PITTSBURGH, Pa. - First baseman Corey Hart and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a $2.5 million, one-year contract.The deal, which includes $2.5 million in performance bonuses, gives the Pirates a right-handed option at first base to join left-handed slugger Pedro Alvarez, who is moving from third to first.The 32-year-old Hart hit .203 with six home runs and 21 RBI in 68 games for the Seattle Mariners in 2014, most of them as a designated hitter, and became a free agent in October when he refused an outright assignment to the minor leagues. He missed the 2013 season due to surgeries on both knees.Hart is a career .271 hitter was a two-time All-Star while playing for Milwaukee in 2008 and 2010. He set career highs with 31 homers and 103 RBI in 2010 and hit .270 with 30 homers and 83 RBI in his last full year with Milwaukee in 2012.Hart can earn $250,000 each for 350, 375, 400 and 425 plate appearances, and $300,000 apiece for 450, 475, 500, 525 and 550. Peter Shorts Jersey Store . For Bergevin, the best pick is the 30th — which traditionally goes to the Stanley Cup winner. "Thats our goal. Geoff Schwartz Jersey Store . Correia pitched six innings of one-run ball, Eduardo Escobar homered, and the Minnesota Twins pulled away late to beat the Colorado Rockies 9-3 on Saturday. https://www.chinacheapjerseys.net/cosmo-...sey-store/. Trailing by a goal after 20 minutes of play, Joe Pavelski responded with three goals and an assist as the Sharks snapped a two-game losing skid with a 5-2 victory over the struggling Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday. Frank Nesser Jersey Store . LOUIS -- When Braves second baseman Tyler Pastornicky backpedaled into shallow right field to catch the popup and Jason Heyward didnt arrive fast enough to take charge, Kolten Wong got the green light. Bill Baumgartner Jersey Store . In Europe, top teams seem to be largely happy with their squads after spending nearly $1 billion in the off-season. And although English league clubs are unlikely to splash cash in January, Arsenal and Chelsea could be tempted to strengthen their squads with new strikers. SEATTLE -- George Springer hit the first pitch he saw in three days for a home run. The Houston rookie right fielder wasnt done, hitting another later in the game to help power the Astros past the Seattle Mariners 9-4 on Saturday night. "Thats pretty impressive, to sit out a couple games then the first pitch you see, you take it out the opposite way," Astros manager Bo Porter said. "Thats definitely good to see." Springer injured his right hip flexor on a ninth-inning pickoff play Wednesday in Anaheim. He then sat out the first two games of this series, both Seattle victories. But after Jose Altuve walked to open the game, Springer hit a 90-mph fastball from Brandon Maurer (1-3) into the right-field seats. He also connected on a 1-1 cutter from Maurer for another two-run homer in the Astros five-run sixth. He added an RBI in the sixth for a career-high five, in his 33rd big league game. Oberholtzer (1-6), recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City before the game, allowed two runs in the first, and then settled in, retiring 10 straight during one stretch. He finished with three runs allowed -- two earned -- with one walk and a career-high eight strikeouts. "He did a great job of attacking the strike zone," Porter said. "He did a good job pitching in. When he pitched his first stint here, he had gotten away from his effectiveness, on the inner-third of the plate. He got that back today and really attacked both sides." In his only other start against Seattle on Sept. 1 last season, Oberholtzer threw a complete-game shutout, allowing four hits, walking one and striking out five. He is 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA in 15 innings against Seattle. "I felt I pitched good," Oberholtzer said. "Before the game, I told myself, whatever happens, happens. Throw strikes and have fun. Its been a while since Ive had fun." Maurer went 4 1-3 innings for the Mariners, allowing six runs on six hits. He walked one and struck out two. The Mariners rallied for two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Stefen Romero walked, then Robinson Cano singled to right. Cano has reached base safely in 31 consecutive games, hitting .372 with 11 extra-base hits and 20 RBI during the streak. It is the longest streak of his career, and longest active in the majors. Justin Smoak followed with a single, loading the bases for Kyle Seager, who bounced a potential double-play grounder to first. But first baseman Marc Krauss threw wildly to second, allowing Romero and Cano to score. After Springers first homer, Maurer then retired the next 11 straight, nine on flyballs. But the Astros rocked him in the fifth. Chris Carter opened with a double to left and Alex Presley singled to right, with Carterr holding at third.dddddddddddd Jonathan Villar bounced a grounder to Cano, who tried to start 4-6-3 double play but bobbled the ball and settled for a Presley tagout as Carter scored. Altuve singled to right and Villar, running on the pitch, scored from first to make it 4-2. Springer followed with his sixth home run on a 1-1 fastball from Maurer into the left-field bullpen. "Hes unbelievable," Springer said of Altuve. "When he goes, our offence goes. Hes always on base. Hes a big guy for us. Im happy to hit behind him and happy to play with him. He can run and with him on base, it makes it easier for me to be more selective and still aggressive. "The home runs were all on him. He got me in a good hitting count and we go from there." Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said Maurer has had "a few times where he is on a run and one thing or another goes wrong and he doesnt seem to get it back together." Asked about that, Maurer said: "I lost conviction. I wasnt throwing with confidence in my pitches. I dont know, it just went away, I guess." Tom Wilhelmsen entered and yielded an RBI single to Krauss as the Astros matched their season high for runs in an inning. It also was the most runs allowed in an inning by the Mariners this season. The Astros scored two more in the sixth, one on a wild pitch by Wilhelmsen and the other on Springers RBI groundout. Wilhelmsen had entered with a 13 2-3-inning consecutive scoreless streak. The Mariners added a run in the sixth on Michael Saunders bases-loaded groundout. In the eighth, John Bucks groundout sent Kyle Seager home from third. NOTES: RHP Taijuan Walker, sidelined since spring training with a sore shoulder, likely will be sent out on a rehab assignment Wednesday. He will start for Triple-A Tacoma and be limited to 75 pitches. "Im excited to get back there Wednesday, get into my regular five-day routine again," Walker said. Walker is the Mariners top pitching prospect. . Oberholtzer was recalled before the game with LHP Rudy Owens, who started Friday and optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Astros manager Bo Porter said the spot starts by Oberholtzer and Owens "allows all those guys (regular starters) to get an extra day rest. It just makes good sense to take care of the guys whove been so good for us all year." ... It was a "Turn Back the Clock" night for the Mariners, back to 1979. NBA great Lenny Wilkens, coach of the citys only major championship that year, tossed out the first pitch. Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon caught it. ... James Jones single in the second extended his hitting streak to 14 games. Its also a continuing club rookie record for his first 14 career starts. ' ' '
VERONA, Italy -- Inter Milan boosted its chances of qualifying for Europe with a 2-0 win at direct rival Hellas Verona in Serie A on Saturday. Inter also hit the woodwork twice as it moved into fourth spot, two points above Fiorentina which hosts relegation-threatened Chievo Verona on Sunday. Hellas Verona remained seventh, and was seven points behind Inter after just one win in its past six matches. "It was a very important win because now they will stay behind us in the race for a Europa League spot," Jonathan said. "Now we have to be careful of Parma, too. Tomorrow I will certainly be against Fiorentina. "I dont think its my best match in an Inter shirt, Ive played in others better. The squad deserved the win and lets hope we continue like this. (Inter coach Walter) Mazzarri always told us that our negative run would end with hard work, now we shouldnt look at the standings but only at the next match." The result also sparked hopes Inter could snatch a Champions League spot. It moved eight points behind third-place Napoli, which visits Torino on Monday. Inter took the lead in the 14th minute following Jonathans mazy run and cross, which Rodrigo Palacio slotted home from close range. Jonathan sealed the result after an hour in. He burst into the right of the area and although his initial effort was saved, the rebound came back to the Brazilian defender off a Verona player and he scored. Inter took until February to pick up its first win of 2014 but has not lost since then, a run of six matches. Yeezy 700 v2 Online . -- Southern Illinois coach Barry Hinson couldnt hear himself amid the roar in Koch Arena, so he kept stomping on the floor in a fruitless attempt to get his teams attention. Fake Yeezy 700 Carbon Blue .com) - Matt Duchene picked up the deciding goal early in the third period and added an assist, as Colorado escaped with a 4-3 victory over Dallas at Pepsi Center. http://www.yeezy700outlet.com/discount-y...nline.html. Those who impressed in each of the three events were asked to attend the main CFL Combine which begins Friday in Toronto. Fake Yeezy 700 Static . -- C.J. Wilson parked his car and laughed while signing autographs for faceless fans who handed bats, balls and cards to the pitcher from the other side of a brick wall. Fake Yeezy 700 Magnet . Calgary finished atop the CFL standings with a 14-4 record and earned the right to host the West Division final at McMahon Stadium on Nov.MILAN, Italy -- Luca Toni scored again to help Hellas Verona thrash relegation-threatened Catania 4-0 in Serie A on Sunday to boost its European chances as Parma lost 1-0 at Cagliari. Verona remained level on points with Torino and Lazio in the race for sixth place and the final Europa League spot. "We have nothing to lose in the race for Europe," Toni said. "Well be fired up, we know we can go down in history. Well see what will happen in three weeks time." Torino beat Udinese 2-0 while Lazio won by the same scoreline at relegation-threatened Livorno. The results saw Torino, Lazio and Verona move a point above AC Milan and Parma. "We werent as strong and determined as usual, thats the main thing about this match," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said. "We werent ourselves in the first half, but even so we didnt give much to Cagliari. "Then two incidents determined the final result: the penalty and the sending off of one our players meant we were chasing the game with a numerical disadvantage. Now we have to try and get the maximum of points, in other words nine points in three matches, working as hard as we can." Also, 10-man Sampdoria fought back to beat Chievo Verona 2-1 and Genoa drew 1-1 at Atalanta. Verona got off to the perfect start when Catania goalkeeper Alberto Frison palmed away Juan Iturbes shot and Toni fired in the rebound in the sixth minute. Toni thought he had doubled his tally in the 28th when he headed home for what would have been his 20th goal of the season. However, the Italian league later awarded it as an own goal by Frison after watching video evidence which showed the effort had rebounded off the post and in off the goalkeeper. "Before I didnt believe I could win the top goalscorers award this season," Toni said. "It would be something extraordinary at 36 years of age." Marquinho extended Veronas lead on the stroke of halftime with a low drive following Juanitos pass. Juanito saw a shot turned onto the post by Frison moments later, but the Argentinian did get onto the scoresheet in the 75th with a curled effort into the far corner.dddddddddddd Ciro Immobile remained on course for the top goalscorer award as he scored his 21st goal of the season for Torino. Omar El Kaddouri had given Torino the lead in the 15th when he weaved his way into the left of the area before firing into the near side of goal. Parma was looking to get back on track after just one win in its past seven matches. But it was Cagliari which broke the deadlock in the 35th minute after Alessandro Lucarelli took down Daniele Dessena, right in front of the referee who pointed straight to the penalty spot. Mauricio Pinilla converted, sending Parma goalkeeper Antonio Mirante the wrong way. Parmas hopes of getting back into the game evaporated early in the second half following a moment of madness from Felipe, who was sent off for pushing Luca Rossettini in the face. The Brazilian had to be dragged away by Pinilla and faces a lengthy ban. Both teams needed points in Livorno, with the home side desperate to avoid relegation and Lazio chasing a Europa League spot. Livorno gifted Lazio the lead in the 15th minute as goalkeeper Francesco allowed Stefano Mauris angled volley to squirm between him and the near post. Lazio doubled its lead six minutes after the break when former Livorno winger Antonio Candreva scored a penalty after Leandro Rinaudo was harshly adjudged to have handled. Livorno remained in penultimate position in the standings, three points off safety, and five behind Chievo. In the evening match, Paolo De Ceglies first goal in more than two years appeared to be enough to secure victory for Genoa and snap a four-match losing streak. Genoa managed to last most of the second half with 10 men after Daniele Portanova was sent off five minutes after the break for a foul on German Denis. Mattia Perin saved the resulting penalty. However, Atalantas pressure finally paid off eight minutes from time. Perin pulled off a stunning save to deny Guglielmo Stendardo but Giuseppe De Luca -- who was clearly offside -- put the rebound into the empty net with an overhead kick. ' ' '
TORONTO -- Dion Phaneuf admits he made a mistake. The Toronto captain said Thursday he erred in not talking to reporters following the Maple Leafs 5-3 home loss Tuesday night to the St. Louis Blues. Phaneuf was widely criticized for blowing off the media following the clubs sixth straight loss that dropped it to 10th in the Eastern Conference standings. "I shouldve been available, thats about all Im going to say about it," the veteran defenceman said following Thursdays practice. "I cant remember the last time I didnt make myself available but I shouldve been available." On Wednesday, a day off for the Leafs, Phaneuf told a Toronto all-sports radio station he didnt talk because he was too emotional following the loss. "I just didnt play well enough," he said. "Bottom line, I wasnt even close to the level I have to play at. "I accept responsibility for that. I will be better." Phaneuf and his teammates dont have time to fret about their respective situations. Toronto visits the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night in one of just eight regular-season games remaining for the Leafs. The contest is important for both teams. Philadelphia (38-37-7, 83 points) is sixth in the Eastern Conference heading into action Thursday night. Toronto (36-30-8, 80 points) is tied in points with Columbus, Detroit and Washington, but all three clubs having games in hand on the Leafs. With each mounting loss, the Leafs find themselves increasingly under the media microscope in Toronto. There was no shortage of TV cameras and media at Thursdays practice. "If you look back two weeks ago we werent having to answer these questions, but the reality is were where were at right now," Phaneuf said. "We havent won in six games and when you dont win hockey games there are questions asked and theres every right to ask those questions because its our job to win games. "Im not going to stand here and say weve played well, we havent. I know right now it seems were at a low point but well come through it." And for head coach Randy Carlyle, the turnaround wont come about by continually harping on how tight the Leafs have played during the streak. "The more you talk about it, the more you focus on the tightness the harder it is to flush," he said. "We have to be prepared to look at the positives that are in the hockey game, the things weve done well and not focus on the negatives. "Pressure comes from within, comes from outside, it comes from everywhere. I think the amount of pressure you put on yourself to perform is really and truly who you have to answer to." But Carlyle didnt sugar-coat Torontos current situation, either. "We feel theres a lot of areas in which there are some positives but you cant look past weve lost six in a row," he said. "Bottom line, theres no other way to say it. "We cant feel good about ourselves but we have to prepare ourselves to play the best game of the year (Friday)." Toronto could have defenceman Paul Ranger back Friday. Ranger left a 5-3 home loss to Tampa Bay on March 19 on a stretcher with a neck brace after being hit by Lightning forward Alex Killorn. "I feel pretty good but Ive got to talk to the trainers and doctors and see if they can clear me to play," Ranger said. "I think its just a combined decision (Friday). "If I can help in any way Im going to and I plan on it. I had some encouraging words from teammates and trainers saying, We could use you back. It felt pretty good. Im excited to get back into a game and contribute as much as I can." Carlyle would consider playing Ranger in Philadelphia if the defenceman was cleared medically. "He looked good (Thursday)," Carlyle said. "As soon as the player tells us, then we have an option." Toronto has been plagued by poor starts over its losing streak, something Carlyle says gives the opposition an advantage. "It seems like were chasing the game and when you chase the game you have to open up and that gives the team youre playing against more opportunities," he said. "Its tough enough when youre on an even keel . . . especially at this time of year. "The bottom line is we have to find a way to start better and continue it." Forward Phil Kessel agreed. "It helps to get the first goal," he said. "Youre up one instead of being down one or down two. "Its tough to come back in this league." Given the intense media glare in Toronto, forward Nazem Kadri said its hard for the Leafs not to feel pressure to win. "When you drop six straight its definitely hard to focus on other things," he said. "Weve had some meetings and understand this is desperation time. "We have to play for our lives so we have to go start acting like it." Defenceman Cody Franson said the Leafs psyche remains solid. "I think were in a good spot," he said. "Obviously weve been through a tough stretch here but . . . were very aware of our situation and we all want to do the right things to get this back on the right foot. "Were aware of what we have to do. We dont feel sorry for ourselves, weve played well in a lot of games and done a lot of good things and were going to build on that." Toronto returns to the Air Canada Centre on Saturday versus Detroit, the first of four straight home games. After facing Calgary (Tuesday), Boston (Thursday) and Winnipeg (April 5), the Leafs will end the regular season with road games against Tampa, Florida and Ottawa. "Its not like were out of a playoff position," defenceman Jake Gardiner said. "Were in a decent spot, we can still compete for those last two spots and just see what happens. "Yeah, theres always that pressure . . . but we know we have a good team in here and we know we can do it. Its just a matter of playing the way we know we can." Stan Mikita Jersey . They were expecting him there all along. The Pacers announced Friday night that George has been cleared "to return to normal basketball activity," a decision made three days after he was concussed in Game 2 of the Indiana-Miami series. Duke Keats Jersey . "[People] keep asking that question and its not a legit question because we dont have that right, we havent arrived yet," Casey responded. "Weve got to take each game at a time, each possession at a time and look at it that way. https://www.cheapblackhawks.com/547b-dou...ks.html.ca Fantasy Editor Scott Cullen, NFL Editor Ben Fisher, and Isaac Owusu discuss three hot fantasy football topics. Dylan Strome Jersey . -- Canadas Nicole Vandermade won the Four Winds Invitational on Sunday for her first Symetra Tour title, closing with a 4-under 68 for a one-stroke victory. Calvin de Haan Jersey . The Redskins announced Monday that the quarterback who led the team to the Super Bowl championship in the 1987 season will serve as a personnel executive.Manziels Instagram account also features some interesting pictures, like him with Wale, a Twitter screen captuure of Floyd Mayweather giving him props and this photo of him with Kevin Durant.dddddddddddd ' ' '
MANCHESTER, England -- Chelsea moved provisionally atop of the English Premier League by beating Hull 2-0 while Manchester United ended a sorry run of three straight defeats to lift the gloom surrounding the reigning champion on Saturday. Meanwhile, there were huge victories for Sunderland and West Ham over fellow relegation rivals, leaving the battle to avoid the drop up for grabs with the bottom 11 teams separated by just six points. Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres scored second-half goals to seal a fourth straight victory for Chelsea, which climbed above Arsenal and Manchester City in the standings ahead of their games on Monday and Sunday respectively. "Now were top of the league for the first time in a long time and hopefully we can stay there," Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech said. United was on the brink of a crisis, by its lofty standards, after losing three games in six days to kick off 2014, but a 2-0 win over Swansea will boost the confidence among David Moyes squad and keeps his seventh-place team in touch with the top four. Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck scored in a 13-minute span at the start of the second half for United, which was inspired by another brilliant display by 18-year-old winger Adnan Januazaj. "His natural talent and ability is up there with the best," Moyes said. Everton will spend the night in fourth thanks to a 2-0 win over Norwich, and Tottenham also boosted its chances of finishing in the Champions League spots by earning a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, which slipped to last place. Thats because Sunderland, which started the day at the bottom, beat Fulham 4-1 mainly thanks to a hat trick by winger Adam Johnson. West Ham was next to last at kickoff but climbed out of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win at Cardiff, despite playing the final stages with 10 men following James Tomkins sending-off. Carlton Cole and Mark Noble were the scorers for West Ham, earning their under-fire manager Sam Allardyce some breathing space after a dreadful run of form and condemning Cardiff coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to a defeat in his first league match in charge. England midfielder Adam Lallana scored Southamptons winner in a 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion in the days other game. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said this week it wouldnt even entertain bids of 100 million pounds ($165 million) for Hazard, amid reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain, and it is easy to see why. The Belgium winger is Chelseas top scorer this season with nine goals and he underlined his increasing value to the Blues by ending Hulls stubborn resistance with a well-taken individual goal, twice cutting inside before delivering an emphatic finish. "He is not a talented kid anymore," Mourinho said. "He is now more than that. He is a player who feels and accepts the responsibility, feels and accepts that a team player is more than a talented player and he has done it without losing his fantastic ability and fantastic talent." Torres, whose best form appears to be returning, marked his 200th Premier League appearance with the second goal three minutes from time and it was also a good day for Cech, who earned a club-record 209th clean sheet. Behind the top three, who are favoured to battle it out for the title, the race for Champions League spots is heating up. By beating Swansea, United did more than just avoid a fourth straight defeat for the first time since 1961. It breathed new life into the teams faltering league campaign and provided some welcome respite for Moyes, whose position has been under increasing scrutiny. "Its the same size as any other. You only get three points," Moyes said of the win, but the reaction inside Old Trafford to Valencias 47th-minute opener from close range was one of relief more than joy. Welbeck then glanced home Patrice Evras scuffed shot in the 59th for his sixth goal in as many league games, ensuring United remained nine points behind Chelsea. Gareth Barry and Kevin Mirallas scored Evertons goals at Goodison Park to leave Roberto Martinezs in-form team five points behind Chelsea and Norwich without a win in six league matches. Spurs rode their luck against Palace early on, with Jason Puncheon blazing a first-half penalty way over the bar, before Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen -- enjoying a new lease of life under recently hired manager Tim Sherwood -- and Jermain Defoe scored in the second half for the hosts. It is the start of a long goodbye for Defoe after his move to MLS side Toronto at the end of February was confirmed on Friday. Brand Shoes Wholesale China . SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. Cheap Air Max 90 China . The Blue Jays lost to the New York Yankees 3-1 Tuesday night, their seventh defeat in 10 games. Rasmus was put on the 15-day DL on May 15 because of a sore right hamstring. Hes hitting .222 with nine home runs and 19 RBIs. http://www.brandshoescheaponline.com/who...a.html.com) - Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price is set to return Tuesday against Nashville after sitting out the past two games because of a minor upper body injury. Vapormax Plus China .3 million qualifying offer to outfielder Michael Cuddyer on Monday. Fake Yeezy Boost For Sale . The R&A announced Monday that golfs oldest championship will return to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for the first time since Max Faulkner won in 1951. LIVERPOOL, England -- Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been voted player of the year by his fellow professionals in English football, capping a season in which his scoring prowess helped erase memories of previous bans for racism and biting. The 27-year-old Uruguay international became the first South American to collect the Professional Footballers Association accolade on Sunday, having led Liverpools unexpected Premier League title challenge with 30 goals. "The Premier League is full of really great players and so it is a great honour when these players recognize your work on the pitch," Suarez said. "I always try my best for the team and it is nice to get awards but really this is for my teammates and the staff at Liverpool because without their help I wouldnt have this prize." But it was a bittersweet day for Suarez, who flew to London from Liverpool after failing to score as the leaders title charge was halted by a 2-0 loss to Chelsea. Suarez missed the first five matches of the season while completing his 10-match ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. He was previously suspended for eight games for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra. After Liverpool fans backed Suarez as his reputation was repeatedly damaged, they could have turned against him for pushing to join Arsenal last year. But he was quickly forgiven, and even critics have started to warm to one of footballs most gifted players after a year free of misdemeanours. "He is a brilliant talent,"; Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said.dddddddddddd "I think the supporters have seen him mature over the course of the last season. I think he was in a real low moment after that game (against Chelsea last year) but he has gone away and probably looked in the mirror and reflected on himself because he is not that type of guy and it probably just spilled over. "He is a really intelligent man who fits the values of this club, which is all about humility, class and he has all of that." Suarez had a marred reputation even before joining Liverpool in 2011 from Ajax where he was branded the "Cannibal of Ajax" after a biting incident. He was also vilified for being sent off in a 2010 World Cup quarterfinal for a cynical handball on the goal line against Ghana. For the last year, though, he has regained the admiration of his rivals by ensuring he is no longer a magnet for controversy. Suarez was also named alongside strike partner Daniel Sturridge and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in the PFAs Premier League team of the year. Chelsea winger Eden Hazard was also voted into the team, as well as being named PFA young player of the year at the age of 23. ------ PFA Premier League team of the year: Petr Cech (Chelsea), Luke Shaw (Southampton), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Seamus Coleman (Everton), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool). ' ' '
Double Olympic champion Heather Stanning has announced her retirement from rowing. The 31-year-old claimed gold in the womens pair with Helen Glover at London 2012 and Rio 2016 as part of an unbeaten record going back to 2011.Stanning is currently serving as a major in the army and is left to reflect on a dream career, which ended in glory with her great friend Glover in Rio in the summer. I started rowing for the social and fun side of the sport at university, but [coach] Paul Stannard showed me I had potential in the sport and guided me through my early years, at U23s and then onto the senior team, Stanning said.Winning with Olivia [Whitlam] at U23s sparked a desire within me to aspire for bigger things.I must also thank Eira [Parry] and Miles [Forbes-Thomas] for their help and coaching as Helen and I started out with the team, but partnering with Helen and Robin [Williams] has been the dream career.I could not have wished for anyone else to share the Olympic journey with. Glover and Stanning (left) in action in Brazil Glover, who looks set to continue her career, paid tribute to Stannings achievements alongside her in the boat.Heather has been my team-mate for six years and in that time has been my voice of logic, a driving force, my friend, and my maid of honour, she said.Im fortunate enough to have sat at the start line of two Olympic Games with Heather. There is nobody else I would have wanted in the boat with me in those moments.She is dependable, determined, and a formidable athlete. The army has given us both incredible support and I am sure she will continue to flourish in her career.Thank you, Heather, not just for the success we shared, but for making it the most fun journey possible. Also See: England face Scots at Euros Konta wins Sportswoman poll Calgary gold for Christie Two more cycling golds for GB Jaquiski Tartt Jersey . -- Caris LeVert had 14 points and a career-high 11 rebounds for his first career double-double, and No. Jerry Rice Jersey . I kind of got a taste of being able to pick a suit with the draft lottery, I went with the bow tie. http://www.custom49ersjersey.com/custom-...e-78d.html. The Incheon-based tea, of the Korea Baseball Organization said the deal for the 35-year-old Scott included a $50,000 signing bonus. Scott reached the major leagues with Houston in 2005 and hit 23 homers or more for Baltimore each year from 2008-10. Scott Bull Jersey . The former Edmonton Oilers defenceman was with the St. Louis Blues in training camp on a professional tryout. Whitney, 30, had four goals and 13 points in 34 games with the Oilers last season. Larry Allen Jersey . Chris Capuano. Shane Greene. And now, Esmil Rogers. FALL RIVER, Mass. - A cousin of ex-New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez has been sentenced to two years of probation with GPS monitoring for refusing to testify before a grand jury even though she had been granted immunity. A Superior Court judge also sentenced Tanya Singleton on Tuesday to spend the first year in home confinement and ordered her to have no contact with Hernandez, any other suspectts or witnesses.dddddddddddd Singleton refused to testify before a grand jury investigating the July 2013 slaying of Odin Lloyd. She pleaded guilty to criminal contempt. The Bristol, Connecticut woman had faced up to 2 1/2 years in jail. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to killing Lloyd and is being held without bail. He also has pleaded not guilty in the 2012 killings of two men in Boston. ' ' '
Auburn Hills, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Greg Monroe racked up 23 points and 18 rebounds and the Detroit Pistons held off the New York Knicks down the stretch for a 98-95 victory, their first of the Stan Van Gundy era. Monroes monster performance and a 20-point effort out of Kentavious Caldwell- Pope got Detroit in the win column after opening Van Gundys first season as head coach with three straight losses. We made it a little tougher than it had to be, but definitely happy to get the win, Monroe said. The Pistons dominated the glass, outrebounding the Knicks by a 55-43 margin and recording 19 second-chance points, and went 11-of-23 from 3-point range in addition to playing lockdown defense on Carmelo Anthony for much of the night. Andre Drummond added 13 rebounds and Josh Smith had 10. Smith finished a rough 2-of-17 from the field but shined on the other end, leading an effort that held Anthony without a basket in the first half and a 5-of-21 shooting performance for the game. I thought early on he was trying to do the right thing and not look to attack too early, make sure everybody was involved and I think that made it a little harder for him to find his rhythm, Knicks head coach Derek Fisher said about Anthony. Anthony got on track late to end with 13 points, and New York cut a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit down to two before ultimately being dealt a second loss in as many nights. Tim Hardaway Jr. paced the Knicks with 20 points while filling the sixth-man role of J.R. Smith, suspended for the game for striking Washingtons Glen Rice Jr. in the groin on Tuesday. Jason Smith contributed 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting for New York, which received 15 points each from Iman Shumpert and Amare Stoudemire. The Pistons built a 49-37 lead at halftime behind their prowess on the boards and Anthonys struggles, then extended the margin to as high as 18 points in the third quarter after Jonas Jerebko buried a triple following a Monroe tip- in to make the score 72-54 with under two minutes left in the period. Detroit remained on cruise control for much of the fourth quarter, owning an 89-74 advantage with less than five minutes left before the Knicks came storming back. Stoudemire scored the first seven points of a 12-2 run capped by Hardaways layup off a turnover that trimmed the lead to 91-86 with 2:08 to go. It was a 97-94 game when Hardaway drained a long three with 7.3 seconds to play, and Caldwell-Pope missed twice from the line on the ensuing possession to give New York a chance at a tie. Shumpert was fouled before getting off a shot, however, and made just 1-of-2 from the stripe to bring the Knicks within two. His desperation 3-point try from well beyond half-court was well off the mark at the buzzer, and came after Brandon Jennings hit 1-of-2 foul shots for the final score. An 8-0 run spurred by the bench enabled the Pistons to gain separation early in the second quarter. D.J. Augustin began the surge with five straight points and Jerebko capped it with a long-range triple to put Detroit up 35-24 four minutes into the period. The Pistons were up by as many as 15 in the first half and maintained a double-digit cushion for the majority of the second quarter. Anthonys first basket after nine straight misses, which came just over three minutes into the second half, brought the Knicks within 53-44. However, Detroit countered with a 9-2 flurry that featured one of Caldwell-Popes four makes from long distance and ended on Drummonds putback dunk, which gave the Pistons a commanding 62-46 lead nearing the midway mark of the third quarter. Game Notes Monroe had 18 points and 11 rebounds in his season debut Saturday against Brooklyn, having served a two-game suspension for a DUI arrest to begin the campaign ... Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni did not return after spraining his right ankle early in the second quarter ... The Pistons entered the game last in the NBA in 3-point percentage (21.9 percent) ... Hardaways father, Tim Sr., currently serves as a Pistons assistant under Van Gundy ... Anthony was coming off an 8-of-23 shooting effort in Tuesdays loss to Washington ... Augustin and Jennings each finished with 12 points. Lee Fogolin Jersey . Mika Zibanejad and Jason Spezza scored in the shootout to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 2-1 victory over Nashville on Saturday night. Shawn Horcoff Jersey . The team announced the defensive coordinator will not be offered a contract extension. https://www.cheapoilers.com/. I wondered how NHL coaches would feel about a playoff schedule that allowed them to open a best-of-seven series on the road, which many claim to favour, yet still gave them the precious home-ice edge for a seventh game. Cheap Oilers Jerseys . The White Sox said Wednesday they acquired left-handed pitching prospect Sean Bierman and infielder Ben Kline, who both played at Class A this season. The White Sox dealt Crain to Tampa Bay on July 29. Joakim Nygard Jersey . The Redskins announced Monday that the quarterback who led the team to the Super Bowl championship in the 1987 season will serve as a personnel executive.TORONTO - Forgive Max Pentecost if his attentions divided this weekend. The Blue Jays second pick in the first round (11th overall) is competing in this weekends NCAA super regional for his school, Kennesaw State, against the Louisville Cardinals. All the while, he could be days or weeks away from signing a multi-million dollar contract to turn professional and enter Torontos organization. Pentecosts Owls were down a game in a best-of-three heading into action on Saturday night. Hes got business to take care of first but with a draft slot value at just under $2.9-million, the potential is there to strike it rich. Still, when you hear him speak in his southern drawl, its a reminder that the 21-year-old, like everyone his age, is in many ways still a kid. "I cant wait to get out there and go play," said Pentecost. "Theres going to be one day where Im going to have to clean out my locker and putter around home just because my parents had to move me out of my apartment while we were coming to the super regionals." Selected in the seventh round of the 2011 draft by the Texas Rangers, Pentecost chose not to sign when the Rangers included a 90-day clause in the contract offer, a shield against a recurring injury he suffered in high school. In Pentecosts sophomore year at Winder-Barrow High School near Atlanta, he suffered a stress fracture of his olecranon, which is the bony point of the elbow. He was prescribed rest and rehabilitation. It didnt work and the injury recurred during his junior year. Another season of rest and rehab didnt work and Pentecost suffered the injury a third time in his senior year. He had surgery, two screws were implanted, and there hasnt been an issue since. "I looked at it as I can go to college, work on a degree and if anything I can show them I can play three or four years without the injury recurring," said Pentecost. "I can play healthy and thankfully I was blessed enough to have a good career and improve my stock." His faith in himself has been rewarded. Pentecost has improved as a hitter in each of his thhree years at Kennesaw State, working a slash line of .dddddddddddd23/.483/.631 this season. "I feel that Im more of a hit for average, Im more of a gap to gap, line drive kind of guy," said Pentecost. "I have power but Im not known as a power hitter. You know, it just kind of happens. I feel like I have pretty decent speed for baserunning, for stealing bags. I usually have a pretty good approach, hit offspeed well."Growing up in Georgia, Pentecost admitted he doesnt know much about the city of Toronto. He joked about his time in the Cape Cod League, the collegiate summer circuit in Massachusetts, where he picked up French-language radio stations beaming out of Quebec. It was his time in "The Cape," as its known, when he hit .346/.424/.538 with seven home runs for the Bourne Braves, that Pentecost feels he made his name. "I think thats the only reason I am where I am today," said Pentecost. "Going up there, nobody really knew who I was or had never even heard of Kennesaw State. So going up there I felt like I was really going to have to prove myself and prove my game just to prove who I am. I made a lot of changes to my game, really played hard, enjoyed it. The overall experience was, I mean, it was just a blast." Pentecost cites Jason Kendall and, more recently, Buster Posey as players hes looked up to. He considers himself a versatile athlete; if the catching thing doesnt work out, he could play a corner infield position or in the outfield. First things first, Pentecosts got a game to win on Saturday night. Hell worry about becoming a millionaire later, although getting the draft out of the way will help him relax. "Its a huge weight off my shoulders," he said. SANTOS UPDATE Sergio Santos will throw a bullpen session in Toronto on Sunday. If all goes well, hell report to Single-A Dunedin on Monday. The plan, Santos says, is to throw an inning each on Tuesday and Thursday. Hes hopeful of being activated off the disabled list late next week and of meeting the team in Baltimore. ' ' '
BARCELONA, Spain -- Barcelona was unfazed by the recent departure of its club president amid a lawsuit as it eased to a 3-0 win over Malaga on Sunday to reclaim its share of the Spanish league lead. Lionel Messi didnt score but he played a part in two goals, setting up Pedro Rodriguez to make it 2-0 in the 55th after Gerard Pique had opened the scoring five minutes before halftime. Pedro then took Messis pass and crossed for Alexis Sanchez to tap in the hosts third in the 61st. Atletico Madrid stayed level with Barcelona at the top of the standings by romping to a 4-2 win at Rayo Vallecano as Diego Costa scored his 20th league goal of the season. Both title rivals ended a run of two straight draws to restore a one-point advantage over Real Madrid. The match at Camp Nou came just three days after Sandro Rosell stepped down to fight a lawsuit alleging that he misappropriated funds by hiding the true cost of signing of Brazil star Neymar. He and the club deny the accusations. Josep Bartomeu attended his first match as the Catalan clubs 40th president in the Camp Nou stands. Pique said that although he didnt know if Rosells exit was good for the club, he was sure the administrative turmoil hadnt affected the squads focus on defending its Spanish league title. "We continue competing the same way we have in recent years," said Pique. "Off the pitch, it is something people talk about, but on the pitch it affects us very little. "After all the bad moments we have had in these recent years we have maintained the league lead and that shows this group is strong and that we can stay on top," Pique said in a possible reference to the team dealing with former coach Tito Vilanovas and player Eric Abidals illnesses. Far from distracted, Gerardo Martinos team played one of its best games of the season, bombarding Malaga with 18 shots on-target of all types and from all angles. Martino, in fact, said he was more concerned about "not winning by a wider margin" than the clubs leadership. Pique broke through when he used his stomach to control a corner kick flicked on by Alexis, sized up Willy Caballero and then drove the ball under the Malaga goalie. Pique headed another corner kick against the woodwork moments before Pedro slotted inside the far post. Messi then dribbled at the Malaga defence to draw them in before laying off for Pedro, who found Alexis alone to score. Barcelonas Ibrahim Afellay went on as a late substitute after recovering from a six-month injury layoff. It was his first appearance for Barcelona since May 2012. Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz scored two goals and set up another in a 5-1 rout at 10-man Osasuna as the Basque club strengthened its grip on fourth place. Almeria edged Getafe 1-0 courtesy of striker Jonathan Zongos second-half header to escape the relegation zone. Diego Costa only trails Madrids 22-goal Cristiano Ronaldo as the leagues leading scorer, and the Brazilian-born players passing was key to Atleticos first two goals at Vallecas Stadium. "It was important to win after two draws," said Atletico striker David Villa, who downplayed the move back to the top. "We had to win, thats the important thing, going ahead game by game. We cant think about the rest." However, Atleticos win was tarnished by a shoulder injury to young midfielder Oliver Torres in the second half. Villa got Atletico rolling in the eighth minute after he stole the ball deep in Rayos territory and worked a one-two with Diego Costa before firing in his 10th league goal of the season. After Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saved Jonathan Vieras penalty, Arda Turan took his first of two goals in the 30th to finish off a collective effort, with the ball flowing from Diego Costa through a generous Jose Sosa for Turan to roll in. Viera made up for his miss by scoring in the 40th, but Turan struck again in the 44th. Diego Costa found the net for the first time in 2014 when he redirected Filipe Luis cross in the 74th before Joaquin Larrivey responded almost immediately for Rayos second. Air Force 1 Doernbecher .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. Sf Air Force 1 Mid Nere . In the opening game of his fourth-round match at the U.S. Open, the owner of 17 major titles got passed at the net twice, sailed a backhand long, then missed two forehands to get broken. http://www.airforce1outletitalia.it/scon...berty.html. The CFL unveiled its 2014 schedule Wednesday and the Redblacks will play their first-ever regular-season game in Winnipeg against the Blue Bombers on July 3. Lunar Force 1 Italia . According to bodog.ca, Cleveland moved up to grab the best odds to win the Larry OBrian trophy at 4-1 on Friday. By comparison, the Miami Heats odds plummeted from 3-1 favourites before LeBron left, to 50-1. Air Force 1 Alte 2020 . - A week after a late-game debacle on defence, the Pittsburgh Steelers showed they can finish.ST. JOHNS, N.L. - Carl Klingberg scored the winner and Connor Hellebuyck made 32 saves as the St. Johns IceCaps edged the visiting Portland Pirates 2-1 in overtime on Wednesday in American Hockey League action.Klingbergs winner — his 11th goal of the season — came 2:11 into the extra period while on the power play.After a scoreless first period, Scott Kosmachuk made it 1-0 for thee IceCaps (16-18-6) with his seventh goal of the season 9:50 into the second.ddddddddddddBrendan Shinniman responded with his eighth goal of the campaign for the Pirates (21-16-2) at 16:50 of the second.Mike McKenna stopped 23-of-25 shots for Portland.St. Johns went 1 for 7 on the power play while the Pirates failed to score on five chances with the man advantage. ' ' '
For the second night in a row, the Winnipeg Goldeyes were able to take an early lead against the Amarillo Sox and never look back. On Saturday night, Winnipegs strong offense was again accompanied by some fantastic pitching which gave the Fish a commanding victory. The Goldeyes (2-1) beat the Sox (2-1) 12-2. With the win, the Fish take a 2-1 advantage in the two teams four-game season-opening series at Amarillo National Bank Sox Stadium. In the first, with the two lead-off Winnipeg batters having already been retired, Ray Sadler got on base with a single. Reggie Abercrombie then stepped to the plate and hit a two-run home run to open the scoring. Matt Jackson then provided the Goldeyes with some fantastic pitching. Jackson allowed only four hits in his six and one-third innings of work. He struck out five, and only gave up one walk. "It was a repeat of last night with Jarvis," Goldeyes Pitching Coach Jamie Vermilyea said of Jackson on the Jewel 101 Post-Game Show, "throwing strikes and dictating each at bat." The Goldeyes offense went back to work in the top of the third. They got three runs in the frame, one on a RBI from Jake Blackwood, one on a RBI from Sadler, and one on a Sox fielding error. Winnipegs bats were quiet in the fourth through seventh innings, but their offense picked it back up in the eighth. Ryan Pineda led off the top of the inning with a solo home run. Luis Alen then hit a single, and would eventually come around to score on an error. Sadler and Abercrombie would get on base, and then Josh Mazzola stepped up and hit a three-run home run. The Fish didnt stop there. In the top of the ninth, the Goldeyes loaded the bases, and Sadler hit a two RBI single that scored Kuhn and Jordan Guida — who was pinch-hitting for Alen. Sadler would end the night going an impressive four for six at the plate, with three runs, and three RBI. "When youve got your three-hole hitter locked in, good things are going to happen," said Vermilyea. The Goldeyes bullpen pitched extremely well, and was able to keep the shutout intact until the bottom of the ninth, when the Sox were able to score their two runs. One of which came on the first professional hit for Sox player Josh Miller. The 12 runs that the Goldeyes scored are the most theyve put on the scoreboard so far this season. The Goldeyes will play one more game against the Sox tomorrow at 6 p.m. with the expected pitching match-up to be Winnipegs Nick Hernandez against Amarillos Michael Nannini. The Goldeyes then head to Laredo to take on the Laredo Lemurs in a three-series that starts Monday. Rod Thorn Jersey .com) - Sergio Agueros 63rd-minute goal was enough to lift Manchester City to a 1-0 win over 10-man Manchester United on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. Wholesale Supersonics Jerseys . Sundays race will be held at the Sepang circuit, adjacent to Kuala Lumpurs main airport where the ill-fated flight took off earlier this month. Authorities now say it is almost certain it crashed in the Indian Ocean, killing all 239 people aboard. https://www.supersonicsjerseys.com/620s-...onics.html. The Henry Burris-led squad finished second in the East Division before advancing to the Grey Cup where they ultimately fell to the home field advantage wielding Saskatchewan Roughriders. Derrick McKey Jersey . TSN Hockey Insiders Pierre LeBrun and Bob McKenzie both reported Thursday that there have been ongoing trade discussions between the Oilers and Los Angeles Kings over forward Sam Gagner. Cheap Supersonics Jerseys . Not Peyton Manning. Hes holding on to the heartache to stoke his competitive fire. CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Bobcats are getting used to big nights from Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker. Now, they have Gary Neal to throw into the offensive mix. The newly acquired Neal came off the bench and scored 19 points as the surging Bobcats won their seventh home game in a row, defeating the Denver Nuggets 105-98 on Monday night. Jefferson led all scorers with 26 points and Walker scored 24, but it was Neals work off the bench that may have made the biggest difference with Gerald Henderson out with a strained right calf muscle. "It was a huge to get a win at home and protect our homecourt, especially with the standings the way they are," said Neal, who was playing in his only his seventh game with the team since coming over from Milwaukee in a trade on Feb. 20. "I felt good in the (Monday) morning shootaround and had a good individual workout before the game," Neal added. "Then, the first couple shots fell and I got in a good rhythm." Neal actually made his first six field-goal tries as the Bobcats, currently in position to grab the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs, improved to 30-34. Three of those baskets by Neal were 3-pointers. The Nuggets, who fell to 27-36, were led by Ty Lawsons 24 points -- 15 of which came in the fourth quarter as he tried to rally his team. "They were without Gerald Henderson and Gary Neal stepped in and did what he needed to do," Nuggets coach Brian Shaw said. "We have to learn to respect everyone, whether hes a starter or coming off the bench." Jefferson made 10 of his first 14 field-goal attempts, and also contributed a game-high 13 rebounds. Walker added seven assists for the Bobcats. Jefferson scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the first quarter, after which the Bobcats led 25-22. But they actually extended their lead to 12 in the second quarter, as Neal scored nine points. "That boy can score. He made plays, thats all," Jefferson said of Neal. "If he can play like that, its going to give a big lift to the second unit. With him hitting 3s like that, thatts just going to open up the paint for guys like me who like to attack it.dddddddddddd" Josh McRoberts added 15 points for Charlotte, including a key 3-pointer with 6:15 left at the shot-clock buzzer to extend Charlottes lead to 90-82 after Denver had cut it to five. Denver also got 15 points from Kenneth Faried, 16 from Aaron Brooks, and 11 points and a team-high 10 rebounds from J.J. Hickson. After Faried led a brief Denver comeback to cut Charlottes lead to 51-45 at the half, Walker and Jefferson hit the first two baskets of the third quarter to push the Charlotte advantage back to 10 and the home team never trailed in the second half. Denver did pull to within 101-96 in the final minute, but Walker, who made all 12 of his free-throw attempts on the night, hit a pair with 55.6 seconds left and then Jefferson hit a jumper after a defensive stop to seal the Bobcats victory. "We hung in there and fought hard," Bobcats coach Steve Clifford said. "It wasnt our best game. We made a lot of mistakes in the fourth quarter. But its a good win and an important win for our team." Clifford said Neal, who has now scored in double figures in six of the seven games hes played for the Bobcats, is providing the kind of instant offence that he had hoped for when Neal was acquired from the Bucks along with backup point guard Luke Ridnour. "He played great," Clifford said. "Forget the 7-for-9 (field-goal shooting). He made two big plays out of the pick-and-roll when we were struggling. They blitzed Kemba and Gary Neal hit CDR (Chris Douglas-Roberts) for a big 3 and he started the ball movement on another pick-and-roll that led to a Kemba jumper. Hes the one who kind of got our offence back on track." NOTES: Clifford said Henderson, who missed Mondays game and has been out a week with a strained right calf muscle, might attempt running during Tuesdays practice. He hopes Henderson will be available to resume playing in games soon. Clifford said that likely wont occur until next week, however. ... The Bobcats have 18 home wins, three more than all of last year. ' ' '
MONTREAL -- Canada is sitting pretty ahead of the 2014 FIFA U-20 Womens World Cup. Canada was placed in one of the easiest groups during Saturdays live televised draw in Montreal. The eighth-ranked Canadians will face North Korea (ranked No. 4), Ghana (No. 19) and Finland (No. 26) in the group stage. "We definitely didnt expect an easy group," said Canadian U-20 coach Andrew Olivieri. "We were anxious. Its a great group." Olivieri, a retired Montreal Impact goalkeeper, doesnt want to get ahead of himself before the first ball is kicked five months from now. A good draw, however, allowed him to raise his expectations. "Weve never been beyond a quarter-final, except for that first tournament (in 2002)," he said. "Were in a good position. We want to reach the quarter-final, and win that quarter-final." Since the inaugural competition in 2002, also hosted by Canada, the U-20 tournament has been held every two years. This year, the 20-day tournament begins on Aug. 5 and wraps up Aug. 24. Four Canadian cities -- Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton, and Moncton -- will welcome some of the best womens under-20-year-olds from 16 different nations. The final will be held at Montreals Olympic Stadium. Canada plays Ghana in the tournaments opening match in Toronto. Ghanese coach Bashir Hayford thinks Canadians would be too quick to treat the first game as an easy victory for the home side. "All eyes will be on us," said Hayford. "It will be a bit intimidating with that crowd. But well have supporters in Toronto too. I know they will galvanize and come and support us. If we can win, our confidence will be built for subsequent games. We are going to play very well." Ghana earned its spot in the U-20 World Cup by defeating Equatorial Guinea 4-3 in penalty shots in January. This is their third successive trip to the U-20 World Cup, but they have yet to make it past the group stage. "Every country wants to win the cup," said Hayford. "Thats why were competing. If you ask me about my expectations, Ill tell you: we want to win the cup." After Ghana, the Canadians will face the Finns, also in Toronto. Finnish coach Marianne Miettinen knows playing in Canada will be a great experience for her young players. She says she will be wary of Canadas good speed up front, but knows her side will come to Toronto with a lot of heart. "Finland has a good fighting spirit," said Miettinen. "The Northern teams are really well organized. Were going to give everything in every game. Were going to be really tough to beat." The Canadians close out the group stage against North Korea, in Montreal. And although the fast-paced North Korean team will prove to be a tough test for Canada, the host nation luckily avoided the Group of Death -- the soccer group that invariably brings together some of the worlds best teams. For the upcoming U-20 Womens World Cup, that group is composed of the United States (ranked No. 1), Germany (No. 2), Brazil (No. 3), and China (No. 6). Together, the U.S. and Germany have won five of six U-20 competitions. The Americans are the defending champions, having beaten the Germans 1-0 in the final game of the 2012 tournament in Tokyo, Japan. If Canada does make it past their group stage, they will have to face the Americans, Germans, or Brazilians in the quarter-final. "Its going to be challenging," admitted Olivieri. The tournaments third group opposes Nigeria (ranked No. 5), South Korea (No. 10), Mexico (No. 11), and England (No. 13), and the final one includes France (No. 9), New Zealand (No. 15), Costa Rica (No. 25), and tournament newcomers Paraguay (unranked). The U-20 World Cup will give also give Canadian soccer fans a taste of whats to come. Next summer, Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver will host the 2015 FIFA Womens World Cup, the first senior FIFA tournament held in Canada. Olivieri, whos been coaching the under-20s for two years now, said that any player who excels on his squad this summer will have a very good shot at being involved in next summers World Cup. In total, Canada will host 84 international soccer matches in seven cities across the country in the next two years, and is expected to draw a combined nearly two million soccer fans. "The womens game is improving in Canada," said Olivieri. "It will be incredible. There are many young kids already playing the game, and this will only help. The reach of the game will change." Note: Mayor Denis Coderre and former Montreal Canadiens coach Jacques Demers were in attendance for FIFAs official draw. a Ten of the 16 team coaches were also present in Montreal on Saturday. LaRoi Glover Jersey . JOHNS, N. Carl Granderson Jersey . Winners of two straight, the Flames will try to become the first team in 25 years to go three consecutive games without taking a penalty Saturday night in San Jose. https://www.saintsjerseyssale.com/973f-j...s.html.com) - The Minnesota Twins made it official on Wednesday, announcing the signing of outfielder Torii Hunter to a one-year contract. LeCharles Bentley Jersey .85 million contract with the two-time Gold Glove outfielder. Parra earned his second Gold Glove last season when he set a club record with 17 outfield assists. Tony Galbreath Jersey . Alen, 28, hit .315 with five home runs, 59 RBI and a career-high nine stolen bases for the Goldeyes last season. He is the longest serving catcher in Goldeyes history, having already spent five seasons with the organization. Genius! RT @vannadam: @keithlaw if u missed it, his spot came up in 9th down two with men at 2nd and 3rd, 1 out. Frandsen grounded out. — keithlaw (@keithlaw) April 19, 2014Is this fair or foul? Is this is a case of aa first year manager trying to express control of his younger star and trying to send a message? Or is Harper just not 100% yet and couldnt push himself on a play where he was almost instantly out.dddddddddddd ' ' '
Ted Kravitz brings you all the news following an incident packed qualifying session in China. Nico Rosberg secured his first pole position of 2016, in stark contrast to the other side of the Mercedes garage in Shanghai where Lewis Hamilton will start last.And while qualifying may have been dry, but proving his commitment to bringing you the news, Ted braves the rain during his tour of the paddock, even if he does have a slight umbrella incident. Click play on the video above to watch Qualifying Report Nico Rosberg on pole in China, where Lewis Hamilton starts last Watch the Chinese GP on Sunday - LIVE ONLY on Sky Sports F1. The race starts at 7am, with build-up underway from 5.30am. Or watch without a contract for £6.99 on NOW TV. Also See: Qualifying report: Nico on pole, Lewis last When to see the Chinese GP on Sky Stitched Hurricanes Jerseys . The San Antonio Spurs handled the conditions, and the team, and it sure helped when a suffering LeBron James couldnt make it to the finish. Hurricanes Jerseys 2020 .In a statement released Friday, the Catalan club said the Brazil stars recovery would be monitored to determine when he can begin training again. https://www.cheaphurricanes.com/.Fiji striker Roy Krishna scored in the 14th minute to give Wellington its fourth win, along with a draw, from its past five matches, putting the Phoenix fourth but only a point behind third-placed Adelaide. Custom Carolina Hurricanes Jerseys . That little deal worked out in a big way for the Mavericks. Nowitzki had 21 points Tuesday night to pass Oscar Robertson for 10th on the NBAs career scoring list, leading the Mavs to a 95-83 victory over the Utah Jazz. Carolina Hurricanes Pro Shop . Now he can be had by any team willing to pay his salary. According to a report from ESPN, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are shopping the veteran CB and plan on releasing him Wednesday if they cant find a trade partner.LISBON, Portugal - Sporting Lisbon substitute Junya Takana scored deep into injury time to snatch a 1-0 victory at Braga that lifted his team into third place in the Portuguese league on Sunday.The Japanese player went on in the 79th and scored with a free kick after the 90 minutes were up.Sporting moveed two points above Guimaraes into third, still 10 points behind leader Benfica.dddddddddddd Porto is second at six points off the pace.Braga was left in fifth place.Also on Sunday, it was: Gil Vicente 2, Penafiel 1; Nacional 2, Boavista 1; Arouca 1, Setubal 0; and Rio Ave 0, Maritimo 0. ' ' '