Sports

Brittany Lincicome, Rachel Kuehn, and Louise Rydqvist Receive Sponsor Exemptions for The ANNIKA at Pelican

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2024

BELLEAIR, Fla., (FNN SPORTS) – Tournament officials announced today that Major Champion and Tampa resident Brittany Lincicome and Wake Forest All-American Rachel Kuehn have accepted sponsor exemptions to compete in The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, taking place at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, Nov. 11-17.

At The ANNIKA, Lincicome will wind down her prolific LPGA Tour career, while Kuehn will kick start her professional golf career.

Lincicome, an eight-time LPGA Tour winner, the 2024 U.S. Solheim Cup assistant captain and a two-time major champion, will conclude her final full-time season on the LPGA Tour at The ANNIKA. She will compete on the LPGA Tour in a limited schedule beginning in 2025.

“I’ve had a tremendous career on and off the golf course on the LPGA Tour, and I’m incredibly honored and humbled to have the opportunity finish my final full-time season where everything started for me here in the Tampa Bay region,” said Lincicome, who resides in Seminole. “Thank you to Pelican Golf Club, Gainbridge and Annika for giving me the opportunity to compete in front of my family, friends and fans.”

Kuehn, who concluded her fifth season at Wake Forest in May and earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, will make her LPGA Tour debut as a professional at The ANNIKA. She finished her collegiate career as one of the best players in program history, earning eight individual titles in her five seasons and was the first player to earn back-to-back ACC Player of the Year titles in program history (2022 and 2023). She competed in The ANNIKA in 2023 as a sponsor exemption while at Wake Forest, finishing T15 at 11-under par.

“I’m excited to return to Pelican Golf Club in November to kick start my professional career by playing on the LPGA Tour where I had a lot of success in 2023,” said Kuehn. “I look forward to testing my game against the sport’s best players. Thank you to Pelican Golf Club, Gainbridge and Annika for giving me the opportunity to begin my next chapter in my professional career at one of the most prestigious events on the LPGA Tour.”

As previously announced, University of South Carolina Senior All-American Louise Rydqvist will join the field for a second consecutive year as a sponsor exemption, as a result of South Carolina capturing the 2024 ANNIKA Intercollegiate presented by 3M in September. South Carolina women’s golf coach Kalen Anderson selected Rydqvist as the recipient of the exemption for a second consecutive year. Rydqvist finished as the individual runner-up at 13-under par.

The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican is the penultimate event of the 2024 LPGA Tour season, where 120 of the world’s top female professional golfers will compete for a share of the $3.25 million purse, one of the largest on the LPGA Tour. The top-five players and eight of the top-10 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings are entered into the championship, including World No. 1 and two-time champion Nelly Korda and No. 2 and defending champion Lilia Vu. Tickets for The ANNIKA are on sale exclusively at www.TheAnnika.com.

2024 The ANNIKA Ticket Options: There are three ticket options for fans interested in attending:

Daily Grounds
- Wednesday, Nov. 13 (Pro-Am): $25.
- Thursday, Nov. 14: $40.
- Friday-Saturday, Nov. 15-16: $45 per day.
- Sunday, Nov. 17: $50.
Weekly Grounds:
- Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 13-17: $140.
Lightning Lounge:
- Offered in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Lightning Lounge provides a shared hospitality experience at the tournament’s signature par-3 12^th hole. The Lightning Lounge includes complimentary food and beverages, TVs, private bathrooms, and parking.
- Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 14-17: $225 per day.
- Weekly (Thursday-Sunday): $800.

Announced last week, all military personnel (active, reserve, retired and veterans) and all first responders (fire, police and emergency medical service personnel) and one guest will be granted complimentary admission to the 2024 edition of the championship. Once inside the championship, military personnel will have access to a special exclusive hospitality venue – the Hero Outpost presented by FedData – overlooking the tournament’s signature par-3 12^th green. First Responders will have access to the First Responders Outpost presented by SERVPRO, a special exclusive hospitality venue on the par-4 16^th green. All military and first responders will receive complimentary admission to the championship and the Outposts by showing proper identification. Children 17 and under will also be admitted free with a paid adult.

Lilia Vu captured her fourth LPGA Tour win at The ANNIKA in 2023, elevating her to World No. 1 at the time. Nelly Korda is a two-time champion at The ANNIKA (2021 and 2022), with Sei Young Kim winning the inaugural event in 2020.

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Sports

Marta Makes History as Orlando Pride Defeat Kansas City Current 3-0

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2026

FNN SPORTS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Pride extended their home dominance Friday night, defeating the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium behind a historic performance from Marta, another goal from Barbra Banda, and a standout effort from goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.

The victory improves Orlando to 6-6-2 (20 points), while Kansas City falls to 8-6-0 (24 points). The win marks the Pride’s fourth consecutive home victory and hands the Current its first loss in its last five visits to Orlando.

Scoreless First Half Sets Stage for Offensive Explosion

Both clubs created scoring opportunities during an evenly contested first half, but neither side was able to break through before halftime.

Orlando’s defense withstood constant pressure from Kansas City, setting the stage for a dominant second-half performance.

Marta Becomes First Pride Player to Reach 50 Goals

The Pride wasted little time after the break.

Just four minutes into the second half, Marta collected a pass from Jacquie Ovalle before curling a spectacular left-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the back of the net.

The goal gave Orlando a 1-0 lead and marked a historic milestone for the club.

Marta became the first player in Orlando Pride history to score 50 goals across all competitions.

Ovalle recorded her team-leading third assist of the season on the play.

Anderson Doubles Orlando’s Lead

The Pride struck again in the 57th minute.

Midfielder Ally Lemos delivered a perfectly placed corner kick that defender Hannah Anderson headed into the net for a 2-0 advantage.

The goal was Anderson’s second of the season, while Lemos earned her second assist of the 2026 campaign.

Barbra Banda Adds League-Leading 12th Goal

Substitute Barbra Banda put the match out of reach in the 85th minute.

After Kansas City’s goalkeeper misplayed a clearance outside the penalty area, Banda capitalized by calmly finishing into an open net.

The goal was Banda’s NWSL-leading 12th goal of the season and the first she has scored as a substitute in her professional career.

Moorhouse Records Milestone Appearance

Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse anchored Orlando’s defense with a season-high nine saves, preserving the club’s fifth clean sheet of the season.

Friday’s match also marked Moorhouse’s 100th appearance across all competitions for the Pride, making her just the fifth player in club history to reach the milestone.

Orlando’s five shutouts rank third in the National Women’s Soccer League this season.

Seb Hines Praises Complete Team Performance

Head coach Seb Hines credited his team’s disciplined approach and collective effort.

“Really pleased with the result. I think it was quite even in the first half. We had some half-chances, and we tried to stop their key players from having a big influence on the game. I thought the players implemented the game plan very well.”

Hines continued:

“We had some really outstanding performances. It was a really big collective effort from everyone. It was nice to get some goals and a clean sheet at the end of it.”

Match Highlights

49′ — Orlando 1, Kansas City 0: Marta (assist: Jacquie Ovalle)
57′ — Orlando 2, Kansas City 0: Hannah Anderson (assist: Ally Lemos)
85′ — Orlando 3, Kansas City 0: Barbra Banda (unassisted)

Match Notes

Marta scored her second goal of the 2026 season and 50th career goal for the Pride.
Banda extended her league lead with 12 goals this season.
Orlando earned its fifth clean sheet, tied for the third-most in the NWSL.
Hannah Anderson scored her second career NWSL goal, both coming this season.
Ally Lemos recorded her second assist of the year.
Jacquie Ovalle collected her team-leading third assist.
Zara Chavoshi made her first start of the 2026 season.
Anna Moorhouse made her 100th appearance for Orlando.
Orlando has now scored in seven consecutive home league matches.
The Pride have scored five goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half this season, the second-most in the NWSL.

By the Numbers

Final Score

Orlando Pride 3
Kansas City Current 0

Attendance: 8,058

Team Statistics

Category	Orlando	Kansas City
Possession	45%	55%
Shots	11	20
Shots on Goal	5	9
Saves	9	2
Corners	1	4
Fouls	5	3

Heineken Star of the Match: Marta

Up Next

The Pride remain at Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, when they host Boston Legacy FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the match streaming on NWSL+.

Sports

Miami Heat Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis Jr. in Blockbuster Trade with Bucks

Published

2 weeks ago

July 6, 2026

FNN SPORTS

MIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Heat have acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade that reshapes the franchise’s championship aspirations.

In exchange, Miami sent Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakučionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware to Milwaukee, along with first-round draft picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.

Pat Riley: ‘One of the Great Trades in HEAT History’

HEAT President Pat Riley called the acquisition one of the most significant moves in franchise history.

“The announcement of today’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the great trades in HEAT history,” Riley said. “In my opinion, Giannis is one of the top five players in the league, and Bobby is one of the best power forwards. The difficult part is trading Tyler, Kasparas, Jaime and Kel’el, who have given so much to this organization. We wish them nothing but the best. We also thank the Arison family for their continued commitment to pursuing another championship.”

Antetokounmpo Brings MVP Pedigree to Miami

Antetokounmpo arrives in Miami as one of the NBA’s most accomplished players.

His résumé includes:

2021 NBA Champion
Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)
2021 NBA Finals MVP
2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
10-time NBA All-Star
Seven All-NBA First Team selections
Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting a career-best 62.4% from the field. He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 25 points while shooting better than 60% from the field in three consecutive seasons.

He also enters Miami as the Milwaukee Bucks’ all-time franchise leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, field goals, free throws, triple-doubles, minutes played and games played.

Antetokounmpo will wear No. 34 with the Heat.

Portis Adds Championship Experience

Portis, an NBA champion with Milwaukee, averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 67 games last season while shooting 48.8% from the field and 45.6% from three-point range.

The 11-year veteran has established himself as one of the league’s top reserve forwards, recording a Bucks franchise-record 61 double-doubles off the bench. He also received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his work in mentorship and community outreach.

Portis will wear No. 95 in Miami.

Heat Part Ways with Core Players

The trade ends the Miami careers of several key contributors.

Herro, selected 13th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, spent seven seasons with the Heat, earning 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors and a 2024 NBA All-Star selection. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 394 regular-season games.

Jaquez Jr., a 2023 first-round pick, averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists over three seasons with Miami.

Jakučionis, selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, averaged 6.2 points during his rookie season.

Ware, the 15th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over two seasons.

Championship Expectations Rise

The acquisition of Antetokounmpo gives the Heat one of the NBA’s premier superstars and significantly strengthens Miami’s pursuit of another NBA championship. The addition of Portis further bolsters the team’s frontcourt with championship experience, scoring and rebounding.

Sports

Argentina Survives Cape Verde Scare, Wins 3-2 in Extra Time to Advance at FIFA World Cup 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

July 6, 2026

Willie David

Leo Messi. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

MIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — Argentina avoided what could have been one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, surviving a major scare from Cabo Verde with a 3-2 extra-time victory Friday in the Round of 32.

Leo Messi. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Argentina Survives Despite Lackluster Performance

The defending World Cup champions delivered an uneven and uninspiring performance, appearing too comfortable after taking a 1-0 first-half lead on a goal by Lionel Messi.

But Argentina’s complacency proved costly as Cabo Verde, one of the tournament’s Cinderella stories, continued to press and eventually found an equalizer through Deroy Duarte.

Messi Goal Not Enough to Settle Match

Messi gave Argentina the early advantage, but the team failed to build on the lead or control the match with authority. Argentina’s attack lacked urgency for long stretches, allowing Cabo Verde to grow in confidence and push the match into extra time.

Extra-Time Drama

Argentina regained the lead in the 93rd minute when center back Lisandro Martínez scored to make it 2-1. Cabo Verde answered 11 minutes later with a stunning equalizer from Sidny Cabral, who curled a spectacular shot past Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez from the corner of the box.

The dramatic strike may stand as one of the best goals of the tournament.

Argentina Advances to Face Egypt

Argentina finally escaped when Cristian Romero headed a corner kick that glanced off a Cabo Verde player and into the net, giving Argentina the narrow win.

With the victory, Argentina advances to face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta.