5 days ago
Some of football's most celebrated players stayed loyal to a single club for their entire career.
The Premier League's most-decorated player, Ryan Giggs, is one, so too AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, Roma's Francesco Totti and ****** nal defender Tony Adams.
Perhaps some current players such as Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden might join them too.
But there are players at the other end of the spectrum, those who can look back on a lengthy list of employers, and sometimes while their career is still in its infancy.
The most famous current example is Jhon Duran, the former Aston Villa striker joining the seventh club of his career at the age of just 22 last week.
#ryan #giggs #Maldini
The Premier League's most-decorated player, Ryan Giggs, is one, so too AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, Roma's Francesco Totti and ****** nal defender Tony Adams.
Perhaps some current players such as Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden might join them too.
But there are players at the other end of the spectrum, those who can look back on a lengthy list of employers, and sometimes while their career is still in its infancy.
The most famous current example is Jhon Duran, the former Aston Villa striker joining the seventh club of his career at the age of just 22 last week.
#ryan #giggs #Maldini
7 days ago
Jhon Lucumi is in limbo, as Bologna admitted he could leave, but the talks with Juventus are stalling, and Inter and a few foreign clubs could easily overtake the Bianconeri if they loosened their purse strings, Il Resto Del Carlino reports.
CEO Claudio Fenucci addressed the future of the defender.
"He's under contract with us. The fact that there's just one year on it doesn't affect his valuation. He could depart because we made a promise to him a year ago, when we kept him despite an offer that could have changed his career. However, the bid has to be proper."
Sunderland had matched his €28M release clause, although after it had expired, and had tendered €3M wages, but the Felsinei insisted on retaining him.
Juventus haven't dangled that much at this stage for Lucumi, while Inter see him as a fallback target relative to John Stones and Cristian Romero.
#jhon
CEO Claudio Fenucci addressed the future of the defender.
"He's under contract with us. The fact that there's just one year on it doesn't affect his valuation. He could depart because we made a promise to him a year ago, when we kept him despite an offer that could have changed his career. However, the bid has to be proper."
Sunderland had matched his €28M release clause, although after it had expired, and had tendered €3M wages, but the Felsinei insisted on retaining him.
Juventus haven't dangled that much at this stage for Lucumi, while Inter see him as a fallback target relative to John Stones and Cristian Romero.
#jhon
15 days ago
Tarik Muharemovic will leave Serie A, as Juventus elected not to bring him back, while Antonio Silva, who had been attached to Milan, won't be coming to the Peninsula. Both are headed to the Premier League, Fabrizio Romano reports (via SOSFanta).
Leeds United have bested Bournemouth and Sunderland in the race for the Bosnian defender. They will pay €38/40M to Sassuolo. The Bianconeri will pocket half of that figure due to a 50 percent resale clause. They wished to acquire him for about €15M, but the Emilian side drove up his price tag. The center-back will sign a rich five-year deal.
While Juventus gave serious thought to signing Muharemovic, Milan didn't go past an initial inquiry for Antonio Silva. Benfica couldn't convince him to sign an extension and then swiftly sold him to the Cherries.
The Rossoneri have already signed Mario Gila for a higher fee. They might add further if they parted ways with Fikayo Tomori. The Englishman has been linked to the Old Lady, but they'll resume negotiating with Bologna for Jhon Lucumi first now that his €28M release clause is no longer in play. He's drawing interest from Saudi Arabia, though, Sportitalia informs.
The Rossoneri would have purchased the latter if they really wanted him, considering how much they shelled out for Gila, who's more of a sure thing. If they address the position again, it'll have to be a proper stud.
Leeds United have bested Bournemouth and Sunderland in the race for the Bosnian defender. They will pay €38/40M to Sassuolo. The Bianconeri will pocket half of that figure due to a 50 percent resale clause. They wished to acquire him for about €15M, but the Emilian side drove up his price tag. The center-back will sign a rich five-year deal.
While Juventus gave serious thought to signing Muharemovic, Milan didn't go past an initial inquiry for Antonio Silva. Benfica couldn't convince him to sign an extension and then swiftly sold him to the Cherries.
The Rossoneri have already signed Mario Gila for a higher fee. They might add further if they parted ways with Fikayo Tomori. The Englishman has been linked to the Old Lady, but they'll resume negotiating with Bologna for Jhon Lucumi first now that his €28M release clause is no longer in play. He's drawing interest from Saudi Arabia, though, Sportitalia informs.
The Rossoneri would have purchased the latter if they really wanted him, considering how much they shelled out for Gila, who's more of a sure thing. If they address the position again, it'll have to be a proper stud.
15 days ago
Now that Juventus are pocketing €20m from the €40m sale of Tarik Muharemovic to Leeds United, they will reportedly use it to get Jhon Lucumi from Bologna.
Multiple sources report his evening that the agreement has been reached for Sassuolo to sell Muharemovic to Leeds for €40m.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus and Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio battle for possession during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
As part of the original €2m move to the Neroverdi, Juve are owed 50 per cent of the future sale fee, so are going to bring in €20m this summer.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 17: Jhon Lucumi #3 of Colombia looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Uzbekistan and Colombia at Mexico City Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Multiple sources report his evening that the agreement has been reached for Sassuolo to sell Muharemovic to Leeds for €40m.
TURIN, ITALY – MARCH 21: Francisco Conceicao of Juventus and Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio battle for possession during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and US Sassuolo Calcio at Allianz Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
As part of the original €2m move to the Neroverdi, Juve are owed 50 per cent of the future sale fee, so are going to bring in €20m this summer.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 17: Jhon Lucumi #3 of Colombia looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Uzbekistan and Colombia at Mexico City Stadium on June 17, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
19 days ago
The San Diego Padres brought the winning run to the plate with two out in the bottom of the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays. Xander Bogaerts stepped into the batter's box with Jackson Merrill and Fernando Tatis Jr. on first and second base after the Padres recorded three consecutive two-out hits off Padres closer Louis Varland. Bogaerts worked the count full, but on the final pitch of the at-bat he hit a routine ground ball to third base, which resulted in the final out of the game to give San Diego a 5-3 loss at the hands of Toronto in their series opener at Petco Park on Friday night.
The Padres came into the bottom of the ninth trailing, 5-2. Jake Cronenworth pinch hit and struck out to open the inning and Luis Rengifo hit a deep fly ball into left field for the second out of the inning. Luis Campusano lined a ball back through the middle of the infield and Tatis followed with a line drive single through the right side of the infield. Merrill stepped in and connected on another base hit, which scored Campusano to cut the deficit to 5-3.
Bogaerts represented the winning run and Petco Park was waiting to erupt with a big hit from the San Diego shortstop. Bogaerts started the scoring in the game in the bottom of the first inning when he connected on a two-run home run off starter Shane Bieber to put the Padres up 2-0. Considering the speed of Tatis and Merrill and the fact that they were on the move on a 3-2 pitch, a base hit by Bogaerts might have tied the game, but it would have likely brought San Diego within a run with Manny Machado set to come to the plate. However, that was not how the 3-2 pitch played out. Instead, Bogaerts bounced a ground ball to Toronto third baseman Kazuma Okamoto who threw across the diamond in time to get Bogaerts to end the inning and the game.
Okamoto proved to have the game-winning hit for the Blue Jays in the top of the fifth inning. Padres starter JP Sears allowed two of the first three batters of the inning to reach base on singles and Jhony Brito came in to face Vladamir Guerrero Jr. Brito allowed an RBI-single and Toronto tied the game at 2-2. Brito then faced Okamoto who won a seven-pitch at-bat with a 377-foot three-run home run into the left field bleachers to give the Blue Jays a 5-2 lead.
San Diego will try to stop a two-game losing streak in the second game of the series against Toronto today at 5:40 p.m.
The Padres came into the bottom of the ninth trailing, 5-2. Jake Cronenworth pinch hit and struck out to open the inning and Luis Rengifo hit a deep fly ball into left field for the second out of the inning. Luis Campusano lined a ball back through the middle of the infield and Tatis followed with a line drive single through the right side of the infield. Merrill stepped in and connected on another base hit, which scored Campusano to cut the deficit to 5-3.
Bogaerts represented the winning run and Petco Park was waiting to erupt with a big hit from the San Diego shortstop. Bogaerts started the scoring in the game in the bottom of the first inning when he connected on a two-run home run off starter Shane Bieber to put the Padres up 2-0. Considering the speed of Tatis and Merrill and the fact that they were on the move on a 3-2 pitch, a base hit by Bogaerts might have tied the game, but it would have likely brought San Diego within a run with Manny Machado set to come to the plate. However, that was not how the 3-2 pitch played out. Instead, Bogaerts bounced a ground ball to Toronto third baseman Kazuma Okamoto who threw across the diamond in time to get Bogaerts to end the inning and the game.
Okamoto proved to have the game-winning hit for the Blue Jays in the top of the fifth inning. Padres starter JP Sears allowed two of the first three batters of the inning to reach base on singles and Jhony Brito came in to face Vladamir Guerrero Jr. Brito allowed an RBI-single and Toronto tied the game at 2-2. Brito then faced Okamoto who won a seven-pitch at-bat with a 377-foot three-run home run into the left field bleachers to give the Blue Jays a 5-2 lead.
San Diego will try to stop a two-game losing streak in the second game of the series against Toronto today at 5:40 p.m.
19 days ago
Inter Milan are pursuing Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí and have proposed Ebenezer Akinsanmiro as a makeweight in a potential deal, with a €28 million release clause set to expire on 15 July concentrating minds on both sides.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, citing Corriere dello Sport, the Nerazzurri have already made preliminary enquiries at Bologna and are now ******* sing whether to structure an offer around the young Nigerian midfielder alongside a cash component.
Lucumí, contracted to Bologna until 2027, is left-footed and primarily operates on the left of a back four – not the right-sided profile Chivu has prioritised. However, the Colombian international's pace and comfort with a high defensive line are seen as directly compatible with how Chivu wants to set up, and his established Serie A record eliminates any adaptation risk.
The €28 million release clause expires on 15 July. After that date, Inter believe a figure in the region of €20 million – supplemented by Akinsanmiro as a technical counterpart – could be sufficient to open a serious negotiation with Bologna sporting director Sartori, with Akinsanmiro among the profiles understood to appeal to him.
Trevoh Chalobah remains the Nerazzurri's primary defensive target, as covered in Inter's centre-back pursuit, but Chelsea's insistence on at least €35 million has stalled progress. Lucumí represents a more accessible alternative at a meaningful discount.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, citing Corriere dello Sport, the Nerazzurri have already made preliminary enquiries at Bologna and are now ******* sing whether to structure an offer around the young Nigerian midfielder alongside a cash component.
Lucumí, contracted to Bologna until 2027, is left-footed and primarily operates on the left of a back four – not the right-sided profile Chivu has prioritised. However, the Colombian international's pace and comfort with a high defensive line are seen as directly compatible with how Chivu wants to set up, and his established Serie A record eliminates any adaptation risk.
The €28 million release clause expires on 15 July. After that date, Inter believe a figure in the region of €20 million – supplemented by Akinsanmiro as a technical counterpart – could be sufficient to open a serious negotiation with Bologna sporting director Sartori, with Akinsanmiro among the profiles understood to appeal to him.
Trevoh Chalobah remains the Nerazzurri's primary defensive target, as covered in Inter's centre-back pursuit, but Chelsea's insistence on at least €35 million has stalled progress. Lucumí represents a more accessible alternative at a meaningful discount.
22 days ago
Switzerland vs. Colombia free live stream: How to watch World Cup game online without cable originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Switzerland and Colombia are set for a thrilling Round of 16 clash after both sides put on impressive performances to advance through the Round of 32.
The Swiss comfortably blanked Algeria 2-0 behind first-half goals from Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo, while Colombia rode a clutch 14th-minute strike from Jhon Arias to edge past Ghana 1-0.
Anchored by world-class veterans like Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji, Switzerland is fighting to break a decades-long barrier and reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.
Meanwhile, a star-studded Colombian side featuring Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez is eager to replicate their historic 2014 quarterfinal run after bouncing back from missing the tournament entirely in 2022.
Switzerland and Colombia are set for a thrilling Round of 16 clash after both sides put on impressive performances to advance through the Round of 32.
The Swiss comfortably blanked Algeria 2-0 behind first-half goals from Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo, while Colombia rode a clutch 14th-minute strike from Jhon Arias to edge past Ghana 1-0.
Anchored by world-class veterans like Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji, Switzerland is fighting to break a decades-long barrier and reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.
Meanwhile, a star-studded Colombian side featuring Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez is eager to replicate their historic 2014 quarterfinal run after bouncing back from missing the tournament entirely in 2022.
24 days ago
Switzerland and Colombia face each other this Tuesday at the BC Place for a match of the Last 16 of the World Cup. The match will be broadcast live at 21:00 on ITV 1.
In their last fixture, Switzerland won 2-0 against Algeria (World Cup 2026). Last time out, Colombia triumphed 1-0 against Ghana (World Cup 2026).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Colombia winning 3-1.
Switzerland ( vs Algeria 2026-07-03): Gregor Kobel, Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodríguez, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Dan Ndoye, Johan Manzambi, Rubén Vargas, Breel Embolo
Colombia ( vs Ghana 2026-07-04): Camilo Vargas, Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica, Jhon Arias, Gustavo Puerta, Jefferson Lerma, James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba, Luis Díaz
In their last fixture, Switzerland won 2-0 against Algeria (World Cup 2026). Last time out, Colombia triumphed 1-0 against Ghana (World Cup 2026).
The last meeting between the two teams ended with Colombia winning 3-1.
Switzerland ( vs Algeria 2026-07-03): Gregor Kobel, Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodríguez, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Dan Ndoye, Johan Manzambi, Rubén Vargas, Breel Embolo
Colombia ( vs Ghana 2026-07-04): Camilo Vargas, Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica, Jhon Arias, Gustavo Puerta, Jefferson Lerma, James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba, Luis Díaz
25 days ago
Bologna defender Jhon Lucumí insists he will focus on the transfer market, including Juventus’ interest, after the World Cup: ‘It’s not the time to discuss such matters.’
The Colombian centre-back has emerged as one of Juventus’ summer targets in defence, but the Bianconeri seem unwilling to pay his €28m release clause.
Lucumí’s contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara expires in less than a year, in June 2027, but the defender is unwilling to discuss his future now: “I’m at the World Cup right now,” he told Gazzetta.
The 28-year-old was directly asked about Juventus’ interest, but he reiterated: “‘It’s not the time to discuss such matters. When I return to Italy, we’ll calmly talk about everything.”
Lucumí’s Colombia beat Ghana in the World Cup Round of 32 and will face Switzerland in the Round of 16.
The Colombian centre-back has emerged as one of Juventus’ summer targets in defence, but the Bianconeri seem unwilling to pay his €28m release clause.
Lucumí’s contract at the Stadio Dall’Ara expires in less than a year, in June 2027, but the defender is unwilling to discuss his future now: “I’m at the World Cup right now,” he told Gazzetta.
The 28-year-old was directly asked about Juventus’ interest, but he reiterated: “‘It’s not the time to discuss such matters. When I return to Italy, we’ll calmly talk about everything.”
Lucumí’s Colombia beat Ghana in the World Cup Round of 32 and will face Switzerland in the Round of 16.
26 days ago
KANSAS CITY, MO — Colombia needed just one chance to dispatch Ghana in the round of 32 on Friday, July 3. Colombia advanced to the next round of the World Cup thanks to a 1-0 victory.
It's the first time Colombia has won a knockout match since 2014.
"We created a lot of chances and we didn't score a lot of them," Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo said. "I liked how we defended. They all performed quite well."
Colombia was on the front foot from the beginning. The team's opening goal in the 14th minute from Jhon Arias proved to be decisive.
World Cup: Ghana team plays for home after deadly floods
It's the first time Colombia has won a knockout match since 2014.
"We created a lot of chances and we didn't score a lot of them," Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo said. "I liked how we defended. They all performed quite well."
Colombia was on the front foot from the beginning. The team's opening goal in the 14th minute from Jhon Arias proved to be decisive.
World Cup: Ghana team plays for home after deadly floods
26 days ago
Wasteful Colombia saw off toothless Ghana 1-0 on Friday to become the final team to qualify for the World Cup last 16.
The South Americans dominated the game at Arrowhead Stadium but ended up with just Jhon Arias's early goal to show for their superiority as they now look forward to a meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey fizzed a shot just wide in the opening minute but that proved a false dawn for the African nation.
Colombia were forced into an early change when Jhon Cordoba pulled up with an apparent groin injury and was replaced by Luis Suarez.
Minutes later Ghana were forced into a change of their own when Alidu Seidu came on for the stricken Marvin Senaya.
The South Americans dominated the game at Arrowhead Stadium but ended up with just Jhon Arias's early goal to show for their superiority as they now look forward to a meeting with Switzerland in Vancouver on Tuesday.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey fizzed a shot just wide in the opening minute but that proved a false dawn for the African nation.
Colombia were forced into an early change when Jhon Cordoba pulled up with an apparent groin injury and was replaced by Luis Suarez.
Minutes later Ghana were forced into a change of their own when Alidu Seidu came on for the stricken Marvin Senaya.
27 days ago
Group K winners Colombia face Ghana in the World Cup last 32 at Kansas City Stadium in the early hours of Saturday morning, with a round of 16 tie against Switzerland waiting for the winner.
Néstor Lorenzo's side have been one of the most impressive teams at the tournament. Seven points from three group matches, just one goal conceded, and one of the highest xG tallies of any side still competing. Ghana offer a completely different kind of challenge — low block, defensive discipline and a counter-attacking threat built around pace and set pieces.
Lorenzo has no injury concerns and is expected to name his strongest available XI. The key returns from the Portugal draw are Daniel Muñoz at right back and Luis Suárez through the middle of the attack.
Muñoz, Colombia's top scorer in the tournament so far, was rested for the goalless draw with Portugal — his energy and willingness to burst forward from right back is a central feature of how Lorenzo's side create. His return gives Colombia an immediate upgrade in attacking width on that side.
Suárez was also rested against Portugal after being a slight doubt heading into that match. The Sporting CP striker is fit to start and comes in for Jhon Córdoba. Johan Mojica covers at left back in place of Deiver Machado.
Néstor Lorenzo's side have been one of the most impressive teams at the tournament. Seven points from three group matches, just one goal conceded, and one of the highest xG tallies of any side still competing. Ghana offer a completely different kind of challenge — low block, defensive discipline and a counter-attacking threat built around pace and set pieces.
Lorenzo has no injury concerns and is expected to name his strongest available XI. The key returns from the Portugal draw are Daniel Muñoz at right back and Luis Suárez through the middle of the attack.
Muñoz, Colombia's top scorer in the tournament so far, was rested for the goalless draw with Portugal — his energy and willingness to burst forward from right back is a central feature of how Lorenzo's side create. His return gives Colombia an immediate upgrade in attacking width on that side.
Suárez was also rested against Portugal after being a slight doubt heading into that match. The Sporting CP striker is fit to start and comes in for Jhon Córdoba. Johan Mojica covers at left back in place of Deiver Machado.
1 month ago
Brazil’s U-17 Futsal National Team won the Nations League **** le, played in Córdoba, Spain. The tournament, held between June 25 and 28, was part of the team’s preparation for the CONMEBOL U-17 South American Championship, scheduled for August in Paraguay.
In their opener, the Seleção beat Spain 4-2, with goals from Pablo, Isaac, Cauã Farias, and Victor Kauê. In the second round, Brazil thrashed Indonesia 9-0, with Pietro scoring three times, while Arthur Furtado, Victor Kauê, João Fronza, Isaac, Jhon, and Kauã Paiva also found the net. In the semifinal, the team defeated France 3-2, with two goals from Kauã Paiva and one from Luka, securing a place in the final.
In the grand final, once again against Spain, the team coached by Diogo Barros capped off an excellent campaign with a 5-2 victory. Cauã Farias (2), Murilo Jr. (2), and Cauã Gamba scored the **** le-winning goals.
Coach Diogo Barros highlighted the team-building process and the importance of preparation throughout the cycle.
“This is a generation that has been built through medium-term work and is now beginning to reap the rewards. We are very happy with the **** le and with another important preparation cycle for the South American Championship. We faced high-level national teams, which showed the quality of the work being done. Now the focus is on preparation and on going after the South American **** le, which is our main objective.”
In their opener, the Seleção beat Spain 4-2, with goals from Pablo, Isaac, Cauã Farias, and Victor Kauê. In the second round, Brazil thrashed Indonesia 9-0, with Pietro scoring three times, while Arthur Furtado, Victor Kauê, João Fronza, Isaac, Jhon, and Kauã Paiva also found the net. In the semifinal, the team defeated France 3-2, with two goals from Kauã Paiva and one from Luka, securing a place in the final.
In the grand final, once again against Spain, the team coached by Diogo Barros capped off an excellent campaign with a 5-2 victory. Cauã Farias (2), Murilo Jr. (2), and Cauã Gamba scored the **** le-winning goals.
Coach Diogo Barros highlighted the team-building process and the importance of preparation throughout the cycle.
“This is a generation that has been built through medium-term work and is now beginning to reap the rewards. We are very happy with the **** le and with another important preparation cycle for the South American Championship. We faced high-level national teams, which showed the quality of the work being done. Now the focus is on preparation and on going after the South American **** le, which is our main objective.”
1 month ago
Ruben Dias saw out the full 90 minutes as Portugal held on to a 0-0 draw against Colombia despite late drama on Saturday night.
Colombia secured top spot in Group K after battling to an entertaining 0-0 draw against Portugal in Miami, leaving Roberto Martínez’s side to settle for the runner-up position. Despite being Los Cafeteros’ first scoreless stalemate in 25 World Cup matches, the encounter delivered non-stop drama.
Freshly introduced starter Jhon Córdoba caused early chaos, flashing a header over the crossbar before forcing a magnificent one-handed save from Diogo Costa. Portugal gradually found their footing as the first half progressed, with Camilo Vargas producing a point-blank stop to deny Bruno Fernandes, while a largely peripheral Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to make an impact.
The second-half narrative belonged entirely to Colombia’s relentless waves of attack, with Richard Ríos and Gustavo Puerta both coming agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. After Luis Suárez hooked a major opportunity over an open goal, the South Americans appeared to have **** ed a dramatic 90th-minute winner when Davinson Sánchez powered home a header.
However, a VAR and **** istant referee review determined the defender’s boot was offside by a microscopic fraction, cruelly wiping the goal off the board.
Colombia secured top spot in Group K after battling to an entertaining 0-0 draw against Portugal in Miami, leaving Roberto Martínez’s side to settle for the runner-up position. Despite being Los Cafeteros’ first scoreless stalemate in 25 World Cup matches, the encounter delivered non-stop drama.
Freshly introduced starter Jhon Córdoba caused early chaos, flashing a header over the crossbar before forcing a magnificent one-handed save from Diogo Costa. Portugal gradually found their footing as the first half progressed, with Camilo Vargas producing a point-blank stop to deny Bruno Fernandes, while a largely peripheral Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to make an impact.
The second-half narrative belonged entirely to Colombia’s relentless waves of attack, with Richard Ríos and Gustavo Puerta both coming agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. After Luis Suárez hooked a major opportunity over an open goal, the South Americans appeared to have **** ed a dramatic 90th-minute winner when Davinson Sánchez powered home a header.
However, a VAR and **** istant referee review determined the defender’s boot was offside by a microscopic fraction, cruelly wiping the goal off the board.
1 month ago
The start of the second half of the minor league season always includes promotions of minor league players that have distinguished themselves over the first half of the season.
Several of the promotions this year were expected. Multiple members of the San Diego Padres’ minor league system had excellent first halves of their year and forced the organization to push them up the ladder.
A few players struggled and were sent down a level to regroup and try to get some consistency in their game. Of the 23 moves made on Tuesday, 16 were promotions.
Lake Elsinore lost multiple members of their team that won the first half in the South Division in the California League.They are guaranteed a playoff spot at the end of the season but the team will look significantly different than the one that won the first half.
El Paso went 4-2 for the week against the Reno Aces, with the starting pitching consisting of Jhony Brito, Germán Márquez, JP Sears, and Matt Waldron for the first four games of the week.
Several of the promotions this year were expected. Multiple members of the San Diego Padres’ minor league system had excellent first halves of their year and forced the organization to push them up the ladder.
A few players struggled and were sent down a level to regroup and try to get some consistency in their game. Of the 23 moves made on Tuesday, 16 were promotions.
Lake Elsinore lost multiple members of their team that won the first half in the South Division in the California League.They are guaranteed a playoff spot at the end of the season but the team will look significantly different than the one that won the first half.
El Paso went 4-2 for the week against the Reno Aces, with the starting pitching consisting of Jhony Brito, Germán Márquez, JP Sears, and Matt Waldron for the first four games of the week.
1 month ago
Manager Craig Stammen announced in his pre-game media session on Tuesday, the promotion of LHP JP Sears to make his season debut with the San Diego Padres after the team placed starter Lucas Giolito on the 10-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.
Stammen reported that Giolito spoke up about the soreness in his elbow after his last appearance against the Texas Rangers. It is reportedly similar to the soreness he felt last season before missing the rest of the year on the injured list. The Padres will push Randy Vásquez back a day, and Sears will start tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves, with Vásquez going the first game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Giolito joins Germán Márquez, Matt Waldron, Nick Pivetta, and Jhony Brito as starters on the injured list. Both Márquez and Brito are completing their work to return from injuries, with Brito pitching two days ago and Márquez nearing the end of his rehab ******* ignment. Waldron just began his rehab ******* ignment with El Paso this past week.
Giolito signed with the organization on April 22, making his season debut May 17 after an abbreviated ramp-up to the season. His velocity, diminished this season, sits 2-3 mph below his norm, and he has been hit frequently, pitching in 29.2 innings over seven games with a 5.16 ERA. The team has used an opener for him in his last two games.
Sears, acquired at the trade deadline last season, has a history as an innings-eater in his MLB career. His previous ERA, before pitching for the Padres, sat between 3.50 and 4.50 from 2022 to 2024. He finished last year with a 5.04 ERA overall, 4.95 with the Athletics before the trade and 5.47 in his five starts with the Padres.
Stammen reported that Giolito spoke up about the soreness in his elbow after his last appearance against the Texas Rangers. It is reportedly similar to the soreness he felt last season before missing the rest of the year on the injured list. The Padres will push Randy Vásquez back a day, and Sears will start tomorrow against the Atlanta Braves, with Vásquez going the first game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Giolito joins Germán Márquez, Matt Waldron, Nick Pivetta, and Jhony Brito as starters on the injured list. Both Márquez and Brito are completing their work to return from injuries, with Brito pitching two days ago and Márquez nearing the end of his rehab ******* ignment. Waldron just began his rehab ******* ignment with El Paso this past week.
Giolito signed with the organization on April 22, making his season debut May 17 after an abbreviated ramp-up to the season. His velocity, diminished this season, sits 2-3 mph below his norm, and he has been hit frequently, pitching in 29.2 innings over seven games with a 5.16 ERA. The team has used an opener for him in his last two games.
Sears, acquired at the trade deadline last season, has a history as an innings-eater in his MLB career. His previous ERA, before pitching for the Padres, sat between 3.50 and 4.50 from 2022 to 2024. He finished last year with a 5.04 ERA overall, 4.95 with the Athletics before the trade and 5.47 in his five starts with the Padres.
1 month ago
The race for Jhon Lucumí could take a different turn.
According to Sky Sport, Juventus is reportedly encountering several difficulties in their bid to secure the Bologna defender, a scenario that could encourage the involvement of other Serie A clubs.
Among these is Roma, who have long been seeking a centre-back to strengthen their defence for next season.
The Giallorossi’s interest in Lucumí is nothing new, and the evolution of the Juventus situation could reopen the game.
Much will depend on the strategies of the clubs involved and Bologna’s willingness to sign him, but the Colombian centre-back remains one of the hottest names in the summer transfer window.
According to Sky Sport, Juventus is reportedly encountering several difficulties in their bid to secure the Bologna defender, a scenario that could encourage the involvement of other Serie A clubs.
Among these is Roma, who have long been seeking a centre-back to strengthen their defence for next season.
The Giallorossi’s interest in Lucumí is nothing new, and the evolution of the Juventus situation could reopen the game.
Much will depend on the strategies of the clubs involved and Bologna’s willingness to sign him, but the Colombian centre-back remains one of the hottest names in the summer transfer window.
2 months ago
The good thing about the punishing grind of an MLB season is it doesn’t allow a lot of time for wallowing. Just one day after the Mariners blew a winnable game in Detroit to drop a series against the lowly Tigers, they escaped with a win in Baltimore today in the series opener against the Orioles, 6-3. There were many aspects of this game that mirrored Sunday’s heartbreaking loss, but today the Mariners came out on top thanks to some timely challenges and a big blast from Josh Naylor.
Emerson Hancock was good, not great, today. The Achilles heel in Hancock’s breakout season – aside from some yucky peripherals on his fastball – has been his occasional command outages, something that’s plagued him since he was in the minors, although his struggles with command now seem to be more related to his expanded ******* nal, especially the devastating but finicky sweeper.
That sweeper got away from Hancock in the third: he hit Blaze Alexander to lead off the inning before getting it back to strike out Sam Huff looking on the pitch. But Hancock then lost the handle on his sinker to Taylor Ward, walking him on five pitches, and losing an eight-pitch battle with Gunnar Henderson to walk the bases full. A sacrifice fly from Pete Alonso brought home the first run of the game, but Hancock was able to cap the damage there, getting Colton Cowser to fly out harmlessly to end the Orioles threat.
It wasn’t pretty – Hancock was at 69 pitches by the end of the third before bouncing back with a six-pitch fourth – with Hancock missing his good secondaries, needing to lean heavily on the sinker today, a pitch that has a propensity to get hit hard; he almost doubled up his usage of the pitch today, but also had some extra velo on the sinker, which helped keep the ball finding gloves. The only tick against Hancock was his search for command cost him about an inning of work, going just five innings a day after the Mariners got just 5.2 innings out of their starter yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Mariners hitters struggled against Orioles rookie Trey Gibson (not to be confused with umpire “Power” Tripp Gibson), making a start in place of the injured Chris Bassitt. Gibson poounded the bottom of the zone, eliciting a bunch of weak-contact groundball outs. Finally, in the fifth, Dominic Canzone led off the inning with a single, and then with one out Jhonny Pereda hit a solid line drive single (101.2 mph exit velocity). Ryan Bliss, getting a start after Colt Emerson was a late scratch with back tightness and J.P. Crawford was placed on the 10-day IL after being hit in the hand by Public Enemy #1 Framber Valdez – did his job, knocking in the run with a sac fly. Pretty good, considering Bliss had been ferried to the ballpark with such little fanfare his bags didn’t even arrive (leading to a very cute exchange postgame where similar Short King Brad Adam offered to loan Bliss some of his clothes). Cole Young, pressed into leadoff duty, kept the pressure on, cashing in his Dollar Token o
Emerson Hancock was good, not great, today. The Achilles heel in Hancock’s breakout season – aside from some yucky peripherals on his fastball – has been his occasional command outages, something that’s plagued him since he was in the minors, although his struggles with command now seem to be more related to his expanded ******* nal, especially the devastating but finicky sweeper.
That sweeper got away from Hancock in the third: he hit Blaze Alexander to lead off the inning before getting it back to strike out Sam Huff looking on the pitch. But Hancock then lost the handle on his sinker to Taylor Ward, walking him on five pitches, and losing an eight-pitch battle with Gunnar Henderson to walk the bases full. A sacrifice fly from Pete Alonso brought home the first run of the game, but Hancock was able to cap the damage there, getting Colton Cowser to fly out harmlessly to end the Orioles threat.
It wasn’t pretty – Hancock was at 69 pitches by the end of the third before bouncing back with a six-pitch fourth – with Hancock missing his good secondaries, needing to lean heavily on the sinker today, a pitch that has a propensity to get hit hard; he almost doubled up his usage of the pitch today, but also had some extra velo on the sinker, which helped keep the ball finding gloves. The only tick against Hancock was his search for command cost him about an inning of work, going just five innings a day after the Mariners got just 5.2 innings out of their starter yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Mariners hitters struggled against Orioles rookie Trey Gibson (not to be confused with umpire “Power” Tripp Gibson), making a start in place of the injured Chris Bassitt. Gibson poounded the bottom of the zone, eliciting a bunch of weak-contact groundball outs. Finally, in the fifth, Dominic Canzone led off the inning with a single, and then with one out Jhonny Pereda hit a solid line drive single (101.2 mph exit velocity). Ryan Bliss, getting a start after Colt Emerson was a late scratch with back tightness and J.P. Crawford was placed on the 10-day IL after being hit in the hand by Public Enemy #1 Framber Valdez – did his job, knocking in the run with a sac fly. Pretty good, considering Bliss had been ferried to the ballpark with such little fanfare his bags didn’t even arrive (leading to a very cute exchange postgame where similar Short King Brad Adam offered to loan Bliss some of his clothes). Cole Young, pressed into leadoff duty, kept the pressure on, cashing in his Dollar Token o
2 months ago
Iowa Cubs RHP Yacksel Rios was released.
Shortstop Alex Madera was demoted from Double-A Knoxville to Single-A South Bend.
Right-hander Jhon Rosario was promoted from rookie ball ACL Cubs to Low-A Myrtle Beach.
The Dominican Summer League started on Monday. As always, I don’t report on the comings and goings of the DSL because I can’t think of much that’s more worthless to player evaluation than DSL stats. Or at least the daily comings and goings of a bunch of 17-year-olds. But I did want you to know that the DSL is underway.
The Iowa Cubs laid an egg against the Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers), 16-1.
Shortstop Alex Madera was demoted from Double-A Knoxville to Single-A South Bend.
Right-hander Jhon Rosario was promoted from rookie ball ACL Cubs to Low-A Myrtle Beach.
The Dominican Summer League started on Monday. As always, I don’t report on the comings and goings of the DSL because I can’t think of much that’s more worthless to player evaluation than DSL stats. Or at least the daily comings and goings of a bunch of 17-year-olds. But I did want you to know that the DSL is underway.
The Iowa Cubs laid an egg against the Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers), 16-1.
