The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday launched ‘Whatever It Takes’, a campaign designed to build excitement and anticipation for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for October 3-20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Showcasing the dedication, focus, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the world’s best cricketers, the campaign provides fans a glimpse into the efforts undertaken by players as they prepare to take their place on the world stage.
The ‘Whatever It Takes’ campaign comprises a series of films featuring a trio of world-class cricketers—India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, and India’s Shafali Verma—each renowned for their talent and commitment to the game. Through powerful visuals and inspiring narratives, the campaign captures the essence of their journeys, revealing the sacrifices made, the challenges overcome, and the self-belief that drives them towards greatness.
From gruelling training sessions to intensive competition on the field, ‘Whatever It Takes’ embodies the sacrifices that cricketers make in their pursuit of being crowned world champions. It underscores the understanding that success at the highest level is not merely a product of talent but the result of dedication, perseverance, and an individual’s determination to break boundaries.
ICC General Manager: Marketing and Communications, Claire Furlong, said the campaign adds to what promises to be a spectacular tournament.
“The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is the pinnacle of the T20 format, and we’re looking forward to having the world’s best players on display in Dubai and Sharjah throughout October. The ‘Whatever It Takes’ campaign embodies the spirit and objectives of the ICC’s Women’s Cricket Strategy, which aims to grow the women’s game by improving its visibility, perception, and awareness for cricket fans around the world," said Furlong.
“We are committed to delivering a world-class event that will usher in a new generation of heroes while providing fans with an unforgettable experience on every match day. ‘Whatever It Takes’ is not just about who lifts the trophy at Dubai International Stadium on October 20; it is about the journey, the sacrifices, and the pursuit of greatness. It is about inspiring a new generation of cricketers, dreamers, and achievers," she added.
Steve Cherundolo has urged Los Angeles FC to control their emotions when they face the LA Galaxy in an El Trafico clash that could decide the top seed in the Western Conference.
LAFC sit four points adrift of the Galaxy at the top of the West with two games in hand to come, though they have only won one regular-season match since July 5.
Cherundolo's team did beat the Galaxy 2-1 when the sides last met in April, though, and he says his team must keep their cool at Dignity Health Sports Park if they are to take three points.
"It's another great setup and matchup and I'm looking forward to it," Cherundolo said. "There's always things going on in this game, there's always emotion spilling over.
"They're always tight matches and I hope that our ideas will be effective and implemented well by our players.
"That needs to happen over 90 minutes, not just for 45 minutes or 60 or 70. Then I think we could come away with something tangible."
The Galaxy, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 at St. Louis City last time out, their first loss in MLS play since they went down by a 2-0 scoreline at FC Dallas in mid-July.
Head coach Greg Vanney believes Saturday's game will be decided by fine margins.
"This is a high, high level game, it's what it's all about. They're obviously a very good team and have different ways that they can catch you and beat you," Vanney said.
"They're a tough defensive team as well. When you're playing the highest level of games in our league it becomes about details and moments.
"That's what these games become about. You hope during the course of the season you get better and better and tighten up on some of those things, learning a bit about each other."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
LA Galaxy – Gabriel Pec
Nine of Pec's 11 goals and eight of his 11 assists in regular-season play in 2024 have come in home matches.
Only Lionel Messi (19) has more goal contributions in home matches than Pec's 17 in 2024.
Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga
Bouanga has scored six goals in six career matches against the Galaxy in all competitions.
No player has scored more against the Galaxy in all competitions since Bouanga made his LAFC debut in September 2022.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
LAFC have won six of their last eight matches against the Galaxy in all competitions (two losses) including each of the last three.
LAFC had won just three of the first 15 editions of El Trafico (five draws, seven losses). They have, however, only won one of their last five regular-season matches, drawing two and losing two.
The Galaxy, meanwhile, have won 10 of their last 11 regular-season matches at Dignity Health Sports Park (one draw) including the last eight in a row. A point may be the best the visitors can hope for, even with their strong record in local derbies.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
LA Galaxy – 33.7%
Los Angeles FC – 40.6%
Draw – 25.7%
Phil Neville says the Portland Timbers are "in it to win it" against the Colorado Rapids, though he expects a tough test versus a Coach of the Year candidate in Chris Armas.
Portland sit eighth in the Western Conference standings, occupying a wild-card spot but sitting one point adrift of the Houston Dynamo in the final automatic playoff place.
They have taken four points from two games since the Leagues Cup break, drawing 4-4 with St. Louis City then beating their local rivals, the Seattle Sounders, 1-0 last time out.
Neville knows a visit to Colorado, who are four points and four places above them in the standings, will prove a tough assignment, but he has confidence in his side.
"We're coming up against a coach who is probably one of the Coach of the Year candidates in Chris Armas, he's done an incredible job," Neville said.
"The boys have trained well after having some rest, they've trained hard. Players have come back from international duty fit and well.
"We're looking forward towards one of the most pivotal periods in all of MLS. I think we're coming to probably the last 100 metres of the race, and as they say, we're in it to win it."
Colorado beat FC Dallas 3-2 on their return to league action last time out, having finished third in the Leagues Cup in August.
Head coach Armas said: "It's really good to be back after a few days off. The energy in the team is good, we're picking up where we left off after a really busy and successful August.
"We really have our sights set on this weekend, and then on what's ahead – and that's the playoffs.
"For sure we're looking forward to another home game and we're going to take it one step at a time."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Colorado Rapids – Darren Yapi
Yapi scored Colorado's winner against Dallas last time out on August 31, and both of his career MLS goals have now come in the 90th minute or later.
He is one of three MLS players with multiple goals in 2024 with all of them coming in the 90th minute or later, alongside Miguel Berry and Julian Fernandez.
Portland Timbers – Evander
Evander has a goal contribution in eight straight MLS matches, the second-longest streak in the Timbers' history, behind Diego Valeri's nine straight in his MVP-winning 2017 season.
Evander's 27 goal contributions (12 goals, 15 assists) overall in 2024 are the second most in an MLS season for Portland (Valeri – 32 in 2017).
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
Portland's win over Seattle featured their sixth clean sheet in their last 15 games in all competitions. Through their first 15 matches of 2024, Portland did not record a single shutout.
Colorado, meanwhile, have won their last two MLS games by a 3-2 scoreline, versus Real Salt Lake and Dallas. Only once previously have the Rapids netted at least three goals in three straight MLS matches, doing so in April 1998.
Portland have won three straight matches against Colorado in all competitions for the second time (also doing so in 2017-18). Neither team has recorded a four-match winning streak over the other in the 32-match history of the series, so a draw could be on the cards.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Colorado Rapids – 40.2%
Portland Timbers – 33.2%
Draw – 26.6%
The New England Revolution are approaching Saturday's trip to Orlando City with a "chip on their shoulder" following a pair of disappointing results, says head coach Caleb Porter.
The Revs enjoyed a spectacular return to MLS action after the Leagues Cup break as they routed CF Montreal 5-0 on the road, but they were then beaten 2-0 at Real Salt Lake.
Last time out, New England squandered a 2-1 lead in a 2-2 draw with St. Louis City, leaving them five points adrift of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, albeit with two games in hand.
"It's really important that we make up for the two points we lost in the last game, so our mindset is to go on the road and get a result in Orlando," Porter said.
"Our guys have trained really well and they definitely have an edge or a chip on their shoulder to go and make up for the last game."
Orlando, meanwhile, occupy the final automatic playoff place in the East after thrashing Nashville SC 3-0 last time out, their first win since returning to MLS action.
Head coach Oscar Pareja believes having a week off for the international break has benefitted his side, saying: "Getting the boys ready for this game has been good, in training we've tried to keep the players in competition mode.
"It's just been exactly what we do normally, so we're good. We have the national team players here and we're ready."
Reflecting on Orlando's last win, he added: "It's a good base and a good foundation, but my thoughts are always the same.
"That has already passed and now we need to build a new gameplan for this one."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando City – Facundo Torres
Torres scored twice in Orlando's 3-0 win over Nashville last time out on August 31, his ninth and 10th goals of the season in MLS play.
Torres, who scored 14 goals last season, is the second Orlando City player to record consecutive 10-goal seasons, along with Cyle Larin (three straight from 2017 to 2019).
New England Revolution – Carles Gil
Including playoffs, Gil has scored six goals against Orlando, more than against any other opponent in his MLS career.
MATCH PREDICTION – ORLANDO CITY WIN
Orlando have won their last two meetings with New England, including a 3-1 road victory on July 13. The Lions had managed two total wins in their first 16 regular-season matches against the Revs (seven draws, seven losses).
New England have only lost once in their last seven matches across all competitions (two wins, four draws), following a 2-2 draw with St. Louis last time out.
However, the trip to Florida is a tough one, with Orlando unbeaten in their last seven home matches (four wins, three draws), keeping clean sheets in each of their last two. The hosts go in as favourites.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Orlando City – 56%
New England Revolution – 21.3%
Draw – 22.7%
Former Jamaican footballer Jorghino James is set to appear before a court in Harris County, Texas, on October 28, 2024, where he faces serious assault charges. James, once a standout player for Kingston College and Jamaica's national team, is now a coach at a football academy in Texas. He has been accused of viciously attacking the mother of his child at a daycare facility in Friendswood, Texas, on August 30.
According to reports filed with the Friendswood Police Department, James allegedly assaulted the woman in the presence of their child. A video that has since gone viral shows a man, believed to be James, violently punching the woman inside the daycare facility before storming out and fleeing the scene. The shocking footage, released by the alleged victim, has sparked widespread outrage on social media.
James was subsequently arrested and transported to the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, as the Friendswood Police Department serves only as a holding facility. He was later released on bond.
The former footballer now faces charges of assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Compounding his legal troubles, he has also been charged with violating bond conditions, as he was already out on bond for a similar charge stemming from a previous incident. That original charge dates back to March 5, 2024, in Harris County, when he was given bond conditions that prohibited further criminal activity. The new charge of assault is considered a violation of those bond conditions.
The violation report stated that being charged with a new misdemeanor or felony offense constituted a breach of the bond agreement, leading to the additional charge. James is facing a state jail felony, which carries a wide range of potential penalties, from fines to probation, or up to two years in jail, depending on the court's ruling.
As the October 28 court date approaches, James' future hangs in the balance as he faces the possibility of severe legal consequences if convicted.
A confident five-wicket victory with 21 balls remaining by Saint Lucia Kings saw them get their 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign back on track and consign the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to a sixth straight defeat.
After starting with a win, the Patriots have struggled and this evening’s defeat at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet leaves them relying on other results to go their way if they are to have a chance of progressionust
Kings captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and inserted the opposition hoping that the ball would skid on and be easier to hit in the second half of the match. The short square boundaries in Gros Islet saw 30 sixes hit in the last match at the ground but the Patriots struggled to clear the ropes in their innings - not until Rilee Rossouw plundered fives sixes did their batting card catch light and gain any real momentum. Captain Andre Fletcher top scoring with 62 off 50 balls to anchor the Patriots to 173-5.
It wasn’t enough. Du Plessis was brutal in the PowerPlay for the Kings, hitting five fours and the same number of sixes to get the chase off to a breezy start from which his side never looked back. Fellow opener Johnson Charles played a fluent and match winning hand with 74 off 42 balls, falling to Hasaranga only when the target was in single digits.
“It was a very good innings. I would have loved to finish off for the team. Opening with Faf has been good. We feed off each other's energy,” Player of the Match Charles reflected after the match whilst praising the vociferous support of the Kings fans.
“It feels lovely, with the crowd supporting us, even when we lost two. A huge thank you to our supporters.”
It was a difficult night for the Patriots. Captain Andre Fletcher rued his own strike rate after the game had gone. “We started well in the powerplay and I thought we slowed down a bit in the middle. Our strike rate could have been better, especially me. But Rilee played a good knock. We have three more games left. We don't have a choice but to go out there and play cricket. We have to find a way to win. We have been on the losing side for six games and we have to try our best.”
St. Louis City interim head coach John Hackworth is confident his side can make a late push for the playoffs after going unbeaten since their return from the Leagues Cup.
St. Louis are building momentum at the right time, but remain six points adrift of this weekend’s opponents, Minnesota United, who sit on the right side of the playoff line.
Hackworth’s side were forced to share the spoils in their last MLS encounter against New England Revolution, but the 54-year-old preached positivity for the business end of the campaign.
“I personally believe that we're not out of time yet, you know, we still have control,” Hackworth said.
“We have to fix this little moment where we take our foot off the gas, where we don't play with the same initiative that we do to start the game. That's something we can fix. We have fixed it.
“We have gotten better. I'm going to say I'm blue in the face, but I believe in this group of guys. I still think we have a good chance.”
Minnesota, meanwhile, overcame the San Jose Earthquakes in their last match, keeping the gap between the teams below them to just a point with the luxury of a game in hand over most.
The Loons currently sit ninth in the Western Conference table and know a win is a must to keep their ambitions of remaining in that position alive.
Head coach Eric Ramsay acknowledged the enormity of the task awaiting his players but challenged his squad to deal with the raucous atmosphere inside CITYPARK.
“They have had a slight change in fortune over the last couple of games. They are fighting for their lives at the bottom in the same way that we are,” Ramsay said.
“They are a team I am sure that are looking at this game as being crucial for the remainder of their season and their fortunes.
“We have got to make sure we handle that situation well and that we understand the magnitude of the game for us and for them, because that will certainly play its part.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
St. Louis City – Marcel Hartel
Hartel has been involved in a goal in each of his first three MLS matches (one goal and three assists).
Since the start of 2023, four players have begun their MLS careers with goal contributions in their first three regular season matches, with three of them doing so for St. Louis (Hartel, Joao Klauss and Eduard Lowen).
Minnesota United – Robin Lod
Despite only playing the final half an hour in Finland’s Nations League defeat to England, Lod returns to the MLS with a record in his sights.
Lod has been involved in 54 regular season goals for Minnesota (28 goals and 26 assists), one away from equalling the club record of 55 held by Emanuel Reynoso (22 goals and 33 assists).
MATCH PREDICTION: ST. LOUIS CITY WIN
St. Louis City have not lost any of their last six matches against MLS teams in all competitions (W3 D3). This is their longest unbeaten run in the division during the club’s history.
But Minnesota have won two of their last three regular season matches (L1) after winning just two of their previous 14 (D4 L8). Minnesota’s triumph against San Jose last time out also ended a seven-match winless run away from home (D2 L5).
And it has often been the away side who have emerged victorious in this fixture. Both their MLS meetings last term ended with an away win, with Minnesota out to upset Opta’s data-led simulations at CITYPARK this time around.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
St. Louis City – 46.4%
Draw – 26.5%
Minnesota United – 27%
Renowned track and field coach, formerly of Munro College, Kingston College and Jamaica College, has taken his wealth of coaching experience to St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), where he is set to play a key role in the development of the institution's sporting programmes.
Coach Harrison officially joined the STETHS team on September 2, after having worked with the school in an unofficial capacity during the summer.
Harrison, a seasoned Physical Education teacher and coach, will not only continue his role on the track but will also extend his expertise to the school’s football programme. His responsibilities at STETHS go beyond coaching, as he will be tasked with overseeing the school's entire sports programme, ensuring that there are comprehensive development initiatives in place for student-athletes.
Principal Keith Wellington, speaking on Harrison’s appointment, highlighted the coach’s experience and leadership qualities as crucial additions to the school’s sports culture. "Coach Harrison brings significant experience and maturity as a Physical Education teacher, coach, and mentor," Wellington said. "He is expected to provide guidance, mentorship, and technical leadership to our overall sports programmes. It is also expected that Coach Harrison's addition to the STETHS team will lead to more of our student-athletes optimizing their talents across our various school programmes."
In addition to his coaching duties, Harrison will serve as a classroom teacher at STETHS, fostering the holistic development of students both academically and athletically. His mandate also includes the coordination of sports activities, working closely with Wellington to ensure that STETHS’ co-curricular programmes are robust and inclusive.
Harrison’s distinguished coaching career includes stints at Kingston College, where he served from 2014 to 2018, and Jamaica College, where he led the school to victory in the ISSA Boys and Girls National Championships in 2021. Despite his success, his contract at Jamaica College was not renewed for the 2024/2025 academic year, paving the way for his new role at STETHS.
With his extensive experience and proven track record of success, Coach Harrison's presence is expected to enhance STETHS' already formidable sports tradition, especially in track and field and football. Principal Wellington remains confident that Harrison will provide the technical expertise and mentorship necessary to elevate the school's athletic achievements.
STETHS has long been known as a powerhouse in rural Jamaica, and the addition of Coach Harrison to the team signals their intent to continue that legacy while nurturing young talent for years to come.
Jamaica’s netball star Latanya Wilson is riding high on the wave of success, both personally and professionally.
After two stellar seasons with the Adelaide Thunderbirds in Australia's Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League, Wilson is poised for even greater accomplishments, with two more years to go on her three-year contract, which concludes in 2026.
Wilson’s journey since joining the Thunderbirds in 2021 has so far been nothing short of remarkable, and she remains laser-focused on her goals—both for her club and country.
“My time with Adelaide has been a dream. When I first joined the Thunderbirds, I knew it was going to be a challenge, but the team has embraced me, and together we’ve achieved so much in a short space of time. We’ve been able to build a winning culture, and I’ve grown a lot as a player and as a person,” Wilson told SportsMax.Tv as she reflected.
“Winning two titles in the best league in the world is a massive achievement in my career, and I'm immensely proud of my team and myself for our hard work and dedication. But there’s still more to accomplish, more titles to chase, and more growth to be had,” she added, while flashing her infectious smile.
The dynamic defender’s powerful performances have earned her a reputation as one of the league’s premier players, and her contributions, in tandem with Sunshine Girls teammate Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, have helped the Thunderbirds emerge as perennial title contenders.
Speed, confidence, and good timing are key to Wilson's defensive prowess, and that, coupled with her ability to read the game, disrupt opponents, and rally her team during critical moments, has made her a fan favorite.
The 23-year-old tallied 46 intercepts, 89 deflections, 19 general turnovers, and 11 rebounds last season, and that has left her excited about what the next two years will bring with the Thunderbirds.
“While there's always pressure to perform, our focus is on continuous improvement as a team. If we achieve that, defending the title will come naturally for us, so I’m excited for what’s to come, and I know that with the talent and determination we have in this team, we can achieve even greater things,” Wilson declared.
While club success remains at the forefront of her mind, Wilson is also gearing up for an exciting chapter in her international career, as Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls are set to engage England in a four-match series against England, and her expectations are high.
With both teams tied on 187 rating points, a series win for the fourth-ranked Sunshine Girls would see them leap above their third-ranked opponents.
The series will see the Jamaicans travelling to England for the first two matches, scheduled for November 16 and 17, while the return games will take place at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Jamaica on November 25 and 26.
“The series against England is a big one for us. England is a tough opponent, but we’ve been working hard, and we’re ready for the challenge. Every game is an opportunity to get better, and we’re focused on building on our performances from the Netball World Cup to continue representing Jamaica at the highest level,” she shared.
Though the task of balancing university and a professional career can be an arduous journey, the soft-spoken Wilson is committed to pushing the barriers to achieve what she set out to.
“I stay motivated by the desire to provide for my family and my love for the game. Physically, I'm constantly pushing myself to improve through training and being accountable, and I approach each game with respect and determination,” Wilson reasoned.
“I'm mentally prepared for the challenge, and I am working on getting back into our unique style of playing, as our playing styles differ. I expect us to evolve together as a team, push ourselves to the limits, and achieve great things, starting with the upcoming series,” she noted.
Wilson’s presence in the defensive unit has no doubt been a vital component of the Sunshine Girls’ success on the global stage. With the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the next Netball World Cup on the horizon, she has her sights set on adding to her accolades and, more importantly, elevating Jamaica’s standing in international netball.
“I want to leave a legacy for the next generation,” Wilson said with determination.
“I want young girls to see that with hard work, dedication, and the right mindset, they can achieve anything they set their minds to—whether that’s playing professionally or representing Jamaica on the world stage. So my aim is to share my knowledge, complete my university studies, and, of course, make my family and country proud,” she ended.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday announced the commencement of the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The post will become vacant on Friday 1 November 2024, with the departure of outgoing CEO Johnny Grave who has led the organisation since February 2017. An executive manager is confirmed to lead the organisation for the interim.
CWI President Dr. Kishore Shallow said of the search, "This is an exciting and transformative time for Cricket West Indies. With the ongoing enhancement of our human capital, we are extremely excited to complement this with the recruitment of a new CEO."
President Shallow further stated, "In addition to executing our 2024 -2027 Strategic Plan, we are enthusiastic about the prospect of a fresh perspective and ideas for the organisation. The opportunities for West Indies Cricket are immense in a sporting industry that is growing and evolving rapidly. We expect the new CEO to lead a high-performance environment, drive innovation, and reflect both CWI's and the region's values."
Interested applicants should send their curriculum vitae with a cover letter via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., addressed to the Human Resources Manager, Cricket West Indies, Coolidge Cricket Ground, St. George, Antigua, West Indies. The deadline for submission is 5pm AST on 30 September 2024. The successful applicant will be expected to commence duties in the first quarter of 2025.
Chicago Fire head coach Frank Klopas insisted his side must overcome their slow start against D.C. United in order to push for the playoffs ahead of facing the New York Red Bulls this weekend.
Klopas watched on as his side conceded twice in three minutes midway through the first half against D.C. as Christian Benteke and Gabriel Pirani’s struck to secure the triumph for the visitors.
The result leaves the Fire 14th in the Eastern Conference standings, with Klopas stressing the importance of energy from the first whistle to his players.
“We needed to come out with energy. If we did that, I felt that we were in the game,” Klopas said.
“We got that goal. And then, if you see the second half, the amount of possession, and it's a team that was sitting back, looking to counter.
“We get in good spots, and then our ability in the final 25 yards from goal, whether it's just making a play, the quality of the crosses coming in, connecting, we get in really good spots and we need to be better and sharper in the final third, in those areas.”
The Red Bulls, meanwhile, played out a 13th draw of the season on home soil against Kansas City last time out, with 16-year-old Julian Hall snatching a point in the final minute of normal time.
It marked just their second goal from their last three MLS fixtures since returning from the Leagues Cup, and they have since lost pace with the top three in the Eastern Conference but are still four points ahead of rivals New York City FC in fourth place.
Head coach Sandro Schwarz acknowledged his side's difficulties in the final third of late but insisted that his squad have addressed their lack of confidence at the top end of the pitch.
“I think it is also from the mental side,” Schwarz said. “When you did not have the best game last week, and then you concede the first goal, it is not easy for a young team.
“On this point, I am very happy we were able to get this point. This is what we can improve, and this is what we have done also to create more of these moments in the final third.
“We had big chances throughout the game, but from this point you need a goal to give you confidence to believe in your quality – this is what we have to do."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chicago Fire – Andrew Gutman
Gutman scored Chicago’s only goal against D.C. from outside the box, the seventh Fire goal from outside the penalty area in 2024.
Chicago last scored more goals from outside the box in the 2012 season (13).
NYRB – Cory Burke
Burke has scored 28 career regular season MLS goals with eight of those coming against this weekend’s opponents.
The Jamaican has not scored more than three goals against any other MLS opponent but has scored at least once in every season he’s faced the Fire from 2018 to 2023.
MATCH PREDICTION: NYRB WIN
The Fire are unbeaten in four straight meetings with the Red Bulls (W1 D3), including a scoreless draw at Red Bull Arena in April. Chicago last went five straight unbeaten against New York in all competitions from August 2010 to June 2012 (W2 D3).
However, they have lost three straight home matches in all competitions for the third time since the start of last season. Chicago had lost three straight home matches in all competitions just twice in the club’s first 25 seasons and have never lost four in a row at home before.
While coming into the encounter as favourites, eight of the Red Bulls’ last 11 regular season matches have ended in draws (W2 L1), including all four on the road during that time. They are also winless in six straight regular season road games (D4 L2) since a win at D.C. United in May.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Chicago Fire – 27.3%
Draw – 24%
NYRB – 48.7%
President of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) Kieron Edwards, is optimistic that they will attract some high-quality candidates for the senior Soca Warriors head coach post, with hopes of securing qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Edwards, who along with his administration were heavily criticised for cutting former head coach Angus Eve without a suitable replacement, shared his optimism as he revealed that invitations to select the new coach will go out this week.
The Soca Warriors, currently being led by Derek King on an interim basis, closed the recent Concacaf Nations League window with a 0-4 loss to Honduras and a goalless stalemate with French Guiana, which left them at the foot of Group B in League A and facing relegation to League B. They now face a must-win scenario in their next two fixtures in October to survive.
However, Trinidad and Tobago remain alive in the World Cup qualifiers, which resume next year, as they sit second in Group B on four points, two points behind Costa Rica.
Edwards said the process of selecting the new coach has been delayed a bit, but they remain firm that the suitable candidate must meet the requirements outlined to secure the necessary results and, by extension, World Cup qualification.
“We recognise the importance of having a clear pathway for qualification, which requires the full support of the government, private sector, and citizens,” TTFA said in a recent release.
When asked if the decision to send out the invitation was due to the Soca Warriors loss to Honduras, Edwards said that result was expected.
“I know we hardly have time, but we cannot rush the process. We know that the toughest game in the group would have been against Honduras, and what they told me is that they would have planned for that result,” Edwards explained.
Still, Edwards is hoping to receive applications from quality coaches to change things. It is reported that former Soca Warriors striker turn coach Dwight Yorke and former United States coach Gregg Berhalter were interested in the job.
Wilfried Nancy has called for cohesion and understanding from MLS decision-makers after the Columbus Crew were forced to play with midfielder Sean Zawadzki in goal in their 4-0 defeat to the Seattle Sounders.
Abraham Romero saw red at the end of the first half, and with both Patrick Schulte and Nicholas Hagen away on international duty, Zawadzki found himself wearing the gloves.
Romero was the Crew’s only goalkeeper in the matchday squad as players from Columbus’ reserve side can only be called up four times before signing a professional contract.
Nancy asked MLS to allow an additional call-up for a backup goalkeeper but that request was rejected, leaving the Crew head coach furious at the full-time whistle.
“We are at 39 matches played,” Nancy said. “We were mandated to have three goalkeepers on the teamsheet. This is what we did. We had to use a call-up for a friendly game against Aston Villa.
“Why I'm not happy before the game and all the week it happened, I was not happy about that because there is a rule, as you know, we can use only four times, four call-ups [for] one player from the reserve team who has a contract.
“You know the issue that we had with the goalkeepers with Evan Bush. We tried to anticipate, adding a fourth goalkeeper, knowing that we could have a situation like this.
“When we asked before the game to have another call-up for our goalkeeper for the reserve team, they said no, knowing that this game [against] Seattle we were supposed to play in [May].”
Cincinnati, meanwhile, bounced back from their defeat to Inter Miami in style, comfortably dispatching CF Montreal 4-1 at the TQL Stadium last time out.
Pat Noonan’s side know the magnitude of their encounter this weekend, as a defeat would allow their opponents to leapfrog them in the Eastern Conference standings into second, with the Crew also having a game in hand.
While the pressure is seemingly on the hosts, Noonan is relishing the challenge of facing the Leagues Cup winners on home soil.
“Really pleased with the response from the last performance and just the overall play from our guys,” Noonan said.
“I thought on both sides of the ball they were outstanding – maybe a little bit fortunate on some of those goals – but I am very pleased with the outcome and how the guys stepped up.”
“We know the challenges that'll be ahead of us. The group can go win a game, it'll be a challenging match, but one that you have to be excited about.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta
Acosta has scored five times for FC Cincinnati against the Crew, tied for the most goals scored by a Cincinnati player against any opponent in MLS play.
The Argentine has also netted five goals against Toronto FC, with Brandon Vazquez also striking five times against Inter Miami.
Columbus Crew – Diego Rossi
With Columbus’ array of attacking options, Rossi has been the standout, registering 19 goals and eight assists in all competitions, netting six times in their Leagues Cup success.
But across his two spells in MLS with the Crew and Los Angeles FC, the Uruguayan has failed to score against five opponents, with Cincinnati being one of them.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN
After starting the season winless in four on the road (D3, L1), Columbus have won seven of their last nine regular-season away games (L2). The seven away victories are the most the Crew have ever recorded in a single regular season.
However, they come into the encounter off the back of a 4-0 loss to the Sounders, their heaviest defeat since 2018. The Crew also have not lost consecutive matches in all competitions since a three-match losing streak last May.
Cincinnati also boast an impressive home record against this weekend’s opponents. They are unbeaten in five straight regular-season matches on home soil against the Crew (W2 D3) but did lose last season’s Eastern Conference Final at TQL Stadium.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Cincinnati – 29.4%
Draw – 24.7%
Columbus Crew – 45.9%
The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has announced that on August 31, its First Instance Body, awarded regional licenses to 11 clubs participating in this season’s Jamaica Premier League (JPL): Arnett Gardens FC, Cavalier SC, Dunbeholden FC, Harbour View FC, Montego Bay United FC, Mount Pleasant FA, Portmore United FC, Racing United FC, Tivoli Gardens FC, Vere United FC and Waterhouse FC participating in this season’s Jamaica Premier League (JPL).
The remaining 3 clubs - Chapelton Maroons FC, Humble Lion FC and Molynes United FC - received domestic licenses, meaning they will not be eligible for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Caribbean Cup or the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup if they finish in the top three of the JPL standings at the end of the season.
Each club was required to meet the minimum criteria outlined in the 2018 JFF Club Licensing Regulations. This season’s achievement of awarding 11 regional licenses marks a significant increase from last season, when only four clubs – Arnett Gardens FC, Cavalier SC, Harbour View FC and Mount Pleasant FA - received regional licenses.
Club licensing, introduced by FIFA, is a key element in promoting the professionalization of football worldwide. This system is based on principles-driven criteria and establishes minimum standards that clubs must meet to obtain a license and participate in competitions.
The Club Licensing Regulations focus on five key areas: Administration, Sporting, Financial, Infrastructure, and Legal. The goal of these regulations is to standardize and elevate football club management globally.
Carlene Edwards, Chairwoman of the First Instance Body, expressed gratitude for the commitment displayed by the clubs in meeting the requirements.
She stated, “The process was challenging initially, as we needed to review and update clubs simultaneously, ensuring they submitted correct and updated documents while adhering to established deadlines in the Club Licensing Regulations Support Manual. Nevertheless, we remained dedicated to the task and successfully delivered all decisions within the stipulated timeframe. We look forward to continuing our collaborative relationship with the clubs and anticipate achieving 100 percent compliance in delivering regional licenses next season.”
In a statement, Michael Ricketts, President of the Jamaica Football Federation, emphasized the Federation’s commitment to supporting the club licensing process.
He stated, “I am incredibly proud of our clubs for their dedication and hard work in achieving club licensing. This milestone not only reflects their commitment to excellence but also underscores our promise to elevate football in Jamaica. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the First Instance Body for their tireless efforts in ensuring we meet our commitments to CONCACAF. Their diligence in overseeing the licensing process has been crucial in raising the standards of our football community. JFF remains dedicated to empowering our clubs as they strive to excel on both national and regional stages.”
The next category of stakeholders to be on boarded in the Club Licensing process will include the Women’s Premier League teams and the JFF Championship teams.
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