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USWNT vs. Australia Fit Preview

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USWNT vs. Australia Fit Preview

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With US swimmer Torri Huske’s 100-meter butterfly gold medal win on Sunday, Team USA’s combined tally of 14 swimming medals leads all countries across the Olympics.

But while the current haul is looking healthy, the USA’s Olympic swimming gold medal stranglehold is very much in danger of falling by the wayside.

Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown successfully defended her 100-meter backstroke gold medal on Tuesday. (Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Australia takes aim at USA’s Olympic gold medal streak

It’s been 36 years since the coed US swimming squad came up short in the Olympic gold medal race — at least five years before anyone on today’s team was even born.

That dominance, however, is hanging by a thread as the Australians are gold medal count favorites after running away with the 2023 World Swimming Championships.

“Certainly, there are some events… where we’ve got a significant amount of ground to make up,” US head women’s coach Todd DeSorbo told reporters. “But I’m confident in the motivation and excitement and commitment of everybody — men and women — on the team that are prepared to do that.”

Team USA's Regan Smith and Katharine Berkoff pose with their silver and bronze medals in the 100-meter backstroke.
World record-holder Regan Smith of Team USA took silver in the 100-meter backstroke, with teammate Katharine Berkoff earning bronze. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Women’s swimming wins keep hardware hopes alive

In the seven women’s events so far, the US has captured eight medals: one gold, four silver, and three bronze.

Joining Huske on Sunday’s 100-meter butterfly podium was US teammate and fellow NCAA swimmer Gretchen Walsh, who snagged silver just six weeks after becoming the event’s world record-holder at US Trials.

Monday’s 400-meter individual medley also saw two US swimmers medal in their second Olympic Games, with Katie Grimes and Emma Weyant taking silver and bronze behind 17-year-old Canadian phenom Summer McIntosh, who won the event by the equivalent of a country mile.

While Australia’s Kaylee McKeown successfully defended her 100-meter backstroke gold medal on Tuesday — breaking her own Olympic record in the process —Team USA completed the podium. Regan Smith, who reclaimed the world record from McKeown at last month’s Trials, swam to silver, with first-time Olympian Katharine Berkoff taking bronze.

Katie Ledecky celebrates after winning the 400-meter freestyle during this year's US Olympic Swimming Team Trials
Team USA swimmer Katie Ledecky is one of the sports most decorated athletes. (Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

USA’s Ledecky expected to make more Olympic history

After dropping to third in Saturday’s 400-meter freestyle, seven-time USA gold medalist Katie Ledecky is still expected to own Wednesday’s 1500-meter freestyle, a race she hasn’t lost in 14 years. 

A medal in that event would tie Ledecky with three former Team USA athletes as the most decorated Olympic women swimmers in history.



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2024 Olympics: Tiffany Hayes, Azerbaijan meet Staff USA in 3×3

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2024 Olympics: Tiffany Hayes, Azerbaijan meet Staff USA in 3×3

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After the first round of pool play games in the women’s 3×3 basketball competition at the Paris Olympics, some chaos already has ensued.

Team USA suffered a loss to Germany, Canada had a decisive win over Australia and China survived against France in overtime. It’s not just the games that move at a frenetic pace in 3×3, so does the schedule. Every team will be back in action on Wednesday, starting with Germany versus Australia.

Is Germany the team to beat?

Germany’s Svenja Brunckhorst drives past the United States’ Rhyne Howard.
Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images

Team USA may be the gold medal defenders, but Germany may be the best 3×3 team at the Games, having defeated the Americans 17-13 on Tuesday. Another win on Wednesday would certainly help make that case and potentially push them to the top of the standings.

Australia will be looking for its first win in Paris and needs a result to advance out of pool play and into the tournament. The Aussies had a balanced attack, but struggled to score points, managing just 14 in their loss to Canada.

Battle of the unbeatens

3X3-BASKETBALL-OLY-PARIS-2024-FRA-CHN

China’s Chen Mingling skies over France’s Hortense Limouzin for the rebound.
Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

Two undefeated teams will meet on Wednesday, with Canada facing China. Mingling Chen scored 10 points in China’s opening win, and they’ll need a similar showing to beat Canada.

The Canadians have some firepower of their own, with Katherine Plouffe scoring 10 points herself in their victory over Australia. This should be a tight contest and will begin creating separation in the standings, with the winner being in the driver’s seat for the top spot in the tournament.

Can France bounce back?

The host country lost its first 3×3 game. It will hope to get back in the win column on Wednesday by beating Spain. The Spaniards are always stacked with talent, and this squad is no exception.

They had all players scoring four or more points and have one of the most balanced teams in Paris. Still, France is at home and their loss to China came in overtime, so they have to feel good about their chances of evening up their record with a win on Wednesday.

Is Team USA in trouble?

3x3 Basketball - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 4

The United States’ Dearica Hamby evades Germany’s Marie Reichert for the score.
Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images

Team USA was among the favorites to make noise in this competition, but after losing to Germany, they suddenly looked more like the hunted than the hunter.

There is little time to figure out their scoring woes on the fly against Azerbaijan on Wednesday. They’ll still be favored in this matchup, which will feature a familiar face on the other side in Tiffany Hayes. But, this is it. If the Americans lose this game, they likely can kiss the gold medal goodbye, so all the pressure will be on them to come out of this matchup victorious.

Game information

All games will be available on Peacock and nbcolympics.com.

Germany vs. Australia

When: Wednesday, July 31 at 11:30 a.m. ET

Where: Place de la Concorde in Paris, France

Canada vs. China

When: Wednesday, July 31 at 12:00 p.m. ET

Where: Place de la Concorde in Paris, France

France vs. Spain

When: Wednesday, July 31 at 3:00 p.m. ET

Where: Place de la Concorde in Paris, France

USA vs. Azerbaijan

When: Wednesday, July 31 at 3:30 p.m. ET

Where: Place de la Concorde in Paris, France

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Why a True Lacrosse Video Recreation Would possibly By no means Exist

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Why a True Lacrosse Video Recreation Would possibly By no means Exist

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Lacrosse fans have, for generations, wanted a quality video game dedicated to replicating the action and intricacies of their favorite sport. In reality, that may never happen. There are several significant kinks in the video game development process that make creating a legitimate lacrosse video game almost impossible. I am aware of the Casey Powell video games released years ago. However, I do not consider that game a “quality” product compared to other major sports titles, even though I do appreciate the Casey Powell titles immensely.

First and foremost, the cost required to finance a high-quality video game is astronomical. To successfully develop a good sports game with the presence of Madden and FIFA, one would need to spend a lot on its development. This would involve experienced developers, licensees, detailed graphics, and game plays—very capital-intensive. The return on investment remains very uncertain for lacrosse compared to football and soccer. So, who would even invest these sorts of funds into a risky project like this?

Believe it or not, developing any video game is not easy. Intricate coding, realistic physics engines, and lifelike animations require many resources. Capturing lacrosse’s fast-paced and ever-changing aspects alone could add another level of difficulty. This burden would be put on the developers to ensure that the game truly captures the pivotal parts of the sport. The game would have the movement of FIFA while having similar animations to NBA2k, a daunting duo of mechanics to develop.

The small demographic is another huge challenge in creating a lacrosse video game. Sports with huge followings worldwide have vast consumer bases compared to lacrosse. That significantly constrains the potential market, making it a dicey business for developers and publishers. Even if there is a highly devoted fan base, the numbers do not justify heavy development costs. In order for a quality lacrosse video game to get made, there has to be a return on investment, which there just isn’t in 2024.

Also, it’s a matter of whether the game should portray field lacrosse, box lacrosse, or both. Each version has different rules, style of play, and fan-favorite attributes. It would be tough to please both sets while achieving overall quality in developing a game. Don’t even get me started on the many different levels of play between college and the pros.

Marketing and distribution would involve another level of challenge. Breaking into the market, let alone standing out from the crowd, is difficult when Madden, FIFA, and NBA2K are already set as dominant sports games within the market. Previously established titles already have huge followings and substantial marketing budgets, spawning stiffer competition for a new lacrosse game. In order for the game to succeed, it would have to branch outside of just the lacrosse community, which I do not see happenting.

But despite all this, lacrosse fans continue to clamor for a video game. To its credit, the sport has a rich history and modern popularization, especially in North America. Still, with the cost of development so high and the market size relatively small, combined with the technical challenges that must be overcome to translate the sport into video game form faithfully, we probably will never get a legitimate video game.

Although a video game based on lacrosse may be an exciting thought, we will not see a real one soon because the financial benefits against the potential economic risks entailed development problems coupled with a limited market. Therefore, lacrosse fans shall continue enjoying the sporting action on the field, not on screen.

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Girls’s football kicks off chaotic workforce level finale at Paris Olympics

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Girls’s football kicks off chaotic workforce level finale at Paris Olympics

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The GIST: By the end of the day, we’ll know who’s joining No. 1 Spain and the No. 5 USWNT in the women’s soccer knockout round, with six spots left and six stellar group stage finale games on deck beginning today at 11 a.m. ET. Let’s kick it.

How it works: As a quick refresher, the 12 competing squads were drawn into three groups (A, B, and C) and will play every team in their group once to earn a spot in the eight-team quarter-finals.

  • A win is worth three points, a draw earns you one point, and no points are awarded for losses.
  • The top two teams from each group advance to the knockouts, along with the two best third-place squads. Simple as that.

USWNT faces No. 12 Australia at 1 p.m. ET: Unlike the in-purgatory No. 8 CanWNT, the Americans already clinched their knockout spot with Sunday’s 4–1 win over No. 4 Germany…but don’t expect the red, white, and blue to take it easy today.

  • A win or draw (and maybe even a loss) against Australia would win them Group B and secure an advantageous draw for the rest of the tourney.
  • The Matildas have been on a scoring spree in France, a troubling prospect considering American center back Tierna Davidson will miss today’s match. Thankfully, the USWNT defense is among the strongest in the Games. LFG.



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WNBA: Megan Gustafson, Nyara Sabally revel in megastar flip in Paris

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WNBA: Megan Gustafson, Nyara Sabally revel in megastar flip in Paris

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Frequent proclamations about the depth of talent in the WNBA can seem cliché. Yet, the opening days of the women’s 5×5 basketball competition at the 2024 Olympic Games has been a quick reminder of the truth: These gals are good.

The best, of course, are A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. Together, they concocted a Top-Tier Stew, combining for 46 points—the first time an American pair has scored more than 20 points each since 2004—to lead Team USA to a 56th-straight win. Behind 24 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks from Wilson and 22 points, eight rebounds and three blocks from Stewart, Team USA cruised to a 102-76 win over Japan.

Two of their stateside teammates also enjoyed a star turn during the first round of group play games. What might the play of Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces teammate Megan Gustafson and Stewart’s New York Liberty teammate Nyara Sabally mean for the Aces’ and Liberty’s WNBA Finals aspirations?

Megan Gustafson got the job done

Megan Gustafson evades Han Xu for the finish in Spain’s Group A win over China.
Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images

Megan Gustafson, the least-heralded Olympian from Aces, assumed the spotlight on the first day of the women’s basketball competition.

A naturalized player for Spain, the 6-foot-4 Gustafson scored 29 points and grabbed eight boards in Spain’s 90-89 comeback overtime win over China on Sunday. It was the kind of efficient offensive performance that made her the near-consensus national player of the year for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2019. It also was an effort that displayed her continued development into the kind of player suited not just for the collegiate game, but one fit for stylistic preferences of international ball. Gustafson also is fresh off a stellar season for the London Lions, the 2023-24 EuroCup Women champions. In 12 EuroCup games for the Lions, she averaged almost 14 points per game, shooting better than 65 percent from the field and almost 47 percent from 3 on 2.5 attempts per game.

A second-round pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft due concerns about how her game would translate to the W, Gustafson is on her fourth team in five seasons, having yet to consistently establish herself as the high-efficiency scorer she needs to be to become a valuable piece for a contending team. Yet, she’s shown enough on the international stage—including for the Spanish on Sunday—to suggest that she has what it takes to become that player. And if it happens for the Aces over the second half of this season, watch out!

Nyara Sabally shines before injury scare

Basketball - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 3

Nyara Sabally focuses during Germany’s first-ever Olympic victory over Belgium in Group C.
Photo by Christina Pahnke – sampics/Getty Images

Like Gustafson, Nyara Sabally made her mark with an efficient offensive effort, going 6-for-7 from the field and 4-for-5 from the line to finish with 16 points. The Olympic debutantes from Germany earned a wire-to-wire win over Belgium, 83-69. Unfortunately, an all-too-familiar issue clouds her promising performance. She left the game early with what appeared to be a lower body injury, as she had to be helped off the court and to the tunnel by medical personnel.

It’s injuries that, thus far, have prevented the younger Sabally from finding her stride in the WNBA. Although she suffered two ACL tears before her 20th birthday, the Liberty still selected her with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft out of Oregon, appreciating her refined, versatile offensive skillset at 6-foot-5. Last season, she saw limited time for a star-studded Liberty squad intent upon jelling into a super team. This season, with New York needing off-the-bench contributors, especially in the frontcourt, it seemed she might establish herself as a second-unit offensive option. Yet, even before this latest Olympic scare, injuries intervened, as she has played in only 11 of the Liberty’s 25 games.

Hopefully, Sabally’s Olympic opportunity will not be cut short by another ill-timed injury, allowing her not only to help Germany advance out of Group C but also to return to the Liberty healthy. The Sabally who turned in almost 25 minutes of elite offensive basketball on Monday would give the league-leading Liberty another edge heading into the final stretch of the WNBA season.



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Predicting PLL Week 4 Video games

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Predicting PLL Week 4 Video games

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Predicting PLL Week 4 Games

As we approach Week 4 of the PLL season, fans are eagerly anticipating the exciting matchups on the schedule. Each game presents unique challenges and opportunities for the teams involved. Here are my predictions for this weekend’s games.

New York Atlas (17) vs Maryland Whipsnakes (10)

No one is stopping the Atlas this season. Although the numbers are slightly skewed because the Atlas have played one more game than half the league, their 71 points with a +19 score differential speak volumes about their offensive production. The Atlas are a freight train right now, looking to continue their undefeated start to the season. On the other hand, the Whipsnakes currently hold a 1-2 record with an average point total compared to the rest of the PLL. They could definitely sneak some points past the Atlas’ rocky defense, which has allowed the most goals in the league. However, the Whipsnakes’ defense has absolutely zero chance of containing the Atlas. Expect the Atlas to put on a clinic. This game might not be very enjoyable outside of some highlight-reel goals from the Atlas.

Boston Cannons (11) vs Utah Archers (12)

This is probably the second most intriguing game of the weekend. The Cannons and Archers appear to be virtually identical on paper, hosting similar score differentials on both sides of the ball. The Archers’ high-flying offense is still looking to shake off that loss to the Outlaws. This game will really show how big of a fluke that game was. The Cannons will give the Archers’ defense a real test. Archers fans should be a little nervous considering what Brennan O’Neill did to them, on top of letting the Waterdogs come back in their Week 1 matchup, blowing a massive lead. The good news is this is an Eastern team vs a Western team, so playoffs won’t have that much of an impact. Overall, I think the Archers are still too good and will come out on top in this one, but it will be close.

California Redwoods (13) vs Denver Outlaws (10)

Arguably, the two worst teams in the league showdown with one another. I am not buying that the Waterdogs’ record of 0-3 puts them in this category just yet. Both the Redwoods and Outlaws are still very much looking to find their identities this year. They have both had some change-ups in terms of roster makeup, and we just haven’t had a good enough sample size to get a solid gauge. I’m fairly confident in what we will see from the Redwoods, but the Outlaws remain a question mark. O’Neill cannot carry this team for the entire season, and that defense just needs to make more stops, which they were able to do in the latter half of their game against the Archers. I have no faith in the Outlaws, and I see the Redwoods walking away with this one.

Philadelphia Waterdogs (16) vs Carolina Chaos (13)

This might be my hot take of the PLL weekend, but this is the game the Waterdogs turn it around. The Chaos have been very impressive to start the season, which is a compliment to Andy Towers for really understanding how to get his teams to click on a yearly basis despite some roster changes. The Waterdogs have struggled to start the year, as I have discussed previously, but they are so close to reaching their potential. A couple of unfortunate losses will not determine this team’s season, and I have full confidence that this game against the Chaos is going to turn their season around.

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Staff USA Earns First-Ever Rugby Sevens Olympic Medal

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Staff USA Earns First-Ever Rugby Sevens Olympic Medal

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With US swimmer Torri Huske’s 100-meter butterfly gold medal win on Sunday, Team USA’s combined tally of 14 swimming medals leads all countries across the Olympics.

But while the current haul is looking healthy, the USA’s Olympic swimming gold medal stranglehold is very much in danger of falling by the wayside.

Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown successfully defended her 100-meter backstroke gold medal on Tuesday. (Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Australia takes aim at USA’s Olympic gold medal streak

It’s been 36 years since the coed US swimming squad came up short in the Olympic gold medal race — at least five years before anyone on today’s team was even born.

That dominance, however, is hanging by a thread as the Australians are gold medal count favorites after running away with the 2023 World Swimming Championships.

“Certainly, there are some events… where we’ve got a significant amount of ground to make up,” US head women’s coach Todd DeSorbo told reporters. “But I’m confident in the motivation and excitement and commitment of everybody — men and women — on the team that are prepared to do that.”

Team USA's Regan Smith and Katharine Berkoff pose with their silver and bronze medals in the 100-meter backstroke.
World record-holder Regan Smith of Team USA took silver in the 100-meter backstroke, with teammate Katharine Berkoff earning bronze. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Women’s swimming wins keep hardware hopes alive

In the seven women’s events so far, the US has captured eight medals: one gold, four silver, and three bronze.

Joining Huske on Sunday’s 100-meter butterfly podium was US teammate and fellow NCAA swimmer Gretchen Walsh, who snagged silver just six weeks after becoming the event’s world record-holder at US Trials.

Monday’s 400-meter individual medley also saw two US swimmers medal in their second Olympic Games, with Katie Grimes and Emma Weyant taking silver and bronze behind 17-year-old Canadian phenom Summer McIntosh, who won the event by the equivalent of a country mile.

While Australia’s Kaylee McKeown successfully defended her 100-meter backstroke gold medal on Tuesday — breaking her own Olympic record in the process —Team USA completed the podium. Regan Smith, who reclaimed the world record from McKeown at last month’s Trials, swam to silver, with first-time Olympian Katharine Berkoff taking bronze.

Katie Ledecky celebrates after winning the 400-meter freestyle during this year's US Olympic Swimming Team Trials
Team USA swimmer Katie Ledecky is one of the sports most decorated athletes. (Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

USA’s Ledecky expected to make more Olympic history

After dropping to third in Saturday’s 400-meter freestyle, seven-time USA gold medalist Katie Ledecky is still expected to own Wednesday’s 1500-meter freestyle, a race she hasn’t lost in 14 years. 

A medal in that event would tie Ledecky with three former Team USA athletes as the most decorated Olympic women swimmers in history.



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2024 Olympics: Serbia leads Crew A in ladies’s 5×5 basketball

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2024 Olympics: Serbia leads Crew A in ladies’s 5×5 basketball

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The women’s 5×5 basketball competition may be one where Team USA is in the driver’s seat, but there’s still plenty to play for, and the opening slate of games in Group A proved why. The talent all around the world in the women’s game continues to improve, and that means parity is paramount.

Both opening Group A games were as close as possible, with Spain beating China 90-89 in overtime and Serbia avoiding disaster by surviving a fourth-quarter surge by Puerto Rico to come out victorious 58-55. After one day of action, Serbia leads the group and Spain is second, followed by China and Puerto Rico.

With just one game down, Group A is far from decided as we head into the next set of games. Here is a recap of the previous contests and a look at the upcoming matchups.

Li Yueru nearly bests Spain

China pushed Spain to the absolute limit, losing by just a point in overtime. Yueru had an exceptional game, imposing her will on the Spaniards as she scored 31 points in the defeat.

It wasn’t enough, as Spain’s Megan Gustafson led the way with 29 points, eight rebounds, and four steals, while Leonor Rodriguez stepped up big with 25 points. Spain is far from safe, but the win is crucial, and while China lost, there’s no reason to think they are done in this group.

Serbia has a scare

Serbia was in the driver’s seat up 55-36 heading to the fourth quarter. Then their offense went ice cold, and Puerto Rico went on a tear. They outscored Serbia 19-3 in the final 10 minutes. Puerto Rico not only made it competitive, but, with 23 seconds left, they had the ball down two points with a chance to tie or take the lead.

It took a Dragana Stanković block on Pamela Rosado to end the comeback and secure the result.

Neither team is favored to dominate Group A, but Serbia is a step closer to advancement with a win. The victory gives them an advantage over Spain with a +3 point differential versus Spain’s +1, putting Serbia at the top of the group.

What to watch on Wednesday

Puerto Rico will take on Spain at 5 a.m. ET (Peacock) on Wednesday, so be sure to set your clock. Spain will be heavily favored and should make quick work of Puerto Rico, given the depth, quality and experience they have on the roster. Spain took on a tough challenge versus China, but Puerto Rico doesn’t have that kind of firepower.

Serbia will play against China at 7:30 a.m. ET (Peacock) in a game with huge implications for the group standings. Serbia controls its destiny, but can it contain Yueru and Han Xu down low and earn the upset win? Or will China prove they are the team to beat and earn a statement win?

If Serbia comes out victorious, that will all but punch their ticket to the quarterfinals. A defeat, however, makes things very interesting. They only have a +3 point differential heading into Wednesday’s action, so even if they lose, it’s imperative the game is close if they want a shot at one of the top two spots in Group A.

Game information

Puerto Rico vs. Spain

When: Wednesday, July 31 at 5:00 a.m. ET

Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France

How to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com

China vs. Serbia

When: Wednesday, July 31 at 7:30 a.m. ET

Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France

How to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com



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PLL Week 8 – San Diego

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PLL Week 8 – San Diego

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I flew west early on Friday at 6:15am, a Southwest flight to San Diego from BWI. Boston coach Brian Holman a passenger along with California assistant coach John Grant Jr, Redwood SSDM Isaiah Davis-Allen and Cannon attackman Asher Nolting. It occurred to me that BWI is a large lacrosse related business. I’ve always felt that lacrosse specific exhibit would be an ideal display at BWI. 

Friday night in San Diego means practices for the teams playing games on Saturday. I drive up to Torrey Pines HS to watch the Denver and Carolina practices. Torrey Pines went (19-1) this spring. 

It’s amazing how similar practice plans are at all playing levels. An eighth-grade team would have a practice plan that looks like what I saw from the Outlaws. It’s the same content. But the pros practice with focus, elite intention, constant communication and competitive spirit in every phase. I got an up-close look at Graham Bundy Jr shooting the lacrosse ball. His mechanics are clean. Solid footwork, torque, hip rotation and a swooping motion. Notable is his left arm, straight like a golfer and hands are together for maximum length and power. He’s become a feared stretch shooter in the league as a rookie. 

Here’s what I saw:

  • Warm-up
  • Skill development 
  • Stickwork full field – Passing / catching 
  • Offense and defense skeleton
  • Defense ground balls 
  • 5 v 5 half field live
  • 3 v 2 small field competition 
  • 4 v 4 half field 
  • Early face-off offense period – how to attack and defend :32 shot clock. 
  • 6 v 6 half field 
  • EMO EMD

And like the Smurfs and high school players even the pros end practice with a ball hunt, rummaging behind the goals for stray balls.  

PLL Saturday 

Denver vs Boston 

Cannons (6-2) clinched a playoff spot with a 12-10 win over Denver. This game flipped on its axis when Denver defender Jesse Bernhardt was injured late in the second quarter and did not return. Bernhardt is the voice of that defense, the conductor of their slide packages and an assistant coach on the field. The Outlaws (3-3) didn’t react well to his departure which impacted both the tactical and emotional aspects of this game. Coverage and slides to Asher Nolting and Marcus Holman was not as tight without Jesse. 

Boston was down 9-5 at halftime after going scoreless for 16:53, awoke in the third quarter, exploding for 6-0 run to take a two-goal lead into the final quarter. Asher Nolting and Marcus Holman were clicking, creating and hustling during the spurt. 

Denver ended the game shooting 1/21. They are not a good ground ball team, make sloppy substitutions and didn’t shoot efficiently. They have a nice mix of veterans and rookies but suffer through moments of inconsistency. On their best day they are a title contender. On their worst day, a pretender. 

It wasn’t pretty, but California prevailed over Carolina 10-8 in game #2 from sun splashed Torrero Stadium on Saturday afternoon. This was a rock fight. Carolina would finish shooting 16% and California hit at 24%. Neither team can pass. Carolina averages 4.5 assists per game. California came in averaging 5 assists per game. Multiple pass goals are like finding a pearl on the beach. 

California (2-5) gradually built a lead of 3-1, 6-3 and up to 10-4 late in the third quarter. The Red Woods did not score in the fourth quarter yet held onto a 10-8 win. Goalie Jack Kelly was stout, and the home Woods crowd clad in green made their presence felt. The little saplings brought the juice for their heroes. Torrero Stadium is a perfect venue for the PLL and the Southern California fans brought the energy. Respect the Woods for their fight. 

The sublime grass surface in San Diego was very much a shooters field compared to the plastic sport grass fields often used for lacrosse. High bouncers were in vogue. There is nothing worse than a fake pellet rich glossy field with football lines. Lacrosse was meant to be played on natural grass. 

Suddenly the Chaos (3-4) are near the bottom of the pack and now finish the regular season with Utah, the Outlaws in Denver and Boston in Salt Lake City. Shane Knobloch was a bright spot for Carolina. The offense needs to be upgraded after scoring 7,6,10,8 goals in their last four games. 

Remember the eastern and western champs get byes into the semifinals (Hofstra).  And the last two teams don’t make the playoffs.  There will be two quarterfinal games at Gillette Stadium on Labor Day September 2. 

PLL Sunday 

The NY Atlas (6-2) handed Philadelphia their fourth one-goal loss of the summer, a 12-11 squeaker. The Waterdogs are shockingly (1-6) two summers after winning a title and one summer removed from a title game loss. 

NY (6-2) clinched a playoff spot with the win. The Atlas started Liam Entenmann in goal and he was sharp, the rookie finished with 17 saves. Face-off man Trevor Baptiste provided a notable possession advantage, and the Atlas offense continues to move and pass the ball with fluidity.  This group has been a delight to watch. 

With NY Up 4-1 the game changed gears. Philadelphia rallied to take a 9-6 lead at halftime. The Atlas shot 0/13 in the second quarter, a power outage for sure. But the Waterdogs would only manage one two-point goal in the entire second half. They finished the game shooting 1/20. Their 9-6 lead became a 12-9 deficit as Jeff Teat, Bryan Costabile, Jake Stevens and Logan McGovern heated up. The Atlas apply constant pressure – able to score in transition, early offense and in settled sets. 

Game two on Sunday saw a critical 18-13 win for the Whipsnakes to improve to (3-4) pulling away from the Red Woods (2-5) in the late stages. 

Ryder Garnsey and Rob Pannell were playmakers for the home team but too much Zed Williams in the fourth quarter was the difference for Maryland. Coach Jim Stagnitta has transformed this roster during the last five weeks and now heavily relies on rookies Adam Poitras, Levi Anderson and TJ Malone. Tucker Dordevic was the catalyst, hitting three shots from beyond the two-point arc in his second game after sitting out June and most of July with a foot injury.  His shot execution was supreme. 

Up next for the PLL is Double-header weekend for the Maryland Whips at Homewood Field on August 3 and 4. They play Philly on Saturday at 1pm on ABC. That game will be followed by Denver and California at 3:30 on E+. Sunday’s action begins with the Boston Cannons and Whipsnakes at 3pm on ABC and the finale has Carolina facing off with Utah (4-2) at 5:30pm on E+.  Drew Carter, Ryan Boyle, Paul Carcaterra and I will be at Johns Hopkins with the television coverage. 

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SWFL expands to 5 leagues as new girls’s groups emerge throughout Scotland

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SWFL expands to 5 leagues as new girls’s groups emerge throughout Scotland

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The regional Scottish Women’s Football League (SWFL) is to expand to five leagues from 2024/25 to accommodate new teams springing up across Scotland.

The fifth tier of women’s football will now comprise of SWFL North, Central, East and West leagues of ten teams each, and nine teams contesting SWFL South.

The expansion to 49 teams comes only a year after the leagues were expanded from three to four and moved into the Scottish Women’s Football pyramid, which shows the phenomenal rate of growth in the competitive women’s game in Scotland.

In the season finale, the five winners will join the second-bottom side finishing in SWF League One in play-offs, with three spaces in the national leagues for the following season up for grabs.

Commenting ahead of the new season, SWF CEO Aileen Campbell said: “The growth in women’s football is nothing less than astonishing, making our regional SWFL more exciting than ever as it offers up new opportunities for women and girls across Scotland to be involved in structured, competitive football.

“It’s only a few short years since the current SWFL was three leagues with no progression to national football for the best and most sustainable clubs, but each year new teams emerge with new talent, new ambitions and new stories rooted in their communities. And we can see from the big crowds last season at places like East End Park and Gayfield that we are reaching new audiences too, as more people engage with the unique game and matchday experience women’s football provides.

“The fact that we have had to introduce a Central league, with teams from West Fife to the East end of Glasgow, shows that women’s football is only set to grow even further. 2024/25 will be the SWFL’s biggest season yet, and we can’t wait to watch the stories unfold. Good luck to all 49 teams.”

New teams joining include Blairgowrie & Rattray, Gretna 2008, Newton Stewart, Danderhall Miners, Carron Huskies, Cambusdoon, Benburb and St Anthony’s, while Bayside make a return to senior women’s football. Glasgow Girls and Giffnock SC are to launch development sides. With Aberdeen FC taking full control of their women’s SWPL team, Aberdeen Ladies will relaunch a new team in SWFL North, joining Ross County who have developed a senior side through the ScottishPower Highlands and Islands league.

At the end of the season, the bottom-placed side in SWF League One will be relegated into their local regional SWFL, with the second bottom entering the play-off draw with the five SWFL winners. Development sides of senior teams elsewhere in the senior pyramid remain ineligible for promotion, so if one wins their respective division the play-off place will be offered to the runner-up.

The teams will begin the season playing SWFL Cup fixtures on 11 August, where each league is split into two groups of five. League games will commence following the group stages on the 29 September.

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