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CFL Preview: Lions, Bombers Battle on Friday in West Division tilt

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CFL Preview: Lions, Bombers Battle on Friday in West Division tilt

VANCOUVER — After an early start to the week on Tuesday, the action continues with a West Division battle between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the BC Lions on Friday night.

 

To add to the excitement, two of the league’s best quarterbacks will be going toe-to-toe in prime time. BC’s Michael Reilly and Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros are among the league leaders in passing yards and touchdowns.

 

BC will be looking to rebound after a tough 31-24 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Week 8. Winnipeg enters Week 9 looking to continue improving upon their impressive 6-1 record, leaving off with a commanding 37-22 win over the Edmonton Elks in Week 7 before entering their bye week.

 

ZACH COLLAROS AND THE BOMBERS ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR SEVENTH WIN OF THE SEASON THIS WEEK (PETER POWER/CFL.CA)

 

The passing ability of Collaros has been on full display this season, his 1,731 passing yards are among the league’s best, and many are putting the quarterback in the early conversation for Most Outstanding Player.

 

Consistency has defined the first half of the 2021 season for Collaros, however, head coach Mike O’Shea believes consistency is something that has always been a part of his quarterback’s identity.

 

“I would think that’s the way he’s always been,” said O’Shea of his quarterback. “He’s a consistent competitor, he’s always competing and always wants to be better, he sees the game well.”

 

In his last three starts for the Blue and Gold, Collaros has completed 56 of his 73 passing attempts for 775 yards and four touchdowns. What’s more impressive, is how effective Collaros has been when putting the ball in the air, he has averaged just 5.6 incompletions per game since Week 5.

 

Despite his incredible play and personal accolades, Collaros is quick to attribute his success through the 2021 season to his team.

 

“I think the offensive line has done an amazing job, and with Andrew (Harris) and Nic (Demski) and (Drew) Wolitarsky when they have to come in to protect,” said Collaros of his teammates. “It’s my job to get the ball out on time and the receivers to catch the ball, and they’ve done a great job of that.”

 

On the opposing sideline, the Lions boast and equally impressive passing game, headlined by an equally impressive quarterback in the form of Reilly.

 

Reilly has continued to be known as one of the CFL’s best passers and has lead the Leos to a record of 4-3, cementing BC as one of the leagues most revered passing attacks.

 

For the Orange and Black this season, Reilly has thrown for a league-leading 1,870 passing yards. He has also connected for 10 touchdowns while only throwing one interception. The signal caller has been one of the most accurate quarterbacks through 2021, completing 74.4 per cent of his 199 passing attempts.

 

In his last three starts, the Lions pivot has thrown the ball 86 times, collecting 896 passing yards and eight touchdowns, while completing 78 per cent of his passes, showing that he is one of the most tactical quarterbacks in the league.

 

“You can knock him down, but he keeps getting up, and he keeps performing,” said Winnipeg defensive coordinator Richie Hall of Reilly. “The biggest thing you have to go against with him is his mentality, he’s got that mindset where he just doesn’t get defeated.”

 

The Lions offensive scheming has been predicated on their ability to put the ball in the air and be effective in their downfield passing attack. BC averages 9.5 yards per pass and are averaging 7.9 yards gained per first down, turning 88 first downs through the air.

 

BC’s passing offence has been complimented by the explosive play of receiver Lucky Whitehead. Whitehead has totalled 665 receiving yards and six plays of 30 yards or more through his first seven weeks and has proven to be a big play threat at any moment.

 

The speed and one cut ability of Whitehead makes him a danger to score even on a short yardage route, as on the season the Lions receiver has run for an eye-popping 339 yards after the catch.

 

BC is a team that relies on its ability to throw the ball deep and make teams pay trying to guard their athletic receivers downfield, an aspect of the Lions offence that the Winnipeg coaching staff is well aware of.

 

“You know that Reilly is going to throw a deep shot,” said O’Shea of the Lions quarterback. “He always does, he’s got a good arm.”

 

Though it will be a challenge, the Bombers have the defensive skill to compete with a fast Lions offence.

 

Winnipeg has been one of the most aggressive fronts in the league, forcing eight fumbles and 10 interceptions this season while also boasting a league-best turnover ratio of plus 15. Their ability to take away the ball has rewarded them with points, having scored 50 points off turnovers this season.

 

The Bombers have also proven to be a tough team to score against. Allowing just 98 points on their season, the Blue and Gold have held teams to an average of 14 points per game. Winnipeg has shown to be especially tough to throw against in scoring situations, allowing just two passing touchdowns all season.

 

The Lions are going to play aggressive in the air and throw the ball down field, however the Bombers have the defensive play calling that may just provide the perfect counter to the big play ability of the BC offence.

 

Kickoff is slated for 10:00 p.m. ET and can be watched on TSN and ESPNews or followed along on CFL.ca’s Game Tracker.

MATCH RECAP: Lions Net Late Equalizer, Draw 2-2 at Nashville SC

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MATCH RECAP: Lions Net Late Equalizer, Draw 2-2 at Nashville SC

Daryl Dike scores second goal in as many contests on the night

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Orlando City SC (10-8-9, 39 points) battled to a 2-2 draw against Nashville SC (11-3-13, 46 points) on Wednesday night at Nissan Stadium, overcoming a two-goal deficit to earn the point on the road.

Daryl Dike netted his second goal in as many contests in the match, both drawing a penalty and converting from the spot in what served as his fifth finish of the campaign. Less than 20 minutes later, the Lions would find a late equalizer off a Nani corner kick, deflecting off forward Benji Michel before taking a final touch off Nashville’s Brian Anunga and into the back of the net.

The match saw defender Antonio Carlos tally his 50th appearance as a Lion in all competitions, while goalkeeper Pedro Gallese recorded his 100th MLS regular-season save with his first stop of the night. City will return home on Saturday, Oct. 2 to face D.C. United in a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Exploria Stadium with tickets available here or by calling (855) ORL-CITY.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja:

“Tonight we saw the heart of our players, the commitment that they have to the Club and with ourselves. It is a very important point against a good rival and we take it very proudly. I thought we had the initiative the whole game. We did not want to give it up. This is the way we do it, this is the way we play and the boys were faithful to their ways. [Nashville] defend very low and are very effective on the counters and obviously we lost them on the second goal, but the whole game we had that initiative that just made me feel that the players are intact and we will keep fighting. We have another match in a few days, but today is important for us.”

Scoring Recap:

11’ Hany Mukhtar – NSH 1, ORL 0

The home side got on the board first thanks to a penalty attempt from Hany Mukhtar. The German striker’s attempt was initially saved by Pedro Gallese, but Mukhtar was able to follow his shot and send the rebound into the back of the net.

59’ Randall Leal (Dax McCarty) – NSH 2, ORL 0

The home side doubled its advantage after the break, jumping on a misplayed pass in the midfield by the Lions with Dax McCarty eventually finding the feet of Randall Leal. The Costa Rican striker then proceeded to drive up the pitch before sending his shot into the back of the net for the finish.

76’ Daryl Dike (PK) – NSH 2, ORL 1

City halved the deficit off the foot of Daryl Dike, who drew the penalty kick before stepping up to the spot himself, sending his shot into the left side of the net for his second finish in as many contests and his fifth of the season.

90+3’ Brian Anunga (OG) – ORL 2, NSH 2

The Lions found a late equalizer off a corner from Nani whipped in from the right side, played into a dangerous area and deflecting off forward Benji Michel before taking a last touch off Brian Anunga and into the back of the net.

Match Notes:

The draw served as the third-consecutive result for the Lions at Nissan Stadium and the second in 2021, taking a 1-1 draw from Nashville SC earlier this season on Aug. 18.

The stoppage time finish for the Lions served as their first of the campaign, as well as the first own goal to go in their favor in 2021.

Daryl Dike scored his fifth goal of the season on the evening in his first penalty attempt in Major League Soccer, good for his second finish in as many contests and his fifth of the 2021 campaign.

With his first save of the evening, goalkeeper Pedro Gallese tallied his 100th stop in MLS regular-season action. Gallese finished the evening with four saves to put him at 103 in total.

Antonio Carlos recorded his 50th appearance for Orlando City in all competitions with the start on Wednesday night.

Alexander Alvarado tallied his second start of the 2021 campaign in the match.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja made three changes to his starting lineup on the night, with Antonio Carlos, Alexander Alvarado and Silvester van der Water each reentering the fold for the side.

Next Match: City faces a quick turnaround, returning home to take on D.C. United on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Exploria Stadium in a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

Teams

1

2

F

Nashville SC

1

1

2

Orlando City SC

0

2

2

Scoring Summary:

NSH – Hany Mukhtar 11’

NSH – Randall Leal (Dax McCarty) 59’

ORL – Daryl Dike (PK) 76’

ORL – Brian Anunga (OG) 90+3’

Misconduct Summary:

ORL – Mauricio Pereyra (Yellow Card) 31’

NSH – Aníbal Godoy (Yellow Card) 34’

ORL – Rodrigo Schlegel (Yellow Card) 62’

ORL – Antonio Carlos (Yellow Card) 81’

NSH – Alistair Johnston (Yellow Card) 82’

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City SC – GK Pedro Gallese; D João Moutinho (Emmanuel Mas 90+2’), Rodrigo Schlegel, Antonio Carlos, Ruan (Kyle Smith 90+2’); M Mauricio Pereyra ©, Sebastián Méndez (Tesho Akindele 83’), Júnior Urso, Alexander Alvarado (Nani 66’); F Daryl Dike, Silvester van der Water (Benji Michel 66’)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Mason Stajduhar; D Rio Hope-Gund; M Raul Aguilera, Jordan Bender

Nashville SC – GK Joe Willis; D Dave Romney, Walker Zimmerman, Jack Maher; M Daniel Lovitz, Aníbal Godoy (Brian Anunga 70’), Dax McCarty ©, Hany Mukhtar (Aké Loba 86’), Alistair Johnston; F C.J. Sapong (Jhonder Cádiz 81’), Randall Leal (Alex Muyl 70’)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Bryan Meredith; D Eric Miller, Taylor Washington; M Luke Haakenson; F Daniel Ríos

Details of the Game:

Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

Weather: Clear

Date: Sept. 29, 2021

Attendance: 18,648

Stats:

Possession:

NSH – 36.8%

ORL – 63.2%

Shots:

NSH – 15

ORL – 12

Saves:

NSH – 5

ORL – 4

Fouls:

NSH – 16

ORL – 12

Corners:

NSH – 5

ORL – 4

Heineken Man of the Match: Daryl Dike

Dynamo earn clean sheet in 0-0 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC

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Dynamo earn clean sheet in 0-0 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC

NEED TO KNOW:

  • Dynamo earned fifth shutout of the season
  • Houston took 17 shots, held Whitecaps to one shot on goal
  • FW Tyler Pasher made his first appearance since September 3

HOUSTON – Houston Dynamo FC drew 0-0 with Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday night. It was the fifth clean sheet of the season for the Dynamo and first since a 3-0 win over Austin FC on Sept. 11.

The Dynamo started the game out strong, with two dangerous attacking possessions in the first 10 minutes. The first chance at a goal for Houston came in the seventh minute. After an extended run of possession in the eighth minute, the ball found defender Sam Junqua on the left flank, where he sent a cross into midfielder Darwin Quintero, whose shot narrowly missed the target.

Just two minutes later, forward Fafa Picatult got on the end of a long, downfield pass from defender Maynor Figueroa a minute later and had a clean shot on goal. The ball caught the inside of the far post but ricocheted back to the Whitecaps goalkeeper, who secured possession and staved off the second threatening attack from Houston.

The Dynamo nearly scored once more at the end of the first half, when Quintero and Picault found themselves on a two-man counterattack in the 29th minute. Quintero passed the ball to Picault, who could not break free in time to generate a shot on goal. A minute later, Quintero got free for a shot, but his shot was saved by Vancouver goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

While they created numerous chances in the attack, the Dynamo exhibited stout defense throughout the first half. By the end of the opening period, Houston had generated nine shots to Vancouver’s one. Overall, the Dynamo took 17 shots to Vancouver’s five and limited the Whitecaps to just one shot on goal over the course of 90 minutes.

The Dynamo came out firing in the second half, as midfielder Darwin Cerén found space for a shot just two minutes into the half. Quintero also connected for the first shot on goal of the half, as midfielder Matias Vera found him right in front of goal for a potential scoring opportunity. Quintero’s shot, however, fell into the arms of the Whitecaps’ diving goalkeeper. Quintero led the team in shots with five, the most shots the midfielder has recorded in any game this season.

Houston’s best chance of the half came in the 77th minute, when forward Tyler Pasher struck a low shot from outside the 18-yard-box that was parried away by the Vancouver goalkeeper. The ball rebounded off the keeper’s hands and found the feet of Quintero near the six-yard box, however Vancouver defender Florian Jungwirth lunged to poke the ball away before the Colombian could shoot. Pasher, who entered the match as a substitute in the 65th minute, made his first appearance since Sept. 3 against Portland.

The next match for the Houston Dynamo takes place on Sunday, Oct. 3 at 3:00 pm CST when they travel north to take on Sporting Kansas City. The match will be aired nationally on UniMas and TUDN as well as locally through Quest Texas 55.

Houston Dynamo FC (5-11-12; 27 pts.) 0-0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC (8-8-10; 34 pts.)

MLS Regular Season – Week 28

BBVA Stadium – Houston, Texas

Attendance: 12,114

LINEUPS:

Houston Dynamo FC: Michael Nelson; Maynor Figueroa, Teenage Hadebe, Tim Parker (C); Sam Junqua, Matias Vera (Memo Rodriguez 89), Darwin Cerén, Darwin Quintero, Griffin Dorsey; Fafa Picault (Maxi Urruti 80), Corey Baird (Tyler Pasher 65)

Unused substitutes: Kyle Morton, Zarek Valentin, Derrick Jones, Ari Lassiter, Joe Corona, Boniek Garcia

Total shots: 17 (Darwin Quintero 5); Shots on goal: 4 (Tyler Pasher, Griffin Dorsey, Fafa Picault, Darwin Quintero 1) Fouls: 12 (Sam Junqua 3); Offside: 3; Corner kicks: 8; Saves: 1 (Michael Nelson 1)

Vancouver Whitecaps: Maxime Crépeau (C); Jake Nerwinski, Michael Baldisimo, Andy Rose; Patrick Metcalfe (Déiber Caicedo 46), Leonard Owusu (Florian Jungwirth 46), Janio Bikel (Russell Teibert 75), Javain Brown; Lucas Cavallini (Brian White 46), Ryan Raposo (Ryan Gauld 58), Cristian Dájome

Unused substitutes: Cristian Dájome, Marcus Godinho, Tosaint Ricketts, Thomas Hasal, Bruno Gaspar

Total shots: 5 (Ryan Gauld, Cristian Dájome 1); Shots on goal: 1 (Ryan Gauld 1); Fouls: 16 (Michael Baldisimo, Javain Brown, Cristian Dájome, Déiber Caicedo, Ryan Raposo, Brian White 2); Offside: 1; Corner kicks: 4; Saves: 4 (Maxime Crépeau 4)

DISCIPLINE:

VAN: Michael Baldisimo (yellow card; foul) 47

VAN: Cristian Dájome (yellow card; foul) 55

OFFICIALS:

Referee: Alex Chilowicz

Assistant Referee: Eric Weisbrod

Assistant Referee: Jeffrey Greeson

Fourth Official: Jon Freemon

VAR: Ismail Elfath

Weather: 75 degrees, light showers

Match Recap: Philadelphia Union 1, New York Red Bulls 1

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Match Recap: Philadelphia Union 1, New York Red Bulls 1

Sergio Santos scores fifth goal of MLS Season as Union pick up point on the road

CHESTER, Pa.  –  The Philadelphia Union battled the New York Red Bulls to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena. With the point earned on the road the Union remain in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Early in the first half Sergio Santos opened up the scoring, getting a foot on a cross that managed to bounce through the crowd of players in the box. The 17th minute goal was the Brazilian’s 20th career league goal for the Union. The hosts leveled the score line in the 37th minute off a goal from Omir Fernandez. Andre Blake recorded three saves to preserve the point.

The Union are back home to take on Columbus Crew SC at Subaru Park on Sunday, October 3rd (4:00 p.m. ET / PHL17).

Philadelphia Union 1 – New York Red Bulls 1

Red Bull Arena (Harrison, NJ)

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

POST-MATCH VIDEO FOR MEDIA DOWNLOAD:

HIGHLIGHTS

For news access linear television (over-the-air terrestrial broadcast, cable television and/or direct broadcast satellite) distribution within the United States only. Digital use is not permitted. All uses should include the following credit: Courtesy Major League Soccer, L.L.C.

TODAY’S MATCH INFO

Referee: Alex Chilowicz

Assistant Referees: CJ Morgante, Brian Dunn

Fourth Official: Guido Gonzales Jr

VAR: Sorin Stoica

Ast. VAR: Tom Supple

Weather: 64 degrees and partly cloudy

GOALS/ASSISTS

PHI – Sergio Santos (unassisted) 17’

NYRB – Omir Fernandez (Casseres Jr.) 37’

DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY

PHI –  Jose Martinez (caution) 45’

NYRB –  Kyle Duncan (caution) 52’

NYRB –  Andres Reyes (caution) 64’

PHI –  Kai Wagner (caution) 85’

PHI –  Andre Blake (caution) 86’

PHI –  Jack Elliott (caution) 88’

LINEUP

Philadelphia Union: Andre Blake; Kai Wagner, Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, Olivier Mbaizo; Jose Martinez, Leon Flach, Alejandro Bedoya (Paxten Aaronson 74’), Jamiro Monteiro; Kacper Przybylko, Sergio Santos (Daniel Gazdag 74’).

Substitutes not used: Matt Freese; Alvas Powell, Stuart Findlay, Jesus Bueno, Jack McGlynn, Quinn Sullivan, Matheus Davó.

New York Red Bulls: Carlos; Sean Nealis, Kyle Duncan, Andrew Gutman, Sean Davis, Dru Yearwood (Daniel Royer 74’), John Tolkin (Thomas Edwards 88’), Andres Reyes, Patryk Klimala (Frankie Amaya 74’), Omir Fernandez (Tom Barlow 58’), Cristian Casseres Jr. ( Wikelman Carmona 45’).

Substitutes not used: Ryan Meara, Cameron Harper, Youba Diarra, Caden Clark.

TEAM NOTES

Jim Curtin made one change to the Starting XI from the club’s 1-0 win over Atlanta United FC with captain Alejandro Bedoya rejoining the lineup after missing the previous match with a calf injury.

Sergio Santos scored his 20th career league goal for the Union, his 5th of the season.

Defender Jakob Glesnes made his 45th appearance for Philadelphia Union with his start tonight.

Kai Wagner earned his 70th MLS appearance for the Boys in Blue.

Kacper Przybylko made his 75th appearance in league play for Philadelphia Union… Przybylko leads the team with nine goals in league play and is four goals away from becoming the club’s second all-time leading scorer.

The Union are back home to take on Columbus Crew SC at Subaru Park on Sunday, October 3rd (4:00 p.m. ET / PHL17).

Toronto FC (3) – FC Cincinnati (2) Post Game Summary

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Toronto FC (3) – FC Cincinnati (2) Post Game Summary

SCORING SUMMARY

 

CIN – Rónald Matarrita 38′ (Luciano Acosta)

 

TOR – Jacob Shaffelburg 48′ (Yeferson Soteldo, Mark Delgado)

 

TOR – Mark Delgado 55′ (Jacob Shaffelburg, Richie Laryea)

 

TOR – Ifunanyachi Achara 65′ (Jacob Shaffelburg, Yeferson Soteldo)

 

CIN – Luciano Acosta 72′

 

 

 

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY

 

CIN – Florian Valot 32′ (caution)

 

CIN – Edgar Castillo 41′ (caution)

 

CIN – Gustavo Vallecilla 59′ (caution)

 

TOR – Ifunanyachi Achara 59′ (caution)

 

CIN – Caleb Stanko 74′ (caution)

 

TOR – Yeferson Soteldo 76′ (caution)

 

TOR – Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty 90′ (caution)

 

 

 

RECORDS (W-L-D)

 

Toronto FC                    5-15-7              22 points

 

FC Cincinnati                4-14-8              20 points

 

 

 

LINEUPS

 

TORONTO FC – Alex Bono; Auro Jr., Omar González, Kemar Lawrence, Richie Laryea; Michael Bradley (C), Mark Delgado, Jonathan Osorio; Ifunanyachi Achara (Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty 66′), Yeferson Soteldo (Patrick Mullins 90+2′), Jacob Shaffelburg (Justin Morrow 82′)

 

Substitutes Not Used: Quentin Westberg, Julian Dunn, Luke Singh, Noble Okello, Nick DeLeon, Jayden Nelson

 

 

 

FC CINCINNATI – Przemysław Tytoń; Edgar Castillo, Geoff Cameron (Tyler Blackett 71′), Gustavo Vallecilla, Rónald Matarrita; Florian Valot (Haris Medunjanin 61′), Allan Cruz (Caleb Stanko 71′), Álvaro Barreal (Brandon Vázquez 84′), Luciano Acosta (C), Yuya Kubo (Calvin Harris 61′), Brenner

 

Substitutes Not Used: Kenneth Vermeer, Zico Bailey, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Arquimides Ordonez

 

 

 

MEDIA NOTES

 

Jacob Shaffelburg has scored or assisted on six of Toronto FC’s last nine goals (two goals, four assists).

Jacob Shaffelburg recorded three goal contributions (one goal, two assists) in a single game for the first time in his Toronto FC career.

Toronto FC extend their unbeaten streak to four games in all competitions (three wins, one draw).

 

JAVIER PÉREZ – HEAD COACH, TORONTO FC

 

 

 

  1. It looked in the first half, maybe I’m wrong, but it looked like you were urging your players to move the ball faster. They seemed to do that the second half. Did that make the difference?

 

Yes, absolutely. I think we have players that they have quality, they can move the ball fast, and first and foremost I ask for the team at halftime when, when we were 1-0 down, told them to stay calm, to stay in the game mentally, because we were the better side and because the goals were going to come. So just stay calm, move a little faster, the ball, and our players have been a little bit closer to the back line. So we have more opportunities to play the through balls.

 

 

 

So I think by staying calm and moving the ball fast, we just get rewarded in the second half.

 

 

 

  1. Further about the question of the speed of play, how influential was Jacob Shaffelburg in that regard?

 

He’s a very, very important player for us. He’s the one who can run behind. He can make crosses. He delivers good services. He’s in a great moment, and Jacob now obviously earn the respect of the whole team and the coaching staff, so it’s in a good moment that we have to keep it that way.

 

 

 

  1. Kemar Lawrence is someone who earlier in the season when we asked him if he could play center back, he said it’s not really his position but he would sort of give it a try. Obviously he played there tonight because of injuries. What did you think of him, and how much — could he be more sort of a sent are back option going forward?

 

Yeah, Kemar has some good qualities. He’s fast and he’s good with the ball. In that regard, he’s a player that he can deal with the fast players up front. This league is particular; it has that characteristic. Many teams, they have the speed up front and obviously he’s fast. He can deal with that. And at the same time, he proved to work well with different pairs of center backs. It’s not the first team that he plays in that position with us, and he’s doing a great job.

 

 

 

So I think that he’s a diversified player and it’s paying off for us because at the moment as you know, we are thin in that position, and he’s playing really well as a center back. We are happy that we can count on him. We know that he’s going to — we know that we can rely on him.

 

 

 

  1. We’ve talked about stabilizing the team and getting the defense working and then getting the offense going and all those sort of things, but I think tonight was the first time the team has won a game after conceding the first goal. What does that say about the progress this group is making?

 

Yeah, I think I mentioned already previously that — in other press conferences, it’s very difficult when you are down there to get out. It looks like nothing goes on your way. I think I mentioned already in the past, as well, that the team is finally clicking and probably today it wasn’t as pretty because we conceded a goal even if we had more chances. We just need to capitalize at the beginning because that’s part of the nature in football. When you don’t capitalize, you get penalized. That was our story of the first half today.

 

 

 

But I think as I mentioned last week, this group of individuals start to look like a team, and that was the second half, the story of the second half of this team; that we didn’t give up; that we knew we were conscious that we were the better side on the field, and then we wanted to make sure that we were going to turn around the game and we were 3-1, we scored three goals, so I think — I think the team is now getting more confidence even after this game, and I think we are in a good place towards the end of the season.

 

Further to James’s question, you were behind and took the lead but they came back and scored the goal. How much resiliency, how much are you seeing that sort of taking shape with this team whereas maybe a week or a month ago you might have conceded another one and given up two points?

Yeah, but you see the second goal — the first goal, I can give it. I can give it to you because the first goal is we get put out and we lose our structure. The first goal is okay. But the second goal is a very clear off-side, so I cannot give that to anybody. I think they have to start to make the right calls. I think now it’s enough. Enough is enough. It’s just I don’t like — as I said before, I don’t like to be critical of the referees but the second goal is clear off-side and it shouldn’t go to the scoreboard. It should be 3-1.

 

Do you always have a stopwatch out during extra time?

 

I do, yes. Because today we could see that they were going extra 45 seconds, and the reason Fabrizio, the first official, that they were going a little bit longer is because we made a stop in the extra time. We brought Patrick but he told me it was going to be 30 seconds and we were 40, 45 seconds, and the game was still on.

So it’s obviously — just to have your own watch, because five seconds, it can make a difference. It can be the difference between winning a game or having a tie.

 

JACOB SHAFFELBURG – FORWARD, TORONTO FC

Have you gotten a sense this season the way you’ve been working that if you’ve given a chance, you could start playing and producing the way you have the last few games?

Yeah, the team’s helped me quite a bit, to have my confidence back from — I haven’t felt like this in a while. So just to have my confidence back and back to doing what I know, it’s been great and I think I can continue this with the team.

 

The last few games from what I’ve seen, you’ve formed a really effective sort of partnership with Richie and Jonathan down that left side. From your perspective, why is that sort of attacking trio click? Why is it working so well?

 

I think Richie and I and Oso work well together. I think I’m not a guy that when you throw in is going to disrupt them. I’m going to listen to them and try to do what they want. I think I just go in with them smoothly, and I just help them going forward. And we’re just all clicking at the same time right now, so it’s been great.

 

It looks like you’re always on the lookout to break past the last line of defense and Soteldo found you a few times tonight. What’s it like playing with Soteldo knowing what he can do with the ball?

It’s amazing. He’s an amazing player and I think I’m just starting to earn his respect a lot more in the last few games, so and we’re starting to pass and connect way more and it’s been great. It’s coming off nicely. We’re going to get an assist here soon.

 

The connection between you and Achara, curious how that came off for you?

We’ve had that connection since high school. So every single time I get the ball on the wing, I always look up for him because I know he’s going to be coming late on that far side. And I tried to find him in the first half and it didn’t come off. And then the one he looked, I just looked up and saw him there, so I knew I had to put it in the right spot and score.

 

Did you think given a chance to play, and you’re in — obviously because one of the reason is injuries and whatnot, but did you really think that given a chance to play that you could step up like you have been; that you just needed a chance?

 

I always knew I had it in the back of my head but like I said it’s just all about my confidence. At the start of the year, it was up and down. Midseason I didn’t have the best confidence. And just coming in that Miami game and just getting my confidence up knowing that I can compete in this league and keep up the pace with everyone really helped me.

 

Yeah, now I feel like I can do this almost game-in and game-out with how I’m feeling right now. But obviously I’ve got to reset and look forward to Chicago on Sunday.

Three Sounders FC players called into International Duty

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Three Sounders FC players called into International Duty

Cristian Roldan, Raúl Ruidíaz and Nouhou have all been called up to play for their respective national teams for upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches

SEATTLE, WASH. – Three Seattle Sounders FC players have been called into international duty, as Cristian Roldan, Raúl Ruidíaz and Nouhou are set to join the United States, Peru and Cameroon, respectively, for upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches.

Roldan, 26, has 28 career caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team, including five during the squad’s Gold Cup-winning run this year, assisting on two goals. Roldan also got called up to the USMNT during its September World Cup Qualifying matches, appearing in each match. The Stars and Stripes take on Jamaica on October 7, Panama on October 10 and Costa Rica on October 13. The United States has five points through the first three qualifying matches (1-0-2), level with Canada and Panama and two points behind Mexico. Roldan has scored three MLS goals for the Rave Green in 2021 in 19 starts.

Ruidíaz, 31, has 50 career caps for Peru, including seven so far in the country’s 2022 World Cup Qualifying campaign. Ruidíaz made two appearances in Peru’s September World Cup Qualifying matches against Uruguay and Brazil. The Lima native looks to add to his tally of four career international goals when La Blanquirroja faces Chile on October 7, Bolivia on October 10, and Argentina on October 14. Peru stands in seventh place in the CONMEBOL standings (2-5-2, 8 points). Ruidíaz has scored 14 goals for the Rave Green this year, second most in MLS.

Nouhou, 24, looks to add to his two career caps for Cameroon, both of which were starts. Nouhou has not played internationally since June 8, 2021 in a friendly against Nigeria that ended in a 0-0 draw. Cameroon is set to face Mozambique on both October 8 and October 11. Cameroon sits in second place in the Group D table in the CAF World Cup Qualifying standings (1-1-0, 3 points). Nouhou has made 11 appearances for the Rave Green this year, all starts.

After emerging victorious against Sporting Kansas City last weekend, Seattle heads to the Bay Area for a matchup against the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, September 29 at PayPal Park (7:30 p.m. PT / FOX 13+, Prime Video, 1090 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).

Columbus Crew Forward Gyasi Zardes to join United States Men’s national Team for FIFA World Cup Qualifies

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Columbus Crew Forward Gyasi Zardes to join United States Men’s national Team for FIFA World Cup Qualifies

Zardes and the USMNT take on Jamaica, Canada and Costa Rica in October Qualifiers

COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew today announced that forward Gyasi Zardes has been selected to the United States Men’s National Team roster for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches during the October international break.

Zardes and the USMNT will face Jamaica at Q2 Stadium in Austin for its second home match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign on Thursday, Oct. 7 [7:30 p.m. ET / ESPN2, Univision, TUDN]. The USMNT will then travel to Panama City to face Panama at Estadio Rommel Fernandez on Sunday, Oct. 10 [6:00 p.m. ET / Paramount+, Universo].

The Stars and Stripes close out the window against Costa Rica, presented by Volkswagen, at the Crew’s new, modern home Lower.com Field in downtown Columbus on Wednesday, Oct. 13 [7:00 p.m. ET / ESPN2, UniMás, TUDN].

The 30-year-old has earned 62 caps for the United States and has 14 international goals and 10 assists to his credit. He last appeared in the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup Final against Mexico on August 1.

On September 25, Zardes made his 100th regular-season appearance for the Crew since joining the Club ahead of the 2018 MLS season. Over that span, he has registered 51 goals and six assists for the Black & Gold. Zardes scored his 50th and 51st goals against CF Montreal (September 25), en route to MLS Player of the Week honors for Week 27. With the brace, Zardes joins Jeff Cunningham (64 goals), Brian McBride (62 goals) and Federico Higuain (55 goals) as one of only four players in Crew history to score 50 or more regular-season goals for the Black & Gold.

Columbus Crew’s current roster features 11 players who have received a senior National Team call-up: Harrison Afful, Luis Diaz, Derrick Etienne, Jr., Waylon Francis, Liam Fraser, Perry Kitchen, Jonathan Mensah, Kevin Molino, Darlington Nagbe, Eloy Room and Gyasi Zardes.

Philadelphia Union Loan Midfielder Cole Turner to El Paso Locomotive FC

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Philadelphia Union Loan Midfielder Cole Turner to El Paso Locomotive FC

The Homegrown will join the USL club on loan for the remainder of the 2021 season

CHESTER, Pa. – Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has loaned Homegrown midfielder Cole Turner to USL club, El Paso Locomotive FC, for the remainder of the season.

Turner signed a Homegrown contract with the Union that became effective on January 1, 2020. He played in two matches with the first team over the last two seasons, making his debut in a 4-0 win over Montreal on September 20, 2020. Prior to signing with the first team, the former Union Academy player and YSC Academy graduate played for the Union’s second team, Union II. In 2019, Turner made 25 appearances for Union II, starting 22 of those and contributing two assists.

The 20-year-old joins the USL side who currently sit in first place in the Mountain Division with 47 points and hold a record of 13-2-8 thus far.

Transaction: Philadelphia Union loan Cole Turner to El Paso Locomotive FC for the remainder of the 2021 USL regular season.

CFB Week 5 Conference Notes: Sun Belt Conference

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CFB Week 5 Conference Notes: Sun Belt Conference

WEEK 5 SCHEDULE

Saturday, Oct. 2
App State at Georgia State 1:00 p.m. ESPN+

ULM at No. 16/16 Coastal Carolina 1:30 p.m. ESPN+

Troy at South Carolina 2:30 p.m. SEC Network

Arkansas State at Georgia Southern 3:00 p.m. ESPN+

Louisiana at South Alabama 7:00 p.m. ESPN+

All Times CT

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

BLAME IT ALL ON MY ROOTS
A pair of college teammates—Georgia State head coach Shawn Elliott and App State head coach Shawn Clark—will square off when Georgia State hosts App State at 1 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+. Elliott and Clark were teammates at App State in 1994 and 1995—and Elliott spent 13 seasons on the coaching staff for the Mountaineers (1997-2009) before taking the reins of the Panther program in 2017. App State is 7-0 in the all-time series, with last season’s 17-13 Mountaineer victory being the closest margin to date.

KEEP THE STREAK
No. 16/16 Coastal Carolina, which has been ranked in both national polls for 16-straight weeks, carries a nine-game conference winning streak into its 2021 conference opener versus ULM at 1:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+. The Chanticleers also boast a 10-game unbeaten streak at Brooks Stadium. On the opposing sideline, ULM is coming off back-to-back victories for the first time since a string of four-straight wins from Oct. 13-Nov. 10, 2018. The Warhawks are 3-0 all-time against Coastal Carolina, including handing the Chanticleers their most recent conference loss, 45-42, on Nov. 23, 2019.

MEN OF TROY
Troy’s defensive unit ranks fifth in the nation, allowing just 243.5 yards per game, trailing only Georgia (181.8), Wisconsin (210.3), Iowa State (217.2) and Houston (230.3). The Trojans also rank second in the country with 4.50 sacks per game and fourth with 9.5 tackles for loss per game. That nationally-ranked defense will attempt to lead Troy to victory when it visits South Carolina at 2:30 p.m. Saturday on SEC Network. A win would be the Trojans first over the Gamecocks, who lead the all-time series 3-0, and would be the team’s second over an SEC foe since 2017, joining its 24-21 win over LSU on Sept. 30, 2017.

IN THE WIN COLUMN
After season-opening victories on Sept. 4, Arkansas State and Georgia Southern have each dropped three-straight. One team will get back in the win column this weekend, when the Eagles host the Red Wolves at 3 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+. The Red Wolves lead the all-time series, 3-2, including a 38-33 win in the latest meeting on Nov. 23, 2019.

BEST IN THE WEST
Louisiana has never lost a Sun Belt Conference West Division game under head coach Billy Napier. The Ragin’ Cajuns, who have won three-straight West Division titles, will visit an unbeaten South Alabama squad at 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPN+. Louisiana owns a 7-2 record in the all-times series, including five-straight victories, though South Alabama is 2-2 in home contests against the Ragin’ Cajuns.

CFB Week 5 Previews: PAC-12 Conference

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CFB Week 5 Previews: PAC-12 Conference

USC (2-2) at COLORADO (1-3)
Sat., Oct. 2 • 12:00 pm MT • PAC-12 NETWORK

USC: Have won 7 straight conference road games, 2nd longest active streak in FBS (Ohio State, 10). 14-0 all-time vs Colorado, 7-0 in Boulder. In the last meeting in 2019, QB Kedon Slovis threw for 406 yards and 4 TD while current Trojan K.D. Nixon had 2 receiving TD for Colorado. WR Drake London had 10 receptions for 165 yards against Oregon State, becoming the 3rd Pac-12 WR since 1996 to have 10+ receptions and 100+ yards in at least 3 of his team’s first 4 games of the season. London leads FBS in both receptions (39) and receiving yards (540).

COLORADO: Have won 3 of their last 4 home conference games. In 10 games under Karl Dorrell, the Buffs have rushed for 252.6 yard per game in their 5 wins and 125.4 in their 5 losses. LB Nate Landman has 10+ tackles in 3 straight games and is 2nd in the Pac-12 with 37 tackles on the season. Landman is looking to be the 2nd Pac-12 player since 2000 to lead their team in tackles for 4 straight seasons (Oregon’s Troy Dye, 2016-19).

#3 OREGON (4-0) at STANFORD (2-2)
Sat., Oct. 2 • 12:30 pm PT • ABC

OREGON: 4-0 for the first time since 2014. 5 INT last week against Arizona, their most since they had 6 at Cal in 1999. The Ducks have force an FBS best 13 turnovers this season and their 9 interceptions are tied for the most as well. Have outscored opponents 51-3 off turnovers. RB CJ Verdell needs 25 rushing yards to tie Jonathan Stewart for 5th in school history and 134 to reach 3,000 for his career. Anthony Brown is the first QB to win his first 4 starts with the Ducks since Marcus Mariota in 2012.

STANFORD: The winner of this game has represented the North in the Pac-12 Championship Game in 7 of the last 10 years. Have won 4 of their last 6 games against Top 5 opponents including wins over #1 Oregon in 2012 and #2 Oregon in 2013. QB Tanner McKee has 8 passing TD this season and is the only Stanford QB since 2003 to have multiple pass TD in each of his first 3 career starts. McKee has not thrown an INT in 109 career pass attempts.

WASHINGTON STATE (1-3) at CALIFORNIA (1-3)
Sat., Oct. 2 • 2:30 pm PT • PAC-12 NETWORK

WASHINGTON STATE: Have forced 10 turnovers this season (6 fumbles, 4 interceptions), tied for 6th most in FBS. The 6 recovered fumbles are tied for most in FBS this season. Edge Andrew Edson has 4.0 TFL, the most by a Pac-12 freshman this season. RB Max Borghi has 22 career rushing TD, tied for 4th most in WSU history. Borghi needs 1 rush TD to tie Rueben Mayes for 3rd place and 3 to tie Jerome Harrison for 2nd. Looking for 1st win in Berkeley since 2013.

CALIFORNIA: Won 7 of the last 8 home games against the Cougars. All 3 losses this season are by 7 points or less. QB Chase Garbers had 319 passing yards last week, his 2nd 300-yard game this season and 4th of his career. Garbers needs 36 rushing yards to tie Joe Kapp for the most career rushing yards by a Cal QB (931). RB Damien Moore has at least 1 TD in each game this season and his 6 total TD (5 rush, 1 rec) this season are tied for 4th most in the Pac-12. 28.8 PPG and 440.8 total yards per game so far this season, both would be the best in the Justin Wilcox era.

WASHINGTON (2-2) at OREGON STATE (3-1)
Sat., Oct. 2 • 6:00 pm PT • PAC-12 NETWORK

WASHINGTON: Looking to start 2-0 in conference play for the 5th time in the last 6 seasons. Has won the last 9 meetings, their longest streak since winning over the
Beavers since winning 13 straight from 1986 to 2000. Scored 83 points the last 2 weeks and have 30+ points in back-to-back games for the first time since the final 2 games of the 2019 season. RB Sean McGrew has 2 rushing TD in each of the last 2 games, the first UW RB to have multiple rush TD in consecutive games since Myles
Gaskin did in the final 4 games of the 2017 season. McGrew did not have a carry the first 2 games this season but also had 2 rushing TD in the final game of 2020.

OREGON STATE: Beat USC in Los Angeles last week for the first time since 1960. Did not allow a tackle for loss against USC, the first time that’s happened since 1993 against Pacific and have allowed only 8 on the season, the fewest in FBS. Have scored 40+ points in 3 straight games for the first time since 2013 and have their first 3-game win streak since 2014. Jack Colletto ran for 2 touchdowns against USC and had an interception on defense, just the 5th FBS player since 1996 to do that in the same game and first since 2004.

ARIZONA STATE (3-1) at #20 UCLA (3-1)
Sat., Oct. 2 • 7:30 pm PT • FS1

ARIZONA STATE: Have 2 road wins over Top 25 opponents under Herm Edwards with both coming in 2019. Have run for 150+ yards in all 8 games since the start of the 2020 season. RB Rachaad White has 11 rush TD in the last 6 games with at least 1 TD in each game. 35+ points in 3 of their 4 games this season and 5 of the last 6 dating back to last season. QB Jayden Daniels had 3 passing TD and 1 rush TD in a 2019 loss at UCLA. Looking for their first win at the Rose Bowl since 2015.

UCLA: Best 4-game start since the 2015 team won their first 4 games of the season. Have won their last 2 meetings with the Sun Devils and 3 of the last 4. Looking to beat ASU for the 3rd straight time for the first time since 2000-03. Have scored 35+ points in all 4 games this season and 6 straight dating back to last season, the longest streak in school history. WR Kyle Philips is the 4th UCLA WR since 1996 to have multiple games with 100+ rec yards and multiple rec TD in the same game.
Allowing 64.0 yard per game on the ground, 5th best in FBS.

BYE WEEKS

ARIZONA: Had season-high 435 total yards and 202 rushing yards last week at Oregon. Have held 3 of their 4 opponents under 400 yards this season after only doing it once in 17 games between 2019 and 2020 combined. WR Stanley Berryhill III has at least 5 receptions in all 4 games this season and is 2nd in the Pac-12 in both receptions (33) and receiving yards (338).

UTAH: Scored 17 unanswered points in 2nd half in come-from-behind 24-13 win over Washington State. RB TJ Pledger had 117 rushing yards, all in the 2nd half after not having a carry in the 1st half. DE Van Fillinger had 3.0 sacks, the first 3 of his career and the most ever in a game by a Utah freshman. After not having a
single tackle in his career entering the game, LB Karene Reid had 15 tackles in his first career start. Reid is 1 of 4 FBS players since 2012 to have 15+ tackles in their first career game with a tackle.

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