BJ Callaghan insists foundations are still being built in Nashville as he takes charge of his first MLS fixture with his new side against Austin FC this weekend.
Callaghan replaced Gary Smith and was in the dugout for their Leagues Cup campaign but failed to reach the knockout stages after losing 5-4 on penalties to New England Revolution.
But attention now swiftly returns to league action, with the Coyotes sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference standings, but just two points behind Atlanta United, who are ninth.
And Callaghan acknowledged his side had only been together for a matter of weeks, and explained their Leagues Cup exit offered them time to focus on themselves.
"We came into the Leagues Cup with the objective of making progress and starting to build," Callaghan said.
"We've been together for not even two weeks as a group. We wanted to play as many games as possible because we know that's a good way to continue to challenge ourselves and learn.
“That's not happening. Now we have just over two weeks to really focus on ourselves."
Austin, meanwhile, have enjoyed a month-long break from competitive action, but entered their time away from the pitch by going three games without a victory (D1 L2).
The Verde and Black sit 10th in the Western Conference table, a point behind Minnesota United, having distanced themselves from the sides below them.
And head coach Josh Wolff believes the squad's period away from the MLS has been spent productively but insisted that his side must be more clinical in front of goal.
“The guys are in a very good place. The last five or six games have been indicative of what we are and what we can be,” Wolff said.
“We have played well over the last six or seven games but getting different results. The Leagues Cup competition was good for us as a collective.
“Ultimately the spirit of the group right now is in a good spot. We have to go there ready to compete. We know what our road form is like and we have to do the business in front of goal.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nashville – Hany Mukhtar
Hany Mukhtar’s last three regular-season goals have all been scored from the penalty spot, with the last time he found the back of the net not from 12 yards coming in late April.
However, he has assisted on five of the 13 non-penalty goals Nashville have scored since he last struck from the spot. The German also has three goals in his three games against Austin.
Austin – Jader Obrian
After joining from FC Dallas at the end of last year, Jader Obrian has enjoyed a successful debut campaign for Austin.
Having not scored since their 1-1 draw with Los Angeles FC in June, the Colombian ended his scoring drought in the Leagues Cup against Monterrey, and he will be hopeful of reigniting that form upon his return to MLS action.
MATCH PREDICTION: NASHVILLE WIN
Nashville are unbeaten in three all-time meetings with Austin FC (W2 D1), including a pair of shutout wins in the two meetings between the sides on home turf.
But they have lost six straight regular-season matches, last earning a point in MLS play with a 1-0 win over New York City FC in June. The Coyotes had never lost more than four consecutive league matches before this run.
However, they face a side on a poor run of their own. Austin have managed just two wins in its last 11 league matches (D3 L6). Their 31 points through 25 games are the fewest at this stage of a season since its inaugural 2021 campaign (19).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Nashville – 43.8%
Draw – 26.8%
Austin – 29.4%
St Mirren 0-3 Celtic: Johnston ensures emphatic win as Bhoys maintain perfect start
Celtic maintained their perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season with an emphatic 3-0 victory over St Mirren on Sunday.
Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate struck in the first half to put the Bhoys in control, with Alistair Johnston scoring in the second to ensure they would leave with all three points.
Celtic got off to a superb start, with captain McGregor latching onto James Forrest's lay-off to pick out the bottom-right corner inside the opening three minutes.
The visitors' dominance was rewarded with a second goal just after the half-hour mark, with Hatate coolly slotting in via the inside of the far post.
St Mirren started the second half on the front foot, though only Jaden Brown tested Kasper Schmeichel, who got down well to hold onto his low shot.
Celtic soon took control once more, with Johnston darting into the box to meet Nicolas Kuhn's low cross and rifle in a third goal in the 71st minute to settle the game.
Data Debrief: Leading from the front
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers could not have asked for a better start to their title defence, with nine points on the board after three games, having scored nine and conceded none.
McGregor has proven invaluable already, and he netted his second goal in as many games, already matching his tally from last season.
Celtic have now won each of their last nine Scottish Premiership games, a good run of form with Old Firm rivals Rangers next up.
KFC reaffirms commitment to youth development with JMD$15 million sponsorship for 2024 ISSA Schoolboy Football Season
Quick-service food giant Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), through its flagship brand KFC, recently announced a JMD $15 million sponsorship investment for the 2024 ISSA Schoolboy Football season. This sponsorship marks another significant milestone in KFC's ongoing commitment to nurturing Jamaica’s young football talent, helping to shape the future champions of the nation.
As the new season prepares to kick off on Saturday, September 7, KFC is set to continue its long-standing tradition of supporting Jamaican youth both on and off the football field. KFC Jamaica’s Marketing Manager, Andrei Roper, expressed the brand’s excitement for the upcoming season, stating, “We’re thrilled to be back on board for this journey with our young and talented athletes in what promises to be a season filled with standout performances and memorable moments. Schoolboy Football provides a platform for our young boys to realize their full potential and even plot a path for their future. It gives them the opportunity to showcase their skills not only on the field but in becoming upstanding young men, and so KFC sees this competition as the perfect opportunity to help set them up for success and also to help give back to the community.”
KFC’s involvement in the ISSA Schoolboy Football season goes beyond the financial sponsorship, reflecting the brand’s broader commitment to the development of youth and the community. In a touching gesture, KFC has also donated JMD $500,000 through their KFC Add Hope Outreach Programme to former standout football player Alinton Frankson. Alinton, who previously played for Paul Bogle High, Excelsior High, and the SportsMax Elite League, had his promising career cut short by a devastating injury that led to a diagnosis of lymphoedema, a condition that has severely impacted his health.
KFC Marketing Manager, Andrei Roper (right) seals the deal with Alinton Frankson (left) at the recent launch of the 2024 Schoolboy Football Launch at the National Stadium.
Expressing his gratitude for KFC’s support, Alinton said, “I am incredibly grateful for this generous donation from KFC. The journey toward securing the necessary funds for my treatment has been daunting, and this support has provided tremendous relief. Words cannot fully capture the depth of my appreciation, but I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shown their support. I am also deeply thankful to the other brands, such as Digicel, that have contributed to my recovery. Without this assistance, I would be uncertain about how to restore my health and regain normalcy. Although it has been challenging to come to terms with being unable to participate in the sport I hold so dearly, I remain committed to maintaining a positive outlook and placing my trust in God.”
KFC Jamaica has a long history of supporting youth development through sports, and this latest sponsorship is part of a broader initiative that also includes contributions to basketball and track and field. Earlier this year, KFC sponsored the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA) Star Search Basketball and Life Skills Camp, as well as the Jump Ball Basketball Camps. Additionally, KFC entered into a brand partnership with national triple jump sensation Jaydon Hibbert ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
With its continued investment in Jamaica's young athletes, KFC not only fuels the passion and potential of these future stars but also strengthens its legacy as a key supporter of youth development in the country. As the 2024 ISSA Schoolboy Football season approaches, KFC's involvement promises to add another layer of excitement to a competition that has become a crucial part of Jamaica's sporting culture.
Clarke becomes 10th Premier League signing for Ipswich
Ipswich Town have confirmed the signing of Jack Clarke from Sunderland on a five-year contract.
The winger has joined the Premier League new boys in a deal reportedly worth up to £20million.
Clarke initially joined Sunderland on loan from Tottenham in 2022, before making the move permanent later that year.
He made 114 appearances for the Black Cats in all competitions, netting 28 goals and registering 23 assists.
Clarke was the club's top scorer in the Championship last season, netting 15 times, while his 91 chances were also the most amongst his team-mates.
"I'm really excited to have joined the club and can't wait to get going," Clarke said.
"Ipswich have been on a really good trajectory over the last few years and the recruitment this summer has been very impressive, so this was always something I was going to be interested in.
"I try to be an exciting player and contribute goals and assists, so I think the style of football here will suit me, so I just feel excited to meet the lads and get started now."
Clarke is the 10th signing for Ipswich in the transfer window, and he could be available for their EFL Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday.
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