Romaine Beckford, the NCAA National Division One high jump champion, is nervously awaiting the announcement of Jamaica's team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, set to be revealed on Monday. Despite finishing fourth at the national championships last week, Beckford remains the highest-ranked Jamaican high jumper this season, courtesy of his impressive 2.27m clearance at last month's NCAA Division One Championsips.
With the Olympic standard for the high jump being 2.33m and the quota set at 32 for the event, Beckford’s 2.27m has him ranked 32nd in the world.
Beckford's season has been noteworthy, marked by a standout performance in June when he cleared 2.27m to win the NCAA National Division 1 title. In May, he also won the SEC title for the University of Arkansas with a 2.22m jump. However, at the Jamaican national championships, things did not go as planned. He finished behind newly crowned champion Lushane Wilson (2.25m), Christoff Bryan (2.25m), and Raymond Richard (2.20m), managing only to clear 2.20m.
Reflecting on his performance, Beckford said, "Everything felt good until the 2.25m bar. I prayed before the competition. I cannot complain. I pretty much had, I wouldn’t say a perfect season but a great season before coming to this meet. I can't doubt myself, I can't beat myself up. I wanted to defend my title or jump better than what I did. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen, but I can't stay on this. I have to move forward and, hopefully, Jamaica will take me to the Olympics."
With Jamaica expected to name more than 60 athletes for the Paris Olympics, Beckford is keeping his fingers crossed. Despite his national championship setback, his season-best 2.27m places him right on the bubble in the World Athletics global rankings, making him a candidate for Olympic selection.
Beckford attributes some of his recent struggles to technical issues in his approach. "The approach is the main thing that we need to work on, and that was one of the factors that was giving me problems at 2.25m because the bounce and strength and everything was there; it’s just a little technical issue," he explained.
However, Beckford remains optimistic even if he is more than a bit nervous. "But it's nothing to worry about, Jermaine Beckford will always find a way, and it’s just for me to go back to the drawing board, remain focused and stay calm," he said confidently.
Last Sunday at the Jamaica National Championships, Stacey-Ann Williams secured her spot as the runner-up in the 400m, earning her place on the Jamaican Olympic team for the first time as an individual competitor. After missing out for three consecutive years, Williams expressed immense joy and relief at finally achieving this milestone.
Reflecting on her journey, Williams shared, "This is my first individual Olympic team. I’ve been in fourth position for like three years. Last year I had an injury, so I’m happy and excited." Her perseverance and dedication have paid off, and she is now set to represent Jamaica on the grand stage of the Paris Olympics.
Williams clocked a season-best time of 50.56 seconds at the championships, inching closer to breaking the coveted 50-second barrier. She remains optimistic about her chances, stating, "I feel like it’s 100 percent possible. The aim was to make top three and, honestly, once it was top three that’s all that matters, for now." With her sights set on further improvement, Williams is determined to get even faster in time for Paris.
In addition to her individual ambitions, Williams is excited about Jamaica’s prospects in the 4x400m relay. She believes that the team, comprising herself, national champion Nickisha Pryce (50.01), and third-place finisher Junelle Bromfield (51.24), has a bright future ahead. "The future is very bright for the quarter-milers, finally. I am excited to be on the 4x400m with these ladies. It’s just exciting overall," she shared enthusiastically.
When asked about the possibility of winning medals in both her individual event and the relay, Williams responded, "I am, but I feel like for the 4x400m, we don’t know what colour yet. I think we will have to wait until Paris to know what colour it is." Her confidence in the relay team's potential is palpable, and she remains hopeful that they will be among the medals in Paris this summer.
In a thrilling encounter at John Cain Arena, the West Coast Fever edged out the Melbourne Vixens with a 68-67 victory, setting up a three-way tie atop the Suncorp Super Netball. This dramatic win, spearheaded by Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, has the Fever, Adelaide Thunderbirds, and Melbourne Vixens all tied in the standings heading into the final week of the regular season.
Fowler-Nembhard, the highest-rated player on the court, was exceptional, scoring 60 of her 61 attempts and keeping her cool in the dying moments to secure the victory. "My team came out here with one goal in mind and that was to fight really hard. Super proud of how we played in defence through to attack,” she said. “We want a top-two finish because we’ve been fighting so hard throughout the season. It would mean a lot for us. That’s what we’re gunning for.”
The Fever were impressive in their efficiency, making 74 shots from 76 feeds. Alice Teague-Neeld was outstanding with 25 goal assists and 29 feeds, combining strongly with centre Jess Anstiss, whose defensive efforts were crucial. Wing defence Sunday Aryang also stood out with a match-high three intercepts, matching the total intercepts of the entire Vixens side.
Despite several late super shot attempts by the Vixens, the Fever's solid defence, particularly from Fran Williams and Kadie-Ann Dehaney, proved too much. The Vixens' shooting pair, Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin, struggled under the pressure, committing five turnovers each, leading to a second straight defeat for the Vixens against top contenders.
Meanwhile, the Adelaide Thunderbirds secured a decisive 60-48 victory over the NSW Swifts in Sydney, propelling them to the top of the Super Netball ladder. The Swifts, who have now lost seven consecutive matches, put up a strong fight but could not overcome the Thunderbirds' relentless defence.
Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, named MVP, was a defensive powerhouse, blocking multiple attempts and restricting the Swifts to just 62 per cent shooting accuracy early on. Despite some strong individual performances, including Romelda Aiken-George’s 43/46 scoring, the Swifts could not match the Thunderbirds' intensity.
Looking ahead, the final round of the regular season promises high stakes as teams jostle for the top two spots, which guarantees a crucial finals double chance. The Vixens will face the Queensland Firebirds in Brisbane, while the Fever will host the Melbourne Mavericks. All eyes will then turn to the Adelaide Thunderbirds, who will take on the Sunshine Coast Lightning at home, to determine the final ladder positions.
FC Cincinnati made a statement of intent as they hammered Inter Miami 6-1 to take the lead in MLS' Eastern Conference.
Cincinnati, the reigning Supporters' Shield champions, ended Miami's fine run of form in sensational style on Saturday.
Five different scorers netted for the home side, who are now a point clear of Miami in the standings, with Yuya Kubo helping himself to a double.
Serhii Kryvtsov got the Herons' only goal of the match, cancelling out Kubo's opener.
However, quickfire efforts from Luciano Acosta, Pavel Bucha and Yamil Asad put Cincinnati in complete control by the interval.
And an emphatic victory was wrapped up when Kubo added his second before youngster Gerardo Valenzuela got in on the act with his first senior goal.
A dismal night for Miami was capped off when Sergio Busquets saw red after picking up two quick yellows for dissent, and Gerardo Martino's team – who are still without star players Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez – will have to swiftly bounce back.
Data Debrief: Double-double
Kubo took centre stage with his brace, but Acosta, last season's MVP, was again integral for Cincinnati.
Acosta has now provided 15 assists in MLS this season (more than any other player) after he teed up Bucha's goal from a corner, while he has also scored 10 times himself.
He had 101 touches and played six key passes in this game, as Cincinnati proved they are still the team to beat in the East.
Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago both secured victories in round two of the 2024 CWI Women’s Rising Stars Under-19 T20 Tournament in Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday.
At the Diego Martin Sporting Complex, leaders Guyana secured a dominant 81-run win over Jamaica.
Guyana made 133-7 from their 20 overs after winning the toss. Naomi Barkoye led the way with 46 off 34 balls while captain Realeanna Grimmond made 31 off 30 balls in support.
Abigail Bryce took 3-22 from four overs for Jamaica.
Danielle Manns then starred with 4-15 from her four overs to help bundle out the Jamaicans for a paltry 52 in just 15.2 overs.
Nyia Latchman took 2-8 from 3.2 overs while Trisha Hardat took 2-11 from two overs.
At the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St. Augustine, hosts Trinidad & Tobago defeated the Leeward Islands by four wickets.
The Leewards, after winning the toss, were restricted to just 82-8 from their 20 overs.
Captain Jahzara Claxton made a patient 42* off 64 balls to lead the Leewards effort against 2-15 off four overs from Kenika Cassar.
T&T then made a meal of the chase, needing 19.4 overs to reach 83-6. Captain Samara Ramnath led the way with 35 against 2-19 from four overs from Kimberley Anthony.
The match between Barbados and the Windward Islands at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy ended in a no result.
Frank Klopas has no intentions of ever giving up on Chicago Fire's MLS playoff hopes ahead of their road trip to struggling San Jose Earthquakes.
The Fire fought back from two goals down to snatch a 4-3 thriller against Philadelphia Union last time out, climbing up to 13th in the Eastern Conference.
That win was the second time the Fire triumphed despite trailing by two goals in the last 10 minutes this season (also against CF Montreal in March), as they became the first team to achieve this multiple times in MLS history.
Chicago head coach Klopas lauded his side's battling but urged the Fire to improve and group together when they head to PayPal Park.
"It's great when it goes your way, but I'm not sure if we can keep doing this," Klopas said. "We had some really good chances to put the game away but we didn't do that.
"Everything is one game at a time, at some points it looked bleak. Never give up on this team, the character is strong and I believe in this group.
"It's all about the team, we have to reach our goals as a group, not as individuals."
San Jose are bottom of the Western Conference and unlikely to escape that position if their season is anything to go by.
The Earthquakes were defeated 2-0 by fellow strugglers St. Louis City in their last outing and are the second team in the post-shootout era (since 2000) with 16 losses in their first 21 matches of a season (Tampa Bay Mutiny in 2001).
PLAYERS TO WATCH
San Jose Earthquakes – Amahl Pellegrino
San Jose have had little to celebrate throughout a challenging season, and their hopes may rely on Amahi Pellegrino once again.
The Earthquakes man leads the club scoring charts this season, albeit with only five goals in MLS in 2024.
Chicago Fire – Maren Haile-Selassie
Maren Haile-Selassie has scored in four straight regular-season matches, the second Fire player to do so this year (Hugo Cuypers).
The only players with a longer streak in club history are Robert Beric (five straight in 2020) and David Accam (also five straight in 2017).
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
The Earthquakes may be on torrid form in MLS this year but their strong head-to-head record in this fixture suggests the draw as the most likely result.
San Jose have won three straight matches against the Fire, equalling the longest winning streak by either team in the history of the series (all competitions).
Chicago's last win over the Earthquakes was a 2-1 home victory in June 2018, though the Fire may be quietly confident due to San Jose's struggles.
The Earthquakes have lost six consecutive matches for the fourth time in club history and the third since the start of the 2018 season.
San Jose have never lost seven league games in a row, however.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
San Jose Earthquakes win – 36.3%
Draw – 26.2%
Chicago Fire win – 37.6%
Cricket West Indies (CWI) honoured two of its longstanding board directors for their exemplary service at a prestigious reception held in Barbados recently.
The ceremony celebrated the remarkable contributions of CWI Directors, Enoch Lewis, President of Leeward Island Cricket Board, and Conde Riley, President of Barbados Cricket Association.
Lewis has dedicated over 18 years to CWI, while Riley has committed more than 15 years to the organization. Both men have played pivotal roles in the development and success of West Indies cricket. The awards were presented by CWI president Dr. Kishore Shallow and vice president Azim Bassarath.
Shallow was full of praise for the awardees.
"Mr. Lewis and Mr. Riley have shown unwavering dedication and leadership within Cricket West Indies. Their contributions have been instrumental across regional cricket from junior to senior levels, and we are honored to recognize their service,” Shallow said.
“The task of service in public life is not an easy one; it requires immense commitment, sacrifices, integrity, and a passion for making a difference. Directors Lewis and Riley have embodied these qualities throughout their tenure,” he added.
The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne, and Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Greg Barclay, Chairman of the International Cricket Council, was also in attendance.
Reggae Girl and Real Betis striker Tiffany Cameron is known for facing daunting challenges on the football field. However, it is off the field that the Canada-born player recently faced a challenge of a different kind – a cyberattack that compromised her Instagram account.
Now, Cameron is turning her ordeal into a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of cyberattacks and the importance of online security.
Cameron, discovered her Instagram account had been hacked when she began receiving messages from friends and followers about suspicious activity, as the culprits posted fraudulent content in an attempt to scam her followers.
As such, she quickly took steps to regain control of her account, but the experience left her shaken and determined to prevent others from falling victim to similar attacks.
Cameron in action with Liga F outfit Real Betis.
“My Instagram is not just a social media account; it's a platform where I connect with fans, share my journey, and inspire others. To see it used for malicious purposes was devastating,” Cameron said.
“This experience has been inconvenient because Instagram and Meta haven’t done anything yet to investigate. Some of my followers who know me well, realized my Instagram page got hacked, so they have been reporting it. However, a lot of my followers are fans who don’t have a personal relationship with me so they could easily get fooled if they see that a public figure like me ‘messaging them,’ and posting about trading and making money,” she told SportsMax.TV.
As the hackers used Cameron’s account to send direct messages to her followers, promising monetary rewards, while also requesting personal information or financial contributions, the experience is a stark reminder of the vulnerability that comes with a digital presence.
With the increasing reliance on social media for personal and professional engagement, Cameron believes securing these platforms has never been more crucial, as cyberattacks can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and a breach of personal privacy.
“I want to create awareness and protect all of my followers on my previous page from potentially getting scammed. I was told that the hacker was posting on my Instagram profile and story about trading and the money they gained from it, direct messaging my followers to try and persuade them to join their trade, asking my followers for their WhatsApp numbers, and using my likeness for their personal gain,” Cameron shared.
Cameron in action at last year's FIFA Women's World Cup against Brazil.
She continued: “Stealing a person’s identity and also using it for financial gain is a crime. It’s not something anyone should take lightly. I am a public figure and I have accomplished a lot of things to be proud of throughout my career. I don’t want people to be misled by those hackers thinking that they are talking to me.
“That page I worked so hard to build up was hacked on June 17th, 2024 so if anyone has messaged that account since then, they could have potentially been scammed. If anyone has given out any financial information or personal contact information, they need to change their passwords and also go to the police to report what happened.”
To help raise awareness, Cameron posted a video on her new Instagram account, where she explained the situation and discussed topics such as creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts.
Cameron’s message is clear that vigilance, education, and community support are essential in combating cyber threats, as she not only wants to protect her followers, but also contribute to a safer online environment for all.
“I believe in strength in numbers. If more people are aware of this cyberattack, the more people can report the page and eventually it will get shut down. It’s unfortunate because all of my memories are on that page, but the beautiful thing is that everyone knows what I’ve been able to accomplish so starting fresh on my new page could also be a good thing,” Cameron noted.
“Education is also key, so I’ve uploaded a video on my new page @tiffanydcameron_ informing the public what happened. It’s important that they report, block and unfollow my former page tiffany_cameron11. The person who hacked me needs to be stopped. What they are doing is illegal, unacceptable and a scam,” she ended.
Chris Armas is aiming to continue Colorado Rapids’ impressive home form ahead of their fixture with St. Louis City this weekend.
The Rapids returned to winning ways following their defeat away to LAFC, as Djordje Mihailovic’s 94th minute penalty ensured Colorado maintained their three-game winning run on home soil.
Armas’ side sit fourth in the Western Conference table, three points ahead of Vancouver Whitecaps but looking to chase down the top three in the division.
The Rapids head coach is keen to make Dick’s Sporting Goods Park a fortress this season, praising the fans for their contribution to their recent home results.
“When I was a player, I played in Colorado against the Rapids and I didn’t like it,” Armas said.
“The fans are tough and I love that I got to team up with them now and put out an attacking team for them who goes after it and make them proud.
“We do try to have a mentality, and we have it home and away. At home, with our fans, with altitude and the energy of the building, our pitch, the comfort of our own home.
“You can see that teams will come here and try to slow the game down a bit. It can be frustrating at moments but what I love most, is the energy of the crowd.”
For St. Louis, Interim head coach John Hackworth marked his first game in charge with a much-needed victory over San Jose Earthquakes last time out.
It’s Hackworth’s second spell in interim charge following the sacking of Bradley Carnell after a run of nine MLS games without a win.
Their triumph sees them remain in 12th place in the Western Conference, a point behind FC Dallas.
Hackworth acknowledged the importance of the victory last time out, but insisted the win was just a step in the right direction and nothing more.
“It’s been a tough week, there is no doubt about that,” Hackworth said.
“The players, the staff, the club, when you make a change to the head coach it’s never easy.
“So, in a short amount of time I think you saw the resilience of this group. A group that has been successful in the past. It hasn’t happened for us this year, but I am really proud of them in this moment to come together in a tough moment.
“For us, while it’s very satisfying, it is not a game that we are going to go crazy about and celebrate and say we have turned out season around because we haven’t.
“It’s just the first step of trying to get us back in the right direction.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic
Djordje Mihailovic has been in fine form for the Rapids, with his stoppage time penalty against Sporting Kansas City the 10th goal the American has scored this season – his best tally in a single season.
Mihailovic has 18 goal contributions this season (10 goals, eight assists), only managing to record more in 2021 during his time with CF Montreal (20).
St. Louis City – Indiana Vassilev
Indiana Vassilev assisted both of St. Louis City SC’s goals on Wednesday against San Jose, becoming the first player to record multiple assists in a match for the team this season.
Vassilev’s nine MLS assists for St. Louis City have set up goals for seven different players.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLORADO RAPIDS WIN
Having won three home matches for the first time since September – October 2022, Colorado are heavily backed by Opta’s data-led simulations to continue their winning run on home turf.
The Rapids last had a longer winning streak at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park during a six-match run from August 2019 to March 2020.
But based on previous results, it looks set to be a tightly contested affair. Each team has recorded a win in their last three meetings, with a fast start expected. Three of the five goals scored in the last two meetings were netted in the game’s opening 11 minutes.
However, St. Louis will be buoyed following their recent victory over San Jose on Wednesday. City are still looking for their first away win of the season in all competitions (D5 L5), but will be hopeful of bursting the Rapids’ bubble.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Colorado Rapids – 49.4%
Draw – 25.5%
St. Louis City – 25.1%
Nashville SC interim head coach Rumba Munthali believes his team are close to reaching their best level if they can improve the small margins against Portland Timbers.
The Coyotes have lost their last two matches against Inter Miami and Columbus Crew on the back of a three-match unbeaten streak in MLS.
They sit seventh in the Eastern Conference, but Munthali is keen to get back to winning ways quickly to hold off the teams below them in the table.
"It was a tough-to-swallow loss against a good team [Columbus] but I thought we showed some good positive steps," Munthali said.
"I don't think we're far off, it's just small little details. There are things we still have time to get better at and make sure we finish as close as possible.
"I think we need to keep working on our finishing in practice. We are scoring goals, just not all the time, and we're only off by small margins. Nothing to dwell on, just things to work on and get more efficient at."
Nashville announced earlier this week they have hired B.J. Callahan to become their new head coach, and will officially join them on July 22.
Meanwhile, Portland are sixth in the Western Conference, after their seven-match unbeaten streak was snapped in a 3-2 defeat to FC Dallas on Thursday.
Head coach Phil Neville was left frustrated by some of the refereeing decisions in that match and is hoping they can quickly put that result behind them.
"We've got to lick our wounds and move on to Sunday," Neville said. "Sunday's becoming a difficult game, an even bigger one at home.
"We've been on a great run, but the last game was disappointing, and we'll have to begin a new one on Sunday. We move on and we keep going."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Portland Timbers – Antony
Antony scored one and assisted one in Portland's last game, but it was not enough as the team fell to a 3-2 loss against Dallas.
It marked the eighth time this season they have failed to win a match in which they have scored multiple goals, something only Philadelphia Union (10 times) have done more often this season.
Nashville SC – Hany Mukhtar
Nashville SC attempted eight shots in their defeat at Columbus Crew on Wednesday, the 10th time this season they have taken fewer than 10 shots in a match.
Hany Mukhtar was their biggest threat once more, as he had three of those, the most of anyone on the team, though he only managed one on target.
MATCH PREDICTION: PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN
The Timbers have never lost to Nashville, recording a win in the first-ever meeting between the sides before the last two matches ended in draws.
Portland are unbeaten in their last five home games (won four, drawn one), scoring at least two goals in all five matches. The Timbers have not scored multiple goals in six straight games at Providence Park in all competitions since doing so to end the 2017 regular season.
Meanwhile, Nashville have won only three of their last 19 regular-season road games (drawn seven, lost nine) dating back to last June. Nashville have to score in 11 of those 19 matches, including their 2-0 loss at Columbus on Wednesday.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Portland Timbers – 44.8%
Draw – 26.9%
Nashville SC – 28.3%
Jamaican Shimona Jok was again on song for Melbourne Mavericks, as they edged GIANTS 55-54 in a nail-biting Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League affair in Sydney on Saturday.
Not only did the win propel Mavericks into the top four, but it also marked an historic feat as it was their first time securing back-to-back victories in the First Nations Round opener.
Jok, with 34 goals from 35 attempts, and Eleanor Cardwell, with 21 goals from 24 attempts, got the job done for the Mavericks, while Jo Harten (14 goals from 18 attempts), Sophie Dwyer (24 goals from 28 attempts) and Matisse Letherbarrow (16 goals from 16 attempts) fought gallantly for GIANTS, the team of another Jamaican Jodi-Ann Ward.
The Mavericks, who pulled off a thrilling 72-71 last-minute win over the Sunshine Coast Lightning in Hobart last week, somewhat repeated the feat on this occasion as it was a crucial intercept from Player of the Match Kim Jenner that paved the way for Cardwell to score the winning goal in the final minute.
Earlier, the GIANTS got off to a brisk start, scoring three unanswered goals, before the Mavericks responded. In fact, it was end-to-end action for much of the first quarter before a pair of late goals pushed the Mavericks ahead 14-12.
It was another action-packed second quarter, as the GIANTS lifted their intensity and again scored the first three goals. Jodi-Ann Ward made a crucial intercept, which was converted, but a misplaced pass allowed the Mavericks to regain possession.
Melbourne Mavericks and GIANTS players tussle for possession.
Despite being dominant in possession, the Mavericks conversion rate was low. They struggled to advance the ball down the court efficiently, often taking wide drives and long passes, instead of tightening up their play and improve their second-phase transitions.
That, along with the fact that both teams also demonstrated strong defensive efforts, saw the score locked at 25-25 at the half-time interval.
The Mavericks tried to explode at the top of the third quarter, but the GIANTS applied pressure to keep their opponents in check. However, the game finally opened up for the Mavericks with five minutes remaining at the backend of the quarter, as they opened up a five-goal lead at 44-39 heading into the final quarter.
The GIANTS needed to make an early impact to close the deficit, and they did just that with two unanswered goals.
Ward, who had been dominant throughout, grabbed a defensive rebound and sent the ball down the court. However, the GIANTS struggled with composure, allowing the Mavericks to regain possession.
With the scores locked at 51-51 heading into the Power Five, a missed shot by Cardwell saw Ward again recover the rebound, but the GIANTS again failed to capitalise as the Mavericks won back possession.
Letherbarrow then delivered a crucial Super Shot, putting the GIANTS ahead with 90 seconds left, but Cardwell responded with a Super Shot of her own, leveling the score once more.
With the GIANTS looking to score the winning goal, Jenner made a critical intercept, and the Mavericks scored the winning goal to keep their final hopes alive.
Steve Cherundolo detailed that his “healthy group” of LAFC players have been key to their recent success ahead of their encounter with Houston Dynamo on Sunday.
The LAFC head coach oversaw yet another win last time out, beating LA Galaxy in their rivalry encounter thanks to goals from Denis Bouanga and Kei Kamara.
Heading into the contest at the Shell Energy Stadium, LAFC sit at the top of the Western Conference table, three points ahead of Real Salt Lake.
Cherundolo’s side are now unbeaten in their last 10 MLS fixtures, and the 45-year-old was able to detail the secret formula behind his team’s impressive run.
“I think it’s down to the basics,” Cherundolo said. “It’s always reminding the group what they do well and what we need to do in order to win games.
“These are things we talk about and work on daily, but at the same time you have to create an atmosphere and a culture that is comfortable for the players and put them in a position to succeed week in, week out.
“Not to push too hard, but not too little, and you have to find that sweet spot with the group.
“Judging by what I see in the locker room before the game, at half-time and after the game, this is a very healthy group, mentally, and they take care of each other. It’s a tough group to beat.”
Meanwhile, Houston were compounded to their first defeat in six matches at the hands of Salt Lake, despite taking an eighth minute lead through Ibrahim Aliyu.
Ben Olsen’s side sit in seventh place heading into the encounter, level on points with Portland Timbers and just a point behind Vancouver Whitecaps.
The loss proved to be a disappointing one from the Houston head coach’s point of view, but he was able to take the positives from the game, having seen his side score 13 goals in their last six league fixtures.
“I don’t think we learned anything that I already know about our team,” Olsen said.
“I was disappointed with our mentality and the start with the attention to detail, the urgency.
“But we scored two goals. We should have had three or four, but it came down to some moments.
“The goal-scoring, we can still put up numbers and I guess that is a positive. But the negative is the goals themselves that we conceded as a team.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Houston Dynamo – Ibrahim Aliyu
Should the Dynamo put an end to their winless run, Ibrahim Aliyu will be key for Olsen’s side on home turf.
Aliyu netted back-to-back goals for the second time this season, taking his tally to six for the campaign, and is the joint-top scorer alongside Latif Blessing for Houston.
LAFC – Denis Bouanga
Denis Bouanga’s recent hotstreak in front of goal has contributed to LAFC’s success in the league, and the Gabon international will be keen to add to his 14 MLS goals this weekend.
Bouanga has formed a great understanding alongside Mateusz Bogusz with the pair both notching goal contributions in their win over LA Galaxy. Their goal and assist were a league-leading 10th time they have both contributed to a goal in the same match this season.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
While LAFC slightly edged Opta’s data-led simulations, Houston boast an impressive record against their opponents when welcoming them to the Shell Energy Stadium.
The Dynamo have lost only one of their six home matches against Los Angeles FC (W2 D3), winning each of the last two on home soil after failing to win any of the first four in all competitions.
However, Olsen’s side have just one victory to their name in their last 14 league matches, (D5 L5) dating back to mid-April after winning four of their previous five games (L1).
The Black and Gold are the in-form team in the Western Conference and will be keen to extend their lead at the summit of the table. LAFC became the first team since Sporting Kansas City in 2011-12 season to win 11 times in a span of 12 matches in all competitions.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Houston Dynamo – 34.9%
Draw- 25.9%
LAFC – 39.2%
Coralisle Group (CG) Limited has once again partnered with Cricket West Indies (CWI) in a big way, as both move to enhance cricket coaching for Bermuda’s youth and local coaches.
This initiative, being undertaken in tandem with the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB), and Bermuda Government’s Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, is not only aimed at fostering talent and passion for the sport, but also leverages CG’s longstanding relationship with CWI to bring advanced coaching and support to Bermuda.
Through this collaboration, Bermuda’s young cricketers will benefit from expert coaching and guidance, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to excel. The initiative will culminate on July 25, at the Annual Summer Day Camp Mini Cup Classic, where youth cricket campers will showcase their talents on a level playing field in an event sponsored this year by CG.
Two distinguished CWI coaches, Ryan Austin and Britney Cooper, will lead the coaching sessions.
Austin, an Assistant Coach and Specialist Spin Bowling Coach, has a wealth of experience, having completed the CWI Level Three Coaching qualification in 2023. He currently serves as an Assistant Coach for the senior West Indies women's team and previously worked with the West Indies male and female Under-19 and Academy Programmes.
Meanwhile, Cooper represented West Indies women’s team in 125 matches across a 12-year career and was a key player in their 2016 T20 World Cup-triumph. Over the past year, she has contributed to the CWI HP pathway, assisting the female Under-19 and Academy/Emerging Player programmes.
Naz Farrow, CEO of CG, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative.
“Our goal has always been to leverage our relationship with Cricket West Indies to support and develop cricket in Bermuda, our home country. We aim to instil a deep love and excitement for our national game among the youth, fostering a lifelong passion for cricket,” Farrow said.
“The support given to this year’s Government Summer Day Campers and the CG-sponsored Mini Cup match is a significant step towards achieving this goal. Additionally, the opportunity for Bermuda Cricket Board's coaches and players to interact with CWI coaches is a fantastic bonus, and we look forward to the positive impact of this initiative,” she added.
Bermuda Cricket Board’s Calvin Blankendal also expressed excitement.
“We are grateful to CG for facilitating the arrival of these advanced coaches to Bermuda. Their expertise will be invaluable to our local players and coaches, creating a lasting legacy that will benefit Bermuda cricket for years to come,” he noted.
For Senator Owen K. Darrell JP, Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the initiative will go a far way in leaving a lasting impact.
“We are thrilled that CG has taken the initiative to foster a love for cricket among our youth. The collaboration with the Bermuda Cricket Board and the expert coaching from CWI will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our local campers and coaches. We look forward to seeing the enthusiasm and skills that this programme will inspire,” Darrell said.
Finally, CG reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and developing Bermuda’s cricketing talent through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in promoting cricket among Bermuda’s youth, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed on and off the field.
Minnesota United head coach Eric Ramsay believes they will bounce back from their recent disappointing run against LA Galaxy on Sunday.
The Loons have not won any of their last six matches in MLS, losing each of the last five on the bounce, and dropped to eighth in the Western Conference.
Minnesota have been without players due to injury and international duty, but with some of those starting to return, Ramsay is hopeful it will be the spark they need to snap their losing streak.
"In the grand scheme of this difficult run that we're on and the circumstances that surround it, there were elements of the last performance where we looked back at our best," Ramsay said.
"I think it's as simple as welcoming players back from injuries and internationals to get us back to the feeling before all of this took place.
"That's a very realistic take on the situation, though we will look back at this period with some real regret and disappointment that we haven't picked up the points we could and should've done."
Meanwhile, the Galaxy's four-game winning streak was ended by Los Angeles FC in Thursday’s El Trafico derby.
Now three points off top spot, having slipped to third, head coach Greg Vanney was left to bemoan LA's failure to create chances at the Rose Bowl.
"I'm not interested in being a possession team for the sake of passing the ball around," Vanney said.
"We need to use possession to put the opposition on their heels to score goals, to bury them and make them feel like we're relentlessly coming at them, not so they can set up and be comfortable and turn us over and go the other way."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LA Galaxy – Gabriel Pec
Gabriel Pec scored against Los Angeles FC and has now been involved in a goal in five straight appearances, tied for the second-longest active streak in MLS.
The Brazilian is the second Galaxy player this season to record a streak of five games with a goal contribution, after Dejan Joveljic in February-March.
Minnesota United – Bongokuhle Hlongwane
Bongokuhle Hlongwane has recorded a goal and an assist in two consecutive away matches, one of two players (Lionel Messi) to do so in consecutive road games this season.
Only two players in MLS history have a goal and an assist in three straight road games – Junior Agogo in 2000 and Ante Razov in 1999.
MATCH PREDICTION: LA GALAXY WIN
The Galaxy won six of their first eight matches against Minnesota United (drawing two) from the Loons' MLS entry in 2017 through August 2021. Since then, LA have won just one of seven meetings with Minnesota (drawn three, lost three).
The Galaxy's 2-1 defeat to LAFC on Thursday was their fourth loss of the season, and the second against their derby rivals. They have not lost two straight matches since last October, with the second of those defeats coming against Minnesota.
However, Minnesota have lost five straight regular-season matches for the first time in club history. The Loons had suffered only three defeats in 16 league matches this season prior to this run (won eight, drew five).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
LA Galaxy – 49.9%
Draw – 25.3%
Minnesota United – 24.8%
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