Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...
I Dig Sports

I Dig Sports

IPL 2025 auction - Full list of 574 players

Published in Cricket
Friday, 15 November 2024 07:19
A total of 574 players are set to be featured in the IPL 2025 mega auction on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Out of those, 366 are Indians and 208 overseas, including three from Associate teams. Of the 330 uncapped players, 318 are Indian and 12 from overseas. A total of 204 slots are to be filled with 70 available for overseas players. This is also the first time since the 2018 auction that the marquee list has been split in two.
James Anderson, who recently retired from Test cricket as England's leading wicket-taker, is part of the shortlist, however. The fast bowler was a red-ball specialist through the latter half of his career, and last played a T20 game in 2014, but has expressed an interest, at the age of 42, to be part of the global franchise circuit following the end of his international career. He will be the oldest player at the auction, listed at a base price of INR 1.25 crore, and will be hoping to feature in the IPL for the first time in his career.

Hardy called up for Wales with Williams ruled out

Published in Rugby
Friday, 15 November 2024 03:07

Forwards: Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Keiron Assiratti, Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Ben Carter, Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Taine Plumtree, James Botham, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.

Backs: Kieran Hardy, Rhodri Williams, Ellis Bevan, Sam Costelow, Gareth Anscombe, Ben Thomas, Nick Tompkins, Max Llewellyn, Eddie James, Owen Watkin, Blair Murray, Rio Dyer, Josh Hathaway, Tom Rogers, Cameron Winnett.

Hockey is a notoriously chaotic sport in which you need a large sample of games to know what's real versus what's just noise. For instance, it is estimated that it takes the entire 82-game NHL season to give us as much information about team quality as just 32 NBA games -- or less than half the regular season -- do.

So it's always risky to draw grand conclusions from what we see over the first month of play on the ice. But that can't stop us from finding interesting trends emerging from the early portion of the schedule.

Here are seven initial developments that have taken us by surprise in 2024-25 so far:


1. Ovechkin's comeback against Father Time

One of the biggest storylines heading into the season was Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record, with the Great 8 starting the season trailing The Great One by 41 scores.

Melbourne Renegades 170 for 6 (Faltum 66*, Wareham 34) beat Melbourne Stars 161 for 8 (McKenna 34) by nine runs

Nicole Faltum's career-best innings and Sarah Coyte's ice-cool bowling at the death steered Melbourne Renegades to an important nine-run WBBL win over local rivals Melbourne Stars.

Faltum blasted an unbeaten 66 from 42 balls to lift the Renegades to 170 for 6 in the second game of Friday's double-header at the MCG.

The wicketkeeper then stumped Stars opener Yastika Bhatia off left-armer Charis Bekker as the Renegades restricted their opponents to 161 for 8 although it became close in the closing stages.

Renegades strangled the Stars early in their run chase, with Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin playing a key role. But Rhys McKenna and Tess Flintoff threatened to pull off a fightback with some quick scoring before Coyte removed both Stars batters in the penultimate over. It left Stars with 18 to win off the last six balls and Matthews closed it out.

The result gave Renegades a positive 5-3 record in second spot on the ladder, while Stars are in danger of missing the finals at 2-4.

Faltum walked to the crease with the Renegades struggling at 48 for 5 in the eighth over and put on 67 for the sixth wicket with Georgia Wareham. She added another 55 from just 22 balls with Georgia Prestwidge. It set a new WBBL record for runs added after the fall of the fifth wicket.

Those efforts helped Renegades pull off another impressive win just four days after reaching a target of 186 away to Adelaide Strikers.

"There is just this belief amongst the group that we can win from anywhere," Faltum said. "We didn't win our first two games but we still believed that we were right on task. Once you win the belief comes, but I think we had it before then. We're just really hoping that we can go all the way."

Scrum-half Porter signs new Quins contract

Published in Rugby
Friday, 15 November 2024 03:32

Harlequins scrum-half Will Porter has signed a new contract with the Premiership club.

The news comes one day after Quins announced vice-captain Cadan Murley had also extended his deal at Twickenham Stoop.

Porter, 25, joined Harlequins from Bristol Bears in 2023 and has made 28 appearances for the club, scoring seven tries.

He has played in all six Premiership fixtures so far this season, starting five times and scoring two tries.

"I've loved my time at Quins. When I got the opportunity to extend my stay here, I jumped at it I'm looking forward to the years to come," he told the Harlequins website.

Porter previously played for Wasps until his contract was cancelled when the club went into administration in 2022.

He then joined Bristol but made just six appearances for the Bears before moving to Harlequins the following summer.

Harlequins did not specify the length of Porter's new contract.

Another week, another No. 1 landing spot for the Winnipeg Jets in the ESPN NHL Power Rankings. But who finishes 2-32?

Plus, it's another fantasy hockey takeover week, with Sean Allen and Victoria Matiash identifying one player per team who is off to a slow start (relative to his teammates or expectations) and advising fantasy managers whether to have patience or panic at this time.

And as a reminder, it's not too late to join ESPN Fantasy Hockey. Sign up for free and start playing today!

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday, which generates our master list here.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Nov. 8. Points percentages are through Thursday's games.

1. Winnipeg Jets

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 88.24%

Cole Perfetti, LW (28.9% rostered in ESPN Fantasy leagues): As difficult as it is to find fault with anything Jets-related these days, Perfetti isn't quite meeting 2024-25 fantasy expectations yet. But the 22-year-old remains cemented on the Jets' second scoring line and power play, and he has pitched in enough multipoint showings to merit another look in deeper leagues. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: @ FLA (Nov. 16), vs. FLA (Nov. 19)


2. Carolina Hurricanes

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 73.33%

Brent Burns, D (69.5%): The writing had been on the wall, faintly sketched with a carpenter's pencil, but now it's been retraced in ink. Shayne Gostisbehere has the power play on lock, and Burns doesn't put up the points without it now. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: vs. OTT (Nov. 16), vs. STL (Nov. 17), @ PHI (Nov. 20), @ NJ (Nov. 21)


3. Florida Panthers

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 67.65%

Gustav Forsling, D (68.8%): Playoff heroics can inflate rostership numbers even this far into the future, but Forsling isn't a must-have fantasy contributor. You can find a defenseman with a higher ceiling among your league's free agents. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: vs. WPG (Nov. 16), @ WPG (Nov. 19), @ CHI (Nov. 21)


4. Minnesota Wild

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 78.13%

Marc-Andre Fleury, G (51.8%): As long as Filip Gustavsson continues to perform dependably well, the veteran No. 2 isn't going to play much. There are other lesser-rostered backups in the league -- Jake Allen and Jonathan Quick come to mind -- who offer more fantasy punch than Fleury. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: vs. DAL (Nov. 16), @ STL (Nov. 19), @ EDM (Nov. 21)


5. Washington Capitals

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 70.00%

Matt Roy, D (45.6%): After a breakout fantasy campaign with the Kings last season, cut Roy some slack. He has had only a handful of games to get used to his new teammates, and the minutes are there to get the job done. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: @ COL (Nov. 15), @ VGK (Nov. 17), @ UTA (Nov. 18), vs. COL (Nov. 21)


6. New York Rangers

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 70.00%

Mika Zibanejad, C (95.6%): Zibanejad has had slow starts before -- 1.78 FPPG in 2021-22 and 1.93 FPPG last season -- yet still finished over 2.00 FPPG. His current 1.58 FPPG isn't alarming. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: @ SEA (Nov. 17), @ VAN (Nov. 19), @ CGY (Nov. 21)


7. Vegas Golden Knights

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 68.75%

Brayden McNabb, D (52.3%): Returning to his selfless ways -- highlighted by five blocked shots against the Ducks Wednesday -- McNabb is already working back into his fantasy managers' good graces. While hardly a prolific producer, the veteran should start pitching in a few more points, too. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: @ UTA (Nov. 15), vs. WSH (Nov. 17), @ TOR (Nov. 20), @ OTT (Nov. 21)


8. New Jersey Devils

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 65.00%

Luke Hughes, D (39.1%): He did an admirable job filling in for an injured Dougie Hamilton as a rookie last season, but unless that situation arises again, it looks as though Hughes is out of the limelight for this campaign. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: @ TB (Nov. 16), vs. CAR (Nov. 21)


9. Dallas Stars

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 66.67%

Roope Hintz, C (79.8%): Some bad puck luck, illustrated by his 6.7% shooting percentage through six recent contests (career: 16.5%), is partially to blame for Hintz's current skid. But the perennial 30-plus goal scorer is bound to get back on track soon, especially once Peter DeBoer inevitably juggles his lines again. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: @ MIN (Nov. 16), vs. ANA (Nov. 18), vs. SJ (Nov. 20)


10. Vancouver Canucks

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 63.33%

Filip Hronek, D (51.9%): He's averaging approximately a single shot and blocked shot per game. Unlike last season, the compensatory scoring isn't there to make up for those shortcomings. Hronek appears far more valuable to the Canucks as Quinn Hughes' defensive partner than to his fantasy managers. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: vs. CHI (Nov. 16), vs. NSH (Nov. 17), vs. NYR (Nov. 19)


11. Los Angeles Kings

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 58.33%

Quinton Byfield, RW (43.2%): The lack of a single power-play point is one concern, along with his removal from the top unit. Through the fantasy lens, so is Byfield's third-line role. If all remains as is, we might be in for another season of inconsistent fantasy returns. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: vs. DET (Nov. 16), vs. BUF (Nov. 20)


12. Toronto Maple Leafs

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 61.11%

Matthew Knies, LW (42.4%): He has been making hay while the sun shines, so to speak, as he gets first power-play unit access while Auston Matthews is out. The confidence boost should carry over to when Matthews returns, and they are linemates again. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: vs. EDM (Nov. 16), vs. VGK (Nov. 20)


13. Edmonton Oilers

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 55.88%

Jeff Skinner, C (45.0%): Afforded the opportunity to compete alongside just about every Oiler up front, including two of the best centers in the biz, the veteran winger has nonetheless failed to offer much of a productive presence. Now Skinner appears relegated to Edmonton's fourth line. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: @ TOR (Nov. 16), @ MTL (Nov. 18), @ OTT (Nov. 19), vs. MIN (Nov. 21)


14. Tampa Bay Lightning

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 56.67%

Jake Guentzel, LW (98.8%): Guentzel's overall output is fantastic already, but with just two power-play points so far, he has yet to add his usual production with the man advantage. If he does, his already strong fantasy profile could get a big boost. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: vs. NJ (Nov. 16), @ PIT (Nov. 19), @ CBJ (Nov. 21)


15. Colorado Avalanche

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 52.94%

Devon Toews, D (66.7%): While it has taken the defender time to warm up after a delayed start to 2024-25, Toews now appears back in his groove: blocking shots, contributing to the score sheet and skating more minutes than nearly everyone else. Cale Makar's partner hasn't averaged 0.58 points per game throughout his career by accident. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: vs. WSH (Nov. 15), @ PHI (Nov. 18), @ WSH (Nov. 21)


16. Ottawa Senators

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 53.13%

Linus Ullmark, G (84.8%): The Senators are showing signs of competing, and we know Ullmark is capable of being among the best. Patience might already be paying off with some of his recent road outings against tough division rivals. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: @ CAR (Nov. 16), vs. EDM (Nov. 19), vs. VGK (Nov. 21)


17. Calgary Flames

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 55.88%

Nazem Kadri, C (78.4%): While no one is scoring much for the Flames these days, including their No. 1 center, this too shall pass. Perhaps it'll play out like last season, when Kadri collected two points in October before erupting for 13 in November, then maintained that scoring pace for the duration of the season. Also, he shoots the puck a lot. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: vs. NSH (Nov. 15), vs. NYI (Nov. 19), vs. NYR (Nov. 21)


18. Boston Bruins

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 50.00%

Charlie McAvoy, D (89.9%): The Bruins' offense might be slower this season, but McAvoy's 1.64 FPPG is still too low. Give him time. Not enough has changed to drop him far from his 2.29 FPPG average over the past three seasons. Verdict: Patience

Next seven days: vs. STL (Nov. 16), vs. CBJ (Nov. 18), vs. UTA (Nov. 21)


19. Utah Hockey Club

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 53.13%

Barrett Hayton, C (17.5%): According to analysis by Evolving Hockey, the third-line center (for now) should be scoring more goals in accordance with the quality of his shots. That offers some comfort in light of his current skid. While Hayton certainly needs to play more minutes and shoot on net more often, he doesn't merit giving up entirely in deeper fantasy leagues. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: vs. VGK (Nov. 15), vs. WSH (Nov. 18), @ BOS (Nov. 21)


20. New York Islanders

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 52.94%

Brock Nelson, C (76.9%): The Isles' collective offense isn't weaker than it has been for several years. Nelson has averaged 2.03 FPPG across the past three seasons. He'll come around. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: @ SEA (Nov. 16), @ CGY (Nov. 19), @ DET (Nov. 21)


21. Detroit Red Wings

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 50.00%

Patrick Kane, RW (66.3%): If the Red Wings' power play were in the dumps, maybe we could preach patience for Kane. But it's not, and it might be time to move on from Kane in fantasy. He is getting all the opportunities required and is just not producing. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: @ ANA (Nov. 15), @ LA (Nov. 16), @ SJ (Nov. 18), vs. NYI (Nov. 21)


22. Buffalo Sabres

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 50.00%

Dylan Cozens, C (49.3%): It is time to move off Cozens. He had that banner 2022-23 but is now matching the reduced fantasy production that lasted all of last season. Even an uptick in performance might not be enough to get to fantasy relevance from his current 1.41 FPPG. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: @ PHI (Nov. 16), @ LA (Nov. 20)


23. Seattle Kraken

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 50.00%

Adam Larsson, D (60.5%): Despite the relative drought, the top-pair defenseman still blocks a sufficient number of shots to merit rostering in deeper standard leagues. Plus, he'll soon fall back into his usual (however relatively modest) scoring groove. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: vs. NYI (Nov. 16), vs. NYR (Nov. 17), vs. NSH (Nov. 20)


24. St. Louis Blues

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 44.12%

Jordan Binnington, G (55.1%): After winning the season opener against Seattle, the Blues' No. 1 has yet to beat anyone outside of the Atlantic Division. Shouldering a 4-7-0 record, .887 save percentage and 3.26 goals-against average, Binnington has cost his fantasy managers a total net loss of 1.8 points. Yes, negative points. There are likely brighter days ahead for the banged-up Blues, but when? Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: @ BOS (Nov. 16), @ CAR (Nov. 17), vs. MIN (Nov. 19), vs. SJ (Nov. 21)


25. Philadelphia Flyers

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 47.06%

Joel Farabee, LW (50.7%): Farabee, Tyson Foerster, Scott Laughton; Take your pick of Flyers who were just picking up some fantasy momentum in their career but have been buried on the depth chart by the new core group. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: vs. BUF (Nov. 16), vs. COL (Nov. 18), vs. CAR (Nov. 20)


26. Chicago Blackhawks

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 38.24%

Teuvo Teravainen, RW (41.4%): The Blackhawks' offseason acquisition has one goal and zero assists in his past 11 games, and he isn't shooting with any consistency. Even back on a scoring line with Connor Bedard, Teravainen can't be counted on to contribute regularly enough. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: @ VAN (Nov. 16), vs. ANA (Nov. 19), vs. FLA (Nov. 21)


27. Pittsburgh Penguins

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 41.67%

Erik Karlsson, D (94.1%): It's been a season and a quarter now, so what we see from Karlsson as a Penguin might be what we get. He's not the sole source of offense, so downgraded fantasy output is just the new normal. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: @ CBJ (Nov. 15), vs. SJ (Nov. 16), vs. TB (Nov. 19)


28. Columbus Blue Jackets

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 40.00%

Ivan Provorov, D (19.2%): No one on the Blue Jackets is underperforming in a big way, but even 20% rostership is too high for Provorov. If he's not on the first pair, you can safely pretend he's not there. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: vs. PIT (Nov. 15), @ MTL (Nov. 16), @ BOS (Nov. 18), vs. TB (Nov. 21)


29. Nashville Predators

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 38.24%

Gustav Nyquist, RW (16.6%): Once replaced by Steven Stamkos on the Predators' top line, Nyquist lost most of his fantasy charm. It's no coincidence the winger was at his most productive when skating alongside Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: @ CGY (Nov. 15), @ VAN (Nov. 17), @ SEA (Nov. 20)


30. Anaheim Ducks

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 40.00%

Lukas Dostal, G (60.7%): The Ducks allow the most shots against (35.5 per game) while scoring the fewest goals (2.20 per game). Plus, a healthy John Gibson is back to share Anaheim's crease. Dostal's successful fantasy run was fun while it lasted. It's time to move on. Verdict: Panic.

Next seven days: vs. DET (Nov. 15), @ DAL (Nov. 18), @ CHI (Nov. 19)


31. San Jose Sharks

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 36.11%

William Eklund, LW (56.2%): The sophomore is playing a ton of minutes, pitching in assists and now skating on a scoring line with Mikael Granlund. Which is a good thing. Yes, we'd all like to see him shoot more. Verdict: Patience.

Next seven days: @ PIT (Nov. 16), vs. DET (Nov. 18), @ DAL (Nov. 20), @ STL (Nov. 21)


32. Montreal Canadiens

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 35.29%

Sam Montembeault, G (22.3%): The Habs don't look like they'll win enough for Monty to shine in redraft leagues, but if you drafted him for a keeper league, there are positive signs for the future. Verdict: Patience, at least for the long term.

Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Nov. 16), vs. EDM (Nov. 18)

McTominay on Man United exit: I have no regrets

Published in Soccer
Friday, 15 November 2024 02:07

Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay has said he has no regrets after leaving Manchester United in the summer as he continues to make his mark in Italy.

McTominay has scored three goals in 10 games since arriving at Napoli, who are top of Serie A.

In an interview with The Times released on Thursday, the Scotland international said: "Obviously it's a big decision, there's no denying that. It was a huge decision for me and my family and my friends.

"At times like that in your life you just have to say, 'Do I want to do it? Absolutely,' and go for it. There's no looking back. I've never had any regrets in my life or my career and I continue that way to this day.

"I want my career to be successful and I'm going to go out of my way to try and push myself to be the best football player and best person that I can possibly be."

McTominay's decision to leave United came after spending 22 years at the club he joined as a youth player.

"I've got great people around me who help me so much and the stress in my life is very minimal because I've got a really good family, amazing friends and I have a lovely girlfriend who do so much for me," he said.

"I'm very grateful for them. It's not easy going abroad and having to settle in but it's been quite seamless to be fair in terms of how much the Italian people have helped me settle into my house and whatever. Things I need, like a car or a taxi or anything like that. I'm very grateful to them."

Ricardo Pepi met the moment, and now the United States men's national team is one step closer to the Concacaf Nations League (CNL) semifinals.

The USMNT forward, long limited to a substitute's role for both club (PSV Eindhoven) and country, had insisted all week that he was ready to be a difference-maker in the starting XI. With three other strikers out injured, Pepi got his chance and delivered for Mauricio Pochettino's team in the quarterfinal first-leg matchup against Jamaica in Kingston, scoring the only goal in a gritty 1-0 win. The USMNT now heads into the Monday's second leg in St. Louis with a one-goal advantage.

This was by no means a game that will live long in the memory, though that is the nature of U.S. road matches in Concacaf. They are often played in stifling conditions and feature some rugged play. This match was no different. Pepi for one, was ready, and he's now the fourth player to score 12 goals for the U.S. before turning 22 years old (Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore and Christian Pulisic are the others).

"We were here to fight. We knew it was going to be difficult," Pepi told TNT postmatch. "But at the end of the day, we got the result, and now it's time to go take care of it at home."

Following Pepi's fifth-minute opener the visitors had two more chances to score through Antonee Robinson and Pulisic -- whose deft pass set up Pepi's goal -- and the U.S. squandered both of them. At which point, the game turned ugly as Jamaica slowly increased the pressure. U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner conceded a first-half penalty, but made up for it by saving Demarai Gray's spot kick.

There was some desperate defending, as well, especially in the second half, that allowed the U.S. to survive. Both Tim Ream and Mark McKenzie came up with some critical blocks. And Yunus Musah delivered one of the defensive plays of the game when his 66th-minute tackle on Mason Holgate at the doorstep of the U.S. goal preserved the visitors' lead.

But survive the U.S. did, and that is what mattered the most in this match. The run-up to the 2026 World Cup is light on competitive games, and prevailing in this quarterfinal will allow the U.S. to take part in the final stage of the CNL -- a competition that the U.S. has won every time it has been held -- next March. As much as U.S. manager Pochettino has downplayed the limited time he has with his players in this cycle, that reality means the CNL has more value than it did in the past. This is an opportunity that can't be squandered.

All the more reason to savor this win, even if it wasn't easy on the eyes. Sure, the Pochettino era is still in its early stages, and it can be argued that so far there hasn't been much in the way of scintillating soccer. But since the start of 2020, the USMNT's road record had been a rather mediocre: 3-6-5 prior to this match. A win on the road sets the team up for increased confidence and growth.

From the moment Pochettino was hired, the Argentine has preached competitiveness. In addition to a victory, that is what he got from his team on this evening. It was evident that Pochettino had a grasp of the kind of game his side were in for given that his midfield quintet of Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Musah, Tanner Tessmann and Johnny Cardoso possessed plenty of steel. It was also present in the face of some physical play from Jamaica that Costa Rican referee Juan Gabriel Calderón was inclined to let go.

During one melee in the 69th minute, the U.S. did an effective job of standing up for Pulisic -- who was on the receiving end of some heavy challenges -- while not straying into red-card territory. That kind of balance between standing up to opponents while keeping team discipline is vital in terms of getting results, and something that seemed to be missing last summer at Copa América. If the U.S. can maintain that kind of mental fortitude, it makes competing against some of the world's better teams -- like Copa América opponents Uruguay -- a more even proposition.

Having some individual brilliance helps too, and on that count, Pepi and Turner came through. For Pepi, this wasn't a night that was rife with scoring opportunities. In fact, the goal sequence proved to be the only time all night Pepi had a touch in the opposition penalty area. But he made the most of his opportunity, banging in his shot off the far post, for his second goal in the Pochettino era. That kind of efficiency is what will keep him in the starting lineup in the future.

"I just saw Christian between the lines and I saw a lot of space in behind, so made a run and just finished it," Pepi said, before adding: "If I position myself in the right space, then I'm always going to find space to score a goal."

Turner is also proving himself to be indispensable to the new U.S. manager, even as he finds minutes hard to come by at club level with Crystal Palace. He was arguably the Man of the Match last month in the 2-0 win over Panama, and while he wasn't tested that often in the match -- according to ESPN Stats & Info, Jamaica was credited with just one shot on target -- he came through when called upon. Granted, his takedown of Shamar Nicholson was the last domino to fall in the play that led to the penalty, but he atoned for his mistake, saving his third spot kick in a U.S. jersey and his second against Jamaica. He let out a roar following the save.

"I tried to stay grounded, but I was definitely pumped up in the moment," Turner said. "I needed a play like that for a long time now, so it felt good."

Staying grounded is precisely what the U.S. needs to do in the second leg. Jamaica has proved just as difficult to subdue on U.S. soil as it was on this night. In the last edition of the CNL, the Reggae Boyz took the U.S. to extra time in the semifinals. The competitiveness that Pochettino has been preaching will be needed again. Some more fluid play would be welcome as well. As Turner said: "We've got to keep building and move forward."

Tiafoe fined $120,000 for Shanghai outburst

Published in Tennis
Friday, 15 November 2024 00:30

American tennis player Frances Tiafoe has been fined $120,000 (94,737) for a furious outburst, in which he repeatedly swore at the chair umpire, during last month's Shanghai Masters.

Tiafoe reacted angrily towards Jimmy Pinoargote after losing 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7-5) to Russia's Roman Safiullin.

The world number 18 was fined $60,000 for aggravated behaviour on top of the maximum $60,000 fine for verbal abuse.

He also faced a suspension from playing but the ATP opted not to ban the player.

Tiafoe, 26, later apologised for his actions, saying his behaviour was "not acceptable".

His outburst came at the end of a match that turned on the American being given a time violation at 5-5 in the final-set tie-break.

The two-time US Open semi-finalist claimed he tossed the ball up to serve, but Pinoargote disagreed it was a legitimate throw intended to start the point and penalised him.

Forced to start with a second serve, Tiafoe lost the point to trail 6-5 and Safiullin clinched victory at the first attempt.

As Tiafoe walked towards the umpire's chair, he launched a flurry of expletives at Pinoargote in a prolonged outburst.

Soccer

Atléti mark Simeone's 700th game with late win

Atléti mark Simeone's 700th game with late win

Diego Simeone's 700th game in charge of Atlético Madrid ended in a late 2-1 win over Deportivo Alave...

Sources: Olof Mellberg to become St.Louis boss

Sources: Olof Mellberg to become St.Louis boss

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Aston Villa and Sweden defender Olof Mellberg has signed a m...

Arteta backs Saka amid Kane drop-outs comment

Arteta backs Saka amid Kane drop-outs comment

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMikel Arteta has hit back at anyone questioning Bukayo Saka's commi...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

NBA follows NFL in warning players on burglaries

NBA follows NFL in warning players on burglaries

EmailPrintThe NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes followi...

Sources: Zion (hamstring) not close to returning

Sources: Zion (hamstring) not close to returning

EmailPrintNew Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has undergone multiple treatments on his left ha...

Baseball

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Outfielder Austin Hays and right-hander Kyle Finnegan -...

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

Judge giving Soto space amid free agency frenzy

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Aaron Judge is one of the few people on Earth who can r...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated