Pablo Mastroeni is not shying away from Real Salt Lake's desire to make club history when they conclude their regular-season campaign against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday.
RSL have been among the Western Conference pacesetters all season and enter the final MLS matchday fourth with 56 points from 33 matches.
One more victory will set a new single-season franchise record, a fact Mastroeni reminded his players of before they beat the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 before the international break.
"I normally focus on just the one game, but the only way to get to 59 was to make sure we won in San Jose," Mastroeni told KSL Sports.
"It's about just putting a little bit of carrot on the end of the stick. It's not easy to make history at a club.
"I just told the guys this is an opportunity to etch your name in stone as far as the regular season is concerned. It's a 34-game season, it's long and to be able to achieve that would be great.
"When you can see a commitment to the cause, it's really about those real things that make the team successful."
Vancouver, meanwhile, sit eighth in the standings and are guaranteed a play-in spot, though they must better Minnesota United's result to clinch automatic qualification.
Head coach Vanni Sartini believed his team deserved better after they lost 2-1 to Los Angeles FC in midweek, a result that took their fate out of their own hands.
"We have to work. At this moment I'm very disappointed, I've got to be honest," Sartini said.
"I just wanted to say congratulations to the guys, congratulations to the fans, they were amazing. We played a fantastic game and we deserved to win."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Real Salt Lake – Cristian Arango
Arango enters the final match of the season with 17 goals, tied with Alvaro Saborio (2012) for the most in a single season in Real Salt Lake's history.
His 12 assists this season, meanwhile, are tied for second-most in club history behind Albert Rusnak's 14 in 2017.
Vancouver Whitecaps – Brian White
White has scored a goal on each of his last five regular-season road appearances, the longest streak in Vancouver's MLS history and the longest streak in MLS since Josef Martinez netted in seven straight on the road from May to September in 2019.
MATCH PREDICTION – REAL SALT LAKE WIN
Real Salt Lake have won three straight matches against Vancouver for the first time in club history. The only longer winning streak in the 32-match history of the series was a four-match run by the Whitecaps from 2014 to 2015.
The hosts enter the final match of the season on 56 points, one away from equalling the club's single-season record of 57 set in 2012.
The Whitecaps, meanwhile, have lost three straight regular-season matches for the first time since the start of last season. They are winless in six straight league matches, equalling their worst run of the year.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Real Salt Lake – 45.1%
Vancouver Whitecaps – 28%
Draw – 26.9%
The St Lucia Amateur Bodybuilding and Body Fitness Association (SLABBFA) is set to make its mark at the 51st Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Bodybuilding Championships, which takes place this weekend in Georgetown, Guyana. An eight-member team will represent the island, aiming to build on past successes at the prestigious regional event.
With over 200 athletes from across the Caribbean and Central America set to compete, this year’s championships will be a landmark event for the host country, as Guyana welcomes the competition for the first time in 20 years. For St Lucia, the stakes are high, with the team hoping to add to the country’s growing collection of medals from recent years.
At the 2023 CAC Championships in Aruba, Jabari Brouet captured a silver medal in the senior men’s physique up to 179cm, while Kirby Charles placed fourth in the senior men’s physique over 179cm. This year, both athletes return to the competition, bringing experience and determination. Brouet, representing Storm Caster Fitness, and Charles, of Mango Moon, will be eager to upgrade their previous performances and bring home more medals for St Lucia.
The team, however, features a mix of seasoned competitors and fresh faces. Shani Victorin of Mango Moon will be Saint Lucia’s sole female competitor, taking part in the women’s bikini category. Victorin’s debut marks an important step for the island in maintaining representation in female divisions.
Joneil Pelage
On the men’s side, Joneil Pelage of Energy Fitness Gym has made a strong comeback to competition in 2024 and is expected to lead the charge in the men’s bodybuilding category. He will be joined by Sharkym Daniel of Southern Fitness, adding depth to the team’s efforts in this discipline.
In the Fitness Speed Fit Challenge, three athletes from Soufriere Fitness Centre—Levi Edward, former track athlete Gratious Octave, and cricketer Shanii Mesmain—will showcase their athletic versatility as they take on this demanding event.
Accompanying the athletes are Jacqueline Trim, SLABBFA president and official judge, Monica Dudley, first vice president and team manager, and Eugene Gabriel, second vice president and coach, ensuring the athletes have the support they need to excel on the big stage.
St Lucia’s national bodybuilding team is no stranger to success, and the island is hopeful that this year's crop of competitors will once again stand out in a highly competitive field. Following impressive results in 2022 and 2023, including top-five finishes from Kirton Hubert, Velda John, and Rochael Philip, the team is optimistic about continuing their medal streak at this year’s championships.
Steve Cherundolo wants Los Angeles FC to focus on their own game as they look to secure top spot against the San Jose Earthquakes.
LAFC can finish top of the Western Conference if they win by a two-goal margin and LA Galaxy lose to Houston Dynamo on Saturday.
Cherundolo's side kept themselves in contention going into the final day by snatching a late 2-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps, extending their winning streak to four games.
And though the head coach would like to finish top of the pile, he acknowledged that it was largely out of LAFC's hands.
"We don't spend a lot of time discussing scenarios," he said. "I think for us the important thing is to enjoy the weekend, and obviously, that is trying to win the game with a two-goal advantage.
"What happens elsewhere we'll obviously be monitoring, but not closely. We're better off focusing on ourselves.
"We've won a couple of games in a row now and to finish the season on a high with a win is important. We're focused on what we know we do well and that's great preparation."
No matter the result, San Jose will finish bottom of the table, with the worst result of any team in MLS.
Interim head coach Ian Russell is looking to salvage some pride in their final outing and is hoping to use their win over LAFC earlier this season as motivation.
"It's a tough test - LAFC are a good team," he said.
"We typically match up well against them, but we need to go down there, play good football, defend well, limit their chances and try to hurt them."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LAFC – Mateusz Bogusz
Mateusz Bogusz scored his 15th goal of the season in LAFC's win over Vancouver on Sunday.
Bogusz is the fifth different LAFC player to score 15 goals in a season while no other team has more than three different players with a 15-goal season since the club joined MLS in 2018.
San Jose Earthquakes – Daniel
San Jose have conceded 75 goals this season, tied with FC Cincinnati in 2019 for the most in a single season in MLS history.
Cincinnati had allowed 75 goals after 33 matches that season but kept a clean sheet against D.C. United in their final match and Daniel will be hoping to do the same, so the visitors can go out on a high.
MATCH PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES FC WIN
LAFC have won nine of their 11 all-time home matches against San Jose (D1 L1), including a 4-1 win in the Leagues Cup Round of 16 on August 13. LAFC have scored at least three goals in seven of the 11 meetings at BMO Stadium.
In fact, LAFC have lost only one of their last 11 games played in October, November and December dating back to last season (W9 D1), with the lone defeat coming in the MLS Cup Final at Columbus Crew last December.
Meanwhile, the Earthquakes enter the final match of the season with 24 losses, tied for the most outright defeats in a single season in MLS history (along with D.C. United in 2013, excluding breakaway shootout losses).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
LAFC – 73.9%
Draw – 15.2%
San Jose Earthquakes – 10.9%
Ben Olsen believes LA Galaxy are the perfect team for Houston Dynamo to face the week before the playoffs to get them into the right frame of mind.
Houston can finish as high as fifth in the Western Conference but have alternated between a win and a loss in their last four games, losing 3-0 to St. Louis City last time out.
Olsen is keen to quickly put that result behind them and get the win that would secure fifth place in the table.
"Our objective doesn't change - it's still about putting the best performance against LA Galaxy we can in preparation for what's going to be a very tough first-round match in the playoffs," he said.
"It'll be a tough test. But I like that we're playing arguably the best team in the league the week before the playoffs because that's the level we're going to see then."
Meanwhile, the Galaxy need at least a draw to ensure they finish top of the table above derby rivals Los Angeles FC.
LA Galaxy are on a three-match winning streak in MLS, edging past Austin FC 2-1 in their last outing, and head coach Greg Vanney is glad they are not just going through the motions as they see out the end of the regular season.
"It's a nice test for us, it's great that the game is meaningful at this time of year, and we're playing for something before we start really playing for something," Vanney said.
"I think that keeps the right intensity and the right tension in the group, and hopefully draw or win, it keeps the right tension going into the playoffs.
"We have to be efficient about how we defend, though we can't get pulled around by them."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Houston Dynamo – Adalberto Carrasquilla
The Dynamo enter the final match of the season with 51 points, equalling their total from last season, while a win would set a new club record for points in a single season, surpassing the 52 they recorded in 2012.
Adalberto Carrasquilla set up both goals the last time Houston won, and another in this game would level him with Amine Bassi for the most assists this season (six).
LA Galaxy – Gabriel Pec
Both Gabriel Pec and Riqui Puig enter the final match of the season with 29 goal contributions this season.
No team in MLS history has had two players record 30 goal contributions in a single season.
MATCH PREDICTION: HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN
Houston have lost only one of their last 11 regular-season home matches (W4 D6) including recording a 2-1 win in their last match at Shell Energy Stadium. The Dynamo's only set of consecutive home wins this season came in March with victories over Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes.
The Galaxy defeated the Dynamo 2-1 at home on May 25. LA have not defeated Houston twice in a single regular season since winning all three meetings during the 2016 campaign.
A win on the final day of the season would give the Galaxy 67 points on the year, equalling the second-most in club history. Only two teams in MLS history have totalled 67 or more points in a regular season and not won the Supporters' Shield: Atlanta United in 2018 and Philadelphia Union in 2022.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Houston Dynamo – 47.2%
Draw – 26.3%
LA Galaxy – 26.5%
Peter Luccin wants FC Dallas to finish their season on a high when they play their final MLS match of 2024 against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.
Dallas can only finish as high as 10th in the Western Conference but have won just one of their last seven MLS matches, losing the last two on the bounce.
Despite not reaching the playoffs, Luccin is already looking at the positives they can carry into next season, though he still expects his team to show their best form against Sporting KC.
"Our duty is to give all we've got," he said. "The attitude of the team against Portland was positive and that's the least we can do for the fans.
"At the same time, we need to think about next year. The attitude of the players has been great, but we didn't lose games because of that. It came down to qualities or specific details, not mentality.
"It's good, we are growing up as a team, so we need to see how they do against Kansas."
Kansas City, meanwhile, are guaranteed to finish 13th no matter the result.
They are on a three-match losing streak in MLS and head coach Peter Vermes wants to make sure his team finish on a high after that poor run of form.
"Every week, no matter where you are in the season, you're always working, thinking, preparing to make sure your team is ready for the challenge, and not just from the soccer perspective," he said.
"You're trying to get the mentality right. It's much more challenging in a situation like this, but I think it will say a lot about the players that go on the field about how serious they take it."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FC Dallas – Petar Musa
Petar Musa has scored 15 goals this season, 10 more than any other Dallas player.
That is the second-largest gap between a team's top goalscorer and second in MLS this season, behind only Christian Benteke, who has scored 17 more goals than any other D.C. United player in 2024.
Sporting Kansas City – Daniel Salloi
Daniel Salloi has scored eight regular-season goals against Dallas, three more than against any other opponent in his MLS career.
No player has scored more goals against Dallas since Salloi made his MLS debut in 2017.
MATCH PREDICTION: FC DALLAS WIN
Dallas have won only one of their last seven regular-season matches (D2 L4). They have conceded three goals in all four losses in that time but conceded just one in the other three matches.
Kansas City have won three straight meetings with FC Dallas in all competitions for the first time since 2017. Only once before has either team managed a four-match streak (Sporting KC in 2004), and Dallas will be keen to ensure they do not manage the same feat on Sunday.
Sporting KC, meanwhile, have just 31 points coming into the final match of the season, and will finish with fewer than 35 points for the first time since 2009 (33). Sporting hasverecorded fewer than 32 points only once before, totalling 20 points in the 1999 campaign.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
FC Dallas – 46.6%
Draw – 26.5%
Sporting Kansas City – 26.9%
Tivoli Gardens High School delivered a statement victory on Thursday, defeating Wolmer’s Boys’ 4-2 in an action-packed ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup Zone E showdown. Tivoli's win, led by two goals each from Ryan-Oneil Francis and Kaqummarie McKoy, saw them finish the preliminary round at the top of the group.
Francis opened the scoring in the 12th minute, giving Tivoli an early lead. McKoy doubled their advantage with a well-taken goal in the 24th minute, putting the hosts in control by halftime. Wolmer’s came out strong in the second half, with Daniel Scarlett pulling one back in the 51st minute, injecting hope into the visitors.
However, Tivoli responded emphatically. McKoy netted his second in the 68th minute, followed by Francis’s second in the 75th minute to make it 4-1, putting the game beyond Wolmer’s reach. Scarlett managed a late consolation goal in the 82nd minute, scoring his second of the match, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Tivoli from securing a crucial 4-2 win.
With the victory, Tivoli Gardens leapfrogged Wolmer’s to finish atop Zone E with 27 points. Wolmer’s, who finished two points behind Tivoli, secured second place. St Jago High, meanwhile, wrapped up third place with 19 points after a dominant 4-0 win over Denham Town, who finished in fourth with seven points.
Other Results from Thursday’s Manning Cup Matches:
Kingston College and Campion College battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw, a result that saw both teams share the points in their final preliminary round match.
St Jago High comfortably defeated Denham Town 4-0, securing third place in Zone E behind Tivoli Gardens and Wolmer’s Boys’.
As the Manning Cup progresses to the next stage, Tivoli Gardens' momentum from topping Zone E makes them a strong contender, while Wolmer’s and other teams will look to regroup and push further in the competition.
Defending champions Clarendon College suffered a shock defeat in the ISSA/WATA DaCosta Cup on Thursday, as Glenmuir High triumphed 2-0 in their second-round Group 7 encounter, thanks to a brilliant brace from former Denbigh High player Dunsting Cohen.
Cohen was the hero of the match, scoring both goals in injury time—his first in the 47th minute of the first half and the second deep into stoppage time in the 92nd minute. His performance propelled Glenmuir to second place in the group, tied on three points with leaders Paul Bogle High, who boast a superior goal difference following their 3-0 win over Titchfield High on Wednesday.
This victory marks a major upset for Clarendon College, the reigning champions, as they find themselves under pressure to bounce back after an uncharacteristic loss in their title defense.
Elsewhere in the DaCosta Cup, Denbigh High and Belair High battled to a thrilling 1-1 draw in their Group 5 match at Manchester High. Both teams struck early, with Lashawn Barnaby putting Denbigh ahead in the 8th minute, lofting a ball over the Belair goalkeeper, who had come too far off his line. However, Orlando Gray responded for Belair in the 29th minute, delivering a superb free kick from the edge of the box that curled into the net from a tight angle.
Despite multiple chances from both sides in the second half, neither team could find a winning goal. As a result, Denbigh and Belair sit tied for second in the group with one point each, trailing leaders Happy Grove, who won 3-2 against Holmwood on Wednesday.
Thursday’s DaCosta Cup Results:
Central High 2-0 Yallahs High
Glenmuir High 2-0 Clarendon College
Belair High 1-1 Denbigh High
Frome High 3-0 Cedric Titus High
Rusea’s High 1-0 Spot Valley High
Munro College 2-0 Alphansus Davis High
With the competition heating up, teams are pushing hard to advance from their respective groups, and Thursday's matches proved to be a day of upsets and close calls in the DaCosta Cup.
Former Trinidad and Tobago stalwart turned coach Dwight Yorke, and Derek King, are on a shortlist of five coaches vying for the senior Soca Warriors Head coach job.
The revelation was made by Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards, who revealed that the five-person shortlist was narrowed down from over 400 candidates ranging from the Twin Island Republic, as well as North, Central, and South America, and Europe.
King, the current interim head coach was appointed following the dismissal of Angus Eve, to whom he was an assistant. However, King’s chances of assuming the role on a permanent basis might be slim, given the team’s recent Concacaf Nations League run in which they struggled to secure League A status under his guidance.
Their lone win of the campaign was a 3-1 scoreline over Cuba in their final Group B contest at the Dwight Yorke Stadium.
While Edwards was impressed with the energy shown in that game, he quickly pointed out that a new coach, to be named by the end of this month, will be critical to meet new strategy set to be implemented by TTFA in 2025 ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers resumption.
“I want to assure you that both Dwight Yorke and Derek King are two of the five that we’re looking at. I think with the work that Derek has done for the last two FIFA windows, especially this last window. We know that the first window was tough for him to instill his idea in the guys, but we saw a glimpse of it in the Honduras game, during the first 30 minutes or even the first half,” Edwards told Guardian Media Sports.
“I think Derek has proven himself worthy for the position, and of course, Dwight is there and thereabout, and there are a few others who I would not name at this time. I think those two are names that the country is expecting to be there, so I am allowing that to happen, plus we’re working with agents and managers of other coaches right now to have some discussions, and hopefully by the end of the weekend we can conclude those discussions,” he added.
Yorke, who had a successful stint as a coach at Macarthur FC in the Australian A-League in 2022, also applied for the Jamaican senior Reggae Boyz top job, but was overlooked.
The former Manchester United striker is now being considered the overwhelming choice among the local football fraternity.
However, Edwards explained that the affordability of a proposed salary packages would be crucial to the selection of the new coach and his staff. Additionally, that new coach will also have the option to decide on international friendly encounters during the coming FIFA window.
“We have about five people we’re looking at in terms of options who fit the bill of the campaign that we’re looking at for the style of football that we want to play. And not just the campaign, but also it would lend to the association in terms of our development,” Edwards said.
“So it’s important because we have a new strategic plan that we’re rolling out early in 2025, and the coach would have to be part of that in terms of keeping our national teams engaged and so on,” he noted.
Sprint legend Yohan Blake, the second fastest man in history, continues to expand his reach beyond the track with the launch of his official fan app. The announcement, made on social media, comes just days after Blake celebrated the grand opening of his Butcher's Barrel restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was also awarded the Keys to the Region by city officials.
Blake, known for his blistering personal bests of 9.69 seconds in the 100m and 19.26 seconds in the 200m, remains one of the most electrifying sprinters of all time. His 100m and 200m marks have only been surpassed by fellow Jamaican icon Usain Bolt. Blake, who claimed the 2011 World 100m title in Daegu, South Korea, holds the distinction of being the youngest man ever to win the event, adding to his legacy as one of track and field's greatest athletes.
In his social media post, Blake shared his excitement about the new venture: "Hey guys! ? I’ve just launched my official fan app, available now on iOS and coming soon to Android! Stay connected with me for exclusive updates, content, and more." The app promises to give fans a unique look into the sprinter's life, offering exclusive content and direct engagement with Blake as he continues to build his brand both on and off the track.
The announcement of the fan app follows the recent launch of his Butcher’s Barrel restaurant, where Blake’s entrepreneurial ambitions were on full display. The upscale dining establishment in Fort Lauderdale represents his latest business venture, and the honor of receiving the Keys to the Region highlights the profound impact Blake has had, not just in athletics but in his efforts to give back to the community.
For fans and followers, the new app serves as a direct gateway to stay up to date with Blake’s future projects, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal updates. As he continues to explore new avenues in business and sport, the app provides a platform for his supporters to connect with him in a more personal and interactive way.
Yohan Blake's launch of the fan app marks another milestone in a career that has spanned greatness on the track, a growing presence in business, and a commitment to leaving a lasting legacy.
The latest World Netball (WN) rankings, updated on October 6, 2024, have brought both challenges and successes for Caribbean teams. Jamaica, the region’s highest-ranked team, continues to shine, maintaining its position at number four in the world with a rating of 187 points. Despite the changes in the rankings, the Sunshine Girls remain a force to be reckoned with, trailing closely behind the world’s top three teams, Australia, England, and New Zealand.
Jamaica’s steadfast ranking is a testament to the team's consistent performance on the international stage. While the Sunshine Girls didn't experience a shift in the rankings, their position solidifies their reputation as a top contender in global netball, with eyes set on future competitions to close the gap between them and the leading nations.
However, not all Caribbean teams were as fortunate. The Barbados Gems have had a difficult run, losing all three of their matches in the Paradise Ranking Series against Northern Ireland. As a result, their rating dropped by three points, causing them to slip from 15th to 16th in the world rankings. This setback highlights the challenges the Gems have faced but also emphasizes the competitive nature of the sport, where small margins can make a big difference in standings.
Meanwhile, Trinidad & Tobago, once a dominant force in the region, remains in 12th place with 92 points, holding steady in the rankings but still working to regain their former glory. The team's potential remains high, but consistent performances will be necessary to break back into the top 10.
In the Eastern Caribbean, Grenada faced a dip, dropping one place to 20th following the results of the ECCB International Series. The Spice Girls will look to bounce back in future matches as they continue to build on their promising talent and infrastructure. On the other hand, St. Lucia enjoyed success, jumping five places to 33rd after winning three of their five games in the same series, signalling growth and improvement for the island nation.
Other Caribbean teams experienced mixed fortunes. Antigua and Barbuda dropped three places to 36th, while the Cayman Islands moved up one spot to 38th, showing signs of progress. Dominica, however, slipped two places to 44th, highlighting the ongoing challenges some teams face in maintaining consistency on the international stage.
The updated rankings reflect not only the competitive landscape of international netball but also the importance of ongoing development and support for Caribbean teams. While Jamaica continues to be a beacon for the region, the ups and downs of other Caribbean teams illustrate the need for investment in talent and resources to remain competitive at the global level.
As the region's teams prepare for future tournaments, the latest rankings serve as both motivation and a reminder of the work that lies ahead. For Jamaica, the goal remains to climb higher, while for other Caribbean nations, the journey is about pushing forward, improving performance, and reclaiming spots in the global top tier.
Chris Armas wants Colorado Rapids to use their trip to Austin FC as preparation for the start of the playoffs when they meet in the final game of the MLS regular season.
Colorado secured their playoff place last month but are not yet sure where in the Western Conference they will finish.
Other results could see them move up or down the table, and after losing their last three matches, Armas is keen to finish the regular season on a high.
"You can tell something different is in the air," he said. "The playoffs are here.
"The energy in the team is really good, and we're looking forward to the weekend and the big test in Austin.
"We want to use it the right way, to finish the season in the right way and get into the right mindset for the first playoff game."
Meanwhile, Austin sacked head coach Josh Wolff after a 2-1 defeat to LA Galaxy last time out ensured they would not make the playoffs.
Davy Arnaud will take interim charge for their final game of the season, and his sole focus is on getting three points on Saturday.
"You saw guys [in the last two games] who are still giving everything they have," Arnaud said, as quoted in the Verde All Day substack.
"For me, there would be no reason that it wouldn't be a very similar feel inside the stadium on Saturday, and I think they'll see a group that I'm hoping that they're proud of, that still represents this club in a really good way, despite the fact that we won't be in the playoffs.
"I've loved my time here in Austin, but I think it's too early to really fully talk about those things right now because we have a focus on Saturday."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Austin FC – Sebastian Driussi
Each of Austin's last 15 goals have been scored from open play dating back to mid-June, with their most recent being scored by Sebastian Driussi last time out against LA Galaxy.
Austin have not scored from a set piece since a penalty goal on June 1 and have not scored a non-penalty goal from a set piece since late May.
Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic
Djordje Mihailovic (11 goals, 12 assists) is the first player in Rapids history to record 10 goals and 10 assists in a single regular season.
He enters the final day of the season tied with Diego Rubio (2022) for the most goal contributions in a single season in Rapids history.
MATCH PREDICTION: AUSTIN FC WIN
Austin are winless in five straight regular-season home matches (D2 L3) for the first time in club history. They have managed just one win in their last eight matches at Q2 Stadium dating back to late May (D3 L4), but they will be keen to sign off for the season with a victory.
Colorado have never lost away against Austin FC (W1 D2), with the last two meetings between the sides at Q2 Stadium ending in draws. The Rapids are one of two teams (Seattle Sounders – four) to play three or more regular-season away matches at Austin without a loss.
Colorado have collected 50 points this season after totalling just 27 in the 2023 campaign. The 23-point improvement is the largest year-over-year improvement by the Rapids in the club's MLS history (excluding the shortened 2020 season), surpassing a 21-point bounce from 2015 to 2016.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Austin FC – 40.7%
Draw – 26.7%
Colorado Rapids – 32.7%
Much like they did in 2016, when they got by New Zealand in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final on their way to claiming a maiden title, West Indies women will be hoping to replicate that magic.
With memories of that six-run triumph still fresh in their minds, the Caribbean side is eager to once again top the Kiwis in Sharjah on Friday to join South Africa in the showpiece event, scheduled for October 20.
Should the West Indies defeat New Zealand again, it would lay the platform for them to avenge their tournament-opening 10-wicket loss to South Africa. Since that battering, West Indies got by Scotland, Bangladesh and England on their way to the knockout stage, where they are now seeking to build on that momentum.
“I think we’re proud of what we’ve been able to achieve. No one kind of had us get to this stage, so I think we’re all pretty happy that we’ve made it here. The job’s just not finished yet and we got our eyes locked on the game tomorrow (Friday) and ready for New Zealand,” Captain Hayley Matthews said in a pre-game conference.
“Hopefully ready to play a really big game because we do want to win; we don't want to just come to this World Cup to say, ‘hey, we've made the semifinals and we're happy with that. We want to take it even further,” she added.
Experienced Jamaican batter Stafanie Taylor remains in doubt for West Indies, but Matthews’ side still possesses enough ability to pull a surprise, much like they did against England on last. In fact, with the likes of Zaida James and other rising talents currently in the squad, Matthews encouraged her peers to enjoy the moment as she recalled when she won her first World Cup title eight years ago at 18 years old.
“I think for me it was mostly just about staying calm but having fun, especially as a West Indian. I think we're always at our best when we're out there on the field, enjoying ourselves and being really vibrant in the field, and I'm just encouraging every one of the youngsters to go out there and enjoy themselves. Yeah, it's the World Cup semi-final and it's a huge game, but we're still playing the same game that we learned in the backyards of our homes and out on the streets in the Caribbean. So just enjoy it,” Matthews shared.
Despite facing tough competition, the West Indies have fought their way into the final four with a combination of gritty performances and standout individual displays, including the stellar all-round efforts of Matthews herself, along with Taylor, Qiana Joseph and Deandra Dottin, in particular.
“I think we all had the belief that we could still get the job done and the character shown within the team for us to be able to come back out there and fight. It's just about having a really good game and every single one of the players went out there and we're able to execute as we pull together as a team really well,” Matthews noted.
That said, the talented Barbadian all-rounder expressed optimism about the prospects that could come from her team winning another global T20 title.
“I really hope it helps our domestic setup. We've obviously seen the WCPL come about, which I think has made a massive difference for our girls, getting to play against some of the best cricketers in the world and playing a high-quality tournament like that.
“But for me, it's got to start right up from our individual territories, putting things in place for the girls to have proper facilities to train at and a proper structure to the point where the girls don't have to be in camp in order to get proper training. So I'd love to see if we can go out there, do really well, and hopefully we can see something like that happening for us,” Matthews explained.
But before they can get there, they will have to get by a dangerous New Zealand team.
Troy Lesesne believes D.C. United's confidence is as high as it has been all season ahead of their crucial Decision-Day meeting with Charlotte FC.
D.C. need a point to clinch a playoff place for the first time since 2019, which would end their joint-longest playoff drought (also four years between 2008 and 2011).
They are in contention with CF Montreal and the Philadelphia Union, with two wild-card spots still to be decided on the final matchday in the Eastern Conference, after recording back-to-back victories over Nashville SC (4-3) and the New England Revolution (2-1).
"When challenges come – and we've had many this year – it's easy for us to use those as excuses and pack it up," Lesesne told reporters.
"But our group has never done that, just look at all the things we've gone through this year, the mental endurance that these guys have displayed to be in this position...
"You learn so much about yourself and your players and I'm really proud of the group.
"You expected all along that it would go right down to the last game, but the confidence of this team right now seems to be at the highest it has been all year."
Charlotte, on the other hand, have already confirmed their postseason spot, though a victory could see them move from sixth to fifth and improve their playoff seeding.
"I know this game is more for seeding than anything else, but the main thing for us is to keep this going," forward Patrick Agyemang said.
"The main thing is to just continue on the road we're on, which is positive results. We want the season to end with a bang to put us in a good position for the playoffs."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
D.C. United – Christian Benteke
Benteke has scored 23 goals this season, equalling Raul Diaz Arce (1996) for the most in a single season in D.C.'s MLS history.
His nine headed goals, meanwhile, are tied for the second-most in a single year by any player since Opta began detailed data collection of MLS in 2010, behind Josef Martinez's 10 in 2018. Can he draw level with the Venezuelan?
Charlotte FC – Patrick Agyemang
Agyemang's goal for Charlotte last Saturday, in a 2-0 win over Montreal, was his 15th goal contribution of the season (nine goals, six assists).
He is one goal contribution shy of the single-season club record of 16, achieved by Karol Swiderski in each of the team's first two MLS campaigns.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
The home side has not lost any of the five previous meetings between D.C. and Charlotte, with D.C. recording a pair of 3-0 wins in their two home matches against the Crown.
Charlotte, though, have lost only four of their last 11 regular-season away matches dating back to the beginning of May (four wins, three draws).
D.C. United only need a point to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2019, ending a four-year postseason drought, and with home advantage on their side, they should get it.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
D.C. United – 37.1%
Charlotte FC – 36.6%
Draw – 26.3%
Lionel Messi has not given any thought to his retirement, though the Argentina legend has again refused to commit to playing at the 2026 World Cup.
One day before he celebrated the 20th anniversary of his senior debut for Barcelona, Messi recorded five goal involvements (three goals, two assists) in Argentina's 6-0 rout of Bolivia on Tuesday.
Messi has enjoyed a fantastic season for MLS Supporters' Shield winners Inter Miami, too, scoring 17 league goals and adding 10 assists despite only starting 15 matches.
While the forward has shown no signs of slowing down since joining the Herons last year, his decision to turn his back on Europe led many to suggest the end of his career was near.
He has yet to make any decision on his long-term future, however, and is simply focused on enjoying his football in the moment.
Speaking at the Marca America Award night in Miami, Messi said: "Coming to Inter Miami does not mean I will retire anytime soon, I still have more years to play.
"In the moment, we will see. I don't like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy.
"When I get to do what I love, I am happy. I value that more than reaching 2026. I haven't set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well.
"I am still hungry for titles even though I am a bit older and my family keeps growing. When I feel their support, I am unstoppable."
Messi could lead Miami to a historic achievement this weekend as they end their 2024 regular-season campaign at home to the New England Revolution.
A victory would take Gerardo Martino's team to 74 points, surpassing the single-season record of 73 set by New England in 2021.
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