Sports
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Reacts to Death of Dick Butkus
Published
1 year agoon
By
FNN SPORTSDick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.
We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of clean sports as his “I Play Clean” campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.
We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life
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Sports
Orlando City’s shootout loss to Charlotte FC in Game 2
Published
22 hours agoon
November 2, 2024By
FNN SPORTSCHARLOTTE, N.C. – No. 4 Orlando City SC dropped a penalty kick decision on Friday night to No. 5 Charlotte FC in the second game of Round One of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs. After 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, the two sides went immediately to the penalty shootout after regulation, with the home side ultimately winning 3-1 on penalties.
The two sides will next meet in the final, third game of Round One – the decider in the best-of-three series. The match, presented by Orlando Health, will return to the City Beautiful, with a 6 p.m. ET kickoff at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9. Tickets for the game can be purchased at the link here.
Lions’ goalkeeper Pedro Gallese stood tall in the net on the night, totaling three saves including two point-blank stops in the first half to keep the clean sheet.
Orlando seemed to have found a breakthrough late in the second half after Facundo Torres found the back of the net, but the goal was ultimately called off due to a tight offside decision.
Scoring Summary:
None
Penalty Summary:
ORL – Nico Lodeiro (Saved)
CLT – Patrick Agyemang (Goal)
ORL – Robin Jansson (Missed)
CLT – Karol Swiderski (Goal)
ORL – Luis Muriel (Goal)
CLT – Ashley Westwood (Goal)
ORL – Duncan McGuire (Saved)
Head Coach Oscar Pareja:
“Overall, it was a rocky game for both teams. Our second half was much better and, at the end, we could have won it and we have that sensation [of winning]. The other game, that is the PKs, is obviously frustration but it’s part of this game. It’s something that I want to stick with, and the players have to have the [positivity] and courage that we always have to go and finish our game at home [next week]. We’re ready for all of our fans to be there [Inter&Co Stadium] to finish this game at home. It will be fine.”
Match Notes:
- With the start, Martín Ojeda made his 50th appearance for Orlando City across all competitions.
- Head Coach Oscar Pareja made no changes to his starting XI from his side’s first match of the series against Charlotte FC.
Next Match: Orlando City will return to Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9 for a 6 p.m. ET kickoff against Charlotte FC. The match will be the deciding Game Three of the best-of-three Round One.
Teams | 1 | 2 | F |
Charlotte FC | 0 | 0 | 0 (3) |
Orlando City SC | 0 | 0 | 0 (1) |
Scoring Summary:
None
Misconduct Summary:
ORL – Robin Jansson (Yellow Card) 35’
CLT – Liel Abada (Yellow Card) 45’
ORL – Rodrigo Schlegel (Yellow Card) 90+2’
ORL – Wilder Cartagena (Yellow Card) 90+7’
Lineups/Substitutions
Orlando City SC – GK Pedro Gallese; D Dagur Dan Thórhallsson (David Brekalo 84’), Rodrigo Schlegel, Robin Jansson (c), Rafael Santos (Kyle Smith 74’); M Iván Angulo (Luis Muriel 88’), César Araújo, Wilder Cartagena, Facundo Torres; F Martín Ojeda (Nico Lodeiro 74’), Ramiro Enrique (Duncan McGuire 56’)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Javier Otero; D Mikey Halliday; M Heine Gikling Bruseth, Felipe
Charlotte FC – GK Kristijan Kahlina; D Tim Ream, Nathan Byrne, Adilson Malanda; M Ashley Westwood (c), Brandt Bronico, Djibril Diani, Andrew Privett; F Liel Abada (Iuri Tavares 72’), Kerwin Vargas (Karol Swiderski 75’), Patrick Agyemang
Substitutes Not Used: GK David Bingham; D Jaylin Lindsey, Bill Tuiloma, Jere Uronen; M Jamie Paterson, Júnior Urso; F Tyger Smalls
Details of the Game:
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
Date: Nov. 1, 2024
Attendance: 40,238
Stats:
Possession:
CLT – 44.5%
ORL – 55.5%
Shots:
CLT – 13
ORL – 2
Saves:
CLT – 1
ORL – 3
Fouls:
CLT – 14
ORL – 8
Corners:
CLT – 11
ORL – 3
Heineken Star of the Match: Pedro Gallese
Orlando, FL (FNN) – The Gold Over USA Tour recently made a dazzling stop at the Kia Center on October 7, an event that lifted spirits and united fans just days after the threat of Hurricane Milton loomed over Central Florida. Headlined by the incomparable Simone Biles, the evening was a celebration of resilience, showcasing not only her extraordinary talent but also the unwavering spirit of the gymnastics community.
Despite the lingering effects of the storm, a sold-out crowd flocked to the Kia Center, eager to support their favorite athletes. Fans began arriving as early as 5:30 PM, excitedly lining up outside to witness a night filled with athleticism and camaraderie. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, as young gymnasts performed cartwheels and shared their enthusiasm while waiting for the doors to open.
When the doors finally opened, the energy was electric. The event kicked off with an energetic introduction featuring gymnasts like Jade Perry, Caitlyn Akashi, and Lee Pinging from UCLA and Oregon State. The crowd cheered with delight as t-shirts were tossed into the audience, adding a playful element to the night. As the lights dimmed, attendees waved their phone lights in unison, signaling their readiness for the unforgettable show.
A special virtual introduction by Snoop Dogg heightened the excitement as the gymnasts took the stage, moving seamlessly from apparatus to apparatus while cheering each other on. The floor exercises captivated the audience, creating a concert-like atmosphere that lasted for an exhilarating two hours.
Male gymnasts dazzled on the pommel horse and parallel bars, performing to an upbeat rock soundtrack. Simone Biles shared her inspiring journey through heartfelt narratives, reminding everyone of the resilience that defines the sport. Jordan made a dynamic entrance to a Taylor Swift song, further energizing the crowd.
Each gymnast showcased their unique talents, culminating in a stunning segment featuring couples performing to “Love Story.” The Barbie-themed vignette with Simone and her teammates, alongside the male gymnasts dressed as Kens, was a delightful highlight that prompted cheers and laughter from the audience.
The night was infused with nostalgia and fun, featuring iconic songs like “Jump Around” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” encouraging everyone to join in. Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” added to the vibrant atmosphere, setting the stage for an exciting intermission.
With an aviation theme, the show soared to new heights, featuring Kenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away” and “Highway to the Danger Zone.” Attendees enjoyed intimate performances from Olympic gymnasts, with standout routines from Jade, Hezly, and Simone, each bringing their unique flair to the stage.
Local Florida gymnasts shared the spotlight with Olympic legends like Kathy Johnson Clark, a silver and bronze medalist from the 1984 Olympics. This diverse lineup created a spectacular celebration of the sport, emphasizing the unity and strength of the gymnastics community.
As the event drew to a close, the Kia Center buzzed with joy and togetherness, proving that the love for gymnastics can triumph over any challenge. The Gold Over USA Tour was more than just a performance; it was a heartfelt gathering that celebrated resilience, talent, and community spirit.
As the tour continues to captivate audiences across the country, the Kia Center event remains a highlight, a powerful testament to the spirit of gymnastics and the enduring legacy of Simone Biles. For those who experienced the magic firsthand, the memories of that night will resonate long after the applause fades.
___________________________________________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
NFL
UCF Hall of Fame Inductee Shaquem Griffin Launches Search For Greatness Combine With Joey Grant and GMTM
Published
4 days agoon
October 30, 2024By
Mike BrodskyFormer UCF football players Shaquem Griffin and Joey Grant have partnered with GMTM to launch their Search for Greatness Combine at UCF on Saturday, November 9th. They’re giving local athletes a chance to showcase their talents and explore new sports opportunities. Griffin will be inducted into the UCF Hall of Fame on Saturday, November 2nd, during halftime of the Arizona vs. UCF football game. He is remembered for his tenacity, setting an NFL Combine record with the fastest 40-yard dash by a linebacker, and playing four seasons in the NFL, overcoming the challenge of only having one hand. He is now training to make the USA Paralympic Track and Field Team and hopes to compete in the 2028 Olympics. Joey Grant, the co-founder and CEO of GMTM, is a former UCF team captain, playing mostly Center for the Knights from 2011-2015.
Participation at the upcoming combine is free and invite-only, targeting athletes over the age of 18. To be considered, athletes must submit a highlight video via GMTM’s platform, showcasing their athleticism. GMTM will evaluate submissions and invite the most promising athletes to participate in the combine. The goal for this year’s event is to get 1,000 athletes to submit videos and be part of the combine process. Athletes chosen will receive personalized invites with further instructions, including event time slots and details. The athletes will be evaluated for their key athletic traits, to identify opportunities for them across multiple Olympic sports or professional sports programs. To learn more, or to apply for the combine, visit: https://gmtm.com/articles/the-search-for-greatness-at-ucf-with-shaquem-griffin-what-you-need-to-know.
Florida National News spoke with Shaquem and Joey about the combine, college football in the era of NIL and the transfer portal, and Griffin’s hall of fame induction. You can watch the full interview here:
Shaquem Griffin and Joey Grant interview
Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com and www.FloridaSportsChannel.com for more.
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