Categories
Sports Fox

Pulisic Ends Scoring Drought, Balogun Scores To Lift USA Over Senegal

Christian Pulisic has ended his goal drought, and at the perfect time for him and the United States men’s national team. Pulisic, who hasn’t scored this calendar year, finally found the back of the net during the United States’ friendly against Senegal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday. It marked Pulisic’s first goal for the U.S. since November 2024 and his first goal overall since December. Pulisic was involved in both of the United States first-half goals. Striker Ricardo Pepi got the ball on the left wing and spotted Pulisic darting forward. Pepi made the pass, and Pulisic played a low cross near the top of the six-yard box, where full-back Sergino Dest tapped it in. Moments later, Pepi picked up the ball on the right wing, and there Pulisic was again, making a driving run forward through the middle of the pitch. Pepi played a perfect pass into the path of Pulisic, who went around Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw to slot home the Americans’ second goal. Pepi got the start up top over Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, who was the presumptive starter in the middle of the Americans’ attack heading into the tournament. Sadio Mane cut the lead in half just before halftime, similar to the match against Belgium, the United States conceded before the break, halting momentum. Second Half Changes Pochettino made ten substitutions at the break, leaving midfielder Sebastian Berhalter as the lone American to keep his place on the pitch from the first half. Among those set to enter was Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady, ready for his USA debut—provided he could actually find his kit. Brady was left waiting on the sideline without his jersey until fellow keeper Matt Freese sprinted across the field to retrieve it from the equipment manager, allowing the 22-year-old to finally sub into the match. The full lineup after the break consisted of. Brady, Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty, Joe Scally, Weston McKennie, Sebastian Berhalter, Max Arfsten, Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman, and Cristian Roldan. Balogun Scores The Winner Despite Senegal’s striking again to level the score, the heavily rotated American side responded well. After the hour mark, former Juventus teammates Weston McKennie and Tim Weah linked up beautifully in a buildup down the right wing to find Monaco striker Folarin Balogun. It proved to be a chaotic but productive half for Balogun. After twice being involved in second-half plays where the ball ended up in the net but didn’t count, the striker finally got his reward. In the 63rd minute, Balogun buried a clinical finish to put the U.S. up 3-2, proving that the third time is indeed the charm. Alejandro Zendejas entered as the USA’s 11th and final sub, leaving Haji Wright and Brenden Aaronson as the two attackers to not receive minutes Sunday. USA was able to close out the second half and leave Charlotte with a promising win, while leaving some room for improvement.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Categories
Sports Fox

Lamine Yamal Was ‘Afraid’ His Injury Would Rule Him Out Of The World Cup

Lamine Yamal was scared of missing the World Cup after injuring his hamstring and prayed that he could recover in time. Yamal is expected to be fit for the tournament that begins on June 11 in North America. He injured his left hamstring while converting a penalty kick with Barcelona in a Spanish league match on April 22. “I never had a hamstring injury like that but I knew that it wasn’t going to be a short recovery time,” Yamal said in an interview with the Spanish soccer federation published on Sunday. “I was afraid that it was something serious or that it could relapse and that I would miss the World Cup.” The 18-year-old Yamal went down after converting a first-half penalty kick in the game against Celta Vigo. He scored and immediately looked to the bench to signal he was hurt. He dropped to the ground as his teammates arrived to celebrate, then appeared to grab the back of his left leg. “I remember the play in which I got injured,” Yamal said. “I was praying inside for it not to be serious, for it to be a cramp or something like that, because I knew the World Cup was very close.” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said last week after including Yamal in his World Cup squad that the forward was expected to be ready to play either the first or second Spain match. La Roja will debut against Cape Verde on June 15 in Atlanta. It then faces Saudi Arabia on June 21 in Atlanta and Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Yamal is expected to lead the Spain squad that will try to win its second world title. It won the World Cup for the first time in South Africa in 2010. “The moment has finally arrived,” Yamal said. “I think that ever since the European Championship ended, we’ve all been thinking about this day, and we are all very excited. We will enter the tournament as the European champions, and we are going to give it everything we have.” Spain officially began its World Cup preparations on Saturday in Madrid. Some 2,000 people watched the team’s first training session on Sunday. Reporting by The Associated Press.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Categories
Sports Fox

LIV Golf Korea: Joaquin Niemann Wins In Playoff To Capture Record 8th Title

To win a record eighth LIV Golf individual title, Joaquin Niemann outdueled another highly decorated player in Talor Gooch. To win a record 10th regular-season team title, Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC received help from a golden-haired reserve from Australia. Niemann beat Gooch, the OKGC captain, with a birdie on the first playoff hole Sunday to claim LIV Golf Korea. The win is Niemann’s first in 2026 after winning five times last season; he now has three more wins than any other player in league history. “It was fun out there,” said the 27-year-old Niemann, the league’s youngest captain. “I really enjoy the feeling of winning again.” Niemann and Gooch, who shared the 54-hole lead, each finished at 12 under in regulation after they each shot final-round 3-under 67s at Asiad Country Club. Niemann had four birdies in a five-hole stretch on his front nine to take the lead, but Gooch made a 28-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole to tie for the lead during their tense back-nine battle. In the playoff, Niemann’s approach from 150 yards finished inside six feet to set up his winning birdie putt. “I feel like every hole was kind of like a match play,” Niemann said. “… I love having that pressure, knowing that you’ve got to hit the shot and you win the tournament. I feel like that’s what I always dreamed when I was a kid, hitting that last shot and making that last putt.” Said a disappointed Gooch, who was seeking his fifth LIV Golf individual title: “It’s frustrating when you have a chance to win. That doesn’t come too often in this game, so you want to capitalize on it.” The Crushers successfully defended their LIV Golf Korea title won on a different course last year in Incheon, shooting a collective 23 under to beat OKGC by three shots. With their second win of this season, the Crushers now have 10 regular-season victories, breaking a tie with Legion XIII and 4Aces GC for most by any team. “Just grateful, super grateful that I’ve got amazing guys, an amazing team,” said DeChambeau, who finished solo third individually at 11 under, one shot out of a playoff. “We all click in different ways, but we all work to make our team the best out here.” Those 10 wins have come in 50 regular-season starts since the core group of DeChambeau, Charles Howell III, Anirban Lahiri and Paul Casey were established midway through the inaugural 2022 season. Sunday’s win, however, was the first with a lineup adjustment, as reserve player Travis Smyth filled in for Casey, who was sidelined with a wrist injury. Smyth was critical for the team’s success, finishing in a four-way tie for eighth at 7 under that also included Howell. He played his final 10 holes in a bogey-free 3 under, providing some critical birdies en route to shooting 67. “I didn’t want to be the fill-in guy that disappoints the team and stops them from standing on the podium,” said Smyth, who unfurled his blond shoulder-length hair during the team’s post-round press conference. “I’m over the moon. I’m super-proud of myself, super-proud of these guys, and couldn’t have asked for a better first week.” The Australian becomes just the second reserve player to celebrate any kind of LIV Golf trophy; John Catlin won as a reserve with Smash GC at Greenbrier during the 2024 season. “Man, the week that Travis had, shooting those scores around this golf course,” Howell said. “When you’re playing for a team and you’re up there at the top and you’re wanting to win, it’s just one of the really, really cool things about LIV Golf – and it happens every week.” FINAL LEADERBOARDS Individual Top 10 1 (-12) – Joaquin Niemann, Torque (66-69-66-67) * 2 (-12) – Talor Gooch, OKGC (69-63-69-67) 3 (-11) – Bryson DeChambeau, Crushers (65-68-71-65) 4 (-10) – Dustin Johnson, 4Aces (70-70-64-66) 5 (-9) – Scott Vincent, HyFlyers (65-70-67-69) T6 (-8) – Brendan Steele, HyFlyers (70-69-68-65); Harold Varner III, OKGC (68-69-68-67) T8 (-7) – Travis Smyth, Crushers (72-66-68-67); Lucas Herbert, Ripper (71-66-69-67); Marc Leishman, Ripper (69-68-68-68); Charles Howell III, Crushers (65-70-68-70) * Won on first playoff hole with birdie Team Top 3 1 (-23) – Crushers GC (DeChambeau 65-68-71-65, Smyth 72-66-68-67, Howell III 65-70-68-70, Lahiri 68-73-70-71; Rd. 4 total: -7) 2 (-20) – OKGC (Gooch 69-63-69-67, Varner III 68-69-68-67, Kokrak 68-70-69-70, McDowell 68-71-73-71; Rd. 4 total: -5) 3 (-15) – Ripper GC (Leishman 69-68-68-68, Herbert 71-66-69-67, Smith 67-68-68-73, Smylie 71-69-74-69; Rd. 4 total: -3) This piece is courtesy of Mike McAllister in partnership with LIV Golf​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Categories
Sports Fox

Winners, Losers From Canada’s World Cup Squad: Injuries Prevail, Left Side Loses

Canada’s World Cup squad is set. GOAL breaks down the biggest winners and losers as Alphonso Davies nears a return and roster battles continue. With a grand TV show from Charlotte, not a single leak and a banner unfurled from the top of Toronto’s famed CN Tower. The 26-player squad that will represent the Canadian men’s national team at the 2026 World Cup has been officially decided. Coach Jesse Marsch’s squad arrives surprisingly healthy. While captain and star left back Alphonso Davies remains likely to miss the World Cup opener June 12 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the rest of the team is, after months of injuries and recoveries, mostly healthy. There will still be time to monitor the 26 players, and there are decisions to be made, notably who starts between the sticks, as Marsch plans on giving each of Dayne St. Clair and Maxime Crepeau 45 minutes against Uzbekistan on Monday. But the roster is set. “I had a really good meeting with the leaders in the team… Obviously, having everybody here, the energy is always so good,” Marsch told OneSoccer. “We’re getting healthy, so feel good about a lot of things. There’s been a lot of positive developments over the last week to 10 days, so we feel like we’re going to have some good momentum and then get ourselves ready to go.” Here, GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Canada’s roster reveal. The team can make injury substitutions until 2:59 p.m. ET on June 11 and will travel with defenders Ralph Priso and Zorhan Bassong, as well as winger Jayden Nelson, for pre-tournament friendlies against Uzbekistan and Ireland in Edmonton and Montreal. WINNER: The Injuries… Somehow When striker Promise David went down in a heap while playing for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in January and was told he would need hip surgery, it seemed like his World Cup dreams may have been over. The same could be said for Middlesbrough center back Alfie Jones’ recovery from ankle surgery, Moise Bombito’s efforts to return from a broken leg suffered in October, winger Ali Ahmed’s hamstring injury and several others. For months, Marsch and those around the Canadians have spoken of timelines that would make the team’s best players available for the World Cup squad. By Friday, that had somehow, mostly happened. In David’s case, it was a remarkable recovery. Earlier this week, he joked to CBC that his genes might be needed to start a human colony on Mars, given how quickly he regrew muscle to fit his towering 6-foot-5 frame. “I think I could regrow a limb if I lost it, in all seriousness. I could regrow a f–king limb if I wanted to,” David, who goes by Tobi, told CBC. “I have a s–t immune system. If I get a cold, I’m dying. But in terms of regrowth, if we want to start a new colony on Mars, I should be the number one candidate.” The biggest worry remains Alphonso Davies, who is on the roster and will join the group in Edmonton. After straining his hamstring in the UEFA Champions League semifinal, he is unlikely to play in the friendlies or the opening match, but Marsch assured reporters that he will play at some point during the World Cup. LOSER: Ralph Priso After emerging as a star center back with Vancouver Whitecaps FC during the club’s run to the 2025 MLS Cup final, Ralph Priso’s pathway to the national team seemed destined until a hamstring injury forced him out of his first international start in March. It sidelined him until May 21, when he returned and scored in Vancouver’s win over San Diego FC. The 23-year-old will be a key part of future squads as a versatile defensive midfielder and center back, but his injury and the recovery of the top center backs in the player pool leave him on the outside looking in. However, he will be with the squad for the friendlies to help manage minutes for rostered players and could be the first call-up should plans go sideways. WINNER: Jonathan Osorio Jonathan Osorio is as Toronto Stadium as it gets, with more than 400 Toronto FC appearances, an MLS Cup title won at the stadium and 90 Canada caps, many of them earned at the venue. Now, “Oso,” as he is known, will be part of the team for the World Cup at the ground. One of four players from nearby Brampton, he had been in doubt for the squad ever since Marsch left him on the bench for the scoreless draw against Colombia in October, the country of origin for his family. While he is not likely to see many minutes at the World Cup or in the friendlies, he is a key veteran presence within the team. It was always going to be him or veteran EFL League Two winger Junior Hoilett, and the optics are likely better for calling up an MLS player than Hoilett, who has not impressed with Swindon Town. LOSER: Left Side Depth In many ways, left back could actually be a winner. Davies could be back for the second game, and Richie Laryea has more than filled in at the position. Yet Laryea has not played for Toronto FC since April 22, and despite likely being fit, he will not have many recent minutes under his belt. At the same time, without Zorhan Bassong on the squad, there is not much in the way of depth behind Laryea. In a pinch, Celtic FC right back Alistair Johnston could fill the role, allowing Hajduk Split’s Niko Sigur to move into his regular position at right back. However, that would require shifting players out of their natural roles and provide a new look to a backline that has thrived on familiarity. Bassong should be able to offer some respite from heavy minutes in the friendlies and, like Priso, would be the first call-up for that role if a player were to go down. WINNER: Jacob Shaffelburg The hero of Canada’s best moments under Marsch to date, having scored a key goal against Venezuela to send Canada to the 2024 Copa América semifinals, LAFC winger Jacob Shaffelburg faced doubts about whether he would be able to reach his best form for the World Cup. In Charlotte this week, where the Canadians trained to stay out of the domestic spotlight and adapt to the heat, the lone player from Canada’s Atlantic provinces trained on the sidelines as he continued to work his way back to full fitness. He missed the March camp because of a sports hernia but has since played limited minutes with LAFC. An energetic presence with a can’t-miss smile and bleach-blond mullet, Shaffelburg brings not only good vibes but also incredible straight-line speed. He was a bubble player heading into camp, and Austin FC’s Jayden Nelson will stick around for the friendlies as a potential replacement. For now, though, Shaffelburg is a winner. At a minimum, he has the inside track heading into the final stretch. LOSER: Daniel Jebbison With four true wingers, as well as the versatile presence of Tigres UANL midfielder Marcelo Flores, Marsch’s choice to bring only four strikers cost Daniel Jebbison a chance at his World Cup debut this summer. A physical and skillful option up top, Jebbison impressed in Marsch’s draws against Iceland and Tunisia and was seen as the top option if Canada had opted to bring five strikers. Instead, Canada has gone with the clear top four of Juventus’ Jonathan David, Southampton’s Cyle Larin, whose recent form of nine goals in 22 games earned him the nickname “Brampton Bagsman,” CF Villarreal’s tenacious presser Tani Oluwaseyi, and the now-recovered Promise David. The competition at striker is incredibly high for Canada, and England-Canadian dual national Jebbison will not regret choosing Les Rouges over England at this point. However, he will now have to look toward the 2030 World Cup, when he will be 26, to make his debut on the grandest stage. Reporting by GOAL.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Categories
Sports Fox

Paris Saint-Germain Wins Champions League After Penalty Shootout Against Arsenal

Paris Saint-Germain won back-to-back Champions League trophies by beating Arsenal on penalties in a dramatic final in Puskas Arena on Saturday. Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes fired the last of his team’s penalties over the bar to hand PSG a 4-3 shootout victory. “It’s incredible, back to back,” PSG captain Marquinhos said. “From the very first day of this season the coach said it’s hard to win, and winning twice is even more difficult. So we all had to get back to work. That was the mentality.” The game was 1-1 at the end of regulation time and extra time, sending the game to spot kicks. Arsenal led after six minutes when Kai Havertz broke away and blasted past PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. But the defending champion dominated possession and Ousmane Dembélé leveled from the penalty spot in the 65th to take the final to extra time for the first time in 10 years. Eberechi Eze also missed an earlier spot kick, but David Raya saved from Nuno Mendes to keep Arsenal level. Lucas Beraldo scored the last of PSG’s spot kicks, meaning Gabriel had to convert to take it to sudden death. But he blasted high over the bar to spark celebrations from PSG players and fans inside Puskas Arena. “It’s even more special because we knew before the match how difficult it would be,” PSG coach Luis Enrique said. “I think it’s deserved over the course of the whole season, even if the final was very closely contested.” Reporting by The Associated Press.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Categories
Sports Fox

‘We Need to See:’ Uncertainty Over Chris Richards’ Injury As World Cup Looms

U.S. SOCCER NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER (Fayetteville, Ga.) — United States center back Chris Richards, the top defender on coach Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, won’t play in Sunday’s pre-tournament preparation match against African power Senegal in Charlotte. Richards injured ligaments in his left ankle playing for English Premier League club Crystal Palace on May 17. He was healthy enough to train ahead of Palace’s UEFA Conference League final win over Spain’s Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday and dress for the match, but didn’t get off the bench. The 26-year-old Birmingham, Alabama native traveled across the Atlantic the next day and arrived at U.S. Soccer’s sprawling practice facility on Friday morning, though he didn’t work out with teammates later in the day. During Saturday’s pre-match press conference at the USA’s facility outside Atlanta, I asked Pochettino for an update on Richards’ health. “We decided with Chris, with the medical and the performance staff, to not to be part of the group that is going to be in North Carolina playing tomorrow against Senegal,” he said.  “I think he needs to keep doing his rehab, and I think it’s much better to stay here and plan to train and reevaluate next week how he is.” – Meet USA’s Captain: Tim Ream To Wear World Cup Armband With the USA’s June 12 World Cup opener against Paraguay now less than two weeks away, Richards’ ankle is obviously a serious concern for the former Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager. Pochettino revealed that he’s repeatedly sought updates on Richards’ status from his top assistant coach, Jesús Pérez, over the last couple of days. “I was asking from yesterday, [when Richards] arrived, to Jesús 100 times: What do you think?” Pochettino said. “The answer was ‘wait, wait, wait, wait.’ Yes, it’s too early. We need to see. The next few days are going to be key to see [if he’ll] be ready or not for the World Cup.” If Richards can’t play, the Argentine has options. Although Pochettino named the 26-player U.S. squad on May 26, the 48 participating teams aren’t required to submit their final rosters to FIFA until Monday. Even then, Pochettino could replace Richards or any other injured player up to 24 hours before their first World Cup game.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Categories
Sports Fox

Liverpool Fires Arne Slot: What’s Next And Who Could Take Over At Anfield?

Arne Slot has broken his silence and sent a direct message to Liverpool supporters just minutes after his shock sacking was officially confirmed by the club. The Dutch tactician has parted ways with the Premier League giants after a two-year tenure, following a disappointing second season that saw the Reds fail to secure any silverware. Reds dismiss Dutch manager Liverpool officially relieved Slot of his duties after a two-year tenure at Anfield. The club announced the termination of his contract in a comprehensive joint statement alongside ownership, describing the dismissal as an incredibly difficult decision. While the Dutchman secured the Premier League title during his debut campaign, a subsequent drop in form saw the club finish fifth and endure a trophyless season. Club releases lengthy statement In a joint statement, the club and owners praised Slot’s impact despite his exit: “The contribution Arne has made to Liverpool FC in the time that he has been with us has been significant, meaningful and – most importantly of all to supporters and ourselves – successful. “As such, our appreciation for everything he has achieved could not be greater, particularly as it was underpinned by a work ethic, a diligence and a level of expertise, which further underlined our view that he is a leader in his field. “The compassion and humanity he showed throughout that time said a great deal about him as a person. As such, we can only wish Arne well in the next stage of his coaching career, with our expectation being that he will continue to be successful. We do so in the knowledge that his Liverpool legacy is intact and will become yet more meaningful in the years and decades to come. “Nevertheless, the conclusion we have come to is built on a belief that the team’s trajectory is best addressed through a change of direction. That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him. Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach. “Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield.” Slot delivers parting message Despite the sudden nature of the announcement, the departing head coach immediately expressed his gratitude to the fans. Shared online via journalist Fabrizio Romano shortly after the club confirmation broke, Slot reflected on his time on Merseyside, stating: “It’s been an amazing ride together with Liverpool. I am so grateful that we were able to win the league last season.” Anfield hierarchy seek successor Liverpool must now navigate an unexpected managerial transition as they look to reverse a declining trajectory before the upcoming season begins. Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has emerged as the early frontrunner for the vacancy following his impressive sixth-place finish with the Cherries. The incoming boss faces a stern test to restructure the squad, rebuild morale, and prepare for a demanding return to Champions League football.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Categories
Sports Fox

Joaquin Niemann, Talor Gooch Tied For Lead After Round 3 Of LIV Golf Korea

Joaquin Niemann and Talor Gooch have combined to win 11 LIV Golf individual titles. They enter Sunday’s final round of LIV Golf Korea in the best position to chase another trophy. Niemann, the Torque GC captain, and Gooch, in his first season as the OKGC captain, share the 54-hole lead at 9 under at the challenging Asiad Country Club. One stroke back is HyFlyers GC’s Scott Vincent, with Ripper GC Captain Cameron Smith and Crushers GC’s Charles Howell III tied for fourth at 7 under. Crushers Captain Bryson DeChambeau, winner of last year’s LIV Golf Korea when it was held outside Seoul, suffered two late bogeys to drop into a share of sixth with 4Aces GC Captain Dustin Johnson and RangeGoats GC’s Ben Campbell. Johnson produced the lowest round of the day, a 6-under 64. On the team leaderboard, the Crushers – winners last season in Korea– are at 16 under, one shot ahead of OKGC, which is playing just its second tournament since rebranding from their previous Smash GC name. Ripper GC is solo third at 12 under. The individual leaderboard is stacked with winners, as eight of the top 10 have won at least one LIV Golf title. Niemann is the league’s all-time individual wins leader with seven, including five last season. He’s yet to win this season, though, but that might change if his putter remains as hot as it was on the back nine Saturday when he rolled in three long birdie putts, including a big breaker from 34 feet at the 14th hole, to shoot a 4-under 66. “Putter did behave a lot better today than the first two days, so pretty happy about that,” said the 27-year-old Niemann, the league’s youngest captain. “It did love me a lot. I did love it a lot, too.” Gooch has four career LIV Golf wins, including two at LIV Golf Andalucia, the next tournament on the 2026 schedule set for next week in Spain when he will defend his title from last year. He entered Saturday as the solo leader after a second-round 63 in which he produced eight birdies, but he started his third round with 14 consecutive pars before posting his lone birdie at the par-5 15th for a bogey-free 69. “You’ve got to stay patient and just wait for your time and hope that it comes, and it unfortunately didn’t come much today,” Gooch said. “But that’s why we stay patient. Maybe tomorrow it’ll come.” Although both Niemann and Gooch have extensive history playing in the final group in a LIV Golf final round – this will be Gooch’s 16th time and Niemann’s 14th – Sunday will be the first time they’ve been in the same final group in nearly four years, since LIV Golf Boston in the inaugural season in 2022. Vincent is the third member of the final group, and he continues to thrive since joining HyFlyers GC as a reserve filling in for captain Phil Mickelson. The Zimbabwean shot a 3-under 67 and is now in position to chase his first individual title. “Winning out here is not easy,” said Vincent, who has finished top 10 in each of his first two starts with the HyFlyers after starting the season as a Wild Card player. “I think just big picture-wise, just putting myself in this position is just great for me, try and get better and develop as a player.” Howell was the runner-up to DeChambeau last year, and he’s given himself another chance in Korea, thriving on this shot-maker’s course. He was a bogey-free 4 under through his first 13 holes before suffering a double-bogey in which he four-putted from 35 feet. “Man, this place is tricky,” Howell said. “If you miss the fairway, it is really hard around here. Hole locations are quite difficult here on these corners. It’s tough to make birdies.” Johnson had six of them in his bogey-free round. LIV Golf’s first season-long Individual Champion in 2022 posted at least one win in each of the league’s first three seasons before going winless last year. He’s anxious to get back into the winner’s circle. So is Niemann, despite all the success he had last season. “Last year was an exceptional year. Winning five times, it was pretty cool,” he said. “… It’s obviously a nice feeling to win, and we’re out here for that. But I’m just more focused on what I’m doing now and the way I’m hitting the ball, just trying to keep chasing that trajectory that I’m seeing in my head, so that’s what I need to do.” TOP OF THE LEADERBOARDS Individual Top 10 T1 (-9) – Joaquin Niemann, Torque (66-69-66); Talor Gooch, OKGC (69-63-69) 3 (-8) – Scott Vincent, HyFlyers (65-70-67) T4 (-7) – Charles Howell III, Crushers (65-70-68); Cameron Smith, Ripper (67-68-68) T6 (-6) – Ben Campbell, RangeGoats (69-69-66); Dustin Johnson, 4Aces (70-70-64); Bryson DeChambeau, Crushers (65-68-71) T9 (-5) – Harold Varner III, OKGC (68-69-68); Marc Leishman, Ripper (69-68-68) Team Top 3 1 (-16) – Crushers GC (DeChambeau 65-68-71, Howell III 65-70-68, Lahiri 68-73-70, Smyth 72-66-68; Rd. 3 total: -3) 2 (-15) – OKGC (Gooch 69-63-69, Kokrak 68-70-69, McDowell 68-71-73, Varner III 68-69-68; Rd. 3 total: -1) 3 (-12) – Ripper GC (Smith 67-68-68, Leishman 69-68-68, Herbert 71-66-69; Smylie 71-69-74; Rd. 3 total: -1) ROUND 3 NOTES TOP-HEAVY WINNERS’ LEADERBOARD: Of the top 10 players after 54 holes at Asiad Country Club, eight have won a cumulative 25 LIV Golf individual tournament titles – Joaquin Niemann (T1) with seven; Bryson DeChambeau (T6) with five; Talor Gooch (T1) with four; Cameron Smith (T4) and Dustin Johnson (T6) with three each; and Charles Howell III (T4), Harold Varner III (T9) and Marc Leishman (T9) with one win each. The only two players inside the top 10 without a LIV Golf win are Scott Vincent (solo 3rd) and Ben Campbell (T6). Although Asiad Country Club has not been an easy course to score on, it may take an aggressive mindset Sunday to win the title. “You’ve got to keep making birdies,” Howell said. “You’ve got to keep pushing forward. There are too many good players up there.” Gooch has always leaned on the “rule of 67” when it comes to golf success – shoot 67 each round and good things happen. But will 67 be enough on Sunday? “When you see a leaderboard with guys like this,” Gooch said, “you feel like you’ve got to do more than 67.” NIEMANN’S BIG BREAKER: Joaquin Niemann rolled in a birdie putt at the 14th hole from 34 feet that had at least 10 feet of right-to-left break. Even he knew it was a special putt. “14 was a beautiful putt,” he said. “As soon as I hit it, I kind of knew. Every time you’ve got that feeling of hitting a great stroke, you can hear the sound, and immediately you know it’s going to be a big chance to go in, and it was one of those that I was so into it, and I hit a good putt. It was right on my line, and I saw it perfectly, I was just walking it in. There was nowhere else to go.” GOOCH TO WATCH THUNDER: Talor Gooch’s hometown NBA team, the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, are set for an epic Game 7 in the Western Conference finals against San Antonio, with the winner moving on to the NBA Finals. Thanks to the time zone differences, Gooch will be able to watch the game in its entirety on TV, since it begins at 9 a.m. Sunday in Korea. The final round of LIV Golf Korea does not begin until 1:05 p.m. locally. “I definitely get more nervous for Thunder games, important Thunder games, than about anything else,” Gooch said. “Ironically tomorrow might be a good thing to watch the Thunder and kind of get some of my nerves out of my system before we tee it off. But I will be watching all of it.” RAHM’S STREAK ENDS: Legion XIII Captain Jon Rahm, the reigning two-time Individual Champion and current points leader, saw his streak of consecutive rounds under par end at 40 after shooting a 1-over 71 on Saturday. Rahm suffered a bogey on his final hole, the par-5 fourth, to break the streak. He enters the final round tied for 25th at 1 under; he has never finished lower than 11th in any LIV Golf tournament that he’s completed. SMITH’S DRIVING ACCURACY: Cameron Smith hit 12 of 14 fairways on Saturday, tying with Ian Poulter for the best percentage in the field at 85.71%. It’s the first time the Ripper GC captain has ever ranked first in driving accuracy after any LIV Golf round and is another sign that his game is headed in the right direction after his recent switch to Claude Harmon III as his swing coach. CONVERTING LEADS: Co-leader Joaquin Niemann will take the lead into the final round of a LIV Golf tournament for the sixth time; he has converted four of the previous five into wins. His fellow co-leader Talor Gooch enters the final round with the lead for the seventh time; he’s converted three of the previous six into wins. DECHAMBEAU LEVELS OFF: Bryson DeChambeau opened the tournament on Thursday by playing the first 10 holes in 6 under. He has since played the last 44 holes at even par. He has found just 50% of fairways and 61% of greens in regulation through the first three rounds. STATS LEADERS Round 3 Driving Distance: Jon Rahm, 339.4-yard avg. Longest Drive: Jon Rahm, 379.1 yards (11th hole). Official measured drives taken only on holes 11 and 12. Driving Accuracy: Cameron Smith, Ian Poulter, 85.71% (12 of 14) Greens in Regulation: Cameron Smith, Laurie Canter, Bubba Watson, 88.89% (16 of 18) Scrambling: Nine players tied at 100%, led by Ian Poulter (8 of 8) Fewest Putts: Danny Lee, 23 Bogey-free rounds: Dustin Johnson (64), Ben Campbell (66), Abraham Ancer (66), Bubba Watson (67), Cameron Smith (68), Talor Gooch (69) Cumulative Driving Distance: David Puig, 311.8-yard avg. Driving Accuracy: Ben Campbell, 80.95% (34 of 42) Greens in Regulation: Joaquin Niemann, Laurie Canter, 79.63% (43 of 54) Scrambling: Charl Schwartzel (15 of 18), 83.33% Fewest Putts: Bryson DeChambeau, Thomas Pieters, Ian Poulter, Yosuke Asaji, Danny Lee, 80 Lowest Rounds: Rd. 1 – Bryson DeChambeau, Charles Howell III, Scott Vincent (65); Rd 2 – Talor Gooch (63); Rd. 3 – Dustin Johnson (64) This piece is courtesy of Mike McAllister in partnership with LIV Golf.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Categories
Sports Fox

Tim Ream Named Captain For USA’s World Cup Squad

U.S. SOCCER NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER (Fayetteville, Ga.) — Tim Ream will captain the U.S. men’s national team at the World Cup this summer, manager Mauricio Pochettino announced Saturday morning. The 38-year-old center back has already worn the armband in 16 of 23 matches in the Pochettino era, including that first game vs. Panama on Oct. 12, 2024 in Austin, Texas. “What I want to say is that I am so grateful that he’s with us, because he’s a great captain not only on the field, but maybe more importantly, off the field,” Pochettino said while sitting next to Ream during a press conference at the National Training Center outside Atlanta. “I think he has the experience, he has the capacity to be the leader that we want, the positive leader. “For me, that’s one of the most important things is to connect [with] the players. He’s an amazing voice, so lucky to have a player like him with his personality and his character.” Ream, the oldest player on the USA’s 26-man roster, seemed a little bit surprised despite his veteran status on the team. “Wow,” Ream said. “This is more than a dream come true. I’ve done everything possible to be a part of this group, to help this group along, and I’m just really, really grateful to be sitting here to have this honor. And at the same time, it’s not going to change what I do or who I am or how I help the group.” Ream thanked Pochettino, before adding that this is “the highest honor for me” and “I’m not going to take that for granted.” Pochettino said he was the one who chose Ream, not the players. “Not a vote of the team, of the players,” Pochettino said, with his arms folded on the table. “It’s my decision.” Ream is already widely viewed as a leader in this team. Fellow defender Alex Freeman, who is the youngest player on the roster at 21 years old, said earlier this week that he is always trying to learn from Ream and goes to him when he needs advice. Four years ago, a then-23-year-old Tyler Adams was named captain for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and handled the role with remarkable maturity and poise. Just because he’s not captain this summer doesn’t mean he’ll be any less of a leader. In fact, there are quite a few players on the team who could have handled captain responsibilities. “Listen, it’s a privilege and an honor for anyone who gets to wear the armband,” Adams told reporters earlier in the week before Ream was officially named. “But what I represent, how I lead, I think anybody that plays with me knows that I’m a leader. That’s just how I’ve been my entire career, whether I’m wearing the armband or not.” Ream has been on this team for 15 years and made his national team debut on Nov. 17, 2010. He has 80 appearances, scored one goal, and played every minute of the 2022 World Cup. The U.S. plays two tuneup friendlies over the next week, facing Senegal in Charlotte on Sunday and then Germany in Chicago next Saturday, June 6. The team will then fly to their World Cup base camp in Irvine, Calif. before kicking off the tournament in Group D where it will play Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, Australia in Seattle on June 19, and Türkiye back in L.A. on June 25.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Categories
Sports Fox

2026 UFL Week 10 Results: Orlando Storm Keep Rolling

The final week of the UFL regular season has arrived, and while three playoff berths have already been secured, one postseason spot remains up for grabs. The Louisville Kings and Birmingham Stallions enter Week 10 locked in a battle for the league’s final playoff position. The action got underway Friday night with the Dallas Renegades earning an impressive road victory over the St. Louis Battlehawks. On Saturday, the Houston Gamblers took down the Birmingham Stallions, whose playoff hopes ended with the loss. Sunday began with a playoff preview as the Orlando Storm took care of DC Defenders, setting up a showdown next week. The Louisville Kings take and Colombus Aviators will finish out the slate. By the end of the weekend, the UFL playoff field will be set and the road to the championship will officially begin. Here are the results from Week 10: Orlando Storm 29, DC Defenders 23 Key players: Storm QB Jack Plummer (13-of-26 for 203 yards, three touchdowns), WR Cam Camper (three receptions for 93 yards, one touchdown); Defenders QB Jason Bean (13-of-28 for 165 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and 116 rushing yards), WR Cornell Powell (five receptions, 70 yards). Game recap: The Storm opened the scoring with a defensive touchdown as Mishael Powell picked off Bean and returned it for a touchdown. Orlando added to its lead early in the second quarter when Plummer and Camper connected for a 31-yard touchdown. The Defenders tied the game at 17 after a rushing touchdown from Xazavian Valladay and a converted two-point attempt. Orlando scored on consecutive drives to take a commanding 12-point lead, on a 49-yard field goal from Michael Lantz. The Defenders added a touchdown with two seconds to go but it was merely a consolation. Up next: The Storm and Renegades will meet on Sunday, June 7 in the UFL playoffs. Dallas Renegades 20, St. Louis Battlehawks 16 Key players: Renegades QB Austin Reed (15-of-26 for 162 yards, three touchdowns), WR Emmanuel Butler (three receptions for 38 yards, two touchdowns); Battlehawks QB Luis Perez (18-of-29 for 272 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions), DT Neil Farrell (seven total tackles, one sack, one tackle-for-loss). Game recap: Both teams started out hot, as St. Louis opened the scoring with a 45-yard field goal on its first possession to take an early 3-0 lead. The Renegades responded shortly thereafter when quarterback Austin Reed connected with wide receiver Emmanuel Butler for a 17-yard touchdown, giving Dallas a 7-3 lead. Butler played a key role in the victory, finishing with three receptions for 38 yards and two touchdowns. The Battlehawks struggled offensively for much of the night, finding the end zone just once on a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Luis Perez to wide receiver James Bostic in the third quarter. Perez finished the night with two interceptions and was sacked seven times in the loss. Up next: The Renegades close out the season with a 4-6 record, while the Battlehawks move on to the playoffs. Houston Gamblers 26, Birmingham Stallions 13 Key players: Gamblers LB Malik Fisher (four tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss), RB Marcus Major (eight carries for eight yards, two touchdowns); Stallions QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (13-of-27 for 112 yards, one touchdown), WR Kyric McGowan (two receptions for 23 yards, one touchdown). Game recap: The Gamblers took the lead first with a field goal, despite quarterback John Rhys Plumlee throwing an interception on the first drive of the game. After running back Marcus Major rushed for a Houston touchdown to open the second quarter of play, the Stallions were still scoreless after a missed field goal from 53-yards out. Plumlee contributed another score on the ground for 11 yards to give the Gamblers a strong 17-0 lead heading into halftime. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and the Stallions struggled through the day, as he finished with just one touchdown and 48.1% of his passes completed. Birmingham finally got on the scoreboard with a 30-yard pick six from safety Alex Cook to make it 17-7. However, the Gamblers responded on the following drive, when Major took it to the house for a 72-yard touchdown to make it 23-7. The Stallions added one more touchdown with a 6-yard reception by wide receiver Kyric McGowan, but the Gamblers answered with a 46-yard field goal to seal the 26-13 win. Up next: Since neither team qualified for the playoffs, the Gamblers and the Stallions each closed out the season 4-6 overall.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports