Willkommen im Haus der Magie

• Forum Übersicht
• Login
• Registrieren

The Day in 100 Words or Less It was another delicious day at the World Cup. The trends continued, and oh boy please let them continue on and on: Space in zone 14 for number 10s to exploit, clinical counter attacks, high defensive lines, poor defending, surprise results and lots and lots of goals. International football desperately needs a really good World Cup. At the moment it is providing a really great one. England 1-2 Italy - What a wonderful game of football. - Great teams can exploit an opponents weakness and Cesare Prandellis men did exactly that by working many of their attacks down the right. Matteo Darmian and Antonio Candreva tore England to shreds on that flank. Yes, Leighton Baines looked very average on a big stage but he wasnt helped. - Wayne Rooney, asked to play the left side of a three inside a 4-2-3-1, struggled terribly defending his flank. Roy Hodgson felt he did very well but if that was the case what was the reason for switching him to the right at the start of the second half? - Rooney will become the scapegoat the English press need to feast on but for a supposed world class player it is hard to feel sympathy for a man who has created a bar that is higher than most in that country. Few genuine world class players (which Rooney is not) do not play in four different positions during a game which is what the Manchester United man did, flipping from the left to the right back to the left and then up front as England made their subs. For me, he should be played up top as a striker but it is clear his manager has very little faith in him at the moment. - Rooney, who wasted a great chance by blasting wide on 61 minutes, has now played nine games in World Cups, combining for 685 minutes. He has more red cards (1) than goals (0). - Rooneys positioning aside it is difficult to think of anything Hodgson could have done differently. His team simply isnt near as good as Italy. He had no answer for the technical brilliance of Italys central midfield so he played his own game, counter attacking with pace. - That was how they scored their goal, from this position (below) when it took five seconds for Sterling-Rooney-Daniel Sturridge to make it 1-1. - Italy were excellent. Andrea Pirlo was even better than he was two years ago at Euro 2012 and alongside Daniele De Rossi and Marco Verratti were able to dictate the flow of the game. - England defended well and countered but it was difficult to play that style for the entire game and once again England didnt score in the second half (eighth time in their last nine at major tournaments). - Italy did and it came from a break down the right. Darmian hugged the touchline while the runs of his team-mates already had England nervous as Baines points... Darmian plays Candreva in behind and Englands backline is stretched... Claudio Marchisio makes an intelligent run to distract Glen Johnson. Candreva cuts back and prepares a great cross for Mario Balotelli to head home the winning goal. Colombia 2-0 Greece - The wonderfully proud country of Colombia had waited 5832 days to see their team play at a World Cup. Few things are worth waiting that long for but no Colombian in Belo Horizonte cared anything about the past on this day. - A year ago they were considered a contender for this World Cup. It scarred the country terrorized by high expectations of 1994 that ended in tragic circumstances. A year on, they were written off by some. Now it was their time to shine. - The stadium was a sea of yellow and on the pitch the game was played at South American pace. For the third successive day a South American team scored early, and when Pablo Armeros shot bundled into the back of the net on five minutes it was the earliest goal of the World Cup so far. - Armero got the glory but the architect was James Rodriguez. Without Radamel Falcao, manager Jose Pekerman misses a star striker but it does allow him to play five in midfield, something you cannot do with Falcao in the side. This meant James was placed deeper in a number ten role where he was given license to roam all over the field. - On the opening goal he picked up the ball deep and had the vision and guile to play a gorgeous ball into space for Juan Cuadrado to run on to. The moment he pinned the ball deep he sprinted into the box and within eight seconds was in the box, receiving the ball and drawing defenders towards him. Moments after this shot he dummied the ball and allowed Armero to slot the goal home. - Greece were forced to come out of their comfort zone and were the best team for 30 minutes in the first half. This is important because their World Cup is not solely based one match. How they react to this will be vital. Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica - It is the World Cup that keeps on giving. A stunning result in Fortaleza has thrown a cat amongst the pigeons inside group D and no one can say Costa Rica didnt deserve it. - They were 7:1 underdogs heading into this game but they showed just how silly those odds looked. They never looked unsettled after going a goal down, through an Edinson Cavani penalty, and would defend brilliantly when asked. - At times they played a 5-5-0 formation with Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell dropping deep and demanding the ball. It was some contrast to Uruguays front two who couldnt get in the game. - World Cups do not care one bit for reputations. They create them. Many times we have seen old, slow players passed their prime be chewed up by the biggest stage and a day after Iker Casillas faltered for Spain, Diego Forlan did the same for Uruguay. - With no Luis Suarez (knee), Uruguays over-reliance on the front two meant the 2010 Golden Ball winner was thrust back into the limelight. It seemed like a big gamble by Oscar Tabarez and so it proved. Uruguay have a pedestrian midfield four, their wide players offer little, meaning the front two needs to click. Forlans place in the side pushed Edinson Cavani further forward and the two were invisible. Cavani is wasted as a pure target man. - It was a night that exposed Uruguays flaws. Much of their success has come against teams who have a lot of the ball who they can counter against. They couldnt do that today and, for once, when asked to be the team that dictated the match they buckled. - Fernando Muslera in goal is pathetic at this level; his centre-backs have no confidence in him or each other at set plays and dont have any help defensively – outside of Cavani – when clearing. The alarm bells were ringing in that area at half-time and Costa Rica exposed them in the second half. - Joel Campbell was great and benefited from a superb cross to score the first and laid in Marco Urena to complete the rout to make it 3-1. In between, Oscar Duarte wasnt tracked on a free kick and scored at the back post although he was inches offside. Ivory Coast 2-1 Japan - It was played while many slept in their beds or stumbled over their pint glass but if you missed it, you missed another good one. - For the fourth time already at this World Cup a team came from a losing position to take the lead. - Another trend at this World Cup has been momentum and, down 1-0 in the 64th minute Ivory Coast rocked Japan back, through the lively right back Serge Aurier. The Toulouse man, destined for a move to the Premier League, produced two outstanding crosses into the box in three minutes and headers from Wilfried Bony and Gervinho changed the game. - Japan, ahead through a Keisuke Honda bullet, couldnt find another gear. Much like Croatia, Spain and Uruguay they had been rocked by a comeback and were not the same when behind. - Yaya Toure doesnt look himself, however, and a funny moment took place in the first half when the ball from a teammate hit him in the face. He shook it off without a problem but I wondered if his mate didnt care too much for birthday cakes. Man of the Day Nominees: Mark Geiger – The World Cup needed a good referee to step up and get things right. The American, who was helped by Canadian Joe Fletcher as his assistant, did exactly that in the first day of the game. James Rodriguez – The Monaco magician was 7-years-old the last time Colombia played a World Cup. He has performed wonderfully in the Champions League but this was his big moment. He is so important to Jose Pekerman, allowing him to play five in midfield and be that deep lying playmaker, making up a midfield three, while also providing the decisive runs into the final third. His passing map (46 of 52) was special. (Stats powered by Opta) Joel Campbell – We should be careful using small sample sizes to come to conclusions about the club game but no one can convince me that Yaya Sanogo is a better option at Arsenal, the club that Campbell belongs to. Andrea Pirlo – Nothing he does should surprise anyone any more. England couldnt find a plan to counter him so they simply didnt even try this time. Antonio Candreva – His tactical intelligence was marvelous. It is one thing for a coach to set out a team to play a certain way; it is something different to have his players recognize key developments in-game. The winner: Andrea Pirlo – Candreva may have changed the game, Balotelli and Claudio Marchisio may have scored the goals but it was Pirlo who was the maestro and who everyone was talking about. It doesnt matter what country you support, this is the last time you will see the magician at a World Cup. Simply sit back and enjoy him while you can. What Comes Next? Switzerland vs Ecuador (12pm/9am), France vs Honduras (3pm/noon), Argentina vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (6pm/3pm). Burning Question for Tomorrow Can Switzerlands young stars find the space and beat Ecuador in a pivotal Group E match? Key stat of Day 3 At the 2010 World Cup 25 goals were scored through the first 16 games. At the 2014 World Cup only half the teams have played and we are already at 28 goals. Custom Boston Bruins Jerseys .C. -- Marcus Paige and his North Carolina teammates have endured so many wild swings -- big wins, surprising losses, NCAA drama -- that no one can blame their Hall of Fame coach for wondering whats next. Bruins Jerseys 2020 . The kind he has every so often. The kind he has when Dwyane Wade sits. James scored 43 points -- 25 in a bewildering first-quarter shooting display -- and Chris Bosh added 21, leading the Miami Heat to a 100-96 win Tuesday night over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who played their first game without injured All-Star guard Kyrie Irving. https://www.cheapbruins.com/. The game marks the rare occasion when two homegrown running backs, Jon Cornish of the Calgary Stampeders and Andrew Harris of the B.C. Lions, will start in the West Divisions battle for a Grey Cup berth. Wholesale Bruins Jerseys . -- The Oakland Athletics and free agent right-hander Bartolo Colon have agreed to terms on a US$2 million, one-year contract, bolstering their depleted starting rotation. Stitched Bruins Jerseys . Even that couldnt slow them down against the New Orleans Hornets. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook scored 31 points apiece and the Thunder overcame injuries to two key backups to beat New Orleans 101-93 Monday night for their 10th straight home win.MINNEAPOLIS -- An impressive start from Hector Noesi was just a couple of pitches away from being something really special. Noesi allowed three hits over 7 2-3 innings, and Adam Eaton had three hits and two RBIs to lead the Chicago White Sox to a 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday night. Noesi (5-7) gave up two runs, struck out three and didnt allow a hit until the fourth inning. Alexei Ramirez added two hits and an RBI for Chicago, and Jake Petricka went one inning to earn his fifth save in six chances. "When you have command of your fastball, every pitch you can mix in, and theyre going to swing and miss," Noesi said. "But everything was working today." Phil Hughes (10-7) gave up two runs and four hits and struck out four for the Twins. But he left the game with a bruised right shin in the fourth inning when he was hit by a chopper off the bat of Adam Dunn. Hughes is listed as day-to-day. Danny Santana hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning for the Twins, who couldnt touch Noesi for most of the game. The White Sox claimed Noesi off waivers from Texas at the end of April and he has been up and down for most of the season. The Dominican right-hander had everything working against the Twins, who traded veteran Kendrys Morales to Seattle earlier Thursday in the first of what could be several salary dumps as the trade deadline approaches. "The strides hes made are impressive from when we got him to what hes doing now where hes at," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "To be able to go out and give you this its definitely steps in the right direction." Noesi didnt allow a hit until the fourth inning, when Trevor Plouffe reached on a bloop single that plopped down between three White Soox.dddddddddddd He allowed only two runners in the first seven innings, and by the time the Twins got to him in the eighth, it was too late. "He kept us off balance all night long," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. Hughes, in an ominous sign for a team that has struggled mightily to find quality starting pitching, limped off the field in the fourth inning after being hit. X-rays were negative, and Hughes is hopeful to make his next start. The White Sox jumped on emergency reliever Samuel Deduno, who walked in a run and gave up a two-run single to Eaton to fall behind 4-0. The Twins cant afford to lose Hughes, who has been by far their best starter this season. He entered the game with a 10-6 record and 4.06 ERA, and his reliable performance through the first half of the season made his three-year, $24 million contract one of the few bright spots during another miserable season in Minnesota. "Just thankful it wasnt broken and just go from there," Hughes said. "Its sore right now and Im sure it will be worse tomorrow. Im just happy it should be all right in a few days." NOTES: Chicagos Jose Abreu extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a double in the fifth. ... White Sox bench coach Mark Parent is not with the team for the series due to family reasons. ... With regular 3B coach Joe Vavras hip ailing, the Twins have been using 1B coach Scott Ullger at third and Paul Molitor at 1B. Molitor is leaving the team this weekend to attend the Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown so the Twins called up Sam Perlozzo to coach 1B for the rest of the weekend. Perlozzo is the teams minor league instructor. ... The White Sox send LHP John Danks (8-6, 4.35) to the mound on Friday night against RHP Kevin Correia (5-12, 4.76). ' ' '

DUNEDIN, Florida – In one of his post-game scrums last summer, R.A. Dickey referred to his knuckleball as a "capricious animal," a phrase meant to describe the unpredictability, the figurative moodiness, of his strange pitch. Erik Kratz was behind the plate to start Thursdays 7-5 win over the Phillies. He was catching Dickey for the first time in game action and afterward, could attest to his pitchers apt terminology. Asked how he thought he did on Day One, Kratz turned the tables. "How did you think I did?" He was told he did fine. "Okay, well then I did fine," said Kratz. "It wasnt perfect. I had the anticipated anxiety that I thought I would." Just how anxious was he? "I caught myself not breathing a couple of times and everything like that." Armed with a first basemans glove rather than the oversized catchers mitt preferred by most knuckleball catchers, Kratz understands hell have to be a quick study in learning both the physical and mental requirements of the job. "Just the idea of trying to relax, being out there, getting a different visual but I felt like it went very well," he said. "I felt like there is plenty of room for improvement but I think a lot of things Ive seen in his bullpen sessions, it was good to see in the game. Good to see him be able to change speeds and everything like that." Dickey laboured through the first inning, giving up a lead-off dunk single to Ben Revere. One out later, Brett Lawrie airmailed a throw to second on a Bobby Abreu chopper, putting Phillies on the corners. After Darin Ruf walked to load the bases, a Dickey knuckleball to Maikel Franco eluded Kratz for a passed ball which scored Revere from third. Its not how you would think Kratz would prefer to have drawn it up. Its his first game catching Dickey, in the first inning and the first time with a runner on third and a knuckler gets by him. But he was more than happy to make a mistake in a spring game. Passed balls are going to happen. The key is to not get psyched out; dont make the same mistake twice. "You can say, okay, well, it was a passed ball, wild pitch, it was a tough one to get but you have to be ready for the next one," said Kratz. "I was proud of myself. I was happy about the way I was able to relax." Dickey limits the in-game responsibility of his catcher to receiving his pitch. He calls his own game, communicating velocity to his catcher in ways he wont describe publicly. Hes not going to tip his hand. Dickey doesnt even want Kratz to form a hard target with his glove. "Its probably better for the catcher and for me, for that matter, if hes just nice and relaxed," said Dickey. "Im far enough along in my process where I can pick out a shin guard and hit a fastball. I dont need him to give me a target. "Plus, if hes only giving a target on fastballs then everybody in the stadium is going to know that hey, if he gives you a target its going to be a fastball and if he doesnt give you a target its going to be a knuckleball so I just like him to be nice and relaxed back there, whatever gives him the best chance to consistently catch the ball." Given the uncertainty over Dioner Navarros ability to catch more than 100 games - since Navarro hasnt done so since 2009 - the Jays are looking for more offence from their second catcher. Kratz, with 18 home runs in a back-up role over the last two seasons with the Phillies, fits the bill. Josh Thole, who caught Dickey and served as the back-up catcher after Henry Blanco was released last June, appears to be the odd man out. "Hes going to play a lot," said Gibbons. "We want to make sure he gets some playing time and then well see how it develops. Kratz is going to catch (Dickey) early on, see how that develops, and then go from there." Dickeys knuckleball topped out at 73 miles per hour on Thursday. He struck out two Phillies over two innings, one on a 61-mile-per-hour knuckler and another at 63 miles per hour. He wants his hard knuckleball at 77 by opening day, his floater at 65. Dickey says hes on target to achieve those radar gun readings, adding hes feeling much stronger than he did at the end of last February, when his knuckleball was topping out in the low-70s in early Grapefruit League action. ENCARNACION HAPPY AT FIRST BASE Edwin Encarnacion chuckled at the suggestion he wants to be, or has asked to be, a full-time designated hitter. "No, whatever the manager wants to do Im ready for it," said Encarnacion. "If I have to play every day at first, Ill play. If I have to play both, Im ready for it." Encarnacion played 79 games at first base last season. He served as the designated hitter on 55 occasions. "I like to play DH sometimes because I have more time to go to the computer, watch the pitcher, watch the video," said Encarnacion. "When you play defence you dont have time to do that but for me, if I have to play first base, I dont have a problem with that." Funny, Encarnacions numbers last season were almost indistinguishable. As a first baseman, he compiled a .272/.367/.527 slash line with 19 home runs in 294 at-bats. As a DH: .270/.374/.530 and 13 home runs in 200 at-bats. ROGERS A FATHER Congratulations to Esmil Rogers, the proud father of a baby daughter. Mom and little Elaina are in Denver and doing well. Rogers was there for the birth, returned to Dunedin on Wednesday and pitched in Thursdays game, giving up two runs in one inning of work. Air Jordan 1 From China .C. -- Only two Syracuse teams have won their first 20 games, and C. Air Jordan 1 Retro . Toronto announced the deal with the restricted free agent on Saturday. The terms were not disclosed. https://www.cheapairjordan1outlet.com/.com) - Many people at Eastern Washington are waiting to see if star quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. Wholesale Air Jordan 1 . The 10-year deal the league and players agreed to that ended the 2011 lockout gave either side the right to opt out after six years. With the league projecting financial growth, there has been speculation that players will take that option in three years, especially since a new national TV contract will be in place by then. Air Jordan 1 Outlet . Napoli hit two home runs, Jonny Gomes and prized rookie Xander Bogaerts also connected, and the Red Sox kept up their dizzying scoring spree at Yankee Stadium by bashing New York 13-9 Saturday for a fifth straight win. LOS ANGELES -- Jonathan Quicks Olympic goaltending audition for U.S. national team coach Dan Bylsma ended after three Pittsburgh goals in one rocky period. All that proves to Bylsma is that his Penguins are awfully good. Jussi Jokinen had a goal and two assists in the first period, Evgeni Malkin scored in the opening minute, and Pittsburgh chased Quick early in a 4-1 victory over the struggling Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. Chris Kunitz and Tanner Glass both scored in their second straight game for the Penguins, who opened a two-game West Coast road trip with the franchises first regulation victory at Staples Center. Former Kings farmhand Jeff Zatkoff made 30 saves in the Eastern Conference leaders fourth win in five games. Quick didnt exactly make a stellar argument to Bylsma for the starting job in Sochi, giving up three goals on the Penguins first five shots before Martin Jones replaced him for the final two periods. Quick is competing with Detroits Jimmy Howard and Buffalos Ryan Miller, who was beaten 3-0 by the Penguins on Monday. "Its one game I get to see live, but ... Ive seen a lot of him," Bylsma said of Quick. "Its not a good outing for him, but hes got a body of work thats more than just this game." Quick was hurt by the NHLs best power play: Kunitz scored his career-high 27th goal on a two-man advantage, and Jokinen added his 16th moments later. Quick has started 13 of the Kings 14 games since returning from a 24-game injury absence. "If you give any team a 5-on-3, theyre going to create chances," Quick said. "They get one there, and then they get a 2-on-1 where they beat me over the shoulder. At that point, were not out of the game. We just couldnt get it together enough to get a couple (of goals)." Jokinen, a Finnish Olympian, had been in a three-game scoring drought in an otherwise stellar season. He credited this outburst to his mothers rare chance to see him play live: Most of the Penguins mothers are travelling with the club on this short trip. "I had a good first period, so I probably have to fly my mother here more than once a year,," Jokinen said.dddddddddddd. Anze Kopitar scored his third goal in five games for the Kings, but those are the only goals scored in the last nine days by the Kings, who have lost seven of eight. The Kings had played their last eight games away from Staples Center, including last weekends "home" game at Dodger Stadium. Theyve got a four-game homestand heading into the Olympic break, but still havent solved their scoring woes. "They are a high-powered team," Los Angeles defenceman Matt Greene said. "Its tough to come back when you arent scoring a lot of goals, and when you give up two on the penalty kill. Its tough chasing in a game against a team like this." The Staples Center crowd gave a reasonably warm welcome to Pittsburgh defenceman Rob Scuderi, who anchored the Kings defence during their Stanley Cup championship run in 2012 before leaving Los Angeles as a free agent last summer. But the high-scoring Penguins decisively won their matchup against the NHLs best defensive team, and they did it early. Just 53 seconds in, Jokinen made a spectacular no-look pass across the crowded crease to Malkin for his 15th goal. Kopitar evened it with a rocket of a shot from the faceoff circle midway through the period for the 16th goal by Slovenias only NHL Olympian. After Jarret Stoll and Dustin Brown were hit with penalties at the same time, Kunitz scored in front of Quick after tic-tac-toe passing from Jokinen and Sidney Crosby. Jokinen put the Penguins up 3-1 just 57 seconds later, ripping a one-timer past Quicks glove. Glass beat Jones with a sharp-angled backhand late in the second period for his fourth goal. "We were confident all along," Glass said. "We had a great start. Our power play was awesome, and then we were stingy when we had to be." NOTES: Pittsburgh scratched D Kris Letang with an illness. ... Jones and Zatkoff were AHL teammates from 2010-12. ... Pittsburgh hadnt visited Staples Center since Nov. 5, 2011, when Kunitz scored a late tying goal and the shootout winner. ... Pittsburgh C Brandon Sutter is Kings coach Darryl Sutters nephew. ' ' '

DETROIT -- Former Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best is suing the NFL and helmet maker Riddell after concussion problems helped cut short his career. The lawsuit was filed in Wayne County Circuit Court on Tuesday. It alleges the league has been aware of evidence of mild traumatic brain injuries and the risk for its players for years, but "deliberately ignored and actively concealed" the information. It also accuses Riddell of making defective helmets and failing to inform the players of the long-term effects of concussions. "The NFL, like the sport of boxing, was aware of the health risks associated with repetitive blows producing sub-concussive and concussive results and the fact that some members of the NFL players population were at significant risk of developing long-term brain damage and cognitive decline as a result," the lawsuit reads. "Despite its knowledge and controlling role in governing player conduct on and off the field, the NFL turned a blind eye to the risk and failed to warn and/or impose safety regulations governing this health and safety problem." A message was left Wednesday seeking comment from the NFL. Riddell spokeswoman Erin Griffin declined comment Wednesday night. The Detroit Free Press was the first to report on the lawsuit. Bests suit comes just days before the Denver Broncos take on the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Sunday. It also comes on the heels of a ruling by a federal judge that calls into question the viability of a proposed $765 million settlement of NFL concussion claims. U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody denied preliminary approval of the plan because shes worried the money for 20,000 retired players could run out sooner than expected. She also raised concerns two weeks ago that anyone who gets concussion damages from the NFL would be barred from suing the NCAA or other amateur football leagues. Best was selected by the Lions in the first round of the 2010 draft and accounted for 1,000-plus yards and six touchdowns as a rookie. But he was limited to six games during the 2011 season after what he said was the third concussion of his football career. He was cut by Detroit in July. Best also had a scary fall when he was a college player at California that knocked him out and sent him to the hospital with a concussion and sore back. Best, who turns 25 on Thursday, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages from the NFL and Riddell, to go along with economic and non-economic damages. "Unfortunately, with these types of injuries, as has been documented, the long-term effects of the injuries to the brain may not manifest themselves for a number of years," Bret Schnitzer, Bests attorney, said in an email to The Associated Press. "Jahvid obviously had some manifestation of concussion syndrome, which is well documented in the media. But in terms of the full extent of the injury to the brain, as we can see from other players and from the science, that cant always be determined in a 25-year-old." Schnitzer declined to make Best available for an interview. "He was disabled from playing football due to the concussions. Thats all Im really going to indicate in terms of his condition at this time," Schnitzer said in an email. "Itll develop through the litigation." Air Jordan 1 Discount .The result meant Juventus will spend the winter break three points clear of Roma after the league leader beat Cagliari 3-1 on Thursday.Milan remained seventh ahead of the rest of the weekends fixtures, but was provisionally two points behind third-place Napoli in their duel for the final Champions League spot. Air Jordan 1 Outlet . Thats the feeling that eight Canadian Football League teams are experiencing right now in advance of the expansion draft to stock the Ottawa Redblacks. https://www.cheapairjordan1outlet.com/. -- Jane Kish stopped all 25 shots she faced as the Weyburn Gold Wings blanked the Sudbury Lady Wolves 3-0 on Friday to advance to the gold-medal game at the Esso Cup. Air Jordan 1 Retro . -- The top-seeded Alberta Pandas set up of an all-Canada West final against arch rival UBC at the CIS womens volleyball championship after a 3-0 win over the No. Cheap Air Jordan 1 . Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema scored two goals each Wednesday night in a 6-1 rout of Schalke in the first leg of their second-round matchup. "We played a very, very good match," Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "We got well into the match, scored two early goals and that opened the game and left us able to counter and to use the speed of our players.CALGARY - The CFLs marquee player gave the Calgary Stampeders a real scare in their 29-8 win over the Montreal Alouettes to open the season Saturday. Jon Cornish lay face down on the field in the fourth quarter after the Stampeders running back took a high, hard hit on the run from Alouettes linebacker Kyries Hebert. It looked grim for the CFLs leading rusher and most outstanding player in 2013 when an ambulance was summoned onto the field. But an immediate trip to the hospital wasnt required as the 29-year-old from New Westminster, B.C., got up and walked to the clubhouse accompanied by medical staff. "I was knocked out," Cornish said following the game. "Im going to have to go through concussion protocol 100 per cent. "Youd expect me to feel a little bit worse, but Im pretty good. I can remember what happened before and immediately after." What happened a few minutes before that play was Cornish running for an 18-yard touchdown off a direct snap to pad Calgarys lead to 26-1. The Stampeders posted the CFLs best record last season at 14-4 and were quick out of the gates to start 2014. An opening-day starter for the first time in his CFL career, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was efficient throwing for 313 yards, a pair of touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Texan completed 16 of 25 passes. He threw out of Calgarys end zone to Maurice Price for a 102-touchdown pass in the opening quarter and tossed to Anthony Parker for another major in the fourth. Rene Paredes kicked a pair of field goals and punter Rob Maver contributed two punt singles in front of announced attendance of 26,135 at McMahon Stadium. Cornish had 67 yards on 14 carries before leaving the game. "I thought we played very physical on both sides of the football and special teams, we played fast," Stampeder coach and general manager John Hufnagel said. "I think we took a first right step going in the direction we want to go. A lot of work to be done though." Montreal, 8-10 last season, have large wrinkles to iron out on both sides of the football. Troy Smiths season debut for the Alouettes marked the first time since 1999 a quarterback other than Anthony Calvillo was Montreals opening-day starter. The CFLs all-time passing leader retired in January after 16 seasons with the Alouettes. Smith, a former Heisman Trophy winner with Ohio State, completed 17 of 40 passes for 127 yards. He was sacked four times and intercepted once. Sean Whytes punt single was Montreals only point until fullback Steven Lumbala dove for a one-yard major on the final play of the game. A gaffe by Montreals secondary left Price open for his touchdown as the Als had two defenders on Calgary receiver Jeff Fuller. "I dont feel good at all," Smith said. "Theres a whole different feel when you leave the field after a weeks work of preparation and nothing works. "You definitely have to look yourself in the mirror and you have to understand that things arent going to go the exact ideal way that you want them to all the time.dddddddddddd "Youve got to go back to the drawing board and accept the Calgary Stampeders played a great game today. They game-planned and they paid also, and they made plays." Former NFL star receiver Chad Johnson had two catches for 20 yards in his CFL debut. "Ive got a long way to go, man," Johnson said. "With this being my first time experiencing a real live game with the bullets flying, the level of competition is really not that far off from the NFL and the speed of the game is equivalent." Hebert was slapped with a major foul and ejected for his hit on Cornish. Calgary parlayed Montreals 25-yard penalty into another touchdown as Mitchell threw to Parker in the end zone. Cornish says hes yet to be diagnosed with a concussion in his career. The leagues top rusher the past two seasons said he bore Hebert no ill-will. "I dont really blame him," Cornish said. "I got a pretty good cut block on him earlier in the game, so thats how it goes sometimes." Hufnagel had said it was a "photo finish" between Mitchell and Drew Tate in choosing a first-day starting quarterback. Mitchell cleaned up his game considerably Saturday after a pre-season loss to the Lions a week earlier, when he completed half his pass attempts and was intercepted twice. The quarterback checked off the boxes of throwing touchdowns, moving the offence and not allowing any interceptions Saturday. "Im still not going to check the box of going out and doing exactly what I wanted to do and thats just making sure were executing on everything we can," Mitchell said. "A couple plays early on I can myself clean up. "I felt like there was a quarter where we didnt move the ball very well. I felt like I played good, but its easy when your receivers are making those kind of plays and your O-line is giving you time." Paredes, winner of the CFLs special-teams player award last season, booted field goals from 25 and 38 yards in the game. Maver kicked punt singles of 78 and 88 yards. Whyte was wide on a 39-yard attempt midway through the first quarter. Calgarys defence held the Als under 100 offensive yards in the first half when Charleston Hughes, Corey Mace and DeQuin Evans each recorded sacks and Hughes knocked down a pass. Juwan Simpson also sacked Smith later in the game. Cornerback Fred Bennett would have collected two interceptions in the half had his second not been negated by Deron Mayos horse-collar tackle on Smith. The Stampeders head immediately into their bye week. Their next game is in Toronto against the Argonauts on July 12. The Als host the B.C. Lions on Friday. With the Blue Bombers moving to the West Division, Montreal wont face an East Division rival until Aug. 1. ' ' '

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Jonathan Coopers rookie season might not be over after all. Arizona coach Bruce Arians said Monday that the Cardinals first-round draft pick could be back for the final six games of the season after undergoing surgery on his broken left leg. The seventh overall pick in the draft was injured in Saturday nights 24-7 preseason loss to the San Diego Chargers. Arians said Daryn Colledge will move back to Coopers left guard spot, with Paul Fanaika taking the right guard position. Colledge played on the left side his entire seven-year NFL career but was moved to right guard after Arizona drafted Cooper. Chilo Rachal also is in the mix at right guard. Six other Arizona players were hurt in the game, the most significant being tight end Rob Housler with a high left ankle sprain. Running back Rashard Mendenhall has a sprained right knee but is expected to be ready for the season opener Sept. 8 at St. Louis. Neither Housler nor Mendenhall will play in Thursday nights preseason finale at Denver, Arians said. Cooper underwent surgery Sunday. Arians said the prognosis is for Cooper to be sidelined 10 to 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, he could return for the Nov. 24 home game against Indianapolis. At the very least, Cooper would get some experience. "We dont want him to be a rookie next year," Arians said. "That was the big thing for losing him the whole season is hes a rookie again next year. Hopefully now that wont be the case." Still, its a significant loss for the Cardinals, who saw Cooper as an anchor on a re-tooled offensive line that will be so important in protecting quarterback Carson Palmer, as well as resuscitating the dormant Arizona running game. Cooper, Arians said, was giving the Cardinals "all the value you put in that pick." "The athleticism, the strength, the toughness," Arians said. "Hes got a bright future." Colledge doesnt have Coopers exceptional athleticism "but hes more than adequate," the coach said. Colledge said it shouldnt be a problem moving back to the left side, where hes accustomed to playing. "It should be an easy transition for me," he said. "I expect to fit right back in there and get it done. But Im going to keep working on the right side in case the situation goes the other direction, too. I need to be prepared to play either side of the ball." Fanaika has been one of the bigger surprises for the Cardinals. The former Arizona State lineman played in three games for Seattle in 2011 but was out of football last season. He was moved from tackle back to the guard position he played in college and impressed the Cardinals coaches when he filled in while Colledge was out with a hairline leg fracture for two weeks in training camp. "Pauls played extremely well at camp, had a bunch of snaps," Arians said. "Were confident hes a solid player." Fanaika said he wasnt sure hed get another chance in the NFL. "But I kept my faith and believed in myself and knew that I still had a lot of good football left in me," he said. High ankle sprains can keep a player out several weeks, and Housler was unsure what that meant for his chances of being ready for the season opener. "I think Ill have a better grasp for it when the swelling goes down," he said. "Right now Im just waiting to see how it all pans out the next few days." Nose tackle Dan Williams aggravated the right ankle he sprained earlier in camp but Arians believed he would be fine. Wide receiver Andre Roberts (quadriceps) and outside linebacker/defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (ankle) are fine, Arians said. Rookie tight end D.C. Jefferson has a mild knee sprain but hopes to play Thursday. "Its a big game for a lot of the younger guys," Arians said. Nolan Ryan Jersey . Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone dismissed Tuesdays massive anti-government protest in Manama as "a lot of kids having a go at the police." "I dont think its anything serious at all," Ecclestone was quoted as saying in The Guardian newspaper on Wednesday. Tom Glavine Jersey . - The Detroit Lions have 13 takeaways this season — three less than all of last season — and the defence isnt the only unit pleased with the performance. https://www.cheapmetsjerseys.us/1610l-wi...ersey-mets.html. With the suspension, Nigeria is unable to take part in any kind of international fixtures. FIFA had issued a warning to the NFF last week after the federation was served with court proceedings from the government that prevented the NFFs president from running the NFFs day-to-day affairs. Darryl Strawberry Jersey . - The Denver Broncos kept rookie wide receiver Tavarres King from joining the Green Bay Packers by promoting him to their active roster Tuesday. David Wright Jersey . - Rookie Kyle Larson will start from the pole position Saturday night in the NASCAR race at Richmond International Raceway after a thunderstorm arrived just in time to wash out qualifying.LIVERPOOL, England -- Liverpool beat Swansea 4-3 on Sunday to maintain its Premier League title challenge thanks to two goals each from Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson. The goals took Liverpools tally in the Premier League this season to 70, overtaking Manchester City as the top scorers, and left the fourth-place team just four points behind league leader Chelsea. However, manager Brendan Rodgers refused to be drawn on Liverpools title hopes. "I think for us, were concentrating on our performance," Rodgers said. "Were just concentrating on winning games. No one is really talking about us for the title anyway. Everything now is about Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal." Sturridges first came in the third minute when he received a through ball from Raheem Sterling before rounding Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm and firing into an open goal. The striker then provided the assist for Henderson to double Liverpools lead in the 20th from the edge of the area. Jonjo Shelvey pulled one back for Swansea against his former club three minutes later with a long-range strike that went in off the crossbar. He held his arm up in apology to his former club, a gesture that received applause from the Liverpool fans. But the home supporters were shocked into silence soon after when Wilfried Bony equalized in the 27th minute, with his header from Jonathaan De Guzmans free kick taking a slight deflection off Martin Skrtel.dddddddddddd Sturridge gave Liverpool a 3-2 lead at halftime when he headed in from close range after a Luis Suarez cross had found him unmarked. Swansea levelled soon after the interval though when Bony scored a penalty after being fouled by Skrtel. Suarez went close to restoring Liverpools lead but Vorm saved well when one-on-one with the striker before De Guzman nearly gave Swansea the lead when he shot just wide from a free kick. Henderson struck the winner after receiving a pass from Suarez. His initial shot was parried by Vorm but the England forward reacted quickest to poke the ball in from close range. Despite the victory, Rodgers is hoping to see an improved defensive display against Southampton next weekend. "At 2-0, we should manage the game better," Rodgers said. "We are obviously very disappointed with the goals we conceded." Swansea manager Garry Monk tried to take the positives out of the defeat. "I cant complain about the effort from my players," Monk said. "Going forward, I think its a confidence boost to them that they can come to somewhere like this - where a lot of people thought they would wipe the floor with us, the way theyve been dismantling teams here - and we were in the game right up until the final whistle." ' ' '

PITTSBURGH -- Three starters are expected to be out of the lineup when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions Sunday: linebacker LaMarr Woodley, defensive end Brett Keisel and guard Ramon Foster. They all missed Fridays practice, Foster with an ankle injury, Woodley with a calf problem and Keisel with a foot injury. None practiced this week. On the injury report Friday, the Steelers listed Woodley as doubtful, while Foster and Keisel were questionable. Foster and Keisel were unavailable for comment Friday, but Woodley answered questions after practice. "I feel pretty good, so I think Ill be set to go on Sunday," Woodley said with a grin on his face that could be compared to a cat staring at an empty canary cage. "I wasnt out there all week, but Im resting it up for Sunday." Woodley believed because there were two days remaining before the game, there was a "great chance" for him to be available. Its highly unlikely; players who dont practice Friday generally do not play in the ensuing game. If Woodley cannot play, Jason Worilds would move from right to left outside linebacker. And rookie Jarvis Jones would start on the right side. Veteran Guy Whimper will start for Foster at left guard, while Ziggy Hood will play for Keisel at right end. "I guess its going to be a game-time decision," Whimper said. "Whoever is out there, they have to be ready to play. Ive been playing left guard in practice this week, and Ramon has been doing his rehab. So Im working hard, and Ill be prepared to start if need be. I prepare myself to start every week." Thats what happened the previous week, as Whimper practiced at right tackle for Marcus Gilbert. When the game began against Buffalo, Gilbert was on the field. "They thought Gil would be ready to go earlier in the week, but they thought he just needed some rest," Whimper said. "So he got some work in practice (Friday) and was ready to go when they called his number to start the game. (But) its a long season in the NFL, and injuries are part of it. Guys get banged up, and whoever is in a backup role has to be ready to step up." Gilbert has been battling a high-ankle sprain, but he played against Buffalo and didnt miss any time this week. He was limited early in the week, along with left tackle Kelvin Beachum (hip), right guard David DeCastro (ankle) and tackle-extra tight end Mike Adams (ribs). Center Fernando Velasco (knee) did not practice Wednesday, but returned Thursday along with the rest of the group to a full practice. "I think this week is better than last week, actually, as far as the O-line coming together," Gilbert said. "We werent sure about a couple guys last week, but we got almost everybody back (Thursday), and well see about Ramon. He worked hard in rehab, and with a little rest this week he could be ready to play. "Ramons a real tough guy and a durable guy, and hell play if he can go. But if he cant go, we always have Abdullah (Whimper). Hell be ready, and hes done a good job at a number of positions for us. So, as long as we dont have any setbacks, the rest of the line should be all right to play against Detroit." NOTES: Rookie safety Shamarko Thomas has a high-ankle sprain and is out indefinitely. He was injured last week against the Bills. ... Adams, Beachum, DeCastro, Gilbert, Velasco and Heath Miller (not injury related) are probable. Jusuf Nurkic Jersey . And Richard Bachman, their rookie goalie, is facing a penalty shot a few seconds after the opening face-off. No pressure, right? Bachman stood his ground against Zack Kassian and saw the puck dribble off the Canuck rookies stick, then settled in and backstopped the Stars to a 5-2 win over Vancouver Tuesday that put Dallas in first place in the Pacific Division. Denver Nuggets Gear . The Blue Jackets announced the injury through their official Twitter account Friday afternoon. Gaborik, 31, has scored five goals and six assists in 17 games with the Blue Jackets in 2013-14. https://www.cheapnuggets.com/267y-saruna...ey-nuggets.html. -- Downcast before the final game of what had been a difficult road trip, the Ottawa Senators found a way to dig out a little momentum in the desert before heading home. Fake Nuggets Jerseys . As TSN reported Thursday, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport is under intense pressure from the federal government to focus drug testing on athletes who compete in international events representing Canada. Since funding for the tests has been frozen and the cost of testing can eclipse $1,000 per test, university athletes in a number of sports are being tested less often. Bobby Jones Jersey . Terrance Broadway threw for 227 yards and Hunter Stover kicked three field goals as the Ragin Cajuns won an unprecedented fourth straight New Orleans Bowl with a 16-3 triumph over Nevada.VIRGINIA WATER, England -- Thomas Bjorn birdied seven of his last eight holes Saturday to grab a five-shot lead after the third round of the BMW PGA Championship. The 43-year old Dane fought back from a double bogey on the first hole by making six straight birdies from the 11th and then adding another one at the last for a 5-under 67. His 15-under total of 201 put him five shots clear of Luke Donald at the European Tours flagship event at Wentworth. Donald, a two-time former BMW PGA winner, birdied his closing two holes for a 68. Irelands Shane Lowry shared the overnight lead with Bjorn but shot a 73 to sit another shot back in third. Rory McIlroy was in a tie for fourth after a 69, seven shots behind Bjorn. Bjorn is competing in the event for the 17th time, but publicly disagreed with changes to the famed Surrey course in 2010 and skipped the event the following year. He returned in in 2012 to finish 37th and then further down the board in 40th place last year. "Im starting to warm to this place," Bjorrn said.dddddddddddd "But after the double at the first it was just a question of trying to hang in and trying to get the best out of it and just see if you can roll in a few putts here and there. That happened, and probably a bit in excess on the back nine." A win would earn Bjorn one of the biggest prize cheques of his career US$1.059 million, and would also cement his place in Septembers European Ryder Cup team and a first appearance in 12 years since being a member of the victorious 2002 team. The start of play was delayed by three hours because of a rain-soaked course that saw a lot of players struggle early. McIlroy also had a double bogey on the first hole, before recovering with five birdies the rest of the way. And the double major winner hasnt given up hope of catching Bjorn. "Ive had big leads and let them slip, and come from behind and won, so theres a lot of ways to win," McIlroy said. "There is still 18 holes of golf to go, but Im going to need something very special." ' ' '

Flowery Branch, GA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Mike Smith after a second straight losing season, the team announced Monday. Smiths dismissal comes a day after the Falcons lost 34-3 at home to the Carolina Panthers in a winner-take-all game that determined the NFC South champion. Atlanta reached the playoffs four times in Smiths seven seasons, but had just one postseason win. The Falcons posted five straight winning seasons under Smith before going 4-12 last season. They went 6-10 this year. Smith ended his time in Atlanta with a 66-46 record. Nicolas Claxton Jersey .500 ball against teams with winning records, so they needed a huge lift from somebody Tuesday night in a matchup of division leaders. Fake Nets Jerseys . - Ronda Rousey realizes shes finishing up one of the biggest years for any fighter in the young history of mixed martial arts at UFC 168, and the UFCs bantamweight champion intends to go out on top. https://www.cheapnetsonline.com/1165g-ti...ersey-nets.html. Amare Stoudemire had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Carmelo Anthony scored 21 and the New York Knicks won their eighth straight game, 93-92 over Philadelphia on Friday night, sending the Sixers to their 23rd straight loss. Cheap Nets Jerseys . Brandon Morrow allowed five runs on six hits over three innings. He struck out two, walked one and hit a batter. Edwin Encarnacion had a two-out, bases loaded two-RBI double in the third inning. Bernard King Jersey .A. remained bitter for Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers on the long flight back home to New York.At 7-foot-1, Marc Gasol isnt a little anything.Hes surely not playing like Paus little brother.For the first time since the Gasols have been in the NBA its the younger one putting up the better numbers, and thats a big reason why the Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the leagues pleasant surprises this season. After never averaging even 15 points per game, Marc Gasol is averaging 20.2 through his first 30 games of the 2014-15 campaign.Pau Gasol, by the way, isnt exactly slouching, averaging 17.8 points so far this season with the Chicago Bulls.But its little bro with the better average.I really dislike the word scorer, Marc Gasol said after the Grizzlies won in Miami on Saturday night. I dont think youre a scorer. I think (if) youre looking and youre more aggressive ... more on-the-go mode, your teammates look for you more.He says he doesnt see a big difference in his game this year.Maybe he should look at those numbers again.Hes scored at least 22 points in four consecutive games, the first time thats happened in his NBA career. Hes scored at least 20 points in 17 of Memphis first 30 games, after doing it only eight times in 59 regular-season games a year ago. Hes shooting just over 50 per cent, averaging nearly four assists, and getting to the foul line more than ever.What the game gives you, Marc Gasol said, youve got to take it.Right now, it seems like the game is giving him plenty.___Heres some of what to watch for in the NBA this week:WIZARDS TESTS: Good luck finding a tougher week for any team this season than what awwaits Washington, which should learn plenty about itself over the next seven days.dddddddddddd The Wizards play at Houston on Monday, Dallas on Tuesday, Oklahoma City on Friday and San Antonio on Saturday.RONDO RETURNS: There will likely be a serious ovation in Boston on Friday night when the Dallas Mavericks come to visit. Itll be Rajon Rondos first trip to Boston as an opponent following the trade earlier this month that got the Mavericks one of the games elite point guards.BOSH BACK: After missing eight games with a strained left calf, Chris Bosh expects to return to the Miami Heat lineup this week, possibly as early as Monday night at home against the Orlando Magic.DURANTS AVERAGE: Oklahoma Citys Kevin Durant is averaging 32.3 points in regular-season games in 2014, and will finish with easily the highest average during the calendar year — about five points per game better than LeBron James. Durants will be the highest one-year average in regular-season play since Kobe Bryant averaged 34.0 points for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2006.DUNCAN MILESTONE: San Antonios Tim Duncan enters the week with 14,230 rebounds. That puts him within 11 of Walt Bellamy (14,241) for No. 10 on the NBAs all-time rebounding list.___STAT LINE OF THE WEEKKenneth Faried, Denver: This is why the guy is called Manimal. Faried had a 26-point, 25-rebound night against Minnesota on Friday, shooting 11 for 15 from the floor. It was only the sixth instance in the last five seasons of someone finishing with at least 25 points and 25 boards. ' ' '

LONDON - England defender Glen Johnson has bad news for his country: his Liverpool teammate and Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has told him he expects to be fit for their World Cup match. Suarez is doubtful for the Group D match on June 19 after undergoing knee surgery last Thursday. But Johnson said he spoke with Suarez earlier this week and the striker did not seem worried. Johnson, who has been included in Englands squad for the World Cup, said Suarez "doesnt think that it is that bad so he thinks he will be OK." Suarez scored a Premier League-leading 31 goals for Liverpool this season and was voted player of the year in England by the players association. England plays its World Cup opener against Italy on 14 June. Air Force 1 Outlet Italia . The Canadian skicross racer appeared to have the bronze medal locked up in the mens final at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, only to wipe out while trying to make a pass in the biggest moment of his career. Vans Offerte . Others describe it as taking the parrot for a walk. http://www.yeezyscarpeitaliaoutlet.it/sc...online.html.com) - Stephen Currys jumper with 3. Air Max 95 Offerte . -- Atlanta Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson is being checked for a possible concussion after blowing a tire on his way to the first workout of spring training. Vapormax False . -- Brendan Leipsic had two goals and an assist and Nicolas Petan extended his point streak to 11 games as the Portland Winterhawks slipped past the Red Deer Rebels 5-4 on Saturday in Western Hockey League action.GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke was scheduled to undergo treatment after straining his right calf after four pitches during his first spring training start. Dodgers manager Don Mattingly was hopeful Greinke could throw a scheduled bullpen session Saturday. "It all depends on how things goo today," Mattingly said Friday before the Dodgers played the Chicago White Sox.dddddddddddd The Los Angeles medical staff diagnosed the strain as mild following Thursdays injury. Greinke, the Dodgers No. 2 starter, did not limp when he walked through the clubhouse Friday. He did comment about the injury. ' ' '

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- Substitute Rodrigo scored a 90th-minute winner to give Benfica a thrilling 3-2 win over Anderlecht in the Champions League on Wednesday. Anderlecht defender Chancel Mbemba scored a goal and conceded an own goal as the Belgian champions European campaign ended. The result means Anderlecht remains anchored to the bottom of Group C while Benfica goes level on points with Olympiakos which lost 2-1 at Paris Saint-Germain but stayed second on goal difference. Mbemba opened the scoring and then deflected a shot by Nicolas Gaitan into his own goal in the 52nd minute to give Benfica the lead after Nemjana Matic had equalized in the 34th. Massimo Bruno levelled again in the 77th minute when he turned and fired in a low shot that beat Artur at his near post. Rodrigo sealed the win for Benfica on a late break. John van den Broms Anderlecht was playing without injured playmaker Matias Suarez and suspended midfielder Sacha Kljestan, who impressed in the draw against PSG two weeks ago before being sent off. Benfica also had injury troubles, with top scorer Oscar Cardozo sidelined with a back injury. But the goals flowed at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium despite the missing stars. In a scrappy first half, both strikes came from set pieces as Anderlecht and Benfica failed to carve out clear-cut scoring chances from open play. Anderlecht finally scored its first goal at home in this Champions League campaign when Benfica failed to clear a corner in the 18th minute and the ball fell to 19-year-old centre back Mbemba, who controlled it on his chest under pressure from Benfica captain Luisao and shot under goalkeeper Artur. Benfica equalized in the 34th when Matic headed home a curling free kick from the left by Enzo Perez. After scoring his first Champions League goal in the first half, Mbemba got on the scoresheet a second time, but at the wrong end, when he deflected a shot into his own net after Nicolas Gaitan had turned sharply away from Guillaume Gillet and shot in the 52nd minute. Bruno looked to have earned Anderlecht a point in the 77th minute when a quick pass from Anthony Vanden Borre set him free behind the Benfica defence and he turned and shot past Artur from a tight angle. Mbemba came close to stealing a winner with two minutes to play, but was ruled offside after finding the net. Instead, it was left to Rodrigo to snatch the win for Benfica just minutes after coming on to replace Perez. OG Anunoby Jersey . Before that, Rousey needed a total 23 minutes and 26 seconds to take care of her last eight opponents - and one of those fights lasted 10 minutes and 58 seconds. Toronto Raptors Shirts . -- Jerome Verrier scored once and set up two more as the Drummondville Voltigeurs downed the visiting Chicoutimi Sagueneens 5-1 on Friday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League play. https://www.cheapraptors.com/213a-chris-...ey-raptors.html. But sometimes the way you lose takes precedence over the final score. And how the Jets lost the 5-4 game to the New York Islanders on Thursday is what had Coach Claude Noel hot after the game. Alvin Robertson Jersey . Lost to Los Angeles in first round of playoffs. Charles Oakley Jersey . The 23-year-old Woods, Tiger Woods niece, closed with a 4-under 69 at Royal Pines to finish at 16-under 276. Lee also shot 69 in the event sanctioned by the European and Australian tours. Woods birdied the par-5 15th to open a two-stroke lead, hitting a wedge from about 120 yards to 4 feet.TAMPA, Fla. -- There are two ways to look at Dale Weise scoring the Game 1 overtime winner for the Montreal Canadiens. From a glass-half-empty perspective, the Habs probably shouldnt have needed the fourth-liner to score after outshooting the Tampa Bay Lightning by more than double in regulation and dominating the play. From a glass-half-full perspective, they can be thankful they spread the scoring around five different players. Thats the kind of depth that can propel a team in the playoffs, and while the power play tops the list of what must improve for Game 2 and beyond in this series, the Habs are confident in the bevy of scoring options they have up and down the lineup. "Its playoffs, I think you see a lot of guys like Weiser, a lot of guys in his kind of role are going to score those big goals in overtime or late in the third period," winger Rene Bourque said. "Its nice, though, we do have depth. We could rotate guys in and out of the lineup from the first to the fourth line." The Habs got goals from the first (Thomas Vanek), second (Tomas Plekanec), third (Lars Eller and Brian Gionta) and fourth line (Weise) in Game 1 on Wednesday night. That kind of scoring balance makes it hard for any opponent to key on one line. "We need contributions from everyone if we want to have success," coach Michel Therrien said. "You need to use and you need to show confidence in all your players when you go to the playoffs." Therrien showed plenty of confidence in his forwards, playing each at least 12 minutes. That includes almost a full extra period because of overtime, but its not like the fourth line of Weise, Daniel Briere and Michael Bournival got benched when the game was on the line. The Habs put 35 shots on net in regulation to the Lightnings 16. That was one reason why defenceman P.K. Subban liked the "structure" of play so much. "I cant remember the last game we outshot a team,&quuot; Subban said.dddddddddddd"For us, structurally, I thought we did a great job." Problem is, the Habs did a great job and still couldnt close the deal. No lead lasted more than four minutes, and they could never take a stranglehold on the game. One reason was that Montreals power-play drought extended to 0 goals in its last 25 chances dating to March 26. Therrien put his team through some power-play work at Tampa Bay Times Forum on Thursday. "Im confident as a coach that it will be more productive," he said. "By working, by communicating, by teaching, this is the way we believe that eventually were going to be better." Subban put the blame on everyone, saying the defencemen need to do a better job of putting the puck in better places for forwards to retrieve it. As for what exactly isnt working, check the scoreboard. "You know what? Were not scoring," Subban said. "Its just not going in for us. If we score, it changes everything." In addition to the power play, the Habs might want to stop giving up as many quality chances as they did. After the 5-4 victory, captain Brian Gionta called the shot total "misleading" because the Lightning had several golden opportunities. Those opportunities, and the goals that resulted, also frustrated goaltender Carey Price. The Habs dont want that. "I think hockeys a game of mistakes and you see yesterday, they capitalized on every mistake we made," Bourque said. "Weve just got to tighten up defensively a little bit more." Players and Therrien expect plenty of adjustments and for this to be a long series that changes as it develops. But even winning Game 1 the Habs know what they cannot continue to do. "If we give up four goals Im not sure were going to win the next game," Therrien said. "There were a few breakdowns that were going to approach with our team to make sure were more solid." Follow (at)SWhyno on Twitter ' ' '

The Blue Jays have agreed to terms with free agent catcher Dioner Navarro on a two-year deal worth $8 million. The contract will pay Navarro $3 million in 2014 and $5 million in 2015. The 29-year-old backstop was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free-agent in 2000 and has also spent time with Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs. The Caracas, Venezuela native posted a .300 batting average with 13 home runs in 89 games for the Cubs last season. He has a career average of .251 with 54 home runs since making his debut with the Yankees in 2004. Yeezy Shoes . The Heat centre scored 10 of his 30 points early in the first quarter to silence the Toronto fans as Miami defeated the Raptors 113-101 on Friday night. Cheap Yeezy . Johns, N.L., to Thunder Bay, Ont., after a deal was announced to build a new $106-million "event centre" in the Lake Superior community. https://www.wholesaleyeezyauthentic.com/.com) - The Boston Bruins announced Monday that the team has signed goaltender Niklas Svedberg to a one-year contract. Fake Yeezy .Y. - Sven Andrighetto scored once and set up two more as the Hamilton Bulldogs hung on to defeat the host Adirondack Flames 5-3 on Tuesday in American Hockey League action. Cheap Yeezy From China . The Spanish champions decision not to sign a defender during the January transfer window may have backfired after Valencia took advantage of a lethargic, uninspired effort by its hosts at the Camp Nou, where former Spain coach Luis Aragones -- who previously coached the Catalan side -- was honoured after his death on Saturday.SAN FRANCISCO -- Linebacker Aldon Smith will miss Thursday nights game at St. Louis and perhaps sit out longer, San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York said Sunday. Smith will seek treatment following his arrest Friday for suspicion of driving under the influence and marijuana possession. After Sundays loss to the Colts, Smith apologized and acknowledged he will get help, but didnt field questions. "First off, I wanted to apologize to the team, the organization, my family and everybody I let down," he said. "I also wanted to let it be known that this is a problem and its something that I will get fixed, and that Ill do everything in my power to make sure that this never happens again. I also wanted to let everybody know that once again Im sorry." Smith started for San Francisco and had five tackles in a 27-7 loss, two days after he was arrested and jailed early Friday morning after his truck hit a tree. York defended the organizations decision to play Smith. "Our opinion is if youre sitting someone down and paying them to sit down when theyre going to seek treatment in the future, we didnt feel like that was an appropriate punishment," he said. "Were not trying to circumvent what the NFL will do. This is about making sure that Aldon has the opportunity to work on something, to get better, and he knows that he has our support and hopefully he has everybodys support in something that has been very difficult." York expects Smith to get help on his own, but the 49ers wont interfere. "I think Aldon is going to take steps on his own," York said. Smith is a key pass rusher and sacks leader for the 49ers, and coach Jim Harbaugh had said leading up to Sunday that the NFL would decide how to puniish the third-year pro, who turns 24 Wednesday.dddddddddddd He had a franchise-record 19 1/2 sacks last season, second in the NFL. When asked about Smith getting help, Harbaugh said "theres a process there well apprise you of at the appropriate time." Smith has had a rash of run-ins with the law that raised questions about his character. "It was disappointing, but we support him, and knowing that what he wants to do is not a one-day fix, its a long-term fix for Aldon," York said. "And Aldon is willing to fight for himself and try to make this right, and I will see it through, and I will support him. I will take any shots that anybody wants to direct at the organization. They can direct at me, and I will support Aldon as long as he is willing to work at this and fight to get better." Earlier this month, a lawsuit was filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court naming Smith by a Northern California man who said he was shot at a party at Smiths house on June 29, 2012. The players charged a $10 admission and $5 per drink, the lawsuit said. Smith and former 49ers tight end Delanie Walker, 29 were allegedly intoxicated on Smiths balcony when they later fired gunshots in the air while trying to end the party, the lawsuit said. Before the 2012 home opener last September, Smith was the passenger in a car accident in Santa Clara County in which the driver swerved to avoid hitting a deer. Smith sustained a cut beneath his right eyebrow. He apologized and insisted he had grown up. The 49ers selected Smith seventh overall in the first round of the 2011 draft out of Missouri. He became an instant impact player like many of the others chosen by general manager Trent Baalke in the past three drafts. ' ' '

ATLANTA - Devin Hester high-stepped into the NFL record book. Matt Ryan had as many touchdown passes as incompletions. Julio Jones made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch tumbling into the end zone. The result: One of the biggest wins in Atlanta Falcons history. Hester set an NFL record with his 20th return for a touchdown, Ryan threw for 286 yards and three TDs, and Jones hauled in nine passes for 161 yards and a couple of scores to lead the Falcons past the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 56-14 on Thursday night. "It was a fun night," Ryan said. The Falcons (2-1) led 35-0 before the Buccaneers (0-3) picked up a first down. Ryan and the other offensive starters left after Steven Jacksons 3-yard touchdown run made it 49-0 before the midway point of the third quarter. Atlanta had a stunning 56-0 lead heading to the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay scored two meaningless touchdowns to avoid the worst loss in franchise history. "Ive never been in a game quite like this," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. It was the second-largest win in the Falcons 48-year history, eclipsed only by 62-7 rout of New Orleans in 1973. It was only the fifth time Atlanta has won by as many as 40 points. Hester and Jones provided the signature moments. With the Falcons already ahead 28-0, Hester took a punt at his own 44, found a seam up the middle of the field and easily zipped around the last man with a chance to tackle him, punter Michael Koenen. The 56-yard play was Hesters 20th career return for a touchdown, breaking the mark he shared with former Falcons star Deion Sanders. Sanders, now a television analyst, watched Hesters return from the sideline at the Georgia Dome. Hester high-stepped the last 10 yards are so, his left hand bobbing behind his ear — a tribute to Prime Times signature move. "Its tough to break the record of the guy who is my No. 1 mentor," Hester said. "Im kind of emotional right now." Sanders didnt mind a bit. He smiled broadly and waved to the crowd when he was shown on the video board, the Hall of Famers record falling in the stadium he once proclaimed as "my house." Jones couldve made the same claim after his superb 40-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter. Turning toward the sideline, he looked first over his left shoulder for the pass, turned his body when realized it was coming over his right shoulder, juggled the ball a bit as he tumbled into the end zone, cradling it under his arm just before slammed the turf, getting both feet down. "Just a hell of a catch," Ryan said. "Hes a special talent." Coming off three interceptions in a loss at Cincinnati, Ryan bounced back with a 21-of-24 showing that set a team record for completion percentage (.875). He also hooked up with Jones on an 8-yard touchdown strike, as well as Harry Douglas on a 3-yarder. "No one ever doubted that Matt Ryan would come back and have a good game after his game last week," Smith said. Hester, in his first year with the Falcons, also had a 20-yard touchdown run on an end around, not to mention one of the better defensive plays of the night. After the Bucs stripped the ball away from a Falcons receiver, Hester stripped it right back and fell on the fumble himself to keep possession for Atlanta. "He channeled some of his inner defence from his college days," Ryan quipped. The Bucs, losing their first three games for the third time in six years, couldnt do anything right. Josh McCown was 5 of 12 for 58 yards and his fourth interception of the season was returned 23 yards for a touchdown by backup safety Kemal Ishmael. Somewhat mercifully, McCown left the game with a thumb injury after appearing to bang his right hand off an Atlanta players helmet on his final throw of the night. Mike Glennon went the rest of the way at quarterback. "I thought I had my football team ready to play," said first-year Bucs coach Lovie Smith. "Obviously, we werent ready to play." The Falcons finished with a 488-217 edge in total yards. The Bucs had five turnovers and 110 yards in penalties on what will surely go down as one of the worst embarrassments for a franchise that knows a thing or two about losing, dropping its first 26 games after entering the NFL in 1976. If not for Danny Lansanahs 27-yard interception return for a touchdown, Tampa Bay wouldve eclipsed its biggest loss ever, a 48-3 blowout by the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. Notes: The Bucs were missing four defensive starters from the start of the year, including two-time Pro Bowl tackle Gerald McCoy. He didnt play because of a hand injury sustained in last Sundays loss to St. Louis. ... The Falcons Douglas went out in the first half with a foot injury. ... Bucs RB Bobby Rainey, who had 163 yards rushing in a 2013 game against Atlanta, was held to 41 yards on 11 carries. ... The Falcons had their first three sacks of the season. Jordan Roland Jersey . "It feels good, Ive never had one before, not even in College," Hagelin said after the Rangers outgunned the Jets 4-2, behind some solid goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist following a pretty wide open first period. Nike NBA Jerseys 2020 . - A Tuesday funeral is planned in Toronto for 20-year-old Saginaw Spirit forward Terry Trafford. https://www.cheapmlbjerseysjustwholesale.com/. Masahiro Tanaka has touched down in the United States and the courting of the Rakuten Golden Eagles stud pitcher has begun in earnest by a bevy of MLB teams interested in the Japanese ace. Adidas NHL Jerseys 2020 . How foolishly wrong I was. Forget the now inherent corruption and back handed favours that plague the beautiful game. Goal Line Technology? Youre having a laugh. As for them penalty cheating bandits, footballs lawmakers upend them by awarding the penalty to the opponent each time a player attempts to con the referee into awarding ghost penalties. MLB Jerseys 2020 . JOHNS, N.Each week, The Reporters put their thumbs out to the good and the bad in the world of sports. This week, they discuss standout moments from the NHL and NBA Drafts, the Coyotes speaking frankly and FIFAs famous foam. Bruce Arthur, Toronto Star: My thumb is up to the NBA. Heres why. The NBA draft is a show about possibilities, and thats fun. Then, Thursday night, midway through the first round, Adam Silver stopped the proceedings to tell a story about a prospect named Isaiah Austin, whose career ended last week after he was diagnosed with a disease called Marfan Syndrome. Then Silver stepped up to make Austin a ceremonial pick on behalf of the entire Association. They took a moment about the cruel end of possibility, and the NBA made it beautiful. Best moment in draft history, hands down. Steve Simmons, Sun Media: My thumb is up to Don Maloney, general manager of the newly named Arizona Coyotes - and yeah, that sounds weird - for his unusual honesty in explaining why the club has chosen to buy out top-line centre, Mike Ribeiro. Normally youd get a little “blah blah blah” from an NHL GM on why a player was being let go. But Maloney was more than clear here: he said the team didnt want to put up with Ribeiros behavioral issues, could not tolerate them going forward and could not have him part of the team anymore. The Coyotes, who couldnt afford lunch a year or two ago let alone buying someone out, will be paying Ribeiro $2 million a year for the next six years just to go away.dddddddddddd Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated: My thumb is up to one of the great sporting advances of the past decade. Baseballs expanded replay? Advanced stats? Heck, no. Im talking about the so-called felony foam world cup referees have been spraying on the field to mark the spot for free kicks and, more importantly, delineate where defenders can set their wall. This low-tech marvel, which looks like shaving cream and dissipates in a minute, eliminates time wasting and the inevitable cheating by defenders who try to creep closer to the spot. While baseball needed a replay room in New York, FIFA found an inexpensive way to literally lay down the law. The gimmick belongs in the sports hall of foam. Sorry. Dave Naylor, TSN: My thumb is up to the sons of athletes who chose their own path to make a name for themselves. Im refering to the selection of Elfrid Payton Jr. in this weeks NBA Draft, going 10th overall to the Philadelphia 76ers. Payton is the son of CFL Hall-of-Famer Elfrid Payton - better known as SWAC to some - who played for five CFL teams including Baltimore, Montreal and Winnipeg. Like recent NHL draft picks Darnell Nurse and Seth Jones - whose fathers played in the CFL and NBA respectively - Payton put his good athletic genes to use in another sport. Its always a nice story to see a young athlete follow in his fathers footsteps. But its a little more interesting to see them go their own way. ' ' '