Atlanta United Take Supporters’ Shield Lead Behind Miguel Almirón and Kevin Kratz

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April 28, 2018

MLS 2018: MONTREAL IMPACT at ATLANTA UNITED APR 28 — MLS 2018: Montreal Impact at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)

MLS 2018: Kevin Kratz celebrates after a free kick to the back of the net goal during the Montreal Impact at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)

Atlanta, GA – Atlanta United beat Montreal Impact 4-1 behind braces from Miguel Almirón and Kevin Kratz before a sold-out crowd of 45,039 fans. Atlanta extended its unbeaten streak to 7 games and points total to 19 from 8 matches, leading the Supporters’ Shield race at least temporarily.

In the 74^thminute, coach Tata Martino made what turned out to be a timely substitution, bringing on Kevin Kratz for Greg Garza. 3 minutes later, Kratz placed a golazo of a free kick from just outside the box, over the wall and into the top left corner, to give Atlanta a 2-1 lead. The goal marked Kratz’s first of the season.

“It felt pretty good, and I’m happy to help the team,” said Kratz. Atlanta ran away with the match from there.

As an encore, Kratz bettered his first golazo by placing a second free kick just inside the left post from 35 yards out, to finish off the Montreal Impact in the final minute of stoppage time. The goal capped off a wide open second half that Atlanta played at pace running at Montreal.

MLS 2018: Montreal Impact at Atlanta United game action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)

Atlanta’s pace and skill showed in the team’s third goal, in which Miguel Almirón sprinted through the center of midfield, before placing a pass to Josef Martinez who back-heeled the return for Almirón to slot into the bottom left corner. The goal marked his second of the match and sixth of the season, tying him with teammate Josef Martinez for the MLS lead.

The first half played out differently. Montreal kept a tight back line in a 4-4-2 in defense with the midfield playing deep. The Impact struck first in the thirteenth minute with a header Saphir Taïder shot left to right across Brad Guzan. Chris Duvall drove up the right flank before crossing the ball in for the assist.

Though Atlanta maintained 77% of the first-half possession, they were unable to break down the Montreal defense and the half ended 1-0 in favor of Montreal.

“The opponent really closed things down, so we just had to keep that same patience and work to keep trying to find a goal,” said Miguel Almirón.

Coach Tata Martino substituted Tito Villalba in for midfielder Jeff Larentowicz at halftime, Villalba’s first minutes returning from a leg injury.

The move added to the attack, allowed Villalba to play as the second striker alongside Martinez in the 3-5-2, and moved Ezequiel Barco back into the midfield to play with Almirón.

MLS 2018: Atlanta United goalie Brad Guzan making a stop at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, GA. (Photo by Drew Dinwiddie / fi360 News)

Barco described “when Tito came on, Tata asked me to move back a little bit to the same level as Miguel, and that way we could focus on controlling the midfield and be able to provide service to Julian, Josef, and Tito up top.”

Next, Montreal, currently ninth in the Eastern Conference standings, will look to improve in hosting the New England Revolution next Saturday, May 5^th. That Saturday Atlanta travels to Chicago to face the Fire. Atlanta currently leads MLS in goals scored at 21 and goal differential at +12.

LA Sparks Announce 2018 Training Camp Roster

By

Jevone Moore

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April 27, 2018

WNBA: Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks May 13, 2017 — Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

LOS ANGELES SPARKS ANNOUNCE 2018 TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

The three-time WNBA Champions open training camp this Sunday, April 29th

LOS ANGELES, CA –The Los Angeles Sparks today announced their training camp roster, one month ahead of their home opener against the Phoenix Mercury on May 27th at the Staples Center.

This year head coach Brian Agler, will have a few stars returning from last year. The 2017 Best WNBA Player ESPY Award Winner Candace Parker and 2017 AP Defensive Player of the Year Alana Beard.

The LA Sparks will take on the Chinese National Team at 2:00 PM PT on Saturday, May 12th in preseason action at the Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium on the campus of Pasadena City College in Pasadena, CA.

WNBA Defensive Player of the Year 2017 Alana Beard with her trophy at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on September 12 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Parker and Beard are joined by returning veterans Essence Carson, Sydney Wiese and Odyssey Sims. Executive Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler added to the core five during the offseason, signing two-time Championship guard Cappie Pondexter via free agency.

Joining them in training camp will be 2018 second-round pick Shakayla Thomas (Florida State) who is one of six rookies that will be entering their first WNBA training camp. In addition to the rookies, veteran Misti Bass and Karlie Samuelson will be returning to the Sparks training camp after injury prevented her from possible making the team in 2017.

Please visit LASPARKS.com or call 1-844-GO-SPARKS to Purchase 2018 Season Tickets Today!

USC Men’s Golf earns first Pac-12 title since 2011

By

Carlos Gonzalez

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April 25, 2018

2018 PAC-12 Conference Men's Golf Championship APR 25 — 2018 PAC-12 Conference Men's Golf Championship at Rolling Hills Country Club in Rolling Hills, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

USC 2018 PAC-12 Conference Men’s Golf Champions at Rolling Hills Country Club in Rolling Hills, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

Rolling Hills, CA- The USC Trojans ended the first day of the Pac-12 Men’s Golf Championships in the lead and after the final day, the Trojans were a greedy bunch and held on to the lead to crown themselves as Pac-12 champions.

USC ended the tournament at 31 under par, 4 strokes ahead of the second place Colorado Buffaloes.

The Trojans were lead by the NCAA No. 2 ranked golfer, Justin Suh. Suh had the lead at the end of each day during the tournament. He shot his worst round on Wednesday with a score of 71 and finished the tournament at 16 under par.

2018 PAC-12 Conference Men’s Golf Championship at Rolling Hills Country Club in Rolling Hills, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

Colorado’s Yannik Paul made big strides to finish tied for 2nd. He shot 4 under par during his last round. Teammate Ross Macdonald also had a stellar performance during the final round and joined his teammate with the same score at 4 under par for the day and also finished tied for 2^nd.

Arizona State entered the final day just 5 shots back behind USC for the lead but couldn’t close the gap. Sun Deval Koichiro Ishika began the day in 3^rd place in the individual leaderboard. He had a modest final day at 2 under par and fell 3 spots back for a 6^th place finish.

NCAA’s No.1 ranked golfer, Collin Morikawa had the best performance during the final round to earn him a top 10 finish. Morikawa had two consecutive rounds in the 70’s but a score of 66 at 5 under par for the day was good enough to earn him 7^th in the individual leaderboard.

Arizona’s George Cunningham had one of the most consistent display of golf the entire tournament. Cunningham kept himself under par every round, playing along the nations top 2 players. Cunningham ended the final day with a score of 69 at 2 under par.

Norman Xiong, NCAA’s No.3 ranked golfer, was unable to pull off a late run to creep himself into a top 10 finish. Xiong finished in 12^th in the individual leaderboard at 5 under par.

USC holds lead going into final day with ASU closing

By

Jevone Moore

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April 24, 2018

2018 PAC-12 Conference Men's Golf Champions APR 24 — 2018 PAC-12 Conference Men's Golf Champions at Rolling Hills Country Club in Rolling Hills, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

2018 PAC-12 Conference Men’s Golf Champions at Rolling Hills Country Club in Rolling Hills, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

Rolling Hills, CA – After three rounds of play the USC Trojans Men’s Golf team hold 54 hole lead at 27-under-par.

Arizona State made the biggest move on Tuesday leapfrogging few teams including then second place Stanford to be in second place. They trail USC by only 5 shots now verse 15 after 36 holes.

Koichiro Ishika at 9-under-par tied for 4th and Mason Anderson 5-under-par tied for 12th keeping Arizona State hopes alive for the final day.

Justin Suh of USC continues his individual dominance with a 6 shot lead, 16-under-par. Suh has been playing very consistent with 20 birdies to lead the field.

George Cunningham of Arizona has the best chance to push Suh on the final day. He will tee off first so if Cunningham can score earlier that may add a little pressure.

Cunningham playing partner from Cal Bears Collin Morikawa has been just short this week with 40 pars and only 11 birdies.

Collin Morikawa at the 2018 PAC-12 Conference Men’s Golf Champions at Rolling Hills Country Club in Rolling Hills, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

Morikawa still is tied for 12th but in the final round he could bring the best out to help Cunningham.

Some might look at the host team USC and say playing at home has it’s advantages but not the case this week. They have just had solid rounds from all six of their golfers.

This PAC-12 Men’s Golf Championships final round will be fun to watch.

USC holds lead after two rounds in 2018 men’s Pac-12 Championships behind No. 2 golfer in the nation

By

Carlos Gonzalez

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April 23, 2018

Rolling Hills, CA – USC holds lead after two rounds in 2018 men’s Pac-12 Championships behind No. 2 golfer in the nation

Rolling Hills Estate- No. 2 college golfer in the country Justin Suh shot scores of 68 and 64 on Monday and is tied for 1st place individually in the first day of the 2018 Men’s Pac-12 Championships. USC stands alone at the top with a score of 23 under par in the team leaderboard.

The first day consisted of 36 holes for each golfer on a links style course at Rolling Hills Country Club.

Stanford entered the second half of the day in the lead but lost its lead to USC and finished the day in 2^nd at 18 under par. The Cardinals were lead by Jeffrey Swegle. Swegle shot 67 and 65 after 2 rounds and is tied for 1^st with Suh.

Cal Berkeley ended the first round tied for 2nd in the team leaderboard with USC but fell four spots back once the second round and first day of the tournament was over at 7 under par. No. 1 college golfer in the country, Collin Morikawa had a modest performance to keep Cal in the mix. Morikawa was tied for the lead in the individual leaderboard after the first round with a score of 67. He shot 71 in the second round and ended the day tied for 8^th.

Norman Xiong, the No. 3 college golfer in the nation is tied for 18^th after 2 rounds at 2 under par with scores of 71 and 69.

UCLA is currently in 7^th place at even par after 2 rounds. Cole Madey leads the Bruins and is tied for 6^th at 6 under par. He shot a score of 68 in his first two rounds.

Colorado is currently in 3^rd after day 1 at 11 under par, followed Arizona at 9 under par. Arizona’s George Cunningham had an impressive performance and is in 3^rd on in the individual leaderboard at 8 under par with scores of 67.

PSU Blue-White Game excites Nittany Nation

By

Jevone Moore

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April 22, 2018

Penn State Nittany Lions Blue-White Spring Football Game on Saturday April 21, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, PA. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 news).

Penn State Nittany Lions Blue-White Spring Football Game on Saturday April 21, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, PA. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 news).

State College, PA – Back at one of the best atmosphere in college football at Beaver Stadium that was covered with Navy and White. The Blue team defeated the White team 21-10 behind returning starting quarterback Trace McSorley.

The fans and players got a some comedy relief in the second half. The teams were led out the tunnel for the second half by head coach James Franklin but wait that comedian Keegan-Michael Key dressed up like coach. His on field interview with the keys for the second half were spot on.

“Most importantly we were able to get some great work in, in the stadium, in front of the crowd,” said Franklin, “We had a great environment and I can’t reinforce that enough how appreciative we are of the fans.”

McSorley in typical fashion led quarterback throwing for 107 yards on 10/14 passes with a touchdown in first quarter.

The more surprising stat is McSorley took over for soon to be Top 5 NFL pick Saquon Barkley being the leading rusher in the game with 41 yards on 6 carries.

Wide receiver Mac Hippenhammer surprised most coming over from the baseball team being that two sport athlete for the game. He led the team with 2 touchdowns with 4 catches for 41 yards.

“Yeah, that was part of the recruiting process for him(Mac),” said Franklin, “now once spring ball ends he will go back to doing baseball as well as his academic responsibilities.”

Inside linebacker Jason Vranic and true freshman outside linebacker Micah Parsons led their defensive teams with the most tackles in the Blue-White game.

“At Penn State we want to do everything the right way and we want to treat people in a first-class manor; our fans, our recruits, our current players, they are all of it,” said Franklin.

Next up Penn State will host Appalachian State Mountaineers for their season opener on September 1, 2018.

Cristobal has Oregon fans Entertained in Spring game

By

Jevone Moore

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April 22, 2018

0A OF5A3902 — Oregon Duck Spring Football Game on Saturday April 21, 2018 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR. Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).

Oregon Duck Spring Football Game on Saturday April 21, 2018 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).

Eugene, Ore – Over the years the Oregon Ducks always have a one two punch to keep teams on their toes.

First year head coach Mario Cristobal had this Spring game full of fireworks from Team Thunder (Green Uniforms) who defeated Team Lightning (Yellow Uniforms) 41-7.

Normally in spring the defense has the advantage while the offensive works through the playbook.

Oregon Duck Spring Football Game on Saturday April 21, 2018 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR. Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).

PAC-12 teams better get ready because the Pistol will be armed and coming right at you all game.

Last year starting quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 126 yards completing 12/21 pass with a touchdown in the second quarter.

Running back C.J. Verdell lead all running backs with 44 yards, 2 touchdowns and long of 20 yards. Not the starter but with his power it will be hard to keep him off the field.

A few former Ducks Marcus Mariota, and Super Bowl Champion Legarrette Blunt came back to watch what this new team has instore for upcoming season.

The Oregon Ducks will open this 2018 season with Bowling Green at home on September 1, 2018.

Galaxy are unable to come out victorious

By

Carlos Gonzalez

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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.