Sports

Orlando Pride Earn 1-1 Draw at North Carolina Courage in NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup Opener

Published

6 months ago

July 22, 2024

CARY, N.C. (July 20, 2024) – The Orlando Pride (0-0-1, 1 point) played to a 1-1 draw against the North Carolina Courage (0-0-1, 2 points) on Saturday night at WakeMed Soccer Park in the first match of the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup, with the Courage taking the extra point in the end-of-regulation shootout, 5-4.

The Pride went into halftime down a goal and battled hard to level the match in the 82nd minute. The goal was scored by defender Celia, which served as her first goal of the 2024 season and her fourth goal of her career, three of which have come with the Pride.

The match also saw goalkeeper McKinley Crone make her professional debut, as she made five saves on the night, as well as two in the end-of-regulation shootout. Two Pride players, Evelina Duljan and Claire Winter, also made their NWSL debuts as they came on as second-half substitutes.

Scoring Summary:
44’ Manaka Matsukubo (Ryan Williams) – 1 NC, ORL 0
The home side opened up the scoring right before halftime with Ryan Williams sending a ball in from the right flank across the face of the goal that found the foot of Manaka Matsukubo at the back post for the tap in.

82’ Celia – ORL 1, NC 1
The Pride leveled the match late after Evelina Duljan found some space inside the box to get a shot off that was saved. The rebound fell to Celia who blasted a shot into the roof of the net for the leveler.

Orlando Pride Head Coach Seb Hines

Opening Statement

“I think the experience of a shootout was one we haven’t experienced ever, so having gone through that, it gives the players that sort of experience going forward. You can’t replicate a shootout, as much as you can practice that ‘putting the pressure on’, you just can’t do that in training. I thought the players dealt with it well. You know, it didn’t go our way, which is unfortunate, but overall in terms of the game, we’re very pleased to come [out of] here with a point. There’s no hiding in it, we’ve got a lot of players away on international duty. North Carolina didn’t have that case, so they were a little bit more fluid with how they played. You could see that, those connections, that team chemistry, which took us a bit. But fair play to the players to come here one-nil down and have the desire and the character to come back and score the goal, it’s brilliant to see. And we continue that momentum that we had in the league into the tournament now.”

On if the team played like “the Pride” in this match

“I think there was glimpses of it. I think there was an element of rust, as well. I think you could see that there was some players who hadn’t played significant minutes during the season, also coming after a mandatory break and the travel. I hate making excuses because that’s a cop out, but for us, we wanted to stay the same. We wanted to have that same identity, regardless who was on the field for us. And I think, looking back, it’s a good result for us, and a lot to continue to work on throughout this tournament.

On McKinley Crone’s debut

“It was outstanding, she fully deserved that. We trust her. You see some of the distribution, a calmness in possession, and, like you said, in the in the shootout, she came up, making a couple of saves is brilliant for a goalkeeper. The pressure’s on them. But to come out and make some saves, what a moment for her and it was great. It was a great debut for her. First, professional career debut. It’s massive. And again, coming to this environment. A lot of teams have struggled here in the past, and North Carolina have had a really good run of results here at home. The players showed what they’re capable of doing, and no more than McKinley Crone.”

Orlando Pride Goalkeeper McKinley Crone

On her debut

“I’m just excited to finally be out there, this is my hometown team. So to be able to represent this club, it’s just such an honor. To be able to go out there with the girls that are on this team it’s just so fun to be a part of it. I’m just excited to have been able to do so.”

On the emotions of stepping out on the field the first time

“It’s a credit to the girls and the staff around us that there wasn’t really a moment where I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m freaking out’, or anything like that. I think that they’ve [the staff have] prepped us so well for the whole year. I think this goes across the field that anybody who steps into the next spot, they’re ready to go.”

On her mindset headed into the penalty shootout

“Just to hopefully do my part, and if I can do my part to help the team, then, that’s what matters.”

On playing in front of her family tonight

“My family is everything to me, so to be able to have them here tonight, I couldn’t have imagined a better way to be able to start my pro career. So I’m just so grateful for them.”

Orlando Pride Midfielder Morgan Gautrat

Overall thoughts on the match

“I thought for us it was a really good point. Hard fought on the road. A lot of people got minutes, which was great. And obviously, we’re using every person on our team, which I think is huge and pays dividends long term with the length of the season. For us, it’s a good point, a good time to try and get a penalty kick shootout practice. So yeah, I think that’s a good point.”

On how the rotation worked in the midfield on the night

“Also coming off a break…I think between a lot of different things, playing with new people on the field, everyone getting minutes and getting used to each other, there’s definitely going to be bumps. But I think that we’ll learn from it. I think we handled it pretty well, given on the road and against a really good North Carolina team. So yeah, I think we’ll learn from it. We’ll keep pushing.”

On how they played “Pride soccer” tonight

“Like I said, coming off a break I think we just will take the positives from this game, and I think we’ll just get a little bit more playing in as we come back into training next week. And then, obviously, getting back into game mode. So I think that there were definitely glimpses tonight of Pride soccer, and I think we can have just a little bit more of those going forward.”

Related Topics:North Carolina Courage Orlando Pride

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Jacksonville

Jaguars Topple Titans in Final Home Game of the Season

Published

2 weeks ago

December 29, 2024

Mike Brodsky

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) beat the Tennessee Titans (3-13) 20-13 on a rainy afternoon, as Jacksonville remained under a tornado watch for much of the game. Today’s game was the team’s annual “fan appreciation game,” celebrating the fans’ support of the Jaguars all season long, and for the past 30 years.

The Jaguars’ first drive ended with a 48 yard K Cam Little field goal. But neither team managed to score during the rest of the first quarter, as the score remained 3-0.

In the second quarter, Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd intercepted a QB Mason Rudolph pass intended for RB Julius Chestnut, which excited the hometown fans. The Jags capitalized on that opportunity, as QB Mac Jones threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to WR Parker Washington, followed by Cam Little’s extra point, to extend their lead to 10-0. Little later added a 44 yard field goal, but the Titans scored their first points of the game at the end of the second quarter on K Matthew Wright’s 39 yard field goal. The Jaguars were ahead 13-3 at the half.

QB Mac Jones and QB Mason Rudolph (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

Midway through the third quarter, Mason Rudolph completed a 8 yard touchdown pass to TE Nick Vannett, followed by Matthew Wright’s extra point, narrowing the Jags’ lead to 13-10, which remained the score heading into the fourth.

Midway through the fourth, Mac Jones found WR Brian Thomas Jr. in the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown, followed by Little’s XP, to put them ahead 20-10. Matthew Wright’s 28 yard field goal moved the Titans within a touchdown at 20-13, just before the two-minute warning. The Titans had one final drive to score, but were stopped by the Jaguars defense.

DE Travon Walker’s sack today moved him into the top 10 in franchise history with 23.0, breaking his tie with Marcus Stroud and Bobby McCray. Brian Thomas Jr. also tied WR Randy Moss’ NFL rookie record of eight games with at least 60 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

Mac Jones finished with 174 yards and two TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 49 yards. Brian Thomas Jr. was the leading receiver with 91 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 61,995.

The Jaguars head to Indianapolis to face the Colts on Sunday, 1/5. Kickoff time has not yet been announced for this final game of the season. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Sports

2024 MGM Macau Tennis Masters

Published

3 weeks ago

December 23, 2024

Willie David

[10 December 2024, Macau] The stage is set for an electrifying showdown at the 2024 MGM Macau Tennis Masters, which will host Asia’s first mixed-gender team format tournament featuring two legendary tennis stars as captains. Over two thrilling days—24th and 25th December—major finalists, 1000-level champions, and Chinese national stars will battle it out in a festive celebration unlike anything Macau has seen before.

This year’s tournament promises to be a unique blend of sports and holiday cheer, as the event celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Establishment of the Macau SAR, as well as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with an extraordinary showcase of top tier tennis action. In this exciting new format, tennis legends and Hall of Famers Li Na and Michael Chang will each captain a team of three stars from the ATP and WTA Tours.

Team Li Na will comprise of rising Chinese stars Shang Juncheng and Wang Xinyu, alongside Norwegian Casper Ruud. On the opposing side, Chang will guide an equally formidable trio featuring world-class players Andrey Rublev, Karolina Muchova, and Lorenzo Musetti.

“This is going to be a lot of fun and excitement,” said Luiz Carvalho, Tournament Director and IMG Senior Vice President. “We have such a fantastic line-up of players, and having two absolute legends and household names like Li Na and Michael Chang leading the teams makes this event even more special.

“Each day of play will begin at 1 pm, starting with the Captain’s Challenge, which promises to be a unique highlight of the event. We’ll share more details about how the Captain’s Challenge will work closer to the time, but I can say that both captains are thrilled about it, and fans are going to love the experience.”

On Tuesday, 24th December, the action kicks off with the Captain’s Challenge at 1 pm and will be followed by the first men’s singles, in which Casper Ruud will take on Lorenzo Musetti. Their head-to-head record currently stands at 1-1, setting the stage for a fascinating battle. That will be followed by Shang Juncheng facing off against Andrey Rublev. The two have clashed once before on the regular tour, with Rublev coming out on top in Hong Kong. Closing out Day 1 will be an exciting mixed doubles encounter, as Shang partners with Wang Xinyu to face Rublev and Karolina Muchova.

On Christmas Day, the first match following the Captain’s Challenge will see Wang Xinyu take on Karolina Muchova, with the latter holding a 1-0 lead in their official head-to-head. Next up will be another intriguing men’s singles encounter, as Casper Ruud faces Andrey Rublev. Their rivalry tilts in Rublev’s favour, with a head-to-head record of 5-3. The final match of the event will be a blockbuster clash between Shang Juncheng and Lorenzo Musetti. Shang leads their tour-level series 1-0, having triumphed over the Italian in the Chengdu Open final earlier this year.

“I think it will be a tremendous few days at MGM Macau Tennis Masters, and I am really looking forward to it while trying to come up with a plan against Michael’s team,” Li Na said. “I’m excited to have two great Chinese players, Juncheng and Xinyu, on my side, and to have someone like Casper with us is going to be great.”

Chang, widely recognised during his playing days as one of the quickest thinkers on the court, will undoubtedly have his strategic acumen tested in this unique format.

“We will be ready for whatever comes our way from Li Na and her team,” Michael Chang said. “I am thrilled with the players I have, and I know they will give it everything they’ve got. My players have enjoyed plenty of success in Asia and have felt comfortable playing here, so we are up for the challenge.”

The format for the 2024 MGM Macau Tennis Masters promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats over the two days of play. Matches will be contested in a best-of-three sets format, with a super tiebreak deciding the final set if needed. Each of the two Captain’s Challenge matches will be worth one point. On Day 1, the three other matches will award two points for a win, while on Day 2, the stakes will be higher, with three points up for grabs in each match. At the conclusion of the second day, the team with the highest total points will be crowned the MGM Macau Tennis Masters champions.

Co-organised by MGM and IMG, the “2024 MGM Macau Tennis Masters” is honoured to have the support of the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government, Macao Government Tourism Office, and the Macau Tennis Association, together with our distinguished partners, including the official outfitter FILA, official airline Eva Air and the official water Bonaqua.

Tickets for the two-day tournament are available through www.MGM.mo and www.Damai.cn. Daily tickets are priced from MOP180 to MOP580 for VIP seats. Two-day passes start from MOP250 up to MOP1,000 for VIP seating.

For more information, please visit the official event website at www.MGMMacauTennis.com.

Sports

Tickets To Super Bowl Experience Presented By Panini Super Bowl Opening Night Fueled By Gatorade

Published

3 weeks ago

December 23, 2024

Willie David

NEW YORK — FNN SPORTS — Tickets are now on sale for two of the largest, most accessible fan events leading up to Super Bowl LIX: Super Bowl Opening Night fueled by Gatorade and Super Bowl Experience presented by Panini. As New Orleans prepares to welcome fans for Super Bowl LIX, these marquee events set the stage for an unforgettable week of celebrations, bringing fans of all ages together to experience the excitement of the league’s biggest event of the year in the Crescent City.

Fans can now visit SuperBowl.com/ExperienceTickets and SuperBowl.com/OpeningNight to purchase tickets.

“We are beyond excited to kick off an amazing week with Super Bowl Experience and Super Bowl Opening Night in New Orleans, a city where celebration is part of its DNA,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business, league events, and international. “These events are a way for us to thank the New Orleans community for hosting us, and a fun, accessible invitation for fans of all ages to experience the unique energy and spirit that make the Crescent City one of the most welcoming hosts for the Super Bowl.”

SUPER BOWL OPENING NIGHT FUELED BY GATORADE

Monday, February 3 at 5 p.m. CT

Super Bowl Opening Night fueled by Gatorade is the ultimate New Orleans-style kickoff to Super Bowl week and will take place at the Caesars Superdome on Monday, February 3. This event brings fans together to welcome the AFC and NFC champions to New Orleans, get a sneak peek at the iconic Super Bowl imagery and host stadium, and hear directly from both teams’ players and coaches ahead of Sunday’s Big Game. Fans will enjoy live entertainment, special appearances, autographs by NFL Legends, team mascots and fan photo opportunities. Hundreds of media members will be on-site to interview the players and coaches, and fans are encouraged to bring headphones to tune into individual player interviews through the OnePass app. Ticketholders who download and check-in through the OnePass app will also have the chance to win prizes including access to the field and the chance to win two Super Bowl LIX tickets. Tickets for Super Bowl Opening Night are $20 and include all venue and ticket fees.

Coverage begins at 7 p.m. CT on NFL Network with live reporting and interviews from the heart of the celebration.

SUPER BOWL EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY PANINI

Wednesday, Feb. 5 to Saturday, Feb. 8

Super Bowl Experience presented by Panini will take place in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center from Wednesday, February 5 to Saturday, February 8. The fan-favorite interactive football festival is bringing the NFL to life, offering fans of all ages the opportunity to meet current NFL players and Legends, participate in interactive games like the 40-yard dash, snap photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and view all 58 Super Bowl rings surrounded by the lively sounds and scenes that define New Orleans. Fans can also shop for exclusive merchandise at the NFL Shop presented by Visa.

To ensure the event is inclusive for everyone, sensory hours will be available on Thursday, February 6, from 1 – 3 p.m. CT, with adjustments to lighting and sound and sensory bags available to support guests with sensory sensitivities.

Additionally, HBCU Day will occur on Thursday, February 6. HBCU Day at Super Bowl Experience is a celebration of the rich culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Louisiana. Come enjoy a battle of the bands, exclusive giveaways and more. For undergraduate HBCU students, we are excited to offer complimentary tickets at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on February 6 for you to celebrate HBCU culture.

Adult prices start at $20 inclusive of all venue and ticket fees; Kids 12 & under free daily.

SUPER BOWL EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY PANINI AT NEW ORLEANS ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER HOURS OF OPERATION & TICKET INFORMATION:

DATE	HOURS OF OPERATION	ADULT	KIDS 12 & UNDER	MILITARY	FIRST RESPONDERS
Wednesday, Feb. 5	3 p.m. – 10 p.m.	$20	FREE	FREE	$20
Thursday, Feb. 6	1 p.m. – 10 p.m.	$20	FREE	$20	$20
Friday, Feb. 7	3 p.m. – 10 p.m.	$40	FREE	$20	$20
Saturday, Feb.8	10 a.m. – 10 p.m.	$40	FREE	$20	$20
Sunday, Feb 9	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED	CLOSED

(Times are local and are subject to change)

All Military personnel, Veterans and First Responders receive a 50% ticket discount. In partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project. Wednesday, February 5, will be Military Appreciation Day, allowing free entry for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.

SBXTRA
SBXTRA gives fans priority access to their favorite Super Bowl Experience attractions all day beginning at the time slot purchased. SBXTRA tickets include a general ticket to Super Bowl Experience presented by Panini, which is required for entry into the event. Look for the SBXTRA sign at the following attractions:

• Autograph Stage (one autograph for each SBXTRA purchase)
• Vince Lombardi Trophy (one photo for each SBXTRA purchase)
• Interactive Games (unlimited access)

SBXTRA Ticket

$65 (for all ages)

*Please note this is a cashless event, providing fans a safer and more hygienic environment.

For the most up-to-date information and event updates, fans can download the NFL OnePass app and visit SuperBowl.com.