Liverpool Lovren backs Liverpool to beat Man City & Real Madrid to Champions League crown Dejan Kalinic 15:16 2/16/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(2) 
Getty Images Liverpool UEFA Champions League Porto v Liverpool After crushing Porto in the first leg of their last-16 encounter, the Reds defender believes Jurgen Klopp’s side are capable of going all the way Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren believes his team can win the Champions League after their impressive victory over Porto.A Sadio Mane hat-trick and goals from Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino saw Jurgen Klopp’s side to a 5-0 away win in the first leg of their last-16 tie against Porto on Wednesday.AdChoices广告That has left Lovren confident Liverpool can go all the way and win a sixth European crown and first since 2005. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player “Why not? Of course,” the Croatia international said.”Yes, if we are right and we do our job like we did and everyone defends well – each centimetre of the pitch is covered – then we have a great chance to be in the next round, I would say, and then it is step by step.”However, the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have been more fancied to win the Champions League.But Lovren said he was unfazed that his team were not attracting the same focus.”It is good when they don’t talk about us. Maybe they would consider them to be the favourites – even better,” he said.”We are the underdogs I would say. I love that when people think that about us.”It is something from deep inside that will explode, but we need to be calm and finish the second game at home and let’s see what happens later.” Subscribe to Goal’s Liverpool Correspondent Neil Jones’ weekly email bringing you the best Liverpool FC writing from around the web
Transfers ‘Salah should spend another year at Liverpool’ – Ignore Real Madrid talk, advises Elmohamady Chris Burton 23:26 2/17/18 FacebookTwitterRedditcopy Comments(1) 
Getty Images Transfers Real Madrid Liverpool Primera División Premier League Mohamed Salah The Reds forward has sparked transfer gossip with his efforts at Anfield, but a fellow Egyptian sees no reason why he should chase another move Mohamed Salah has been advised by Ahmed Elmohamady to ignore Real Madrid transfer talk and spend “at least” one more season at Liverpool.The Egyptian forward has been a revelation at Anfield since completing a £36.9 million move from Roma last summer.AdChoices广告He has become the first Reds player to hit 30 goals since Luis Suarez, with his showreel including a number of spectacular strikes and performances. Article continues below Editors’ Picks Lyon treble & England heartbreak: The full story behind Lucy Bronze’s dramatic 2019 Liverpool v Man City is now the league’s biggest rivalry and the bitterness is growing Megan Rapinoe: Born & brilliant in the U.S.A. A Liverpool legend in the making: Behind Virgil van Dijk’s remarkable rise to world’s best player Those efforts have sparked speculation that he is being lined up as a ‘Galactico’ addition by Madrid, but the 25-year-old has been urged to remain in English football for the foreseeable future.International team-mate Elmohamady, who is currently on the books at Aston Villa, is reported as saying by KingFut: “His spell with Chelsea helped him a lot.”He is a source of happiness and joy to us, in my opinion, I think he should stay at Liverpool.”He’s the club’s superstar, but if he wants to leave he should leave after spending another season at Liverpool at least.”Salah struggled to make an impact during a previous spell in England at Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho limiting him to just 19 appearances.He was, however, to get a taste of Premier League life during a stint at Stamford Bridge and was not thrown in at the deep end after being snapped up by Liverpool.His efforts to date have helped to highlight just how far he has come since being left frustrated in west London, with his career having been on an upward curve since leaving for Italy at Fiorentina.There is the promise of much more to come from him, with Liverpool still competing in the Premier League and Champions League, and it will be up to Salah to decide at the end of the season whether he intends to take on the challenge of trying to match his efforts with the Reds in 2018-19.
TFA would like to congratulate all who took part in the event, once again it was incredibly successful and we would like to thank all who assisted with the running of the tournament. *Picture is of Nicole Beck scoring the winning touchdown in the Womens grand final. Thank you also to Joe Williams, NRL Rabbitoh and former Touchie, who sang the National Anthem (brilliantly!) and took part in the Celebrity Challenge match. Thank you also to his team mate John Sutton, who spent the week here with Joe for the Opening Ceremony and first three days of competition. It was great to have the guys here hanging out and supporting the players and the sport itself. MENS GRAND FINAL: The NSW Southern Suns Mens 18’s side came to Coffs Harbour this week on a mission. They were here to end the dominance of NSW Combined High Schools (NSWCHS) and Queensland Secondary Schools Touch (QSST) at this week’s National 18’s Championships. After the Suns won the National 20’s title last March, those still eligible for this year’s 18’s Championships banded together promising to achieve the same here. They brought down defending champion QSST in the round games, and then made it through to the grand final to face a fleet footed NSWCHS, running hot on the speed and step of Australian representative Dylan Hennessey and the Kennedy twins, Maurice and John. The Suns win over QSST had them noticed and those that had quietly predicted they had the ability to win pre-tournament found themselves nodding with satisfaction. Both teams began the grand final steadily, but it was the Suns who grabbed an early advantage with Alyd Owen scoring 8 minutes in after well disciplined and structured play. When Greg Dillon crossed for their second touchdown, it was courtesy of the brilliant defense and then structured attack from his team mates. NSWCHS were not about to stop playing however, replying immediately to the Suns second score and then leveling the game up in their first set of six touches in the second half. For NSWCHS however, it was a case of dropped balls costing them the match, regularly creating opportunities for themselves but failing to capitalise, dropping several balls in the corner and missing out on certain touchdowns. The defense of the Suns shut down the speed and agility of Hennessey and the Kennedy twins and consistently provided the Suns with opportunities to attack in return. A great long pass from player of the final Alyd Owen to Shane Butcher for his second touchdown of the match, gave the Suns a 4-3 lead with five minutes to go. Desperate to hold out, the Suns ever-solid defense allowed NSW no chance to score and they topped their win off with Captain Scott Naughton fittingly passing a brilliant long pass to Kevin Stewart to seal the win with just 30 seconds to play. Suns co-coach Tony Eltakchi credited his players for their hard work and commitment over the past few months. “Our boys defense was absolutely awesome, we won this tournament on that. Our defense in today’s grand final was stifling, it just shut down their playmakers,” he said. “They really deserved this win, they came here with a job they wanted to do and they have achieved something that very few people manage to do, a fantastic team and great bunch of guys.” WOMENS GRAND FINAL: The intense rivalry between NSWCHS and QSST in the Womens division continued on in 2005, with NSWCHS out to claim back the title QSST took from them the year before. NSWCHS came out firing and opened the scoring in the first four minutes with Jessica Absolum crossing to start proceedings. A great pass to winger Tiffany Massey and a great diving take from her increased their lead to 2-0 and had the NSW crowd on their feet. The intense and desperate defense from both sides typified the improvement in the Womens competition this year, the diving touches and commitment showed was impressive in the Womens division throughout the whole competition. Despite trailing 2-0 QSST and the Tupuhi sisters weren’t about to quit, as their captain Delwyn Tupuhi stepped past her defense to finish what she’d been threatening to do for several minutes. Younger sister Toni then followed her example drawing a defender and dishing to Alyce Hulbert who leveled the game up at 2-2 just before half time. QSST continued with their positive attack early in the second half, with Ali Brigginshaw tearing the NSWCHS defense apart and creating gaps from what was seemingly nothing. A long pass from her to the corner gave the QSST side a 3-2 lead with 13 minutes to go in the second half, however it was short lived as Jenna Sell replied for NSWCHS with a short burst of speed that no one could match. Unfortunately for the Queensland side their injury problems started to drain their defense as they were slow to recover and NSWCHS were able to create an overlap for Amanda Skwarko to score in the corner and take the lead 4-3. The crowd was beginning to sense that the NSWCHS side had done enough to take home the trophy but once again Brigginshaw made her way past the NSWCHS defense and an incredible pass sent teammate Belinda Hays across to tie the scores up once again. A game where full time is not time enough to resolve a winner is always worthy of a grand final, and that was certainly the case as the sides headed out for the extra time drop off. As time ticked on and the number of players on the field was reduced to four Nicole Beck scooted past the QSST defense and dived over the line to clinch the title for NSWCHS. As the overjoyed team embraced in the middle of the field, Coach Rob O’Connor commented on how the win was the most excited he had been for a long time. “These girls are a very young side but have incredible ability, they have worked extremely hard to get into this position and it’s absolutely sensational,” he said. “They’re the champions this year because we had a plan, they stuck to it, they showed patience and hung in there, it took a lot of courage.” By Rachel Moyle
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Pro Training Programs is an online database of sport and fitness training programs as used by professional athletes.Touch Football-based Speed and Agility and Strength and Conditioning programs are now available to be purchased online, and can be found at the link below:Touch Football Training Programs
Each fortnight Touch Football Australia’s (TFA) official footwear sponsor, X-Blades, will be promoting some of their products through the TFA website and newsletter to reward members and inform them of their great deals. To kick start this promotion, X-Blades has a fantastic deal for TFA members, with a special on the ‘Wild Thing’ boot in both adults and kids sizes. The adult’s original price is $180, but they will be available for $100, while the Young Wild Thing (kids) boot is normally $60, but will be available for $40 for TFA members. To take advantage of this great deal, please visit the X-Blades online shop and enter the code ‘TFAWT’ at the checkout. To visit the X-Blades online shop, please click on the following link:www.bladesfootball.com.au/shop Stay tuned to the TFA website for more great promotions from X-Blades. Related LinksX-Blades Promotion
The 2012 State of Origin series between New South Wales and Queensland will be replayed on Fox Sports next week. The Women’s Open game will be played at 10.00am on Fox Sports 3 on Thursday, 13 December while the Men’s Open game will be played at 10.00am on Friday, 14 December on Fox Sports 3. State of Origin on Fox SportsThursday. 13 December 2012 State of Origin (Women’s Open) – 10.00am AEDST on Fox Sports 3Friday, 14 December 2012 State of Origin (Men’s Open) – 10.00am AEDST on Fox Sports 3Stay tuned to www.austouch.com.au for updates on when you can see the 2012 State of Origin Series on television. For a sneak peek of the games filmed by RJ Media, please click on the link below:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKwnOymMKnk&feature=plcp To check out some of the slow motion highlights from the game, please click on the following link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbpzWBDOrXw&list=UUNA2662hsW_18Wok5HHiMeg&index=4&feature=plcp Related LinksTouch Football On Fox
The world’s best youth and masters’ touch footballers will descend onto Sunshine Coast Stadium at Kawana Waters, Queensland from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 17 September 2017. The overall five-day event program will feature the following: The Harvey Norman National Youth Championships; the Harvey Norman National Schools Cup; the Alliance Cup and Masters Trans-Tasman.Please find attached the Conditions of Entry and the latest information regarding the 2017 Harvey Norman National Youth Championships, Alliance Cup and the Harvey Norman National Schools Cup.Please see the below information for the respective events:Harvey Norman National Youth ChampionshipsConditions of EntryLatest InformationAlliance CupConditions of EntryLatest InformationHarvey Norman National Schools CupConditions of EntryLatest InformationFor any questions, please email Zoe Zinetti at zoe@touchfootball.com.auRelated Links2017 NYC
Di Francesco happy with Roma victory: Schick needs supportby Carlos Volcano10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveAS Roma coach Eusebio Di Francesco was pleased with the character shown for their 3-2 win over Genoa on Sunday night.There were reports he would lose his job if Roma were beaten.“I have to compliment the lads for managing to play in a really surreal atmosphere. “It was not easy, you can see we are still a team that is ‘ill’ in a way, so we’ve certainly had better performances, but we’ll take the points,” Di Francesco told Sky Sport Italia.“I chose above all players who were fresh, young and free of the pressure. My only other option in attack was Patrik Schick, I had no options off the bench in midfield, while in defence I picked Juan Jesus because he is tough and I needed that in this game.“Since Schick has been here, he has lacked a bit of determination. I want him to be a striker, to go for it and press people. We all expect more from him, but more importantly he is a young lad and there are many players here who are first and foremost men, so if they are having trouble, they need to be helped.” About the authorCarlos VolcanoShare the loveHave your say
Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks: Cardiff win was neededby Paul Vegas10 months agoSend to a friendShare the loveTottenham midfielder Harry Winks was pleased with victory at Cardiff City.Spurs won 3-0 via goals to Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Son Heung-min.Winks said, “The first goal is massive against a team like Cardiff because the longer the game goes on, the more they have belief – it settles the crowd. It was what we needed.”It was a must-win, key game for us coming into it. “We knew we had to win after the poor result against Wolves and we did that perfectly.” About the authorPaul VegasShare the loveHave your say
Arsenal manager Emery defends Ozil decision: He needs to rest…by Freddie Taylora month agoSend to a friendShare the loveArsenal manager Unai Emery has defended his decision to rest Mesut Özil for Thursday’s Europa League tie with Eintracht Frankfurt.The German has only played 71 minutes so far this season, but Emery says he needed to stay in London this week.”We are playing now a lot of matches and I want to use different players and also can have some rotation in the first 11 and in the 19 players in the squad,” said Arsenal’s head coach. “Sokratis and Mesut they rest this match.”I prefer after Sunday’s match [for him] to rest and train and to be ready for Sunday [against Aston Villa].”Pushed further for his reasons, Emery added: “We are going to play another match on Sunday.”My decision is because he played [at Watford] and also I’m thinking about Thursday, with the focus on the first 11, and after that I decided who are the players who can be the best for Thursday. The players [who are] not is Sokratis and Mesut.”The first match he [Ozil] played on Sunday he played good physically, also giving us his capacity and skills.”His first minutes for us were good and now he is ready to help us, not on Thursday, but Sunday. On Thursday we are thinking to do some rotation.” About the authorFreddie TaylorShare the loveHave your say
Are they ready? Why Astana could rattle Man Utd kidsby Chris Beattiea month agoSend to a friendShare the loveCOMMENT: United at home to the Kazakhs? Is this the game the manager really wants to roll out his kids? It ain’t exactly MK Dons in the League Cup – and we all know how that ended…Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn’t Louis van Gaal. And no matter how Manchester United end tonight against Astana, the manager won’t turn on his young players as Van Gaal did after that infamous night five years ago.The then United manager took the 4-0 reverse personally. Ending the Old Trafford careers of just about every player involved on the night – both young and old. Of the 18 whom travelled to mk:stadium, only three were still with the club two years later. And today only two – David de Gea and Andreas Pereira – now remain.As mentioned, Solskjaer isn’t Van Gaal. And tonight won’t be make or break for those youngsters he chooses to “throw in” – as he stated in yesterday’s presser. But there is a lot of expectation buzzing around this Europa League tie – not the least due to the lack of coverage of United’s opponents.Brimming with internationals. Drilled with that ruthless East European approach to the game. Astana will be no pushovers. Indeed, far from it, this group of players will truly test Ole’s kids. This won’t be a midweek Cup tie at a lower division ground. By the end of the night, we’ll know a lot more about whether United’s youngsters are the real thing.Solskjaer has already confirmed Mason Greenwood will start. But this will be no ‘soft launch’ for the 18 year-old striker. If he does manage to make an impact tonight, it will be well worth noting. Over the years, across Germany and Spain, better and more experienced strikers have failed to get any change out of Antonio Rukavina. And alongside the Serb will be Montenegro’s Zarko Tomasevic. This won’t just be a test of ability for Greenwood, but also his readiness – even eagerness – for this level.And we say eagerness, as Solskjaer hinted yesterday at some doubt regarding Greenwood’s willingness to embrace his sudden elevation over these past six months. Discussing the improvement he’s seen from the young striker, Solskjaer did suggest the required desire needed at the first team level was not always there. Though, as the manager said, it’s something understandable given his rise from the U18s to the first team – and the responsibility that goes with that.”The kid who just wanted to play with his mates in the U18s and now he’s knocking on the door wanting to play more,” revealed Solskjaer. “His appetite for football is growing I don’t want to put too much pressure apart from go out there and enjoy yourself and work hard.”So the appetite, the hunger, to be involved and embrace the demands is growing. And tonight all of that will be put to the test by Rukavina and Tomasevic, who will be as physical – and cynical – as they can against the youngster.At the other end of the pitch, it’ll be a different test – though with similar expectations.Tonight could be a watershed for Axel Tuanzebe. A player those at Carrington have earmarked for the first team since he was 16 years of age. Indeed, three years ago, in his first preseason as United manager, Jose Mourinho declared a then 18 year-old Tuanzebe a sure thing – after just a handful of minutes at Wigan Athletic.”You can play 90 minutes or 1 minute. Sometimes 1 minute is enough,” declared Mourinho. “With Axel, ten minutes is enough! The potential is there, you see it immediately.”You know him better than me because you know him for a few years but if anyone sees him for the first time, ten minutes is enough to see the potential.”Now, after a season-and-a-half away with Aston Villa, where that “potential” was confirmed, Tuanzebe will be another to get his start tonight. At almost 22 and with 18 months of Championship football under his belt, the expectations are justified. If he is to make it as a United player, his manager is right to expect a strong showing tonight.But it won’t be easy. Not against the Kazakh champions. Yes some, like Rukavina, are now in the twilight of their careers. But there’s others, like the tricky Romania international Dorin Rotariu, who will aim to use tonight as a shop window for a big move West. Ambition. Motivation. Even dollar signs. There’s a lot simmering below the surface for this game.For kids like Greenwood. For the forgotten like Fred. Astana will be a real test for United. They can’t saunter through this one – otherwise it will be like 2014 all over again. TagsOpinionAbout the authorChris BeattieShare the loveHave your say
Former Yankees great Derek Jeter was born in New Jersey and played in New York, but he actually grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Saturday, he was back in his home state to catch the Wolverines’ game against BYU. Jim Harbaugh made sure to make him feel welcome.Before the contest, Jeter joined the team on the field and was given his own personalized jersey. Bryan Fuller of MGoBlog and Isaiah Hole of 247Sports snapped awesome photos of the moment.Coach Harbaugh presents a jersey to Derek Jeter pic.twitter.com/W0z6dVa8uQ— Bryan Fuller (@FullOfTwitt) September 26, 2015Derek Jeter in the house talking to Jack Harbaugh. @TremendousUM pic.twitter.com/8pZvOiZju2— Isaiah Hole (@isaiahhole) September 26, 2015Michigan vs. BYU is one of the more interesting games today. Perhaps Jetes’ presence will spur the Wolverines to victory.
The College Football Playoff semifinals aren’t the only bowl games on New Year’s Eve. The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl will kick-off at noon on Dec. 31.The match-up for this year’s game in Atlanta is a good one: No. 9 Florida State vs. No. 18 Houston. It’s OFFICIAL! @FSU_Football and @UHCougarFB will play in the 2015 #CFAPeachBowl!— ChickfilA Peach Bowl (@CFAPeachBowl) December 6, 2015No. 18 @UHCougarFB vs. No. 9 @FSU_Football in the @CFAPeachBowl— CFBPlayoff (@CFBPlayoff) December 6, 2015Houston, the “Group of Five” winner out of the non-Power Five conferences, captured the AAC title. Florida State, meanwhile, won 10 games for the fourth straight season and fifth time in six years. This should be a fun one.
The Brazil bandwagon rolls on, but only just. Alisson came to the rescue with a decisive penalty shoot-out save to send the Copa America hosts into the semi-final, but their clash against Paraguay – a huge relief after going down to the same rivals in the same fashion in 2011 and 2015 – should have been decided far earlier as their weaknesses going forward were exposed for all of South America to see.Robbed of the dangerous Richarlison after the Everton forward came down with a bout of the mumps in the build-up to Thursday’s clash, and with Fernandinho and Casemiro also missing, Brazil nevertheless came out to win in Porto Alegre with an adventurous line-up that paired for the first time from the start Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus up front.Despite a bright opening few minutes, though, old problems surfaced again for the home team. Having dispatched Peru with such verve and class, they once more struggled to impose themselves on a solid, resolute defence, with Paraguay giving up absolutely nothing around their packed penalty area. Article continues below Editors’ Picks ‘There is no creativity’ – Can Solskjaer get Man Utd scoring freely again? ‘Everyone legged it on to the pitch!’ – How Foden went from Man City superfan to future superstar Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Indeed, Eduardo Berizzo’s men – who managed just two points in Group B – came out with the rustic but effective game-plan of kicking practically anything that moved in a yellow shirt.Everton was among those targeted most ferociously in a tense first 45 minutes, while Gabriel and Arthur also felt the Guarani wrath with a series of heavy challenges. Three Paraguay players picked up bookings before the break, although they also created the only real chance of the half; Derlis Gonzalez forcing a strong save out of Alisson at the near post after being played in neatly by Hernan Perez.Paraguay’s task of holding on for dear life was made even harder 10 minutes into the second half when Fabian Balbuena saw red for cutting down Roberto Firmino in full flight on the edge of the box – although they may have been more relieved to see VAR rule for a free-kick rather than a penalty.In any case their stern resistance continued with 10, frustrating Brazil throughout and giving up extremely little.It is difficult to pinpoint exactly where it went wrong for the Selecao. Tite’s charges dominated the game from start to finish, restricting Paraguay to a miserly four shots while remaining on the offensive constantly.
But in a story that has repeated itself on numerous occasions in recent years, the cutting edge was just not there. Guarani keeper Roberto Fernandez made a string of saves, but all were comfortable and posed little danger on the Cerro Porteno man’s net, his fantastic reaction stop from Alex Sandro’s header the exception right at the end.Approaching the Paraguay area Brazil looked one team; once they hit the wall, another. A couple of interventions from Philippe Coutinho and the electrifying Everton aside, it was all too predictable, all too easy for the underdogs to repel as they inched towards their goal of a penalty shoot-out.When a team peppers 25 shots on goal but barely three or four of those efforts threaten to open the scoring, something is clearly wrong. Even with numerical advantage Brazil were left chancing on the lottery of penalties, which thanks to Alisson – perhaps just glad to be included in the action for once – finished in their favour.
Even then a horrific miss from Firmino, perhaps the symbol of his nation’s attacking woes during a nervous, off-key display inside 90 minutes, left the Guarani with a narrow window to fight back. But Gonzalez obliged with a similarly horrendous effort seconds later, leaving Jesus free to finally kill off the brave visitors.A last-four clash against either Argentina or Venezuela now awaits, with the Selecao still hot favourites to take the Copa on home soil. But Paraguay showed, just like Bolivia and the Vinotinto, that if the net is closed off Tite’s men lack the tools to break through, despite their riches of attacking talent; something that must be worked on and fast.
U.S. Soccer has hired two Washington lobbying firms to counter some of the U.S. women’s national team’s claims of gender discrimination, the federation has confirmed to Goal.The news, which was first reported by Politico, will likely increase tension between the federation and the USWNT, which filed a gender discrimination lawsuit in March.In the lawsuit, the USWNT claimed that U.S. Soccer “continues to practice gender-based discrimination against its champion female employees on the WNT in comparison to its less successful male employees on the MNT.” Article continues below Editors’ Picks Emery out of jail – for now – as brilliant Pepe papers over Arsenal’s cracks What is Manchester United’s ownership situation and how would Kevin Glazer’s sale of shares affect the club? Ox-rated! Dream night in Genk for Liverpool ace after injury nightmare Messi a man for all Champions League seasons – but will this really be Barcelona’s? The lawsuit will soon enter a phase of mediation as both sides attempt to avoid a drawn-out court case.The USWNT did their part on the field this summer, winning their second consecutive World Cup last month by defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in the final.Off the field, the team is continuing its fight for more equitable pay. Recently, U.S. Soccer has begun to fight back. Last week, U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro released an open letter that disputed several of the claims the USWNT is making, as well as asserting that they are already paid more than their USMNT counterparts.Now the federation has hired the lobbying firms, something they may view as necessary due to increased political pressure. Last month, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), as well as Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) introduced legislation that would require U.S. Soccer to pay their men’s and women’s teams equally or else there would be no federal funding for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada.The lobbyists have been utilizing a presentation, obtained by Politico, in meetings with congressional members and their staff, which aims to counter several of the gender discrimination claims the USWNT is making. The presentation points out, among other things, that U.S. Soccer provides a salary and benefits to their women’s team but not their men’s team, though the pay structure for the men is different due to those players being employees of their club teams, not U.S. Soccer like the women’s players.The USWNT will continue their five-game World Cup victory tour with matches against Portugal in Philadelphia on August 29 and in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 3.
INDIANAPOLIS – AUGUST 24: A general view of the interior of Lucas Oil Stadium, the new home of the Indianapolis Colts, before a pre-season game between the Colts and the Buffalo Bills on August 24, 2008 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)Former Ohio State defensive standout John Simon will likely be looking for his fourth NFL team, since being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2013.Simon was Big Ten defensive player of the year as a senior in 2012. That year, he also earned third team All-American honors.The Ravens took him in the fourth round the next spring, but was waived a year later, and placed on the practice squad.He wound up signing with the Houston Texans in 2014, and had a solid season in 2015, recording five sacks for the team.Last year, Simon signed a three-year, $13.5 million deal with the Colts. He was a starter for about half of the year in Indianapolis, but went down with a shoulder injury late in the year.John Simon’s Colts tenure appears to be over. He has been released.NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport broke the news on Twitter this afternoon.The #Colts have informed DE John Simon that he’s been released, per @PerrettM. They shopped him for a few days.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2018At 27-years old, one would think the former Buckeyes standout will latch on elsewhere.During his NFL career so far, Simon has 163 tackles, 13 sacks, with three coming in nine games for the Colts last season.Last October, he also registered a pick six against Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans.
A day after Michigan’s defensive line coach, Greg Mattison, left the Wolverines for a job at Ohio State, another of Jim Harbaugh’s assistants is set to leave for the Buckeyes.Marc Givler of BuckeyeGrove.com is reporting that Ohio State is hiring Michigan’s linebackers coach.Michigan linebackers coach Al Washington is reportedly joining Ryan Day’s staff.Sources: #Buckeyes set to add Michigan linebackers coach Al Washington to coaching staff: https://t.co/eBV6X8ndNH— Marc Givler (@MarcGivlerBG) January 8, 2019From his report:Ohio State is set to take another assistant coach from the University of Michigan, sources have told BuckeyeGrove.com. Michigan linebackers coach Al Washington, who has been weighing an offer from Ohio State in recent weeks, will make the move to Columbus according to multiple sources.The news comes just a day after Ohio State landed former Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison to become co-defensive coordinator. This is also the third new defensive assistant added by head coach Ryan Day in the past 24 hours.Ohio State’s 2018 linebackers coach, Bill Davis, was let go by the Buckeyes’ new head coach, Ryan Day.The Buckeyes’ linebackers were arguably the biggest weakness of Ohio State’s 2018 team.Stay tuned for an official announcement from Ohio State.
CORONADO, CA – MAY 27: Tate Martell of Ohio State University attends Steve Clarkson’s 13th Annual Quarterback Retreat on May 27, 2017 in Coronado, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)Ohio State quarterback Tate Martell has hit the transfer market, as the former top recruit has entered his name into the NCAA’s transfer portal. This doesn’t mean Martell will be transferring from the Buckeyes’ program, but he’s clearly considering it.Martell, a rising redshirt sophomore, had said that he wouldn’t be transferring if Justin Fields came to Columbus, but that might be changing.The dual-threat quarterback recruit is believed to have interest from several major programs, including Miami and West Virginia.Well, Martell is now following two head coaches on Twitter:Miami head coach Manny DiazWest Virginia head coach Neal Brown
It’s unclear when exactly Martell started to follow these two head coaches, but they are among his most-recent follows.Lettermen’s Row Jeremy Birmingham had reported that West Virginia and Miami were among the schools Martell could be interested in.“Can confirm that Tate Martell is now in the NCAA transfer portal. He’ll begin to explore options outside of Ohio State — believe Miami and West Virginia are two schools that are worth watching,” he reported.Can confirm that Tate Martell is now in the NCAA transfer portal. He’ll begin to explore options outside of Ohio State — believe Miami and West Virginia are two schools that are worth watching.— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) January 10, 2019Martell could be waiting to make a decision on a transfer until the NCAA rules on Fields’ eligibility for the 2019 season. The former Georgia quarterback is expected to be made eligible for the ’19 season, but it’s not definite.
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts after losing to the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)The NFL combine came to a close this weekend without Kyler Murray working out for scouts. Murray decided not to throw or run in front of NFL coaches and general managers this weekend, choosing to do so at his pro day later this month.Murray did, however, weigh-in and get measured. All the talk leading up to the combine was about Murray’s height and whether or not he stands over 5-foot-10.At the combine, Murray was measured at 5-foot-10 and 1/8.One scout isn’t convinced, though. On the Dan Patrick Show today, Patrick said an NFL scout suggested Murray “inflated” his height at the combine.“”If he refuses to measure at the Pro Day, it would be telling,” the scout said to Patrick about Murray..@dpshow says that a scout told him that he believes Kyler Murray’s height was “inflated” at the combine.”If he refuses to measure at the Pro Day, it would be telling.”https://t.co/chCZUAoDIV— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 6, 2019NFL players in the past have altered their weight or height in various ways. Former NFL wide receiver Andrew Hawkins revealed he put clay under his foot to make himself taller and put weights in his pockets to register as a heavier player.This scout clearly thinks Murray may have done something similar.However, it he were to do so at the combine, why wouldn’t he just do the same thing at Oklahoma’s pro day?We’ll have to wait and see what happens later this month.