Luis Suarez scored the fastest goal in Inter Miami's history as his brace secured a 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
Though their task was made slightly harder by Tomas Aviles' first-half red card, the hosts cruised to a comfortable victory despite Lionel Messi's continued absence.
It took just 31 seconds for Suarez to get Miami up and running, meeting Marcelo Weigandt's cross with a first-time volley to send it into the bottom-left corner.
And he had his second just five minutes later after a wonderful link-up with Matias Rojas set him up to fire in at the near post.
Aviles received his first booking 11 minutes in and was punished for a needless, clumsy challenge after 42 minutes, resulting in him receiving his marching orders.
Cincinnati tried to use their man advantage to push for a goal in the second half, with Yuya Kubo having the best chance only to be thwarted by David Martinez's block.
By holding out for the win, Miami clinched the team's MLS Cup playoff berth with eight games remaining.
Data Debrief: Records topple for Suarez
Miami came back from the Leagues Cup break in fine form, and now have security after becoming the third-fastest team in MLS history to secure a playoff place.
And it is all down to Suarez's lightning-quick start. As well as scoring the fastest goal in the club's history, he has also netted the most goals in a single season for the Herons (18), overtaking Gonzalo Higuain's tally of 16 in 2022.
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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