Jamaican netballer Abigale Sutherland is no stranger to the highs and lows of the sport she loves. But as she gears up for a return to international action with the Sunshine Girls in the upcoming four-match Vitality Horizon series against England, her passion and hunger for the game have never been stronger.
Sutherland, whose career has seen its fair share of triumphs and challenges, has been using the recent international break to her advantage. For the dynamic centre, the pause in the competitive schedule was anything but a rest. Instead, it’s been a period of growth and self-reflection—a time to hone her skills and recharge her energy.
With the prestigious series against now number-two England scheduled for November 16 and 17 in Manchester, and November 25 and 26 in Jamaica, Sutherland can barely contain her excitement for the challenge to come.
“I’m extremely excited and proud to have been selected for the senior Sunshine Girls team again. During the break, I’ve focused on my personal growth and training, and I truly feel like I’m possibly in the best shape of my career. I’m eager to bring that energy and improvement onto the court and push myself to the limit, particularly with the added excitement of playing on home soil,” Sutherland told SportsMax.Tv.
“It’s a privilege to play at home, and I’m ready to show what I’ve been working on and give my all for the team and our supporters. Every match is an opportunity to not just play, but to show the world how much I’ve grown because playing against England is always a tough test, but that’s the kind of challenge I thrive on,” she added.
Sutherland’s career has been defined by resilience, as there have been moments of brilliance, but also times when injuries or off-form performances have threatened to slow her momentum. However, each setback has only made her stronger, deepening her resolve to make the most of every opportunity that comes her way.
"Netball quickly became my passion when I attended St Patrick’s Primary and then I went to The Queens School, where I got the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the Under 16 level, eventually becoming the captain. Once I got a foot in the national program, I steadily transitioned upward. But you know in sports, you have your ups and downs, so the journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve faced many disappointments, including being left off teams at times, but looking back, it was all worth it," Sutherland admitted.
Sutherland's opportunities came in 2022 when she made her senior team debut in the Taini Jamison Cup, and then the Americas Qualifiers that same year. Since them, the now 23-year-old has become a staple centre-court player for the Sunshine Girls, and was even a part of the team that copped bronze at the previous Netball World Cup.
"I’ve learned from every experience. The key is to stay focused and hungry. Going through the highs and lows taught me to be patient with myself and really embrace the journey," Sutherland shared.
"I’ve learned that when you’re given an opportunity, it’s important to make the most of it. These experiences have shown me that I’m stronger than I sometimes give myself credit for, and that hard work truly does pay off in the end. Every setback and success has shaped me, both as a player and as a person," she noted.
That said, Sutherland, who is set to graduate the UWI with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in November, pointed out that the upcoming games are not just about playing another international series—it’s about seizing the moment.
As such, her focus now is on delivering consistently and being a key contributor to Jamaica’s continued rise in the sport.
"This series won’t be easy, but I’m confident we’ll come out on the winning end. We have a well-rounded team that includes legends who I am grateful and privileged to be playing alongside, and we have a strong balance of experience and depth across every position. Everyone has been putting in the work, and I believe that with the quality we have, we’re in a great position to top the series," Sutherland reasoned.
"Mentally, I’ve been encouraging and speaking to myself daily, setting goals, and pushing myself to meet them. I’ve been working hard in the gym and on the court, and playing in local leagues to stay sharp. The feedback from my coaches and teammates has also been really positive, which boosts my confidence and helps me stay focused," she explained.
Armed with fresh determination and a drive to succeed, the jovial player, is optimistic that a positive showing in the series will open the doors for a possible contract in one of the top leagues in Australia, New Zealand or England.
“My overall goal is to compete at the highest level of netball, both for my country and in a top league. I want to be part of a World Cup-winning team with Jamaica because I truly believe that will happen. But, beyond that, I want to enjoy my years as a professional athlete, making the most of every opportunity and achieving everything I possibly can," Sutherland ended.
Though the outcome at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup wasn’t what they wanted, West Indies head coach Shane Deitz praised his team’s commitment and resilience to push beyond circumstances and prove competitive throughout the tournament.
Deitz’s commendation came after his team fell just shy of contesting another final, as they lost their semi-final contest by eight runs short to New Zealand in Sharjah on Friday.
Despite being plagued with injuries throughout, as Stafanie Taylor fought through a recurring knee issue, all-rounder Deandra Dottin was restricted from bowling early due to concerns about a side strain, and Chinelle Henry took a hit to the face during the semi-final game, the Caribbean side showed grit and determination, much to their coach’s delight.
“It’s been a pretty emotional few days for us. After a huge win over England, emotions were high, and we had to regroup quickly. I think the girls managed that well. They are incredibly passionate about playing for the West Indies and give everything, both body and soul, every time they step onto the field. It’s hard not to be emotional after seeing that commitment,” Deitz said.
He singled out Taylor for her commitment to brave her injury in the semifinal.
“The medical team did a fantastic job managing her condition. Every day, she was battling pain, but her determination was remarkable. Today, she looked better than she had for weeks. It was a mind-over-matter for her, and even though she couldn’t get us over the line, she gave everything for the team. We all respect and thank her for that,” Deitz declared.
While they didn’t make the final, Deitz took heart from their overall showing as they topped Group B and knocked out England, one of the world’s most dominant teams, in the first round. This, after bouncing back from a crushing 10-wicket loss to South Africa in the tournament opener.
“Over the last 12 months, we’ve been working on a style of cricket that suits the West Indies. We’ve been developing a way to play with our flair and confidence, something that’s been a hallmark of West Indies cricket for a long time,” he said.
“We don’t want to rely on other teams making mistakes; we want to dominate on our terms. We’re still in the process of building, but we’ve made significant strides. By the time the next T20 World Cup comes around in 2026, we’ll be ready to take on the world again,” Deitz added.
Jamaican Jacqueline Williams is set to serve as the fourth umpire for what will be an historic ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final as South Africa and New Zealand hunt their first hold on the title.
In fact, neither South Africa nor New Zealand have won the Women's ODI World Cup either. However, South Africa will be playing in their second successive final after losing to Australia in the 2023 showpiece.
Williams, who has achieved some historic feats along the way in her officiating career, will work alongside Nimali Perera and Claire Polosak, who will umpire their first final. Anna Harris will act as the third umpire.
GS Lakshmi has been selected as the match referee for the final in Dubai.
Perera stood in the semi-final between Australia and South Africa earlier in the tournament, having also officiated last year’s semi-final between Australia and India.
Claire Polosak is a highly experienced umpire, with Sunday marking her 64th career women’s T20 international, and the 2024 final marks the first time she will oversee an ICC World Cup final.
Polosak was one of the on-field umpires during the 2023 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals in South Africa, as well as this year’s semi-final between West Indies and New Zealand in Sharjah.
The final will take place at Dubai International Stadium.
Officials: On-field: Nimali Perera & Claire Polosak; Third: Anna Harris; Fourth: Jacqueline Williams; Referee: GS Lakshmi
Phil Neville is treating the Portland Timbers' Decision-Day derby against the Seattle Sounders as the first test of the postseason, as they gear up for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Timbers have already secured a wild-card playoff place ahead of their final regular-season match, though they could yet leapfrog the Vancouver Whitecaps to finish eighth in the Western Conference.
After missing the playoffs in back-to-back campaigns, Portland are already focused on enjoying a deep run this term, with Neville seeing Saturday's match as a dress rehearsal.
"We're in the part of the season where you have to earn your money," Neville said. "You have to produce, you have to deliver.
"I'm excited and so are the players, so is everyone at the club. It starts on Saturday with a game against our biggest rivals, we're playing for the Cascadia Cup.
"We know that the highest we can get is eighth and we've got to rely on other results, but we're just going up there with the focus to get the three points and bring the cup home."
The Sounders, meanwhile, enter the final matchday flying high in the West, hoping to fend off Real Salt Lake to retain the third seed.
"The players are feeling good," said head coach Brian Schmetzer ahead of Saturday's game. "Everybody's playing well and everybody's training hard. The guys are ready.
"I think everybody's pitched in. I think it's probably one of the tighter knit groups I've had."
Goalkeeper Stefan Frei added: "There's a lot to play for.
"When you're playing a rival, there's also a trophy on the line as well, so we're excited to host them, and hopefully use it as a good exercise for what's to come."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Seattle Sounders – Albert Rusnak
Rusnak is the first player in the Sounders' MLS history to record 10 goals and 15 assists in a single regular season. Rusnak is one assist away from equalling Seattle's single-season record of 16, set by Nicolas Lodeiro in 2018.
Portland Timbers – Evander
Evander's 32 goal contributions this season equals Diego Valeri's 2017 campaign for the most in a single season in Portland history.
With 15 goals and 17 assists, Evander is one of six players in MLS history to record at least 15 goals and 15 assists in a season, including one of two (also Lionel Messi) this year.
MATCH PREDICTION – SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN
This will be the first ever meeting between the Sounders and Timbers on the final day of the MLS regular season.
Portland are unbeaten in eight straight visits to Seattle (five wins, three draws) in all competitions, the longest unbeaten run by any club at Seattle in the Sounders' MLS era (since 2009). However, they face a daunting task here.
The Sounders have won 11 of their last 14 regular-season matches (one draw, two losses) including the last three in a row. Seattle's 34 points over their last 14 games are the second-most they have collected over a 14-game span in a single season (36 in July-October 2018).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Seattle Sounders – 49.2%
Portland Timbers – 25.2%
Draw – 25.5%
Minnesota United boss Eric Ramsay feels his team are a match for anyone at Allianz Field, ahead of welcoming St. Louis City to the venue for Saturday's regular-season finale.
The Loons are guaranteed a place in the MLS Cup Playoffs, sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference standings.
Should they beat St. Louis, they will avoid a play-in fixture by preventing the eighth-placed Vancouver Whitecaps from leapfrogging them at the last opportunity.
Speaking ahead of the game, Ramsay said he had enjoyed the opportunity to work with some of his players for an extended period during the international break.
"We've wanted to make sure that we train properly and get some real intensity into the sessions, I feel like you can be lulled into a false sense of security in two weeks," he said.
"Everyone is absolutely raring to go on Saturday, I think we've achieved that. Hopefully the internationals come back with the bit between their teeth and ready to add to that energy.
"If I was an opposition coach analysing us, I'd be worried in the sense that we can score on the counterattack, we can score from organised play, we're a threat on set-pieces.
"We'll come good in that sense. If we're a good version of ourselves we're more than a match for anyone that comes here."
St. Louis are unable to make the postseason, sitting 12th in the West and nine points adrift of the playoff picture.
Asked what he wanted to get out of the game, interim head coach John Hackworth said: "Just a good performance. We have been in good form.
"One of the only teams in the league that has been in better form than us is Minnesota. Kudos to them, they've gone a fantastic job."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Minnesota United – Kelvin Yeboah
Yeboah has hit 17 shots on target for Minnesota this season, with only Bongokuhle Hlongwane (26) registering more despite Yeboah not appearing in his first match for the Loons until late August.
St. Louis City – Cedric Teuchert
Teuchert has recorded a team-high nine goal contributions (five goals, four assists) despite playing in just nine matches this season.
The fewest games played by a player who led a team in goal contributions for a season is 10 (Clint Mathis for the MetroStars in 2001 and Danny Koevermans for Toronto FC in 2011).
MATCH PREDICTION – MINNESOTA UNITED
The visiting side has won all three meetings between Minnesota and St. Louis, including a 3-1 win for the Loons on September 14. However, a home victory could be in the offing this time.
St. Louis have only won one of their last 20 away matches in all competitions (eight draws, 11 defeats), while Minnesota have won three of their last five on home soil.
The Loons enter the final match of the season with 49 points and are looking to cross the 50-point mark for the second time in club history (53 in 2019). A victory would be their 15th for the season, equalling their club record also set in 2019.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Minnesota United – 48.8%
St. Louis City – 25.5%
Draw – 25.7%
St Catherine High will enter the round of 16 of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Digicel Manning Cup on a high after they topped Zone G with a 1-0 win over many-time champions St George’s College at Winchester Park on Friday.
Romaine Walters got the solitary strike in the 28th minute to ensure his team ended the first round unbeaten on 22 points with 30 goals to their credit. Interestingly, it was Walters’ first goal of the season and a welcome one at this point of the campaign.
St George’s College, who were suffering their first loss of the season, ended second on 19 points and, as a result, will be grouped with reigning champions Mona High for the second round.
Holy Trinity (seven points), Norman Manley (four points), and Papine (three points) were the teams in Zone G.
Donovan Lofters, St Catherine’s assistant coach, was delighted with his team’s showing.
“It was a spirited performance; playing against St George’s College at home was always going to be difficult, but kudos to our keeper; he kept us in the game, and we are happy to have him. It was a game of moments; we got off a number of chances and we took one of ours, so we are grateful, and this is good for our confidence going forward,” Lofters said in a post-game interview.
St Catherine dominated proceedings for the first 20 minutes, as they were more enterprising and also more threatening in open play.
After close shaves and half-chances, they inevitably broke the deadlock when a corner kick was headed back across in the path of Walters, who released a fairly tame effort that eluded St George’s goalkeeper Jordan Knight, who made a lazy attempt at a save.
St George’s College eventually settled into their game and went close through Matthew Spence, who pulled the trigger from point blank range, but Omarion Brown, who was impressive in goal for St Catherine, stuck out the right hand to deny him.
Minutes later, Brown, diving full stretch to his left, again came up big to keep out Shaquan Clarke’s shot from a distance.
Though the second half failed to produce a goal, it wasn’t for a lack of trying from both teams, particularly St George’s College, who created numerous half chances, which they failed to make count due to faulty shooting and more decent glove work by Brown.
St Catherine had their best chance to add to their tally in the 88th, when substitute Terray Harvey somehow skied an effort from close range.
Neville ‘Bertis’ Bell believes they could have won the contest, but for Brown’s brilliance between the sticks.
“I thought we deserved something from the game, but we didn’t score, and we gave up a goal that we shouldn’t have given up, but Omarion Brown kept them in the game. Congratulations to them and congrats to him; he was amazing. I loved the game; I thought it was a good schoolboy game, and we wanted to win or at least get a point, but we are good because we are in the second round,” Bell noted.
Gregg Berhalter has pledged to make the Chicago Fire's supporters proud ahead of taking the reins for the 2025 season, with Frank Klopas taking to the dugout for the last time against Nashville SC this weekend.
Neither Chicago nor Nashville can make the playoffs on Decision Day, sitting 15th and 13th in the Eastern Conference standings respectively.
Chicago are propping up the table with just 30 points, and they have reacted to their dismal campaign by appointing former United States national team coach Berhalter.
Ahead of assuming a watching brief for the Fire's final game under interim boss Klopas, he wrote in an open letter to supporters: "As we turn the page to this new chapter, I want to make one thing clear: we are setting our sights on sustained success.
"We will create an identity on and off the field that you will be proud of and ensure that the Fire are competitive year in and year out.
"My vision is simple: Build one of the top clubs in North America. We will focus on building a squad that not only competes at a high level but plays in a way that makes you proud to see them wear our famous red."
Nashville are also set to enter their first offseason under new boss B.J. Callaghan, but he is confident his team will not take their eye off the ball.
"Preparations for us have gone as normal, how we always prepare for an opponent," Callaghan said.
"There's also a stage of an evaluation period, we're not competing for the playoffs anymore so that's clear but at the same time it's still a competitive environment.
"We're doing nothing short of still trying to go and win the game, that's the intention, to go to Chicago and get three points."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chicago Fire – Chris Brady
The four goals Chicago conceded in their defeat at Charlotte FC last time out took them to 59 goals allowed this season, second-most in a single season in club history. The Fire allowed a club-record 61 goals during the 2018 campaign.
If they are to avoid an unwanted piece of history, they may need a big display from goalkeeper Brady.
Nashville SC – Hany Mukhtar
Mukhtar has been involved in six goals in his last six regular-season matches (three goals, three assists). He had recorded just 11 goal contributions in his first 25 league appearances in 2024.
MATCH PREDICTION – CHICAGO FIRE WIN
The Fire enter their final match of the season on 30 points (seven wins, nine draws, 17 losses).
Chicago must earn at least one point to avoid equalling their lowest points tally across a full season (excluding the shortened 2020 season) in club history (30 in 2015).
They should avoid that unwanted slice of club history, though. Nashville have lost 11 of their last 14 regular-season matches, including the last three in a row. They also have a minus-19 goal difference after recording a positive goal difference in their first four MLS seasons.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Chicago Fire – 41.8%
Nashville SC – 31.5%
Draw – 26.7%
Despite naming a few newcomers in his squad to face France in a much-anticipated friendly, senior Reggae Girlz Head Coach Hubert Busby says the objective remains to continue building out a playing model to ensure they improve their competitiveness ahead of next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
Busby will be without talismanic striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw and defender Konya Plummer for the October 25 encounter away to France due to passport issues.
However, the tactician believes the absence of those two key players, as well as his university representatives, provides an opportunity for the newcomers—Taylor Hinds, Lulu Jarvis, Reanna Blades, and Natasha Thomas—in particular to fit in and show that they belong.
“So we're really excited. We'd spoken to Taylor Hinds a few years ago and we're glad that she's in our squad to come in and embed within what we're trying to do. Lulu Jarvis is another young player that we've been monitoring; she just made a move from Brighton to Plymouth. At 20 years of age, she's another up-and-coming player,” Busby shared during a virtual press conference on Friday.
He continued: “The same with Reanna Blades, who was on the books of Chelsea but just moved to Burnley. I credit a lot of these players who, it might seem like they are dropping down a level, but they're looking to invest in themselves and to play as opposed to necessarily stagnate their growth and development by staying at what would be considered a bigger club but not necessarily getting the minutes that they need.
Reggae Girlz in action against France at last year's World Cup.
“Natasha Thomas is someone who's kind of reached out. We've been monitoring her well, so we're looking to bring her in and see how she fits in. Davia Richards has come through the programme and has done well with Frazsiers Whip through all those different experiences. We're looking to see how she fits in with this group as well as we continue to evaluate all the players from the Gold Cup (qualifiers).”
These fresh faces are expected to bring energy and a renewed sense of competition, something Busby believes is crucial as the team builds toward future challenges, including the 2025 World Cup qualifiers.
In fact, he believes the squad strikes the right balance, as the experience of Allyson Swaby, Jody Brown, Drew Spence, and others will be vital against a formidable French side ranked among the best in the world.
The two teams last met at last year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in Australia, where the gritty Girlz held their more illustrious opponents to a goalless stalemate.
“The expectation really is for us to continue to work on our playing model. I think it's important for us to also continue to build on our playing principles so that we can ensure that we're flexible in and out of possession. We want to be a team that continues to use the ball and is known for a good defensive base,” Busby reasoned.
“So the most important thing is, yes, results are always the main thing at senior international play, but the longer-term picture is for us to be successful come next year when we're in our first round of qualifying for the World Cup. I think that's really the main goal is for us to be peaking at that sort of time, heading into those qualifiers,” he added.
Deon Burton to serve as Reggae Girlz assistant coach.
That said, Busby pointed out that this friendly against France, as well as the two against South Africa on November 29 and December 2 in Jamaica, are the stern tests he requires in a bid to build a team capable of sustained success on the world stage.
“We are deliberate in the games that we're playing and trying to play as many top ten, top 20 opponents as possible to ensure that we are tested heading into World Cup qualifiers in arguably one of the top confederations in the world when it comes to women's football. So, a lot of work has gone into it and obviously, we're looking forward to this camp and looking forward to taking a look at some players and embedding some, even some new staff, into the programme as well,” the former national goalkeeper noted.
That new staff Busby refers to is former Reggae Boy Deon Burton coming aboard as an assistant, joining Xavier Gilbert in the position, while Renee Balconi of Houston Dash will be the Girlz strength and conditioning coach.
Squad: Rebecca spencer, Sydney Schneider, Chantelle Swaby, Allyson Swaby, Taylor Hinds, Deneisha Blackwood, Vyan Sampson, Maliah Atkins, Lulu Jarvis, Atlanta Primus, Jade Bailey, Drew Spence, Sade Adamolekun Reanna Blades, Natasha Thomas, Paige Bailey-Gayle, Kayla McKenna, Jody Brown, Shania Hayles, Tiffany Cameron, Davia Richards, Mikayla Dayes
The West Indies Women came agonizingly short of a second trip to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final after suffering an eight-run loss to New Zealand in their semi-final in Sharjah on Friday.
New Zealand first made 128-9 off their 20 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat first.
Openers Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates were the main run getters with 33 and 26, respectively, while Isabella Gaze made a crucial 20* off 14 balls at the backend of the innings.
Deandra Dottin produced an excellent spell of bowling with 4-22 from her four overs while Afy Fletcher continued her good form with the ball in the tournament with 2-23 from three overs.
Karishma Ramharack and Aaliyah Alleyne split the other two wickets.
The West Indies then came up just short of their target in the end, reaching 120-8 off their 20 overs.
Openers Qiana Joseph and captain Hayley Matthews put on 16 for the first wicket before Joseph went for 12 with two balls remaining in the third over.
The wickets of Shemaine Campbelle (3) and the returning Stafanie Taylor (13) followed soon after leaving the Windies 41-3 in the ninth over.
Not long after, all hope seemed lost as Matthews went for a hard-fought 15 off 21 balls in the 11th over before Aaliyah Alleyne’s wicket for four in the 14th over left the West Indies looking all but beaten at 63-5.
A fighting 33-run sixth wicket partnership between Deandra Dottin and Afy Fletcher made things interesting including 23-run 16th over that left the West Indies needing just 34 from the final 24 deliveries.
Dottin’s wicket off the third ball of the next over for a 22-ball 33 pretty much ended all hope for a West Indies victory.
After Chedean Nation came and went for a duck, Fletcher was joined by Zaida James and the pair tried their best to combat some smart bowling from the New Zealanders.
Eventually, the West Indies got to the last over needing 15 to win.
A boundary from James off the first ball produced some nerves for New Zealand but that was followed by a dot ball and then a wicket, putting an end to the West Indian charge.
Fletcher finished 17* while James made 14 from eight balls.
Eden Carson finished with 3-29 from her four overs while Captain Amelia Kerr took 2-14 from four overs.
New Zealand will now take on South Africa in Sunday’s final with both teams looking for their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title.
Full Scores:
New Zealand Women 128-9 off 20 overs (Georgia Plimmer 33, Suzie Bates 26, Isabella Gaze 20*, Deandra Dottin 4-22, Afy Fletcher 2-23)
West Indies Women 120-8 off 20 overs (Deandra Dottin 33, Afy Fletcher 17*, Eden Carson 3-29, Amelia Kerr 2-14)
New Zealand claimed a dramatic eight-run victory over West Indies to reach their first Women's T20 World Cup final since 2010, with Eden Carson starring with the ball.
The Black Caps will face South Africa in Sunday's showpiece match, with a first-time champion guaranteed after New Zealand held firm in a tense finale in Sharjah.
New Zealand were limited to 128-9 with the bat as Deandra Dottin finished with fine figures of 4-22, including the crucial wickets of opener Amelia Kerr (7) and Brooke Halliday (18) – the latter with a zipping delivery that crashed into off stump.
The Windies took up the bat in confident mood after two final-over wickets further dented New Zealand's hopes, but Carson turned the momentum by removing both of their openers within five overs.
Having hit middle stump to send West Indies' group-stage star Qiana Joseph walking for 12, Carson had Shemaine Campbelle (3) caught by Suzie Bates to drop them to 20-2.
Carson had her treble soon afterwards as Stafanie Taylor was dismissed for 13 runs, and the Windies failed to recover any momentum from there, only reaching 48 runs by the midpoint of their innings.
Dottin (33 off 22) and Afy Fletcher (17 not out) both attempted to spur the 2016 champions into life, but some efficient New Zealand bowling kept them at bay, Bates only conceding six runs from the all-important final over to get them over the line.
Data Debrief: Long wait over for Black Caps
New Zealand's victory ended their 14-year wait for a final appearance at the Women's T20 World Cup, showing impressive calm to hold off a team that blew England away in the group stage on Tuesday.
Carson chose the ideal time to produce just her second three-wicket haul in T20Is, finishing 3-29 having previously posted figures of 3-18 versus Bangladesh in 2023.
Her eight wickets at this tournament have only been bettered by four players, with team-mate Melie Kerr (12) and South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba (10) the only two to remain active in the competition.
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%
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