Galaxy are unable to come out victorious

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April 22, 2018

XXXXX during the regular season MLS game between Atlanta United FC and the LA Galaxy on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Carson, Calif.

Los Angeles, CA – The StubHub Center was packed and rocking Saturday night, but the fans energy showed little effect on the LA Galaxy, as they were unable to break through the net and fell to Atlanta United FC 2-0.

The Galaxy have only netted 1 goal in its last 3 games.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic made his first home start after making his first start with the club last week against the Chicago Fire.

Galaxy failed to establish much of a rhythm offensively and spent majority of the match defending. Ibrahimovic was a non-factor

LA had the first opportunity of the game to take the lead but didn’t create many more dangerous attacks after. Midfielder Sebastian Lietget’s volley from a cross went just wide left at the 11 minute mark.

8 minutes later, Atlanta United earned a penalty kick when a Daniel Steres slide tackle in the box brought down an Atlanta United player. Atlanta was unable to capitalize at that moment; Josef Martinez’s shot hit the left post and squirted out.

Martinez would make up for his error in the 22 minute of the match. Martinez was in the right place at the right time and tapped in the ball after a shot by Julian Gressel hit of the top right post.

Atlanta led 1-0 at halftime and LA didn’t do much to change its performance in the second half.

The Galaxy had 7 shots with only 1 on goal. Atlanta had 19 shots with 7 on goal.

Jonathan Dos Santos was a late scratch from the game. Galaxy Head coach Sigi Schmid said Dos Santos consulted with his people, including his brother and decided he wasn’t good enough to go.

Giovani Dos Santos made his return tonight from injury entering the match in the 66^th minute.

“His first game back, it was tough for him to find a rhythm and coordination with the rest of the guys,” said Schmid.

Galaxy’s next chance to get back in the winning column will be next Saturday when they welcome the New York Red Bulls.

UCLA baseball team jumped all over USC

By

Eric Ramos

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April 20, 2018

2018 College Baseball USC at UCLA — NCAA Baseball 2018: USC vs UCLA at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

NCAA Baseball 2018: USC vs UCLA at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – The No. 14 UCLA baseball team jumped all over USC’s starting pitcher Kyle Hurt in the first inning, scoring five runs.

UCLA went on to batter USC, 16-1, in the series opener at Jackie Robinson Stadium Friday night.

With a 7-1 lead in the fifth inning, UCLA’s freshman infielder Kevin Kendall hit a three-run home run just over the left field fence to give the Bruins a commanding 11-1 lead.

The Bruins starting pitcher Jake Byrd had a strong outing, throwing seven innings and only allowing one run on seven hits.

After back-to-back singles by Jeremy Ydens and Kendall, sophomore Chase Strumpf continued his hot hitting with an RBI double in the first inning.

Jack Stronach hit a line drive off the first baseman’s glove, scoring Strumpf and Daniel Amaral laced a double to score Stronach. A sacrifice fly by Ryan Kreidler gave UCLA a 5-0 lead in the first inning.

Hurt allowed two more runs in the second inning before settling down and throwing a scoreless third and fourth inning. The freshman allowed 7 runs on eight hits before being pulled in the fifth inning.

The series continues on Saturday at 4 p.m. as the crosstown rivals will meet in game No. 2 at Jackie Robinson Stadium. UCLA freshman pitcher Zach Pettway will take the mound on Saturday.

LAFC Opening of BANC of CALIFORNIA Stadium

By

Jevone Moore

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April 18, 2018

BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium home of LAFC APR 18 — April 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. BANC of CALIFORNIA Stadium ribbon ceremony the new home of the LA Football Club in Expo Park in Los Angeles, Ca on April 4, 2018. Jevone Moore

Los Angeles, CA – The MLS now has the newest stadium in Southern California with the BANC of CALIFORNIA Stadium at Expo Park in Los Angeles on April 18, 2018.

The LA Football Club which is the newest MLS expansion team now has a permanent home, that was ceremonialist open with a ribbon cutting event.

On hand was the Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles city council member for District 9 Cureen Price, and other elected officials.

The ownership group that comprise of Magic Johnson, Mia Hamm, Nomar Garciaparra spoke at the ribbon cutting along with MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

“We are standing here today because everybody got a chance to participate in building this beautiful stadium,” said Johnson, “It might be the only stadium in America that is right across the street from affordable housing.”

This new $350-million stadium that seats 22,000 seats, 33 suites, and high end field clubs.

“This is like a huge birthday party,” said Peter Guber, the executive chairman of LAFC’s ownership group.

Next up will be the home opener next Sunday April 29 at 6pm verse Seattle.

Cureen Price was fired up at the BANC of CALIFORNIA Stadium ribbon ceremony the new home of the LA Football Club in Expo Park in Los Angeles, Ca on April 4, 2018. Jevone Moore

Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is Hot

By

William Johnson

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April 16, 2018

44th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach winner circle with winner Alexander Rossi and Fire Hawk. (All Photos by William Jaye Johnson / fi360 News)

Long Beach, Ca – Sunday main event was hotter than the tires sticking to the streets of Long Beach Grand Prix as the cars came out of the hairpins turns. This weekend was one of the largest crowds in years over the three days.

Taking the IndyCar flag was Alexander Rossi for his third career win on this fast track. His Honda car was able to stand out among the rest allowing for champagne celebration.

Rossi led 71 of 85 laps on this Grand Prix street course for his first victory of the year.

“The crowds here, and just the whole atmosphere is so welcoming,” said Rossi “This is one I’ll definitely remember for a long time for a lot of different reasons.”

James Hinchcliffe the defending champion finished in ninth.

Alexander Rossi driving No 27 Napa Honda

The city of Long Beach is still smiling after this three day event estimated that guest spent more the $16 million around Long Beach and at the race it self.

Next week the tour will travel to Alabama on April 22.

USC drops it in the seventh

By

Eric Ramos

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March 30, 2018

2018 College Baseball Washington vs USC — NCAA Baseball 2018: Washington vs USC at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

NCAA Baseball 2018: Stephen Dubb hits base hit during the Washington vs USC at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – USC trailed 3-2 in the seventh with bases loaded when University of Washington designated hitter Joe Wainhouse drilled a double to center field.

The RBI-double by Wainhouse scored two runs to extend the Huskies lead and ultimately give Washington a 5-2 victory over the USC baseball team at Dedeaux field on Friday.

Washington’s starting pitcher Joe Demars held the Trojans to two runs on six hits while striking out six in seven innings of work. The Huskies even the series with the Trojans.

NCAA Baseball 2018: Washington vs USC at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

The Trojans’ offense got off to an early start, scoring two runs on Dillion Paulson’s RBI-double in the first inning. Washington responded in the second inning.

Joe Wainhouse hit a line drive over the third baseman’s head for a single. Nick Khale singled to left field and Cristian Jones walked to load the bases for the Huskies. USC starting pitcher Soloman Bates struck out Ben Baird but Braiden Ward’s single knocked in Wainhouse.

Noah Hsue dropped a sacrifice bunt to score Kahle. Bates struck out Mason Cerrillo to get out of the inning after the Huskies evened the score, 2-2.

NCAA Baseball 2018: Chase Bushor avoiding contact at second base during the Washington vs USC at Dedeaux Field in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Stephen Dubb laced a line drive single to left field and Blake Sabol singled to right field but Angelo Armenta struck out to end the scoring threat for USC in the sixth inning.

USC falls to 13-10 overall and 3-5 in Pac-12 play with game No. 3 of the series slated for Saturday at 2 p.m.

Crossroads Roadrunners win Div II State crown

By

Jevone Moore

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March 24, 2018

CIF State Division II boys basketball championship Alameda vs Crossroads MAR 23 — Crossroads’ Shareef O’Neal (11) playing tight defense against against Alameda in the CIF State Division II boys basketball championship game at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday, March 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)

Crossroads’ Shareef O’Neal (11) and teammates celebrate victory against against Alameda in the CIF State Division II boys basketball championship game at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday, March 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)

Sacramento, Ca – When the lights are bright prime time players know how to find the spot light. The California State Boys Basketball Championships was the stage this weekend at the Golden 1 Center.

Crossroads’ Shareef O’Neal had a monster game with 29 points, pulling down 17 rebounds and 5 blocked shots in 59-53 victory over Alameda on Friday March 23, 2018.

It took a team effort and some missed free throws by Alameda to give Crossroads their first state title since 1997.

Alameda Sam Wettergren (23) going up for layup against Crossroads in the CIF State Division II boys basketball championship game at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday, March 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)

Alameda started out the game fast and took the earlier lead in the first quarter, but once Crossroads settled down the game was full of excitement.

“These guys found a rhythm,” said Crossroads coach Anthony Davis, “We knew our defense would lead us.”

Once the fourth and final quarter began Crossroads held 44-40 lead over Alameda.

Crossroads’ Miles Ceballos (4) playing defense against Alameda in the CIF State Division II boys basketball championship game at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., on Friday, March 23, 2018. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)

What could have been will forever be on Alameda’s players and coaches minds after only shooting 48% from the free throw line.

“The difference in these close games, is who makes free throws and who doesn’t,” said Alameda coach Cameron Quick.

They really had no answer for O’Neal who dominated with his height in tight match up. They fans saw countless dunks and blocks for a highlight reel.

“A good thing about us is we always get calm when the game gets close,” said O’Neal, “Sometimes it’s not like how we planned it. But winning this is all that matters.”

Crossroads’ Shareef O’Neal (11) shooting jumper. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)

Crossroads’ Shareef O’Neal (11) dunking. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)

Final Records: Crossroads (25-9) / Alameda (28-6)

Josef Martinez voted Alcatel MLS Player of the Week

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Press Release

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March 20, 2018

ATLANTA (March 20, 2018) – Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez was voted the Alcatel Major League Soccer Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) for Week 3 following his three-goal performance in Atlanta’s 4-1 win against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Mercedes Benz-Stadium on March 17.

The 24-year-old Venezuelan forward now has 23 goals in 23 MLS regular season games played and has scored four hat tricks, one away from the current all-time MLS record of five. Atlanta sits third in the Eastern Conference standings with six points (2-1-0 record), while Martinez leads the league with four goals scored this season.

Martinez scored the game’s opening goal with a penalty kick to the right corner in the 15^th minute for an early 1-0 Atlanta advantage (Watch Goal). After a Vancouver own goal, Martinez extended the lead to 3-0 in the 60^th minute, running onto a ball from Miguel Almirón and past Vancouver defenders before firing a right-footed shot into the net (Watch Goal). Martinez then completed his hat trick in the 88^th minute when 17-year-old Homegrown midfielder Andrew Carleton sent a beautiful cross into the box and Martinez elevated to finish with a powerful header past goalkeeper Stefan Marinovic (Watch Goal).

Martinez won Player of the Week twice in 2017 and was also the only player to win MLS Player of the Month two times. He scored 19 goals in just 20 appearances in his debut season and was a finalist for MLS Newcomer of the Year.

Atlanta United returns to action Saturday, March 31 at 8 p.m. EST at Minnesota United. The match will be televised on FOX Sports South.

ABOUT ATLANTA UNITED

Atlanta United joined Major League Soccer in 2017 and became just the fourth expansion team in league history to qualify for MLS Cup Playoffs. The club set multiple league records including season tickets sales (36,000-plus), single-game attendance (71,874), single-season average (48,200) and total home attendance (819,404). Owned by one of the city’s most influential businessmen and philanthropists, Arthur M. Blank, and led by club President Darren Eales, Atlanta United plays its home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For more information about Atlanta United, including how to purchase season tickets, visit: www.atlutd.com, and follow @ATLUTD.

USC exits the NIT in the second round after loss to Western Kentucky

By

Eric Ramos

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March 19, 2018

NCAA BKC 2018: Western Kentucky vs USC Trojans MAR 19 — March 19, 2018 Los Angeles, CA Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Darius Thompson (15) being guarded by USC Trojans guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) during the Western Kentucky vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on March 19, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles, Ca – With a two-point deficit in the fourth quarter, USC freshman Jordan Usher missed a three-pointer with 24 seconds left and the Trojans failed to give a foul as timed ticked off the clock.

Western Kentucky forward Dwight Coleby’s dunk with 11 seconds remaining sealed the 79-75 win over USC in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament on Monday night at the Galen Center.

“When you’re down two with 20 seconds left, we should have fouled,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “That was a mistake on our part.”

March 19, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers forward Marek Nelson (14) dunking during the Western Kentucky vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on March 19, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Western Kentucky made its first 15 free throws and finished making 16 of 17 from the charity stripe while USC only made 8 of 19 from the free throw line. Enfield said that was a big difference in the game.

“We were terrible (shooting free throws),” Enfield said. “If you don’t make free throws, that’s not good enough for anybody.”

USC led 28-13 after the first quarter with Elijah Stewart scoring 10 points. Jordan McLaughlin’s three-pointer tied it at 38 with just under two minutes left in the second quarter.

March 19, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
USC Trojans great Robert Woods and AD Lynn Swann during the Western Kentucky vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on March 19, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Western Kentucky took a 40-39 halftime lead while shooting 60 percent in the first half. WKU coach Rick Stansbury said they never let USC separate too much from them.

“We just kind of hung around enough to keep it close,” Stansbury said. “They did a really good job keeping the ball out of the paint for us.”

USC forward Chimezie Metu cheered from the sidelines. Enfield said Metu was not allowed to sit on the bench per USC rules.

“The decision was made by the administration,” Enfield said. “The policy is that if you’re not playing, to not sit on the bench because he was eligible and he wasn’t injured.

USC reached 24 wins for the seventh time in school history. The Trojans will be without seniors McLaughlin and Stewart, who left their final game with their heads held high.

“It’s tough, it hasn’t hit me yet,” McLaughlin said. “We had a good run. The last four years have been amazing. I’m glad I chose this program and I wish them the best of luck in the future.”

March 19, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Lamonte Bearden (1)during the Western Kentucky vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on March 19, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The five stripes and those who wish they were

By

Matthew Haney

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March 17, 2018

Atlanta, GA – Redeeming himself, in the 88^th minute Andrew Carleton again found himself in the top right corner of the goal box and played a bending cross to the far post. Martinez seemed to be waiting suspended in mid-air when he drove a header back behind recovering goalkeeper Stefan Marinović to seal his hat trick and finish off the game at 4-1 Atlanta over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

“I’m just trying to ratify the performance and keep getting better,” said Martinez, “If he’s giving me assists, I’m happy for him(Carleton).”

During stoppage time, however, Atlanta United right back Franco Escobar suffered a collision with goalkeeper Brad Guzan and required carting off due to a blow to the head.

“Overall, it was great (and) obviously the red card changes the game,” said Guzan, “In these moments, we still need to be better in terms of closing out games and being smarter in certain situations.”

With a comfortable score and about 15 minutes of regular time remaining, 17-year-old homegrown Carleton subbed on for Atlanta in exchange for Villalba. Carleton became involved on both ends of the pitch and generally made smart runs in the offensive area.

In the 58^th minute, Atlanta worked the ball into a dangerous area. Tito Villalba played the ball from the top of the 18-yard-box to Gressel in an open right third of the box. Gressel then played a cross through the 6-yard-box, which was run into by the Whitecaps Aaron Maund for an own goal to make the score 2-0 in favor of Atlanta.

While the severity of the injury remains unknown, the delay did not spoil the festivities for home fans. Indeed there was much to celebrate. The final goal marked homegrown Carleton’s first professional assist.

In just the 23^rd MLS match of his Atlanta United career, Josef Martinez completed his fourth hat trick, making him second all-time in the MLS regular season, needing one more to match record-holders Stern John and Diego Cerna with five.

As Man of the Match, Martinez ceremonially drove in the golden spike in front of the home supporters, as if it were the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow of celebration across the seats of Mercedes Benz Stadium.

For most on St. Patrick’s Day, there are two types of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were. In this case, Atlanta fans commemorated the holiday reminding the rest of MLS there are two types of people, the Five Stripes and those who wish they were.

USC survives double-overtime in first round of NIT

By

Eric Ramos

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March 13, 2018

NCAA BKC 2018: UNC Asheville vs USC Trojans MAR 13 — March 13, 2018 Los Angeles, CA USC Trojans guard Derryck Thornton (5) during the UNC Asheville vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on March 13, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles, CA – Time ticked of the clock as USC senior guard Jordan McLaughlin dribbled down the court, stopped and nailed a three-pointer to send the game into double overtime.

The No.1 seeded USC basketball team scored 18 points in the second overtime to defeat UNC Asheville, 103-98, in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) on Tuesday night at the Galen Center.

USC had trouble at the free throw line, shooting 52 percent, but senior guard Jordan McLaughlin made two key free throws to tie it at 70 with 25 seconds left in regulation. McLaughlin led the Trojans with 26 points and 13 assists.

“We were just trying to keep the game in our hands,” McLaughlin said.” Once that overtime came, we kicked it up a notch because we know what it takes to win.”

March 13, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs guard Macio Teague (25) during the UNC Asheville vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on March 13, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

McLaughlin drilled a jumper over MaCio Teague with 29 seconds left in double overtime. After Teague mises a jumper, Elijah Stewart picked up the loose ball and went the length of the floor for the layup and foul. Stewarts’ three-point play gave the Trojans a four-point lead with 7 seconds left in double overtime.

“The seniors stepped up,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “It was fun to watch. It was an entertaining game but we have to play better. We are a little small right now without Chimezie Metu and Bennie Boatwright.”

Metu opted to sit out the game to avoid potential injury. Enfield released a statement before tonight’s game.

March 13, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
USC Trojans guard Elijah Stewart (30) shooting a jumper during the UNC Asheville vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on March 13, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“Chimezie Metu has made a personal decision not to participate in the NIT as a precautionary measure to eliminate the risk of injury leading up to the NBA draft.”

USC forward Nick Rakocevic stepped up in Metu’s absence and scored 24 points with 19 rebounds. Stewart added 22 point. The back-and-forth action led to eight ties and 15 lead changes.