Sports
Orlando Pride Earn 1-1 Draw at North Carolina Courage in NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup Opener
Published
2 years agoon
By
Willie DavidCARY, 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.” |
Jacksonville
Jaguars Maul The Patriots 35-6
Published
3 hours agoon
September 27, 2026By
Mike BrodskyJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) beat the New England Patriots (1-2) 35-6 at EverBank Stadium today. The Jaguars have now won six consecutive home games dating back to November 16, 2025. The Jaguars lost their nine game regular season winning streak last week in Denver with their 20-13 loss to the Broncos.
The first quarter was a defensive battle, highlighted by the Jaguars sacking Patriots QB Drake Maye to force a fumble, which was recovered by NT DaVon Hamilton. But neither team put points on the board.
Early in the second quarter, Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence found WR Josh Cameron in the end zone for a 12 yard touchdown, followed by K Cam Little’s extra point, to put the Jags ahead 7-0. Soon after, it looked as though Maye had scrambled into the end zone for a 21 yard touchdown run, but that play was nullified by an offensive holding penalty by Patriots RT Morgan Moses. They did manage to score on a 35 yard field goal by K Andy Borregales, to narrow their deficit to 7-3. But the Jags extended their lead as Lawrence completed a 10 yard pass for WR Jakobi Meyers’ 25th career touchdown pass. That was also Lawrence’s 104th passing touchdown of his career, moving him past QB Blake Bortles for sole possession of second place on the Jaguars all-time list. QB Mark Brunell currently holds the team record with 144. After Little’s extra point, the Jags were up 14-3. The Patriots came close to scoring late in the second quarter, but Jaguars CB Travis Hunter had his first career interception, grabbing a pass by Maye intended for WR Efton Chism III in the end zone. The Jaguars gave Cam Little an opportunity to break his own NFL regular season record with a 70 yard field goal attempt, but it went wide right. The score remained 14-3 at the half.
On the Patriots first drive of the third quarter, Borregales attempted a 38 yard field goal, but it went wide right. Late in the quarter, Lawrence completed a 17 yard touchdown pass to WR Parker Washington, followed by Little’s XP, extending the lead to 21-3. As the Patriots took possession, Jaguars CB Jarrian Jones intercepted a Drake Maye pass intended for WR Kyle Williams. On the next play, RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran for a five yard touchdown. After another Little XP, the Jags were up 28-3 at the end of the third.
Early in the fourth quarter, Borregales redeemed himself with a 40 yard field goal, but the Pats remained down 28-6. The Jags added to their lead as RB Bhayshul Tuten ran for a 1 yard touchdown, and with Little’s extra point they finished the game up 35-6.
Trevor Lawrence finished with 182 passing yards and 3 TDs. Bhayshul Tuten led the Jaguars’ rushing with 73 yards and 1 TD. Jakobi Meyers was the leading receiver with 64 yards and 1 TD.
The Jaguars will be on the road for the month of October. They face the Bengals in Cincinnati on Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 p.m. Their next two games will be across the pond in London, where they’ll play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, October 11th at 9:30 a.m. EST at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Houston Texans on Sunday, October 18th at 9:30 a.m. EST at Wembley Stadium. The Jaguars have a bye for NFL Week 7, then return home to host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 1st at 1:00 p.m. at EverBank Stadium. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
Business
FNN News Expands National Event Coverage With Los Angeles, Atlanta and Las Vegas Plans
Published
5 days agoon
September 22, 2026Florida National News invites businesses and brands to explore partnership opportunities as FNN Sports Zone prepares special programming and on-location coverage
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News is expanding its national news and sports presence with plans for special event coverage from Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029, creating new opportunities for businesses and organizations to connect with FNN audiences across multiple platforms.
The multiyear initiative will focus on coverage surrounding one of the biggest weeks in American sports, with FNN journalists and content teams covering stories beyond the field, including sports, entertainment, travel and tourism, business, culture and community impact.
The expansion is part of FNN’s broader strategy to grow from its Florida-based reporting operation into a digital news network with an increased presence at major events and media markets across the country.
FNN Sports Zone Goes National
A major component of the initiative will be the FNN Sports Zone Podcast Show Live, featuring special programming, interviews, analysis, digital content and planned on-location coverage.
FNN Sports Zone’s national event programming is designed to provide audiences with coverage throughout major sports weeks, including conversations with athletes, sports personalities, business leaders, community representatives and other newsmakers when available.
The programming will be distributed across FNN’s digital and social media platforms as the network continues expanding its sports audience and original video content.
Opportunities for Businesses and Brands
Florida National News is also inviting businesses, brands, organizations and community partners to explore opportunities to support FNN’s independent national news and sports coverage.
Potential opportunities include FNN program sponsorships, brand partnerships, digital and social media campaigns, content collaborations, community partnerships and authorized on-site activations.
The initiative is centered on a simple message:
“Your Brand. Three Cities. One National Platform.”
Rather than limiting coverage to what happens on the field, FNN plans to highlight the economic and cultural activity surrounding major sports events — from hospitality and tourism to entertainment, local businesses and community stories.
Three Major Markets
The national coverage initiative is scheduled to spotlight Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029.
Each market provides FNN with opportunities to produce original reporting and programming while developing relationships with businesses, tourism organizations, community leaders, sports professionals and other potential news sources.
The initiative also supports FNN’s long-term expansion of its national reporting footprint while maintaining its Florida news operations.
Partner With FNN News
Businesses and organizations interested in learning more about FNN News national coverage and partnership opportunities can contact:
Social@FloridaNationalNews.com
FloridaNationalNews.com | FNNNews.com
REAL NEWS. REAL PEOPLE. REAL FLORIDA. REAL IMPACT.
Florida National News/FNN News is an independent news organization. FNN is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the National Football League, its member clubs or event venues. On-site activities and coverage are subject to applicable credentials, permissions and venue or event requirements.
Central Florida News
Buccaneers Stunned by Browns 23-19 in Home Opener, Fall to 0-2
Published
7 days agoon
September 20, 2026By
FNN SPORTSTAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ home opener ended in disappointment Sunday as the Cleveland Browns handed Tampa Bay a 23-19 loss, dropping the Buccaneers to 0-2 to start the season.
The Buccaneers had opportunities to take control but were hurt by penalties, missed tackles and an inability to consistently finish drives in the end zone. A weather delay late in the game added another challenge, but Tampa Bay players and coaches refused to use the conditions as an excuse.
Bowles: ‘Nobody Is Coming to Save Us’
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles pointed directly to Tampa Bay’s mistakes after the loss.
“Too many penalties, offensively. Too many missed tackles in the second half, defensively,” Bowles said. “Nobody is coming to save us. We have to fix ourselves and we have to fix it in a hurry.”
Bowles repeated that message when discussing the team’s 0-2 start, saying the Buccaneers have faced adversity before but now must respond quickly.
“We’ve dealt with adversity before. This is an adverse situation again,” Bowles said. “We’re 0-2 right now and we have to pull ourselves up by our boots, and we’ve got to win.”
Defensively, Bowles said missed tackles contributed to Cleveland’s success, including a touchdown by Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston after two Tampa Bay defenders collided and failed to make the tackle.
Mayfield Frustrated by Missed Opportunities
Quarterback Baker Mayfield said Tampa Bay’s inability to convert opportunities in the red zone proved costly. The Buccaneers settled for field goals instead of touchdowns and struggled with negative plays.
Mayfield said the frustration comes from knowing how close the offense is to producing better results.
“I’m frustrated because it’s close. You can feel it. You can see it,” Mayfield said. “We’re moving the ball at times, and then just shooting ourselves in the foot.”
He added that the Buccaneers must become more self-critical and stop repeating the same mistakes.
Asked how surprised he was to see Tampa Bay begin the season with consecutive losses, Mayfield did not hide his reaction.
“Pretty shocked,” Mayfield said. “But, that’s where we’re at, so [we have to] fight our way out.”
Late Weather Delay Adds to Dramatic Finish
The game was also disrupted by a late weather delay. Bowles said both teams faced the same circumstances and rejected the delay as an excuse for Tampa Bay’s performance.
“They were doing the same thing. That’s not an excuse,” Bowles said. “We were ready to play.”
Left tackle Tristan Wirfs was more critical of the timing. He said players worked to stay loose, warm and hydrated during the interruption.
“I thought it was ridiculous with two minutes left in the game to call a lightning delay from ten miles away,” Wirfs said. “But, I don’t make the rules.”
Buccaneers Say They Beat Themselves
Wide receiver Ted Hurst III said Cleveland did not do anything defensively that made Tampa Bay incapable of moving the football.
“I feel like nobody can stop our offense — it’s just self-evaluating, doing your job and doing it to the best of your ability,” Hurst said.
Asked directly whether it felt like the Buccaneers beat themselves, Hurst responded, “Yeah, I would say that.”
Linebacker Alex Anzalone offered a similarly direct assessment of the Buccaneers’ position after two games.
“We’re in a bit of a hole. We’ve gotta dig ourselves out of it,” Anzalone said. He said the process begins with Wednesday’s practice and correcting the mistakes that have contributed to Tampa Bay’s winless start.
Irving: ‘We Are Going to Get This Thing Fixed’
Running back Bucky Irving urged the Buccaneers to follow the NFL’s traditional 24-hour approach — evaluate the loss, learn from it and move forward.
Irving said he is not concerned about outside criticism and views the early struggles as adversity the team can learn from.
“Let’s just learn from this game and move on to the [Minnesota] Vikings,” Irving said. “We are going to get this thing fixed in no time.”
The Buccaneers now face an early-season test: correct the penalties, improve tackling, finish drives with touchdowns and find a way out of an 0-2 hole.