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USA U 17 Mens National Team Tops Group At 2025 FIFAf U 17 World Cup Advances To Knockout Stage Against Morocco

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DOHA, Qatar (FNN SPORTS) – The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team continued its impressive run at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, clinching the top spot in Group I with a 1-0 win over Czechia at Aspire Zone Pitch 4. Substitute Mathis Albert’s 78th-minute goal sealed the victory, giving the USA a perfect 3-0-0 record in group play — the program’s best start in 34 years.

Ranked third overall among group winners, the USA will face Morocco—who finished third in Group B—in the Round of 32 on November 14 or 15. FIFA is expected to confirm the official match date and time by Wednesday.

Albert’s Late Goal Seals Historic Win

With the group title within reach, head coach Gonzalo Segares rotated seven players from the starting lineup that defeated Tajikistan 2-1. Despite early pressure from Czechia, including a 14th-minute shot that hit the post, the Americans steadily grew into the match.

In the second half, substitute Mathis Albert brought new energy down the left wing, linking well with playmaker Máximo Carrizo. Their chemistry paid off in the 78th minute when Albert received a through ball from Carrizo, slipped behind the Czech defense, and calmly slotted home the decisive goal into the lower right corner.

The U.S. defense held firm despite a late red card to Mateo Tsakiris in stoppage time, preserving its second clean sheet of the tournament.

Milestones and Match Highlights

  • Historic Achievement: The victory marks the first time in 20 years—and only the fourth time overall—that the U.S. has won its group at the FIFA U-17 World Cup (previously in 1991, 1999, and 2005).

  • Perfect Record: It’s just the second time ever the U.S. U-17s have won all three group-stage matches, matching the 1991 squad’s feat.

  • Key Performances: Goalkeeper Aidan Stokes anchored a strong back line, recording two shutouts in three matches. Carrizo tallied his first assist of the tournament, while Albert netted his first U-17 World Cup goal.

  • Discipline: Tsakiris received a red card in stoppage time after a VAR review and will miss the Round of 32 match.

FINAL SCORE:

USA 1 – Czechia 0
Goal: Mathis Albert (78′)
Assist: Máximo Carrizo

The U.S. U-17s now turn their focus to the knockout stage, where they’ll look to continue their unbeaten streak and push deeper into the tournament.

Central Florida News

2027 Arnold Palmer Invitational Tickets Go on Sale With Exclusive Mastercard Presale

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General public ticket sales begin Sept. 17 for Central Florida’s signature PGA TOUR event at Bay Hill

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Golf fans can begin making plans for the 2027 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, with tickets and upgraded fan experiences now available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders ahead of next week’s general public sale.

The Mastercard presale began Sept. 10, a date that would have marked golf legend Arnold Palmer’s 97th birthday. The tournament returns March 18-21, 2027, to Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando.

Tickets for the general public go on sale Thursday, Sept. 17.

Ticket Prices Start at $40

General admission tickets start at $40 for Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds. Thursday tickets begin at $85, while admission Friday through Sunday starts at $99.

Prices are before fees and are subject to change.

Mastercard cardholders can save 10% on ticket purchases, excluding taxes, when paying with a Mastercard.

“We strive to create unique experiences at all price points,” Tournament Director Drew Donovan said. “From our special events to our premium experiences, there is something for everyone.”

Donovan said spectators can choose from experiences ranging from Bay Hill Clubhouse access at The Orange Grove to front-row viewing at the Michelob Ultra Fan Deck and the premium Lakehouse experience.

Premium Fan Experiences Return to Bay Hill

The Orange Grove returns in 2027 with enhanced amenities, including access to the Bay Hill Clubhouse. The all-inclusive experience features tournament grounds admission, daily clubhouse access, entry to Arnie’s at the Orange Grove, food and beverages, private greenside seating at No. 9 and parking with the four-day Tournament Experience package.

The Michelob Ultra Fan Deck, located between the 15th green and 16th tee, also returns following a full rebrand. The venue features upgraded concessions, a large live video wall and front-row views of players competing at No. 16. Fan Deck tickets, including grounds admission, start at $150.

The Lakehouse returns after selling out in each of its first two years, including an even faster sellout in 2026.

Tournament organizers also plan to bring back Wine & Dine on 9, Birdies & BBQ and Throwback Thursday presented by Corkcicle. All three events sold out last year. Dates, prices and additional details are expected to be announced later.

Akshay Bhatia Set to Defend Title

Defending champion Akshay Bhatia is expected to return to Bay Hill following a career-best year and will compete for a share of the tournament’s elevated $20 million purse.

The 2027 field is expected to once again feature many of the world’s leading golfers competing for one of the PGA TOUR’s most prestigious titles. Additional player commitments will be announced closer to tournament week.

Continuing Arnold Palmer’s Legacy

The Arnold Palmer Invitational has become one of Central Florida’s signature sporting events while preserving Palmer’s influence on professional golf and the Orlando community.

Proceeds benefit the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and its work supporting children’s health, character development and nature-focused wellness initiatives.

The tournament will be played March 18-21, 2027, at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando.

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Central Florida News

Buccaneers-Bengals Injury Report: Jalen McMillan, Justin Skule, Sean Tucker Doubtful

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Tampa Bay lists three players as doubtful, while linebacker Christian Rozeboom is questionable ahead of matchup with Cincinnati

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be without three players when they face the Cincinnati Bengals, with wide receiver Jalen McMillan, offensive tackle Justin Skule and running back Sean Tucker listed as doubtful on Friday’s final injury report.

Linebacker Christian Rozeboom is questionable with a foot injury, while outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr., wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and guard Billy Schrauth carry no game-status designation after finishing the practice week as full participants.

Three Buccaneers Listed as Doubtful

McMillan, who is dealing with a knee injury, was limited in practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before receiving a doubtful designation.

Skule followed the same practice pattern while dealing with an oblique injury. Tucker did not practice Wednesday because of a hamstring injury before returning as a limited participant Thursday and Friday. Both are also listed as doubtful.

Rozeboom was limited throughout the week with a foot injury and is questionable.

Bain progressed from limited participation Wednesday to full participation Thursday and Friday despite a shoulder injury. Egbuka, who is dealing with a toe injury, and Schrauth, who has a knee injury, were full participants throughout the week. None of the three received a game-status designation.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Injury Report

PlayerPos.InjuryWednesdayThursdayFridayStatus
Jalen McMillanWRKneeLimitedLimitedLimitedDoubtful
Justin SkuleTObliqueLimitedLimitedLimitedDoubtful
Sean TuckerRBHamstringDNPLimitedLimitedDoubtful
Christian RozeboomLBFootLimitedLimitedLimitedQuestionable
Rueben Bain Jr.OLBShoulderLimitedFullFull
Emeka EgbukaWRToeFullFullFull
Billy SchrauthGKneeFullFullFull

Bengals List Shemar Stewart as Doubtful

Cincinnati defensive end Shemar Stewart is doubtful with a knee injury after his participation declined during the week. Stewart was a full participant Wednesday, limited Thursday and did not practice Friday.

Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase did not participate Friday because of a knee/rest designation after practicing fully Wednesday and Thursday. Chase, however, received no game-status designation.

Wide receiver Tee Higgins was a full participant throughout the week despite a foot injury and also carries no game-status designation.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen returned to full participation Friday after a scheduled rest day Thursday. B.J. Hill was limited Thursday before returning to full participation Friday.

Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II did not practice Friday because of rest, while cornerback D.J. Turner II was limited Thursday and Friday with a hamstring injury. Neither received a game-status designation.

Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report

PlayerPos.InjuryWednesdayThursdayFridayStatus
Shemar StewartDEKneeFullLimitedDNPDoubtful
Jonathan AllenDTRestDNPFull
Ja’Marr ChaseWRKnee/RestFullFullDNP
Tee HigginsWRFootFullFullFull
B.J. HillDTRestLimitedFull
Dexter Lawrence IIDTRestDNP
D.J. Turner IICBHamstringLimitedLimited

What It Means for Tampa Bay

The biggest concern for the Buccaneers is the potential loss of depth across multiple offensive positions. With McMillan, Skule and Tucker all considered unlikely to play, Tampa Bay could be forced to adjust its receiver rotation, offensive line depth and running back workload against Cincinnati.

The positive development is that Bain, Egbuka and Schrauth finished the week as full participants without game-status designations, putting Tampa Bay in a stronger position at several other key spots.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, enters the matchup with Stewart doubtful but without game-status designations for several other notable players who appeared on the injury report, including Chase and Higgins.

Under NFL injury-report terminology, doubtful means a player is unlikely to play, while questionable means it is uncertain whether the player will play. DNP indicates a player did not participate in practice.

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North Florida News

WNBA Bound: Jacksonville Waves Guard Shyanne Sellers Signs With Los Angeles Sparks

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Jacksonville Waves guard Shyanne Sellers drives against a Charlotte defender during UPSHOT League basketball action.
Jacksonville Waves guard Shyanne Sellers drives to the basket against a Charlotte defender during UPSHOT League action. Photo: Nisey Spruill/Florida National News

Former Maryland standout becomes the first Jacksonville Waves player to earn a WNBA opportunity after helping lead the team to the UPSHOT League championship game.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Jacksonville Waves guard Shyanne Sellers has signed a Player Development Pool contract with the Los Angeles Sparks after a standout 2026 season in the UPSHOT League.

Sellers averaged 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game for Jacksonville while ranking third in the league in assists. Her performance helped the Waves reach the UPSHOT League’s inaugural championship game and earned Sellers another opportunity in the WNBA.

From Maryland Standout to the Pros

A former University of Maryland standout and member of a basketball family from Ohio, Sellers has continued building her own professional career.

She was selected No. 17 overall by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2025 WNBA Draft and later spent time with the Dallas Wings before joining the Jacksonville Waves.

The UPSHOT League’s inaugural season gave players such as Sellers another opportunity to compete at a high level, develop their games and position themselves for additional professional opportunities.

Jacksonville Waves guard Shyanne Sellers drives against a Charlotte defender during UPSHOT League basketball action.

Jacksonville Waves guard Shyanne Sellers drives to the basket against a Charlotte defender during UPSHOT League action. Photo: Nisey Spruill/Florida National News

First Jacksonville Waves Player to Earn WNBA Opportunity

Sellers’ performance in Jacksonville ultimately put her back into the WNBA pipeline, making her the first Waves player to receive a WNBA opportunity.

Her Player Development Pool contract with Los Angeles represents another significant step in her professional career and an early milestone for the Jacksonville Waves organization.

Jacksonville Waves basketball player drives for a layup while defended by a Charlotte player during an UPSHOT League game.

A Jacksonville Waves player drives to the basket for a layup while being defended by a Charlotte player during UPSHOT League action. Photo: Nisey Spruill/Florida National News

Jacksonville-to-WNBA Pipeline Takes Shape

Sellers’ signing also highlights the potential role of the UPSHOT League and Jacksonville Waves as a pathway for players seeking to remain competitive and earn opportunities at the highest level of women’s professional basketball.

For Jacksonville, Sellers becomes the franchise’s first player to make the jump from the Waves to a WNBA organization.

_____________________________

Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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