Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago are set to represent the Caribbean at next year’s Netball World Youth Cup, after securing the top three spots at the just-concluded Americas Netball World Youth Cup qualifiers in Guadeloupe.
The young Sunshine Girls, who went unbeaten in the tournament, were crowned overall champions following a 54-29 win over Barbados young Gems in Sunday’s final, while Trinidad and Tobago young Calypso Girls downed Grenada 61-39 in the third-place playoff to take the final qualifying spot.
Jamaica’s Head coach Phyllis Thompson lauded her team’s gritty showing, particularly in the semi-final where they produced a late rally to top their young Calypso Girls counterparts 40-33.
“I am super excited and elated for the girls. They did the hard work coming into the tournament and it showed on the court. Of course we weren’t always flawless, we made our fair share of mistakes along the way, but the most important thing was to secure the win here and then work on tighten up our play going forward,” Thompson said.
“We have a very talented and determined group of girls and it showed in the semi-final against Trinidad when we were down two goals, I reminded them that we are still in the game and they went out and gave it their all to come out victorious. So I am very proud of them and like I said we will go back to the drawing board and work on what we need to for the World Cup next year,” she added.
While they were unable to upstage Jamaica in the final, president of the Barbados Netball Association, Dr. Carmeta Douglin struck a positive tone.
She admitted that closing the gap with world class teams like Jamaica is no easy task but, in the same breath, insisted that improvement is possible with the right structures.
The young Gems brushed aside Grenada 63-45 in the semi-final.
“Our Under-21 is not a bad team, but they still need a lot of work to get to the world-class level, as you can see. So we are looking to build on Under-14, to move to Under-16, to move to Under-21, to move to seniors. So we are looking at an Academy, where we have players in training all year round, and moving up through the age groups. So this is something we are planning,” Douglin said.
“Jamaica has been there, they have done that, and they are getting a lot more practice, a lot more exposure, because this Jamaica Under-21 team would obviously be playing in their Super League and playing with their seniors, who already have a really good start. So we need to get there, and it’s a building process, and we are working towards it,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Head coach Kalifa McCollin-Lopez welcomed the third-place finish by her team.
“I am very excited for the girls. They would have worked hard to reach here and I know they are really happy right now,” she said.
Though the losses against Barbados, earlier in the tournament, and Jamaica in the semi-final, were hard to take, McCollin-Lopez said they served as lessons for their improved performance in the third-place contest.
“Through those losses, we would have had to learn and grow from them; not to put themselves down too much because we had the game following, but to tidy up the mistakes (and) stick to (the) task. I think that is what we went out there and tried to do,” she shared.
The three Caribbean teams now join pre-qualified teams New Zealand, Australia, England, Fiji, and host nation Gibraltar for the Netball World Youth Cup, a competition for emerging Under-21 players, scheduled for September 19–28 next year.
A total of 20 teams will compete in the event. South Africa, Malawi, and Zambia qualify from Africa, and Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka qualify from Asia. The remaining six teams are yet to be decided.
Oscar Pareja says the confidence of his Orlando City side is on the rise ahead of their MLS trip to Nashville SC at Geodis Park.
The Lions have triumphed in their last three league matches, overcoming New England Revolution 3-1 in their most recent outing.
Orlando are seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, and head coach Pareja believes improvements are clear to see as encouragement grows within the camp.
"Very excited with the three points, very proud of the character of the team and the players that brought us back after an irregular first half," Pareja said, referring to the Revs victory.
"It seems like our confidence keeps rising, and finding the net is helping us to believe that this is the team who can keep that rhythm and get into the playoffs.
"A team with more chemistry, but at the same time, with more passion and more energy that allowed us to dominate the game and score our goals.
"This is the first time that the team won in New England and that means a lot of respect for the players to that achieve that."
Nashville are ninth in the same East table, though only sit ahead of CF Montreal on goal difference.
They have lost their last four matches against Inter Miami, Columbus Crew, Portland Timbers and D.C. United, however, and must improve at home if they are to end that run here.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nashville SC – Hany Mukhtar
Hany Mukhtar has nine goal contributions (four goals, five assists) in eight regular-season matches against Orlando.
The Nashville forward has only recorded more goal contributions against one opponent in his MLS career – 12 versus Atlanta United.
Orlando City – Facundo Torres
Facundo Torres has recorded two goal contributions in each of his last two matches, including scoring a brace against New England on Saturday.
This is the fourth time Torres has registered multiple goal contributions in consecutive league matches, something no other Orlando player has managed more than once.
MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW
The Opta supercomputer predicted a Nashville victory as the most likely result, however a draw appears more probable in this clash.
Nashville had suffered just five defeats in their first 19 regular-season matches in 2024 but have now lost four straight matches in all competitions for the first time in club history.
Orlando have also won their last three meetings with Nashville, including a two-match sweep in last season's playoffs.
The Lions have won four of their last five matches (L1), too, after winning four of just 18 league games prior in 2024, including wins in their previous three in a row – only twice enjoying longer victorious streaks.
However, Nashville cannot be completely ignored considering they had gone unbeaten in their previous eight against Orlando in all competitions (W3 D5) before their three-game losing streak recently.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Nashville SC win – 43.7%
Draw – 26.8%
Orlando City win – 29.5%
Greg Vanney hit out at a "purposeless" first-half display from his LA Galaxy side after their 2-0 loss to FC Dallas.
The Galaxy, who are third in the Western Conference, have now lost two of their last three games following that defeat to Dallas last time out.
They host the Colorado Rapids, who are one place and five points behind them in the West, next.
And Vanney wants a more aggressive performance.
"We were purposeless in the first half," Vanney said after the Dallas defeat, as reported by The Galactic Tribune.
"It's like we were going to win the game putting together ten thousand passes and going nowhere and that is what we said at half time.
"We were down 2-0 because we deserved to be down 2-0. We had three shots in the first half, all of them from 25 yards away.
"It just comes down to the overall aggressiveness of our group."
Wingers Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil could not wield their usual influence on proceedings in the first half against Dallas, though Vanney believes the Galaxy stumbled on a solution after the break.
He added: "In the second half, we were able to get [Pec and Paintsil] better looks.
"One-on-one situations or getting them on the run so they're attacking aggressively, and then they have an impact on the game. We've got to do more of that. I'm not interested in being a possession team for the sake of passing the ball around.
"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
Pec has been involved in a goal in nine straight home matches (8 goals, 6 assists), equalling the longest single-season streak in Galaxy history (Landon Donovan in 2005, Robbie Keane in 2012).
Keane had a streak of 10 straight home matches with a goal contribution spanning the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Colorado Rapids - Jonathan Lewis
Lewis has scored four goals in nine career matches against the Galaxy while not scoring more than twice against any other opponent.
All four of those goals were scored at Dignity Health Sports Park, including one in Colorado's 3-1 win at the Galaxy last May.
MATCH PREDICTION: LA GALAXY WIN
Colorado have lost only one of their last seven matches (W5 D1) conceding three goals in that lone defeat (at Los Angeles FC) and conceding a total of four goals in the other six games, not allowing more than one in any of them.
The Galaxy have won seven of their last nine home matches (D1 L1) with the only loss in that time coming at the Rose Bowl against LAFC. LA have not lost at Dignity Health Sports Park since a 4-1 defeat to Dallas last October, avoiding defeat in 10 straight matches in Carson (W7 D3) since.
Colorado, however, have won seven of their last 11 matches against the Galaxy (D3 L1) dating back to 2018. The Rapids had won six of their previous 24 meetings with the Galaxy in all competitions dating back to April 2009.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
LA Galaxy - 53.7%
Colorado Rapids - 22.6%
Draw - 23.8%
Houston Dynamo will hope to celebrate Tim Howard's investment into the side with victory against San Jose Earthquakes when the pair meet in MLS at PayPal Park.
United States men's national team legend Howard was announced as a minority investor in the Dynamo on Tuesday, with Houston excited by his experience.
"His wealth of experience across soccer, both as a player at the highest levels and subsequently as a sporting director and media analyst, will be invaluable within ownership as we continue to build a competitive and successful organisation," majority owner Ted Segal said.
On the pitch, the Dynamo have followed back-to-back victories with just one point across their last two games.
Houston were beaten 3-2 by Western Conference joint-leaders Real Salt Lake before a 1-1 draw with Minnesota United last time out.
The Dynamo still sit eighth in the West standings, and Howard hopes his investment will be rewarded with victory on the road.
"As someone who has dedicated my life to the sport of soccer, I am thrilled to join the Houston Dash and Dynamo ownership group," said Howard.
"This opportunity allows me to further contribute to the growth of the game in the United States and connect with the passionate soccer fans who call Houston home."
San Jose are struggling at the bottom of the same division coming off the back of a 2-1 defeat against Sporting Kansas City.
Houston managed a 2-1 victory in their meeting earlier this season, though interim coach Ian Russell will hope to transform the Earthquakes' fortunes this time around.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
San Jose Earthquakes – Jeremy Ebobisse
Jeremy Ebobisse has scored five career goals against the Dynamo, all since 2019.
The only player with more goals against Houston in regular-season play in that time is Alan Pulido (six).
Houston Dynamo – Sebastian Ferreira
Sebastian Ferreira has scored a career-best four goals in four regular-season matches against San Jose, including scoring against the Earthquakes in March.
No Dynamo player has scored more goals against a single team since Ferreira joined the club in 2022.
MATCH PREDICTION – HOUSTON DYNAMO WIN
The Dynamo are the narrow favourites for this clash, despite their recent head-to-head record against San Jose.
The Earthquakes have lost only one of their last six home matches against Houston (W3 D2) including recording a 2-1 win in the last meeting at PayPal Park in April 2023.
San Jose have never won consecutive home games against Houston, however, and their recent form is concerning.
The Earthquakes are the third team to lose 18 times in their first 23 games of a season along with the Tampa Bay Mutiny in 2001 and the MetroStars in 1999 (including breakaway shoot-out losses).
Considering the Dynamo have lost just one of their last eight matches, too, Houston should have no problems on the road.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
San Jose Earthquakes win – 27.8%
Draw – 24.1%
Houston Dynamo win – 48.1%
As Jamaica's shot put queen, Danniel Thomas-Dodd, has achieved much over the years. But she is not entirely satisfied, and as such, intends to once again etch her name in the annals of the country’s track and field history in Paris.
Fresh off her ninth national title win at the JAAA National Senior Championships, Thomas-Dodd has her sights set on at least making it to the finals in what will be her third Olympic Games appearance, as she hopes to build on her legacy in the circle.
The experienced campaigner, whose journey is characterized by relentless dedication and a drive to succeed, launched the instrument to a season’s best 19.32m—to win ahead of Lloydricia Cameron (17.62m) and Danielle Sloley (13.55 m)—at the National Stadium, a performance she described as a confidence booster ahead of the global multi-sport showpiece.
This, as her previous best performances were a 19.12m throw for sixth at the World Indoor Championships in Scotland and a 19.00m throw at the Harry Jerome Track Classic in Canada.
“I would say it's definitely a huge confidence booster. We've been trying to piece the puzzle together going into the Olympics, so with this throw, I think we're a little bit closer to being ready to compete with the (proverbial) big dogs,” she told SportsMax.TV.
Thomas-Dodd's path to the Paris Olympics has been one marked by both triumph and challenge, as such, her recent victory at the National Championships not only solidified her dominance in the event but also served as a testament to her consistency and resilience.
“Coming into the championship, I was struggling a little bit to piece together the technique. So my coach asked me to give him a 19.3 metres throw because he knows I have what it takes, and if I could give him that distance in the National Stadium, then it's a right step in the right direction. So I trusted him and delivered, which makes me more comfortable going into Olympics with that level of confidence knowing that what we've been doing has been working,” Thomas-Dodd shared.
With World Championships, World Indoor Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Pan American Games medals to her name, Thomas-Dodd is no stranger to the pressures and expectations that come with representing her country on the world stage.
In fact, with the disappointment of the 2016 and 2020 Games in Rio and Tokyo, when she placed 25th and 13th, respectively, still fresh in her mind, the 31-year-old’s sights are firmly set on breaking into the finals on this occasion to once again demonstrate why she is regarded as one of the best in the business.
“The number one aim is to ensure that I make it to the finals to give myself a fair chance of putting together something nice and possibly challenge for a medal. I know for sure it's definitely going to take over 20 metres to get on podium, but I've learned so much from my past experiences, and I believe that with the right preparation and mindset, I can achieve this,” she declared.
“I have been trusting the process more, in previous years, I would have had far better throws earlier in the season, but this year we have kind of tapered to ensure that I get it right when it matters most. Like I said, I am much more motivated now, and my mental game is up, so hopefully it will all come together in Paris,” Thomas-Dodd added.
FC Dallas must learn to manage matches with more composure, so says interim coach Peter Luccin.
Dallas bounced back from a 3-2 defeat to Sporting Kansas City by claiming a surprise 2-0 win over the high-flying Los Angeles Galaxy last time out.
Having seen his team lose late on against Kansas City, Luccin was delighted with Dallas' response against the Galaxy, with Petar Musa and Logan Farrington on target.
Dallas accumulated 1.38 expected goals (xG) and had 18 shots to the Galaxy's nine, though Luccin did point out to one area where his side can improve.
"I'm still hurt a bit about our last game versus Kansas City to be honest," he said.
"Coming off a loss against Kansas City, we saw that it could be different. It says a lot about this team. I told you from the very first day, I'm very proud of them, with all of the adversity we face right now like injuries.
"I will say that maybe having more of the ball in those important moments. I think we did that in the last 10 minutes, in the first half we were rushing too much.
"We should've pushed up higher and sustained a little bit more of the ball. Even if we want to go more vertical, we need to understand the timing and moments to go vertical.
"For me, how to manage the game with the ball. We knew the Galaxy were very good with the ball but in the end, we controlled well. We were compact in the low block. We need to manage the ball better and have possession for longer."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FC Dallas - Jesus Ferreira
Ferreira has scored in each of his last three home MLS appearances, including in the 2-0 win over the Galaxy on Saturday.
Only one Dallas player has scored in four straight home matches since the start of the 2020 season – Ricardo Pepi in June-July 2021.
Austin FC - Julio Cascante
Cascante won eight of nine aerial duels in Austin's loss to the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, the third time he has won at least eight aerial duels in an MLS match since joining Austin FC in 2021.
The only other player to win eight or more aerial duels in a match for Austin FC is Leo Vaisanen (twice).
MATCH PREDICTION: DALLAS WIN
Austin have managed just two wins in their last 18 regular-season road matches dating back to last July, but one of those wins came in a Texas Derby, a 1-0 victory against the Houston Dynamo on April 20.
Dallas recorded their eighth home win in all competitions this season, and fourth in five matches, with the win over the Galaxy. A league-high 88% (23/26) of Dallas' points this season have been earned at home.
Dallas are unbeaten in five home matches against Austin (W4 D1), including a 2-1 victory at Toyota Stadium on May 11. Three of Dallas' four home wins over Austin have been by one-goal margins.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
FC Dallas - 51.8%
Austin FC - 23.6%
Draw - 24.6%
Eduard Atuesta has found a new forever home with Los Angeles FC and believes the Black and Gold are benefitting from being more tactically versatile.
LAFC face Realt Salt Lake in their next MLS meeting, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Western Conference against the second-placed side, who are level on points.
Steve Cherundolo's side were hammered 5-1 at home by Columbus Crew in their last outing, however.
Yet Atuesta believes LAFC have transformed their fortunes, and are benefitting from greater tactical fluidity and flexibility in their league push.
"I think we're more diligent tactically now," the midfielder said. "The LAFC I was part of with Bob [Bradley] was an LAFC that probably was much more about having the ball, possession, we had a lot of control of the game because we had the ball.
"One way was keeping the opponent down with the ball, the other being hard-working and then being dangerous when it’s time to counter-attack or create and be more vertical.
"Those are the differences I've found."
Atuesta is somewhat adored by LAFC supporters after helping the club to Supporters' Shield glory in 2019, a success he wants to build upon.
"I came here when I was really, really young, but had the desire to learn as much as possible, learn from the veterans and understand quickly how the league works, how I could adapt as quickly as I could," he added.
"I'm now a player with more experience, more titles and with a desire to keep winning a lot, a lot of trophies with LAFC."
Salt Lake suffered their own disappointment in their last outing after a 3-0 humbling against Portland Timbers.
Pablo Mastroeni's side have won three of their last five games, though, and will hope to strike a top-of-the-table blow here.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Los Angeles FC – Denis Bouanga
Denis Bouanga, alongside goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, was recently named in the MLS All-Star team after scoring 14 goals in 22 appearances this year.
The LAFC forward also has nine league assists to his name, and will be the primary threat against RSL.
Real Salt Lake – Andres Gomez
With Cristian Arango suspended for the next four games, Andres Gomez will be expected to step up in his absence.
The latter Real Salt Lake is one of only 10 players in MLS this year with 18 or more goal contributions – Gomez has managed 19.
MATCH PREDICTION – LOS ANGELES FC WIN
Los Angeles may have suffered their heaviest home defeat in club history against the Crew, but they are still the heavy favourites for this clash.
Cherundolo's side were unbeaten in 13 games across all competitions before that Columbus hammering, conceding just seven goals across that impressive run.
LAFC will hope to recharge another similar streak with victory here, though it may not be as straightforward as the pre-match predictions suggest.
RSL have recorded back-to-back wins over Los Angeles, including a 3-0 home win on March 2. The visitors had won just two of their first 15 all-time meetings with LAFC in all competitions (L13), however.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Los Angeles FC win – 52.1%
Draw – 24.4%
Real Salt Lake win – 23.4%
Brian Schmetzer's message was simple to Seattle Sounders ahead of St. Louis City's visit in MLS, with the home side's coach demanding more of the same.
The Sounders are on a five-game winning run across all competitions, having edged out Austin FC with a 1-0 road triumph last time out.
That run of form has helped Seattle up to seventh in the Western Conference standings, four points clear of 10th-placed Austin and the playoff-chasing pack.
Head coach Schmetzer just wants his side to keep delivering as they aim for a post-season challenge.
"We've got a good squad. They believe that they can win," Schmetzer said.
"The coaches have done a great job of getting the players to all understand what we want, and the players have been delivered.
"Guys are making plays…we had bad luck and were shooting ourselves in the foot earlier in the year."
Jordan Morris scored the only goal of the game in that Austin triumph, and hopes to add to his tally when struggling St. Louis – who are 13th in the West – visit Lumen Field.
"For goalscorers, when you're playing with confidence, it obviously helps," Morris said.
"You can go through times where it feels like you're never going to score again, and then sometimes you're scoring every game and quick chances.
"A lot of it's up to the group that's playing well and gave me really good balls. So obviously, I'm happy with the form."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Seattle Sounders – Jordan Morris
Morris scored the aforementioned lone goal in Seattle's win at Austin on Saturday, his ninth of the season.
Seattle's star is one goal away from becoming the ninth player in MLS history, and the first for the Sounders, to record five double-digit scoring seasons with a single team.
St. Louis City – Nokkvi Thorisson
St. Louis have become somewhat set-piece specialists this season, scoring their 12th such goal this season – including penalties – on Saturday.
Nokkvi Thorisson curled in a fine free-kick to extend that tally, with only four MLS teams managing more set-piece goals this campaign.
MATCH PREDICTION – SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN
Home side Seattle are the dominant favourites heading into this clash, considering recent form and their head-to-head record in the fixture.
The Sounders have won all three of their matches against St. Louis, including a 2-1 road win on May 25.
Seattle are also the only opponent the visitors have faced more than once without ever earning a point.
The hosts have won five straight matches in all competitions, too, for the first time since closing the 2019 season with six straight victories culminating in an MLS Cup Final win against Toronto FC.
St. Louis, meanwhile, have suffered defeat in three of their last four matches, conceding four goals in all three losses in that time, and may be concerned about that run continuing here.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Seattle Sounders win – 56.5%
Draw – 22.5%
St. Louis City win – 21%
New York Red Bulls will be out to defend the only remaining unbeaten home record in MLS when they host road strugglers CF Montreal.
Sandro Schwarz's side were held to a 1-1 draw with Colorado Rapids last time out, keeping them fourth in the Eastern Conference.
New York are still 11 points adrift of conference leaders FC Cincinnati but will hope to make up ground when Montreal visit, with the away side 10th in the East standings.
Excitement remains around the Red Bulls and another post-season push, with defender Noah Eile relishing the chance to play in New York and under Schwarz.
"I'm very grateful for the opportunity that he and the coaching staff have in me," Eile said.
"They gave me the chance to come here first and it's a big thing for me to be able to come here and play for this great club and great league.
"I just want to be better to show that gratitude towards them."
Montreal defeated Atlanta United 1-0 in their last outing, stretching their league unbeaten run at home to seven games.
The Canadian side did not allow a single shot on target in that win, yet head coach Laurent Courtois still wants more.
"I was disappointed with the collective management of certain individuals tonight and the game scenario," Courtois said after the Atlanta result. "We did some good things, but during the last 25 minutes, it was frustrating to get caught in transition situations.
"I was disappointed at that level. It was especially the transition in possession that was difficult. We had the opportunity to put ourselves out of harm's way with a second goal and we didn't do it.
"Our management of the power play was naive. We hope that we will be able to find more efficiency in the last pass and the presence in the box."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
New York Red Bulls – Lewis Morgan
Lewis Morgan netted his 10th goal of the season in the Red Bulls' draw at Colorado on Sunday, his second 10-goal season with New York (14 in 2022).
Morgan is the only Red Bulls player with a 10-goal season since Daniel Royer (11 goals) in 2019, leading New York in attack once again.
CF Montreal – Ruan
Ruan has scored two goals in his last four MLS appearances after not scoring for over two years.
This is the third time Ruan has scored two goals in a single regular season (also in 2021 and 2022 with Orlando City), but can he continue that run here?
MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK RED BULLS WIN
The Red Bulls are the heavy favourites for this clash, considering their remarkable head-to-head record against Montreal.
New York have won 12 of their 14 regular-season home matches against Montreal (L2), with their 85.7% win rate the highest for any team at home against another in MLS history (minimum 10 meetings).
The Red Bulls are also unbeaten in their first 10 regular-season home games in 2024 (W6 D4), the club's second-longest home unbeaten run to start a season (13 straight in 2012).
New York are unbeaten in 13 straight at home in all competitions, last losing at Red Bull Arena against Chicago Fire last October, while Montreal are winless in nine straight regular-season away matches (D2 L7).
Montreal have just four wins in their 29 away league matches since the start of last season, and their struggles will expectedly continue here.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
New York Red Bulls win – 59%
Draw – 21.4%
CF Montreal win – 19.6%
Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini believes there are no limits to where his side can finish in MLS if they continue their unbeaten streak against Sporting Kansas City.
The Whitecaps have not lost any of their last five matches in all competitions, winning four and drawing one, leaving them sixth in the Western Conference.
With only eight points separating them from the top of the table, and Vancouver having two games in hand over some of those above them, Sartini is confident his team can challenge for a top spot.
"We have to push for the next two games at home before the rest and the Leagues Cup, so we really need to push, and then we can regroup in the last 10 games to try and get the highest position possible," Sartini said.
"We need to get points because everyone is getting points. It's really hard.
"If we keep winning, sooner or later we'll be higher than fifth or sixth. The only thing we can do is win."
Sporting Kansas City are on a three-match winning streak of their own, which has lifted them off the foot of the table.
After going through a rough patch of just one win in five before that, head coach Peter Vermes has highlighted how the squad rotation has helped him get the best out of his players.
"I am [proud]," Vermes said.
"Each time, no matter what their responsibility is — whether they are starting, playing 90 minutes or coming in the second half — the responsibility to come in and make a contribution to the team has taken on a much different effect than it did early in the season.
"It's a credit to the players because they are the ones on the field who have to do the work and make the contributions."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver Whitecaps – Brian White
Brian White has scored in four straight matches for the second time this season (also in April), the only player in MLS with multiple streaks of four or more games with a goal this season.
The only Whitecaps player to score in five straight league games was Camilo Sanvezzo in June-July 2013.
Sporting Kansas City – Erik Thommy
Erik Thommy scored his first MLS goal since April in Sporting's win over San Jose on Saturday with a strike from outside the box.
It was Sporting's 11th goal from outside the box this season, three more than any other MLS team.
MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN
The 10 meetings between the Whitecaps and Sporting Kansas City since the start of the 2020 season have been split, with each side winning four times and drawing twice. Both sides have recorded at least one win home and away in that time.
The Whitecaps are currently unbeaten in their last five home matches in all competitions (W4 D1), including winning the last two at BC Place. Vancouver have not gone six straight home matches without defeat in all competitions since October-November 2021.
However, Kansas City have won three of their last four regular-season matches after opening the season with three wins in their first 20 games (D5 L12). Saturday's win, 2-1 at San Jose Earthquakes, snapped an eight-match road losing streak in league play for Sporting.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Vancouver Whitecaps – 50.2%
Draw – 25.2%
Sporting Kansas City – 24.6%
Finals series are defined by big moments.
Across the history of the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League, successful sides have had players who stand up when those big moments come along and Adelaide Thunderbirds, West Coast Fever, Melbourne Vixens, and Sunshine Coast Lightning are all equipped with such quality.
Throughout the 2024 season, these players made it their mission to push not only themselves, but also their teammates towards ultimate glory, and with the business end of the campaign now on the horizon, nothing less is expected.
In fact, it would be hard for many to disagree with the fact that these four players—Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Kiera Austin, Alice Teague-Neeld, and Steph Fretwell—will be key in shaping their respective team’s chances in the bid to be crowned 2024 champions.
The top two teams, Thunderbirds and Vixens, will lock horns in the major semi-final, while Fever and Lightning will cross swords in the minor semi-final. Both are scheduled for Saturday.
Shamera Sterling-Humphrey
There is no denying the Adelaide Thunderbirds have the best defence in the competition, marshalled by one of the world's best, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey.
Sterling-Humphrey has been sending shivers down shooters’ spines for years, but has become the games ultimate x-factor in recent times as she gains more big game experience.
She played a crucial role in Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls success at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and decided to make that a habit in 2023.
The superstar defender was named the 2023 SSN Most Valuable Player and played a starring role in the Thunderbirds unlikely premiership, finishing the finals series with 13 gains, 9 deflections, 6 intercepts, 5 rebounds, 4 pick-ups and 158.5 Nissan Net Points across two inspirational wins.
Jamaica went deep in the 2023 World Cup, going down to Australia by three goals in a nail-biting semi-final. Sterling-Humphrey had 4 gains, 2 rebounds and 2 intercepts as she tried to push her side into their first ever World Cup final. But it wasn’t to be.
She hasn’t slowed down in 2024, leading the league in gains (108), deflections (96), intercepts (44), and defensive rebounds (36), contributing to the Thunderbirds standing as the number one goals from gain side in the competition.
The 28-year-old’s presence behind the ball is intimidating, with sides forced to alter their ball movement in an attempt to nullify her influence on the game.
Sophie Garbin and Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard are likely opponents for Sterling-Humphrey and her dynamism not only allows to negate their influence, but also start the Thunderbirds attacks through flying intercepts and outrageous deflections, an integral part of the Adelaide side’s push for back-to-back championships.
Kiera Austin (right) prepares to shoot under pressure from Jamaican Kadie-Ann Dehaney of West Coast Fever.
The World Cup final is the biggest stage in netball, and in 2023, Kiera Austin owned it.
After not experiencing any court time in the Diamonds semi-final win over Jamaica, Austin was thrown on mid-way through the second quarter of the final against England, with Australia holding a one-goal lead.
The Vixens superstar was unstoppable, finishing the game with 15 goals from 17 attempts, 18 feeds, 16 assists, one gain and one deflection in a player of the match performance, combining beautifully with now Vixens teammate Sophie Garbin in attack.
However, SSN glory has evaded Austin to this point in her career, but she still has plenty of SSN finals experience to go alongside her big game credentials with the Diamonds, having appeared in both the 2022 and 2023 finals series.
Austin is the most complete goal attack in the competition, if not the world, with her elite work rate allowing her to influence the game in both defence and attack.
She’s the highest ranked in her position across the SSN in 2024 for intercepts (11), and gains (18), while only Sophie Dwyer (25) has more deflections this season than Austin (22).
Austin is still one of the biggest attacking threats in the competition, sitting 8th for goals scored (293), 4th for super shots (55), 15th for goal assists (192) and 15th for feeds (265), as she has seemingly saved her best performances for the big sides this year.
The 26-year-old is averaging 23.7 goals, 4.7 super shots, 17 feeds, 12.5 assists, 2 deflections, one gain and one intercept per game against the Thunderbirds and Fever, two sides she’ll likely have to face along the way to the ultimate prize.
Alice Teague-Neeld
When you think West Coast Fever, you think about Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard. How could you not? But the Jamaican superstar can’t do much without the ball, and Fever's wing attack, Alice Teague-Neeld, is her main source.
Fowler-Nembhard’s abilities mean that most of the time, Teague-Neeld doesn’t get the credit she deserves.
Teague-Neeld was named wing attack in 2023 SSN Team-of-the-Year, after averaging 85.5 Nissan Net Points across the campaign, and she has carried that form into 2024, fulfilling the role of chief creative outlet for the Fever.
She is ranked second behind Diamonds captain Liz Watson for total feeds (494), assists (353), and a superior conversion rate, with 71.4% of her feeds resulting in goals.
Teague-Neeld also rates highly for centre pass receives, ranked second with 294, and second phase receives, ranked 7th with 146. Her other strength is her durability and reliability.
Interestingly, Teague-Neeld has recorded just 36 turnovers and only Fowler-Nembhard and Jess Anstiss have played more minutes for the Fever this season.
The 28-year-old has tasted success at SSN level before, as a member of the Fever’s victorious 2022 side, and was one of their most consistent finals performers over the past two seasons, averaging 76.7 Nissan Net Points, 36.3 feeds, 22 assists and 29.5 centre pass receives across four finals appearances.
Flair might not be her strong suit, but consistency is, and her Fever teammates love her for it.
Steph Fretwell
The Lightning have been well off the pace set by the top three this season, but they still pose a huge finals threat. Such is the match-winning quality on their list, headlined by World Cup winner Steph Fretwell.
Fretwell has an enormous amount of finals experience, having played in five straight national league grand finals from 2015 to 2019, winning back-to-back premiership in 2017 and 2018 with the Lightning.
Fretwell was as important to the Lightning then, as she is now, averaging 16.5 goals, 24.5 feeds, 18.5 assists and 22.5 centre pass receives in those dual premiership glories.
Known for being one of the best ball handlers in the competition, Fretwell’s ability to find space and remain calm under pressure makes her the perfect player for the big moments, something she displayed in the Diamonds 2023 World Cup semi-final against Jamaica.
Fretwell played the entire match and shot her 29 goals at 90.6%, as well as providing 14 assists and receiving 19 centre passes to help drag the Diamonds into another World Cup decider.
The 32-year-old remains one of the best sharpshooters in the league, sitting in the top 10 league-wide for one-point goals and super shots, as well as doing plenty of work out the front, contributing 175 assists (17th) and 234 feeds (17th).
Her connection with Liz Watson and Cara Koenen was built over a lengthy period of time, across multiple teams, and that synergy will come to the fore as the pressure intensifies across the finals series.
Simply put, if Lightning requires a last second super shot to ice the game, they would certainly want the ball in Fretwell’s hands.
D.C. United head coach Troy Lesesne says his side deserved the win that snapped their winless streak as they aim to keep their momentum against Minnesota United.
D.C. were on an 11-match winless run, losing eight, including a heavy 5-0 thrashing at Orlando City before their 2-1 comeback win against Nashville on Saturday.
The victory lifted them to 12th in the Eastern Conference, and another win could put them in touching distance of the playoffs.
Lesesne was pleased to finally put their torrid run behind them, saying: "I try to stay away from really obvious statements, but everyone knows the last couple of months haven't been what we wanted.
"There's performances in there, but we didn't see three points. There were so many individual performances that willed that to happen, and they've been fighting, they deserve this."
Meanwhile, Minnesota snapped their six-match losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Houston Dynamo at the weekend.
The Loons moved into ninth in the Western Conference, though they still remain without a win in any of their last eight MLS outings.
However, head coach Eric Ramsay remained optimistic and is keen to build on the result to get them back in contention.
"It was a really important point," Ramsay said.
"I'm incredibly pleased with the application of the players, their aggression, their intent to spot the run we're on at the moment, so we take a lot from that."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Minnesota United – Robin Lod
Robin Lod scored his sixth goal of the season in Minnesota's draw on Saturday, his fourth season with at least six goals.
No other player in the team's MLS history has more than two seasons with six or more goals.
D.C. United – Cristian Dajome
Cristian Dajome's brace in D.C. United's win over Nashville on Saturday was the seventh multi-goal game by a D.C. United player since the start of the 2023 season, but the first by somebody other than Christian Benteke.
MATCH PREDICTION: MINNESOTA UNITED WIN
The home side have won all five meetings between Minnesota and D.C., with the last meeting a 2-0 home win for the Loons in 2022. Minnesota have outscored D.C., 7-0, in their three meetings at home.
Minnesota United ended their club-record six-match losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Houston on Saturday but remain winless in eight straight (drawn two, lost six), the longest regular-season winless run in the team's MLS history.
Meanwhile, D.C. snapped their 11-match winless run with a 2-1 victory over Nashville on Saturday. D.C. have not won consecutive matches within a single season since a four-match winning run in April 2023.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Minnesota United – 54.2%
Draw – 23.5%
D.C. United – 22.3%
Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin has urged his team to find a way to grind out a vital win when they meet the New England Revolution in MLS on Wednesday.
The Union sit bottom of the Eastern Conference having failed to win any of their last 10 matches, extending that streak against Toronto FC on Saturday as they conceded two quickfire second-half goals in a 2-1 defeat.
Their last win came against the Revs in mid-May, and Curtin has set the simple target of getting three points after admitting his team have not been good enough in the last two months.
"We've made some big mistakes and been punished for them. We haven't been able to make the little plays to get over the hump," Curtin said.
"It's unacceptable how many games we haven't been able to find a way to win and the way we've done it has been really disappointing. We've become very fragile, which is uncharacteristic of this group.
"It really comes down with us just finding a way to grind out a win, ugly, pretty, whatever it takes to put it behind us."
Meanwhile, the Revs are one point better off than their opponents, sitting 13th in the table having lost their previous two matches.
They let a lead slip against Orlando City in their 3-1 defeat at the weekend, and head coach Caleb Porter hopes they can put their injury troubles behind them to get back to winning ways.
"We've got to find a way to get some points out of these next two games, even under the circumstances of where we're at," Porter said, as quoted in The Blazing Musket substack.
"And I believe 100% when we're healthy – and we showed it in the four-game stretch – when we have our group healthy, that we can beat anybody in the league."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Philadelphia Union – Daniel Gazdag
Daniel Gazdag has scored five career regular-season goals against New England, more than against any other team in his MLS career.
The five goals are also the most by any player against the Revs since the Hungarian joined MLS in 2021.
New England Revolution – Giacomo Vrioni
Giacomo Vrioni scored New England's lone goal in their loss to Orlando City on Saturday and has now scored six of the club’s last seven goals, including the last three in a row.
MATCH PREDICTION: PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN
The Union have won five of their last six matches against New England (L1, incl. playoffs) dating back to July 2022. The Revs had gone unbeaten in the previous five meetings between the sides (W3 D2).
However, the Union (D4 L6) are winless in 10 straight matches within a single regular season for the first time in club history. Philadelphia have won one of their last 17 matches, but that win came over New England in May.
Meanwhile, none of New England's last 16 MLS matches have ended in a draw (W7 L9) dating back to the start of April. In fact, only one of the Revs’ last 26 league matches dating back to late September last season has ended level.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Philadelphia Union – 48.2%
Draw – 25.9%
New England Revolution – 25.9%
FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan is desperate to find a remedy for his side's "flat" performance last time out, ahead of Chicago Fire's midweek MLS visit.
The Orange and Blue produced arguably their worst performance of their season during Sunday's 3-1 home defeat against Charlotte FC.
Cincinnati will have another chance to respond at TQL Stadium, bidding to remain top of the Eastern Conference standings after a surprise defeat in their last encounter.
Home head coach Noonan acknowledged his side must perform better.
"Our first 35 minutes were probably the worst of the year," Noonan said of the Charlotte showing. "We weren't ready, and that starts with me.
"I have to look at why it was so flat… A lot of poor performances and some avoidable mistakes on the two goals that really put the momentum in their favour.
"I think the warning signs, in terms of how we've conceded, have been there for a couple weeks now.
"There was loss of concentration, lost a mark, set pieces again… some things that we will continue to try to find answers to. Yeah, the way we're conceding goals is concerning."
The Fire, in stark contrast to Cincinnati at the summit, are just one spot from the bottom of the East table.
Chicago did manage a goalless draw with New York City FC, however, in their last match and keeping them ahead of bottom side Philadelphia Union.
Frank Klopas' side have accumulated 10 points from their last seven outings, though their away form is the worst in the Eastern Conference – with just seven points from 33 available on the road.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta
Luciano Acosta has been the leading light for Cincinnati's attack this year, sitting top of the club's scoring charts with 11 goals from 23 MLS appearances.
The Orange and Blue forward will be integral once more if the hosts are to down the struggling Fire here.
Chicago Fire – Hugo Cuypers
It remains to be seen whether Xherdan Shaqiri will return from Euro 2024 in time for this one, having announced his international retirement for Switzerland on Monday.
Hugo Cuypers will be expected to step up in his absence again, with the striker scoring nine goals for Chicago in MLS this season – at least four more than any other team-mate.
MATCH PREDICTION – FC CINCINNATI WIN
The home side are the dominant favourites for this clash, with the Opta supercomputer backing their victory chances at a hefty 66.1% from their data-led pre-match simulations.
Cincinnati have triumphed in 12 of their last 15 MLS matches, although three defeats have come in their past eight such outings.
That trio of losses have all come on their home ground, too, yet Cincinnati will be confident of getting over the line in this one.
Klopas' visitors have failed to score in their last two outings, and that will only boost the hosts' hopes heading into this midweek clash.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
FC Cincinnati win – 66.1%
Draw – 18.4%
Chicago Fire win – 15.5%
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