post Kapalua Bay Resort To Join St Regis Collection In 2027 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Taj Hotels launches a new range of travel packages through Taj Holidays, offering stays in over 100 global destinations, with up to 20% savings for bookings made by April 4, 2026.
The post Taj Hotels Launches The Most Exclusive Travel Deals You Can’t Miss, Plan Your Dream Vacation In India appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Discover the new butler service at Boutique Hotel Alhambra, Lošinj Island, launching May 2026. A bespoke experience for ultimate luxury and relaxation
The post Discover Personalized Luxury: Boutique Hotel Alhambra Launches Butler Service in May 2026 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Alpine Realty Capital enhances its hospitality services with Justin Goodenow, leading debt financing and hotel transactions.
The post Justin Goodenow Joins Michigan Based Alpine Realty Capital to Lead Debt Financing and Hotel Transactions for Hospitality Clients, New Update appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Experience Vienna’s 2027 River Cruise Expo with hands-on Danube tours, travel insights, and cultural adventures for global travelers and cruise enthusiasts.
The post Discover Vienna Like Never Before: Insider Guide to the ASTA River Cruise Expo 2027 and Europe’s Danube Adventures appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Experience luxury Europe river cruises on the Danube and Rhine with Celebrity Cruises. Scenic landscapes, historic cities, and cultural experiences await.
The post Luxury, Culture, and Scenic Beauty Await: Explore the Danube and Rhine on Europe River Cruises with Celebrity Cruises appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
© <p>Matthew Murphy/Every Brilliant Thing</p>
© <p>Daniel Schaefer/The Florentin by Althoff Collection</p>
© <p>Michelle Holton/Adobe Stock</p>
Samsung Display workers and the company’s management have agreed on a tentative pay raise for this year. The average increase will be 6.2%, which includes a 4.1% base raise and 2.1% extra based on performance.
Along with the pay raise, the agreement includes new benefits for workers. Employees could get a three-day special leave every five years. The company will also help workers without homes by offering housing support.
In addition, monthly fixed overtime hours will be reduced from 14 hours to 12 hours. Negotiations for the new pay deal started in January. If the agreement is approved by workers, it will be the fifth year in a row that Samsung Display has finished wage talks without any problems since 2022.
The next step is for the labor union to hold a vote. Union members will vote to approve or reject the agreement. If most workers vote yes, the deal will become official, and the new pay and benefits will start.
Union leaders said the deal is fair for both workers and the company. The pay raise and extra benefits are expected to make employees happier and more motivated. This agreement shows that Samsung Display and its workers are working well together.
The new deal will give workers more financial security, better working hours, and extra support for housing and leave.
The post Samsung Display agrees on wage hike and new benefits appeared first on Sammy Fans.
AI has become the core of Samsung’s device ecosystem, and it’s wasting no time in shipping stock wallpapers with your mobile; instead, it’s giving new tools to let you create ones that reflect your imagination.
For example, One UI offers a generative AI wallpaper feature with templates and allows users to remix them to generate new wallpapers. On the other hand, the weather wallpaper sets a weather effect based on your location.
However, One UI 8.5 lets you dive deeper into the generative AI with Creative studio. Initially launched as Drawing Assist, the creative studio supports text prompts, which you can’t do with the Generative tool.
The interface is basically the same as the Creative studio, but integrated with wallpaper features. For example, once you generate an image, the screen will redirect you to set it as wallpaper, instead of saving it to the gallery.
How to create wallpapers with Creative Studio
Go to wallpapers and select the Create with AI section. Here, you will see the Creative studio. Tap on Create or select from the existing wallpapers and edit them instead.
Generating wallpapers with the Creative Studio tool in One UI 8.5
Creating a new wallpaper is easy; you need to select an art style in which your wallpaper will be generated. Then write the prompt. You can also sketch, draw, or choose an image from the Gallery.
Generating wallpapers with Creative Studio tool in One UI 8.5
Image generation may take a few seconds; afterward, the screen will display the result. If you aren’t satisfied, generate another with the tap of a button.
Creative assist is a great way to unleash your inner creation, and integrating it into the settings provides an instant solution for ready-to-use wallpapers.
Galaxy S26 series users with One UI 8.5 are the first to access this tool. However, it may expand to previous generations with the stable release. Still, we aren’t sure on that part since Samsung might want to keep it exclusive.
The post One UI 8.5 expand wallpapers with new AI tool appeared first on Sammy Fans.
| WHO | Real Madrid vs Elche |
| WHAT | Spanish LaLiga |
| WHEN | 4:00pm ET / 1:00pm PT • Saturday, March 14, 2026 |
| WHERE | ESPN+, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and ESPN Deportes |
| STREAM | WATCH NOW |
With the season entering a decisive stretch, the pressure is mounting at both ends of the La Liga standings as Elche CF and Real Madrid prepare for a crucial showdown. Elche come into the matchup with 26 points, sitting only one point above the relegation line, meaning every result from here on out could determine their survival.
On the other side, Real Madrid remain firmly in the title hunt but trail league leaders FC Barcelona by four points, leaving Kylian Mbappe and his teammates with virtually no margin for error if they want to keep the championship dream alive. With so much at stake for both clubs, this clash promises intensity from start to finish—so make sure you don’t miss a minute of the action.
With two wins and one loss in their first three matches of the 2026 Major League Soccer season, Inter Miami are gradually finding their best form. This Saturday they face another challenge against Charlotte FC, and as usual Lionel Messi is at the center of the spotlight.
The Argentine forward draws the attention of fans wherever he goes, but tonight the focus will be even sharper for a special reason. Messi could become the second player in soccer history to reach 900 goals, after Cristiano Ronaldo. To do that, he needs just one more goal, as he currently has 899 in his professional career.
Beyond that personal milestone, Leo will also aim to help the Herons continue climbing the standings in the Eastern Conference. With six points from a possible nine, they sit in third place and could even rise to the top, depending on what happens with New York City FC and Nashville SC in their respective matches.
On the other side will be Charlotte FC, who opened the season with a draw against St. Louis City SC, followed by a 3-0 loss to Los Angeles Galaxy and a victory last week against Austin FC. That places them sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with four points.
As is often the case for teams facing Inter Miami, one of the hosts’ main priorities this Saturday will be minimizing the impact of Lionel Messi as much as possible. Doing so will require a strong defensive effort and full-team concentration.
With that in mind, the projected lineup for Charlotte FC against the Herons is: Kristijan Kahlina; Nathan Byrne, Morrison Agyemang, Tim Ream, Harry Toffolo; Brandt Bronico, Ashley Westwood, Pep Biel; Liel Abada, Idan Toklomati, Wilfried Zaha.
Saturday’s matchup against Charlotte FC comes at an awkward moment in the schedule for the Herons. They played just three days ago against Nashville SC in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 — a 0-0 draw at Geodis Park — and will decide the series next Wednesday at Chase Stadium.
Even so, head coach Javier Mascherano is expected to field many of the squad’s stars in an attempt to secure a third straight MLS victory and continue climbing the Eastern Conference standings.
Inter Miami’s projected XI is: Dayne St. Clair; Facundo Mura, Gonzalo Lujan, Micael Silva, Noah Allen; Rodrigo De Paul, Yannick Bright; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; German Berterame.
| WHO | Al Khaleej vs Al Nassr |
| WHAT | Saudi Pro League |
| WHEN | 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Saturday, March 14, 2026 |
| WHERE | Fubo, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX One |
| STREAM | WATCH NOW |
The race for the Saudi Pro League title is heating up as the season approaches its final stretch. Al Nassr lead the standings with 64 points, with Cristiano Ronaldo playing a key role as the team tries to stay ahead of three challengers separated by only a few points.
Meanwhile, Al Khaleej FC sit well outside the title race after an inconsistent season, but a victory over the league leaders would be a major statement and could shake up the standings. With plenty at stake, fans won’t want to miss this matchup.
When Kylian Mbappe is absent from the lineup of Real Madrid, it inevitably becomes one of the most talked-about stories in European soccer. As Los Blancos prepare to face Elche in an important La Liga fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu, fans quickly noticed the French superstar missing from the squad list. The club confirmed that Mbappe will not take part in the match, a decision that immediately raised questions across the soccer world.
For a team still chasing the league leaders and balancing the pressures of European competition, every lineup choice matters. Yet Mbappe’s absence carries particular weight, not only because of his status as the team’s attacking focal point but also because of the broader context surrounding Real Madrid’s demanding schedule.
The clash with Elche arrives at a delicate point in the season for Real Madrid. The club sits near the top of the La Liga table and remains firmly in the title race, trailing Barcelona by a small margin as the season enters its decisive phase.
A victory over Elche would allow Los Blancos to move closer to their rival and maintain pressure in the race for the championship. However, the match also arrives between two crucial legs of a UEFA Champions League tie against Manchester City, forcing manager Alvaro Arbeloa to carefully manage his squad. But before traveling to Manchester, Madrid must navigate the league encounter with Elche, a team fighting to avoid relegation and desperate for points.
The mystery surrounding Mbappe’s absence has a clear explanation. The French forward is still recovering from a knee injury, and the club has decided not to risk him in the La Liga match against Elche as he continues his rehabilitation.
The injury dates back to December, when Mbappe began experiencing discomfort in his left knee. Although he initially attempted to continue playing, the medical staff eventually halted his activity to prevent the issue from worsening.
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed the situation during his pre-match press conference. “[Mbappe] is getting better every day,” Arbeloa explained. “His development is progressing as it should. We made a plan… He won’t be available tomorrow, but I expect he’ll travel to Manchester.” The club’s strategy is clear: prioritize Mbappe’s full recovery so that he can return for the decisive Champions League second leg.
Despite missing several recent matches, there is growing optimism inside the Real Madrid camp regarding Mbappe’s condition. The French forward has resumed individual training sessions at the club’s Valdebebas training facility, where he has been working on ball control, shooting drills, and resistance exercises designed to strengthen his knee.
According to Arbeloa, the recovery process is progressing according to plan. “The situation is not complicated. He’s getting better every day,” the coach said. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow and especially on Sunday, when we will make a final decision.”
The objective is to have Mbappe available for the trip to Manchester, where Real Madrid will attempt to protect its three-goal advantage and secure a place in the Champions League quarterfinals.
is reportedly targeting a ring return this summer, with a rematch against a former world champion at 140lbs looking like a genuine possibility. The 31-year-old has not fought since his controversial draw with Lamont Roach, who felt aggrieved to not come away with a shock victory in March 2025. Later that year, ‘Tank’ was reportedly […]
The post Gervonta Davis now in ‘advanced talks’ to face former champion: “I expect it to happen” appeared first on Boxing News.
Göztepe Erkek Hentbol Takımı, Erkekler 1. Lig Dörtlü Final müsabakasında Sarıçam Belediyespor'u 30-23 mağlup ederek Süper Lig'e yükseldi.
Türkiye Hentbol Federasyonunun açıklamasına göre Ankara'daki Prof. Dr. Yaşar Sevim Spor Salonu'nda gerçekleştirilen Dörtlü Final organizasyonunda oynanan karşılaşmada rakibine karşı üstün bir performans ortaya koyan Göztepe, mücadeleyi 30-23 kazanarak Hentbol Süper Ligi'ne çıkma başarısı gösterdi.
Bu sonuçla İzmir temsilcisi, gelecek sezon Türkiye’nin en üst düzey hentbol liginde mücadele etme hakkı elde etti.
Sarı-kırmızılı kulüp, karşılaşmanın ardından Süper Lig'e yükselmenin sevincini yaşadı.
Dörtlü Final'de şampiyon olan 22 Haziran Hentbol Spor Kulübü de Süper Lig'e yükselmişti.
Türkiye Sigorta Basketbol Süper Ligi'nin 22. haftasında Trabzonspor, konuk ettiği Glint Manisa Basket'i 96-92 yendi.
Çekişmeli başlayan mücadelede Trabzonspor; Delgado, Yeboah ve Reed'le sayılar bularak ilk çeyreği 24-19 önde geçti.
İkinci periyoda daha etkili başlayan konuk ekip, Yiğit Onan ve Hassan Martin ile sayılar buldu. Bordo-mavililerin top kayıplarını da iyi değerlendiren Manisa ekibi, Smith ve Mintz'in peş peşe sayılar bulmasıyla 17. dakikada skoru 38-36'ya getirdi. Oyunu domine etmeye çalışan bordo-mavililer, savunmada Berk Demir, hücumda Taylor ile karşılık vererek devreyi 47-47'lik beraberlikle bitirdi.
Üçüncü periyotta etkili oyununu devam ettiren konuk ekip, 22. dakikada Mintz'le öne geçmeyi başardı: (47-49). Pereira ve Smith'le daha etkili oynayan Glint Manisa Basket, üçüncü çeyreği 75-71 önde tamamladı.
Son çeyrekte taraftarın desteğini arkasına alan bordo-mavililer, oyun üstünlüğünü yakaladı. Trabzonspor, Delgado'nun ribauntları ve Taylor'ın sayılarıyla maçtan 96-92 üstün ayrıldı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında sahasında TÜMOSAN Konyaspor'a 2-1 mağlup olan Kocaelispor'un teknik direktörü Selçuk İnan, "Biz, bize ekstradan bir karar verilsin, olmayan pozisyon bizim lehimize verilsin diye bir şey istemiyoruz ama bu kadar da aleyhte kararların olması artık düşündürücü." dedi.
Karşılaşmanın ardından stadyum dışında basın mensuplarına açıklamalarda bulunan İnan, hakeme "Hocam vallahi bu penaltı değil" dediği için kırmızı kart gördüğünü söyledi.
Maçın hakemini sevmediğini çünkü onun da kendisini sevmediğini ve nefret ettiğini bildiğini dile getiren İnan, federasyon yetkililerinden hakem Cihan Aydın’ın bir daha Kocaelispor maçlarına verilmemesini istedi.
İnan, bundan sonra Cihan Aydın’ın kendi maçlarına görevlendirilmesi halinde kulüp yönetimine saha kenarında olmak istemediğini söyleyeceğine dikkat çekerek, "Bu kadar ters bir hakem, bu kadar benden nefret eden bir hakem olduğunu düşünüyorum. İçimden geçenleri söylüyorum. O yüzden ben de onu sevmiyorum." diye konuştu.
Sadece hakkının peşinde olduğunu vurgulayan İnan, "Oyuncularım emek veriyor. Her gün çalışıyorum ben. Sabahtan akşama kadar bütün gecemi gündüzümü ben bu takım için veriyorum. Çok emek sarf ediyorum. Hayallerim var. Bu takımla, Kocaelispor'la ilgili kazanmak istediklerim var ama siz istediğinizi istediğiniz şekilde eğer yönlendirirseniz o zaman benim verdiğim emek boşa gidiyor. Ben de bunu asla ve asla kabul etmem. Kimseye de izin vermem. Buna izin vermeyeceğimi söylemek için buradayım." ifadelerini kullandı.
Selçuk İnan, Kocaelispor camiasının hakkını savunmaya devam edeceğini belirterek, şunları kaydetti:
"Bu ayıp. Bu çok doğru bir şey değil. Bu kadar insan emek veriyor. Kocaelispor çok büyük bir kulüp. Ligin en renkli takımlarından biriyiz. En çok seyirci gelen kulüp. Maç, takım, ne derseniz deyin. Bu kadar onları yok sayamazsınız, saymamalısınız. Türk hakemlerini çok seviyorum. Her zaman da söyledim. Onları destekliyorum ama bazı insanlar, bazı hakemler vardır, onlar alenidir. Ne söylemek istediğimi siz anladınız. Lütfen bu konuda federasyon yetkilileri dikkat etsinler. Bir hafta önce yine bu hakem geldi. Neredeyse görmedim böyle bir şey. İki iç saha maçı üst üste iki aynı hakem. Niye gönderildi? Niye geldi? Bilmiyorum. Onu kamuoyuna bırakıyorum. Başakşehir maçına da gelirse yine başkanımızla görüşeceğiz. Sağ kenarında olmayalım diyeceğiz."
Bugün yaşananların bir daha tekrarlanmamasını isteyen "Biz, bize ekstradan bir karar verilsin, olmayan pozisyon bizim lehimize verilsin diye bir şey istemiyoruz ama bu kadar da aleyhte kararların olması artık düşündürücü. Ben sessiz kalmak istemiyorum ve bugün burada karşınızdayım." şeklinde konuştu.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında yarın Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği ile karşı karşıya gelecek Beşiktaş, başkente geldi.
Özel uçakla Esenboğa Havalimanı'na gelen siyah-beyazlı kafileyi bir grup taraftar çiçeklerle karşıladı. Taraftarlar, teknik direktör Sergen Yalçın ve oyunculara sevgi gösterisinde bulundu.
Kafile, daha sonra otobüsle kamp yapacağı otele hareket etti.
Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği-Beşiktaş karşılaşması, Eryaman Stadyumu'nda yarın saat 20.00'de başlayacak.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında deplasmanda Kocaelispor'u 2-1 mağlup eden TÜMOSAN Konyaspor'un teknik direktörü İlhan Palut, maçın ardından açıklama yaptı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında deplasmanda Kocaelispor’u 2-1 mağlup eden TÜMOSAN Konyaspor'un teknik direktörü İlhan Palut, ligde kritik bir periyoda girdiklerini, her puanın değil oyunun her anının önemli olduğu bir dönemde olduklarını söyledi.
Karşılaşmanın ardından düzenlenen basın toplantısında konuşan Palut, Kocaelispor maçının ilk yarısının dengeli geçtiğini belirterek, iki takımın da net fırsatlar üretmekte zorlandığını dile getirdi.
İkinci yarıda Kocaelispor'un gol bulduğunu ancak sonrasında oyuna ağırlık koyduklarını aktaran Palut, "Aslında böyle bir maç için yemememiz gereken bir goldü. Çünkü bir şekilde maçı götürüyorduk en azından ama golden sonra oyuna hakim olduk. Belki Kocaelispor 1-0 öne geçtiği için, belki biz oyunu daha çok forse ettik gerideyiz diye ama çok net bir dominasyon sağladık." diye konuştu.
Beraberlik golünün ardından oyuncularının galibiyet için mücadeleyi sürdürdüğünü dile getiren Palut, oyuncularında "Beraberliği bulduk, biraz daha dikkatli olalım." düşüncesinden çok "Devam edelim ve kazanabiliriz." inancını gördüğünü kaydetti.
Penaltı değerlendirmesi
Karşılaşmayı kazandıran penaltı pozisyonuna da değinen Palut, pozisyonu defalarca izlediğini belirterek şunları söyledi:
"Burada penaltıysa penaltı, değilse değil. En son gördüğüm bir kamerada top gelirken oyuncunun elinin açıldığını gördüm. O an değiyorsa ki göremedim, penaltı ama kapandıktan sonra değiyorsa evet verilmeyebilirdi. Gerçekten tüm samimiyetimle söylüyorum. Bunu süzemedim. İnşallah doğrudur. Akşam yorumları hep beraber görürüz. Çünkü ne canımızın yanmasını istiyoruz ne de kimsenin canı yakmak istiyoruz. Maçların sahadaki performanslarla sonuçlanmasını istiyoruz."
Penaltı olmasa da oyuncularının kararlılığı, isteği, arzusunun galibiyeti getireceğine inandığını aktaran Palut, çok iyi çalışan ama şans veremediği oyuncuları olduğunu, maçtan sonra hepsinin kenetlenmiş olmasının takım birlikteliği açısından çok değerli olduğu vurgulayarak şunları kaydetti:
"Günün özetinde bir nefes bile alamadık, belki çeyrek bir nefes aldık ve çok çetin bir yarışın tam ortasında devam ediyoruz. Nasıl bu maçtan önce dediysem her puan değil, her an önemli. Bir sonraki maça da bu bilinçle hazırlanmalıyız. Kocaelispor'a başarılar dilerken takımımı kutluyorum."
Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 24-cü turunun “İmişli” – “Sabah” matçı meydan sahiblərinin 0:5 hesablı məğlubiyyəti ilə başa çatdı.
Arena.az Qubada baş tutmuş bu matçın yekun protokolunu və icmalını təqdim edir.
Azərbaycan Premyer Liqası
24-cü tur
14 mart
“İmişli” – “Sabah” 0:5
Qollar: Stiv Solvet, 11. Coy Lens Mikels, 14-pen; 35. Kahim Parris, 49. Aleksey İsayev, 73-pen.
Sarı vərəqə: Ezekiel Morqan, 69 (qeyri-idman hərəkəti).
Artırılan vaxt: Birinci hissədə 2 dəqiqə, ikinci hissədə yoxdur.
Saat 15:00. Quba Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu, 180 tamaşaçı.
Baş hakim: Rauf Cabbarov.
Baş hakimin köməkçiləri: Akif Əmirəli, Şirmamed Mamedov.
Dördüncü hakim: Alik Yunusov.
VAR: Əliyar Ağayev.
AVAR: Zöhrab Abbasov.
Hakim-inspektor: Ramil Diniyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Kifayət Mustafayeva.
İmişli: 33. Andrey Sinenka, 19. Azər Salahlı (k), 5. İdris İnqilablı (21. Abbas Ağazadə, 46), 44. Həzrət İsayev, 94. Rafael Vyeqas (79. Dioqo Kardozo, 46), 10. Nikola Karaklaiç, 29. Edvin Banqera (3. Tuncay Yusifli, 25), 9. Dioqo Almeyda (97. Xəzər Mahmudov, 79), 23. Dioqo Rollo, 17. Ezekiel Morqan, 7. Luis Silvestr (30. Xəlil Mürsəlli, 60).
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 1. Hüseynəli Quliyev, 20. Nazim Hüseynov.
Baş məşqçi: Xorxe Kaskilya.
Sabah: 92. Stas Pokatilov (k), 10. Aleksey İsayev (21. Velko Simiç, 75), 5. Rəhman Daşdəmirov, 20. Coy Lens Mikels (9. Xəyal Əliyev, 66), 80. Akim Zedadka, 3. Stiv Solvet (53. Andrey Santos, 84), 70. Jesse Sekidika, 27. Timoteuş Puxaç, 13. İvan Lepinitsa (6. Abdulla Xaybullayev, 75), 11. Kahim Parris, 7. Umarali Rahmonaliyev (22. Zinedin Uld Xaled, 66).
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 94. Rəvan Mirzəmmədov, 12. Rauf Əyyubov, 17. Tellur Mütəllimov, 2. Amin Seydiyev, 89. Cəfər Muxtarov, 40. İqor Noqeyra, 83. Stefen Ende.
Baş məşqçi: Valdas Dambrauskas.
Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasında mübarizə aparan “Araz-Naxçıvan” futbol klubu Peşəkar Futbol Liqasına (PFL) rəsmi müraciət edib.
Arena.az bu barədə PFL-in rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir.
Naxçıvan klubu bu komandanın ev oyunlarını keçirdiyi “Dalğa Arena”da əsaslı təmir işlərinin aparılacağını bildirib. Bununla əlaqədar olaraq klub Peşəkar Futbol Liqasına alternativ stadion kimi “Sumqayıt Arena”nı təqdim edib.
Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının qərarına əsasən “Araz-Naxçıvan” 17-19 aprel tarixlərində baş tutacaq “Turan Tovuz” ilə oyundan etibarən mövsümün sonuna qədər ev oyunlarını Sumqayıtda – sözügedən arenada keçirəcək.
Xatırladaq ki, Naxçıvan təmsilçisi Premyer Liqanın cari mövsümündə keçirdiyi 24 oyunda 36 xal toplayıb və 12 iştirakçı arasında 5-ci pillədə qərarlaşıb. Sözügedən komanda keçirdiyi 24 oyunda 10 qələbə qazanıb, 6 heç-heçə edib, 8 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
“İmişli”nin baş məşqçisi Xorxe Kaskilya Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 24-cü turu çərçivəsində “Sabah”a qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Qubada baş tutmuş görüşü “İmişli”nin 0:5 hesablı məğlubiyyəti ilə yekunlaşıb.
Xorxe Kaskilya matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:
“Oyun barədə deyiləsi çox söz yoxdur. Matça yaxşı başlamadıq. Edvin Banqeranın ilk dəqiqələrdə zədələnməsi komandanın əhval-ruhiyyəsinə pis təsir etdi. Birinci qolu standart vəziyyətdən buraxdıq. Müdafiənin səhvinə görə qapımıza penalti təyin olundu. Bundan sonra toparlanmaq çətin idi. “Sabah” çempionatın lideridir. Bundan əvvəlki matçda “Qəbələ”yə böyük hesabla qalib gəlmişdilər. Bizim səhvlərimizdən yaxşı istifadə etdilər. Öz səhvlərimizin ucbatından çox qol buraxdıq. Rəqibi təbrik edirəm. Daha keyfiyyətli oyun göstərdilər. Biz isə qarşıdakı “Neftçi” ilə matçı düşünməliyik. Komandanın psixoloji durumunu düzəltməyə çalışacağıq.
Biz hər oyunda meydana qalib gəlmək üçün çıxırıq. “Neftçi” ilə matçda da 3 xal qazanmağa çalışacağıq. Amma onlar da güclü rəqibdir.
Nəticəyə bəhanə gətirmək istəmirəm. Amma Ronaldo və Banqera müdafiədə əsas oyunçularımızdır. Onların yoxluğunun təsiri oldu. Geniş heyətimiz yoxdur. Üstəlik səhvlər də oldu. Banqeranın “Neftçi”yə qarşı hazır olacağını bilmirik. Ronaldo amma qayıdacaq. Çalışacağıq, müdafiədə bugünkü səhvləri etməyək”.
“Araz-Naxçıvan” futbol klubu Peşəkar Futbol Liqasına rəsmi müraciət edərək komandanın ev oyunlarını keçirdiyi “Liv Bona Dea Arena”da əsaslı təmir işlərinin aparılacağını bildirib.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.
Bununla əlaqədar olaraq klub Peşəkar Futbol Liqasına alternativ stadion kimi “SOCAR Polymer Arena”nı təqdim edib. Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının qərarına əsasən “Araz-Naxçıvan” 17-19 aprel tarixlərində baş tutacaq “Turan Tovuz” ilə oyundan etibarən mövsümün sonuna qədər ev oyunlarını həmin arenada keçirəcək.
“Qarabağ” Misli Premyer Liqasının XXIV turunda bu gün “Zirə”nin qonağı olacaq.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, saat 19:15-də start götürəcək oyuna komandalar aşağıdakı heyətlə çıxacaqlar…
“Zirə”: 97. Tiaqo Silva 8. İsmayıl İbrahimli 7. Rövlan Muradov 14. Elçin Əlicanov 4. Ruan Renato (k) 25. Enrike Kustodio 9. Davit Volkov 30. Rikardo Martins 93. Brahim Konate 5. Ange Mutsinzi 11. Junior Martins
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 13. Aydın Bayramov 70. Namik Ələskərov 73. Anatoli Nuriyev 21. Hacıağa Hacılı 19. Rüfət Abdullazadə 29. Ceyhun Nuriyev 26. Stefan Aka 28. Leroy Mikels 10. Giorgi Papunaşvili 20. İssa Cibrila 6. Eldar Quliyev 22. Eren Aydın
Baş məşqçi: Rəşad Sadıqov
“Qarabağ”: 99. Mateus Koxalski 44. Elvin Cəfərquliyev 10. Abdullah Zubir (k) 81. Kevin Medina 20. Kadi Borqes 2. Mateus Silva 9. Joni Montiel 18. Dani Bolt 15. Leandro Andrade 35. Pedro Bikalyo 17. Kamilo Duran
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 97. Fabian Buntiç 89. Amin Ramazanov 55. Bədavi Hüseynov 30. Abbas Hüseynov 77. Ramil Şeydayev 27. Toral Bayramov 22. Musa Qurbanlı 32. Hikmət Cəbrayılzadə 8. Marko Yankoviç 21. Aleksey Kaşuk 11. Emmanuel Addai 24. Jeremi Qnali
Baş məşqçi: Qurban Qurbanov
Inter were furious after protesting two refereeing decisions in the final minutes of their 1-1 draw with Atalanta, as Nikola Krstovic cancelled out a Francesco Pio Esposito opener.
It had been a rough week for both sides, as the hosts lost the Derby della Madonnina and saw their lead at the top reduced to seven points. La Dea scraped one point from two Serie A rounds, then were humiliated 6-1 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Alessandro Bastoni joined Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu on the treatment table, though Marcus Thuram returned and Denzel Dumfries got his first start since November 2025. Giacomo Raspadori, Charles De Ketelaere and Ederson were still carrying muscular issues.
See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.
Federico Dimarco shinned a volley from a similar position to one he scored against Genoa, while Yann Sommer only parried a Gianluca Scamacca low drive on the counter-attack, managing to smother before Scalvini could pounce on the rebound.
Inter opened the scoring when Dumfries intercepted the ball for Sead Kolasinac and Niccolò Barella sent it down the left for Pio Esposito’s precise angled drive, surprising Marco Carnesecchi at the near post.
Dimarco flashed another attempt across the face of goal, while Piotr Zielinski’s counter-attack was deflected just wide.
Twice Dumfries tried and failed to steer a header on target at the back post from Dimarco crosses, while Thuram blasted just wide of the near top corner following a Mario Pasalic error.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan surged forward to set up Thuram, forcing a desperate Carnesecchi save one-on-one, then Dumfries couldn’t keep his finish down under pressure on a roll across from the right.
Lorenzo Bernasconi got it all wrong with a badly scuffed finish on the Nikola Krstovic lay-off, allowing Carlos Augusto to charge it down.
Thuram turned a back-heel flick wide of the near post from Ange-Yoan Bonny’s pull-back.
De Ketelaere made his comeback for Atalanta, but Manuel Akanji limped off for Inter in the final minutes.
Atalanta equalised in controversial circumstances, as Kamaldeen Sulemana robbed Dumfries just outside the area, tested Sommer, and Krstovic was free to turn in the rebound. Referee Manganiello had the whistle in his mouth after that contact, but never blew it, and VAR also gave the all-clear, a decision that saw Cristian Chivu sent off for his furious protests. Dumfries claimed he had been fouled, but any contact seemed minimal.
Inter were also enraged moments later when Giorgio Scalvini caught Davide Frattesi on the boot as they both went for a bouncing ball, but the referee and VAR ignored penalty appeals.
Both sides pushed to the end, but these are more dropped points for the Nerazzurri.
Esposito 26 (I), Krstovic 82 (A)
| Petar Sucic | 21' | |||
| 21' | Sead Kolasinac | |||
| Pio Esposito (Assist: Nicolò Barella) |
26' |
| Carlos Augusto | 59' | |||
| 82' | |
Nikola Krstovic | ||
| 90+5' | |
Charles De Ketelaere |
Inter fans showed their support for Alessandro Bastoni, but a suggested award for ‘confessing’ his simulation against Juventus to get Pierre Kalulu sent off has reignited the controversy.
The defender has been in the eye of the media storm since Inter beat 10-man Juventus, thanks largely to the second yellow card that had Kalulu sent off.
Bastoni simulated much worse contact than there was in reality, and VAR could not intervene to correct the clear and obvious error because protocol bars their involvement in yellow cards.
Ever since then, the Italy international has been loudly jeered by opposition fans in every stadium, with some even calling for him to be dropped from the Nazionale as punishment.
It therefore raised eyebrows when Federico Romani, a regional councillor of Lombardy, suggested Bastoni should be awarded the Rosa Camuna, the maximum honour from the region.
“He was able to recognise his mistake publicly and take responsibility,” explained the political figure.
“Bastoni’s attitude is not to be taken for granted or considered common, it shows respect for the sport, for opponents, and for the fans.”
This obviously prompted a furious and incredulous reaction from other political figures in the Lombardy region, above all Franco Lucente, who is a Juventus fan.
“I am the first to condemn the jeers from the crowd and media targeting of Bastoni, but to give him an award seems a bit much.
“I doubt that eventually making a late apology represents a great sporting virtue. What then are we to give to Kalulu, who was sent off for a foul he didn’t commit, had to sit out a ban, and now sees Bastoni hailed as an example of fair play?”
The Inter supporters certainly made their voices heard during today’s Serie A match against Atalanta, even though Bastoni was on the bench due to a bruise.
‘Bastoni, our pride’ was a banner in his honour, along with chants that prompted him to stand and wave to the crowd.
Sandro Tonali’s agent Beppe Riso says that attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City has always been ‘the goal’ after moving to the Premier League, and says that the Newcastle midfielder is currently the most valuable Italian player in the world.
Tonali has excelled on an individual level with Newcastle in 2025-26, despite his side currently sitting in 12th place in the Premier League table.
Life has not always been straightforward for Tonali since his move to Newcastle from Milan in 2023, though.
Shortly after he joined Newcastle, Tonali was hit with a 10-match suspension from the FIGC for his involvement in prohibited gambling activity.
Riso, speaking in an interview with Calcio e Finanza, insists that he never had any knowledge of Tonali’s struggles, otherwise he would have done his best to help earlier.
“Absolutely not, otherwise I would have intervened,” he replied when asked if he knew beforehand that there was a possibility Tonali would be suspended.
“I have to say that I think the transfer (away from Milan) proved to be a winning choice in that respect. Newcastle fans were incredible with Sandro, they always supported him. He received different treatment in Italy, but not by the Milan fans, who have always protected him.
“The mentality is different in England, and there was always a standing ovation from the crowd whenever Sandro came into the stadium, despite his disqualification. We’re talking about a young guy who made a mistake. The fans realised that and he was forgiven. Now, Sandro has changed completely.”
Now, Tonali is excelling in the Premier League and Champions League with Newcastle and is beginning to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
“This was the goal from the moment he went to England, to try and make him a star footballer,” said Riso. “I think he’s the most valuable Italian footballer in the world right now.”
Riso was asked why there doesn’t seem to be too many Italian players who excel in leagues outside of Serie A, aside from a handful of exceptions.
“Not many Italians have a market abroad today. But that blame also falls on us,” he said.
“It’s always fine in Italy, but elsewhere, difficulties with settling in can crop up. I think Sandro is the only one who has done that well in the Premier League, many have failed. And in Italy, we’re left looking at high prices, especially when it comes to a strong Italian player.”
Riso also believes that this is part of the reason why Serie A sides seem to field increasingly fewer young Italian players, instead focussing on foreign imports.
“Yes, but also because a lot of owners often make profits from trading players, and from here they’ve understood that a young, foreign player has more of a market abroad when looking at a future resale. It’s their ability to speak foreign languages, the mentality, the ability to adapt quicker.
“Often today, when it’s a choice between an 18-year-old Italian and an 18-year-old from abroad, we’ll go with the foreigner, which is why it’s difficult to develop big players in Italy.
“You have to sell to make money in football, and you have to take on these foreign profiles, which have a wider range on the market, in order to do so. So, it’s very complicated. Italian kids are often punished as a result.”
Manchester United are reportedly ready to trigger Nico Williams‘ release clause this summer, while the Spanish winger also feels it’s the right time for him to leave Athletic Bilbao.
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The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the most exciting young attacking players in Europe in recent times, though he’s gone slightly off the boil this term.
That hasn’t put Man Utd off from targeting him, however, with Fichajes reporting that the Red Devils are preparing a move to pay his clause and get him out of Athletic Bilbao.
Williams could undoubtedly be a useful option for United’s squad, though on current form there’s no guarantee he’d get into their starting XI on a regular basis.
Williams has only four goals and two assists in 19 La Liga games, which is not the kind of player you pay close to €100m for.
Fichajes’ report is not that clear on how much the Spain international’s clause is, but they state that it’s close to that fee, and it’s the kind of figure that would’ve made sense a year ago.
Williams has long been linked with big clubs, but there are perhaps signs that he’s going backwards, so given that MUFC already have pretty good attacking options, there doesn’t seem to be much need for them to pay this much for Williams.
| Nico Williams | TOTAL SCORE: 12/25 |
| Transfer fee | – |
| Performance | ** |
| Achievements | **** |
| Career phase | **** |
| Squad need | ** |
You can read more here about CaughtOffside’s Transfer Fit rating as we score this potential deal at the lower end of medium.
If Williams can get back to his best, then there’s no doubt this could be a good deal, while it might also be worth pursuing if they can get him for a lot less than €100m.
For now, though, he’s far too expensive and out of form, so there must be better options out there for United.
The post Bid prepared: Man United ready to trigger star’s release clause, player wants transfer this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.
The post Bitcoin Price Signals Mixed Cycle Setup as Exchange Supply Hits 8-Year Low appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
The Bitcoin price might look calm on the surface, but beneath that quiet chart is a familiar cocktail of fear, speculation, and historical pattern-chasing. And right now, the ingredients look oddly familiar.
Fresh on-chain data shows the percentage of coins sitting on exchanges has fallen to its lowest level since November 2017. That’s a long time in crypto years back when the market was still discovering what a parabolic rally even looked like. Since then, the industry has gone through bans, crashes, and full-blown institutional adoption phases. Yet here we are again, staring at supply metrics that resemble the early days of a major cycle shift.
The BTC/USD market may not be screaming bullish yet, but the structural signals are starting to whisper.
Tracked wallet data from santiment insights, it shows exchange balances dropping to an eight-year low, meaning fewer coins are readily available for trading. Historically, declining exchange supply tends to reduce immediate selling pressure. It doesn’t guarantee a rally, but it does tighten the available float.
This shift has been quietly developing while the Bitcoin price chart stabilizes. It’s not dramatic and no fireworks yet but it’s a structural change worth watching. Because when supply tightens in crypto, things can move fast.
Now here’s where the narrative machine kicks in. Cycle watchers are pointing to a recurring pattern that begins with panic. In 2013, a market shakeout was followed by a staggering 24,000% expansion. A similar fear-driven phase appeared in 2016, eventually leading to a 6,300% move. Even the 2020 cycle started with panic before delivering an 842% surge.
The idea is simple: each cycle begins with doubt before momentum takes over. And now, in 2026, some observers argue the same psychological setup is forming again. Cycles may compress over time, but the emotional pattern which shows fear first, rally later has remained surprisingly consistent.
Well, despite many bullish things circulating major onchain metrics still doesn’t give the green light yet.
One of the most widely watched on-chain indicators the Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) still hasn’t flashed the classic bottom signal. Historically, major market recoveries began when the metric dipped below zero, signaling widespread unrealized losses across the network.
Right now, it’s still above that level. That doesn’t invalidate the bullish narrative. It just means the market hasn’t yet entered the deep capitulation zone that typically precedes a strong reversal.
In short: the setup looks intriguing, supply dynamics are tightening, and historical cycle patterns are being dusted off once again. But until on-chain signals like NUPL confirm a deeper reset, the Bitcoin price may still be navigating the uneasy middle ground between fear and recovery.
Arne Slot insisted the “future looks bright for Liverpool”, despite the Reds enduring a disappointing defence of their Premier League title. Liverpool surged to Premier League glory last season, sealing their record-equalling 20th top-flight crown with four games remaining. However, despite spending over £400m on boosting his squad, the Reds have failed to match those […]
The post ´The future is bright for Liverpool´ – Slot optimistic despite recent struggles appeared first on Soccer News.
The post ´The future is bright for Liverpool´ – Slot optimistic despite recent struggles appeared first on Soccer News.
With all eyes falling on Anfield on Sunday afternoon, Liverpool will welcome Tottenham to the red half of Merseyside. Suffering Champions League frustration over in Istanbul on Tuesday, the reigning English champions will certainly be excited to make a return to home soil this weekend as they look to get their top-four charge back on […]
The post Liverpool vs Tottenham Bet Builder Tips – 6/1 Premier League Special, Analysis & Predictions appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Liverpool vs Tottenham Bet Builder Tips – 6/1 Premier League Special, Analysis & Predictions appeared first on Soccer News.
The Miami Dolphins are busy in the first hour of the 2026 NFL league year. As free agency has begun, the team announced their trade of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, the release of linebacker Bradley Chubb, and the re-signing of cornerback A.J. Green III. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero added another move for the Dolphins as the team agreed to terms with cornerback Darrell Baker.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, Baker was cut at the end of the preseason in his first year. After a tryout with the Green Bay Packers, Baker would land with the Indianapolis Colts on their practice squad. He spent two seasons in Indianapolis before being claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans at the end of the 2024 preseason. He then spent the last two years with the Titans.
He has appeared in 51 games, starting 25 of them, over his career, recording 130 tackles, one fumble recovery, and 19 passes defensed.
According to Pelissero, Baker agreed to a one-year contract with Miami.
Update: According to NBC Houston’s Aaron Wilson, Baker’s contract is $1.26 M with a $187,500 signing bonus.
After the spectacle against Atalanta Bergamo earlier in the week, many Bayern fans probably expected a straightforward game in Leverkusen as well. However, the Munich team is currently experiencing a truly bitter afternoon.
First, Aleix Garcia scored to take the lead, then a goal by Jonathan Tah was disallowed and as if that wasn't bad enough, Nicolas Jackson was sent off after this foul against Martin Terrier.
Fortunately, the Leverkusen player was not injured in this incident and was able to continue playing.
From Bayern's perspective, it remains to be seen how they will approach the second half with one man down.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
SURPRISE, Ariz. — Left-handed reliever Jalen Beeks has joined the Texas Rangers on a one-year deal worth $1.6 million.
The 32-year-old Beeks went 5-3 with one save and a 3.77 ERA in 61 appearances for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season. He struck out 47 over 57 1/3 innings.
He also was equally effective against left-handed and right-handed hitters. He allowed a .624 OPS against right-handers and a .611 OPS to lefties.
Beeks can earn $1 million in performance bonuses for games pitched: $75,000 each for 10 and 15, $100,000 for 20, and $125,000 apiece for 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 65.
Beeks owns a 28-18 record, 4.31 ERA and 16 saves in 263 career appearances with the Boston Red Sox (2018), Tampa Bay Rays (2019-20, 2022-23), Colorado Rockies (2024), Pittsburgh Pirates (2024) and Arizona (2025).
The Rangers made room for Beeks on their 40-man roster by designating right-handed pitcher Alexis Díaz for assignment.
Díaz, 29, was 1-0 with an 8.15 ERA in 18 combined appearances with the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves last season. He made an All-Star team with Cincinnati in 2023.
In three Cactus League appearances with the Rangers, Díaz allowed eight earned runs over 1 2/3 innings.
Danny Coulombe Discusses 'No-Brainer' Decision To Join Red Sox originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Danny Coulombe jumped at the opportunity to join the Boston Red Sox.
Boston made a late roster addition by signing Coulombe to a one-year deal on Thursday. The relief pitcher gives the Red Sox another much-needed left-handed option out of the bullpen.
Coulombe reflected on an easy decision to align with Boston upon arriving at spring training on Friday, as shared by NESN on X.
"I'm really excited," Coulombe said. "I've always loved to pitch at Fenway. There's so much history there. I mean, it's Fenway Park. When this was an option, it was a no-brainer."
"I've always loved to pitch at Fenway."
— NESN (@NESN) March 13, 2026
Danny Coulombe is READY to pitch for this Boston Red Sox team 😤 pic.twitter.com/F3JnLZ5lBh
The Red Sox would mark the sixth team Coulombe has played for since reaching the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014. He's eager to get acquainted with Alex Cora and a locker room featuring former Minnesota Twins teammate Sonny Gray.
"I've heard great things about this clubhouse and AC as a manager, so I'm just excited to get going," Coulombe said.
Coulombe makes an intriguing late acquisition for a Red Sox bullpen that posted an American League-best 3.41 ERA last season. The 36-year-old boasts a 3.35 ERA in 316 2/3 innings, limiting fellow lefties to a .596 OPS.
He struggled at the end of the 2025 season, allowing 11 hits, nine walks and seven runs in 12 innings with the Texas Rangers. Yet Coulombe previously allowed nine walks and four runs in 31 superb innings for the Twins, so the Red Sox may have landed a high-impact southpaw for 2026.
More MLB: Red Sox's Alex Cora Compliments Marcelo Mayer Amid Roster Battle
The Lions re-signed one of their own free agents in Trevor Nowaske. This is a good, solid depth signing given his young age and favorable medical report.
The following is an excerpt from my Detroit Lions Day 4 Free Agency article.
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season.)
Contract: undisclosed
Concern level 1/10
As written in my offseason Lions free agent article:
Nowaske missed 2 games last season due to an unspecified elbow injury. A concussion in 2024 is the other minor concern. His young age is a big plus.
Nowaske has played in 30 games in the past 2 seasons with the Lions. While he may not be starter material, it’s good to have this experienced, young LB back with the team.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Jimmy on X, @JimmyLiaoMD
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions free agency injury report: Trevor Nowaske, LB
The Pittsburgh Steelers still have a long way to go before the 2026 NFL season kicks off, but one game we know will be on their schedule is against the Carolina Panthers – and recent Steelers free agent running back signee Rico Dowdle is highly anticipating that contest in particular.
Dowdle spent the 2025 season in Carolina before becoming a free agent and inking a deal with the Steelers this past week, where he had one the best seasons of his career, recording 1,076 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns and 297 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. And while business is business, Dowdle also has some revenge on his mind after the Panthers let him walk this offseason.
"Yeah, it's definitely circled," Dowdle said about the game. "It's definitely circled, for sure."
New #Steelers RB Rico Dowdle says he already has this season’s Panthers–Steelers game circled on his calendar.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 13, 2026
Dowdle had 239 yards in a revenge game vs. the Cowboys last season. pic.twitter.com/Ma1207zgcX
If Dowdle does have a big performance against the Panthers, it wouldn't be the first time he's shown up massively against a former team. Dowdle spent his first five seasons in the league with the Dallas Cowboys, and last season, in a clash between Carolina and Dallas, Dowdle racked up 239 scrimmage yards and one receiving touchdown in a 30-27 win for the Panthers.
With that game not far from the minds of Panthers fans, they understand that Dowdle can deliver on a revenge game at this level – and they're likely already dreading next year's match-up with Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Rico Dowdle on quest for revenge in next Panthers-Steelers showdown
PHOENIX — Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Quinn Priester expects to miss at least the first month of the season as he recovers from a nerve issue.
Priester had been dealing with an apparent wrist problem for much of the spring. Brewers manager Pat Murphy told reporters that Priester received a diagnosis indicating it was at least partially related to thoracic outlet syndrome.
The right-hander discussed with MLB.com and other reporters on Friday a potential timeline for his return.
“I think in my head late April or May, but I certainly think I’m on the optimistic side — as a player, I want to be back as quick as possible,” Priester said. “Ultimately I’ll trust whatever the scheduling is there to make sure we do it right, so then we don’t run into anything else trying to rush it back.”
Priester, 25, said he was relieved that he finally knew exactly what was bothering him.
“I feel like we’ve kind of been dancing around what some of these issues were,” he said. “Just to have a clear path forward I think is really good.”
Priester had a breakthrough season last year after the Brewers acquired him from the Boston Red Sox in early April. He went 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA in 29 appearances, including 24 starts. Priester won 12 straight decisions at one point, and the Brewers won 19 straight games (16 starts and three appearances following an opener) in which he pitched.
He couldn’t get out of the first inning of a Game 3 NL Division Series loss to the Chicago Cubs but pitched four scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.
Now he will have to wait a while before getting back in a game again.
“It’s a long season,” Priester said. “It’s a marathon. So get back as fast as possible –- but as smart as possible.”
Cornerback Jaylon Jones will be sticking around Chicago for the 2026 season.
Jones signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that he has agreed to a new deal with the team. It is a one-year pact for the cornerback.
Jones left the Bears as a free agent last offseason, but returned to Chicago after being waived by the Cardinals. He has been a core special teams player throughout his time in Chicago, but has not seen much time on defense since his rookie season.
Jones had 16 tackles last season and he has 101 tackles and two forced fumbles for his career.
Olivia Moultrie made scoring the first goal of the 2026 NWSL season look easy.
With a slight tap of her right foot, the 20-year-old Portland Thorns midfielder barreled through the Washington Spirit’s backline. This created a perfect opening for Moultrie to slice the ball past Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver, who is starting her first season as the No. 1 in net, and score.
The sellout crowd of 19,215 at Audi Field fell silent. Moultrie and the Thorns rejoiced.
“There has been a lot of uncertainty” heading into the new season, Moultrie said after the game. But that didn’t keep the team from thriving. “There will be things that we will sharpen up, but we really just showed up for each other, and that’s what got us through this game.”
The Thorns started the 2026 season where their 2025 season ended, at the Spirit’s stadium in front of a sellout crowd known as “Rowdy Audi.” Last fall, Portland fell to D.C. 2-0 in the NWSL semifinals, as Washington progressed to its second NWSL final in two years.
However, the Thorns’ gritty win on Friday night set the pace for what could be a promising season after a year of transition. It showed that, at least for now, the pieces that had seemed just out of reach last year are slotting nicely into the club’s 2026 puzzle.
Nine days before the start of the season, the Thorns announced the hiring of former Tottenham Hotspur Women manager Robert Vilahamn on March 4 after running all of preseason under interim coach Sarah Lowdon and assistant coach Vytautas Andriuskevicius. While the Thorns have the most NWSL Championships in the league, they have not won the trophy since 2022.
“They have handled it in a way where they didn’t know who was coming in from the beginning, to actually train (the players) quite neutrally to make sure they can be ready for this. I’m so impressed by that,” Vilahamn said after the win.
The 43-year-old Swede had not even been to Portland to meet the team in person ahead of Friday’s game. He traveled with “three big suitcases” to D.C. by way of Sweden, Amsterdam and Paris, battling flight delays to get to his team 48 hours before kicking off the season. He said he was “mainly just watching” as his assistant coaches put their plan in place.
Once Vilahamn began communicating with the coaching staff, he gave them his game model and they began comparing notes, the coach said. They found a way to integrate their philosophies and spent the last few days focusing on their game plan for the season opener against the Spirit. Their plan worked.
The coaching journey was not the Thorns’ only obstacle going into the game. Portland was also without its usual starter in goal, with Mackenzie Arnold on international duty with Australia and Bella Bixby on the Season-Ending Injury list due to a left knee injury sustained during pre-season. Goalkeeper Morgan Messner secured a clean sheet on Friday in her NWSL regular-season debut.
One piece that has gone to plan, so far, was the long-awaited return of U.S. women’s national team standout Sophia Wilson. After not featuring for the Thorns at all last year because she was growing her family, Wilson made her triumphant return to the pitch in the 78th minute. It was her first regular-season game since becoming a mother.
“That was a wild game to come into,” Wilson said, “but it was a very big win for us.”
Though she was only on the field for 15 minutes, Wilson showed glimpses of the “old Soph” with flashes of the new. Her interplay with Moultrie did the same.
“Honestly, once she stepped on the field, I’m like, ‘Oh, we’re back,'” Moultrie said. “It didn’t feel like we had lost all this time.”
While Moultrie and Wilson have played together as teammates on the Thorns since 2021 and the USWNT, Wilson has never played with this version of Moultrie, and vice versa.
“I’m a different player than the last time she got to play with me,” Moultrie said. “That’s really exciting because I feel like we’ll just both be able to offer each other more than we were able to before – and hopefully that yields a lot of goals back and forth.”
Although only 20 years old, Moultrie has been in the league since she was 13. She has since forged her way in the NWSL, and more recently into U.S. head coach Emma Hayes’ regular rotation. She is also a serious contender for the 2027 World Cup roster.
“Liv has just taken off. She’s been so fun to watch and the goal that she got in this game was so big and we needed it and she stepped up,” Wilson said. “She’s a great player, so I’m excited to keep that relationship going.”
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
US Women's national team, Portland Thorns, NWSL
2026 The Athletic Media Company
The start of free agency every NFL offseason is always about the excitement of new players arriving. In 2026, it's no different.
However, it's a two-way street. While the New York Jets have both signed and traded for players to add to their roster, the same has happened in the opposite direction.
Pass rusher Jermaine Johnson was traded to the Tennessee instead of being released.
In terms of pending free agents to leave the Jets, here are the seven that have signed elsewhere:
New team: Ravens.
New team: Browns.
New team: Falcons.
New team: Patriots.
New team: Colts.
New team: Panthers.
New team: Titans.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Who have the Jets lost during opening week of 2026 NFL free agency?
Often overshadowed by his brother during the season, Cayden Boozer played a pivotal role in Duke's ACC Tournament victory over Clemson, as the Blue Devils advanced to their second straight ACC Championship game.
Although Cam Boozer led the team in scoring with 24 points to go along with 14 rebounds and five assists, his twin brother Cayden wasn't far behind.
After just nine points against Florida State on Thursday, Cayden scored a career-high 16 Friday night against Clemson.
He did so on 50 percent shooting from the field (6-for-12) and 50 percent shooting from three-point range (1-for-2).
Cayden also set a new career-high in minutes played, playing 37 of a total 40 minutes. He led all players in plus-minus as well, finishing the night at +18.
Following the game, head coach Jon Scheyer had high praise for Cayden, complementing his resilience throughout the season.
"I just want to tell him just how much I believe in him. And to handle different things that are thrown your way as a freshman, you haven't seen everything. I just want to help prepare him for what other teams can do. But his toughness, his mental toughness is not something you can teach. He had that on his own."
Scheyer and Duke will need to rely on their toughness to defeat Virginia in Saturday's ACC Championship as the shorthanded Blue Devils are set to play a seven-man rotation for their third game in as many days.
This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Jon Scheyer praises Cayden Boozer after career game vs. Clemson
Borussia Dortmund’s management spokesperson, Carsten Cramer, says: “Alexandra Popp is one of the most influential figures in women’s football, both nationally and internationally. The success she has had with a top club like VfL Wolfsburg and the German national team is truly impressive. We are delighted that we have managed to inspire Alex to join us on our ambitious journey.”
“Signing Alex is a major statement of our ambitions. The fact that a player of her calibre has consciously chosen BVB makes us incredibly proud and sends a strong signal about the importance and future of women’s football at Dortmund,” emphasises Managing Director Svenja Schlenker.
Popp arrives at Dortmund with experience, having notched up 145 international caps (67 goals), 332 Bundesliga appearances (158 goals) and 89 Champions League matches (36 goals) to date. The trophies she has won in her career include the Champions League three times, seven German league titles, the DFB Pokal 13 times and Olympic gold in Rio in 2016. After 14 years at VfL Wolfsburg, the Witten-born player is now returning to the Ruhr region.
Alex Popp says: “My heart beats for this club. I’m slowly approaching the end of my career and need to listen to my body. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to play in a BVB shirt. BVB’s interest made me proud from the very first moment; I had a huge grin on my face straight away. It’s very exciting for me to be able to help shape the club’s future, building on the success it has enjoyed so far.”
The USC men’s basketball team clearly fell short of expectations this season, but a lot of that can be credited to the misfortune that they had with injuries. At the beginning of the season, Rodney Rice was the star for the Trojans. After he suffered a season-ending injury, it was Chad Baker-Mazara who was consistently the guy that USC needed. Alijah Arenas looked like a star in February, but USC just could not get all three players on the court at the same time.
Even after this year's disappointment, head coach Eric Musselman still remains excited for what is to come. A recent tweet from Shotgun Spratling of 247Sports highlighted Musselman's mindset after the went Trojans one-and-done in the Big Ten Tournament.
"#USC HC Eric Musselman said he can't wait to get started on next year's team, starting when he gets back home tonight,” Spratling wrote.
It was a sad end to the season for the Trojans, as they lost seven straight games to close the regular season and were a one-and-done team in the Big Ten Tournament. This team had talent, but there was not enough time that the team's talent got to all play together on the court at the same time. While Baker-Mazara is obviously gone, if Trojans can retain Arenas and Rice, that is a duo that should create excitement for next season.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC men’s basketball could not overcome tough obstacles this season
Inter's race toward another Scudetto appears to be right on track as the Nerazzurri entertains visiting Atalanta in Italy's fashion capital.
Cristian Chivu looked on as Italian starlet Francesco Pio Esposito gave the home side a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute, with the academy product continuing to turn heads at home and abroad.
That hit, his 5th across the 2025/26 Serie A campaign, may well have dropped an easter egg as to why the club is sitting high on their league perch this season.
Esposito became the seventh Inter player to reach that goal tally on the domestic front this term, with no other club across Europe's top five leagues able to boast the same tally.
Boasting goalscoring variety and multiple threats in the final third, this could be the ace up Chivu's sleeve that pushes Inter back to the domestic summit.
With fantasy baseball draft season nearing Opening Day, identifying the right closers-and the potential handcuffs behind them-can be the difference between dominating the saves category or scrambling on the waiver wire. The American League West features several unsettled bullpens, where arms like Andrs Muoz, Josh Hader, and emerging relievers such as Bryan Abreu could shape the fantasy landscape in 2026.
Hogan Harris has been the A's best reliever this spring (one run, five baserunners, and 10 strikeouts over six innings). Over the past two seasons, he posted a winning ERA (3.02), but his high walk rate (4.3) created too many drama innings and a high WHIP (1.350). Harris may get the first chance at saves in this bullpen, but he must throw more strikes to hold onto the job. His average fastball (95.2 mph) is up more than 1.5 mph in March, which is another plus to take a flier on him.
Most fantasy sites have Justin Sterner as the top closing option for the A's after handling himself well in his first full season in the majors at age 28 (3.18 ERA, 1.046 WHIP, and 70 strikeouts over 65.0 innings). Unfortunately, he served up 10 home runs while never picking up a save in the majors. Over five seasons in the minors, his arm had less value (4.08 ERA and 1.254 WHIP) while recording only 15 saves over 209.2 innings. Sterner had a high strikeout rate (11.8). I don't trust him as a closing option due to a lack of experience and home run issues. He's also struggled this spring (four runs, seven baserunners, and seven strikeouts over five innings).
Top Handcuff:Jack Perkins is my dark horse close games for the A's, but it may take some time to land the job. His arm has been off in spring training (four runs, six hits, one home run, and five walks over 5.1 innings with four strikeouts) over three starts. He pitched well over his last 122.0 innings at AA and AAA (2.88 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 171 strikeouts), showcasing a higher ceiling arm that may be much improved in the bullpen. His command (4.2 walks per nine with the A's and 3.9 in his minor league career) may improve with a shorter pitch rotation.
Kirby Yates had a comeback save season (33-for-34) in 2024, but he lost his direction last season (5.23 ERA, 1.331 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts over 41.1 innings) due to allowing nine home runs and battling an injury. He should have the inside track for saves this season. On the downside, his fastball (92.0 mph) sits in a career low area in March. The Angels gave him three innings of work this spring (one run, five baserunners, and three strikeouts).
Angels, RHP Kirby Yates reportedly agree to 1-year deal, per multiple reports including @MLBNetwork insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/7RtBpjO6lB
- MLB (@MLB) December 30, 2025
Top Handcuff: Matt Joyce will open this year on the injured list, while Robert Stephenson is also coming off a shoulder injury with no games pitched this spring. Jordan Romano had looked sharp so far in spring training (three shutout innings with one hit and three strikeouts). He has 113 career saves, but comes off two disaster seasons (7.83 ERA, 1.456 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts over 56.1 innings).
Josh Hader will open the year on the injured list with his slow recovery from a biceps issue, coming after a lost offseason with a left shoulder strain. His last pitch in a game came on August 8th. Last year, Hader pitched well (6-2 with a 2.05 ERA, 0.854 WHIP, 76 strikeouts, and 28 saves over 52.2 innings). Tempting closer, but his timetable to return looks cloudy with no guarantee of success, making him challenging to gauge in drafts.
Top Handcuff: Bryan Abreu is a rising player in drafts this March, with an opportunity to get fantasy teams out of the game for saves and offer a high skill set in ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts. If Josh Hader has a setback or struggles, he could be a home run swing for saves at a reasonable price. Over three innings in March, Abreu gave up a run and three baserunners with no strikeouts. He has 308 strikeouts over his last 221.1 innings with a 2.40 ERA and 1.120 WHIP.
Andres Munoz comes off his best season (1.73 ERA, 1.027 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts over 62.1 innings with 38 saves). His walk rate (4.0) remains a liability, and his innings have been short over the past three years (49.0, 59.1, and 62.1). He is the third closing option drafted in March (ADP - 43 in 12-team formats in the NFBC). Over his two appearances in March, Munoz gave up a run and two hits over two innings with three strikeouts.
Top Handcuff: Matt Brash handled himself well over 53 games (2.47 ERA, 1.246 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts over 47.1 innings), considering his quick return from TJ surgery. His arm should be even better this year. He's made only one appearance in March (one run and one hit over two-thirds of an inning).
I expect the Rangers' closing job to be in flux for much of the first half of 2026, unless they make a deal for a closing arm. Robert Garcia pitched well last year (2.95 ERA, 1.250 WHIP, and 68 strikeouts over 64.0 innings), but he only secured nine saves, with none on his major league resume coming into last season. I don't believe he is a long-term solution for saves for Texas, but he could be the best-looking option in April. Garcia allowed two runs and three hits over his first 2.1 innings this spring with three strikeouts.
Top Handcuff: Chris Martin will draw closing fliers in fantasy leagues due to the Rangers' lacking viable closing arms in their bullpen. Over his last three seasons, he has a 2.41 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 139 strikeouts over 138.0 innings with seven saves and eight blown saves.
Luis Curvelo struggled in his first year with Texas (5.68 ERA, 1.421 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts over 19.0 innings) due to home runs (1.4 per nine) and command issues (4.7 per nine). Over seven seasons in the minors, he went 24-11 with a 3.54 ERA, 1.148 WHIP, 375 strikeouts, and 12 saves over 335.1 innings. Curvelo brings a plus fastball (95.6 mph) with a trending spring training resume (two runs, four hits, and seven strikeouts over five innings). Player to follow early in the year.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/fantasy as Josh Hader, Andres Munoz Among Top Fantasy Closers in American League West.
The Miami Dolphins added depth and a possible No. 2 wide receiver to their roster on Friday with the signing of Jalen Tolbert to another one-year deal in this year’s free agent market, orchestrated by new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
Miami’s new head executive adds the 6-foot-1 Tolbert, who has 4.49 speed and spent his first four years in the league with the Dallas Cowboys, who selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft
Let’s meet Miami’s newest target, who is also very familiar with their new quarterback.
Tolbert has ties to Miami’s new potential franchise quarterback, Malik Willis. Tolbert and Willis were in the same 2022 draft class and developed a connection during their Senior Bowl process. The two already have a rapport, and Miami made their new quarterback happy just days after joining the Dolphins.
Tolbert can play both outside and the slot, and spent 196 snaps on the inside for the Cowboys last season, which accounted for 42.9% of his work. He runs crisp routes and can be a vertical threat while having contested catch ability, making him a well-rounded target for Willis.
While lost a bit in the shuffle in 2025 with incumbent number one target CeeDee Lamb and the addition of George Pickens, Tolbert had his best season in 2024, as he led Dallas in touchdowns with seven. He was also second behind Lamb at the receiver position in receptions with 49 that season, and second on the team overall with 610 receiving yards.
Spending four seasons in South Alabama of the Sun Belt Conference, his senior season was special. He led the conference in receiving yards and finished sixth in the nation with 1,474 in 2021. He also led the conference that season with 82 catches and yards per reception at 18.0.
More Dolphins: Dolphins 2026 free agency tracker: Latest news, rumors and signings
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: NFL free agency: What to know about new Dolphins WR Jalen Tolbert
Former Florida Gator standout linebacker Brandon Spikes is receiving another honor, but this time from his career playing high school football at CrestHigh School (NC).
Spikes announced on Friday that he has been selected for the Cleveland County Sports Hall of Fame, with the ceremony taking place on May 18 at Shelby City Park in North Carolina. Before ever becoming a Florida Gator great, Spikes was at Crest where he won multiple state championships in football and was a three-time all-state boys basketball player.
I’m proud to announce I have been selected for the Cleveland County Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Come join me at Shelby City Park on May 18, 2026. Tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis. See you there!
I’m proud to announce I have been selected for the Cleveland County Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Come join me at Shelby City Park on May 18, 2026. Tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis. See you there! pic.twitter.com/jR2EvzEf7X
— BrandonSpikes55 (@brandonspikes55) March 13, 2026
During his time as a Gator, Spikes was a three-time first-team All-American and All-SEC selection, appearing in nearly 50 games with 39 starts, totaling 307 tackles, including 178 solo, with 31.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. The linebacker also had six interceptions, returning four for a touchdown, which is a Florida program record.
Between his junior and senior seasons at Crest, Spikes record 172 tackles as he helped lead the program deep into the NCHSAA playoffs.
The Chargers ended this past season finishing ranked No. 17 in the state, according to the final 2025 North Carolina High School Football Massey Rankings.
Crest High School, located in Shelby, NC, is a public secondary school within the Cleveland County Schools district. It serves grades 9-12 and has a student enrollment of approximately 1,100. Crest is known for its strong academic and athletic programs, including its teams that compete in the Big South Conference. The school’s colors are green and Vegas gold. The Chargers have a notable rivalry with schools like Shelby High and Kings Mountain High. The school is also recognized for producing several professional athletes.
For North Carolina high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the nation, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Tar Heel State, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the high school football excitement across the state of North Carolina.
Today, for our home fixture against Atalanta, we have, once again, opened up a quiet room at San Siro to welcome children on the autism spectrum so that they can enjoy the game to the fullest.
The initiative, carried out by Inter and with the support of BPER the Club's Official Banking Partner, saw the participation of ten fans from all across northern Italy and was run in collaboration with Fondazione Italiana Autismo and Associazione Giuco97.
Before the game, the children were welcomed to the BPER skybox by Inter Chairman and CEO Giuseppe Marotta. They then received a special message from Vice Chairman Javier Zanetti, Chief of Staff Max Catanese and Chief Revenue Officer Giorgio Ricci. Making the day even more special was a meeting with Club legend Francesco Toldo.
Last season, the Club launched this initiative for the first time, with the commitment to make it a recurring annual event in order to support and raise awareness around this important topic on the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April.
Alongside the Nerazzurri's Special Teams, who will take part on 28 March in the We Are Sport football tournament for athletes of all abilities, these initiatives show Inter’s continued commitment to promoting inclusion for everyone in the experience of football, both on the pitch and in the stands.
There's no shortage of college football standouts hoping to make a career in the NFL, and the first step begins for many of them in April with the NFL Draft. And each year, there are always names that fly under the radar but end up forging opportunities in the league. Here are a few such players who weren't invited to the NFL Combine but are boosting their draft stock late with big performances at their campus Pro Days.
Gesky has helped anchor an offensive line for an Illinois program that has over-exceeded expectations over the past two seasons. Trained by 10-year NFL veteran Tony Pashos, Gesky impressed scouts from all 32 NFL teams at the recent Illinois Pro Day.
Gesky's 4.94-second 40-yard dash would have ranked sixth at the NFL Combine, and his 33-inch vertical jump would have done the same. And he also put up 30 reps on the 225-pound bench press, which would have been fourth among Combine invites.
Scouts reportedly like his "ability to bend and be under control," and Illinois head coach Brett Bielema called him the "most pro-ready guy I've had in a few years." He has met with the Texans and drawn interest from the Ravens.
Strong Pro Day for Illinois center Josh Gesky @IlliniFootball@BretBielema trained by former #Ravens OL and 10-year #NFL veteran Tony Pashos
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2026
Gesky, a rising #NFLDraft prospect going from @Hula_Bowl to @ShrineBowl
40 yard dash 4.94
Bielema said: 'Gesky most pro ready guy I've had… pic.twitter.com/y9N5OgfW2l
Coats Jr. was one of the most highly-touted defensive back transfers in college football last offseason, coming off a season with 41 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and four interceptions. Last season at WVU, his production was a bit lighter, with no interceptions, just 30 tackles, and seven pass deflections.
But those overlooking Coats Jr. might not be doing so after his WVU Pro Day effort. In the front 3-cone drill, which beats the best time recorded among all corners at the Combine. He also recorded a 36-inch vertical and a 10-foot, 8-inch broad jump.
Michael Coats Jr. runs the 40-yard dash at WVU's Pro Day on Tuesday. He clocked the fastest time among all participants at 4.39 seconds.
— Joe Smith (@joesmithwrites) March 10, 2026
He finished last season with 30 tackles and seven pass deflections for the Mountaineers. pic.twitter.com/jnudi5v208
We're sticking in the Mountain State for our last player on this list, but shifting to the Sun Belt and the Marshall Thundering Herd.
Martin didn't pop off the stat sheet last season, recording just 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks. And while no marks for specific tests have been released, reports indicate Martin impressed scouts in both positional drills and standard testing, and the 6-foot-4, 330-pound mammoth of a man met with multiple teams after his performance at Marshall's Pro Day.
Marshall @HerdFB defensive tackle Tyas Martin (6-4, 330) did well in positional drills and testing at campus Pro Day and met individually with #Browns, #Steelers, #Packers and #49ers
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 13, 2026
Previously Jackson State and Colorado pic.twitter.com/xuyxkYL7n2
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: 3 hidden gem NFL prospects whose draft stock skyrocketed at Pro Days
This week we asked two Rays specific questions related to the WBC.
First up, I was curious to see how much of our readership was invested in watching the WBC, even in the early rounds. The answer was a resounding yes!
12% of y’all were ready to watch the knock out stage, and I hope you did, with the US setting up a potential thriller against the DR later this weekend.
Next up might have been a softball… which Rays player was showing up in the biggest way this WBC? I thought it might be a two-man race with Aranda’s performance for Mexico in the first round, but there is no doubt who the star of the show has been:
As always, Rays Reacts posts are brought to you by FanDuel. If prop bets or wagers sweeten the pot for your interest in following the WBC, check them out!
With the NFL offseason now in full swing, the Tennessee Titans have been busy reshaping their roster. That includes the tight end room, which has seen the departure of a fixture in the offense, Chig Okonkwo, who signed with the Washington Commanders. With Okonkwo now in the nation's capital, former Longhorn star Gunnar Helm is in line to have a bigger role in the offense.
During his rookie campaign, Helm showed signs of promise, hauling in 44 receptions for 357 yards. He also found the end zone twice while averaging 8.1 yards per catch. The former fourth-round pick had at least one catch in every game and five or more targets four times.
Nice TD from Gunnar Helm.
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) December 14, 2025
Helm also broke the Titans rookie reception record for a TE earlier today as well. pic.twitter.com/wseMylLUyb
While Helm is not a finished product, he showed encouraging signs while learning a new offense. He was also adjusting to the NFL and playing with a rookie quarterback, Cam Ward. With more experience under his belt, Helm should make more of an impact in the passing game.
At the moment, Helms' main competition for playing time includes Daniel Bellinger, whom Tennessee signed at the beginning of free agency. He is known for his blocking skills and should provide the Titans with veteran depth. That has been a theme over the last few weeks for the Titans as they start a new era under Robert Saleh.
Gunnar Helm makes his first catch in the NFL 🤘
— Orangebloods.com (@orangebloods_) August 10, 2025
pic.twitter.com/nHMrIxztVs
After the way Helm played as a rookie, the Titans are confident he can take his game to another level in year two. When he was a Longhorn, Helm improved every year, becoming a fixture in the offense by the time his college career came to a close. If he can replicate that arch in the NFL, then the Titans offense will be in good hands.
With the regular season still months away, excitement is building over what numbers Helm will put together now that he is more comfortable in the NFL.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Former Longhorn Gunner Helm to get bigger role with Titans in 2026
Team USA advanced to the 2026 World Baseball Classic semifinal after holding off Canada in the quarterfinal on Friday night. The United States is set for a high-profile showdown against the loaded lineup of the Dominican Republic, which punched its ticket to the semis with a 10-0 shellacking of Korea.
Now, the two squads will face off on Sunday night in primetime, under the bright Miami lights.
As we count down the hours to the first pitch, the pitching matchup has been confirmed, and fans are immediately buzzing.
Team USA and Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes will face off against the powerful lineup of the Dominican Republic, while Luis Severino of the Athletics gets the call for Plátano Power.
It'll be Paul Skenes against Luis Severino in the semifinals pic.twitter.com/wAQ8hUBxuZ
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 14, 2026
Entering Sunday night’s game, the United States is a slight -170 favorite as the designated “away team,” while the Dominican Republic checks in with +135 odds. That means a $100 wager on the D.R. would land you a $135 payday, while you would need to risk $170 on Team USA for a $100 win.
All of the information you need to catch the United States face off against the Dominican Republic in Sunday night’s semifinal can be seen below.
Mar 13, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts with first base coach George Lombard (23) after hitting an RBI single during the sixth inning against Canada during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Start Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Miami, Florida
Venue: loanDepot park
TV Info: FOX Sports 1
Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Betting Odds: USA -170 | Dominican Republic +135
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WBC: World Baseball Classic title odds, where Team USA stands
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The post USA-Dominican Republic, WBC semifinals pitching matchup confirmed appeared first on The Big Lead.
This article originally appeared on PittsburghSportsNOW.com.
Jeff Capel will return for a ninth season as the Pitt men’s basketball head coach.
Pitt athletic director Allen Greene and the university announced Friday that after much deliberation, Capel will return for the 2026-27 season despite swirling speculation that Pitt might go in a different direction.
“Over the past several months, I have spent a great deal of time evaluating every aspect of our men’s basketball program,” Greene began in a release. “That process included conversations with Coach Capel, a review of our staff and our roster, our program structure and the transfer portal landscape as well as our investment in the program. I consulted with University leadership to ensure we continue to be aligned with our expectations for the program.
“After that comprehensive evaluation, I have made the decision that Jeff Capel will continue to lead our men’s basketball program. I believe our best path forward is leadership continuity paired with clear expectations and a willingness to evolve.”
The move to retain Capel comes after a 13-20 season — the second 20-loss season of Capel’s tenure. It was reported that money was being raised by donors for a buyout that is expected to be north of $10 million, but Capel will instead remain.
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 13: Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Chase Utley (26) looks on during a MLB game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 13, 2018 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesThe Philadelphia Phillies have a long list of superstar players returning for next season, from Bryce Harper to Zack Wheeler, but fans of the franchise hold a special place for some of their predecessors.
As the team’s incumbent stars prepare to take at least one more shot at a World Series title, the leading members of the team’s 2008 championship roster continue to celebrate their lasting legacies.
Most recently, that meant a “Wall of Fame” announcement for former Phillies infielder Chase Utley.
“The Phillies are inducting Chase Utley, considered the greatest second baseman in the franchise’s history, into their Wall of Fame this summer — a potential precursor to a greater honor for Utley, the National Baseball Hall of Fame,” Matt Gelb reported for The Athletic. “One of the most popular players in Philadelphia history, Utley spent 13 seasons with the Phillies.”
Utley enjoyed six All-Star appearances and four Silver Slugger Awards in his time with the Phillies, which included the franchise’s most recent championship title as well. But after his time with the Phillies was done, Utley joined the Los Angeles Dodgers for four seasons to end his career.
And now, Utley, who is a native of Southern California, has returned to the Dodgers despite a job offer from the Phillies.
Following his playing career, Utley moved to England to serve in an ambassadorial role for Major League Baseball. Returning from Europe, he has taken a front office position with the Dodgers even though the Phillies wanted him back.
“The Utleys are back from England, back to living in the Los Angeles area, where Chase grew up and went to college,” Scott Lauber reported for The Philadelphia Inquirer. “The Phillies wanted to find a role for him. Instead, he took a job with the Dodgers: special assistant to president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman.”
The exact nature of Utley’s role with the reigning World Series champion wasn’t clear, but he did emphasize that it gives him a chance to balance work and family.
“It’s giving back to the game a little bit, trying to help them in whatever aspect is possible,” Utley said of his job with the Dodgers, per Lauber. “I get to sleep in my own bed every night, so that’s nice.”
And it seems that, ultimately, he wants to make his home in the region where he grew up rather than in the Philadelphia area where he enjoyed the best seasons of his playing career.
Sandro Tonali’s agent Beppe Riso says that attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City has always been ‘the goal’ after moving to the Premier League, and says that the Newcastle midfielder is currently the most valuable Italian player in the world.
Tonali has excelled on an individual level with Newcastle in 2025-26, despite his side currently sitting in 12th place in the Premier League table.
Life has not always been straightforward for Tonali since his move to Newcastle from Milan in 2023, though.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James’ Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Shortly after he joined Newcastle, Tonali was hit with a 10-match suspension from the FIGC for his involvement in prohibited gambling activity.
Riso, speaking in an interview with Calcio e Finanza, insists that he never had any knowledge of Tonali’s struggles, otherwise he would have done his best to help earlier.
“Absolutely not, otherwise I would have intervened,” he replied when asked if he knew beforehand that there was a possibility Tonali would be suspended.
“I have to say that I think the transfer (away from Milan) proved to be a winning choice in that respect. Newcastle fans were incredible with Sandro, they always supported him. He received different treatment in Italy, but not by the Milan fans, who have always protected him.
MILAN, ITALY – MAY 03: Sandro Tonali and Rafael Leao of AC Milan look dejected following the team’s defeat during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Cremonese at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 03, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“The mentality is different in England, and there was always a standing ovation from the crowd whenever Sandro came into the stadium, despite his disqualification. We’re talking about a young guy who made a mistake. The fans realised that and he was forgiven. Now, Sandro has changed completely.”
Now, Tonali is excelling in the Premier League and Champions League with Newcastle and is beginning to attract interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
“This was the goal from the moment he went to England, to try and make him a star footballer,” said Riso. “I think he’s the most valuable Italian footballer in the world right now.”
Sandro Tonali celebrates on the Wembley pitch after winning the EFL Cup final with Newcastle in a 2-1 victory over Liverpool. (Picture @NUFC via X)
Riso was asked why there doesn’t seem to be too many Italian players who excel in leagues outside of Serie A, aside from a handful of exceptions.
“Not many Italians have a market abroad today. But that blame also falls on us,” he said.
“It’s always fine in Italy, but elsewhere, difficulties with settling in can crop up. I think Sandro is the only one who has done that well in the Premier League, many have failed. And in Italy, we’re left looking at high prices, especially when it comes to a strong Italian player.”
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United arrives at the ground prior to kick off wearing the new Adidas terrace icons track top and glasses during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James’ Park on September 13, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Riso also believes that this is part of the reason why Serie A sides seem to field increasingly fewer young Italian players, instead focussing on foreign imports.
“Yes, but also because a lot of owners often make profits from trading players, and from here they’ve understood that a young, foreign player has more of a market abroad when looking at a future resale. It’s their ability to speak foreign languages, the mentality, the ability to adapt quicker.
“Often today, when it’s a choice between an 18-year-old Italian and an 18-year-old from abroad, we’ll go with the foreigner, which is why it’s difficult to develop big players in Italy.
“You have to sell to make money in football, and you have to take on these foreign profiles, which have a wider range on the market, in order to do so. So, it’s very complicated. Italian kids are often punished as a result.”
Barcelona are back in La Liga action on Sunday afternoon, when they play host Sevilla at the Spotify Camp Nou. The Catalans have won their last three in the league, and their plans will be to make it four in a row come the end of the weekend.
That’s the goal set out by head coach Hansi Flick, although during his pre-match press conference (via Diario AS), he recognised that it will not be easy against a Sevilla side that ran out 4-1 winners in the reverse fixture.
“This week we have three more games, and our goal is to play these three games at home and win each of them. Sevilla have strengths, they beat us last time, they press high. But tomorrow we want to win with conviction.”
The big news for Barcelona leading up to the Sevilla match is the return of Gavi, who has received the medical green light from the coaching staff. Flick is pleased to welcome back the 21-year-old midfielder, although he stressed that management of minutes will be key over the coming weeks.
“It’s good to have him back. We saw him in training, and I like what I saw – but we have to manage him. We have to go step by step; We also know that he will have to play and that he has years ahead of him. I’m very happy to have him back.
“He has the right attitude, he trusts his body, how he can play… We all know Gavi, I love his intensity and what he gives for the team.”
Barcelona’s season threatened to derail after a 4-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, but they have followed that up with wins in four of their last five matches in all competitions. Flick has been happy with how his side bounced back from that difficult evening at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
“Sometimes a defeat against Atletico is a hard lesson, but we learned. We played four games in the last eleven days, and we have to take into account that there are players who come back from injury and need time. Pedri, Raphinha and Marcus (Rashford) are doing well. None of the matches have been easy, they have been very intense games. We have done things well and we have very young players who have to improve.”
The Commanders have made another addition at running back.
NFL Media reports that they have agreed to terms with Jerome Ford. It will be a one-year deal for Ford in Washington.
Ford was a Browns fifth-round pick in 2022 and he's spent his entire NFL career in Cleveland. He started 18 games for the Browns over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but only carried the ball 24 times for 73 yards in his final season with the team.
Ford had 340 carries for 1,463 yards and seven touchdowns over his entire time with the team.
The Commanders also signed Rachaad White as a free agent this week and 2025 seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt is also due to return for the 2026 season.
ARLINGTON, TX -- There was a red flag on the track before IndyCar's second practice of the day for the Grand Prix of Arlington even began.
As the first group of drivers exited pit lane, the red flag came out due to a catering crew being on the track. The practice was halted before any drivers got up to speed, and no one was harmed.
Insane #IndyCar#ArlingtonGPpic.twitter.com/Nk4NuJHEV4
— Matt Archuleta (@indy44) March 14, 2026
"Okay everybody, this was a serious breach of security to have people crossing the track while we were in session," IndyCar race control was heard saying on radio. "So we're going to send safety around the course to check everything we have here. That's how serious this was. Once we have a secure course that we're comfortable with, we'll give you a count in."
The first Grand Prix of Arlington is taking place this weekend, with the race set for 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Street races tend to lead to unforeseen issues in their first year, such as a catering crew ending up on the track between practice sessions. The red flag remained out for several minutes after the catering crew exited the track, as race control made sure the track was clear and there were no available entries.
Arlington's 2.73-mile circuit loops around the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium and Texas Rangers' Globe Life Field. It is the longest of IndyCar's six street circuits in 2025, meaning there's more track for security and safety crews to ensure is cleared before a green flag.
Zion Brown is IndyStar's motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar's motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to theYouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyCar practice halted after catering crew on track
ARLINGTON, TX -- There was a red flag on the track before IndyCar's second practice of the day for the Grand Prix of Arlington even began.
As the first group of drivers exited pit lane, the red flag came out due to a catering crew being on the track. The practice was halted before any drivers got up to speed, and no one was harmed.
Insane #IndyCar#ArlingtonGPpic.twitter.com/Nk4NuJHEV4
— Matt Archuleta (@indy44) March 14, 2026
"Okay everybody, this was a serious breach of security to have people crossing the track while we were in session," IndyCar race control was heard saying on radio. "So we're going to send safety around the course to check everything we have here. That's how serious this was. Once we have a secure course that we're comfortable with, we'll give you a count in."
The first Grand Prix of Arlington is taking place this weekend, with the race set for 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. Street races tend to lead to unforeseen issues in their first year, such as a catering crew ending up on the track between practice sessions. The red flag remained out for several minutes after the catering crew exited the track, as race control made sure the track was clear and there were no available entries.
Arlington's 2.73-mile circuit loops around the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium and Texas Rangers' Globe Life Field. It is the longest of IndyCar's six street circuits in 2025, meaning there's more track for security and safety crews to ensure is cleared before a green flag.
Zion Brown is IndyStar's motorsports reporter. Follow him at @z10nbr0wn. Get IndyStar's motor sports coverage sent directly to your inbox with our Motor Sports newsletter. Subscribe to theYouTube channel IndyStar TV: IndyCar for a behind-the-scenes look at IndyCar and expert analysis.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyCar practice halted after catering crew on track
As many outside the organization expected, the Tennessee Titans are watching many of their own free agents find homes across the NFL, and two more moved on Friday.
As Titans Wire covered earlier, the team lost Sebastian Joseph-Day to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but lost in the shuffle of that news, wide receiver Van Jefferson left, following teammate Chig Okonkwo to the Washington Commanders on a one-year deal.
Jefferson was never able to emerge for the Titans, although he was a reliable target. In his lone season in Tennessee, he started seven games and recorded 29 receptions for 350 yards and one touchdown
Sources: The #Commanders are signing WR Van Jefferson to a 1-year deal.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 13, 2026
Jefferson was with Tennessee last season. pic.twitter.com/awpmCAUypr
The former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2020 NFL Draft has bounced around the NFL in recent years, spending time with the Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Atlanta Falcons since being traded by the Rams in 2023. For his career, he has recorded 166 receptions for 2,226 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Jefferson joins Okonkwo, Joseph-Day, Mike Brown, Corey Levin, Arden Key, L’Jarius Sneed, Lloyd Cushenberry, Xavier Woods, and others who will be moving on in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Van Jefferson leaves Tennessee Titans, signing with the Commanders
New details have surfaced regarding Larry Borom’scontract with the Detroit Lions, and the structure of the deal is raising some eyebrows.
According to Aaron Wilson, Borom signed a one-year contract worth $5 million, which includes:
That last number is what stands out.
With $4.9 million of the $5 million deal guaranteed, Detroit has made a significant financial commitment to Borom for a player who many initially expected to serve as depth along the offensive line.
The contract structure naturally raises an interesting question.
Are the Lions viewing Borom as more than just a depth piece?
Guaranteeing nearly the entire contract could suggest Detroit believes Borom will play a significant role in 2026, possibly even competing for one of the starting offensive tackle spots.
That possibility may make some Lions fans uneasy.
Borom has experience starting games during his time with the Chicago Bears, but his overall performance has been inconsistent.
Personally, Borom appears to fit best as a No. 3 swing tackle rather than a full-time starter.
A swing tackle provides extremely valuable depth, stepping in when injuries occur while also being able to play either side of the offensive line.
For a team with championship aspirations like Detroit, having a reliable swing tackle can be incredibly important.
But paying nearly the entire contract in guaranteed money for that role does feel somewhat aggressive.
Despite the financial commitment, it’s still very possible the Lions have another plan in mind.
Many analysts believe Detroit could target an offensive tackle early in the 2026 NFL Draft, particularly in the first round.
If that happens, Borom could slide naturally into the swing tackle role while a rookie develops into the long-term starter.
In that scenario, the Lions would have both a young future tackle and a veteran backup capable of stepping in when needed.
Borom’s contract details certainly make the situation intriguing.
While the large guarantee might hint at a bigger role, it doesn’t necessarily mean Detroit has finalized its offensive line plans.
With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, the Lions could still add a long-term solution at tackle.
Until then, Borom’s contract will continue to spark discussion about exactly what Detroit has planned for its offensive line.
The post Detroit Lions Contract Details for Larry Borom Are Turning Heads appeared first on Detroit Sports Nation.
Andrew Berry and Co. have been killing it in free agency so far, adding four potential starters along the offensive line heading into 2026. Though the offensive line is almost complete, they still need to find their starting left tackle within the next month or so.
Despite there being some stopgap-type players who could potentially start at left tackle in free agency, like Trey Pipkins III or Braxton Jones, it’s probably best to find their starter in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Though they could definitely take Georgia’s Monroe Freeling at No.6 overall, the Browns could choose to take a wide receiver like Carnell Tate at that spot. If this ends up being the case, then Utah’s Caleb Lomu could be the next best option as a true left tackle candidate for Cleveland.
No doubt who the Falcons are seeing today at Texas Tech-Utah.
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) September 20, 2025
My OT2 (I’m higher), Utah LT Caleb Lomu
♦️Signed w/Utah @ 260lbs & still moves like it at 305
♦️Been that at pass blocking, steadily improving the run
♦️It’s ok to get overshadowed by OT1 (Fano)
🎥 HT @RealD_Jacksonhttps://t.co/uy9U4auQyWpic.twitter.com/r5oNK8QxzG
His ability to effortlessly glide through his pass sets while having enough core strength to negate inside counters with a “high hand” is beautiful to watch.
Though he has hiccups now and then when it comes to opening his hips and turning his shoulders too early in the rep, he has more than enough consistency on tape to solidify his draft stock as a potential 1st-round offensive tackle.
It’s going to be incredibly interesting to see what route Cleveland decides to take in round one next month. The good thing is that there’s probably no incorrect way to go about doing it as long as it’s some sort of WR/OL combination on day one.
They could take Monroe Freeling at No.6 and then Omar Cooper Jr./K.C. Concepcion at No.24, or take Carnell Tate at No.6 and go after Caleb Lomu at No.24. Either of those combos would upgrade both positions for Todd Monken’s offense heading into 2026.
The Miami Dolphins added three more free agents on Friday. The team announced the signing of long snapper Tucker Addington and punter Seth Vernon while ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the addition of edge rusher David Ojabo. The addition of Addington and Vernon fills out Miami’s special teams depth chart, joining kickers Riley Patterson and Zane Gonzalez. Patterson re-signed with Miami after serving as the team’s injury replacement for Jason Sanders last year; Patterson and Gonzalez are expected to compete for the one kicking spot on the roster.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported Miami lost a free agent as safety Elijah Campbell agreed to a one-year contract with the New York Giants.
This marks Addington’s second stint with the Dolphins, having previously spent a 20-day period of Miami’s practice squad during the 2024 season as the team looked to fill-ins for Blake Ferguson, who missed most of the season on the non-football illness list.
After not being selected during the 2020 NFL Draft out of Sam Houston State, Addington joined the Houston Gamblers in the USFL in 2022. He joined the Dallas Cowboys practice squad during the NFL’s 2022 season as a potential injury replacement for Jake McQuiade, but was released a week later. He joined the New England Patriots’ practice squad late in 2022, serving as an injury replacement for Joe Cardona for three games.
After being waived by the Patriots during the 2023 preseason, Addington was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars but was released at the end of the preseason. He signed late in 2023 with the Washington Commanders before being released during the 2024 offseason. Addington returned to the Patriots during the 2024 preseason before being among the final roster cuts. He returned to the Patriots midseason as a practice squad addition, again filling in when Cardona was injured. He was released 11 days later, with the Dolphins then signing him.
After Miami released him, he joined the Jaguars again, signing to their practice squad for a week stint. After the end of the 2024 season, Addington signed a futures contract with the Houston Texans, but was released before training camp began. He then joined the Pittsburgh Steelers but was cut during the preseason.
Addington will turn 29 as training camps begin this year. He seems to be a fringe NFL player, able to be an emergency fill-in for injuries, but never sticking with a team for long. He has appeared in 10 games in his career, four of them as an injury replacement for Cardona – who he will now look to replace as the Dolphins’ long snapper after the veteran joined the Los Angeles Rams as a free agent this offseason.
No details were reported for Addington’s contract.
Vernon went undrafted in 2022 out of Portland State, signing with the Atlanta Falcons. In 2024, he spent training camp with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad that season. In 2025, he punted for the Michigan Panthers in the UFL.
No details were reported for Vernon’s contract.
A second-round pick out of Michigan in the 2022 NFL Draft, Ojabo has spent the first five years of his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He tore his Achilles tendon during his Pro Day before the draft, with the Ravens placing him on injured reserve to start his rookie season. He was activated late in the season and played two games. In 2023, he again landed on injured reserve after injuring his knee during the team’s Week 3 game. He played in 13 and 14 games, respectively, in 2024 and 2025.
He has 32 tackles, two forced fumbles, and 4.5 sacks for his career, appearing in 32 games with one start. He played a career-high 69 snaps on special teams last year, a role the Dolphins could consider for him in 2026.
Considered a steal as a second-round pick by the Ravens, Ojabo has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, and his play seems to have suffered from the repeated injuries. A fresh start could be what he needs, but he could also be a camp body as the Dolphins fill out their roster ahead of training camp.
Ojabo, 6-foot-4, 252 pounds, turns 26 in May. He was born in Nigeria and moved to Scotland as a child. He came to the United States at 17.
No details were reported for Ojabo’s contract.
The Minnesota Vikings have one of the more talented rosters in the NFL at key positions. However, the most important one, quarterback, was a major letdown in 2025. As a result, the team underperformed and saw others in the division rise as a result.
However, in 2026, the team is already making sure they can do something to bring life to the position. They brought in Kyler Murray, who was released by the Arizona Cardinals, but that won't be enough. According to ESPN's Benjamin Solak, the season is going to be on the shoulders of Brian Flores and his defense, rising to the occasion once again.
Solak explained, "You see a team that right now is shedding a lot of veteran contracts. They are trying to get more cap compliant. . .Brian Flores, who has done tremendous work, must continue to do so again with even fewer pieces, but offensively, I expect them to really bounce right back. That offensive line is ready to be the driving force line. . .you're gonna have a very motivated Justin Jefferson and Addison. . .It doesn't matter what happened in 2025. And so offensively, I think they can score a lot of points. If Flores is the guy we think he is, and trust me, he is. He's the man. And yeah, Minnesota back in the playoff one, for sure."
From @SportsCenter: I think the Vikings are a playoff team again with Kyler Murray under center *IF* Brian Flores can work some magic again pic.twitter.com/ZO05Q4LIKB
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) March 12, 2026
Flores and his defense were a major reason that the Vikings finished with a record of 9-8 instead of 4-13, like they were on pace for. While Solak lays the groundwork for him needing another big performance, that is going to be expected for as long as he is with the Vikings and they are sorting out their quarterback situation.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: NFL Offseason: ESPN analyst believes the Vikings can make the playoffs
As the 2025/26 Bundesliga relegation race heats up, Get German Football News is pleased to release “relegation check” features checking in on German clubs fighting the drop. After looking at Borussia Mönchengladbach last weekend, we’ll take a deep dive into what’s going on with the team Gladbach defeated in Friday night’s Bundesliga match-day 26 curtain raiser. How are things over in Hamburg’s St. Pauli district?
Rather tight. Prior to the away loss against Gladbach, Alexander Blessin’s “Kiezkicker” were actually on an excellent run-of-form. Two league wins and a draw enabled the “Boys in Brown” to pick up seven points in three consecutive league fixtures. All three results were of massive importance. Blessin’s boys snatched all three points against relegation rivals Werder Bremen, then surprisingly plucked four more from heavily favored Hoffenheim and Frankfurt.
It seemed inevitable that St. Pauli would break away from the relegation pack soon enough. That might still prove the case. For the time being, however, the team struggling to attain its third consecutive season of Bundesliga football will not rise above the relegation playoff place before the weekend is out. Shall alarm bells be ringing alongside AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” over at the Millerntor?
We’ll endeavor to find out.
It literally seems like an eternity ago that St. Pauli defeated city rivals Hamburger SV at the Volksparkstadion in the Friday night fixture that kicked off match-day two. In fairness, few thought that the magnificent start to the campaign was truly built to last. This very GGFN author – in a feature article published after match-day three – correctly augured that St. Pauli’s overachieving would be followed by a sustained slowdown.
Erm. It should also be noted that a ridiculous nine-match losing streak wasn’t exactly what the author had in mind. The fact that, after St. Pauli snapped a ten-match winless run against Heidenheim on match-day 14, another six-match winless run ensued wasn’t really something foreseeable either. Plenty of voices have called for trainer Alexander Blessin’s head over the course of these painful stretches.
Some may wonder why Blessin is still in the job. The author doesn’t purport to know exactly, but will offer up some defense of the Stuttgart native he once watched play live with his hometown Kickers in Degerloch. As both a player and trainer, Blessin gave one the impression that he was capable of doing quite a bit with very little. He’s certainly managed to squeeze just enough blood out of this particular St. Pauli stone.
We’ll begin with a legitimate question. Why – after a historically low-scoring campaign last year – are St. Pauli back to being the Bundesliga’s lowest scoring team? Ill-timed Injuries to strikers Ricky Jade Jones and Andreas Hountondjiobviously haven’t helped. The latest bad batch of injury news, which has sidelined pivotal midfielder James Sands and surging “assist-meister” Manolis Saliakas, serve as the main reason behind the latest speed bump.
Blessin’s personnel rotations, oftentimes rather unnecessary on the top two axes, are worthy of some criticism. The FCSP front office also could have done a much better job acquiring reinforcements during the January transfer window.Somehow, someway, Andreas Bornemann should have been able to get that Morgan Guilavogui deal over the line. In Guilavogui’s absence, Blessin has actually done well to get goals out of non-strikers.
Sands, Saliakas, Joel Chima Fujita, Danel Sinani, Eric Smith, and Hauke Wahl have all contributed goals since the turn of the 2026 calendar year. Mathias Pereira Lage is up and running and Martjin Kaars (albeit via a penalty) has at least opened up his 2026 account. Though it may seem like nothing more than a superstitious hunch, there was just something about the way Blessin handled the match-day 21 encounter against his hometown club that clicked.
Heading into the encounter with Stuttgart, one sensed that Blessin had a plan to pull off the upset. Rotating in four new players, Blessin’s team totally dominated the visiting Swabians during the first half. They were energetic, crushed their opponents in the duels, outshot them 9-2 in the first half. Plenty of luck helped St. Pauli stave off the guests 2-1, but most everything about the game infused Bundesliga watchers with confidence.
Captain Jackson Irvine’s heroic performance also took place on that day.
Something stuck with observers from early February on.
This team seems to possess enough spark to survive.
The Benin international made his first appearance of the 2026 calendar year on Friday night, coming on for a 23-minute relief appearance against Eugen Polanski’s foals. Hountondji’s return didn’t produce all that much to fete. The Burnley loanee remained hesitant with his touches, didn’t exactly present the pace to adequately complete long dribbles and lost all but one of his ground challenges. The highly intriguing player all Bundesliga enthusiasts have missed so dearly (both in the German top flight and at AFCON) isn’t back yet. Not even close.
Hountondji requires plenty more match practice. Even after that, it’s doubtful that the leader of the early season over-achieving pack will ever come close to replicating his early season form. The fact is that – at his best – Hountondji gave us all a taste of what a dynamic and diverse finisher he can be. The very old and now very rarely utilized “multi-tool striker” cliché pops into mind when thinking about what he’s capable of when fully fit and confident. If Hountondji can get back to “Huge-Tondji” form soon, he can play a huge role in keeping both his club and himself in the Bundesliga.
Blessin’s “bridge ten” needs to get back to working behind the forward line as soon as possible. Forced to fill in as a makeshift lead striker in recent weeks, Sinani simply isn’t built to lead the line. The 28-year-old former EFL Championship mainstay remains a player built to facilitate link-up play. Watching him totally screw up his timing on promising counterattacks is a seriously painful exercise. For that matter, so too does observing him stumble as a second axis wide rail support player. It just isn’t him. Sinani works best with two forwards ahead of him to feed.
Pyrka leads what amounts to a composite section for all the FCSP wingbacks. From the very beginning of the season, one could tell that this position (on both sides) would play a hugely significant role when it came to the team’s fortunes this season. Pyrka and his fellow new summer addition Louis Oppie helped perhaps more than any other players during the squad’s surprisingly strong start to the campaign. Both have largely disappointed since, only really serving as the motivating forces behind Manolis Saliakas’ revival. With Saliakas now out, Pyrka and Oppie must step into the breech big time.
As he proved last night, Lars Ritzka isn’t up to the task.
Phrew. Much as he may of deserved it, one definitely didn’t care for the manner in which Blessin lambasted Eric Smith’s midfield performance last night. The team truly needs its versatile Swede not never before now that Sands is injured and captain Jackson Irvine’s legs keep getting heavier. Poor Smith found himself on the wrong end of genuinely vicious transfer rumors this past January. Perhaps that’s why the 29-year-old looks totally unfocused and unable to confidently attempt anything other than short passes. Blessin should be offering support in order to get him rolling again.
Smith’s supposed long term replacement has actually done extremely well since arriving in the “Kiez”. Like several of his fellow defensive colleagues last night, he had his blackout moments in defensive and often lacked clear conviction when it came to moving the ball forward. The 27-year-old still impresses. Three “off matches” from Ando (the other two coming against Bayer Leverkusen in both the Bundesliga and Pokal) can be forgiven. One generally likes the work of the thrice-capped Samurai international. Ideally, he can keep it up.
The Bosnian national team keeper (who came close to joining the likes of Augsburg’s Finn Dahmen and Freiburg’s Noah Atubolu when it came to the club record discussions last year) hasn’t spent quite as much time in the spotlight this season. At least, not since his well-earned reputation as a “penalty killer” faded after match-day one. No matter. Vasilj doesn’t need the limelight. He remains a solid gem who continues to bail his anemically offensive team out of plenty of matches. The 30-year-old will have more “hero moments” down the stretch.
Blessin’s “possession bossers” hung back and allowed Albert Riera’s Eintracht Frankfurt to have more of the ball last weekend at the Millerntor. The FCSP trainer actually did well to exploit the core aspect of Riera’s (oftentimes deliberately boring) match-plan. It worked. Riera’s Hessians tired themselves out. Blessin’s boys got their chances in on the counter. A disciplined low block kept Riera’s 4-1-4-1 at bay.
Lineup—FCSP, Round 25 (3-4-3)
The back-five transitioned well to a higher pressing engine on the ball. This opened up a bit of space for the SGE fullbacks, but Vasilj remained on his game. St. Pauli were a tad unlucky to see a couple of efforts strike the goal frame. Unfortunately, the Kiezkicker also couldn’t reward their robust start to the second half with a goal. Saliakas’ injury didn’t help. Neither did Blessin’s later tactical substitution of Adam Dwingala on for Ando.
Blessin maintained high spirits after last Sunday’s 0-0 draw. The team adequately executed his instructions and picked up a hard earned point. Interestingly enough, trainer Blessin specifically stated that he would have taken the same result against Gladbach last night. The squad Blessin put together seemed geared to grind out another goalless tie. It almost worked.
Two enforced chances saw Ritzka and Adam Dwingala replace the injured Sands and Saliakas. One can easily discern the sources of Blessin’s annoyance. Smith worked a safe split-stagger behind Irvine in midfield. The back-three tightened up significantly in order to minimize potential defensive errors. Smith and Ando simply didn’t do their jobs in the two instances that allowed Gladbach to score.
Lineup—FCSP, Round 26 (3-4-3)
Apart from the two mistakes, there isn’t all that much negative to say about the performance of the individual players. Sinani – as noted above – was (as usual) lost in his unnatural position. Pyrka, Joel Chima Fujta and Mathias Pereira Lage labored hard to work the ball forward. The creative spark may have been lacking in all three cases, but they were by no means lethargic.
The two tactical tweaks from Blessin had the effect of confusing the XI. No one really seemed on the same page when it came to flow on the charge. Substitutes Oppie, Hountondji, and Kaars couldn’t really pick up momentum thanks to the fact that everyone else was frustrated. Overall, St. Pauli nevertheless had their moments and looked like a serviceable enough Bundesliga team.
The Piraten presently work through the very same difficult stretch of games that constituted the tail end of their autumn slump. One has to flash forward five match-days before one gets to a Bundesliga club they beat in the Hin-runde. The sense that Blessin’s boys can do much better than zero points against Freiburg, Union Berlin, Bayern, and Köln prevails. St. Pauli can easily pick up seven points from the next four fixtures.
Round 27
SC Freiburg (H)
Round 28
FC Union Berlin (A)
Round 29
Bayern München (H)
Round 30
FC Köln (H)
Round 31
FC Heidenheim (A)
Round 32
Mainz 05 (A)
Round 33
RB Leipzig (A)
Round 34
Wolfsburg (H)
Seven points heading into Heidenheim won’t come close to guaranteeing safety. Four more points from the final four matches will be needed in order to ensure that Bundesliga football returns to the Millerntor next year. One fully expects more ugly and physical matches ahead as the team slowly, yet steadily, inches its way out of the relegation fray. In the final analysis, there’s plenty to inspire confidence that they can get the job done,
There’s one new at-large team after Friday’s projection, as San Diego State jumped Oklahoma, thanks to the Aztecs’ win over New Mexico in the second Mountain West semifinal and the Sooners’ heartbreaking loss to Arkansas in the final SEC quarterfinal of the night.
Your Selection Eve TV preview and a look at what’s at stake follows today’s full bracket and rundown.
NOTES:
(1) Duke (ACC)
★(16) Louisiana Tech (CUSA)
(8) Georgia
(9) TCU
▲(5) Wisconsin
(12) HIGH POINT (Big South)
(4) Alabama
(13) NORTH DAKOTA STATE (Summit)
(6) Louisville
(11) Missouri/VCU
(3) Michigan State
(14) IDAHO (Big Sky)
(7) Kentucky
(10) Santa Clara
(2) Iowa State
(15) TENNESSEE STATE (OVC)
(1) Florida (SEC)
(16) LIU (NEC)/Howard (MEAC)
(8) Clemson
(9) Iowa
(5) Texas Tech
(12) Yale (Ivy)
▲(4) St. John’s (Big East)
(13)Utah Valley (WAC)
(6) North Carolina
—/★(11) Texas/San Diego State
▼(3) Illinois
(14) WRIGHT STATE (Horizon)
(7) Saint Mary’s
(10) Miami (Ohio)
(2) Houston
▲(15) QUEENS (ASUN)
(1) Michigan (Big Ten)
—/★(16) LEHIGH (Patriot)/Southern (SWAC)
(8) Saint Louis (A 10)
▼(9) Villanova
▼(5) Kansas
(12) Akron (MAC)
(4) Vanderbilt
(13) HOFSTRA (CAA)
▼(6) Tennessee
(11) South Florida (American)
▲(3) Virginia
(14) TROY (Sun Belt)
▼(7) Miami (Fla.)
▼(10) Ohio State
(2) UConn
(15) FURMAN (SoCon)
(1) Arizona (Big 12)
(16) UMBC (AE)
▲(8) UCLA
▲(9) NC State
(5) Arkansas
(12) MCNEESE (Southland)
▼(4) Nebraska
(13) NORTHERN IOWA (MVC)
▲(6) BYU
▼(11) Texas A&M
(3) GONZAGA (WCC)
(14) UC Irvine (Big West)
▲(7) Utah State (MW)
▲(10) UCF
▲(2) Purdue
(15) SIENA (MAAC)
Last Four Byes: Miami (Ohio), Santa Clara, UCF, Texas A&M
Last Four IN: Missouri, Texas, VCU, San Diego State
First Four OUT: Oklahoma, SMU, Auburn, Indiana
Next Four Out: New Mexico, Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, Stanford
Also Considered: Cincinnati, West Virginia, California, Florida State, Dayton, USC, Tulsa, Nevada
ARRIVALS (3): Louisiana Tech (CUSA), San Diego State, Southern (SWAC)
DEPARTURES: Florida A&M (SWAC), Oklahoma, Sam Houston (CUSA)
SEC (10): Florida (auto bid), Vanderbilt, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Texas A&M, Missouri (First Four), Texas (First Four)
Big Ten (9): Michigan (auto bid), Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, Nebraska, Wisconsin, UCLA, Iowa, Ohio State
Big 12 (8): Arizona (auto bid), Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Texas Tech, BYU, TCU, UCF
ACC (7): Duke (auto bid), Virginia, North Carolina, Louisville, Miami (Fla.), Clemson, NC State
Big East (3): UConn, St. John’s (auto bid), Villanova
WCC (3): Gonzaga (auto bid), Saint Mary’s, Santa Clara
Atlantic 10 (2): Saint Louis (auto bid), VCU (First Four)
MAC (2): Miami (Ohio), Akron (auto bid)
MW (2): Utah State (auto bid), San Diego State (First Four)
22 one-bid conferences
No one officially entered the field yesterday—or will today—but Championship Saturday is almost here.
(2) Vermont (22-11, 12-4) at (1) UMBC (23-8, 14-2), 11 a.m. (ESPN2)
It’s yet another rubber match for a single place in the field of 68. The Catamounts are looking for their first NCAA trip since 2024, while the Retrievers last qualified in 2018, when they pulled off the unthinkable, a 16-over-1 upset. This morning’s winner is more likely to receive a 16 than the 13 Vermont got two years ago.
(3) North Carolina Central (14-17, 8-6) vs. (1) Howard (22-10, 11-3), 1 p.m. (ESPN2)
The Bison would reach their third NCAA Tournament in four seasons with a victory, as for the Eagles, they last made it in 2019. Today’s winner is almost assuredly heading to Dayton.
(2) Houston (28-5, 14-4) vs. (1) Arizona (31-2, 16-2), 6 (ESPN)
While the Wildcats are all but guaranteed the West Region No. 1 seed, the Cougars still have hopes of sneaking onto the 1 line, which would see them in a hometown South regional. Of course, Houston has a good shot of getting assigned there as a 2 seed.
Potential bid thieves: Everyone but Utah State
(2) San Diego State (22-10, 14-6) vs. (1) Utah State (27-6, 15-5), 6 (CBS)
The Aztecs took out New Mexico late last night/early this morning in a virtual elimination game. This one will probably decide whether the Mountain West will be a one- or two-bid league. Both of these teams are off to the Pac-? after this year.
(2) UConn (29-4, 17-3) vs. (1) St. John’s (27-6, 18-2), 6:30 (Fox)
Both the Huskies and Red Storm pulled away late against potential bid thieves. UConn would be in position to claim the final No. 1 seed with a win and some help. The Red Storm, meanwhile, probably need to win the rubber match to get to the 4 line—especially after getting blown out in Hartford the last time these two met.
(8) Prairie View A&M (17-17, 9-9) vs. (3) Southern (17-16, 11-7), 7:30 (ESPNU)
The Panthers last made the field in 2019 and the Jaguars in 2016. Both played in Dayton. Tonight’s winner will be heading there again.
(4) Toledo (19-14, 11-7) vs. (2) Akron (28-5, 11-1), 8 (ESPN2)
Who will join Miami in the field? The Zips are looking for a third straight trip, but it’s the opposite for the Rockets, who last reached the field in 1980.
Potential bid thieves: None
(2) Virginia (29-4, 15-3) vs. (1) Duke (31-2, 17-1), 8:30 (ESPN)
With neither semifinal being competitive, hopefully tonight’s game will be more entertaining. But considering the Blue Devils handled the Cavaliers easily during the regular season, I wouldn’t bet on it. Duke is trying to hold on to the No. 1 overall seed with both Michigan and Arizona breathing down the Blue Devils’ necks. Virginia, meanwhile, wants to get onto the 3 line if possible.
(6) Kennesaw State (20-13, 10-10) vs. (4) Louisiana Tech (20-13, 11-9), 8:30 (CBSSN)
The Owls last reached the field 2023, as an ASUN member coached by the late, great Amir Abdur-Rahim. The Bulldogs, however, are trying to end a doubt that started in 1991—when they were in the long-defunct American South Conference.
(2) Hawai’i (23-8, 14-6) vs. (1) UC Irvine (23-10, 15-5), 10 (ESPN2)
It’s been seven seasons since the Anteaters qualified and 10 for the Rainbow Warriors. Curiously, both teams pulled off 13-over-4 upsets in those tournaments. Both regular-season meetings were close—the Bows won by 1 at home, and the Anteaters needed OT to defend their home floor.
(2) California Baptist (24-8, 13-5) vs. (1) Utah Valley (25-7, 14-4), 12 a.m. (ESPN2)
Tonight’s winner will make its first-ever trip to the NCAAs at the Division I level. Both the Lancers and Wolverines are heading for the Big West, where they’ll renew their rivalry next season.
(1) Yale (23-5, 11-3) at (4) Cornell (15-12, 8-6), 11 a.m. (ESPNU)
(3) Penn (16-11, 9-5) vs. (2) Harvard (17-11, 10-4), 1:30* (ESPN News)
While the Bulldogs should be a heavy favorite, they’ll be playing a virtual road game in Ithaca this morning. The Crimson split their season series with Yale, but they might have trouble getting to a potential rubber match, as they also split with the Quakers.
Potential bid thieves: Everyone but Saint Louis.
(4) Dayton (22-10, 12-6) vs. (1) Saint Louis (28-4, 15-3), 1 (CBSSN)
(3) Saint Joseph’s (22-10, 13-5) vs. (2) VCU (25-7, 15-3), 3:30* (CBSSN)
If the Billikens lose to the Flyers, the A 10 will be a two-bid league. It still may be with a SLU-VCU final.
(5) Wisconsin (24-9, 14-6) vs. (1) Michigan (30-2, 19-1), 1 (CBS)
(7) Purdue (25-8, 13-7) vs. (6) UCLA (23-10, 13-7) , 3:30* (CBS)
The Wolverines still have a shot at getting the No. 1 overall seed with a win and a Duke loss. The Badgers, however, are trying to get up to the 4 line by following up Friday’s win over Illinois (their second) with another win over Michigan. In the second game of the afternoon, the Boilermakers need a win to have any hope of getting back on the 2 line, while the Bruins are trying to avoid an 8/9 game.
Potential bid thief: Ole Miss
(4) Vanderbilt (25-7, 11-7) vs. (1) Florida (26-6, 16-2), 1 (ESPN)
(15) Ole Miss (15-19, 4-14) vs. (3) Arkansas (24-8, 13-5) , 3:30* (ESPN)
The Gators have probably done enough to hold on to the final No. 1 seed, but a win today would likely seal it. As for the Commodores, they’re aiming to stay on the 4 line. That’s where the Hogs hope to end up with a win.
Bubble teams need to root hard for the Razorbacks, since the Rebels aren’t getting in without the auto bid.
(5) Charlotte (17-16, 9-9) vs. (1) South Florida (23-8, 15-3), 3 (ESPN2)
(3) Tulsa (26-6, 13-5) vs. (2) Wichita State (21-10, 13-5), 5:30* (ESPN2)
The top half of the bracket is an old Sun Belt matchup, while the bottom is an old Missouri Valley showdown. It will be interesting to see what the Golden Hurricane has left after yesterday’s triple OT classic against North Texas.
The New York Giants are under new management this year, with John Harbaugh taking over as the head coach. That means the "Harbaugh Way" will be in effect throughout the building and out on the practice and playing field.
Harbaugh, in his 18 seasons as the head coach, was known for his team's physical style of play. He is bringing that style to New Jersey, and the teams' offseason moves have already reflected the type of football players he favors -- big, smart, and aggressive.
Carl Banks, who has been around the team for four decades, first as an All-Pro linebacker on the Giants' legendary defenses in the 1980s and then as the primary analyst on the team's radio broadcasts, is liking what he's seen thus far under Harbaugh.
“He’s a no-nonsense guy. (He) likes physical play,” Banks said on WFAN, via NJ Advance Media. “He’ll make sure that the best players are in position to have success, right?”
Yes, that is what he does best. Harbaugh knows what a winning team looks like and will ensure he continues his winning ways with the Giants.
Banks also likes the attitude and players being brought in. No longer will the Giants be pushed around.
“I like the fact that they have a linebacker who’s tall and rangy,” Banks said. “That tells me that they’re not playing flag football as a Giants defense now. They’re going to be stout. They’re going to be athletic and they’re going to be physical, and that’s what I like about it.”
Training camp will be a wake-up call for all who've never been around Harbaugh. Some of the returning veterans might be in for a shock—no more flag football. The Giants will be tough guys again.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Carl Banks on Giants under John Harbaugh: No longer 'playing flag football'
Stephen Curry's knee injury continues to linger. The Golden State Warriors' superstar has already missed 16 consecutive games, and won't be re-evaluated until after the team's East Coast road trip that will see them face the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards.
According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, speaking via "The Hoop Collective" podcast, Golden State is reluctant to put Curry back on the court this season, as concerns remain over the risk of re-injury or re-aggravation of his knee, once he's back to playing competitive-level basketball.
"Runner's knee is what they're calling it," Slater said, "There's no structural damage. They've MRI'd a few times. But when he works out, including during All-Star weekend, it just hasn't responded well. It's swelling, it's dull pain, it's really kind of an overuse injury...I think that if Jimmy Butler were around, and they were trying to, like, muscle their way into a top-four type seed, if it were a different type of situation with different realistic goals ahead of them this season, I think that they'd be throttling down a bit more."
"But next season has become the season in this final Steph era. I don't think they want to jeopardize that at all. And this is, from what I gather, an injury that they fear. If you do put him back on the court and he's not quite ready, he could re-injure it, re-aggravate, whatever you want to say."
Curry, 38, is firmly in the final stages of his career. It the Warriors believe shutting him down for the remainder of the season makes the most sense, and gives the team a better shot at contending next season, then it's unlikely we will see him back on the court this season. After all, the aim is to maximize Curry's impact, not risk his overall longevity.
Shutting Curry down is undoubtedly the last option. However, it would allow some of Golden State's younger talents to continue stacking minutes and developing on the fly. Long-term, that could put the Warriors in a stronger position, especially if someone like Brandin Podziemski or Moses Moody takes a developmental leap.
Golden State will undoubtedly re-evaluate Curry in the near future. If he's still not ready to go, it might be time to make a tough decision that will alter the team's expectations for the remainder of this season.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Warriors ‘fear’ Stephen Curry knee injury could worsen if he returns
Kamaru Usman thinks Khamzat Chimaev has to change his mentality in a fight against Sean Strickland.
Strickland (30-7 MMA, 17-7 UFC) positioned himself for a potential shot at middleweight champion Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) after finishing Anthony Hernandez by TKO at UFC Fight Night 267.
Usman (21-4 MMA, 16-3 UFC) has fought both Strickland and Chimaev. He defeated Strickland by dominant decision at welterweight, and pushed Chimaev to the brink on short notice in a middleweight bout.
"Strickland is extremely tricky to hit," Usman said on his "Pound 4 Pound" podcast with Henry Cejudo. "Everyone gets into this sport and everyone swings at people's heads and try to take off their head. Strickland has this weird style of kind of relax here, and throws his hands up to block, and leans away to where it's very difficult for people to get to his face, to hit him."
Usman explains that when Chimaev is dead set on taking his opponents down, failing to against Strickland could rattle him.
"Khamzat has that one tool that he uses and he could just dominate everybody, but when he's focused on just using that tool, and it doesn't work, then he looks bad in other places," Usman said. "Khamzat has really good striking – like really good. Let's not forget, it was one shot, put someone away at one point. Or he stood with Gilbert Burns, and he dropped him a few times. ... Now we're seeing videos of him going with light heavyweights, and he's kind of outstriking them.
"So I think it's a mentality thing. If he can switch the mentality to be a free mixed martial artist to where it's not, 'I have to get this guy down, I have to hold him down or else I might lose this,' I think we really start to see that arsenal. I think this could be that fight to make it happen because we know if you can't get Strickland down, and he starts marching downhill, it's a problem. We saw that with Israel Adesanya. So I think it's a very intriguing fight. I love it."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Kamaru Usman breaks down Khamzat Chimaev vs. 'tricky' Sean Strickland
The Seattle Mariners are still looking to sort through the final spots on the roster with just under two weeks remaining until Opening Day against the Cleveland Guardians on March 26.
One Mariners infielder is making a strong case that he should be on the 26-man roster when the team begins its season at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.
Leo Rivas was one of the feel-good seasons of the 2024 season for Seattle. After more than a decade in the minor leagues, the 28-year-old switch-hitter made his major league debut with that year's team.
Rivas entered 2025 with an opportunity to break camp for the first time in his professional career but was one of the final cuts of the spring and began the year with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers.
Rivas still ended up making an impact in '25 and slashed .244/.387/.333 with a .720 OPS, hitting two doubles and two home runs with nine RBIs in 48 games.
Rivas also had the game-tying RBI single in the seventh inning of Game 5 of the American League Divisional Series against the Detroit Tigers on Oct. 10. The Mariners won the game 3-2 in the 15th-inning after a walk-off single from Jorge Polanco.
Leo Rivas pinch-hits for pinch-hitter Dominic Canzone with two outs here in the 7th, after A.J. Hinch turned to lefty reliever Tyler Holton.
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) October 11, 2025
And in his first playoff at-bat, he ties this game. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/Ax344Z4S3t
Rivas has earned the praise of teammates and coaches due to his do-it-all mentality and ability to come up in big moments for the team. He's also able to play multiple infield positions, which helps his roster candidacy. His newfound power has also been a welcome site.
Rivas' two homers last season were his first in the majors. From last season to now across his stints in the minor leagues, major leagues and spring, he's hit 14 homers. That's twice more than he had in a single-season prior. His first right-handed home run in a Mariners uniform came in a spring training game against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 8.
Those factors alone could get Rivas a spot on an Opening Day major league roster for the first time in his professional career, but his elite understanding of the strike zone could be what solidifies his spot.
According to a post on "X" from FanGraphs writer Dan Szymborski, Rivas had an 11.2% out-of-zone swing percentage last season, which was the seventh-lowest among hitters with at least 100 plate appearances in the Statcast era (c. 2015). He has an 8.5% out-of-zone swing percentage this spring (entering play on Friday).
Leo Rivas had the seventh-lowest out-of-zone swing percentage in Statcast history last year (min. 100 PAs) at 11.2%. He's at 8.5% in the spring this year. He basically IS the ABS.
— Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) March 13, 2026
Rivas is currently projected to make the major league roster as a bench player, according to FanGraphs. If he is able to maintain his plate discipline, then he'll continue to be a valuable contributor for Seattle.
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Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Andrew Painter is known for having a deep pitch mix and the ability to switch up his game plan on a moment's notice because of it, and his Grapefruit League outing has been no exception to that.
However, there is one pitch that specifically sets everything up and, in Painter’s words, elevates his entire game: the changeup.
In Painter’s latest start against the Baltimore Orioles, he pitched 2.2 innings, giving up three runs on five hits, but didn’t issue any walks and struck out four batters. Several of those strikeouts came on the changup.
In this outing alone, Painter threw the offspeed pitch only four times, but it generated two whiffs on three swings. It’s not about the quantity of how often Painter throws the changeup; it’s about the efficiency.
Painter said he was glad to establish the changeup early in his start because of what it can do for the rest of his mic.
“I haven't really established [the changeup] early in the first two outings, but through a couple to righties too, and it feels good,” said Painter after the outing.
“I feel comfortable throwing it to both sides. I feel good going right and right and that just kind of elevates a heater, too. Everything; it elevates a whole arsenal when I have that working.”
With how often Painter throws his fastball, he needs a pitch that can counter its velocity, which was topped out at nearly 98 mph on Friday.
While the changeup is turning into the prominent pitch in Painter’s mix, he also said that the rest of his arsenal still felt good when he was on the mound.
Threw a couple of changes, a couple of sliders. I thought the sweeper was really good. Fastball was really good early,” explained Painter.
“Like I said, that third inning below went down a little bit. Spraying in a little bit, but overall, I thought the stuff was good. I thought early on I was commanding it well. I was getting the head, uh, and counts, and, uh, things I went.”
Assuming that Painter is in Philadelphia’s rotation to start the year, it’ll be interesting to see how much he uses the changeup to set up the rest of his pitches. If the right-hander succeeds at that, Painter could be in for an impactful rookie season.
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ESPN has released an updated version of women’s college basketball bracketology following the conclusion of conference tournaments.
The Lady Bulldogs currently sit as a No. 7 seed in NCAA Tournament projections following a 76-61 loss to the Kentucky Wildcats in the second round of the SEC Tournament. Georgia holds an overall record of 22-9 following the conclusion of conference tournaments, as the Lady Bulldogs went 8-8 throughout SEC play.
The Lady Bulldogs find themselves in prime position to make a serious run when March Madness begins on March 18th, as Georgia would likely have a favorable first round matchup should they officially be announced as a seven seed on selection Sunday.
Georgia ended the 2025-26 campaign ranked as the No. 22 team in the nation according to the AP Poll. Star playmakers such as Dani Carnegie and Mia Woolfolk played a massive role in Georgia’s success this year, as Carnegie’s team high 18.1 points per game this season proved to be the perfect compliment to Woolfolk’s constant domination in the paint. Both players will look to stay red hot during the NCAA Tournament, as the Lady Bulldogs are projected to enter the big dance as a No. 7 seed prior to Selection Sunday.
Georgia will undoubtedly hear their names called on Sunday, March 15, as the Lady Bulldogs are not expected to drop below their current projection despite the loss to Kentucky in the SEC Tournament. The Georgia women's team will find out its NCAA Tournament fate at 8 p.m. ET on Selection Sunday (televised on ESPN).
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia women's basketball bracketology before Selection Sunday
The 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland is still 18 months away, but the build-up has already started, and Luke Donald’s reappointment as European skipper last week got the ball rolling.
For the USA, meanwhile, it’s something of a waiting game as Tiger Woods hums and haws over the job offer. Procrastination is the thief of time, Tiger m’lad.
It’s been 10 years since Woods first played a very different role in the Ryder Cup. Having made his debut as a competitor in 1997, Tiger was a non-playing vice-captain at Hazeltine in 2016.
This most individual of individuals relished a more subservient position, too. Greats like Hogan, Palmer and Nicklaus never performed the assisting job, but this other golfing great embraced it with gusto.
“Tiger, can you take those turkey sandwiches out to the boys on the 10th, please?” It was certainly not a chore you would’ve envisaged him doing in his pomp.
But those were the kind of myriad tasks that were part and parcel of being a vice-captain. From informant to confidant, cheerleader to deliverer of packed lunches, Woods was doing everything that week apart from hitting shots as he reinvented himself as a mentor to many of the younger American players.
Woods was always going to be the U.S. captain at some point. He would certainly savor the position too but, a decade on, we are still waiting to see if he’ll finally take it on.
He mulled over an offer to be skipper in 2025 before finally saying no. Should he respond with another no to the 2027 job, then goodness knows where the PGA of America turns. Donald Trump?
More: Tiger Woods hasn't made decision on 2027 U.S. Ryder Cup captaincy
Unlike the Europeans, who move along with cohesion and clarity, the USA’s approach to succession planning remains pretty slapdash.
In 2014, when Tom Watson’s nostalgia-driven appointment and old-school tactics at Gleneagles ultimately ended in dismal defeat and bitter recriminations, the PGA of America set up an instantly mockable Task Force to sort things out.
Calling on just about everything from past players, past captains, past Presidents, songs from the Old West and the ghost of John Wayne, this new all-embracing approach was going to transform U.S. fortunes in the biennial bout.
Instead of disarray, there was grinning talk of harmony and unity. They won the cup back in 2016, but the egos landed again in 2018 during another lamentable defeat in Paris.
For the 2025 match, the PGA of America phoned Keegan Bradley out of the blue and asked him to do it after Woods had declined.
More: Ryder Cup future locations include Adare Manor, Hazeltine, Olympic Club
The latest ‘will he, won’t he’ situation surrounding Woods is hardly ideal and the stumbling block, of course, is time. The 50-year-old is currently embroiled in seemingly endless discussions as chairman of the PGA Tour’s future competition committee as the circuit plans for a major overhaul of its schedule.
“I thought I spent a lot of hours practicing in my prime, but it doesn’t even compare to what we’ve done in the boardroom,” Woods recently said of these all-consuming commitments.
It seems almost ridiculous that this administrative work should get in the way of the Ryder Cup captaincy. Yes, he has vast experience and influence, which can help shape the tour moving forward. But Woods is still a golfer, not a chief executive.
Donald, after two very different victories as European captain in 2023 and 2025, is now planning to become the first skipper to win three in a row. In a sense, he is putting his reputation on the line.
Woods, meanwhile, has never been one to shy away from a challenge – and my goodness, there have been plenty of those down the years – and the chance to thwart Donald’s historic quest, while plotting a first USA away win since 1993, must surely rouse his senses.
In its 100th year, the Ryder Cup would no doubt be roused too by Woods’ presence. We await the next twist in Tiger’s tale.
(Nick Rodger is a longtime golf contributor to the Scotland Herald, part of USA Today Co.)
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Tiger Woods' Ryder Cup captaincy decision for 2027 looms
In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft for The Athletic, Nick Baumgardner projects the Denver Broncos will add a defensive lineman following the departure of John Franklin-Myers during NFL free agency.
Baumgardner's mock draft has Denver selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald with the 30th overall pick in the first round.
"McDonald’s evaluation right now is a bit like that of former Buckeye Tyleik Williams’ last year at this time," Baumgardner wrote for The Athletic. "McDonald’s run-block destruction was outstanding last season, as was his effort out of his area. He may never be an elite pass rusher, but his value against the run will make up for it."
McDonald (6-2, 326 pounds) totaled 65 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 14 games with the Buckeyes last fall, earning unanimous All-American recognition following the season. It wouldn't be surprising to see the Broncos add more depth and competition on the line after losing JFM.
After receiving two compensatory picks earlier this week, Denver now holds nine selections in the 2026 NFL draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 2026 NFL mock draft: Broncos pick Kayden McDonald
The Washington Commanders are continuing to bolster their running back room during 2026 NFL free agency.
The Commanders have agreed to a one-year contract with veteran Jerome Ford, according to multiple reports.
Ford spent his first four seasons with the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Cincinnati product's best season came in 2023 – when he started a career-best 12 games and posted 1,132 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns – but aside from that, he was mostly a backup.
Ford was used sparingly as a runner in 2025, getting just 24 carries while playing behind Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. He generated just 73 rushing yards, his lowest since his rookie season, when he tallied just eight carries.
That said, Ford posted at least 26 receptions for a third consecutive season. His pass-catching skills could give him a path toward playing time in Washington, which also signed veteran running back Rachaad White to a one-year free agent deal.
Here's what to know about Ford's fit with the Commanders.
The terms of Ford's deal with the Commanders have not yet been disclosed. All that is presently known is that the running back will play on a one-year deal in Washington.
Ford has posted well-rounded numbers during his career while averaging a respectable 4.3 yards per carry. Below is a look at his stats from his four seasons in Cleveland:
Ford will provide the Commanders with much-needed depth at the running back position.
Washington entered the 2026 NFL offseason with just one running back under contract for 2026: Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt. The team now has three under contract after inking one-year deals with Ford and White.
The Commanders used a committee approach at running back in 2025, with Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. leading the charge after Austin Ekeler suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. Should Dan Quinn and new offensive coordinator David Blough take a similar approach in 2026, Ford will have a chance to battle for playing time.
That said, Ford seems likely to find himself at No. 3 overall on Washington's depth chart. Croskey-Merritt figures to get plenty of chances as the between-the-tackles after totaling 805 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries as a rookie. Meanwhile, White has averaged 51.25 receptions per season during his four-year career and was Pro Football Focus' 16th-graded pass blocker at running back last season.
While Ford may not see ample playing time to start his stint with the Commanders, his well-rounded skill set makes him ideal depth for the team. If either Croskey-Merritt or White is injured, Ford could step into the role and provide a proven, experienced veteran on whom Blough can lean.
That makes Ford an ideal addition for Washington, especially on what figures to be a cheap, one-year contract.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jerome Ford contract: Commanders, RB agree to one-year deal
Cardinals trade rumor could result in deal with Packers or Eagles originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Arizona Cardinals appeared in the headlines on Thursday for a surprising reason.
According to a report from Packers Report’s Easton Butler, the franchise’s standout edge rusher, Josh Sweat, has requested a trade from the Cardinals.
“Cardinals EDGE Josh Sweat has requested a trade this week,” Butler stated on X/Twitter. “The Packers and Eagles are both reportedly interested in him. Philly is trying to find another star on the DL, after losing (Jaelan) Phillips to Carolina (Panthers)."
Sweat is no stranger to the Eagles, as the 28-year-old spent the first seven seasons of his career in Philadelphia. During Sweat’s 2024-25 Super Bowl campaign with the Eagles, the elusive 6-foot-5 pass rusher recorded 27 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, and eight sacks.
The Eagles let Sweat walk in free agency, though, prompting him to sign a four-year contract with the Cardinals before the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
The Florida State product was electric in his first year with the Cardinals, finishing with a career-high 12 sacks to go with 30 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles, and four forced fumbles in 17 outings. Still, Sweat appears unhappy in his current situation in Arizona, which could open the door for a reunion with the Eagles.
How aggressively will Philadelphia pursue Sweat on the trade market this offseason? That remains unclear, but according to Butler’s report, the interest is certainly there.
More NFL: 49ers beat out Bills for $42.4 million future Hall of Fame WR
F1 free live streams: How to watch Formula 1 2026 Chinese Grand Prix without cable originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After a restful offseason, Formula 1 racing is back and better than ever. Even if fans don't have cable, there's plenty of ways to watch this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix for free.
After wrapping up the season opener in Melbourne last week, drivers are quickly turning their sights to China. A slew of new driving and car regulations make this year's campaign different than ever before, and that means the leaderboard has been flipped on its head.
Mercedes topped the Australian Grand Prix, recording a one-two finish with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari followed up in third and fourth place, but usual powerhouses fell short, like defending champion Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.
You won't want to miss this highly-anticipated race.
Here's how to watch the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix for free, including TV channel and streaming options for the Formula 1 race in Shanghai.
| TV channel | Streaming |
| None | Apple TV |
In the United States, Apple has the exclusive rights to F1 for the 2026 season.
New subscribers to Apple TV can sign up for a 7-day FREE trial. If you've bought an eligible Apple device recently, you can also get up to three months of the streaming service totally free. After that, the subscription will cost $12.99/month.
For the 2026 season, Apple TV will host all Free Practice, Qualifying, Sprint sessions, and Grands Prix with select races and all Free Practice sessions throughout the season available to watch for free in the Apple TV app.
F1 TV Premium, F1’s own premier content offering, will continue to be available in the US via an Apple TV subscription only and will be free for those who subscribe.
The 2026 Chinese Grand Prix will take place at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China on Sunday, March 15 and will begin at 3:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that start time translates across North America:
| Date | Start time | |
| Eastern Time | Sunday, March 15 | 3 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sunday, March 15 | 2 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sunday, March 15 | 1 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sunday, March 15 | 12 a.m. |
| Date | Event | Time (ET) |
| March 12 | Practice One | 11:30 p.m. |
| March 13 | Sprint Qualifying | 3:30 a.m. |
| Sprint | 11 p.m. | |
| March 14 | Qualifying | 3 a.m. |
| March 15 | Chinese Grand Prix | 3 a.m. |
Celtic attacking trio Mikel-Ange Balikwisha, Junior Adamu and Joel Mvuka were not included in the Celtic team for this afternoon’s game against Motherwell. The forward three have struggled for game time recently but they were pictured putting in additional work on Matchday.
All three will be hoping to force their way into the team but chances are thin on the ground given how hectic this season has panned out. Balikwisha has failed to impress after arriving from Royal Antwerp for in excess of £5m last summer while January loan signings Adamu and Mvuka are yet to stake a claim to have their option exercised to make the move permanent.
Working with a Celtic fitness coach, the trio were put through their paces doing additional fitness work before the 3pm kickoff.
It remains to be seen whether the players return to the squad, especially given how tight the league situation is. Kelechi Iheanacho has returned to the bench as he looks to make an impact for the Champions signifying that there is a route back into the squad, but previous displays from the trio have left a lot to be desired – even if Adamu clearly looks like there might be a player there.
Elsewhere, MON’s Celtic team will be looking to beat the visitors from Fir Park and take revenge after the humiliating defeat at the end of 2025.
A $25 million Chicago Bulls star has moved past Michael Jordan on one of the NBA’s most exclusive all-time lists after another triple-double added to his growing reputation.
The milestone is a notable one in Chicago, given how rarely any Bull has been mentioned ahead of Jordan in a major statistical category.
This time, though, the latest all-around display pushed one current Bulls player beyond the franchise icon on the league’s career triple-double leaderboard.
According to Basketball-Reference’s career triple-double leaderboard, Josh Giddey now has 29 career triple-doubles, moving him ahead of Michael Jordan’s 28 and into a tie with Grant Hill for 19th on the all-time list.
That is an impressive mark for the Bulls guard given he is still only in the early stages of his NBA career.
Jordan remains the most iconic player in franchise history, so any statistical category where a Chicago player moves beyond him is always going to draw attention.
Giddey’s rise on the triple-double list has been driven by the all-around style that has defined his game since entering the league, with his size, rebounding and passing regularly allowing him to stuff the box score.
The fact he has already reached 29 career triple-doubles also underlines why Chicago committed major money to him.
Giddey’s latest triple-double came in the Bulls’ 119-108 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, when he finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in 39 minutes at Intuit Dome.
Even in defeat, it was another reminder of how much responsibility he now carries for Chicago as both a creator and rebounder from the backcourt.
Chicago did not get the result it wanted against the Clippers, but Giddey still gave the team another high-level all-around game while continuing to climb one of the NBA’s most respected statistical ladders.
For a franchise so closely tied to Jordan’s legacy, that is not a small achievement.
Read more:
Things are narrowing down in the WBC. Already Michael Arroyo (Colombia) and Andrés Muñoz (Mexico) have returned to Mariners camp, and they’ll soon be joined by Josh Naylor, whose Team Canada was knocked out in the quarterfinals yesterday.
Dominican Republic 10, Korea 0
To no one’s great suriprise, Team DR run-ruled Korea after seven innings. The Korean team just could not keep up with the offensive onslaught of Team DR. Julio Rodríguez collected a hit, and RBI groundout, and took a walk as part of his contribution. Austin Wells, who has gotten a lot of flak for being “not Dominican enough” to play on Team DR, had the last laugh with a three-run home run that catapulted this game into mercy-rule territory.
USA 5, Canada 3
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Team USA jumped out to a commanding lead, thought it was job completed, and then almost let Canada squeak back into this one. Bo Naylor cranked a two-run homer off our own Gabe Speier (ouch) in the sixth and Canada was able to add another run on an Otto Lopez single, but that’s as close as they got. This wasn’t exactly a contest where the Mariners involved covered themselves in glory: Speier gave up the aforementioned two-run shot, Josh Naylor went 0-for-4, and Cal Raleigh walked and eventually came around to score but also was hitless with two strikeouts.
These two results set up a barn-burner of a semifinal matchup between the all-business US team and the exuberant joy of Team Dominican Republic. That game will be played on March 15 at 5 PM PT and I assure you I am already fully seated.
Puerto Rico vs. Italy: 12 PM PT, FS1
Venezuela vs. Japan: 6 PM PT, FOX
The winners of each of these matchups will face off against each other in the semifinals on March 16 at 5 PM PT on FS1. The Championship Game will be held on March 17 at 5 PM PT on Fox. I’d suggest a watch party but I feel like bars might have other things going on that day…
Verve is a video-only dating app launching exclusively in Washington, DC. It eliminates bios, photos, and endless texting. Users can browse short, authentic video profiles and, upon matching, choose to start a live or scheduled video call or go straight to an in-person date. Optional, slightly unhinged prompts, inspired by Cards Against Humanity, help enhance profile videos and live connections. This app is designed for people who confidently engage in person and are less concerned about superficial details. We are launching in DC first, focusing on a small, curated audience while we build a platform worth scaling.
The updated Zeekr 009 luxury minivan provides up to 680 kW (912 hp) in China, the governmental regulator revealed.
The post Updated Zeekr 009 luxury minivan provides 912 hp in China appeared first on CarNewsChina.com.
Kimpton Era Midtown New York opens a 33-storey luxury hotel in Manhattan featuring rooftop skyline bar, modern rooms and chef-led dining.
The post Kimpton Era Midtown New York Opens Thirty-Three Storey Luxury Hotel in Manhattan with Rooftop Skyline Bar, Chef Rocco DiSpirito Dining and Modern Guest Rooms appeared first on Travel And Tour World.India’s aviation sector is facing significant financial pressure as leading airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, have urgently called on the government for tax relief and a cap on airport fees. This plea is primarily driven by a surge in …
The post India’s Aviation Industry in Dire Straits as IndiGo and Air India Demand Urgent Relief to Survive Rising Costs appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Expedia Group partners with PredictHQ to offer hotels data-driven insights for optimizing revenue during global events like the World Cup.
The post Expedia Group Teams Up with PredictHQ to Revolutionize Hotel Revenue Strategies with Contextual Event Data: What You Need To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Oman’s charter aviation sector hits a milestone, generating over OMR 30 million in the 2025 tourism season.
The post Oman’s Charter Aviation Boom: Sector Generates OMR 30 Million in Record-Breaking 2025 Season appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Detailed guide on the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) launching April 2026. Understand biometric requirements, exemptions for children, and new border procedures for 29 European nations.
The post Europe Is Changing How You Travel, And Honestly, Your Passport Stamps Are Officially History appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Greece's rise as a noctourism hotspot showcases the growing trend of nighttime travel, offering stargazing, moonlit ruins, and serene adventures, attracting travelers worldwide.
The post Greece’s Noctourism Boom, How Travelers Are Exploring Ancient Sites Under The Stars And Why You Should Experience This Travel Trend Too appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Pavlus Travel reports a 32% rise in solo travel sales after launching its solo traveller programme, highlighting growing demand for independent luxury travel.
The post United States Travel Boom: Pavlus Travel Marks One Year of Solo Traveller Programme as Sales Surge Over Thirty Percent and Luxury Tourism Embraces Independent Adventures appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Set sail on Costa Toscana’s 2026 Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, Genoa, Civitavecchia, and Marseille. Explore iconic ports across Europe in luxurious style!
The post Costa Toscana Unveils Epic 2026 Mediterranean Cruises from Barcelona, Rome, Marseille, and Genoa — Unmissable Itineraries Await! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Explore the shift in Southeast Asian travel trends for Hari Raya 2026. Discover why Japan and China are seeing a surge in bookings from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
The post Hari Raya 2026: Why Japan and China are the Top Destinations for Southeast Asian Travelers appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Spain’s airline industry is facing a significant shift as Iberia, a key player in the European aviation sector and part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), has revealed plans to reduce its workforce dramatically. The Spanish flag carrier has announced …
The post Spain’s Iberia to Cut Nearly Thousand Jobs Amid Ongoing Restructuring, Sparking Tense Negotiations with Unions and a New Era for the Airline’s Strategy appeared first on Travel And Tour World.Samsung is getting ready to launch two new Galaxy A series smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy A37 and the Samsung Galaxy A57. Now, a new leak has revealed their possible prices in Europe along with the expected launch date. The information comes from Dealabs.
According to the report, the Galaxy A37 will start at €449 for the model with 128GB storage and 6GB RAM. Samsung may also offer another version with 256GB storage and 8GB RAM, which could cost around €529.
The Galaxy A57 will be a little more expensive. The base model with 128GB storage and 8GB RAM is expected to start at €549. The 256GB version could be priced at €599.
One interesting detail in the leak is that Samsung may introduce a 512GB storage option for the Galaxy A57. This is unusual for phones in the A-series, which usually do not offer such high storage. The price of the 512GB model could be around EUR 799. However, it is not yet clear if this version will be available in all countries or only in some markets.
Earlier renders reveal the color options of the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37. The Galaxy A37 may come in Graphite, White, Dark Green, and Lavender. On the other hand, the Galaxy A57 could be available in Grey, Blue, Light Blue, and Lavender.
Currently, Samsung hasn’t confirmed anything about the price. If these prices are correct, the Galaxy A57 will be close in price to the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, which reportedly starts at €599 in Europe. This could give buyers another option in a similar price range.
The report also says that Samsung may launch the Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 in Europe on April 10, although the company has not officially confirmed the date yet. Stay tuned for more information.
The post Samsung Galaxy A37 and Galaxy A57 prices leak, launch expected next month appeared first on Sammy Fans.
Nothing officially unveiled the Phone (4a) series on March 5, and both the Nothing Phone (4a) and Nothing Phone (4a) Pro are currently listed for pre-order on Nothing’s website. You will officially have to wait for March 20 for the Nothing Phone (4a) and March 27 for the Pro to start shipping. That said, Nothing already held an exclusive retail drop for the non-Pro model on March 7, and now there is one scheduled for the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro as well. If you are near Bengaluru, India, on March 21 at 6:00 PM IST, you might be able to snatch one up early from the Nothing store. If...
The Samsung Galaxy S26 lineup continues to be on sale on Amazon UK. Meanwhile, phones such as the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, OnePlus 15, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 have also been discounted. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra is available with a £100 voucher that brings the price down on the 256GB and 1TB variants. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chipset and comes with Samsung’s new Privacy Display feature, along with a few other minor upgrades. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra £100 voucher Read...
The Saudi Pro League clash between Al‑Khaleej and Al‑Nassr has drawn significant attention, not only because of the title implications but also because of the absence of one of soccer’s most iconic figures, Cristiano Ronaldo. As the league leader prepares to travel to the Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium for Matchday 26, supporters quickly noticed that the Portuguese captain would not feature in the matchday plans.
The encounter represents an important moment in the Saudi Pro League campaign. Al-Nassr enters the match sitting at the top of the league table with 64 points, maintaining a narrow lead over rivals Al‑Ahli and Al‑Hilal in a fiercely competitive title race.
The capital club arrives in outstanding form. Under manager Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr has assembled one of the most dominant runs in the league this season. The team has won 13 consecutive matches across all competitions while conceding only once in their last 11 games, demonstrating a blend of attacking power and defensive discipline.
Its most recent league match ended with a dramatic 1-0 victory against NEOM, secured thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Mohamed Simakan. Results like that have reinforced Al-Nassr’s status as the team to beat this season.
Meanwhile, Al-Khaleej approaches the match from a very different position. The club currently sits mid-table with around 30 points, recording eight wins, six draws, and eleven defeats. Although it recently secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Al‑Hazem, consistency has been difficult to maintain.
Cristiano Ronaldo is not playing against Al-Khaleej because he is recovering from a hamstring injury that proved more serious than initially expected. Medical examinations conducted after a recent league match confirmed that the Portuguese forward had suffered a muscle injury that required rest, rehabilitation, and specialized treatment. As a result, the club decided not to risk its captain in the upcoming fixture.
According to Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus, the striker has temporarily left Saudi Arabia to receive medical care in Spain. “In the last game, Cristiano left with a muscle injury,” Jesus explained. “After the tests he underwent, it became clear that it is a more serious injury than we were expecting. He will need rest and recovery.”
The manager also confirmed that the Portuguese star traveled to Madrid for treatment. “Cristiano will travel to Spain for treatment from his personal physiotherapist. We hope he will return soon to help the team.”
Early reports suggest that the recovery period could last between two and four weeks, depending on how quickly the muscle responds to rehabilitation exercises. Because of this timeline, the veteran striker will miss several matches in March, including the league encounter against Al-Khaleej.
Despite concerns among fans, the outlook for Ronaldo’s recovery remains positive. The current medical plan suggests that the 41-year-old superstar could return to action toward the end of March or early April, potentially in time for Al-Nassr’s league match against Al‑Najma.
Galatasaray'da divan kurulu başkanlığına Aykutalp Derkan yeniden seçildi
Galatasaray Kulübü Divan Kurulunun olağan seçimli toplantısında Aykutalp Derkan, yeniden başkanlığa seçildi.
Galatasaray Lisesi Tevfik Fikret Salonu'nda gerçekleştirilen seçimde, sarı-kırmızılı kulübün divan kurulu başkanlığı için Aykutalp Derkan ile Cengiz Ergani aday olarak yer aldı.
Saat 15.00 itibarıyla oy kullanma işleminin sona ermesinin ardından, 10 sandıkta sayım işlemine geçildi. Yapılan sayım sonrası Aykutalp Derkan'a 554 oy, Cengiz Ergani'ye ise 528 oy çıktı.
Derkan, oylama sonrası yaptığı konuşmada, Galatasaray demokrasisi için çok önemli bir günü geride bıraktıklarını belirterek, "Bugün sarı ve kırmızı renklerle yarıştık. Kazanan ise sarı-kırmızı oldu. Kazanan Galatasaray oldu. Çok yaşa Galatasaray." ifadelerini kullandı.
Voleybol Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi'nin 26. haftasında Fenerbahçe Medicana, deplasmanda Nilüfer Belediyespor ile karşılaştı. Fenerbahçe mücadeleyi 3-0 kazandı.
Voleybol Vodafone Sultanlar Ligi'nin 26. haftasında Fenerbahçe Medicana, deplasmanda Nilüfer Belediyespor'u 3-0 yendi.
Salon: Cengiz Göllü
Hakemler: Sadettin Deneri, Ahmet Oğuzhan Ünal
Nilüfer Belediyespor: Yasemin Şahin, Buse Pehlivan Ünal, Shemanova, Ecenur Aksoy, Orvosova, Edwards (Merve İzbilir, Sude Gümüş, Burcu Yönder, Öykü Saruhan, Sıla Zeynep Yaşar, Ndiaye)
Fenerbahçe Medicana: Dicle Nur Babat, Arelya Karasoy Koçaş, De Souza, Aslı Kalaç, Ghani, Milenkovic (Gizem Örge, Sude Hacımustafaoğlu, Fatma Beyaz)
Setler: 16-25, 21-25, 29-31
Süre: 92 dakika
Fenerbahçe'de Karagümrük hezimetinin yankıları sürüyor...İstifa sesleri dört bir yandan yankılanmaya devam ederken yönetim cephesinden de hamle geldi. Akşam saatlerinde yapılan toplantıdan 'devam' kararı çıktı.
Fenerbahçe'de dün yaşanan Fatih Karagümrük mağlubiyetinin ardından teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco ve sportif direktör Devin Özek'in de katıldığı yönetim kurulu toplantısı yapıldı.
Atatürk Olimpiyat Stadı'nda oynanan ve Fatih Karagümrük'ün 2-0 kazandığı mücadelenin ardından Fenerbahçe Başkanı Sadettin Saran ve yönetim kurulu üyeleri, statta kısa bir toplantı yapmış ve bugün için teknik direktör Domenico Tedesco ve sportif direktör Devin Özek'le toplantı yapma kararı almıştı.
Sarı-lacivertli yönetimin, Tedesco ve Devin Özek'le yapılan görüşmelerden sonra 'devam' kararı çıktı.
Takım kaptanlarıyla da konuştuklarının altını çizen Saran, şunları söyledi:
"Gerekli ültimatomlar verildi, bir daha tekrarlanmayacak. Hocamızla devam ediyoruz. Bu arada primler verilmemiş gibi spekülasyonlar var. Hak edilip de verilmeyen prim yok. Bunları söyleyenler yalan söylüyor. Bugüne kadar söylediğimiz futbolun tam dışında bir futbol oynandı dün. Çok şaşırdık, çok üzüldük. Bugün arkadaşlarla da konuştuk, bu saate kadar da buradayız işte. Devin Özek'le de devam ediyoruz. Bir daha böyle bir şey olmayacak, gereken ültimatomlar verildi."
Beşiktaş'ın Gençlerbirliği maçı kamp kadrosu açıklandı. Kadroda Emirhan Topçu ve El Bilal Toure'nin yanı sıra Taylan Bulut yer almadı.
Trendyol Süper Lig'in 26. haftasında yarın Natura Dünyası Gençlerbirliği'ne konuk olacak Beşiktaş'ın kamp kadrosu belli oldu.
Siyah-beyazlıların kamp kadrosunda, sakatlıklarını atlatan ve çalışmalara başlayan Emirhan Topçu ve El Bilal Toure'nin yanı sıra Taylan Bulut yer almadı.
Beşiktaş'ın Gençlerbirliği maçı kamp kadrosunda şu isimler bulunuyor:
Ersin Destanoğlu, Devis Vasquez, Emre Bilgin, Wilfred Ndidi, Milot Rashica, Salih Uçan, Hyeon-gyu Oh, Orkun Kökçü, Cengiz Ünder, Emmanuel Agbadou, Felix Uduokhai, Junior Olaitan, Kartal Kayra Yılmaz, Vaclav Cerny, Kristjan Asllani, Gökhan Sazdağı, Jota Silva, Rıdvan Yılmaz, Tiago Djalo, Yasin Özcan, Amir Murillo, Mustafa Erhan Hekimoğlu.
Barcelona, Julian Alvarez'i yaz döneminde kadrosuna katmayı hedefliyor. Atletico Madrid ise oyuncusunu direkt rakibine vermeyi istemiyor. Barça bu sebeple Galatasaray'ın kapısını çalabilir.
Atletico Madrid, takımdan ayrılmayı düşünen Julian Alvarez'i 85 milyon euro karşılığında bir Premier Lig ekibine satmaya sıcak bakıyor. Arjantinli yıldızı transfer listesinin en üst sırasına yazan Barcelona'ya ise soğuk yaklaşılıyor. Madrid Yönetimi, oyuncusunu direkt rakibine vermeyi hiç istemiyor.
FAZLASINI DA VERSELER
Yani Barcelona, 85 milyon euronun çok üzerine çıksa bile Atletico Madrid bu öneriyi kabul etmeyecek. Bu durumda Barça'nın, Osimhen için Galatasaray'la pazarlık masasına oturabileceği öğrenildi. Sarı-Kırmızılılar, Nijeryalı yıldızı kesinlikle satmak istemiyor. Ancak oyuncudan bu yönde bir talep gelirse durum değişebilir.
BAYERN MÜNİH VE PSG
Victor Osimhen'in Galatasaray'daki kontratı 30 Haziran 2029 tarihine kadar sürüyor. Sarı-Kırmızılılar bu sezon başında Napoli'ye 75 milyon euro ödeyerek yıldız forvetin tapusunu almıştı. Osimhen'le ilgili Barcelona dışında Bayern Münih ve PSG iddiaları da var... Çok hareketli bir yaz dönemi geçirilebilir...
“Sabah”ın baş məşqçisi Valdas Dambrauskas Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının 24-cü turunda “İmişli”yə qarşı keçirdikləri oyunu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, sözügedən komandaların bu gün Qubada baş tutmuş görüşü “Sabah”ın 5:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.
Dambrauskas matçdan sonra təşkil edilmiş mətbuat konfransında bunları söyləyib:
“Qələbəyə görə çox xoşbəxtəm. Bu meydançada oynamaq çox çətindir. Bütün komandalar burada çətinlik çəkirlər. 10-15 metr məsafədən ötürmə verəndə top sıçrayır. Qələbə münasibətilə bütün “Sabah” ailəsini təbrik edirəm. Bu oyunu unudub qarşıdakı “Sumqayıt”la matça köklənəcəyik.
Məhsuldar çıxışımızın sirrinə gəlincə, futbolçular verdiyimiz tapşırıqları düzgün yerinə yetirirlər. Artıq bizim öz kimliyimiz, öz tərzimiz yaranıb. Oyunçularımız bu sistemə uyğunlaşırlar. Üç gənc futbolçumuz (Xəyal Əliyev, Umarali Rahmonaliyev, Aaron Maluda) 15 dəfə fərqlənib. Çempionatın bu hissəsində oyunçuları fərqləndirmək istəməzdim. Kim meydana çıxırsa, bizə böyük fayda verir. Kahim Parris bir müddət oynamadı. Son iki matçda isə 3 qol vurub. Jesse Sekidika zədədən yeni qayıdıb. Oynadıqca formasını bərpa edir. Onlar məsuliyyəti öz üzərlərinə götürürlər. Öz işimizə, futbolçulara güvənirik. Onlar da bizə inanırlar. Düşünürəm ki, daha da yaxşısını edə bilərik. Çünki komandanın buna potensialı var. Çalışmaq və prosesə inanmaq lazımdır”.
Bu gün futbol üzrə Azərbaycan çempionatında (Premyer Liqa) 2025/2026-cı illər mövsümünün 24-cü turunun növbəti oyunları keçirilib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, ikinci oyun gününün ilk qarşılaşması Qubada baş tutub.
Lider “Sabah” burada “İmişli”nin qonağı olub. Oyunu Rauf Cabbarov idarə edib. Paytaxt təmsilçisi yekunda növbəti darmadağına imza atmaqla zirvədəki mövqeyini qoruyub.
Turun mərkəzi oyunu da bu gün baş tutacaq. “Zirə” son çempion “Qarabağ”ı qəbul edəcək.
Daha öncə keçirilmiş oyunlarda “Araz-Naxçıvan” “Karvan”a (2:1), “Şamaxı” “Sumqayıt”a (1:0) qalib gəlib. “Kəpəz” – “Turan Tovuz” və “Qəbələ” – “Neftçi” matçları isə sabah keçiriləcək.
Premyer Liqa
24-cü tur
14 mart
“İmişli” – “Sabah”
Hakimlər: Rauf Cabbarov, Akif Əmirəli, Şirmamed Mamedov, Alik Yunusov.
VAR: Əliyar Ağayev.
AVAR: Zöhrab Abbasov.
Hakim-inspektor: Ramil Diniyev.
AFFA nümayəndəsi: Kifayət Mutafayeva.
Quba Olimpiya İdman Kompleksinin stadionu. 15:00.
İmişli: 33. Andrey Sinenka, 19. Azər Salahlı (k), 5. İdris İnqilablı, 44. Həzrət İsayev, 94. Rafael Vyeqas, 10. Nikola Karaklaiç, 29. Edvin Banqera, 9. Dioqo Almeyda, 23. Dioqo Rollo, 17. Ezekiel Morqan, 7. Luis Silvestr.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 1. Hüseynəli Quliyev, 21. Abbas Ağazadə, 97. Xəzər Mahmudov, 3. Tuncay Yusifli, 30. Xəlil Mürsəlli, 20. Nazim Hüseynov, 79. Dioqo Kardoso.
Baş məşqçi: Xorxe Kaskilya.
Sabah: 92. Stas Pokatilov (k), 10. Aleksey İsayev, 5. Rəhman Daşdəmirov, 20. Coy Lens Mikels, 80. Akim Zedadka, 3. Stiv Solvet, 70. Jesse Sekidika, 27. Timoteuş Puxaç, 13. İvan Lepinitsa, 11. Kahim Parris, 7. Umarali Rahmonaliyev.
Ehtiyat oyunçular: 94. Rəvan Mirzəmmədov, 12. Rauf Əyyubov, 17. Tellur Mütəllimov, 2. Amin Seydiyev, 6. Abdulla Xaybullayev, 9. Xəyal Əliyev, 89. Cəfər Muxtarov, 21. Velko Simiç, 40. İqor Noqeyra, 22. Zinedin Uld Xaled, 53. Andrey Santos, 83. Stefen Ende.
Baş məşqçi: Valdas Dambrauskas.
“Barselona”nın keçmiş baş məşqçisi, ispaniyalı futbol mütəxəssisi Xavi Ernandes Kataloniya klubuna bir daha qayıtmayacaq.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Xavi “blauqrana” ilə bağlı fəslin onun üçün qapandığını şəxsən bildirib:
“Barselona” adlı fəsil mənim üçün başa çatıb. Qayıtmaq niyyətində deyiləm”, deyə Xavi vurğulayıb.
Yeri gəlmişkən, “Barselona”nın keçmiş oyunçusu, hazırda “Komo”da çıxış edən 34 yaşlı ispaniyalı mərkəz yarımmüdafiəçisi Serji Roberto “blauqrana”nın cari mövsümdəki çıxışını qiymətləndirib. İspan futbolçunun müvafiq açıqlamasını təqdim edirik:
“Barselona”nın bir oyununu da buraxmıram. Fikrimcə, komanda ilə hər şey qaydasında olacaq. Şadam ki, ümumilikdə “Barselona”nın işləri yaxşıdır”, deyə Roberto vurğulayıb.
Xatırladaq ki, “Barselona” İspaniya La Liqasının cari mövsümündə 27 oyuna topladığı 67 xalla yarış cədvəlinin zirvəsində qərarlaşıb. Kataloniya təmsilçisi 22 qələbə qazandığı halda 1 heç-heçə edib, 4 məğlubiyyətə üzülüb.
“Barselona” UEFA Çempionlar Liqasının 1/8 final mərhələsində qarşılaşdığı İngiltərənin “Nyukasl” komandası ilə ilk oyundan da 1:1 hesablı heç-heçə ilə ayrılıb. Cavab qarşılaşması gələn həftə İspaniyada baş tutacaq.
Madrid “Ateltiko”sunun baş məşqçisi Dieqo Simeone “döşəkçilər”in fransalı hücumçusu Antuan Qrizmann haqda qənaətini açıqlayıb.
Arena.az argentinalı mütəxəssisin müvafiq açıqlamasını təqdim edir:
“Antuan bizim üçün dayaq nöqtəsi, son dərəcədə vacib oyunçudur. Ümidvaram, o, bundan sonra da bunca səmərəli olacaq. Onu çox sevirəm. Ona və ailəsinə ən yaxşısını diləyirəm. O, karyerası üçün nəyin yaxşı olacağına özü qərar verəcək”, deyə Dieqo Simeone vurğulayıb.
“Real Sosyedad” futbol akademiyasının yetirməsi olan Antuan Qrizmann “Atletiko”ya 2014-cü ilin iyulunda elə, San-Sebastyan klubundan keçib. Daha sonra isə fransalı futbolçu bir neçə mövsüm “Atletiko” ilə “Barselona” arasında satış və icarə əsasında var-gəl edib. 2023-cü ilin iyulunda isə Antuan 20 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində “Barselona”dan tamhüquqlu əsasda “Atletiko”ya transfer edilib. Qrizmanın Madrid klubu ilə müqaviləsinin müddəti 2027-ci ilin iyun ayının sonuna qədər qüvvədədir.
Cari mövsümdə Qrizmann “döşəkçilər”in heyətində 40 oyuna çıxıb, 13 qola imza atıb, 4 məhsuldar ötürmə müəllifi olub.
Onun “Atletiko”nun heyətində ümumi statistikası isə belədir: 485 oyun, 211 qol və 97 məhsuldar ötürmə.
Qrizmann “Atletiko” tarixinin ən sərrast futbolçusudur.
Antuan “Atletiko” ilə İspaniya Super Kubokunun (2014/2015), Avropa Liqasının (2017/2018), UEFA Super Kubokunun (2017/2018) qalibi olub.
Qrizmann 2014-cü ilin martında debüt etdiyi Fransa yığmasının heyətində 137 oyun keçirib, 44 qol vurub, 38 məhsuldar ötürmə verib. Antuan “xoruzlarlar”la 2018-ci ildə Rusiyada keçirilmiş dünya çempionatının və 2021 UEFA Millətlər Liqasının qalibi olub.
Qrizmann həmçinin 2016-cı ildə Fransada keçirilmiş Avropa çempionatının finalçısı və 6 qolla ən sərrast futbolçusu olub.
“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 34 yaşlı fransalı hücumçunun transfer dəyərini 11 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.
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