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MATCH RECAP: Júnior Urso Nets Game-Winner in Lions’ 3-2 Victory Over Toronto FC Tesho Akindele, Nani also score in the match

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ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC (4-1-3, 15 points) returned to the pitch on Saturday night, taking a 3-2 victory over Toronto FC (1-5-2, 5 points) at Exploria Stadium. The Lions took the field as the road side on the night, as Toronto FC continues to share the Club’s facility in downtown Orlando, with the match played without spectators.

 

Júnior Urso scored the deciding goal in the 84th minute of play, combining on the give-and-go with Chris Mueller ahead of the finish. Tesho Akindele and Nani also found the back of the net, with the former scoring in the first minute for the second time this season and the latter extending his team-lead with four goals on the year.

 

Brandon Austin made his Orlando City debut in between the posts, starting in net for the Lions, while Daryl Dike made his first appearance since returning from his loan spell at Barnsley, entering the contest in the 65th minute for Akindele.

 

Head Coach Oscar Pareja:

“Great victory. First of all, we want to send a message to the people who have lost family members during the past year. Today was an emotional day for us and we want to share this joy that we have with Rodrigo [Schlegel] and his family. We dedicate this triumph to him, his family. Regarding the game, it was an exceptional performance for us. Today we played against a very good team and especially in the second half we had the personality to resolve the game. We scored three goals today, good sensations, a great victory. Emotional for us, but a great victory, a great three points.”

 

Scoring Recap:

 

1’ Tesho Akindele (Mauricio Pereyra, Andrés Perea) – ORL 1, TOR 0

The Lions wasted no time in the match, with Andrés Perea finding Mauricio Pereyra up the middle, who took one touch before threading the needle to find a running Tesho Akindele. The front man needed just one touch to slot home the finish in the first minute of play.

 

8’ Nani (Tesho Akindele, Silvester van der Water) – ORL 2, TOR 0

City doubled its advantage after Silvester van der Water pressured Toronto goalkeeper Quentin Westberg before stealing the ball and finding Akindele. The goal-scorer lofted a ball into the center of the box that found the head of Lions’ captain Nani for the finish.

 

10’ Ayo Akinola – ORL 2, TOR 1

Toronto grabbed one back just two minutes later, with former Lion Richie Laryea rifling a shot only to be saved by goalkeeper Brandon Austin. The rebound however fell to the head of Ayo Akinola to halve the deficit.

 

39’ Jonathan Osorio (Alejandro Pozuelo) – ORL 2, TOR 2

The Reds leveled with Alejandro Pozuelo taking it to the endline before cutting it back to Jonathan Osorio for the first time finish.

 

84’ Júnior Urso (Chris Mueller) – ORL 3, TOR 2

City regained the lead after a Toronto turnover found the feet of Júnior Urso, who ran the combination with Chris Mueller before sending it past Quentin Westberg for his second goal of the year and the game-winner.

 

Match Notes:

Júnior Urso scored his second goal of the season and his first deciding finish of the year.

Tesho Akindele scored his third goal of the year in the match and his second inside the first minute of play. The finish served as Akindele’s 40th in MLS regular-season action, with 24 as a member of FC Dallas and 16 now as a Lion.

Nani found the back of the net for the fourth time this season to extend his team lead, now tied with Kaká for second in Club history in all competitions with 25 as a Lion.

Five different Lions earned an assist in the match, with Chris Mueller and Tesho Akindele adding to their team-high three assists on the year while Mauricio Pereyra and Silvester van der Water recorded their second of 2021. Andrés Perea tallied his first such mark of the year with the secondary assist on Akindele’s first-minute finish.

Brandon Austin recorded his Orlando City debut on the night, starting in between the sticks for the Lions.

Daryl Dike made his first appearance since returning from his loan-spell with Barnsley FC, entering in the 64th minute for Tesho Akindele.

Antonio Carlos and Júnior Urso each made their 30th starts for Orlando City in all competitions on the night.

Next Match: The Lions face a quick turnaround, set to host the San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday, June 22 at Exploria Stadium in front of a full-capacity crowd.

 

Scoring Summary:

ORL – Tesho Akindele (Mauricio Pereyra, Andrés Perea) 1’

ORL – Nani (Tesho Akindele, Silvester van der Water) 8’

TOR – Ayo Akinola 10’

TOR – Jonathan Osorio (Alejandro Pozuelo) 39’

ORL – Júnior Urso (Chris Mueller) 84’

 

Misconduct Summary:

TOR – Marky Delgado (Yellow Card) 64’

TOR – Omar González (Yellow Card) 67’

ORL – Júnior Urso (Yellow Card) 70’

ORL – João Moutinho (Yellow Card) 75’

ORL – Nani (Yellow Card) 90+8’

 

Lineups/Substitutions:

 

Orlando City SC – GK Brandon Austin; D João Moutinho, Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, Kyle Smith; M Silvester van der Water (Chris Mueller 71’), Júnior Urso, Andrés Perea, Mauricio Pereyra (Benji Michel 80’); F Tesho Akindele (Daryl Dike 64’), Nani ©

 

Substitutes Not Used: GK Mason Stajduhar; D Michael Halliday, Rio Hope-Gund; M Joey DeZart, Uri Rosell; F Alexander Alvarado

 

Toronto FC – GK Quentin Westberg; D Kemar Lawrence, Chris Mavinga, Omar González, Richie Laryea; M Auro Jr., Michael Bradley ©, Alejandro Pozuelo, Jonathan Osorio (Jacob Shaffelburg 71’), Marky Delgado (Dom Dwyer 87’); F Ayo Akinola (Patrick Mullins 64’)

 

Substitutes Not Used: GK Alex Bono; D Nick DeLeon, Justin Morrow, Eriq Zavaleta; M Tsubasa Endoh, Noble Okello

 

Details of the Game:

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Weather: Cloudy

Date: June 19, 2021

 

Stats:

 

Possession:

TOR – 52.3%

ORL – 47.7%

 

Shots:

TOR – 15

ORL – 12

 

Saves:

TOR – 1

ORL – 2

 

Fouls:

TOR – 6

ORL – 13

 

Corners:

TOR – 8

ORL – 6

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Austin FC 0

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Quakes continue road trip vs. Orlando City SC on June 22

 

AUSTIN, Texas – The San Jose Earthquakes earned a point in a scoreless draw against Austin FC on Saturday evening in the first ever MLS match at Q2 Stadium. The match also marked the first meeting between the two clubs.

 

Both teams created chances throughout the match, including a blast by Quakes midfielder Cristian Espinoza in the 36th minute that caromed off the post, but neither goalkeeper would concede. San Jose goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made six saves to keep his first shutout of 2021, while Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver made nine saves.

 

The Earthquakes will now take on Orlando City SC in their second consecutive road match on Tuesday, June 22. The match kicks off from Exploria Stadium at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on UniMás, Twitter, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.

 

GAME NOTES

The Earthquakes now hold a 3-5-1 record (10 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season and are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference.

 

The Quakes are now 0-0-1 all-time vs. Austin FC.

 

With the draw, the Quakes snapped their four-match losing streak dating back to May 12.

 

Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski earned his sixth career shutout and first of 2021. His last shutout came on Oct. 28, 2020 vs. RSL. Marcinkowski made six saves, equaling his career high. His 12 saves over the past two games are the most in consecutive matches in his career (previous high was 10).

 

Chris Wondolowski made his first start of the 2021 season. It marked his first regular season start since Nov. 8, 2020.

 

MLS Regular Season

 

Austin FC 0 – 0 San Jose Earthquakes

 

June 19, 2021 – Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas

 

Man of the Match: JT Marcinkowski

 

Scoring Summary: None.

 

Misconduct Summary: SJ – Florian Jungwirth (caution) 15; SJ – Eric Remedi (caution) 25; ATX – Jared Stroud (caution) 44.

 

AUSTIN FC: Brad Stuver; Matt Besler, Julio Escalante, Zan Kolmanic, Nick Lima; Tomas Pochettino, Alex Ring, Diego Fagundez (Sebastian Berhalter 90+3), Jared Stroud (Manny Perez 71); Cecilio Dominguez, Jon Gallagher (Kekuta Manneh 85).

 

Substitutes not used:, Hector Jimenez, Freddy Kleeman, Rodney Redes, Jhohan Romana, Aedan Stanley, Andrew Tarbell.

 

SHOTS: 19, SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; FOULS: 16; CORNER KICKS: 9.

 

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Paul Marie (Carlos Fierro 76), Oswaldo Alanis, Florian Jungwirth; Judson, Jackson Yueill, Eric Remedi, Cristian Espinoza, Chofis (Cade Cowell 67); Andy Rios (Shea Salinas 67), Chris Wondolowski (Tommy Thompson 78).

 

Substitutes not used: Luciano Abecasis, Tanner Beason, Benji Kikanovic, Jack Skahan, Daniel Vega.

 

SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 9; FOULS: 15; CORNER KICKS: 7.

 

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MATIAS ALMEYDA

On implementing a new formation and system:

 

“We were asked what we have been working on during the break. During this time, we were practicing this style of play and method because we thought we should play this way in this match. I am very pleased. I thought the team made a huge effort. We created clear counterattacking opportunities through this system. We still need that last step. We will keep working on that aspect, but overall, the guys were great interpreters.”

 

On how the team can improve their finishing and if some good luck is needed:

 

“I don’t believe in luck or bad luck. I believe in hard work and the capacity of our players. When I played soccer, I was aware of my own limitations. They allowed me to have a career because I always looked to improve. That is what I look for from the players. At some moment, this will have to change. It was important to end the losing streak. Overall, we went back to seeing a team that is combative and a team that can control the game, and a team that came to be the protagonist of this event.”

 

 

On the team having a more vertical approach:

 

“In the second half, we made changes to our system again and we had more goal-scoring chances. I think the effort made in changing positions has a risk in tiring out the players. That is why I appreciate the effort they made. I repeat that this is how we thought this match should be played. Within the losses that we had, I looked inward and felt that I had to make effective changes. I think these changes were effective.”

 

 

 

 

 

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES GOALKEEPER JT MARCINKOWSKI

 

 

On keeping his first shutout of 2021:

 

“I think it’s a long time coming to be honest. We’ve been playing well in the back, just haven’t found a clean sheet yet. It was a really good night to have our first one and unfortunate not to get more. I thought we deserved a little bit more out of the game, but we’ll take the point and all eyes on Orlando now.”

 

 

On having another game Tuesday in Orlando and the recovery process:

 

“Yeah, a lot of the guys begrudgingly had to get in the ice bath. It’s going to be a lot of that, a lot of recovery tomorrow. We’ll fly to Orlando and have a good session there, have a good session Monday. But it’s going to be a lot of recovery and massages, recovery boots and all the tools that we have. We’ll be prepared. I’m not worried about it. We’re used to playing on three days and we did that a lot last year, so there’s that experience. Orlando’s going to be a really fun game, a great environment and easy to get up for. All eyes on that and the guys will be ready.”

Sounders FC Captures 2-1 Comeback Victory at LA Galaxy, Remaining Unbeaten in 2021

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Following recent FIFA break, Seattle picks up where it left off, remaining top of the Supporters’ Shield race with sixth victory of the season; Goals on either side of halftime from Yeimar and Ruidíaz secure all three points for Sounders FC

 

CARSON, CALIF. – Sounders FC (6-0-3, 21 points) fought back to earn a 2-1 victory over the LA Galaxy (5-3-0, 15 points) on Saturday evening at Dignity Health Sports Park. After falling behind to an early Galaxy penalty kick, Yeimar headed home an equalizer before the halftime whistle. Fresh off international duty with Peru, striker Raúl Ruidíaz recorded his seventh goal of the season in the 49th minute, securing all three points for the Rave Green in Southern California. Seattle moves to 2-0-0 this season against the Galaxy following a 3-0 win at Lumen Field on May 2. Brian Schmetzer’s side maintains pole position in Major League Soccer, one point ahead of the New England Revolution in the Supporters’ Shield race, and four points ahead of Sporting Kansas City in the Western Conference.

 

The home side kicked off the scoring in the 21st minute via penalty kick, after Javier Hernández was fouled inside the 18-yard-box. Sacha Kljestan converted the ensuing spot-kick, giving the Galaxy a 1-0 lead.

 

Seattle found the equalizer 20 minutes later via Yeimar Gómez Andrade, with the Colombian heading in a corner kick from João Paulo for his first goal of the season. It marked the fifth assist of 2021 for the Brazilian, ranking second in MLS.

 

Ruidíaz gave the visitors a 2-1 lead minutes after halftime for his seventh goal of the season, tied with the Galaxy’s Hernández for the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. After Yeimar found Cristian Roldan with a back-heel pass inside the area, the initial shot was saved by goalkeeper Jonathan Bond. Ruidíaz pounced on the loose ball and knocked it into the net. With the tally, Ruidíaz has seven goals in seven career regular season matches against the Galaxy, passing Roldan for the most goals in club history against LA.

 

Saturday’s match marked the first contest in a stretch of three games in eight days for Seattle, as the club hosts RSL on Wednesday, June 23 (7:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM) and Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, June 26 (6:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).

 

MATCH NOTES

 

Saturday’s comeback victory ensures that Seattle remains unbeaten in 2021. Through nine matches, the club has six wins and three draws, good for 21 points.

 

Following the win, Seattle remains atop both the Supporters’ Shield race and MLS Western Conference standings. The Rave Green lead the New England Revolution by one point for the top record in MLS, while also maintaining a four-point lead over Sporting Kansas City in the West.

 

Despite conceding a penalty-kick goal tonight, Seattle still has not allowed a goal from the run of play in 2021. Of the league-leading four goals the club has allowed, two have come from penalties and two have come from direct free kicks.

 

Sounders FC maintains the best goal difference in MLS (+12) while also ranking second in the league in scoring (16 goals; Sporting Kansas City leads with 17 goals in 2021).

 

Seattle now has 16 wins, 15 losses and 11 draws all-time in all competitions against the Galaxy. Sounders FC is unbeaten in the club’s last seven matches against the Galaxy (four wins and three draws). Seattle last lost to LA on September 23, 2018, a 3-0 road defeat.

 

Raúl Ruidíaz’s second-half goal gives him seven strikes so far in 2021, tied with the Galaxy’s Javier Hernández for first in MLS. The Peruvian has seven goals in seven career regular season matches against the Galaxy, passing Cristian Roldan for the most goals in club history against LA.

 

João Paulo’s assist on Yeimar’s goal marked his fifth of the season, second in MLS behind New England’s Carles Gil.

 

Yeimar’s goal in the 41st minute of play was his first goal of 2021 and his third overall in two seasons with the Rave Green.

 

21-year-old defender AB Cissoko made his Sounders FC debut tonight, starting in place of the injured Nouhou, who sustained an adductor strain while on international duty with Cameroon. Cissoko was signed from Tacoma Defiance on May 21, after making 12 appearances for the club’s USL affiliate in 2020.

 

With the result today, Sounders FC is now unbeaten in a club-record nine games to start the 2021. Brian Schmetzer’s side is the 10th team in league history to begin a season with nine games unbeaten.

 

MATCH SUMMARY

 

Seattle Sounders FC 2 – LA Galaxy 1

Saturday, June 19, 2021

 

Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park

Referee: Drew Fischer

Assistants: Corey Rockwell, Kathryn Nesbitt

Fourth Official: Ismir Pekmic

VAR: Kevin Stott

Attendance: 23,165

Weather: 74 and sunny

 

SCORING SUMMARY

 

LAG – Sacha Kljestan (penalty) 21’

SEA – Yeimar (João Paulo) 41’

SEA – Raúl Ruidíaz 49’

 

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

 

None

 

LINEUPS & STATS

 

Seattle Sounders FC – Stefan Cleveland; Alex Roldan (Will Bruin 87’), Yeimar, Shane O’Neill, Abdoulaye Cissoko (Danny Leyva 87’), Brad Smith; Kelyn Rowe, João Paulo, Cristian Roldan; Fredy Montero (Jimmy Medranda 76’), Raúl Ruidíaz

 

Substitutes not used: Spencer Richey, Ethan Dobbelaere, Reed Baker-Whiting

 

Total shots: 11

Shots on goal: 7

Fouls: 8

Offside: 2

Corner-kicks: 4

Saves: 1

 

LA Galaxy – Jonathan Bond; Julian Araujo, Sega Coulibaly, Daniel Steres (Nick DePuy 8’), Jorge Villafana (Cameron Dunbar 90’+1’); Victor Vazquez, Sacha Kljestan, Sebastian Lletget (Ethan Zubak 90’), Efrain Alvarez (Samuel Grandsir 79’); Kevin Cabral, Javier Hernández

 

Substitutes not used: Jonathan Klinsmann, Danilo Acosta, Adam Saldana, Jonathan Perez, Oniel Fisher

 

Total shots: 6

Shots on goal: 2

Fouls: 17

Offside: 4

Corner-kicks: 1

Saves: 5

LAFC plays to 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo FC

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Interviews With Bob Bradley, Jose Cifuentes and Bryce Duke Below; Credential Application For Wed Match Now Open

 

The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) played to a 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd of 22,043 at Banc of California Stadium. Jose Cifuentes scored LAFC’s only goal, his second of the season, early in the second half, but Maximiliano Urruti equalized for the visitors just eight minutes later and the game would end 1-1. With the tie, LAFC is now 2-3-3 on the season with nine points.

 

The credential application for the upcoming home match on June 23 against FC Dallas is now open –  click here. The deadline to apply for the match is Tuesday, June 22 at 12:00 p.m. PT. No applications will be accepted after this deadline.

 

After a scoreless first half, LAFC nearly took the lead in the 50th minute when Cifuentes had a long range shot tipped over the bar by Houston goalkeeper Marko Maric. From the ensuing corner kick, Carlos Vela found Cifuentes with his cross and the Ecuadoran was able to prod the ball over the line from close range, giving LAFC a 1-0 lead.

 

That lead would last for just eight minutes before the Dynamo equalized on a counterattack. Fafa Piccault ran at the LAFC defense before finding Urruti open inside the box, and his shot, which was Houston’s first of the game, beat the dive of LAFC goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega to even the score at 1-1.

 

Despite a series of chances over the final 30 minutes, LAFC were unable to find a second goal and were forced to settle for a draw in front of the first full capacity crowd at the stadium since March, 2020.

 

LAFC returns to action on Wednesday, June 23 when it hosts FC Dallas at Banc of California Stadium. That game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast locally on Bally’s Sports and Estrella TV.

 

WHAT: LAFC earns 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo FC in front of sellout crowd at Banc of California Stadium.

Earthquakes Face Austin FC in Historic First Match at Q2 Stadium Tonight

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Match kicks off at 6:00 p.m. PT and airs nationally on UniMás and TUDN

 

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes (3-5-0; 9 pts.) are in Texas to face Austin FC (2-4-2; 8 pts.) in the first ever MLS match at Q2 Stadium tonight. The match, which is also the first ever meeting between San Jose and Austin, kicks off at 6:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast nationally on UniMás and TUDN and aired via radio on KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.

 

After consecutive off weekends, San Jose returns to action with two away matches in a four-day span, following up tonight’s match with a Tuesday showdown at Orlando City SC.

 

Today’s match marks the Quakes’ third this season against an opponent from the Lone Star State, having lost to Houston Dynamo FC 2-1 on the road on April 16 and defeating FC Dallas 3-1 at home on April 24. The Earthquakes will also face an MLS expansion side for the first time since May 4, 2019, which saw them earn a 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati at PayPal Park.

 

Austin, which is in their inaugural MLS season, currently sits 10th in the Western Conference, one point below San Jose. After a five-match winless streak (0-3-2), the Texas side will seek to change their fortunes in their home stadium debut. Austin FC is led by MLS veterans Matt Besler and Diego Fagundez, as well as Designated Players Cecilio Dominguez and Tomás Pochettino. Dominguez, a former Club America forward, leads his team with three goals this season.

 

Tonight’s historic meeting will also see the Earthquakes face former players Danny Hoesen, Nick Lima, and Andrew Tarbell. The match will mark Hoesen and Lima’s first ever match against the Quakes since their departures from San Jose prior to the 2021 MLS season. Additionally, San Jose will have midfielder Jackson Yueill available for selection after helping the United States win the inaugural Concacaf Nations League title.

NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – Saturday, June 19, 2021

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THREE HARD LAPS

 

* Despite being outshot 30-8 through 40 minutes and 45-27 overall, the Canadiens stunned the Golden Knights in Game 3 after Josh Anderson tied the game late and scored the winner in overtime.

 

* The first overtime game of the Stanley Cup Semifinals marked the 23rd overall this postseason – only seven playoff years in NHL history have seen more.
* Tampa Bay’s trio of Brayden PointNikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman eye a commanding series lead against New York when Game 4 goes at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum tonight.

 

ANDERSON TIES GAME LATE, SCORES OT WINNER AS CANADIENS TAKE 2-1 LEAD
After being held without a point since Game 1 of the First Round versus Toronto (1-0—1), Josh Anderson tied the contest with 1:55 remaining in regulation and scored 12:53 into overtime as the Canadiens stunned the Golden Knights to take a 2-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup Semifinals.

* Anderson, who last produced a multi-goal game nearly two months ago (April 21 at EDM), became the ninth player in NHL history to score a tying goal within the final two minutes of regulation in a playoff game and the winning goal in overtime 

* Friday’s contest marked just the fifth time in 30 years in which Montreal tallied a game-tying goal within the final two minutes of regulation in a postseason game. The others: Game 2 of the 2017 First Round (59:42), Game 7 of the 2011 First Round (58:03), Game 1 of the 2008 Conference Semifinals (59:31) and Game 2 of the 1993 Stanley Cup Final (58:47).

Carey Price (43 saves) helped Montreal, which was outshot 30-8 through two periods, weather a barrage of Vegas chances through 72:53 of game time en route to making 40 or more saves in a playoff game for the fifth time. Only three Canadiens goaltenders have recorded more such performances in the postseason for the franchise (since 1955-56): Ken Dryden (7) and Patrick Roy (6) and Jose Theodore (6).

CANADIENS ALSO CONTINUE STREAKING WAYS IN GAME 3 VICTORY

Cole Caufield scored Montreal’s first game-tying goal of the contest and extended his point streak to five games. Only two Canadiens rookies in franchise history have had a longer run in the postseason: Shayne Corson (6 GP in 1987) and Howie Morenz (6 GP in 1924).

* Montreal improved to 4-0 in its last four games at Bell Centre dating to Game 6 of the First Round – when fans were brought back into the building. The club has recorded a four-game win streak at home in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for just the fifth time in 40 years, joining 1993 (8 GP), 1986 (8 GP), 1989 (5 GP) and 1992 (4 GP).

* The Canadiens, who have captured four-plus overtime wins in a single playoff year for the fourth time, have won each of their first four games of a postseason that required overtime for the first time in franchise history.

BARKOV MARKS FRANCHISE-FIRST WITH SELKE TROPHY WIN

Aleksander Barkov of the Panthers is the 2020-21 recipient of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, recognizing “the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game,” as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The Panthers captain is the first player in franchise history to claim the award.

 

* Barkov was named on 92 of the 100 ballots, including 62 first-place selections, to finish ahead of second-place Patrice Bergeron of the Bruins, a Selke finalist for an unprecedented 10th consecutive year and with a record-tying four Selke wins. Click here to read more.

 


* The 2020-21 recipient of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy will be revealed tonight.


TAMPA BAY’S TOP SCORERS TRY TO KEEP ROLLING, ISLES EYE ANOTHER SPLIT
The high-scoring trio of Nikita KucherovBrayden Point and Victor Hedman will hit the ice tonight looking to take a 3-1 series lead back to Tampa, but will have to contend with an Islanders team that finds itself in familiar territory. New York has faced a 2-1 series deficit in each round thus far in 2021 – roaring back to win three straight games to eliminate both Pittsburgh and Boston – and in four consecutive series overall dating to last year’s Conference Finals against Tampa Bay.

 

 

* The Islanders are the fourth team in NHL history to face a 2-1 series deficit in at least three rounds within a postseason (also 1989 Flyers1993 Maple Leafs and 2010 Canadiens). New York will now aim to become the first team to overcome a 2-1 series deficit to win three rounds in one playoff year.

 

* The Lightning, meanwhile, have built 3-1 leads in six consecutive best-of-seven series dating to the 2020 First Round – a first in NHL history – and have a chance to push that run to seven tonight. In fact, only four clubs in Stanley Cup Playoffs history have held a 3-1 advantage in at least four consecutive best-of-seven series, with New York the last to do so before Tampa Bay.

 

 

* Tampa Bay has moved within two victories of consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances thanks in large part to the continued contributions of Point, Kucherov, Hedman – three of the top four highest-scoring players over the past two postseasons – as well as goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has been the club’s only goaltender over the course of their 39 postseason games since last year. More information on each player, as well as Islanders netminder Semyon Varlamov, is available in the June 19 edition of #NHLStats Live Updates.

Blue Jays acquire Barnes

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The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired RHP Jacob Barnes from the New York Mets in exchange for RHP Troy Miller.

Barnes, 31, has made 19 relief appearances for the Mets this season, going 1-1 with two saves while keeping a 6.27 ERA. The 6-2, 231 lb. right-hander has 12 scoreless outings this year and holds a 5BB/18K ratio over 18.2 innings for a 1.29 WHIP. The native of St. Petersburg, FL, was a 14th round draft pick by Milwaukee in 2011 and has pitched for the Brewers, Royals, Angels, and Mets over his six-year career, amassing a 4.53 ERA and a .247 opponents’ batting average across 219 games.

Miller, 24, has made six starts and one relief appearance between Advanced-A Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire this season, combining for a 3-2 record with a 4.93 ERA. The University of Michigan product signed a Minor League contract with Toronto in 2018 and holds a career 4.72 ERA across 39 games over three seasons in the minors.

Mets acquire Minor League pitcher Troy Miller

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FLUSHING, N.Y., – The New York Mets today announced they have acquired right-handed pitcher Troy Miller from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jacob Barnes. The Mets designated Barnes for assignment on June 14.

Miller, 24, has made six starts (seven games) between New Hampshire (AA) and Vancouver (High-A) and is 3-2 with a 4.93 ERA (19 earned runs/34.2 innings) with 15 walks and 33 strikeouts.

The 6-4, 210-pounder was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018. He played three years at the University of Michigan after graduating from Soquel High School in California.

Barnes appeared in 19 games for the Mets this season, going 1-1 with a 6.27 ERA (13 earned runs/18.2 innings) with five walks and 18 strikeouts. He was claimed by the Mets on October 30, 2020 off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels.

Twins return Byron Buxton from rehab assignment and reinstate from 10-day injured list

Willians Astudillo optioned to Triple-A St. Paul

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ARLINGTON, TX – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have returned outfielder Byron Buxton from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the 10-day Injured List.

Buxton has missed the last 40 games with a right hip strain, after going on the Injured List on May 7. He played in three games on rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul, going 5-for-9 (.556) with one double, one triple, two home runs, seven RBI, four runs scored and a 2.139 OPS. The American League Player of the Month for April appeared in 24 games for the Twins this season prior to his IL stint, hitting .370 (34-for-92) with 10 doubles, nine home runs, 17 RBI, 19 runs scored, a .408 on-base percentage and a 1.180 OPS. At the time of his injury, he led baseball in slugging percentage and ranked second in both batting average and OPS. Buxton is currently tied for second among all centerfielders with six defensive runs saved, and ranks third on the Twins in doubles, tied for fourth in home runs, seventh in runs scored and tied for seventh in RBI.

To make room on the 26-man roster, the Twins have optioned catcher/infielder Willians Astudillo to Triple-A St. Paul. Astudillo has played in 41 games for the Twins this season, batting .254 (31-for-122) with four doubles, four home runs, 12 RBI, 10 runs scored, two walks and a .661 OPS.

A’s place OF Piscotty on 10-day injured list; recall OF Bolt from Las Vegas

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OAKLAND, Calif. – The Oakland A’s placed outfielder Stephen Piscotty on the 10-day injured list retroactive to June 16 with a left wrist sprain and recalled outfielder Skye Bolt from Triple-A Las Vegas, the club announced today.

Piscotty is batting .217 (28-for-129) with six doubles, four home runs, 11 walks and 11 RBI in 50 games. He is 6-for-20 (.300) in seven games in June and is 9-for-27 (.333) over his last 12 games after hitting .140 over his previous 20 contests. Piscotty has not committed an error this season and has a 237-game errorless streak, the longest in Athletics history by an outfielder.

Bolt joins the A’s for the second time this year and his third stint in the majors. He was recalled from Las Vegas on June 1 and went 1-for-13 in nine games, including three starts in center field before being optioned on June 16. The one hit was his first Major League home run last Saturday against Kansas City. Bolt is hitting .375 with three home runs, 11 RBI and a .488 on-base percentage in 20 games with Las Vegas.