Caleb Porter still believes New England Revolution have an outside chance of making the playoffs if they win all their games, starting with Nashville SC.
The Revs currently sit bottom of the Eastern Conference on 28 points and are eight points behind Philadelphia Union in ninth.
They are winless in their last five matches though, alternating between losses and draws, and were heavily beaten 4-0 by Charlotte FC last weekend after Dylan Borrero's sending-off.
Porter remains hopeful, though even he admits it may be just out of the Revs' reach.
"I might be stupid, but I still believe that we can win all five [games] and get in [the MLS Cup Playoffs] somehow," he said, as quoted in The Blazing Musket substack.
"That is the approach that I'm going to take. But if we don't, we are building for the future and I expect, obviously, that we continue developing and keep building.
"We want to give the fans hope and something to look forward to and the right message that we are continuing to grow and that even though this season has been difficult, there is going to be a light at the end of the tunnel."
Meanwhile, Nashville are five points and three places better off than their opponents, after an impressive week saw them win two and draw one of their games.
Head coach BJ Callaghan was left frustrated by some decisions in their 2-2 draw with FC Cincinnati but expects his team to be stronger for it.
"We're a team and a locker room that talks about responding to adversity, training responses, not having emotional reactions to things, so that's part of the game," Callaghan said.
"Decisions are made, and it's our job to respond and move forward."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
New England Revolution – Aljaz Ivacic
New England's 4-0 defeat to Charlotte on Saturday was the club's 13th loss by multiple goals in the 2024 regular season.
The Revs have kept just one clean sheet in their last 13 MLS outings (5-0 win over Montreal), and Aljaz Ivacic will be desperate to improve on that run.
Nashville SC – Sam Surridge
Sam Surridge scored both of Nashville's goals in the 2-2 draw with Cincinnati on Saturday.
Each of the last four multi-goal games by a Nashville player, including all three this season, have been by Surridge.
MATCH PREDICTION: NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION WIN
Three of the four meetings between New England and Nashville in Foxborough have ended in draws, with the Revs winning the other meeting 1-0 in March 2023. There have been three total goals scored in the four matches, with two of those coming in the 1-1 draw in the Leagues Cup meeting on August 6.
New England are winless in four straight regular season home matches (D3 L1), though each of the last three home games have finished level. This is their longest regular-season winless run in Foxborough since a five-match drought in March-September 2020.
Meanwhile, Nashville are unbeaten in three straight matches (W2 D1) following an eight-match regular-season losing streak. Nashville won their last away match 2-0 at Atlanta United but have not won consecutive regular-season road games since May-June 2023.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
New England Revolution – 44.2%
Draw – 26.8%
Nashville SC – 28.9%
Kingston College, Jamaica College and Excelsior High all scored massive wins in ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup action on Wednesday.
KC hit seven past Meadowbrook High at Meadowbrook to remain atop Zone C with 13 points from five games.
Elsewhere in Zone C, Campion College dispatched Penwood 2-0 to draw level on 10 points with their opponents who are in second place on goal difference.
Jose Marti Technical edged Cumberland High 2-1 in the St. Catherine derby in the day’s other Zone C clash.
Zone F action saw leaders Jamaica College defeat Bridgeport High 9-0 with Giovanni Taylor bagging four goals as the standout performer. Excelsior High hammered Pembroke Hall 11-0 in the other game from the zone.
In Zone D, Vauxhall High grabbed a late equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw against Camperdown High to remain unbeaten this season.
STATHS displayed a vintage performance as they held firm to secure their third win of the season with a 1-0 victory versus Haile Selassie and remain top of the zone with 10 points from their four outings.
Houston Dynamo set a new club record for road wins in a single season last time out, and Ben Olsen is hoping to see more "character" when they travel to Seattle Sounders.
Their 1-0 victory over Austin FC last weekend was their eighth away victory of the season, and it lifted them to fifth in the Western Conference on 48 points.
Houston are unbeaten in their last five outings in MLS and have won their last four road games on the bounce.
Despite their impressive recent run, Olsen is still pushing his team, with a playoff spot not yet secured.
"The road wins situation is great - it shows we're growing in character," Olsen said.
"To win on the road in this league, you need personality, along with talent and game plans. We always ask the guys for that, and it's good our road form has been good because our home form hasn't been great.
"We're not in the playoffs yet, and we have to keep pushing. Hopefully, when or if we get in, we can just keep trying to put points on the board."
Meanwhile, Seattle sit just one point and one place below Houston in the table, and are in good form themselves, having lost just one of their last five matches in the league.
They have are unbeaten in their last three, and head coach Brian Schmetzer is keen to keep their momentum heading into the final four games.
"Everything to play for in tight standings," Schmetzer told reporters.
"We've been in a good run of form, but we've been at a pretty good clip, and we need to finish these four games at the same level. We'll see if the actions in these games match the talk."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Seattle Sounders – Jordan Morris
Jordan Morris scored both Sounders' goals in their 2-2 draw with San Jose Earthquakes on September 18.
Morris has nine multi-goal games in his MLS career, tied for the second-most by an American since he made his MLS debut in 2016 (Gyasi Zardes – 14).
Houston Dynamo – Steve Clark
The Dynamo have kept clean sheets in three of their last four away matches, including the last two in a row, after managing just one clean sheet in their previous 21 away matches in all competitions.
Houston have not kept three straight clean sheets on the road in all competitions since 2011-12, a record Steve Clark will be looking to achieve on Saturday.
MATCH PREDICTION: SEATTLE SOUNDERS WIN
The Sounders are unbeaten in 16 all-time home matches against the Dynamo in all competitions (W13 D3), including winning the last seven meetings in Seattle. Houston have not collected an away point against the Sounders since October 2016.
Indeed, the Sounders have lost only two of 44 all-time home matches against Texas opposition (W32 D10) in all competitions. Seattle have outscored opponents 80-24 over those games.
However, the Dynamo have won four straight away matches in all competitions for the second time in club history. Houston's only longer road winning streak was a six-match run spanning the 2011 and 2012 seasons, including two wins in the 2011 playoffs.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Seattle Sounders – 43.8%
Draw – 26.8%
Houston Dynamo – 29.4%
With only two home games left of the regular season, Eric Ramsay urged Minnesota United to come away with maximum points, starting against Colorado Rapids.
The Loons currently sit ninth in the Western Conference, but due to the tight nature of the table, they could spring up it with a win.
They have won their last three road games on the bounce, but have won just one of their last seven on home soil.
Following their 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City, Ramsay challenged his team to bring their away form to Allianz Field.
"We've got to win at home between now and the end of the year," he said. "That's the difference maker.
"We've done our bit against teams below us in the table away from home. We just need to do the easier bit, which is put in a performance at home and win a game there.
"If we can do that in the remaining two, we'll be in a really good position."
Meanwhile, Colorado sealed their playoff place with a 2-0 victory over Toronto FC last weekend.
They are third in the table having lost just one of their last five MLS matches, and head coach Chris Armas says spirits are high ahead of their latest road game.
"We're excited for a lot of reasons right now," Armas said. "We've clinched a playoff spot; we've got another game coming up against a good team on the road.
"It's an opportunity to show that we can have a disciplined performance with a lot to play for. The energy in the team is very good, and confidence is high.
"We have our sights set on getting our position up in the playoffs to get that home game."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Minnesota United – Kelvin Yeboah
Kelvin Yeboah has scored in three straight regular-season matches, the sixth different Minnesota United player to record at least one three-game goalscoring streak.
No player in the team's history has scored in four straight league matches.
Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic
Djordje Mihailovic scored his 11th goal of the season on Saturday to go along with his 11 assists in 2024.
The only Rapids player to record more than 22 goal contributions in a single regular season was Diego Rubio (23) in 2022.
MATCH PREDICTION: MINNESOTA UNITED WIN
Minnesota have won seven of nine all-time home matches against Colorado in all competitions, including the last three in a row. The Loons have outscored the Rapids 8-2 over the current three-match run.
Minnesota have now won four of their last six regular-season matches (lost two) after a nine-game winless run from early June to mid-July (drawn two, lost seven).
The Loons, who beat Sporting Kansas City 2-0 last Saturday, have not kept consecutive regular season clean sheets since May 2023.
However, the Rapids have won nine of their last 13 regular season matches (drawn one, lost three), including four of the last five. Only LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew (10 each) have recorded more wins than the Rapids since that run began in mid-June.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Minnesota United – 42.1%
Draw – 26.7%
Colorado Rapids – 31.2%
Patrickson Delgado wants FC Dallas to take momentum from their 3-1 victory over Los Angeles FC as they aim to push for the playoffs.
Dallas face Orlando City at home on Saturday, and while the visitors look well set to go on and clinch a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, it is a different matter for the hosts in the West.
Minnesota United are five points clear of Dallas in the race for a playoff spot, with just four regular-season games remaining.
But midfielder Delgado is hopeful Dallas can get over the line.
"This victory will help us gain more momentum for the final games of the season," he said after the win over LAFC, as reported by Big D Soccer.
"Our goal is to make the playoffs, and we will not give up. We will play every game like a final and finish the season strong."
Alan Velasco, who has just returned from injury, impressed against LAFC, and interim coach Peter Luccin was thrilled with his display.
"We can see what talent Velasco can do on the field, we know that," he said.
"When we are putting all those quality players together, this is what happens. We scored three goals, we could've scored one or two more.
"It's good that those two players are coming back but at the same time, we need to manage our emotions. Everyone wants to see Alan play but he's coming back from a very serious injury, so we need to manage him well."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
FC Dallas - Logan Farrington
Farrington came off the bench to record a goal and an assist in Dallas' win over LAFC, his second game with a goal and an assist as a sub this season. Farrington is one of six players in MLS history to record multiple games with a goal and an assist off the bench in a single season.
Orlando City - Facundo Torres
Torres has contributed to at least one goal in four straight regular-season appearances, the third such streak of his career, including a five-match run in 2022-23.
He is the first Orlando City player to have three streaks of four or more consecutive games with a goal contribution.
MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW
Dallas have lost only one of seven all-time meetings with Orlando (W4 D2), though this will be the first match between the sides since May 2022.
Orlando have scored only two goals in the seven previous meetings between these teams.
Dallas have won eight of their last 11 regular season home matches (D1 L2) dating back to late April. Dallas have scored multiple goals in 10 of those 11 matches, netting three or more in five of them.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Dallas - 35.4%
Orlando City - 38.5%
Draw - 26%
Charlotte FC must embrace the challenge of facing the best team in MLS when they take on Inter Miami on Saturday.
That is the view of full-back Nathan Byrne, who this week penned a new contract with Dean Smith's team.
Charlotte head south this weekend to play Miami, who are in the hunt for the regular-season points record in MLS.
A win for Charlotte could see them clinch a playoff spot.
"If we want to win things this season, then you have to play against the best teams and the best players," he said.
"It's just another challenge and we are going to go into it with full confidence."
Reflecting on his new deal, Byrne said: "Charlotte is a place I have really enjoyed my football over the last two years, and there is no place I'd rather continue my career. We have a great group of guys that want to accomplish something special, and that begins now with this run-in to the playoffs."
Smith, meanwhile, wants to see a level of consistency from his side, after they snapped a six-game windless run in MLS by thrashing the New England Revolution 4-0 last time out.
"You're after consistency from your players," he added.
"I'd much rather have a seven out of 10 every week than a five one week and a nine the next. You want consistency because you can build on that and improve."
Miami are unbeaten in 13 league games, though they need to take 10 points from their last four matches to break the league's regular-season points record of 73, which was set by New England in 2021.
The Herons drew 1-1 against New York City FC last time out, with coach Gerardo Martino left to fume at the officiating.
"The team didn't lack anything, but the match lacked a good referee," said Martino after that game. "We had a good game, we should've won."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Inter Miami - Lionel Messi
Messi has scored at least one goal in eight of his last nine home matches for Inter Miami in all competitions, scoring 10 total goals in those games, including finding the net in each of his last three at Chase Stadium.
Charlotte FC - Patrick Agyemang
Agyemang came off the bench to record a goal and two assists in Charlotte's win over New England on Saturday.
He is the third player in MLS this season, and first ever for Charlotte, to record three goal contributions in a match as a substitute.
MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN
For all his quality, Miami have won only one of the last five matches Messi has played dating back to late May (D3 L1). In the 13 matches Messi has missed in all competitions in that time, Miami have posted a record of W10 D0 L3.
However, Miami are unbeaten in three all-time home matches against Charlotte (W2 D1).
In fact, the only road win in the six all-time meetings between the sides was Miami's 2-1 victory at Charlotte on July 3 this year.
Charlotte ended an eight-match winless run in all competitions (D4 L4) with a 4-0 win over New England on Saturday. The four-goal win equalled Charlotte's largest-ever margin of victory along with a 5-1 win over the Richmond Kickers in the US Open Cup and a 4-0 league win over the Philadelphia Union, which both came in 2022.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Inter Miami - 59.9%
Charlotte - 19.1%
Draw - 21%
The hero’s welcome to St. Lucia for Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred has continued on Thursday with more great gestures honouring the 23-year-old’s historic achievements on the track in 2024.
Alfred, who became her country’s first Olympic medallist when she sped to gold in Paris in August, has now been named as the official ambassador for St. Lucia’s tourism.
As tourism ambassador, she will participate in promotional events for St. Lucia in key markets globally, alongside conducting media engagements and advertising initiatives to promote the island and its marketing campaigns.
She will also engage in social media campaigns to highlight tourism in St. Lucia. A key feature of this collaboration is the co-branding of the prominent St. Lucia logo on Alfred's competition and warm-up kits.
This partnership is expected to enhance the island's visibility and establish Alfred as a contemporary global ambassador for St. Lucia.
In addition to this, a mural of the 2023 Bowerman Award winner was also unveiled at her alma mater, Ciceron Primary School.
PUMA, who sponsors Alfred, has also pledged to provide footwear for all students of the school by 2025.
This all comes a day after the Government of St. Lucia announced September 27 as ‘Julien Alfred Day.’
Alfred returned to St. Lucia on Tuesday for the first time since her history-making performances in Paris.
In addition to the 100m gold, Alfred also took silver behind American Gabby Thomas in the 200m.
This came after earlier in the season when Alfred took home 60m gold at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow in March.
Alfred’s celebrations are set to continue until October 2.
Joanna Alfred is a proud mother, and it is clear for all to see.
But while she basks in the accomplishments of her daughter Julien Alfred and the recognition that comes with having a historic double Olympic medallist in the family, the senior Alfred used the opportunity to remind aspiring athletes that they too can become a national hero like her daughter.
“Yes, she is one of the biggest heroes today because of where she came from and where she started. And I also want children to learn from that and understand that it doesn't matter where you come from; you can still be where Julien Alfred is,” a beaming Joanna said as the island continues to celebrate her daughter's homecoming.
Having come from humble beginnings in Ciceron, situated in St Lucia’s capital Castries, Alfred honed her talent overtime and rose through the ranks on her way to copping an historic 100m gold and 200m silver at the Paris Olympic Games in August. Prior to that, she became the first St Lucian to win a World Indoor 60m title.
Those accomplishments followed an impressive NCAA campaign in which she copped the NCAA indoor 60m and 200m titles, as well as the outdoor honours over 100m and 200m. She was also the 2023 Bowerman Award winner, the prize given to the outstanding collegiate track and field athlete each year.
While the journey was by no means easy for either Alfred or her family, Joanna pointed to one thing in particular that assisted her daughter along the way –parental support.
“You can support your child. God will do the rest. So everything's going to fall into place,” she declared.
“They say it takes a village to raise a child, and indeed it does because if I didn't have the support of at least Twa Ti Ney [Julien’s local coach, Cuthbert Modeste] when her father passed, he became the father figure in this young lady’s life, then again I would have to struggle, so it took a village to raise a child as well,” Joanna shared.
Beyond the background support, Joanna pointed out that Alfred’s grit, determination, and unflinching desire to become a successful athlete were the foundation on which she rose to prominence and inevitably became the sprint queen of the island with a population of just about 180,000 people.
“It was not the food on her plate but the food in her mind that really encouraged her because even when she faced situations, the food in her mind really encouraged her to be where she is,” Joanna declared.
Phil Neville has praised Portland Timbers' resilience and has urged them to keep fighting when they face Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS on Saturday.
The Timbers came from behind twice to salvage a 3-3 draw with Real Salt Lake last weekend, meaning they have lost just one of their last five matches.
However, they have struggled on the road, failing to win any of their four such matches in the league.
Portland sit eighth in the Western Conference, but Neville has much higher ambitions than just making the playoffs.
"We don't give up in any game and that's a really special quality, and it's a quality that not many teams have," Neville said.
"They've contributed throughout the season and attitude is so important. The character of this team is unbreakable, but we've got to get the next bit [defending] right.
"We're not just pushing for the playoffs, we're in it to win it and if we keep that togetherness, we're going a long way."
Meanwhile, Vancouver won the Canadian Championship title for the third year in a row on Wednesday, beating Toronto FC 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
In MLS, they have won just one of their last four matches, sitting two points above their opponents, and head coach Vanni Sartini is hoping to find a balance between celebrating their triumph and preparing for Saturday.
"I'm going to have a drink and knowing that Saturday is so important, unfortunately, we can't really get crazy because we are in crunch time," said Sartini.
"It's not like last year when it was in the middle of the season, and you could quote-on-quote throw away the next game.
"It's so important for Saturday that we have to celebrate, but with some restraint."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Vancouver Whitecaps – Ryan Gauld
Ryan Gauld has recorded an assist in each of his last four regular season matches for the Whitecaps, the second time he has done so in his career (also July 2022).
No player in Vancouver's history has recorded an assist in five straight regular-season games.
Portland Timbers – Evander
Evander has contributed to at least one goal in 11 straight regular season matches, a club record for the Timbers.
There have been only two longer streaks in MLS history: Josef Martínez (15 straight) in 2019 and Sebastian Giovinco (12 straight) in 2018.
MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN
The Whitecaps and Timbers have each recorded a home win against the other already this season. Since the start of the 2018 season, Portland have won eight times against the Whitecaps, with Vancouver winning seven (one draw).
Indeed, the Whitecaps have won four of their last five home Cascadia Cup matches (L1), including a 3-2 win over Portland on March 30. Vancouver had won just two of their previous 10 matches against the Seattle Sounders and Timbers in Vancouver (D4 L4).
Meanwhile, Portland's 3-3 draw at Real Salt Lake on Saturday marked the 11th time this season the Timbers have failed to win a match in which they scored multiple goals. Only LA Galaxy in 2018 (12 times) have endured more such games in a single season in MLS history.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Vancouver Whitecaps – 43.6%
Draw – 26.8%
Portland Timbers – 29.6%
In a move to demonstrate its commitment to good governance, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Board has taken a decision to suspend the membership privileges of the parishes of Trelawny and St Thomas for failing to comply with a directive of Congress for all parish elections to have taken place by August 31, 2024.
The JFF, in a release on Thursday, stated that the suspension of membership privileges will remain until the parishes have their elections, and the process is satisfactory to the JFF Board.
It also pointed out that should the elections not be held by the next board meeting, then further actions will be considered if necessary.
This action was taken under the provisions of Article 16 (Member obligation) and Article 17 (Suspension) of the JFF Constitution.
“The JFF is committed to good governance and transparency and wants to ensure that the wider football membership is the beneficiary of that good governance,” the statement said.
The release also noted that the election for Trelawny has been set for October 12th, 2024.
Real Hope FA and Arnett Gardens FC played to a scoreless draw in Group A of the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
Jeudy Jhonson attempted to score inside the box in the 33', but Arnett Gardens defender Alton Lewis was there for a crucial block.
The two teams exchanged opportunities in the 45'+3 as Peterson Pierre blocked an attempt from Kimani Arbouine. Steeve Mondestin was denied on the other end by Arnett Gardens goalkeeper Asher Hutchinson.
Jaheim Thomas had a look from outside the box in the 54', but Real Hope goalkeeper Gooly Elien got both hands on the attempt.
Watz Leazard had one of the best looks of the night in the 60' with a header on goal but Hutchinson was there for the timely denial.
Edgar Castellanos Ruiz was denied from outside the box in the 77' as Shane Watson closed in to cause a deflection.
Rushike Kelson struck from the edge of the box in the 86’, but Elien made another save.
Marlon Allen had a right-footed effort inside the box in the 90'+5, but Elien blocked the attempt to preserve his clean sheet.
Real Hope FA improved to five points to maintain its second place standing in the group. The Haitian club will face Mount Pleasant next Thursday and can advance to the semifinals with a victory.
Arnett Gardens is unable to advance to the semifinals with the draw. The Jamaican side will seek to end its campaign with a victory in its final group stage encounter against Cavalier FC next Thursday.
Jamaican track and field icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce expressed her deep gratitude after learning about the impact she had on New Zealand rugby sevens player Michaela Blyde, who recently revealed how much Fraser-Pryce inspired her growing up. Speaking with Sportsmax.TV at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston on Wednesday, following her Pocket Rocket Foundation’s scholarship ceremony, Fraser-Pryce reflected on her meeting with Blyde during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“That was such a touching moment for me,” Fraser-Pryce said, recalling their encounter. “I was trying to keep a low profile, and it wasn’t low at all. But when I met her, just her presence and how she spoke of me really put things in perspective for me as an athlete. It reminded me of what I’ve been able to accomplish and how others are inspired by that. It’s why I continue to do what I do because I know there are athletes out there who need that inspiration.”
Blyde, a key player for New Zealand’s national rugby sevens team, had previously opened up about how Fraser-Pryce motivated her to dream of winning Olympic gold medals in the 100m and 200m. Meeting the Jamaican sprint queen at the Paris Olympics, she said, was life-changing. Blyde shared that she had long admired Fraser-Pryce, describing the experience as “the greatest thing that happened to her.”
Fraser-Pryce, moved by Blyde’s comments, spoke about how athletes like Blyde remind her of the broader influence she has. “There are athletes out there who can take something from your journey, and it’s truly remarkable to witness that with her. To have that friendship and bond is something special.”
In an unexpected but meaningful gesture, Fraser-Pryce attended one of Blyde’s rugby matches during the Olympic Games, marking her first time watching another sport in person at the Olympics. “Never in my entire Olympic journey have I attended any other sport. It was my first time going to another sport, and just watching the reaction from the athlete made me proud. I’m truly humbled and grateful to God for the platform He has given me and how much I’ve been able to carry, not just myself but also the national flag.”
Fraser-Pryce highlighted the significance of the moment, not just for herself, but for all Jamaicans. “It’s truly a moment not just for me, but I think for all Jamaicans to know that even though we’re a tiny dot on the map, we’re huge when it comes to our impact. People look up to us, they emulate us, and they want to be like us.”
Blyde’s emotional response to Fraser-Pryce’s presence at her match against China made the encounter even more memorable. "Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is actually the reason why I wanted to win gold in the 100m and 200m at the Olympic Games. That was my initial Olympic dream,” Blyde said in an interview. “When I saw her in person, my whole soul left my body and was watching me from above. And then she said, ‘I’ll come watch you play.’ I never imagined it would actually happen.”
Blyde recounted how surreal it felt hearing her name called from the stands during the match. “After our game against China, I heard someone calling, ‘Michaela,’ and I was like, ‘Wait, I recognize that voice.’ I looked over, and there was Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, watching us play. It’s a memory I will never forget.”
The mutual admiration between the two athletes highlights the far-reaching influence of Fraser-Pryce, whose career continues to inspire athletes across various sports around the world.
Guyana Amazon Warriors helped their chances of securing a top two finish in the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) by inflicting a 47-run defeat on Barbados Royals Wednesday night. The Royals would have been hopeful for a top of the table finish too given their earlier form in the competition but a third defeat for them in recent matches means they may have to settle for third or fourth place and a harder path to the title.
Royals captain Rovman Powell won the toss on what looked a fantastic batting wicket and opted to insert the opposition. The pitch was conducive to stroke-play and despite the early loss of Rahmanullah Gurbaz the Warriors cashed in, posting an imposing 219-8 off their 20 overs.
At one point, when Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer were in full flow and displaying some mouth-watering stroke play it very much looked like a bigger total would be in the offing for the Warriors but after the two experienced hands fell before the end (for 71 off 37 balls and 57 off 34 balls respectively) the Royals managed to peg the defending champions back in the final five overs. Maheesh Theeskhana the pick of the Royals bowlers with an economical and wicket-taking spell of 3-15.
So consistent in the earlier stages of the competition, the Royals’ batting card failed to fire in response. Moeen Ali pinned talisman Quinton de Kock lbw for 35 and Imran Tahir sprinting off into the outfield in customary celebration with the key wicket of Powell.
David Miller, unbeaten on 71, offered some resistance in the Royals middle order and played some audacious strokes at the back end to take him to a battling half century but wickets continuously fell all around him as the Warriors spin attack used the scoreboard pressure to their advantage and piled on the pain. A score of 172-9 at the close meant the Royals finished comfortably short and the Warriors were never in trouble.
Moeen Ali continued his fine tournament with the ball by claiming 2-16 and fellow spinner Gudakesh Motie was more expensive but pocketed three wickets. The Warriors are finding form in both departments as the competition heads into its final phase.
David Miller’s pyrotechnics once the result had effectively been decided meant the final scorecard wasn’t as grim as it could have been for the Royals but they have plenty to put right after a chastening defeat to their fellow title hopefuls.
Olivier Giroud said his move to Los Angeles FC was in a quest to win trophies after he helped guide his side to a 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City in the US Open Cup final.
LAFC exorcised the demons from four consecutive final defeats, including in the Leagues Cup showpiece against Columbus Crew last month, to prevail at the BMO Stadium in extra-time.
Giroud, who made the move to the MLS after leaving Milan last season, opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, turning home Mateusz Bogusz's cross from close range.
Sporting KC responded seven minutes later when Erik Thommy fired Daniel Salloi's cutback beyond Hugo Lloris' at his near post to send the game to extra-time.
Substitute Omar Campos curled home a fine finish in the 102nd minute to give the Black and Gold the lead before Kei Kamara headed home to seal LAFC's maiden triumph in the competition.
"I came here to win trophies and to play that kind of final," said Giroud.
"I was really sad and disappointed for the team regarding the Leagues Cup.
"We've been in a difficult run these last weeks, but we stuck together, and we really wanted to win this trophy for the fans, for the club.
"It does matter for me, for the boys, and I'm so happy to score in this final and to help the team."
LAFC return to MLS action this weekend when they travel to the TQL Stadium to face FC Cincinnati.
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