When it comes to the best soccer clubs in Ohio you can bet there is a lot of talent.  I remember flying into Cleveland years ago to visit a friend of mine who at the time ran one of the top 3 biggest futsal leagues in the country…  Two things stuck out to me… Good soccer and cold weather:)  Cincinnati is another city I’ve been to.  It’s one of the top youth soccer cities in America in terms of the amount of kids enrolled in soccer.  Then you have Columbus who has an MLS pro team…  Ohio is a big soccer state. 

Research on soccer clubs in Ohio

Based on the research I did on the following websites…  Soccer Wire, Soccer America, Top Drawer and ECNL you’ll get a recent and accurate rating. 

Besides seeing which clubs are ranked in America and the Midwest and which teams help produce national and college players, I also asked a friend [Chris] who’s coached in the Cleveland area for over 12+ years.  

This article took several hours to put together because besides researching from the league sites, I also went to the club sites. 

Of the club sites, some are easier to gather info than others.  I want you to be able to see their location, as well as success and history.  Hope it helps you! 

Leagues by age and gender

There are MANY leagues in US youth soccer…  

Age 10-11 is when things become more competitive.  Age 12-13 is when you want to have already been prepared technically.

On the girls side, ECNL is the highest level for U-13 – U19 teams. 

On the boys side the highest level is MLS Academy, ECNL is 2nd tier.  There are great players and teams who don’t compete in either of these leagues, so don’t think this is the “best” option for you.  Players who play in “lower tier leagues” still get college soccer opportunities.  

GIRLS

1) Internationals 

Established in 1983

2007 & 2008: The girls program was recognized as one of the top 25 programs in the nation.

2012 excepted into the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL] 

The girls teams have won more State, Regional and National Titles than any other NE Ohio club.  

The International Girls Soccer Club has developed National Team players, professional players, and has sent hundreds of players on to the collegiate ranks.  

Main location: Medina, OH  [32 miles south from downtown Cleveland] 

2) Cincinnati United

Cincinnati United brings together four of the area’s top, most recognized Clubs, Cincinnati United Premier (CUP), Lakota United Soccer Club, Sycamore Soccer Club (Arsenal), SCSA and combines them into one exceptional program.  

Their Juniors program is for ages 3 – U-8 and is a bridge between rec and competitive. 

Cincinnati United has premier and competitive programs for U8 – U19 teams, plus GA teams. 

Main location:  Greater Cincinnati 

3) Ohio Premier

Established in 1993

Premier co-ed soccer club offering programming for youths 5-19 years of age, located in the greater Columbus, Ohio area.

Ohio Premier has teams participating in the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL] 

The club has girls who recently committed to Stanford University, University of Tennessee, Bowling Green, University of Cincinnati and more.  They have 20-30 signees each year. 

Main location:  Dublin, OH  [17 miles northwest from downtown Columbus]

4) Cleveland Force

U-5 to U-19 for youth teams.  The Cleveland Force also has teams all the way up to USL League 2 and W League, which is a pre-professional pathway. 

U-13 – U-19 Elite Clubs National League [ECNL]

6 grads with national team playing experience

40+ grads with professional playing experience 

450+ grads with collegiate playing experience 

Main location: East, West and South Cleveland  

5) Ohio Elite

Established in 2002

The Ohio Elite Soccer Academy will offer teams U9-U18 age groups for both boys and girls. The Academy will offer a U8 program for boys and girls that will be structured as a non-result based, fun, learning environment. 

Ohio Elite is a member of the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL].  

They graduate 20-40 girls and boys each year to college soccer programs [200+ total] 

2 professional players, 5 high school players of the year, 14 youth all-americans

Main location:  West Chester, OH [20 miles north of Cincinnati]

BOYS

1) Cincinnati United 

Cincinnati United brings together four of the area’s top, most recognized Clubs, Cincinnati United Premier (CUP), Lakota United Soccer Club, Sycamore Soccer Club (Arsenal), SCSA and combines them into one exceptional program.  

Their Juniors program is for ages 3 – U-8 and is a bridge between rec and competitive. 

Cincinnati United has premier and competitive programs for U8 – U19 teams.  MLS Next U-11 to U-14.

Main location:  Greater Cincinnati 

2) Team Challenger FC

Established in 2007

They are a top developmental club in all of Ohio and our teams compete in State, Regional and National level competitions on a regular basis.

Based in the Cleveland/Akron, Ohio area. Team Challenger provides a unique opportunity for serious, skilled and dedicated soccer players. The club consists of both boys and girls ranging from the ages of 6–18 years old.

20+ college signees 

Main location: Cleveland & Akron, OH

3) Club Ohio

Club Ohio offers soccer for ages 5 – 19. 

Their juniors program is for ages 5-6 and is an excellent supplement to your player’s recreation team training.

Main location:  Dayton and Dublin, OH

4) Ohio Premier

Established in 1993

Ohio Premier is a co-ed soccer club offering programming for youths 5-19 years of age, located in the greater Columbus, Ohio area.

OP has teams participating in the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL] 

The club has girls who recently committed to Stanford University, University of Tennessee, Bowling Green, University of Cincinnati and more.  They have 20-30 signees each year. 

Main location:  Dublin, OH  [17 miles northwest from downtown Columbus]

5) Spire FC

Spire FC  is a youth soccer organization dedicated to challenging and assisting young soccer players on a quest to reach their highest potential. 

Teams competing from ages 9 – 19. 

Elite Club National League:  Regional – (ECNLR- Club v Club centric) 

US Youth Soccer Sanctioned 

US YOUTH National League – National 

Great Lakes Conference – REGIONAL 

Main location:  Geneva and Downtown Cleveland, OH

More top clubs in Ohio

It’s hard to pick only 5 clubs, so here are more… 

• Sporting Columbus  
• FC Dayton 
• TFA Cincinnati 
• GTFC Impact 
• Pacesetter Soccer Club 
• Ohio Galaxies 

Top 5 clubs by state / region 

• North Texas [Dallas/Fort Worth]
• Southern California [L.A. & San Diego]

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It’s suggested that not only will Haller do strength and conditioning training, but he could also do some light ball work as he looks to return to full fitness.

Haller (28) joined Borussia Dortmund for €31m from Ajax but it yet to kick a ball in a competitive fixture for Die Schwarzgelben. The French-Ivorian complained of feeling unwell during BVB’s pre-season training camp and upon examinations, it became known that he had a testicular tumour.

Although Haller is reportedly returning to training in the new year, there is no expectation on when the former Eintracht Frankfurt and West Ham forward will return in a match environment – those at the club don’t want to put any pressure on the attacker.

Haller, upon invitation from FIFA, attended the World Cup in Qatar.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

This interest comes after VfB lost 3-0 to FC Luzern in a friendly, this saw Bruno Labbadia point out the problem areas of the team, who said: “There is a lack of structure.” 

Guilavogui is a player that interests Labbadia, this is due to the 32-year-old being a model professional, experienced in the Bundesliga, disciplined, and German-speaking. His contract at Wolfsburg expires in the summer of 2023 and an extension is unlikely at Wolfsburg, however, the price for the Frenchman may exceed what VfB can afford. 

Guilavogui first moved to Wolfsburg in 2014 on loan from Atletico Madrid then two years later made his move permanent. He would go on to spend six years at Wolfsburg even captaining them before being moved on loan to Bordeaux in January of 2022. Since his return, he has played 12 games for the wolves but he is no longer the starter he used to be for them. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan

On the topic, Glasner said: “I wasn’t asked. But I had contact. One minute. Then it was clear to both sides that there is a better team boss for Austria than Oliver Glasner – and that it is a better option for Oliver Glasner to stay in Frankfurt.” 

However the 48-year-old did not rule out potentially coaching his homeland in the future: “National coach in his own country is the most honorable task.” He also reiterated the fact that he has no career plan: “I don’t have a career plan. So far, I have taken so many branches in my life and in my coaching career. I will make a decision that I consider right for myself and my family. If I feel like I’m in the right place and in the right place, then that fits.”

The 48-year-old began his career in the Red Bull system with his first foray into managing at Liefering. He would go on to have stints at SV Ried and LASK before moving to Wolfsburg in 2019. 

Glasner has a contract at Frankfurt until 2024 having joined them from Wolfsburg in 2021. The Austrian led Frankfurt to their second Europa League trophy 42 years after their first in 1980.

They finish 2022 fourth in the Bundesliga and Glasner has gotten the best out of players such as Daichi Kamada, Jesper Lindstrøm, and summer signing Randal Kolo Muani, which has resulted in them having the second-best attack in the league only bettered by Bayern Munich.

GGFN | Jack Meenan 

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Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Piero Hincapie to north London in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Dharmesh Sheth, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that Chelsea have now joined the race for the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back this winter, with Graham Potter said to view the 20-year-old as a potential alternative to RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.

Sheth went on to state that the Ecuador international, who has also been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham in recent weeks, will likely be available for a figure in the region of €30m (£26m) in January.

Regarding the future of the centre-back, the reporter said: “Chelsea looking at Bayer Leverkusen central defender Piero Hincapie as a potential alternative to RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. Hincapie played all of Ecuador’s group games at the World Cup. Contract runs until 2026. Told deal for 20-year-old could be done at €30m.”

“Big talent”

Considering just how exciting a young prospect Hincapie has very much proven himself to be over the past year, the argument that Antonio Conte simply must do everything in his power to beat Chelsea in the race for the 20-year-old’s signature this winter is an extremely easy one to make.

Indeed, according to FBref, the £52.5m-rated talent currently ranks in the top 13% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for tackles per 90, in addition to the top 8% for blocks and the top 39% for interceptions – proving just how strong the 20-year-old already is in a defensive capacity.

The £19.5k-per-week Ecuadorian is also extremely impressive with the ball at his feet, with FBref also ranking Hincapie in the top 20% of his positional peers for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 4% for dribbles completed, the top 34% for progressive passes, the top 15% for shot-creating actions and the top 7% for xAG – xG which follows a pass that assists a shot.

These metrics see FBref compare the youngster who David Cartlidge dubbed a “big talent” to some of the most impressive centre-backs currently playing the game, such as Tottenham’s own Cristian Romero, Chelsea stopper Kalidou Koulibaly and Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.

As such, considering his strength at the back, his ability to both play and carry the ball out of defence and the fact he is reported to be available for a fee that is roughly £26.5m less than his current market valuation, should Conte manage to get a deal over the line for the “tenacious” – in the words of Jacek Kulig – Hincapie this winter, it would very much represent a major coup for Spurs.

Source

West Bromwich Albion have been reaping the rewards of their new leadership of late, with Carlos Corberan having masterminded their five-match winning streak despite having not made any signings of his own.

It therefore makes the January transfer window all the more promising, as he can add to a group of players who are currently on a roll.

Of the rumours swirling around, the most plausible and prominent is linking the Baggies with a move for Huddersfield Town midfielder Jon Russell, with the Jamaican having broken into the first team under Corberan during their mutual time at the John Smith’s Stadium.

He became a mainstay for the Terrier’s promotion push last season which only ended in a Championship play-off final defeat, anchoring the engine room with composure and class beyond his years.

Adding him to Albion’s squad and pairing him with Tom Rogic could form one of the best midfields in the Championship, offering the perfect balance between defensive steel and attacking impetus.

The 22-year-old could be particularly impressive playing alongside the Australian, who has recorded a goal and an assist in his last two matches. This has seen his average Sofascore rating for the campaign increase to 6.85, despite only averaging 33 minutes per game.

Rogic has now established himself as a cemented starter at The Hawthorns, and if Russell could come in and perform similarly to last season, he could inspire another club to potential play-off glory.

During the 2021/22 campaign, he averaged a 7.03 Sofascore rating as he maintained an 87% pass accuracy. He paired that with a hulking physique, as the 6 foot 4 titan recorded 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and one clearance per game (via Sofascore).

He would offer West Brom a metronome-like quality in midfield, along with a work rate and solidity which could see them dominate their battles in the middle of the park.

Such is Russell’s ability that Danny Schofield claimed that the Terriers always knew he would be a “special talent”, with the former Huddersfield boss adding: “He’s got real ability with the ball, very composed in central areas…”.

To acquire a player of his talent and to pair him with someone of Rogic’s experience has the makings of a powerful midfield partnership. Should Corberan make it happen, West Brom will surely not be in the Championship for much longer. 

Source

Michael Beale got off to the best possible start as Glasgow Rangers manager with a 3-2 victory in the Premiership last week, and he will be hoping the momentum carries forward into subsequent matches.

The 42-year-old still has a lot of work to do at Ibrox and he will be hoping to add a few new faces to the playing squad when the January transfer window opens in the next couple of weeks.

With Beale looking at getting rid of some deadwood and aiming to sign some young talent, being linked with Birmingham City midfielder Jobe Bellingham (brother of Jude) might not come as much of a surprise.

However, considering that the likes of Nice, Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United are all keen on the 17-year-old, it could be a tough fight for his signature.

Imagine him and Alex Lowry

Beale has pledged to give youngsters at Ibrox plenty of chances to impress during his tenure at Ibrox, and with a plethora of talent at his disposal – including Lowry, Zak Lovelace, Adam Devine, and Charlie McCann, among others – he could almost certainly save a fortune in the transfer market by doing so.

Indeed, Bellingham – who was described as “fantastic” by Birmingham manager John Eustace – could go on to eventually form an excellent duo in the future with Lowry in the middle of the pitch.

The 19-year-old is arguably one of the finest youth talents to come from the Rangers academy in recent years and has been likened to Barry Ferguson for his playing style, which sees the youngster play slightly further forward in the midfield as he is able to utilise his excellent attacking capabilities.

He scored on his senior debut for the club in January and appears to have everything it takes to succeed at Ibrox.

Bellingham might be a tad too young to have a significant influence at Rangers over the next season or two. However, with Steven Davis, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack all out of contract at the end of the season, and the loan deal of James Sands expiring, there could soon be plenty of berths available to claim in the Light Blues’ midfield.

If Beale manages to lure 17-year-old Bellingham – who has already played 12 English Championship matches this term – the next few years will see Ibrox awash with young talent who could become the next generation of players for the club and save Rangers millions in transfer fees in the process.

Source

In some ways, Argentina's Lionel Messi 'completed' football when he and his South American teammates lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time on December 18.

For many in the sport he was already considered the greatest of all-time but his overall 2022 World Cup performance to help secure Argentina's third title was immense even by his sky-high standards.

Here, The Sporting News keet track of all the data that mattered the most during Messi's time at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Lionel Messi 2022 World Cup stats

After performing at an incredibly high level for club side PSG so far this season, Messi entered the 2022 World Cup in fine form, and he carried that into the tournament, in some style.

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An exciting youthful spark in Atlanta’s offense

When the 2022 MLS summer transfer window hit, not many folks were banking on Atlanta United targeting a young, Colombian winger named Edwin Mosquera. A U-22 initiative signing, Edwin was officially announced as an Atlanta United player on July 12th, 2022, arrived in Atlanta on August 2nd, and first hit the pitch for the Five Stripes against the Seattle Sounders on August 6th. He hit the ground running, quite literally, and racked up some impressive attacking sequences with a bit of wonderfully welcome attitude, to boot.

Most often utilized as a second-half sub to wield his speed against tired legs, Mosquera would finish off the season with two assists to his name in 312 minutes played. Arguably his best match came on September 10th against Toronto FC where he contributed the assist by winning a header directly into the path of Thiago Almada, who found the back of the net in style.

The young man wasn’t without some spicy shots of his own, though. Edwin quickly revealed himself as a vertical runner unafraid to take on defenders 1v1, and his efforts were almost rewarded against the Columbus Crew on August 21st when he scored a beauty that was ruled offside after some shoddy officiating (thanks Joe Dickerson). It was this same match that he tallied his other assist on a corner that found an airborne Juanjo Purata, and if you remember that match...ball don’t lie (you’re welcome, Joe Dickerson).

Mosquera brings plenty to be excited about, especially from a growth standpoint, but let’s take an overall look at how his short time with the Five Stripes has played out.

Stats

Minutes: 312 (12 matches played, 1 start)

Goals: 1 0 (Thanks a ton, Joe Dickerson)

Assists: 2

What Went Right?

Edwin Mosquera wasn’t brought to Atlanta to slot directly in as a starter on the wings; he’s still very young and has plenty of development. But his ceiling seems very high, and he’s genuinely an exciting player to watch. Perhaps his most notable skill right now is his speed up and down the wings, but that’s followed closely by his fearlessness. He’s not perfect on the ball, but he isn’t afraid to try going direct either, and it almost paid off more than once for the young man in 2022.

Having Edwin on the U-22 initiative is great for the Five Stripes, as well. It gave the club the potential of very high reward with relatively low risk, and who knows, if Mosquera does evolve into a full starter or even an effective super-sub, Atlanta could be sitting on a gem. Ultimately, though, he provided a spark in the attack that was simply refreshing to see at a point when Atlanta United was floundering. That type of observation isn’t measured by stats or backed up via video reviews, it’s simply an intangible based on the style of play he brought to the pitch.

Also, the guy who styles himself after Robinho gets extra bonus points for being quick to stand up to anyone on the field and defend his team, yet another trait of which this Atlanta United team needs a tad more. The three yellow cards he accrued proves he’s on the right track.

What To Improve On?

The easy answer here is Mosquera simply needs to fine-tune his touches. There were a few times throughout his limited minutes where Edwin turned the ball over too easily, and twice where he mis-touched a pass out to the wing that led to a throw-in for the opposition. He isn’t afraid to track back and fight for the ball in those situations, though, and his defensive actions are decent for such an attack-oriented player. That’s part of the play style Gonzalo Pineda wants to implement; the team has to fall back and defend quickly when they turn the ball over, and if Mosquera can polish up a bit on both sides of the ball, he’ll be an wonderful talent. The main challenge for him will be staying focused with that “first to arrive, last to leave” mentality in training.

What Role Will He Play in 2023?

Expect Edwin Mosquera to continue his role as a speedy sub who can catch a defense off guard. With the offseason addition of Derrick Etienne, Jr, Five Stripe fans can only hope the newcomer will take Edwin under his wing, elevate his game, and build his status as Mosquera works through his four year contract. Additionally, Etienne provides a distinct play style to the left wing, so Edwin’s standing as a game-changing sub may be more impactful in 2023 because he’ll be running at incredibly tired defenders after Derrick is through with them. He also has the added benefit of being comfortable on both wings so there will likely be plenty of moments when fans see a combination of Edwin/Etienne or Edwin/Luiz Araujo as the season progresses. Get to know him and hope for his success, as he’s here to stay!

Overall Player Grade: B- (thanks Joe Dickerson)

Make sure to leave your thoughts and comments below!

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Helpful safety tips for beginner hockey players help you enjoy the game Hockey is a fast and exciting sport. As much as we all try to avoid them, injuries can and do happen. Some of the more common ones in ice hockey are sprains, bruises, or cuts. However, that does not mean you should stop […]

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Portugal might have suffered a shock exit from the 2022 World Cup at the hands of Morocco, but Joao Felix still managed to shine for his national team. The 23-year-old’s talent has always been apparent. This, however, was the first time many fans have seen Felix produce a consistent run of form for club or country.

Most agree Atletico Madrid has been a bad fit for Felix. The Portuguese attacker is restricted by Diego Simeone’s conservative approach and needs a fresh start at a new club to get his career back on track. But which Premier League club would be best for Felix? Here are four potential options.

Chelsea

The World Cup break came at a good time for Chelsea as Graham Potter continues to remould the squad he inherited in his own image. The former Brighton boss has experimented with different shapes and formations and the signing of Felix would help him toggle between different approaches such is his flexibility.

Recent reports claimed Chelsea are interested in Christopher Nkunku, hinting at Potter’s intention to rebuild his attack in the January transfer window. Felix could perform a similar role to Nkunku in that both attackers are versatility and bring energy and drive to their teams’ play in the final third. The Portuguese international would strengthen the Blues.

Manchester City

Manchester City’s interest in Felix is a long-standing one. Before Atletico Madrid paid a club-record fee of €126m for the teenager, the Premier League champions were widely seen as the frontrunners to sign the Portuguese youngster. Recent reports suggest they’d still like to add Felix to their squad.

Felix certainly has the technical ability to succeed in a Pep Guardiola team. Some have questioned his commitment to helping out defensively, but the 23-year-old’s performances at the 2022 World Cup suggest he is willing to perform such duties for the right manager in the right team. City would revitalise Felix.

Manchester United

Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United are a work-in-progress, but there’s no denying the Old Trafford side have taken a step or two forward under the Dutchman. United look defensively strong with Casemiro making an impact in central midfield. However, Ten Hag still needs attacking difference makers and that’s where Felix could be useful.

Felix is capable of playing in every position across the frontline. He is also comfortable in a central role in behind a number nine. There are questions over how Felix would handle the physicality of the Premier League, but Ten Hag would have a talented player to mould in his own image should a deal be agreed.

Newcastle United

Newcastle United are flying high under Eddie Howe with the Magpies in contention for Champions League qualification. The St James’ Park club have spent wisely in the transfer market since last year’s Saudi Arabia-backed takeover, but Felix would be a statement signing and could propel them towards a top four finish.

Howe already has Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin to provide creative spark in the attacking third, but Felix would give Newcastle a different dimension. He could play as a central attacking focal point behind Callum Wilson or even as part of the midfield unit to provide more dynamism through the middle.

The post Chelsea, Man Utd, Newcastle – which Premier League would be the best fit for Joao Felix? appeared first on Colossus Blog.

The Celtics have lost four of their last five games.

How worried are you on a panic scale of 1 to 10 and what is the Celtics biggest issue?

Bill Sy: I’m at a 5. Watching everybody’s body language and listening to the postgame pressers, it seems largely mental at this point — missed shots leads to frustration leads to lapses and low effort on defense. If head coach Joe Mazzulla is unfazed by Boston’s shot selection, I’ll try to be, too.

Gregory Maneikis: I’m at a 3. It’s hard to sustain elite success over an entire 82-game season, and there aren’t quite as many cupcakes on the schedule as previous years. I know some might differ, but the Magic, when healthy are a real NBA team with some dogs. Losing back-to-back is inexcusable, but it shows the importance of execution, boxing out, etc. if you want to win the average NBA basketball game.

To me, their biggest issue is just that. Things were so easy early in the season, they didn’t need to worry about all of the little things. Now the book is out on how to slow down the offense, so the C’s will need to recommit to playing mistake-free basketball because when the offense isn’t there, the real game begins.

Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

William Weir: It’s a 3 for me. Gotta tighten things up for sure but a lot of it comes down to a poor shooting stretch. They are 29th & 30th respectively shooting the 3 and from the field the last 5 games, but 4th and 6th in the NBA on the season for those categories. A lot of the role players are going through shooting funks at the same time, but water will find its level. They are still getting good looks, just not good results. Rob is back. Defense is improving They’ll be fine.

Mike Dynon: Level 5. I’d like to believe the offensive slump is just the flip side of the way-above-average first 20-25 games. That would be normal. But the problem is, when the shots stop falling, the Celtics tend to revert to bad habits. The ball movement disappears, hero ball creeps in, and as we saw in Sunday’s game, they still have difficulty executing winning plays in the final minute of a close contest.

Joe Mazzulla is facing adversity for the first time as a head coach. How will he respond? What will it take to get back on track? They need to restore some confidence before the Christmas showdown with Milwaukee, or the panic level will rise for sure.

Ben Vallis: I’m at a 2. This team knows what they’re capable of. They’ve demonstrated what they’re capable of. Better to get that wakeup call now (as opposed to the playoffs), that reminder that, despite their talent and depth, their wins won’t just come easy.

There’s also a few things in flux that I’m happy to give them a few more games to get in control of. Rob is a major piece who is still in the early stages of being reintegrated, White and Hauser are experiencing their first ever true NBA shooting slumps, and Tatum is perhaps experiencing some fatigue after starting the season in “Finals revenge/MVP overdrive” mode.

It’s more about how they respond, and at this point there’s not been much reason to doubt they can respond appropriately. Maybe a lame analogy, but whenever I get myself into half decent shape, I’m always like “okay, that’s done” and then start eating like crap again. The Celtics are in this phase of their basketball diet currently.

Jake Issenberg: 2 for me as well. The core of Tatum/Brown/Smart have proven that they can win at the highest level for years now. But if we know anything about that core, it’s they can fall into bad habits from time to time. They likely heard the outside noise, “Best offense in league history”, “Best scoring duo since Shaq and Kobe”. It’s human nature to fall into bad habits once in a while. The question will be how fast can they pull out of it. They will see on film the stark difference between what made them the best team in the league and where playing like they did against the Magic will get them. It’s a good test for Mazulla and the core to pull the team out of the tailspin, because there will be more adversity down the line. There’s no better time to go through some adversity than when you are (were) the 1 seed.

Trevor Hass: I’d say I’m at a 2. Hiccups are inevitable, even in a championship season. A six-game road trip against largely good teams is inherently tough, and a couple duds against the Magic don’t mean the parade is off. At the same time, it’s fair to be a little concerned short term. If this continues, and they drop, say, 8 of 10, then it’s fair to be worried big picture (I’d probably go to a 4 at that point). I expect them to get out of this slump and return to their winning ways in the near future.

The Celtics have lost their mojo heading into the holidays

1. Ugh.

Just ugh.

The Boston Celtics seven-game homestand is off to a terrible start with back-to-back losses to the Orlando Magic. We said after Friday’s loss that Orlando is better than most realize, especially now that they are getting healthy. But this is still a team Boston should be handling at home, even if Jayson Tatum is out.

The Celtics have the New England Patriots to thank for keeping them off the front page as a “What’s wrong with the Celtics?” story and as the lead topic of every sports radio show. The Pats epic debacle in Las Vegas knocked the Celtics off the map for at least a day or so.

2. Boston cleaned up a lot of their defensive issues from the first lost to Orlando. That included the defensive rebounding…for most of the game.

Late in the game, it became a problem again for the Celtics. And, as per usual when this is an issue, Boston is just outhustled for the ball.

No one gets a body on Markelle Fultz here and he finds Franz Wagner for the second-chance triple:

Down by one, the Celtics get the stop. But Two-Way player Kevon Harris outraces everyone to the loose rebound. Also, why is Grant Williams holding is block out for so long and not pursuing the rebound?

Needing to get a stop again, Boston comes up with one. But once again, Fultz outhustles everyone to come up with the big rebound:

Three times in the final two minutes of a close game the Celtics let guards beat them to the boards. That can’t happen.

3. The last Markelle Fultz rebound above didn’t come back to kill Boston, because Fultz committed a turnover on the inbounds play. Unfortunately, the Celtics gave it right back.

It’s unclear who was at fault here and no one was talking postgame, beyond “Didn’t execute”. Did Grant Williams lead Jaylen Brown too far? Did Brown stop his cut too early? Either way, this was bad:

Still, the Celtics had life. Down three, there was more than enough time left to get a good look up. Credit to the Magic for having everything covered, but the Celtics have to get a better shot than this:

Ball game. Back-to-back losses and four losses in the last five games.

4. The above were just the late-game follies that cost Boston. The main issues throughout the game were poor shooting and turnovers.

Only Malcolm Brogdon (3-of-6) and Marcus Smart (3-of-7) were decent from downtown. Everyone else combined to shoot 6-of-34 on three-pointers. And, for what it’s worth, Brogdon and Smart combined to shoot 2-of-10 on two-point shots.

When you start out historically good from behind the arc, there’s only one place to go. The Celtics have rapidly gotten to that place in the span of a week or so. Will that re-level some? Of course.

Right now, Boston is going through it. The shots are still mostly good ones. We don’t want the Celtics to pass up open or wide-open looks too often, but finding another way to score is a must.

As for turnovers, the overall numbers are starting to creep up. Jaylen Brown is clearly frustrated with getting called for so many travels. There seems to be a fairly easy answer for that: stop traveling so much. None of the calls against Brown are bad ones, nor are they him being officiated unfairly. He’s traveling and he’s getting called for it.

Marcus Smart and Grant Williams both had four turnovers on Sunday. Smart’s will come, to some extent, as a result of his role as the team’s point guard. But he’s committing some bad giveaways by trying to make highlight plays when a simple pass will do.

For Williams, he’s just trying to do too much sometimes. His improvement has been so good, that it’s fine for Williams to explore the studio space on occasion. But he has to remember his role and dial it back too.

5. The defense was better. Much better, actually. But Jaylen Brown falls asleep off-ball and gives up a layup at least once per game. In close games, these plays are killers:

Brown has no idea Markelle Fultz cut out of the corner until Fultz is catching the ball and laying it in. For a team with title aspirations, Brown has to be better than this.

6. The Celtics could be 81-0, lose the regular season finale and someone would suggest they need a trade. That’s sort of how our overreactionary world works now.

Boston doesn’t need a trade. They need the guys they have to play better. Sure, the next month-and-a-half may unveil a need for something Boston doesn’t have right now. But today, in mid-December, the Celtics don’t need to make a trade.

Also: If you say they need a trade, be prepared to suggest who Boston should trade for and, just as importantly, who the Celtics should trade away. And make sure it’s reasonable and legal too. There’s an awful lot of “Payton Pritchard and a first for (insert borderline All-Star here)” stuff out there that is completely nonsensical.

7. That said…the Celtics do need to shake up the rotation some. We hinted at this last Takeaways, but here’s a more fleshed out idea. Note: This is most effective when Rob Williams is able to play 25-30 minutes (which should be his top-out range in the regular season).

Starters:

· Rob Williams

· Al Horford

· Jayson Tatum

· Jaylen Brown

· Marcus Smart

Reserves:

· Malcolm Brogdon

· Derrick White

· Grant Williams

· Payton Pritchard

· Luke Kornet

In this scenario, Boston returns back to their starting group that dominated the NBA from January until Rob Williams got hurt. Brogdon and White get their 25 minutes per game off the bench, but by playing a lot in three-guard alignment. Both can hold their own against bigger players. Grant Williams plays his customary role as the third big. (On nights when Horford or Rob Williams sit, it’s Blake Griffin time.)

That leaves Pritchard and Kornet to get about 8-12 minutes a night as deeper depth. That should keep everyone fresh and rested, while still affording Joe Mazzulla the lineup versatility that makes the Celtics special.

Eventually, Sam Hauser can regain his rotation spot. But Hauser needs a little while to reset. When he gets back to making shots, drop Kornet or Pritchard, depending on what the game calls for.

8. Monday and Tuesday will be the first time the Celtics have had two consecutive days off without travel in a month. That means Tuesday should be a practice day, and that should do Boston wonders.

NBA teams rarely practice in-season. There just isn’t time. The every-other-day nature of the game schedule rarely affords it. The day after a game is a recovery and film day. The guys who are out of the rotation may scrimmage, but the regulars will get in a recovery workout and do film work.

With a practice day, and a healthy roster, Joe Mazzulla and staff can address some of the recent issues and maybe install a few new wrinkles. This practice day is hitting at the exact right time for the Celtics.

9. This is the last time we’ll address it (hopefully!), but Rob Williams looked good again. Williams hit the floor a couple of times, which was enough to catch the breath in the throat of Celtics fans. But he bounced right up and got back to it. Rhythm and conditioning are off for Williams, but that will come within the next week or two.

Yes, the last week has been crappy for the standings and the play on the floor. But if Williams stays healthy and the Celtics get back to being the Celtics again, this mid-December stretch of woe will be just a footnote.

10. As noted above, Boston doesn’t play again until Wednesday. That’s a couple of days to get things right. The Indiana Pacers are tough. They come at you in waves, as they play pretty fast. Indiana can get loose with a bunch of different guys who can shoot the ball.

This is a nice test for the Celtics and their mindset. Boston lost a couple to good teams out west and then came home and seemed to think they could just walk over the Magic. If they take a similar casual approach to the Pacers, the Celtics will lose again.

After a couple of days off, and a practice day, let’s hope Boston can rediscover what made them special to start the season. This is a good chance to get back on track building up to the big Christmas Day matchup against the now first-place Milwaukee Bucks.

Azzedine Ounahi, a Moroccan World Cup standout who is also a long-time target of AS Roma under Jose Mourinho, is reportedly being pursued by Leeds United.

The information supports recent claims made by Victor Orta that Andrea Radrizzani texted him asking about excellent midfielder for Angers.

“We are referring to Azzedine Ounahi, born in 2000 from Angers on whom Leeds is allegedly moving with some vehemence,” as quoted by asromalive.

Ounahi has dropped impressive performances for Morocco this World Cup and his value has sky-rocketed the past few weeks as he helped his national team reach semi-finals.

The post Radrizzani has messaged Victor Orta about enquiring about Morocco star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

With the return of club football kicking off this week, speculation continues to grow regarding Liverpool’s January transfer plans. 

Enzo Fernandez has been linked with the club for several weeks, though his price may have increased given his performances on the biggest stage in football – at the World Cup. He was awarded Young Player of the Tournament shortly after being crowned a world champion last night and played a key role in the Argentines’ journey to lifting the prestigious trophy.

Reports circulated last week suggesting that a deal was already in place between Benfica and the Merseyside team. Diario La Capital stated that the English side “already has an agreement in principle with the Portuguese club to incorporate the young Argentina midfielder from June 2023.”

Sources from both sides have since dismissed the claims, however, there is evident interest coming from Liverpool given the links.

More Stories / Latest News

Enzo Fernandez transfer latest as Liverpool and FSG make January plan

Dec 19 2022, 18:33

Leeds United warned 21-year-old could leave for Tottenham

Dec 19 2022, 18:31

Radrizzani has messaged Victor Orta about enquiring about Morocco star

Dec 19 2022, 18:03

Fernandez would bolster Liverpool’s midfield

The 21-year-old would be an exciting addition to Liverpool’s current lacklustre midfield, which is in dire need of reinforcements. The club have a strong relationship with Benfica and secured the signing of Darwin Nunez last summer despite other competition for the forward.

The post Enzo Fernandez transfer latest as Liverpool and FSG make January plan appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leeds United have been warned keeper Illan Meslier could soon leave the club.

Leeds presenter Conor McGilligan made this suggestion when speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel account on YouTube before restart of the Premier League.

According to the rumours, the French goalkeeper is being considered by teams like Manchester United and Tottenham as they look for their next long-term option between sticks.

“That is going to happen. That is naturally going to happen. Unfortunately, he’s 21/22 years of age he’s going to leave Leeds. There’s a lot of talk about him being the succession plan to Hugo Lloris that would make sense as well.” – said McGilligan.

Illan Meslier has now made 103 appearances for the Whites and is one of the most important players of Jesse Marsch squad.

The post Leeds United warned 21-year-old could leave for Tottenham appeared first on CaughtOffside.

The 2021 BIG EAST Tournament Most Outstanding Player moves on to UVA

Junior point guard Dante Harris has committed to transfer to Virginia. After a few months away from the Georgetown Hoyas team due to “personal reasons,” Harris entered the transfer portal and he ultimately has chosen to continue his collegiate basketball career with UVA and Tony Bennett.

Earlier this month, Georgetown confirmed to Bobby Bancroft that Harris had submitted his name to the transfer portal.

On Sunday, Joe Tipton reported that “Harris plans to play for the Cavaliers beginning next season and will have three years of eligibility remaining.”

Harris also told Tipton that “Coach (Tony) Bennett is a great coach and one of the best in the business. He says he runs his program through God’s word, which is very big for me. I’m huge on the scripture and to have a coach that runs his program through the Lord. What else can you ask for?”

Harris will be best known for his 2021 freshman efforts that carried the Hoyas through the BIG EAST Tournament as the awarded Most Outstanding Player into the NCAA Tournament.

Unfortunately, the ensuing winless conference season that followed for the Hoyas forced a complete overhaul of the Georgetown roster. Last spring, Ewing shed 6 players to the portal and added in 8 transfers and two freshmen. Harris was expected to be the only returning starter, but he never played a game.

Many fans have been pointing to the addition of Duquesne point guard Primo Spears as an exterior catalyst for Harris’ decision to leave, but additions of guards Brandon Murray and Jay Heath likely also spelled a reduced role for Dante.

While Dante Harris is no longer listed on the roster, there have been no formal announcements from GUHoyas.com.

In 2021-22, Harris averaged 11.9 points per game in 32.2 minutes per game, with 4.1 assists and 2.6 turnovers. Last year, he shot 37% from the field and 27.5% from three. In 2020-21, Harris averaged 8.0 points per game in 30.3 minutes per game, with 3.2 assists, and shot 35% from the field and 26% from three.

Harris will always be remembered for leading the BIG EAST Tournament Championship team, but his game unfortunately followed a path of a few other guards under Patrick Ewing who carried low field goal percentages with inconsistent assist and turnover statistics.

Ultimately, Ewing promised the world to each of his recruits and failed to uphold his end of the bargain, leading to their transfers.

Harris joins Ewing-era (2017-2022) transfers Donald Carey, Collin Holloway, Tyler Beard, Timothy Ighoefe, Jalin Billingsley, Kobe Clark, Jamari Sibley, T.J. Berger, Mac McClung, James Akinjo, Josh LeBlanc, Galen Alexander, Myron Gardner, Grayson Carter, Antwan Walker, Chris Sodom, and Qudus Wahab (returned).

Best of luck to Dante. We wish him well.

Recap all the Big Ten action from Saturday.

The Big Ten had a loaded slate on Saturday, highlighted by multiple marquee matchups. The headliners were matchups between Indiana and Kansas and Ohio State and North Carolina. Teams like Purdue and Rutgers also faced notable opponents.

Let’s take a look at what happened.

Game of the Night:

-North Carolina Tar Heels 89, No. 23 Ohio State Buckeyes 84 (OT)

This matchup was part of the CBS Sports Classic and took place in Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon. Fortunately for fans, the game lived up to the billing, as it went down to the wire and needed an extra session to get decided. Unfortunately for Buckeye fans, things didn’t end well for Ohio State as the team fell 89-84 in overtime.

The big story in this one was Ohio State’s underwhelming defense. While the Buckeyes got productive nights from most of the starting lineup, the team couldn’t slow down North Carolina inside the arc and gave up 59.1 percent from two-point range. Armando Bacot also destroyed the Buckeyes, finishing with 28 points and 15 rebounds. Brice Sensabaugh led the way for Ohio State with 22 points and eight rebounds.

The loss dropped the Buckeyes to 7-3 overall heading into the final stretch of non-conference play. The team will return to action on Wednesday at home against Maine and then wrap up play for the year on the 29th against Alabama A&M. Don’t expect either game to be competitive.

The Rest:

-No. 18 Illinois Fighting Illini 68, Alabama A&M Bulldogs 47

This game wasn’t expected to be competitive and fit that billing, as Illinois cruised to a 21-point win over the Bulldogs. Matthew Mayer led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds. Terrence Shannon also had an impressive performance with 18 points. The win pushed Illinois to 8-3 overall heading into an interesting game against Missouri in St. Louis on Thursday night. It’s the team’s last chance to build its non-con resume.

-No. 8 Kansas Jayhawks 84, No. 14 Indiana Hoosiers 62

It’s rare to see blue blood programs tangle in a home-and-home like this, but fans got to enjoy one of them on Saturday as Indiana went on the road to face Kansas. The crowd was electric and fans got to enjoy a really fun matchup. Unfortunately for Hoosier fans, Kansas took control early on and never looked back en route to an 84-62 win as the Hoosiers limped to 0.82 points per possession.

Indiana fell to 8-3 overall with the loss. The team has now lost two straight and three of its last four, dating back to a 15-point road loss against Rutgers earlier this month. The losses have derailed what was shaping up to be a fantastic start to the season in Bloomington, especially since all three have come by double-digits.

It’ll be up to Mike Woodson and company to resolve some of the issues in the coming weeks, or Indiana could be in big trouble with Big Ten play approaching. Fortunately, the team will get a few weeks to recover. That effort will begin on Tuesday at home against an overmatched Elon squad.

-Iowa Hawkeyes 106, Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 75

The Hawkeyes rolled in this one, beating down a terrible Redhawk squad at home by 31 points. Filip Rebraca led the way with 30 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Patrick McCaffery also finished with 20 points. Iowa improved to 8-3 overall with the win and will now prepare for Eastern Illinois at home on Wednesday. Expect another easy win.

-Michigan Wolverines 83, Lipscomb Bison 75

While Michigan escaped this one with a win, it was certainly too close for Wolverine fans’ comfort. The game ended up going own to the final minutes as freshman point guard Dug McDaniel struggled offensively and the team’s defense gave up 1.04 points per possession to an underwhelming Bison squad. Fortunately for Michigan fans, the team found a way to get the job done and escape with an eight-point win.

The win pushed Michigan to 7-3 overall heading into a marquee showdown against North Carolina on Wednesday. It represents Michigan’s last chance to get a marquee non-conference win this season. Fans will hope the Wolverines fan pull off the upset.

-Kansas State Wildcats 71, Nebraska Cornhuskers 56

This looked like a pretty fun one on paper, as Nebraska faced off against Kansas State in a throwback game from the program’s former days in the Big 12. Unfortunately, the Huskers got behind double-digits in the first half and couldn’t get enough offense going to hang with the Wildcats. Notably, all five of the team’s starters failed to score double-digits.

The loss dropped Nebraska to 6-6 overall as the team prepares for its final non-conference game of the season at home against Queens on Tuesday. At this point, it’s fair to have mixed feelings about this Husker squad. The team is clearly improved, but probably no enough to make a serious postseason push. We’ll have to wait and see how it all shakes out.

-Northwestern Wildcats 83, DePaul Blue Demons 45

This projected as a fun in-state meeting between two teams who were hoping to play improved basketball this season. However, the game ended up being a complete blowout, as Northwestern scored a 38-point win over the Blue Demons. It was one of Northwestern’s better performances of the season as the Wildcats held DePaul to 0.61 point per possession.

The win pushed Northwestern to 8-2 overall. The team is quietly putting together a pretty solid resume with a lot of wins of this variety, i.e., not against quality opponents, but against teams good enough to count on the resume statistics. Fans will hope the momentum can keep buildin gon Tuesday at home against Illinois-Chicago.

-No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers 69, Davidson Wildcats 61

This game proved more competitive than Boilermaker fans would have liked, but still ended in the win column for Purdue thanks to 29 points and 16 rebounds for Zach Edey. Freshman Braden Smith also had 10 points and 12 rebounds. The win pushed Purdue to 11-0 on the season. It was the program’s eighth win over a top 150 opponent already this season.

Purdue will now get a few days off before hosting New Orleans at home on Wednesday. The win should be more than enough to keep the Boilers atop the weekly polls.

-Rutgers Scarlet Knights 81, Wake Forest Demon Deacons 57

The Scarlet Knights got a quietly important win in this one on Saturday, thanks to 15 points from Cam Spencer in just 19 points of action. It was only Rutgers’ second win over a quality opponent this season and pushed the team to 7-4 overall. Rutgers will now get a few days off before facing off against Bucknell at home on Friday.

No player or team in the NFL gives much thought to moral victories.

Some Cleveland Browns fans might feel satisfied to put a damper on the Ravens’ division title pursuit.

But that race is far from over and will likely come down to the Week 18 battle between Baltimore and Cincinnati.

Cleveland’s own division hopes are officially dead after the Bengals’ come-from-behind win against the Patriots.

There is, however, still an ever-so-slight chance the Browns could sneak into the postseason as a wild card.

ESPN’s Jake Trotter shared the Browns’ official assessment after Sunday’s slate of games.

Cleveland’s playoff chances up to 0.7%, according to ESPN FPI #Browns

— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) December 19, 2022

As Myles Garrett pointed out last week, even a 0.4% chance is better than the Jets’ odds of beating Cleveland in Week 2.

Myles Garrett with the stat of the year: Browns have a better chance of making playoffs (0.4%) than the Jets did of beating them, down by 13 with 1:55 to go in Game 2 (0.1%). So, yes, he's telling us there's a chance.

— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) December 15, 2022

And the Browns will play the games with a playoff berth in mind until they are officially eliminated.

Browns Have to Win Out

In any playoff scenario, Cleveland has to win out against the Saints, Commanders, and Steelers.

All three teams will have something to play for as much as the Browns.

As amazing as it sounds, the 5-9 Saints are just one game back from the NFC South division lead.

Tom Brady and the Buccaneers remain in first place at 6-8, with the rest of the division at 5-9.

Myles Garrett with the stat of the year: Browns have a better chance of making playoffs (0.4%) than the Jets did of beating them, down by 13 with 1:55 to go in Game 2 (0.1%). So, yes, he's telling us there's a chance.

— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) December 15, 2022

Washington has a tough game next week at Buffalo, which could put them in a must-win situation in Week 17.

And believe it or not, if the Browns are still in the hunt come Week 18, so could be the Steelers.

At the very least, Pittsburgh (6-8) could be motivated to save head coach Mike Tomlins’ perfect streak of winning seasons.

Cleveland can expect a trio of scrappy opponents, regardless of their won-loss records.

Browns Also Need Help 

Winning out secures a winning (9-8) record for the Browns and gives fans reason to look forward to 2023.

But it isn’t enough to put them in the postseason unless some other teams cooperate.

The teams directly ahead of them, the Dolphins (8-6), Jets (7-7), and Patriots (7-7) all lost in Week 15.

And they each have to lose some more, and since they each play each other, the losses have to fall just right for the Browns.

“There is still a path for the Cleveland Browns to make the playoffs”

The path: pic.twitter.com/IvCaLFuA6M

— McNeil (@Reflog_18) December 18, 2022

Meanwhile, the 3 teams sitting at 6-8 with the Browns all come off momentum-building victories.

Jacksonville has legitimate division title hopes, aided by the Titans’ (7-7) 4-game losing streak and a favorable schedule.

But the Raiders end the season with games against the 49ers and the Chiefs after meeting Pittsburgh next week.

And Cleveland can take care of Pittsburgh themselves in Week 18.

So… There’s A Chance? 

There is a simple scenario that allows the Browns to capture the 7th AFC playoff slot.

First, Cleveland has to win out their remaining schedule to finish 9-8.

Then, Miami has to lose all 3 of their remaining games to offset the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Jets must lose to the Jaguars and Seahawks but beat the Dolphins to finish 8-9.

#Browns Myles Garrett said the season will be a failure if they don’t make the playoffs but he’s not giving up yet pic.twitter.com/SLZA6U270u

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 15, 2022

Cincinnati can help the Browns by beating the Patriots, who then beat the Dolphins but lose to the Bills in Week 18.

Then the Browns need just one loss each from the Raiders and the Jaguars (or the Titans if the Jags win the division).

With those simple steps achieved, Cleveland’s Week 18 victory over the Steelers locks up the 7th seed in the AFC.

Or else the team can file paperwork to move to either the AFC or NFC southern division, where 9-8 is sure to capture a title.

The post Browns Insider Gives Latest Update On Browns’ Playoff Chances appeared first on Browns Nation.

Jeremiah Bailey – Caledonia Gladiators
Gladiators remained unbeaten at home with a sixth win on the bounce as Jeremiah Bailey led a first quarter blowout of Cheshire Phoenix at Emirates Arena on Friday night, leading to his fifth All-Star 5 appearance of the season and, amazingly, his fourth in a row. The dynamic American forward finished with a huge haul of 36 points, including 6-7 (85%) from the three-point line, with 11 rebounds and six assists, including 14 points in a first quarter where Gladiators scored 40 to lead by double-figures from the fourth minute and throughout.

Patrick Whelan – Leicester Riders
Also gaining weekly honours for the second week in a row, and third time overall, is GB guard Patrick Whelan after Leicester Riders made it four straight wins in all competitions on the road at Newcastle Eagles on Friday. In typical fashion, Whelan got an efficient 24 points on 7-11 (63%) shooting from the field and 4-6 (66%) from three-point range, also contributing seven rebounds and six assists while playing 37 minutes in the absence of backcourt duo Kimbal Mackenzie and Conner Washington. He had eight points and five boards as Riders jumped out to a big first quarter lead, and then scored four points in the last two minutes to secure victory after Newcastle had come all the way back to lead themselves.

Sam Dekker – London Lions
Former NBA star Sam Dekker also makes a third All-Star 5 appearance, but first since week three, as London Lions continued their dominant run of form atop the BBL Championship table by beating Bristol Flyers at the Copper Box Arena live on Sky Sports. He scored 25 points on 10-13 (76%) shooting in under 25 minutes, with five assists and three rebounds, including six points and two assists in a 17-0 start that all but settled the game in the opening six minutes.

David Sloan – Caledonia Gladiators
American guard David Sloan also had a double-double in Caledonia’s big win over Cheshire, leading to a first All-Star 5 showing for seven weeks. He scored 23 points on 10-12 (83%) interior scoring and handed out 10 assists, also grabbing five rebounds. Sloan had eight points and two assists in seven first quarter minutes as Gladiators led 27-11, and then added seven points and seven assists to keep the hosts in control over the third and fourth quarter break as Phoenix threatened a late comeback.

David Cohn – Newcastle Eagles
Newcastle scored a big road win at Surrey Scorchers on Sunday for a first win in seven games against the other side currently outside of the Play-off places, led by a do-it-all performance from point guard David Cohn as he also makes his third All-Star 5 appearance of the season. He scored 21 points on 7-8 (87%) shooting from the field and a perfect 5-5 at the free-throw line, with seven assists and four rebounds, including pulling the strings with 10 points and four assists in a fourth quarter that Eagles won 32-21 to come from behind and snatch the victory on the road.

Off the bench: Larry Austin Jr. (Cheshire Phoenix), Kipper Nichols (B. Braun Sheffield Sharks), Kyle Johnson (Newcastle Eagles), Javion Ogunyemi (B. Braun Sheffield Sharks), Tahjai Teague (Cheshire Phoenix), Tajh Green (Manchester Giants), Zach Jackson (Leicester Riders).

The post All-Star 5 – Week 12 appeared first on British Basketball League.

Në pjesën e parë të takimit Argjentina ishte qartësisht ekipi më i mirë, ndërkohë që Franca nuk doli asnjëherë në lojën e vet. Kjo bëri që përpjekjet e vazhdueshme të Messit me shokë të shpërbleheshin eventualisht në minutën e 23’, kur arbitri akordi një penallti në favor të tyre. Messi nuk kishte si të gabonte nga pika e bardhë duke kaluar në avantazh të tijët. Vetëm pak minuta më vonë, amerikano-latinët shënuan një tjetër gol me autor Angel Di Maria, pas një kundërsulmi model. Pjesa e parë e përballjes u mbyll me rezultatin 2-0, dhe sfida u konsiderua tashmë e mbyllur.

Por emocionet do të vazhdonin për shumë më gjatë. Franca hyri përsëri e vakët në lojë gjatë pjesës së dytë, por gjeti ritmin e saj në 20 minutat e fundit të takimit. “Gjelat” përfituan nga një penallti e akorduar në favor të tyre për të ngushtuar diferencën në vetëm 1 gol, teksa Mbappe u tregua i saktë nga pika e penalltisë. Vetëm 1 minutë më vonë, ishte përsëri Mbappe që me një goditje fantastike në hyrje të zones barazoi rezultatin, duke dërguar në qiellin e shtatë tifozët francezë. Sfida iu drejtua kështu kohës shtesë.

Në 30 minutat ekstra Messi kaloi përsëri në avantazh të tijët, por Mbappe gjithashtu shënoi për Francën, përsëri nga pika e bardhë, duke kompletuar tripletën e tij, një moment i jashtëzakonshëm në një finale botërori.

Ekipet iu drejtuan kështu penalltive, ku heroi rezultoi të ishte portieri i Argjentinës, Emiliano Martinez. Ky i fundit ndali penalltinë e Kingsley Coman, ndërkohë që Aurelian Tchouameni goditi jashtë porte. Argjentinasit nga ana tjetër nuk humbën asnjë prej penalltive të tyre, dhe Montiel shënoi 11-metërshin e fundit, duke i hapur rrugë festës dhe ekzaltimit të jashtëzakonshëm të Messi me shokë.

The post Kupa e Botës – Argjentina e Messit triumfon në finale appeared first on Baste Sportive.

Fiton Sheffield United / koeficient 2.05

Ekipi i Wigan ka rekordin me negativ në Championship, përsa i takon ndeshjeve në shtëpi këtë sezon. Sheffield United nga ana tjetër ka mbajtur të paprekur portën e vet në 9 nga 10 fitoret e fundit në kampionat. Për më shumë, miqtë kanë fituar 3 takimet e fundit në transfertë. Wigan ndërkohë duket se po i rikthehet rezultateve pozitive, por Sheffield United mbetet një kundërshtar i fortë dhe shanset për të marrë një rezultat pozitiv janë të vogla.

Leganes vs Real Zaragoza

Barazim / koeficient 2.78

Leganes ka provuar se është një ekip mjaft i vështirë për t’u mundur në fushën e vet. Të zotët e shtëpisë janë mposhtur vetëm 2 herë në 10 përballjet e fundit në Estadio Municipal de Butarque. Real Zaragoza ndërkohë ka shfaqur shenja progresi në javët e fundit, teksa nuk ka pësuar asnjë humbje në 5 ndeshje. 3 prej këtyre sfidave janë mbyllur në barazim, ndërkohë që Leganes gjithashtu ka barazuar në 5 nga 6 takimet e fundit. Për këtë arsye pritet një ndeshje e luftuar.

Perugia vs Venezia

Fiton Venezia / koeficient 3.05

Pas emërtimit të trajnerit të ri, Paolo Vanoli, Venezia ia ka dalë të fitojë 3 nga 4 ndeshjet e fundit. Perugia ndërkohë, që mban vendin e fundit në renditjen e përgjithshme, ka rekordin më negativ në fushën e vet, krahasuar me ekipet e tjera në kampionat. Të zotët e shtëpisë kanë grumbulluar vetëm 8 pikë në 8 takime në Stadio Renato Curi. Venezia nga ana tjetër ka performuar mjaft mirë në transfertë këtë sezon, dhe ka shanse reale për të marrë një tjetër rezultat pozitiv në këtë ndeshje.

Parashikime te tjera, baste te sigurta

Zgjidh faqen e preferuar të basteve me koeficientët më të lartë!

The post Parashikime ndeshjesh, Championship, La Liga Smartbank, Serie B – 19.12.2022 appeared first on Baste Sportive.

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Friday, December 23

Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix 10:30pm AEDT, Macedonia Park View the Perth v Wellington form guide

Macedonia Park has become somewhat of a fortress for the ever expanding Glory this season, as they’ve won their past two games on the trot playing in their home state. Most recently they collected an illusive 2-1 win over reigning champions Western United, while prior to that they ousted Melbourne City 2-0 in a result that no one saw coming. However as good as they’ve been in those pair of clashes, their most recent one in Campbelltown left a lot to be desired, falling 1-0 to the ‘Bulls’. Perth were only able to land 1/7 shots on target, as they appeared to lack any real fire power or urgency. In stark comparison to the Phoenix however, they were commanding at home, smashing the ‘Reds’ 3-1. Goals in the 2nd minute – Oskar Zawada, 37th minute – Bozhidar Kraev and 61st minute – Yan Sasse, combined with them landing 8/17 goal attempts on target, saw them surge all the way to within just three-points off of 3rd-place. Will the right Perth Glory turn up to play, or does this match have Wellington written all over it?

With the Phoenix having prevailed in five of their last seven matches against Perth, it may be time for the Glory to finally switch the script up and give Ufuk Talay’s Men a taste of their own medicine. And with new arrival Adam Taggart recently being acquired by the club and with the Glory on the up and up, now may be the perfect time to do so. All in all for Perth the target shooter Taggart has collectively scored 21 A-League goals across 44-matches. Ultimately though the key for Perth will be putting in a consistent 90-minute + performance, because they’ve been incredible in bits and pieces this season, but have rarely displayed the full package. If they can do that, then they’ll rightfully give themselves every chance possible of collecting all three-points from this matchup.

Betting tips: Pick both teams to find the back of the net at $1.60 (BoomBet)

Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers 7:45pm AEDT, Moreton Daily Stadium View the Brisbane v Western Sydney form guide

The Roar’s latest efforts up in the Hunter Valley were far from pretty, but ultimately it didn’t matter one single bit as they cosigned the Jets to their fourth defeat of the season, via Nikola Mileusnic’s 80th-minute winner. That being his 26th total A-League strike of his career. His victorious strike somehow being forged, despite the visitors only owning 36% possession of the ball throughout the encounter. And to their credit Brisbane remain undefeated on the road this campaign, having collected a win and a draw from two games. Meanwhile Western Sydney’s recent away form has been patchy to say the least! As from their last eighteen away games in total, they’ve picked up just three victories to their name. The latest of those coming at AAMI Park, as they suffered a tight and tense 1-0 defeat to Western United at AAMI Park. Despite taking nine shots to the oppositions four, collecting four corners to their one and owning 60% off the ball, it was not enough to help see Mark Rudan’s Men over the line in the end. Does Brisbane’s dominance continue on here, or do Western Sydney have something to say about it?

What do Brisbane and Western Sydney have in common? They are both fallen Footballing powerhouses aiming to seek redemption this campaign and to be fair to both sides, they’re doing a fair job of it. The Roar sit just four-points off of the Wanderers, whilst the Wanderers themselves are etched comfortably into second-place on the table. There is also Warren Moon (aged 40) leading the lines at Brisbane and Mark Rudan (aged 47), doing the same thing over at the Wanderers. Both Men just like their respective clubs over the past few years have had mixed managerial results. So this game presents the perfect opportunity for each of the two to asses how they go tactics-wise and gameplay-wise against somebody who is relatively their equal. This match is anybody’s for the taking and should present itself as a great must watch.

Betting tips: Look for both teams to score one plus goal a piece at $1.70 (BlueBet)

Also look for there to be over 2.5 goals scored collectively at $1.90 (Bet365)

Saturday, December 24

Sydney FC v Macarthur FC 5:00PM AEDT, Allianz Stadium View the Sydney v Macarthur FC form guide

When these two intense rivals last locked ‘horns’ it was a battle for the ages. Robert Mak missed the spot kick opportunity only 14-minutes in, however bull tamer Patrick Wood was there for the second-chance which made the score 1-0 in the ‘Sky Blues’ favour. Then fast-forward towards the end of the first half and it was rival Defender Johnathan Aspropotamitis who was given his marching orders via Alex King. Proceed to the 83rd-minute and Sydney have scored their third of the game, courtesy of young gun Adrian Segecic. Yet just four-minutes on Anthony Carter’s banger meant that it was an incredibly thrilling finish to a game, witnessed by just over 7000 people at Campbelltown Stadium. And with Sydney currently placed just two-points off third-place and with Dwight Yorke’s troops only three-points off second-spot on the ladder, there is plenty to play for at Allianz Stadium. Can Sydney collect another victory in this short, but intensity filled rivalry, or will Macarthur claim the bragging rights from this affair?

From four home matches this season Sydney have been a real basket base, winning one, drawing one and losing two from four attempts. Whilst they’ve also scored six, yet leaked seven at Allianz Stadium. After four-years of essentially being homeless, the much-anticipated return to Moore Park was supposed to be the clubs rejuvenation period. Instead they’ve really stunk up the joint! And with Macarthur coming to town right on Christmas Eve, Sydney might just be getting coal in their stockings. 23-Year-old Daniel Arzani has been very effective for Macarthur this season, scoring one goal and fashioning two goal assists + nine shot assists. Over the off-season the ‘Sky Blues’ were heavily linked to the former Socceroos playmaker, but eventually as seen he signed with the ‘Bulls’. There is the very real potential for Macarthur to run away with this clash and for Arzani to make Sydney regret missing out on his signature in the process.

Betting tips: Look for Joe Lolley to find refuge in the back of the net anytime at $2.75 (Bet365)

Also look for Macarthur to produce under 1.5 strikes at $1.30 (Bet365)

Monday, December 26

Western United v Melbourne Victory 7:45pm AEDT, AAMI Park View the Western United v Melbourne Victory form guide

There is still so much that is unknown about this Derby following the events of last Saturday night. At its worst, this match may be completely devoid of Victory supporters. Or depending on how things go over the next couple of days this may be a game in which the Victory are simply playing for pride, due to a possible points deduction. One thing that is for certain though is that both teams will go out there and give it their absolute all. Despite the ‘Green & Black’ currently being in 11th-place and the Victory just two spots above them, try telling a James Troisi that this affair doesn’t matter! He a man who has played for the Victory previously, left and then has come back to them years later, only to leave again and become a member of John Aloisi’s never say never Men. Or maybe you’d rather pick your fancy with superb Uruguayan-born striker Bruno Fornaroli, a Man who has previously represented Melbourne City and now represents the colours of Melbourne Victory. This clash does matter and it is a rivalry! Will we see the reigning champions rise to stardom once again, or will Melbourne rise from the ashes of their week from hell?

During his first season playing for the Victory, James Troisi scored 12 goals in 29 A-League matches. Then from 2016 through to 2019 he played 76 club games for Melbourne, locking down 15 goals + 17 assists. The former Juventus Man has certainly torn opposition teams to shreds whilst representing the most successful Footballing franchise in Melbourne. And now plying his trade for Western United it would most definitely appear that he’s primed for a simply MASSIVE performance against his ex-employers. This season under the guidance of John Aloisi he has aged like fine win producing one goal assist, as well as eight shot assists in seven matches. While he’s also completed 250 accurate passes at a 79% completion rate. Plus out of the 11 tackles he’s attempted. he’s successfully won eight of them. This is his time! And don’t expect him to pass it up!

Betting tips: Look for both teams to score at $1.65 (BoomBet)

Tuesday, December 27

Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners 5:00pm AEDT, AAMI Park View the Melbourne City v Central Coast form guide

For City their latest clash was the infamous Melbourne Derby, one of the darkest days Football in this country has ever seen. In the lead-up to Tom Glover being brutally assaulted by some Melbourne Victory thugs, Aiden O’Neil had scored early on in the proceedings. As for the Mariners they led a commanding fightback at Bluetongue Stadium to beat Sydney 2-1. 11-Minutes in they went down 1 and 0 courtesy of a well-worked opposition Paulo Retre strike. However on the 36th-minute they evened the proceedings thanks to Marco Tulio’s goal, then just three-minutes later the comeback was complete, via Daniel Hall’s thunderous header, as he smashed it into the centre of the net leaving Andrew Redmayne utterly helpless. And only adding to the intrigue surrounding this high octane affair is the fact that Melbourne City are yet to be beaten at home this season, while Garang Kuol’s Mariners are yet to lose on the road. To City’s credit they’ve won three and drawn one, while the Mariners have won one and drawn one, fashioning an impressive five goals in the process. This affair could belong to anybody, so will it be Melbourne or the Central Coast who eventually take it out?

Since Patrick Kisnorbo departed City mid-World Cup they have gone down 2-1 to Sydney away from home and played roughly about 20-minutes versus the Victory before the game was abandoned due to hooligan behaviour. So it’s not all that fair to judge them so far, but they ain’t exactly looked like the Melbourne of old, that’s all I’m saying. However what’s incredibly tantalisingly tasty about this clash is that City’s Socceroo trio of Jamie Maclaren, Matthew Leckie and Marco Tilio will go head-to-head against the Mariners own Socceroo’s trio of Jason Cummings ala ‘the Cum Dog’, Garang Kuol and Danny Vuckovic. After all that’s happened to try and bring down the A-Leagues as of late, this is an incredible/much needed boost for the game in Australia in general. Either watch it live or on tv if you can! This has the very strong potential to be one of the GAMES of the SEASON.

Betting tips: Look for City to edge this encounter out, just, at $1.66 (BlueBet)

Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets 7:45pm AEDT, Coopers Stadium View the Adelaide v Newcastle form guide

Despite Adelaide’s disappointing away 3-1 defeat to Wellington last round, they’ve still been extremely impressive at home as of late, triumphing in seven and drawing one of their last nine home matches. That stacks up very well against Newcastle, who despite beating the Central Coast 2-1 during their latest away outing in the F3 Derby, have won only one of their last four encounters away from the confines of McDonald Jones Stadium. But back to the stark reality is the fact that over in New Zealand the ‘Reds’ could only muster up a grand total of five shots throughout 90+ minutes of playing time. And if it weren’t for Craig Goodwin’s brilliant free-kick on the 12-minute mark, they would’ve been completely embarrassed. Meanwhile Newcastle couldn’t do too well at home as they were edged out 1-0 by Brisbane. And despite owning 64% possession of the ball throughout the match, they stuttered their way to shooting just 2/7 shots on target throughout the affair, although they did very unluckily have two of their shots bounce off the woodwork. Can Adelaide collect their rebound victory in this match, or will that title belong to Newcastle?

Craig Goodwin playing in the sanctity of his own home could absolutely torch the Jets in this encounter! However Beka Mikeltadze has still registered two goals this season for Newcastle, as has the ever-pacy and somewhat of an x-factor Trent Buhagiar. As evidenced of late neither team has all that strong of a back-wall, so the attack is where the game will be won. Because in their last 10 games, Adelaide have only kept a clean sheet once. While for Newcastle in every single one of their nine A-League/Australia Cup matches this campaign, not once have they kept the opposition team at bay for a full 90-minutes. Will Goodwin be the difference here? Probably. But before conceding defeat, at least expect Arthur Papas’s Men to give it a red hot crack!

Betting tips: Back Adelaide to win at $1.97 (BlueBet)

Best Bet of the Round – Adelaide United vs Newcastle Jets

Back Adelaide to win at $1.97 (BlueBet)

The post A-League Mens Round 9 – Previews & Betting Tips appeared first on Australia Sports Betting.

“I think it’s just a great event to have,” said Kyrgios as he prepares to lead the host nation at the new mixed teams event to be held from 29 December to 8 January. “An event where females and males come together as one to represent their nation, I think that’s incredibly important, and for the fans to see their favourite female players and male players come together and play for their country, [with] all the best athletes from around the world. I think it’s a very special, special event.”

[ATP APP]

The teams competition will kick off the 2023 season on both the ATP and WTA Tours, with 18 nations competing in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney. As Team Australia’s leading men’s singles player, Canberra-born Kyrgios is set for a pair of blockbuster clashes against Team Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie and Team Spain’s Rafael Nadal in Sydney, the city he now calls home.

“There’s nothing better, to play the Australian summer is one of my favourite times of the year,” said Kyrgios. “Obviously being home, but being able to play in Sydney, in front of the home fans, my family, my friends, there’s nothing more that I love.

“To be honest I’ve never really played that great in Sydney, but I’m hoping I’m going to change that narrative at the start of the year. Just playing in Australia in general is special. The Tour is a long grind and it’s rarely in Australia, so I’m definitely not going to take it for granted.”

Each United Cup tie will comprise two men’s and two women’s singles matches and one mixed doubles match to be played across two days. Kyrgios is a top-class doubles option for Team Australia’s co-captains, Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Stosur, with the 27-year-old's high-energy performances alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis making the pair crowd favourites wherever they play on the ATP Tour. Kyrgios predicts more of the same when male and female stars team up at the United Cup.

“What I love about mixed doubles is [what it brings] for the fans,” said Kyrgios. “To see some of the best females in the world playing with some of the best males in the world, I think it provides some really good entertainment... We’ve seen some iconic doubles pairs over the last decade.”

[NEWSLETTER FORM]

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