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stormsvl
7 hours ago
After opting out of potentially becoming the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and returning to the Oregon Ducks for one more season, it was predictable that quarterback Dante Moore would have an accolade-filled year this fall.
He's coming off a strong 2025 season, as he was named a third-team All-Big Ten performer after completing nearly 72.0% of his passes for over 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also added two scores with his legs. But all in all, Moore's skills stuck out as being tremendously polished, a stark difference from when the nation had last seen him take the field as a true freshman with the UCLA Bruins.
The accolades are likely to roll in if Moore has the season that he's capable of as a senior, with a significant one being announced on Monday.
Moore has been added to The Maxwell Award watch list, an award given to the best all-around player in college football.
It's not the player with the most outstanding performance throughout the year, the criteria for winning the Heisman Trophy. Instead, The Maxwell Award caters to the entire package, which arguably favors Moore in that many of his throws aren't awe-inspiring or highlight-reel worthy — he just makes them look simple and easy.

#added #ducks
stormsvl
11 hours ago
The Boston Red Sox are reportedly acquiring catcher Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles in a rare intra-divisional trade, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Rutschman was part of Baltimore's youth movement two years ago, but has come back down to earth after a hot start to his career. With the Orioles looking to be deadline sellers, his name consistently was brought up since Baltimore had a surplus at catcher between Rutschman and Samuel Basallo.
Baltimore drafted Rutschman with the first overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. He made his debut in the majors in 2022. That year, he played in 113 games and hit .254 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI.
The catcher's best season so far was in 2023. He was an All-Star and won the Silver Slugger Award that year after slashing .277/.374/.435 with 20 home runs, 80 RBI and a 4.3 WAR.
Rustchman has played in 67 games this year for the Orioles. His numbers across the board are down, with just eight home runs and 47 RBI so far.

#orioles #down #played
stormsvl
19 hours ago
Christos Tzolis says **** nal are ready to defend their Premier League crown and claimed the "pressure" is on the champions' rivals to stop them from sealing back-to-back **** les.
New signing Tzolis scored in his first appearance for the Gunners since his move from Club Brugge in a 4-1 win at Girona on Saturday.
Despite serious interest in Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes – the latter possibly completing a switch to the Emirates Stadium this week – Tzolis remains the champions' sole outfield signing of the summer so far.
Key defender William Saliba will miss the start of the season with a back injury while there are fitness doubts over Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka following their interrupted World Cup campaigns for England.
However, when asked if **** nal are ready to defend their first **** le in 22 years, Tzolis replied: "Of course. To defend a **** le, you don't have to think about it. It's more difficult for the other teams because the pressure is there, not on the team who won the **** le.

#defend
stormsvl
1 day ago
ATLANTA — Luis García Jr. wanted to help but could only watch as the Washington Nationals suffered their fifth straight loss on Sunday.
García was scratched about 30 minutes before a 4-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves. He watched the game from the dugout.
A short time later, the New York Yankees announced they got García in a trade with the Nationals in exchange for four pitchers.
"I mean, it was weird, uncomfortable, going out to a dugout and then having all the other teammates look at you," García said through a translator.
García has spent his career with the Nationals but acknowledged he was excited to move to the Yankees.

#yankees #dugout #luis
stormsvl
2 days ago
As Manchester City ramp up their preparations for the 2026-27 season in Asia, it remains to be seen what changes Enzo Maresca will implement that differ from Pep Guardiola. The principles of possession football will remain at City despite Maresca replacing Guardiola in the dugout. What was worth keeping an eye out during Manchester City's first preseason friendly against Inter Milan was whether any of Enzo Maresca's tactical adjustments could be seen. Come the final whistle of Manchester City's 1-1 draw with Inter Milan and subsequent penalty shootout defeat, the answer was clear. Yes, the tactical tweaks by Maresca were evident, especially in the second half at the Kai Tak Stadium.
Manchester City made a bright start in the first half against Inter Milan. Antoine ****** yo was wreaked havoc on the left wing. It was ****** yo who created Manchester City's first goal when he surged down the left to the byline to play the ball back for Divin Mubama to open the scoring in the 14th minute.
While City took the early lead, Inter Milan did look dangerous on the break at the Kai Tak Stadium. Enzo Maresca's side employed a high four-man press which did disrupt Inter's buildup play. However, when Inter did play through the press they did have ****** e to drive at Manchester City's defence. Tijjani Reijnders and Mateo Kovacic were tasked with playing in midfield to shield City's backline. It isn't a role that either player is particularly suited to which was impossible to ignore. Speaking after the match, Maresca said: "We struggled a bit in the first-half and we know the reason why, but we were much better in the second-half. We will get better and better."
You do wonder if Maresca's comments were about how Manchester City's midfield was bypassed in the opening half-hour of yesterday's match.
Also, Rico Lewis and Stephen Mfuni were caught out by Inter Milan's overlapping wing-backs and by the flighted ball from midfield to either flank. Enzo Maresca wants one, or both, of his full-backs to invert into midfield and this was exploited by Inter Milan in the opening 45 minutes.

#Inter #maresca #half
stormsvl
2 days ago
El SEGUNDO, Calif. -- There is a battle heating up at Chargers training camp. Four practices in, the team has five contenders competing for one starting spot at left guard.
As of Saturday morning, Jim Harbaugh has given reps at the position to Kayode Awosika, Trevor Penning, Jake Slaughter, Trey Pipkins and, most recently, Branson Taylor.
"The way guys are going after it, there's going to be a really fun competition that's just getting underway," offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said. "But you can't claim a lead player in that race this early in the process, particularly because that's a job of blocking people and we really haven't got to the stage of truly blocking something, which occurs when you have pads on."
Awosika split reps with Slaughter on the first day of camp before sharing the workload with Penning on Day 2. The competition took an unexpected turn on Day 3 when Pipkins entered the mix, and another surprise came Saturday when Taylor took all of the first-team reps at left guard.
McDaniel said Friday that Awosika, Slaughter, Penning and Pipkins were "the core" of the competition, making Taylor's addition an intriguing development.

#reps #saturday #taylor #camp
stormsvl
3 days ago
Man City have submitted a revised proposal to limit transfer levy increase to one percentage point
The club is among a top-flight minority seeking alternatives to a 50% hike in the domestic levy
City are not opposed to the broader principle of a new funding settlement with the EFL
Manchester City have submitted a revised proposal to modify the transfer levy increase at the heart of the Premier League's landmark £1.5 billion New Deal with the English Football League, as per a new report.
The proposed New Deal – the outline of which has been shared with the EFL's board and the Independent Football Regulator – is intended to create a long-term framework to underpin the financial sustainability of the professional game in England over a ten-year period, with Premier League clubs being asked to increase the existing domestic transfer levy from four percent to six percent as the primary mechanism for generating the additional funds required.

#levy #increase #premier #league
stormsvl
3 days ago
The SEC generally, and Georgia's schedule specifically is absolutely full of elite players. Along with the other preview series we're running here at Dawg Sports as fall practice looms, I thought it would be instructive to look at the ten best players the Red and Black will see this season. We begin with a Vandy defensive back who's going to have a lot on his shoulders this year.

Martel Hight, CB, Vanderbilt (vs. Vanderbilt, Oct. 3)
With Diego Pavia gone to the NFL, Vanderbilt's defense becomes the more proven side of the ball, and Hight is its anchor. In 2025 he led the SEC in interceptions among defensive players, finishing with four picks and 35 tackles despite Vanderbilt not placing any defenders on the All-SEC teams.
Hight has been a steady piece of the Vanderbilt secondary since his true freshman year, when he played in all 12 games and accounted for 38 tackles and an interception. As a sophomore he added 33 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defended, and a forced fumble, while also handling return duties. He was chosen to represent the program at SEC Media Days entering his senior season, a sign of the trust the staff has in his leadership as the Commodores transition to a new quarterback.
In 2025 the Commodore staff gave Hight a look at receiver, where he'd been a standout in high school. The move made sense with Diego Pavia at QB but question marks surrounding Vandy's receiving corps. Getting Hight, among the best athletes on the roster, more snaps to be explosiive made sense on paper.
On the field it was less of a winner. Hight was targeted just 11 times out of 55 offensive snaps, catching just 7 ***** and accounting for just 64 yards and no touchdowns. Hight played more than 10 offensive snaps in three of Vanderbilt's first four games, then never got that level of usage again. Just one throw went Hight's way after week four, as the staff seems to have realized his highest and best use is at corner.

#hight #vanderbilt #staff #pavia
stormsvl
4 days ago
Outgoing Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber believes American football can challenge Europe and South America as the world's most valuable league in the future.
MLS is looking to build on the momentum created by the 2026 FIFA World Cup as it pursues its long-term goal of becoming one of the world's leading football leagues.
The World Cup was a major commercial success across the United States, with each game attracting huge crowds, strong television audiences and widespread interest in football.
While the United States' men's national team were eliminated in the round of 16 following a heavy defeat against Belgium, the World Cup highlighted football's growing popularity across the country.
League officials now want to ensure that the excitement generated by the World Cup continues for years to come, much like the impact of the 1994 tournament.

#World #commissioner
stormsvl
4 days ago
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (AP) — Malik Nabers insists he does not know what the "PUP" list means — the place where players land if they are physically unable to perform at the start of training camp.
At least this year, he doesn't need to. He's on the field at camp with the New York Giants, and all eyes are on the No. 1 receiver who is starting to regain his previous dynamic form.
Now 10 months removed from tearing the ACL in his right knee and still on a lengthy road back from the injury, Nabers is not yet a full participant in practice. But the Giants' No. 1 receiver is running routes at full speed during individual drills and sparking optimism that he'll be healthy enough to play in a game sooner than later.
"It felt good," Nabers said Thursday after the second practice of camp in the mountains of West Virginia. "I mean, I might not show it. I like to be a person that you never know my facial expressions. I'm always just smooth and calm. But it felt good to be out there with the guys, get a couple throws, just move around."
Nabers, who turned 23 on Tuesday, sounded more hopeful about his future than he did in early January, when he walked with the **** istance of a cane the previous weekend as a precaution and would not commit to being ready for the season opener. Saying at the time, "If my body doesn't feel right, then I'm not going to go out there," he began a period of lingering pessimism that began to fade a bit this week when he did not land on the PUP list and was a visible part of the team.

#nabers #Giants #know #list
stormsvl
5 days ago
Everton, whose Scotland right-back, Nathan Patterson, is drawing strong interest from clubs in Germany, Italy and Spain, are preparing to firm up their interest in Celtic 27-year-old Alistair Johnston. (The Herald)
Mika Baur has informed Paderborn of his desire to join Celtic this summer after the 22-year-old midfielder agreed personal terms with the Scottish champions. (George Tsarouchas on X)
Mika Baur missed Paderborn's friendly with Southampon on Wednesday, but the German club's claim that the Celtic target was ill is not accurate. (Mark Hendry on X)
Marcelo Saracchi is poised to clinch a move to Houston Dynamo after the 28-year-old left-back's loan from Boca Juniors to Celtic. (Daily Record)
Out-of-favour 26-year-old Atalanta wing-back Mitchel Bakker, who had been linked with Celtic, is close to joining Marseille, according to reports in France. (Daily Record)

#celtic #year #mika #Scotland
stormsvl
6 days ago
As soon as the "sss" sound from "process" left his lips a second time -- the slogan ******* ociated with the Philadelphia 76ers for the past 13 years after former general manager Sam Hinkie's radical franchise reset -- the crowd reacted as if James just ripped open his jacket to reveal he was wearing a Sixers jersey underneath. "He did not say that in any way, shape or form to drop some kind of Easter egg about the Sixers," a source close to James told ESPN. "He thought it was funny, but also it wasn't conscious, and he's been saying that kind of thing for years."
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "He did not say that in any way, shape or form to drop …

#sixers #drop #espn
stormsvl
6 days ago
Max Eberl has made it clear that he feels at home at Bayern Munich — and is open to staying for the long term.
The Bayern Munich sporting director has acknowledged that his work at the club should ultimately be judged by the decisions and progress made during his time in the role.
"I think we have set some very, very good things in motion. I feel very comfortable here. My job should be **** sed. And if they think my job is good, then I am prepared to stay at Bayern longer," Eberl told DAZN (as captured by iMiaSanMia).
The comments offer an interesting insight into Eberl's future at Bayern Munich. Rather than focusing on outside noise or speculation, he appears to be putting the emphasis on the work being done behind the scenes and the results that follow.
Eberl has played an important role in shaping the club's sporting direction alongside Christoph Freund, Vincent Kompany, and the rest of the Bayern Munich leadership. The club has made significant moves in recent transfer windows while also working to build a squad capable of competing for the biggest trophies.

#role
stormsvl
7 days ago
Jalen Brunson, Knicks make a statement in rankings alongside LeBron James, 76ers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It is October yet? Not quite, but since a lot of changes have already taken place in the NBA, early rankings are starting to come out. For the New York Knicks, things are looking good, at least at first glance.
When the Philadelphia 76ers signed veteran LeBron James to their roster, it definitely changed things for the Knicks. The 76ers are a key rival, and now, they have one of the greatest NBA stars of all time on their roster. Not only that, but James is motivated to win.
But, that's not stopping the Knicks from still inching ahead of the 76ers in an early ranking.
John Schuhmann of the NBA's official website has released his offseason power rankings for 2026. In it, he names the Knicks No. 1 in the Eastern Conference. Nice. That's even after losing Mitchell Robinson. He has the 76ers at No. 2.

#sporting #jalen
stormsvl
7 days ago
WEST LAFAYETTE -- Mike Bobinski wants his successor as Purdue athletic director to know what sort of place they are walking into.
"A sane environment in a relatively insane time in this world," Bobinski called Purdue during a media roundtable on Monday. The Boilermakers' AD for the past 10 years sat for his first interview since announcing June 3 he will retire on Dec. 31.
The decision put the wheels in motion to find only the third person to occupy that role in the past 33 years. The Purdue Board of Trustees hired executive search firm DHR Global to **** ist the process. Interviews are imminent. This accelerated timeline would allow Bobinski's successor to settle in alongside the outgoing AD for a transitional period.
Bobinski's decade in charge spanned a transformative, and at times tumultuous, period in college sports. The Big Ten emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic and expanded to the west coast. Then came name, image and likeness compensation, followed by paying athletes directly through revenue share.
The economic structure under which Bobinski began his tenure -- or even the one under which Purdue football went to the Big Ten championship game in 2022 -- bears almost no resemblance to the one under which he exits.

#purdue #past #years #mike
stormsvl
7 days ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Francisco Lindor homered twice and tripled off the top of the fence, driving in six runs as the New York Mets pulled away for a 14-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night.
Marcus Semien hit a long two-run homer that snapped a 3-all tie in the sixth inning. Tyrone Taylor extended his tear at the plate with a three-run drive in the seventh as the last-place Mets (45-62) matched a season high with 19 hits and hammered a first-place opponent for the second consecutive day.
Taylor and Semien each had a three-run homer Sunday, when New York beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-3.
Lindor, Semien, Taylor, Bo Bichette and rookie A.J. Ewing all had three hits as the Mets, minus injured slugger Juan Soto, scored double-digit runs for the 10th time this season.
Rookie starter Zac Thornton (2-1) allowed three runs and six hits in 6 1/3 innings. The left-hander struck out five and walked one in his fifth big league outing.

#taylor #three #lindor #rookie
stormsvl
10 days ago
NEW DELHI: India's stand-in bowling coach Sunil Joshi has urged everyone to keep the spotlight firmly on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's batting, lavishing praise on the teenage sensation after his record-breaking knock in the opening T20I against Zimbabwe while revealing that the youngster's bowling will be developed gradually at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).

Sooryavanshi lit up the Harare Sports Club with a breathtaking 18-ball half-century, becoming the youngest player to score a T20I fifty. His whirlwind innings, featuring four fours and four sixes, turned India's chase of 126 into a one-sided affair as the reigning T20 World Cup champions sealed victory with 40 ****** to spare and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Ahead of the second T20I, Joshi said the teenager's explosive batting should remain the primary focus.

"I think the first thing is, let's focus on his batting. He's been sensational and I'm glad that he has done well. This is a happy hunting ground for him. He performed well in the U19 World Cup finals here. He had a good performance yesterday as well," Joshi told reporters.

The former India spinner also disclosed that Sooryavanshi's bowling is part of the long-term plan.

"Vaibhav has been very comfortable with his batting. Whenever we get time in his bowling, I'll work with him in the CoE. Whenever we see him bowling well, we'll definitely and quickly focus on that," he said.
Joshi also called for patience with emerging seam-bowling all-rounder Suryansh Shedge, who has drawn comparisons with established stars such as Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

The stand-in bowling coach insisted every player has their own journey and warned against making premature comparisons.

"Look, we shouldn't compare. Suryansh is making his place in the Indian team. Hardik has made his place. Shivam has also made his place. So, he's a rising talent. We have to persist with him. He's working on good things and good areas. That's what we want in the T20 format," he said.

Joshi also highlighted the bowling depth available in India's squad, pointing to top-order batters Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma, who can also contribute with the ball.

"I think all three are good bowlers and all-rounders, although Abhishek Sharma has improved a lot. The coaches always want him to improve every time for the better. We also have Tilak Varma with us. He's another optional bowler. We have conversations with him about not giving too many runs, bowling more dot ****** , and focusing on the basics," he further added.
Joshi also praised leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, revealing that a minor adjustment to his run-up helped him bounce back after a difficult outing against England earlier this month.

Bishnoi endured a forgettable spell of 0/60 in Manchester, where England batter Jacob Bethell smashed 29 runs in a single over. However, the leg-spinner responded impressively in Harare with figures of 1/24 from four overs.

According to Joshi, t
stormsvl
11 days ago
Browns running back Quinshon Judkins' rookie season ended with an ugly injury in December, but it won't affect him in training camp.
Judkins is full-go for camp, seven months after surgery to repair his fractured fibula and dislocated ankle, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
That's no surprise, as Judkins participated in the offseason program, but clearance for full contact practices was the last step.
The Browns took Judkins in the second round of last year's draft, but he didn't sign his rookie contract until September as he faced a misdemeanor battery charge that was eventually dismissed. After missing Week One, Judkins started Week Two and started every game until his injury ended his season in Week 16.
Judkins finished his rookie season with 230 carries for 827 yards and seven touchdowns, and he projects to be the Browns' top running back this season.

#rookie #back #ended #camp
stormsvl
11 days ago
King Charles III and Queen Camilla made a dramatic entrance to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, as they strode out of the Tardis at the beginning of the opening ceremony.
As the 11-day sporting extravaganza gets under way, Charles and Camilla had a prominent role in the show at the Hydro arena in Glasgow.
More than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories will compete across 10 sports and six Para sports.
During the pre-show ahead of the opening ceremony in Glasgow, unicorn mascot Finnie entertained the crowd and Scottish wrestler Grado made an appearance in a teacake costume.
The show then began with a clip of Doctor Who's famous telephone box going on a journey around Scotland.

#sports #king
stormsvl
12 days ago
Gary Kelly is off to a winning start in the men’s singles. The silver medallist from four years ago dominated the game against Fred Tafatu from Niue Island winning by 2 sets to 0 (13-1, 8-3).
While the 36 year-old from Ballymoney ran away with the first set, the second was nip and tuck before Kelly sealed the win with a full house of four shots in the seventh and final end.
With only the group winner reaching the semi-finals, Kelly’s next game against New Zealander Shannon McIlroy on Friday morning will be crucial.
McIlroy recorded a big win over Tonga’s Liam Hill.

#four #gary
stormsvl
12 days ago
Training camp is right around the corner, and there are more concerns for the New England Patriots' edge rushing unit than there were at the start of the offseason.
When it comes to solving their issues on the edge, the Patriots are moonwalking backwards quicker than the late, great Michael Jackson.
Veteran Harold Landry III, who led the Patriots with 8.5 sacks last season, is reportedly expected to open the season on the physically unable to perform list. And Gabe Jacas, the second-round draft pick expected to throw on the red cape and help the team right out of the gate, missed all of the spring practices and has still yet to sign his rookie contract.
Expecting a miracle would be hoping that Landry can somehow stay consistently healthy for an entire season at 30 years old. It would also be hoping that the team signs Jacas, and the former Illinois standout's talent is so great that it supersedes the need for the spring work on the football field and in the classroom.
If those ideas feel too far-fetched, here are four emergency options for the Patriots to address their edge rusher concerns:

#Patriots #right #concerns
stormsvl
13 days ago
How does the Jacksonville Jaguars' young core of players compare to the rest of the NFL?
Having a pipeline of young, up-and-coming talent is a strong indicator of future success for a team. It also provides a team with high-impact players on relatively inexpensive rookie deals, which is an essential part of roster-building in a salary cap league.
Aaron Schatz of ESPN recently ranked each NFL team by their under-25 talent. A lot of factors were taken into account when putting these rankings together, including number of starts made, snaps played, the quality of play, importance of the player's position, and length of the current contract.
The Jaguars came in at No. 15 on Schatz's list, just about right in the middle of the pack. Last year, Jacksonville ranked eighth, with Brenton Strange and Travon Walker graduating from this list.
The "blue-chip" players for the Jaguars are Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. Schatz also mentions Parker Washington and Antonio Johnson.

#young #talent #ranked #aaron
stormsvl
13 days ago
BRISTOL, Conn. — Long Island’s Massapequa International Little League secured its ninth 12U state ******* le after its softball team defeated Stony Point 5-1 in the New York Little League state softball tournament and is now making its first Little League Softball World Series (LLSWS) Mid-Atlantic Regional semifinal appearance since 2023.
Massapequa International Little League softball team (New York) captured two thrilling victories in similar fashion against Delaware and Maryland in the early rounds of the Mid-Atlantic Regional tournament to advance to the regional semifinal, where the team will compete against New Jersey at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 22, for a ticket to the regional final game against Pennsylvania.
The 2023 World Series champion defeated M.O.T (Delaware) in a close 4-3 victory on Monday to keep their playoff run alive.
New York’s Milla Sollitto changed the tone of the game after hitting a triple in the top of the sixth inning and capitalizing on Delaware’s outfield error on the next play to break the 3-3 tie. Sophia Nislow led the way for the team with one run and two hits, while Sollitto finished with one run, one hit, and one RBI in the regional victory.
More: NY Little League teams have begun their journey to the 2026 Little League World Series

#regional
stormsvl
14 days ago
Lakers six-player trade proposal gives Los Angeles $88M former Luka Doncic teammate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With all of the limited ****** ets the Los Angeles Lakers have, they'd have to get very creative in a trade to improve on both sides of the basketball. Right now, the Lakers have made some impressive moves in the offseason, and I think they'll be a lot better than people are giving them credit for, but I still don't really view them as contenders, especially in a strong Western Conference.
The only way to change that now is for them to make a couple more trades. There are still some okay players on the free-agent market, but certainly not as great as the Lakers need.
That's why the most recent trade proposal involving P.J. Washington, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Portland Trail Blazers, which would involve multiple players, would be the right one on paper.
Lakers receive: P.J. Washington
Mavericks receive: Jrue Holiday, Dalton Knecht
Trail Blazers receive: Klay Thompson, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia

#Lakers #trail
stormsvl
20 days ago
London City Lionesses have signed France forward Kadidiatou Diani on a three-year deal for a fee exceeding £500,000.
The 31-year-old announced her departure from European giants Lyon on Monday despite having a year remaining on her contract.
London City had been in advanced discussions for several weeks and, while other European clubs were interested, Diani chose a move to the Women's Super League (WSL).
Diani spent three seasons at Lyon after moving from Paris St-Germain in 2023 and scored 41 goals in 93 appearances.
"It is an opportunity for me to discover a new country, a new city, a new team, and I can't wait to start this next chapter," said Diani.
stormsvl
20 days ago
ARLINGTON, TEXAS — It was supposed to be the last step before a coronation for a French king, but Spain's collective had other ideas.
France's dreams of a third-straight World Cup final and a second **** le in nine years are done, death by a thousand cuts — or passes — and Kylian Mbappe will not be inspiring international GOAT debates for at least a bit longer.
MORE — France vs Spain live updates, reaction, video highlights
That's how quickly a tournament can change storylines. France entered the game as unquestioned favorites and Spain eliminated them from a third-straight tournament.
Attention will turn to the prince — Lamine Yamal just turned 19 on Monday — but this was about the team. Spain is daring its fans to dream of a second dynastic run this century.
stormsvl
20 days ago
Why Spain received penalty kick after bad Lucas Digne foul on Lamine Yamal in France semifinal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Spain and France kicked off the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday afternoon, and it was France that made the first big mistake.
Lamine Yamal successfully drew a penalty kick in France's box by challenging the defense on a 50-50 ball. Spain has been stingy on defense all tournament, allowing just one goal in six games, so every goal for the team means that much more.
While defenders often question foul calls, there didn't seem to be much debate that Lamine Yamal was fouled right before the hydration break. France hadn't trailed all tournament, but quickly faced a 1-0 deficit because of the defensive mistake.
Here's why Spain was awarded a penalty kick in the first half against France.
stormsvl
21 days ago
Despite crashing out of the tournament, the German press are still casting their eyes over the final four in the 2026 World Cup.
Germany’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in absolute disaster, extending their painful twelve-year wait for a tournament knockout victory.
Despite high expectations under Julian Nagelsmann, a shock penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32 sent the European giants packing early.
Now, they’re forced to sit at home and watch bitter rivals England in the semi-final.
The football rivalry between England and Germany goes back decades. Rooted in the iconic 1966 World Cup final and fueled by dramatic tournament clashes, penalty shootout heartbreaks, and the famous Frank Lampard goal that was never given.
stormsvl
21 days ago
People love lists. Even if they don't, the safest bet in the world is that the proliferation of list-based content will continue unabated. They drive conversation because, at their core, they are profoundly and proudly imperfect. There is no "correct" way to rank the top 150 high school football players in America or the concession offerings at all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. If there were, the perfect list would drive zero conversation as consumers would nod silently through every paragraph and congratulate the list-maker on a job well done while clicking off the page. Getting it as right as possible is a goal but it's not the ultimate goal.
That's to drive conversation.
Admit it. When you see a list you instinctively take up armor to see what they got wrong and where you disagree with the ordering. This morning I experienced that buzz when I hopped over to see what ESPN had cooked up for its ordering of the top NFL quarterbacks for 2026. It's the latest installment of a series where they asked league executives, coaches and scouts to help in the work of slotting top players at 11 different positions. And since this is the most important one in all of sports, there are obviously going to be different points of view and strong emotions.
To no one's surprise, Josh Allen is No. 1, a spot over Patrick Mahomes. Matthew Stafford sits at No. 3, followed by Joe Burrow. That's where things get a bit strange. Lamar Jackson checks in as the last top-five QB with Dak Prescott at No. 6. Justin Herbert is at No. 7 and Drake Maye, on the heels of a Super Bowl appearance, has climbed to No. 8. Jared Goff edges out Caleb Williams as the NFC North signal-callers make up the rest of the list. Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold is among the honorable mentions that also includes Jayden Daniels, Jordan Love, Brock Purdy, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence and Jalen Hurts.
Let this be a reminder just how hard it is to be someone one who is universally perceived to be in the top half of NFL starting quarterbacks. Hurts barely makes it and Mayfield isn't entirely comfortable in his spot either.
stormsvl
22 days ago
Marc Stein on Lakers pursuing Jonathan **** inga: ‘They would need Jarred Vanderbilt to be in the trade, and we know the Hawks have shown resistance to it…’ Jake Fischer: ‘I also don't think the Lakers are just like trying to shop Jarred Vanderbilt around the league. I haven’t gotten that sense, either.’
Bleacher Report
The Lakers have been willing to trade Vanderbilt, according to multiple sources who spoke with the Post who were granted anonymity so they could speak freely, as well as other players on the roster in order to create more roster-building optionality. The Cavaliers also have strong interest in **** inga, a source said. — 7/8/2026 New York Post
A source told the Post the Hawks are willing to execute a sign-and-trade with the Lakers around the framework of Jonathan **** inga going to L.A. and the Hawks receiving Jarred Vanderbilt and the Lakers’ 2032 first-round pick swap– the lone option the Lakers have of trading a first-round pick this summer. **** inga’s contract would have to be for at least three or four seasons (not including option seasons), and the first season must be fully guaranteed, if the Lakers acquired him in a sign and trade. — 7/8/2026 New York Post
The fourth Laker on our list, over one-quarter of the trades logged into our trade machine of late have included Jarred Vanderbilt, a 27-year-old defensive-minded forward. Vanderbilt has two years left on his contract, worth $25.7 million, with a player option on the second year. That's not a grossly offensive salary, but it's also not some major value deal, either, not with the way Vanderbilt produces. — 7/5/2026 HoopsHype