Roje Stona, Jamaica’s Olympic discus champion who created history in Paris this summer with a record-breaking throw of 70m, is contemplating a surprising career shift to the NFL. The 25-year-old, who became the first Jamaican to win Olympic gold in the shot put, is exploring the possibility of trying his hand in American football, a sport he has little experience in but significant curiosity about.
Prior to the Paris Olympic Games, the former Ruseas and St Jago High School student and Clemson University and University of Arkansas alumnus took part in NFL rookie training camps with the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints. Though unfamiliar with the game—he donned a football helmet for the first time during these sessions—Stona is intrigued by the opportunity to translate his athletic prowess to the football field. "If there’s like a 99 percent chance that I’ll make a team, then, obviously, I’ll go for it,” Stona shared in an interview with CNN Sport, acknowledging the risk to his athletics career, "but if it’s like one or two, though, I got to be realistic."
Having initially been inspired by Usain Bolt's Olympic gold at Beijing 2008, Stona gravitated toward athletics after a youth spent exploring various sports, including soccer, his first love. It wasn’t until high school that he found his true calling in track and field, particularly the discus throw. "I yanked it, it just dropped right out of 20 meters," he recalled of his first experience with the discipline.
Stona’s path to Olympic glory was further shaped by his collegiate career in the United States. At Clemson and later at the University of Arkansas, he was mentored by Ryan Crouser, a three-time Olympic shot put champion. Crouser’s guidance during Stona’s final year of collegiate eligibility instilled in him the confidence to push his limits, ultimately leading to his standout performance in Paris.
While his NFL aspirations remain in the exploratory stage, Stona is taking a calculated approach. With the NFL season already underway, he plans to prioritize rest and recovery after a demanding athletics season but admits his interest is piqued. "Everywhere I go, people don’t ask, ‘Hey, you’re a discus thrower?’ No, people don’t ask that!" Stona joked. “Especially in the States, they ask, ‘Do you play football?’”
Stona’s next steps will involve discussions with agents and coaches to assess the feasibility of an NFL career. "As soon as I get advice from agents and coaches, that will put me in a better position to make a very important decision or just be more decisive if it’s worth it or not,” he said. “If that part leads me there, then I’m going to give it my all because it’s kind of now or never. I’m curious as to what I can do on the field, and if I end up playing in the NFL, that would be a part of my legacy – I’d love to do that.”
On October 25, 2024, Fayetteville State University celebrated the remarkable career of Jamaican Olympian Inez Turner by bestowing upon her a Lifetime Achievement Award and inducting her into the 2024 Wall and Hall of Fame. Turner, the head coach of Track and Field and Cross Country at Fayetteville State, was recognized for her enduring contributions to athletics, her stellar coaching career, and her legacy as an elite competitor on the international stage.
The induction ceremony, held at the John D. Fuller, Sr. Recreational Athletic Complex, was organized by Chairman Stephen Sims and his committee. Turner joined an esteemed group of inductees, including other former athletes, coaches, and the celebrated 2002 CIAA Championship Football Team, as they were formally enshrined into the institution’s Hall of Fame.
A native of Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, Turner’s journey in athletics began at Barton Community College, where she earned an impressive 16 National Junior College All-America honors and set multiple school records. In 1993, she captured the NJCAA Division I Championship in the 800m with a record-breaking 2:04.88, setting the stage for her future as an elite athlete. Representing Jamaica on the global stage, Turner competed in the 800m and 4x400m relay at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. She won gold in the 800m at the 1994 Commonwealth Games and a bronze in the 4x400m relay at the 1997 World Championships, adding to her collection of medals from the CARIFTA Games and CAC Junior Championships.
Turner’s athletic achievements transitioned seamlessly into a coaching career beginning in 2004, with stints at New York Track Club and North Carolina A&T State University. As head coach at Winston-Salem State University, she led her teams to nine conference titles and was named CIAA Coach of the Year eight times. Her success continued upon joining Fayetteville State University in 2017, where she transformed the program into a powerhouse. Under her guidance, the women's cross country team secured six consecutive CIAA titles, while the indoor track & field team also excelled, capturing multiple championships. In total, Turner has led her teams to 23 CIAA Championship titles, each one cemented with a Coach of the Year honor.
Turner’s influence extends beyond the track, as evidenced by the Inez Turner Foundation, which she founded in 2012 to support disadvantaged students at her alma mater, Vere Technical High School. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University, Turner’s dedication to empowering others reflects the purpose of Fayetteville State University’s Athletics Hall of Fame: honoring those who have made outstanding and significant contributions to the program.
Turner’s recognition serves as a testament to her profound impact on the sport and the lives she has touched throughout her career. Her legacy, both as an athlete and a coach, will inspire generations to come, underscoring the power of commitment, resilience, and a passion for excellence.
The LA Galaxy thrashed the Colorado Rapids 5-0 in their MLS playoff opener, with Dejan Loveljic and Riqui Puig scoring twice each.
In Saturday's first contest of a best-of-three series, the Galaxy, who finished second behind Los Angeles FC in the Western Conference, made light work of the Rapids.
Loveljic opened the scoring in the 32nd minute at Dignity Health Sports Park, heading in from Puig's corner.
John Nelson coolly put Galaxy 2-0 up early in the second half, with Puig grabbing his first two minutes later to put them out of sight, with Loveljic the provider on that occasion.
Loveljic doubled up when he finished from a rebounded attempt by Gabriel Pec, who subsequently turned provider for Puig to slot in a fifth late on.
The Rapids must now beat the Galaxy next week if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Data Debrief: Home comforts
The Galaxy have now won 31 of their 37 all-time home playoff matches, including the last 10 in a row.
Indeed, the Galaxy have not lost a home playoff game since a 1-0 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes in 2012.
The Rapids, meanwhile, have lost their last eight away postseason matches, scoring just three goals in those games.
Kemps Hill High and Ocho Rios registered the widest margin of victory to kick start the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Wata daCosta Cup round of 16, as both secured 5-0 scorelines over Alphansus Davis High and Happy Grove, respectively, on Saturday.
The win by Kemps Hill saw them take pole position in Zone One ahead of Garvey Maceo and St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS), who played out a 1-1 stalemate. Alphansus Davis is the early cellar dweller.
Ocho Rios’ win also put them tops in Zone Three ahead of the in-form Glenmuir High, who were 4-0 winners over Dinthill Technical.
Meanwhile, reigning champions Clarendon College were held to a 1-1 stalemate by Frome Technical in Zone 2. That result allowed Munro College to grab early pole in the zone after they registered a 4-1 win over Cornwall College.
Saturday’s results
Frome Tech 1, Clarendon College 1
Kemps Hill 5, Alphansus Davis High 0
STETHS 1, Garvey Maceo 1
Happy Grove 0, Ocho Rios High 5
Munro College 4, Cornwall College 1
McGrath High 3, Denbigh High 2
Central High 3, Manchester High 1
Glenmuir High 4, Dinthill Technical 0
Former champions Kingston College continued their rich scoring form in the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Digicel Manning Cup as they hammered Hydel High 6-1 to kick start the second round in a dominant manner at Stadium East on Saturday.
Having tallied 71 goals in the first round of the competition, Kingston College showed that they are by no means scored out as they overwhelmed a timid-looking Hydel unit with consummate ease.
Deshawn Byfield led the way with a brace in the 36th and 77th minutes, while Kamaul Patterson (8th), Kvist Paul (20th), Shereef Ricketts (57th), and Zaire Douse (86th) got the others.
Captain Ronaldo Barrett (72nd) got Hydel's consolation from the penalty spot.
The win pushed Kingston College into pole position in Group Three, ahead of St Andrew Technical (STATHS) and Wolmer's Boys on a point each. Hydel will have to play catch up from the foot of the four-team standing as only the top two progress to the quarterfinals.
Winning coach Vassell Reynolds attributed their performance to proper preparation and efficient execution.
"We spoke about our goalscoring exploits, and we rode on it today; we had no doubt that we would have created opportunities; it's just a matter of whether we would have made good use of them, and we did that very well. One of the other contributors to this win is the fact that we were well prepared for this; we did some work against our opponents, and it worked well, and I'm proud of the youngsters," Reynolds said.
It was expected to be a more competitive encounter, and the manner in which Hydel started hinted at that possibility, as Shannon Power got off their first warning shot from close range in the sixth minute.
However, Kingston College quickly found their rhythm and broke the deadlock two minutes later when Patterson headed home at the far post from Jaeshawn Edwards' weighted corner kick.
As the heavy rains poured down, Kingston College unlocked the floodgates, and before Hydel could catch their breaths, they were hit again in the 20th when Paul converted a free header at the far post from another weighted cross, this time from captain Kimani Reece in the 20th.
It should have been three minutes later as Byfield went on the break down the right channel and played a pass across the face of goal, but Damaine Smith failed to apply the finishing touch from close range.
Kingston College again went close in the 26th when Patterson rifled one from a distance, but Daquan Jemison, in goal for Hydel, did well to parry.
The North Street boys inevitably increased their tall courtesy of the menacing Byfield, who tucked away an effort from deep inside the 18-yard box to make it 3-0 at the break.
With a handsome lead under their belt, Kingston College gradually eased up on the resumption, but such was the lack of resistance from Hydel that they continued to score at will. The fourth goal came 12 minutes after the break when Ricketts drove a left-footer past substitute keeper Idrian Robinson.
Hydel eventually showed some semblance of like in attack and pulled one back when captain Barrett converted from the 12-yard spot.
But it was back to regular proceedings for Kingston College two minutes later when Byfield finished a rebound after Robinson pushed Ricketts' initial effort into his path.
And as if things couldn't get any worse for Hydel, Douse, with his first touch mere seconds after coming onto the pitch, drove home a delightful strike on the volley from the top of the 18-yard box after Robinson's weak punch fell perfectly into his path.
Hydel's Head coach, Devon Anderson, was bitterly disappointed with the outcome.
"This is definitely not how we wanted to start the second round but we failed to contest the crosses coming into the box and so we were left with the bitter end of the stick. Football is a game of competing with and for the ball and we didn't do that; Kingston College did so kudos to them," Anderson stated.
Saturday's results
Jamaica College 3, Calabar 3
Eltham 2, Excelsior 3
Kingston College 6, Hydel 1
Campion College 3, St George’s College 0
St Catherine 1, Charlie Smith 0
Tivoli Gardens 5, Jonathan Grant 0
West Indies white ball head coach Daren Sammy was pleased his side was able to register a win in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka on Saturday but notes that his side must improve in two key areas ahead of their upcoming home series against England.
In a rain-affected game in Pallekele, the hosts batted first and made 156-3 off their 23 overs before the West Indies, chasing a revised target of 195, got to 196-2 with an over to spare, avoiding a series sweep and registering their first win in the format in 2024.
The performance today, particularly with the bat, showed Sammy what can be possible when his side commits to a plan, specifically batting with intent.
The batting was led by Evin Lewis and Sherfane Rutherford who finished not out on 102 and 50, respectively.
“Evin (Lewis), in his first game in three years, was just amazing and Rutherford has been good throughout the series. Those were two shining lights for us,” Sammy said in a post-match interview on Saturday.
With that said, Sammy also noted that his troops were not up to par with the ball or in the field and struggled in the first two games on spin friendly pitches.
“The way we fielded and the way we bowled throughout the series was not up to the mark and when we were challenged on spin friendly wickets, our batsmen did not respond,” he said.
“All in all, it’s good to finish with an emphatic win heading into the England series but a lot of learning from this trip,” he added.
The team will now turn their attention to three ODIs and five T20Is at home against England from October 31-November 17.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Sammy said.
“Something about West Indians, whenever it’s time to play England, they’re always up for the challenge. It’s a big rivalry series and it’s at home. We’ve done well at home over the past 12-18 months. Hopefully we can give a better display than what we did in Sri Lanka,” he added.
England last toured the West Indies from December 3-21 last year, losing the ODI series 1-2 and the T20I series 2-3.
Jamaica College and Calabar High had a positive start to the second round of the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Digicel Manning Cup as they played out an entertaining 3-3 stalemate in Group Four at Stadium East on Saturday.
Many-time champions Jamaica College entered the contest slightly favoured and had their goals from Jahmarly Bennett (10th), Nashordo Gibbs (16th), and a 75th-minute own-goal from Calabar's Damano Blackwood.
But it is Calabar, contesting the second round of the tournament for the first time in many years, that left happiest, as they got goals from Obryan Marks (4th), Kevaun Campbell (59th), and the talismanic Jaheim Rankine (90+1) to secure a share of the spoils.
With the result, both teams sit joint top of the group on a point, with Charlie Smith and St Catherine doing battle in the late group contest.
Calabar's Head coach Andrew Price was delighted at the manner in which his team stepped up to the challenge.
"We told the youngsters to continue to fight; we have been underdogs all season because people didn't expect us to be where we are right now but we came out here and we fought and showed some character. We believe in ourselves and we believe we can get results against good teams.
"I told the team we are stepping up in class and we will be up against good teams and Jamaica College is an excellent team. So to get a points out of this must be a plus for us going into the remainder of the round," Price said in a post-match interview.
It was a frantic start for the boys from Red Hills Road, as they stunned their more fancied rivals when Marks unleashed a one-time effort from a distance that caught Jamaica College's custodian Nathaniel Aiken off his line.
However, the lead lasted a mere six minutes, as Bennett pulled Jamaica College level with his fourth goal of the season from the penalty spot after Amarlie King was taken out inside the area.
The game continued at a decent tempo as Jamaica College grabbed the ascendancy six minutes later when Gibbs well-taken free kick from way out eluded all and sundry and bounced into the net for his eighth of the season.
They should have added another in the 43rd, but Gibbs dragged his right-footer wide of the target after doing well to dismiss his marker.
Minutes later, Giovanni Taylor went on the break, but he too failed to maintain his composure and fired high and wide.
The Old Hope Road boys enjoying a decent passage of play had another chance to add to their tally before the break. However, Omari Grant, in goal for Calabar, did well to deny Jabarie Howell from close range.
Both teams continued to trade blows on the resumption as Calabar pulled level on the stroke of the hour-mark when Campbell arrived in time to tap in from close range after Aiken spilled Jaiquan Stewarts's cross.
However, the 'Dark Blues' again stuck the nose in front when Gibbs' attempted cross was turned in by the hapless Blackwood to put Jamaica College 3-2 up.
With their motto stating 'the utmost to the highest,' Calabar didn't relent and just when it seemed as Jamaica College had the three points in the bag, Rankine came to the fore with a lovely left-footed drive that took a wicked deflection to steal a point for his team in time added.
Jamaica College's assistant coach Raymond Watson rued his team's wastefulness.
"It's three points lost than a point gained. I thought we had many moments to put away the game, especially in the first half and we just gave it up. We kept doing individual things instead of playing for the team and that cost us in the end," Watson noted.
Saturday's early results
Jamaica College 3, Calabar 3
Eltham 2, Excelsior 3
Though Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girlz suffered a 3-0 defeat to France in a challenging international friendly on Friday, England-born defender Vyan Sampson shared a measured, optimistic outlook on the team's performance, emphasizing growth over the result.
While the defeat underscored the level of competition Jamaica continues to face at the highest level, Sampson sees the match—which was a repeat of last year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup draw—as a valuable step in the Girlz’s long-term journey to success.
Playing against the 10-ranked team in the world, the 42nd-ranked Reggae Girlz displayed stretches of resilience and competitive spirit, even after two defensive errors forced by France’s consistent forward press resulted in two goals.
Still, the Girlz held their own for the most parts and even created opportunities at the backend of the contest against the technically skilled French side, which got its goals from Clara Mateo (22nd), captain Wendie Renard (39th), and Sandy Baltimore (48th).
Despite the outcome, Sampson, who wore the captain's armband, was quick to note the value of the experience, particularly for a team still adjusting to new recruits and evolving strategies.
“I felt like we gave a good show of ourselves against a very good opposition. We could always do better, but with the short time we were in camp, we had a few things to focus on, and I felt like we gave them a good try. Sometimes coming into these windows, the moment we're looking for is not now; it's further down the line—a year down the line. So as long as we keep making steps every window, taking a bit from every game, we will be where we need to be at the right time,” Sampson said during a post-game press conference.
Sampson pointed to the presence of a few new players, Taylor Hinds, Natasha Thomas, Lulu Jarvis, and Reanna Blades, who are in the early stages of finding their rhythm within the squad as part of Head coach Hubert Busby’s ongoing efforts to deepen the roster.
But integration takes time, and Sampson, one of the more experienced players, understands that the team must be patient in bringing together new and seasoned players.
“It's always good to have new faces, and we're always looking to build the team and improve in every way that we can. The core of the team is still pretty much the same, so it's just about gelling those relationships and building as a team,” Sampson reasoned.
“Every single person in this team matters; anyone the coach selects to come into the fold is worth it, and it’s an opportunity for us to try new things. There were players playing in positions that are not necessarily their strong point, but we have to try these things against good opposition to get better,” she noted.
Busby’s approach since returning to the programme has focused on exposing the Girlz to top-ranked teams, such as Brazil and now France, a strategy meant to prepare them for the intensity and tactical demands of future tournaments.
For players like Sampson, this approach is vital, as it helps the team to improve their speed of play, possession game, and skills to prove more competitive on the global stage.
The 28-year-old, who plies her trade with JEF United Chiba in the Japanese WE League, explained that the team is learning to focus less on individual matches and more on the bigger picture—how each game fits into their long-term goals, as they target a third-consecutive World Cup appearance.
“I felt like I did my best to cover the spaces and cover in for my teammates, but I'm always a critical person, and I always want more. We had a few injuries, a few different changes that obviously changed the outcome of a game, but that’s just football; we don’t look into that too hard; we just make sure we take things from this game and we go from there.
“France is always a good team, but we are not looking at them too tough because we are against ourselves at the end of the day in terms of our journey. So yeah, they are a good team, but there is more to this game for us,” she ended.
Jamaican football captains Andre Blake and Damion Lowe have been named to the Concacaf League A Best XI, following their standout performances during the Concacaf Nations League group stage in the October window. They are joined by right-back Tayvon Gray as the only other Jamaican selected for the Best XI.
Blake and Lowe, two of Jamaica's most capped players, with 78 and 71 caps respectively, anchored the Reggae Boyz’ solid defense. Jamaica ended the October window with two crucial clean sheets and clinched the top spot in Group B.
Blake, recognized for his composure and technical skills as a goalkeeper, played a crucial role in Jamaica's success. He finished the group stage with four out of a possible six points, ensuring that no goals were conceded in the final matches. With two clean sheets against Nicaragua and Honduras, Blake made 11 saves and recorded six clearances, achieving an impressive pass completion rate of 97.73%.
Blake expressed his thoughts on this recognition: "Being named to the Concacaf Best XI is always an honour and a testament to the hard work our entire squad has put in."
Lowe was a key player in Jamaica’s defense during the Reggae Boyz’s impressive away victory against Nicaragua. He demonstrated outstanding ball recovery skills and command on the field. With eight ball recoveries and a crucial clearance, he bolstered Jamaica's defensive efforts and his performance earned him a place in the Best XI.
"We strive for every win but also as senior players, set the standard on the pitch. This recognition fuels our desire to keep pushing for more and continue bringing pride to Jamaica."
Tayvon Gray was outstanding as Jamaica won 2-0 against Nicaragua. He effectively controlled the right flank and made two clearances to help maintain a clean sheet for the defense.
The Reggae Boyz will play against the USA in the quarterfinals of the Nations League on November 14 and 18.
After missing out on selection for last year’s Cricket West Indies Regional Super50, Amir Jangoo is not only happy to be included in Trinidad and Tobago’s squad for this year’s edition of the tournament, but he is also aiming to make the most of the opportunity.
The wicketkeeper/batsman, who has been enjoying a rich vein of form so far this year, has his sights set on maintaining that positive run to assist Trinidad and Tobago Red Force defend their title in the October 29 to November 23 tournament.
Jangoo tallied 500 runs for the Red Force in five regional four-day matches earlier this year, as he ended as the Twin Island Republic’s leading run scorer and the fourth-highest scorer in the competition. He was only bettered by Mikyle Louis (682 runs), Kraigg Brathwaite (565), and Kevin Sinclair (508).
The 27-year-old Jangoo, who also notched a maiden First-Class hundred during that tournament when he scored 218 against the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners, was named the TT Cricket Board's (TTCB) National Cricketer of the Year earlier this month, a feat that has significantly boosted his confidence.
“Getting the award is just the beginning. It's basically a foundation for bigger things I want to achieve, like making the West Indies team. At this level, it's all about consistency, so I'm looking forward to the Super50 tournament, and I want to dominate that, as well as the upcoming four-day season next year," Jangoo told Newsday in a recent interview.
“I want to really push and go on to better things. I'll definitely say I'm in the best form of my life. It's all about how well you can develop your game and how quickly as well. Being 27, I've learnt a lot, and I'm in a pretty good space in my career right now,” he added.
Jangoo attributed his improvements to advice from compatriot and West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Nicholas Pooran.
"Pooran did some one-on-one work with us batsmen, and I think that actually helped me to understand my game a bit more. I actually just kept working on certain things with my technique. It was all about batting for longer periods of time and doing the right things for longer. That's what I really worked on,” Jangoo shared.
With Pooran’s advice still fresh in his mind, the left-hander pointed out that he is locked in and ready to go as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force is set to open their campaign against the Marooners on Tuesday.
“I really want to play the best for the team, whether it's keeping wicket or batting at the top or middle of the order. It's about adapting my game to the team's benefit,” he declared.
Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba handed Inter Miami a winning start to their MLS playoff campaign, with their goals helping down Atlanta United 2-1 at the Chase Stadium.
After already winning the Supporters' Shield and setting a new MLS single-season points record, the Herons took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series ahead of Game Two.
The hosts needed just over a minute to take the lead when Diego Gomez picked out Suarez, who prodded the ball beyond Brad Guzan early on.
David Martinez then saw his effort strike the woodwork, but Miami were unable to make their sustained spell of pressure count as visiting forward Saba Lobjanidze levelled the contest in the 39th minute.
But the hosts restored their advantage just before the hour-mark when Lionel Messi picked out Alba, who struck a fierce effort from distance which proved to be the winner.
Miami should have had a more comfortable advantage, but were met with the imposing figure of Guzan, who made nine saves during the contest to keep the hosts at bay.
Data Debrief: Welcome to Miami
Having topped the Eastern Conference with 74 points, Miami are expected to reach the showpiece match, and their display proved why they were one of the best teams in the MLS during the regular season.
The hosts ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 3.38 from their 22 shots, 12 of which were on target and 14 of their efforts were inside the Atlanta box.
And though not getting himself on the scoresheet, Messi once again showcased his class. The Argentine registered a team-high 1.26 xG to Inter Miami's total, while also recording more shots on target (five), more touches in the opposition box (13) and creating more chances (five) than anyone on the pitch.
Brian Schmetzer is aiming to write more history with the Seattle Sounders in the MLS playoffs after signing a new multi-year contract extension with the club earlier this week.
Schmetzer, who took charge of the Sounders in 2016, has won 149 of his 321 matches at the helm in all competitions (D70 L102), and has led the club to two MLS Cup titles and two other appearances in the finals.
They welcome Houston Dynamo to Lumen Field in their first-round playoff tie, and Schmetzer insists the good work his side have done so far will not stop in the postseason.
“I’m thrilled to continue this journey with Sounders FC, a community and club that mean so much to me,” said Schmetzer. “Seattle is my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be working.
“We’ve built something special here together, and I’m excited to keep pushing for more success alongside our passionate fans, exceptional staff and outstanding players. The work will not stop – we have many goals to achieve and more history to write.
“Doing it at a club during a time of such great opportunity in the city I love makes it even more meaningful.”
Houston, meanwhile, ended their regular season on a high with an impressive victory over the LA Galaxy, subsequently seeing Greg Vanney’s side drop to second in the Western Conference.
The Dynamo faced off against the Sounders in September, losing 1-0 in the MLS, but coach Ben Olsen believes his team’s latest triumph can be used as positive momentum moving forward.
“Those are the great nights, those are the ones you remember,” Olsen said. “It had a playoff atmosphere; it was a great dress rehearsal for the playoffs because we’re playing a talented team.
“We wanted to win that game, but the other side was to get some rhythm and form because it’s been choppy over the last month. That, for me, was the most important thing.
“We needed to get those minutes together before going to Seattle. Overall, it was pretty good, but there is still a lot to clean up before we travel there on Tuesday.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak
Rusnak recorded 16 assists in the 2024 regular season, equalling Nicolas Lodeiro’s club record for the Sounders set in 2018.
He recorded primary assists to eight different teammates this season, tied for the most different teammates directly assisted to this MLS campaign.
Houston Dynamo – Amine Bassi
While Houston were the third-lowest scorers in the Western Conference, the creative flair of Bassi has been pivotal in reaching the postseason.
The Moroccan has the joint-highest goal involvements for the Dynamo this term (10, level with Ibrahim Aliyu), while he has also created more chances (78) than any of his team-mates during the regular season.
MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN
This will be the third postseason tie between Seattle and Houston, with the Dynamo advancing in the 2019 Conference semi-final and Seattle advancing in the 2017 Conference Finals. The Sounders have never lost in 17 all-time home matches against Houston (W14 D3), winning the last eight in a row.
The Dynamo have also avoided defeat in nine away playoff matches in club history (W5 D4), advancing to the next round in eight of the last nine ties, only losing out against the New York Red Bulls in the 2008 Conference semi-finals. Houston have been eliminated each of the last four times they have lost on the road in the playoffs.
Seattle’s 1-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC in last season’s Western Conference semi-final ended a run of 19 straight home playoff matches without defeat (W17 D2) that spanned back to the 2014 postseason. Seattle have lost only three of their 27 all-time home playoff matches (W20 D4).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Seattle Sounders – 49.6%
Draw – 25.4%
Houston Dynamo – 25%
Nick Cushing is relishing the “underdog” title put on his New York City FC side as they prepare for their first-round playoff tie against FC Cincinnati.
The Pigeons finished the regular season with a 2-0 defeat to CF Montreal but had already confirmed their spot in the postseason with an impressive victory over rivals, New York Red Bulls.
Cushing acknowledged his side could have finished further up the Eastern Conference rankings, but said his team have shown positive signs they can compete in the playoffs.
“Whether we are the underdog or not, we always fancy ourselves,” Cushing said. “I have huge belief in every guy in that dressing room, and they have huge belief in each other.
“We’ve had some disappointing results and that’s why we sit where we do in the league. The most consistent teams are at the top, but we have also shown a positive reaction to those difficult results.
“For us, it’s about taking the positives. We have always done that. We have always faced up to the areas we need to improve and have always fronted the disappointment.
“We’ve had some top games against Cincinnati, and we’re confident we can put performances in, and we’re motivated for the end.”
Cincinnati, meanwhile, ended the season third in the division, finishing their campaign on a high with a triumph over the Philadelphia Union away from home.
The Orange and Blue have struggled for continuity within their squad in the regular season, with coach Pat Noonan forced to play 42 different line-ups in all 42 matches across all competitions.
Noonan deployed winger Luca Orellano, who has been shortlisted for MLS Newcomer of the Year, as a striker, with the Argentine impressing in that role.
And the Cincinnati boss believes that Orellano can make an impact in a more central role, but said improvements were needed for the visit of NYCFC.
“Yeah, there was a bit of risk in that," Noonan said of starting a player in a new position in such an important matchup.
"If you're looking at our goal threats, as far as personnel and who's contributed pretty consistently, it's been the three that were up top today, with Lucho, Yuya and Luca.
"There were still a few moments where I think he could have been more patient. But, for having not played in that specific role up to this point, I thought he did a good job."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta
Acosta has been the standout player for Cincinnati during the regular season, with his 30 goal contributions in the MLS the highest in the division (level with Lionel Messi and Evander).
He has recorded 13 goal contributions in his career against NYCFC (six goals, seven assists), including contributing to eight goals in his last five MLS matches against the Pigeons (four goals, four assists), contributing to at least one goal in each of those games.
NYCFC – Alonso Martinez
Martinez has scored eight goals in nine appearances since the MLS returned from the Leagues Cup break in August, tied with Messi and Luis Suarez for the most goals in the league in that time.
The Costa Rican has scored one goal against Cincinnati in his three appearances against them, but has only won one match against the Orange and Blue (L2).
MATCH PREDICTION: FC CINCINNATI WIN
This will be the first postseason meeting between Cincinnati and NYCFC. The Pigeons defeated Cincinnati in the last meeting between the two sides, after the Orange and Blue had won the previous five fixtures in all competitions.
Despite being favoured by Opta’s data-led simulations, Noonan’s side won only one of their final six regular-season home matches (D1 L4), including losing the last two in a row at TQL Stadium. Cincinnati had lost six of their previous 39 home league games before losing four of the last six.
But NYCFC have struggled away from home. They won only one of their final 13 away matches in all competitions (D6 L6) dating back to June. That run included a 4-2 loss against Cincinnati in the group stage of the Leagues Cup in August.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
FC Cincinnati – 46.9%
Draw – 26.4%
NYCFC – 26.7%
Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream says it is business as usual for Dean Smith's team as they approach Sunday's MLS Cup Playoff clash with Orlando City.
Charlotte went unbeaten through their final five games of the regular season to finish fifth in the Eastern Conference, while Orlando finished one point clear of them in fourth.
They visit Florida for the opening match of a three-game first-round series on Sunday, having ended a six-match winless run on the road by trouncing D.C. United 3-0 last week.
Former Fulham captain Ream, who has played a key role since returning to the United States in August, says nothing will change about their work in training ahead of the game.
"We're just going about it in the same way we have been doing in the last couple of weeks, doing the right things in training," Ream said.
"We have to make sure we take that into the game this weekend.
"I was expecting to come in and push myself and push the other guys around me from the get-go. It doesn't always work that way but I'm very pleased with where we are."
Orlando, meanwhile, are appearing in the postseason for a fifth straight year, and forward Duncan McGuire has enjoyed being part of a fluid attack under Oscar Pareja this term.
"I'm very excited to get to the playoffs. I think the way we've shown ourselves on the field in the past few months, it's a really good brand of football that I'm excited to be part of," McGuire said.
"The way we finished the season, locking in fourth place, is huge for us, and then we're very excited to host games, which helped us in the first round last year.
"We're very excited to get to Sunday, getting a bunch of numbers forward has allowed us to be successful offensively, having so many goalscorers across this team."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando City – Facundo Torres
Torres has been involved in five of the 10 goals Orlando have scored against Charlotte (three goals, two assists against them), including recording two goals and an assist in the two meetings between the sides this season.
Charlotte FC – Patrick Agyemang
Agyemang's goal last Saturday took him to 16 goal contributions for the season (10 goals, six assists), equalling Karol Swiderski (2022 and 2023) for the most in a single campaign in Charlotte's MLS history.
No other player in team history has ever recorded 10 goal contributions in a single campaign.
MATCH PREDICTION – ORLANDO CITY WIN
Orlando ended a four-match winless run against Charlotte (two draws, two defeats) with a 2-0 victory in the last meeting between the sides on September 18. That win was the first of the sides' seven all-time meetings to be decided by more than a one-goal margin.
While Charlotte collected 13 points from their last five matches of the regular season, their best return in any five-game span in their MLS history, the Lions enter this one as favourites.
After missing the playoffs in each of their first five MLS seasons, Orlando have reached the postseason in five straight campaigns dating back to 2020, and their big-game experience could be key here.
They have won six of their last eight home matches in MLS play, drawing one and losing one, with five of those victories coming by a margin of more than one goal.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Orlando City – 52%
Charlotte FC – 23.5%
Draw – 24.5%
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