Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Manchester City Are The Majority Owners of New York City FC, MLS’s 20th Team: Official

Major League Soccer has announced that Manchester City and New York Yankees have partnered together to launch New York City Football Club, MLS's 20th team that is expected to begin play in 2015.

Manchester City will be the majority owner of the new Club. As an investor, the Yankees will be an active member of the ownership group.

"New York is a legendary sports town, as well as a thriving global city with a rapidly expanding soccer fan-base," said Ferran Soriano, CEO of Manchester City Football Club, who will oversee the process of filling top New York City FC leadership positions in the weeks to come. "We are thrilled to contribute to the energy and growth of New York City Soccer. In the Yankees, we have found the absolute best partner for developing a world-class sports organization and a winning team that will carry the New York City Football Club name with pride."

"We proudly welcome two of the most prestigious professional global sports organizations to Major League Soccer," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "This is a transformational development that will elevate the league to new heights in this country. The New York area is home to more than 19 million people­, and we look forward to an intense crosstown rivalry between New York City Football Club and the New York Red Bulls that will captivate this great city."

While the news about Manchester City being the majority owner of the club is positive, there's still a lot of doubt in terms of where the team will play. According to Major League Soccer, the new team is arranging to play in an interim home beginning in its inaugural MLS season in 2015. Over the past year, MLS began discussions with the City of New York and other stakeholders about the possibility of constructing a new stadium in Flushing Meadows Corona Park (FMCP) in Queens. The Club's new management will continue these discussions with local government officials, community residents and businesses, soccer leagues, and MLS. The Club will continue to review other potential sites as well.

"New York City FC will have a permanent home in the City in the great traditions of New York sports and world soccer — a home that must be a sports, commercial and civic success," Soriano said.  "But in considering any stadium site, we will listen first. This is what we have always done in Manchester and what we will do in New York.  Only in this way, can the Club truly represent the City whose name it will carry."

Founder and publisher of EPL Talk, The Gaffer (aka Christopher Harris) is a journalist who has been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian and several other publications as well as on NPR, BBC World, CBC, BBC Five Live, talkSPORT and beIN SPORT. Harris, who lives in Florida, has supported Swansea City since 1979. Harris launched EPL Talk in 2005.

True Madrid compared to. True Betis: La Liga Stay Score, Features and Summarize - Bleacher Survey

Manhunter Liga: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid (Spain) 1200 ET, 1800ACET True Madrid welcome Real Betis to the Spanish capital on Saturday morning ahead of their midweek Champions League conflict with Borussia Dortmund. Los Blancos are minute in the dining table and will undoubtedly be willing to maintain their three-point advantage over local competitors Atletico Madrid in next. They'll be without Xabi Alonso, however. The midfielder picked up his 10th scheduling of the summer season in last weekend's 3-0 triumph against Athletic Bilbao. Betis remain in the search for a Champions League location, while sitting in seventh place, they seem a more reasonable bet for the Europa League. When the two sides achieved in Seville, a first-half Benat EtxebarriaAstrike secured a shock 1-0 win for the home sidea'Madrid will undoubtedly be eager to avenge that defeat. For a complete critique, mind here.

Via: The five best goals of the penultimate round of la Liga BBVA

FC Barcelona - 1, Levante - 0 - About FC Barcelona

Hamilton Academical Barcelona kept on with their drive to the Manhunter Liga concept with a 1-0 victory at home against Levante. We did left it quite late with the determining goal from Cesc Fabregas to arrive the second. The scoreline didn't just tell the story of the game as we dominated it from the beginning. We were careless in the second half, but Vilanova was intelligent enough to help make the necessary replacement so that you can secure the important three points. With this particular gain we stay thirteen things free from Real madrid and will require only two more victories to secure the league title. People were expecting today that Messi might get some good playing time. Nevertheless the medical group never gave the natural light to him. As per the medical group Messi is just 70% fit fit. Vilanova went with the usual 4-3-3 development. Abidal made his first official start after coming out from harm, and that was the best news for Barca supporters. We had Alves, Abidal, Adriano and Montoya in safety. Thiago, Song and Iniesta made the midfield group. Tello, Cesc and Villa formed the leading targeting trio. Xavi, Batra, Alba, Busquets, Pinto, Pedro and Alexis began on the table. Peek and Dos Santos didn't make the last group. We started the game developing our normal regular property benefit. In the minute Tello broke into the box and outline a cross, Thiago achieved it with a header which was quickly captured by Levante keeper. In after Iniesta took place in the frequency the 16th minute we were given a penalty. It was a poor choice and the owner made the save your self from Villa's fee kick, so you may say that justice was done. In the 19th moment Iniesta launched Tello on the left with a fantastic pass, Tello's combination was cleared by the defender before it might find Villa. Following the initial ten minutes a smart switch was made by us with Villa playing in center and Cesc playing behind him. That has been developing a little room for Iniesta to exploit. In the 24th minute Iniesta tried a roller from outside the field, however it was too near the keeper. In the moment Thiago picked up Tello wonderfully on the left but his shot could only reach along side it netting. In the second Dani Alves saw a brilliant long range free stop saved even more brilliantly by Levante keeper. In the minute Villa saw his brilliant volley blocked by the Levante defense. In the second David Villa had another amazing volley preserved by the Levante owner. The first half stats were simply amazing - six of them were on target and we had 12 photographs. Nevertheless the essential stats was lacking - The Goals. The 2nd half began in somewhat of comparison - we were fighting to control the game and Levante were having a far greater say in proceeding set alongside the first. We were pretty casual in our approach also. Levante had two good actions but was decided offside and these were fairly limited. In the 60th moment Vilanova made his first change getting Xavi Hernandez for Andres Iniesta. The concept was certainly could have been to provide Iniesta a rest ahead of Champions League semi-final. In the 67th moment Pedro came set for Thiago. In the minute Sanchez came in for Tello, who was fairly bad with his first contact through the match. In the 84th minute we finally managaed to break the deadlock through Cesc Fabregas. Sanchez yet again was the service for Cesc, both of these are experiencing some outstanding chemistry between them. In the 88th minute Cesc Fabregas had a decent opportunity blocked by the defense and Pedro's attempt from the recovery was saved by the Levante keeper.

More Info: The sherpas have reached Juanjo Garra

Guessing If Washington Capitals' Major Stars Will Improve or even Decline in 2014.

Efficient played in 35 video game titles in 2013, versus solely 32 in 2012. The Calgary native advanced his numbers from in 2009 by scoring 12 plans and totaling 26 tips. He also added 3 power-play goals.

Green led the NHL in goals with a defenseman, despite being the only real player among the top six of that category to play lower than 42 games.

For the season, Green averaged 0. thirty four goals and 0. 74 points per game based on Hockey-Reference. com. Exactly percent of his goals came in the power play.

True, Green has only played 82 games within a season once in this eight-year career. But for ones purposes of this activity, his 82-game projections influenced by his 2013 averages would mean 28 goals and sixty one points, with nine power-play ambitions.

Link: The Girona secures promotion to first

New Hampshire Fishing Derby Will Make Winners Take Lie Detector Test

The Winni Derby will be held this weekend on New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee, as if you didn't know, and there's $50,000 in prizes for biggest salmon, biggest trout and, what, most congenial bluegill I guess. But because this is a landlocked lake, and they don't want any of the contestants sneaking off to secret fishing holes to bring in illegal catches, the organizers are bringing out the big guns to make sure things are fair.

"Due to the rumors and information on some of the fishing blogs, there has been a raised awareness that the possibility of some of the past entries for landlocked salmon entered were not fished from Lake Winnipesaukee," a statement on the the Winni Derby's website reads.

Who would cheat at a fishing derby? Plenty of people, as it turns out. Read here. And here. And the old lead weigh trick, here.

Marc Stein Says @ESPNStatsInfo: Harrison Barnes first rook to average 16 PPG & 6 RPG in single postseason (min. 10 games) since @DavidtheAdmiral in '90

Via: One hundred years of Tour of Flanders, a hundred years cycling passion

Carlos Zambrano and Philadelphia Phillies Agree on Minor League Deal.

The Philadelphia Phillies announced these people reached an agreement by using veteran starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano for the minor league deal, records Danny Knobler of CBS Sporting activities:

Zambrano has been with out team since finishing the 2012 season while using Miami Marlins. He created 35 appearances, including 20 gets under way, for the Phillies' Country wide League East rivals go on season. The right-hander went 7-10 which includes a 4. 49 ERA and 1. 50 WHIP.

Before his stint while using Marlins, Zambrano had spent his entire career with the Chicago Cubs. Starting in 2002, he posted nine straight seasons with a ERA below four. His temper often overshadowed his talent, however, which might help explain why he was only allowed to fetch a minor category contract.

The Phillies are looking for rotation depth after a good shoulder injury put ex - ace Roy Halladay on the shelf. They are at the same time without offseason addition Bob Lannan, who struggled in three starts before you go on the disabled list using a knee issue.

Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and Kyle Kendrick are anchoring the staff at the same time. Jonathan Pettibone has recently been impressive in his initial five outings, going 3-0 with a 3. 41 ERA. Despite having his contributions, the club is short in the starting pitching department.

Only time will explain to if Zambrano is competent at filling that void. His numbers in the last two seasons, high ERA in addition to a declining strikeout rate, indicate it's a long taken. But the Phillies definitely believed he was worth looking for chance on.

If he can return to his past form, he would often be a nice addition for the trunk end of the team's revolving. Philadelphia faces an uphill struggle with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals inside the division. Their margin for error is shrinking, so a switch was necessary.

Plans for what the team expects regarding Zambrano in terms of going him ready for major league action wasn't immediately announced.

Ping G25 Mixed Review.

Hybrids are those clubs that we don't necessarily need within our bags the way we'd like our putters, drivers and irons, but life sure gets much simpler with a good hybrid you can trust. Hybrids vary in your shape and design more than almost any other clubs on this marketplace. Some manufacturers prefer to include out hybrids that look like small fairway woods when produce hybrids that are usually more iron-like in their style and design. Then you've got PING who appears to cover all the bases with the different hybrid offerings. THP is sent PING's latest mixed offering, the G25 – let's investigate for yourself.

With PING you've bought vastly different hybrids from one line to another location. The G20 and I20 had been both solid hybrids inside their own rights, yet to me one of several more of a driving iron appearance and feeling to them. Personally I typically struggle with those types of hybrids. The G25 came in for review and I was quite content with see that PING went in the slightly different direction while using the shape and overall makeup of their newest hybrid offering.

The G25 has the now popular PING matte black finish they recently started doing along with some driver offerings and I affect love it. We're in an period of time where more color and more gloss looks like it's the norm for many clubs, but PING bucks your trend and comes at consumers which includes a stealth looking matte black finish that just screams entail. The gloss is there if you'd like it, but in really the only of the club, combining with the matte black to complete a gorgeous looking hybrid.

The G25 has softer edges and a shallower face to give more on the mini fairway wood feel to barefoot running than previous PING hybrid car offerings. I like this very much and I suspect many golfers will typically agree with me. The planning and shape of this G25 immediately provided me that confidence We need at address. It just feels right configuring behind the golf ball also, you know a good photo is coming.

Ball flight is custom-engineered through progressive CG locations. Inside lower-lofted hybrids, weight is low and oh no- increase the launch position and spin rate. Within the mid and higher lofts, the CG moves forward to minimize spin and keep the ball from ballooning.

The low toe together with heel sections are squared off to produce a generous hitting surface along with ensure consistent performance, especially on shots struck low in the face, the most well-known "miss-hit. "

Upon arrival, the G25 immediately went in the bag. Initially it was still winter months here in the upper Midwest, so my first testing came in the indoor facility on aboutGolf simulators. This provided me with a great opportunity to test the space. The model I for review came in 20 examples of loft, which just happens to remain the perfect loft to help you fill a yardage gap at the top of my bag. A hybrid is unique in the fact that you want them to travel far, but not too far. I have a attractive specific gap to fill by way of the hybrid that goes inside my bag. I'm looking for my hybrid to include yardages from 215 showrooms to around 230 showrooms – nothing more along with usually nothing less. In the simulator on day 1 from testing I hit quite a few shots that ranged from 217 to 227 yards. So far, I was quite contented and super excited to get it outside for real life testing.

Finally getting outside I knew a few things about the G25. I knew it was subsequently super easy to hit off an appropriate lie and I knew that it fit perfectly into a yardage gap between my own 4 iron and a 3 wood (off perfect lies mind you). A few things I was wanting to answer outside were the way in which it performed from different lie conditions, how it performed with some wind factored in and lastly how this straight/tight shot dispersion I found inside carried over. The first couple rounds outdoors came within the THP Texas Invitational within Dallas, TX. I used the G25 from the tee, from the fairway, from the rough and even from a bunker once (the bunker shot did not go good but we'll chuck that shot out).

As you expected, the most distance and best performance came from the tee box while using the ball teed up. Tee shots were simple to hit and shots journeyed high, far and specifically. Shots from the fairway and light rough were very similar to what I experienced inside simulator – very easy to have the ball airborne and I had a nice tight shot dispersion. Right at first As i noticed myself subconsciously holding back just a little to ensure that I'd attack the ball straight. The more I saw good golf swings, I started swinging much more confidently and aggressive and what I recently found was the ease of hitting good shots stayed intact. I liked that regardless of the shot I attempted cascade over the G25 was above up to the process. I didn't push the limits within the distance. I knew that 225 gardens was my range and putting a good smooth swing would put me at that time. Another area that My partner and i used the G25 many were for low trajectory punch shots into the wind, which seemed to be blowing pretty hard each time I've played so far this year. The G25 performs these shots very well with some predictable results with zero ballooning shots at all of.

All testing came together with the stock PING TCF 189H the whole length in stiff flex. This shaft weighs about 77g and is told offer a mid release angle. As with the vast majority of stock shaft offerings with PING lately, this shaft above lives up to your billing. I think this may be a great pairing for this approach club. It delivers on that will mid launch promise if you are not even bordering on more associated with a mid-high trajectory shot. I need the ball flight I get from the G25. I was able to get the ball high, which led to a nice soft landing on shots on the green. On shots off the tee however I was able to manipulate my ball flight to bring it down, which concluded in some nice rollout for quite a few overall great distances.

I'm not alone in the point that I count on your hybrids to perform quite a few shots during any presented round of golf. There should be no end to the versatility of an good hybrid and that certainly is very much the case with a G25. I know considerably people liked the G20 in addition to I20 lines, but Everybody was thrilled to see PING go in more of a softer-edged, shallower-faced mini fairway wood looking hybrid while using G25. It fit into my bag seamlessly exactly where the yardages that I needed from it and it definitely looks like it'll be staying put for a long time. Every time someone else got a hold of this club for when their reaction was similar in respect to their fondness to your look. It's simply an attractive looking golf club – simple as that.

The the main G25 that I'm most impressed with is the consistency. I was absolutely serious when i said earlier that your entire first testing experience while using the club resulted in upwards of 20 balls that fell between a distance gap of 10 yards. I would be happy with that kind of consistency out of an 8 iron, not to say a hybrid. The consistency is what shines, but don't overlook the performance about this club either. It is a flat-out performer and often will certainly make there are many very happy with it for their bag. The G25 hybrid can be purchased now and comes with lofts of 17, 20, 24, 27 and 31 degrees fahrenheit. The retail price generally if the G25 is $199.

Link: Ferran Latorre mourns death of Juanjo Garra: "we have several times been close that it can rescue"

FC Barcelona vs Malaga: 100 points to finish off the League (4-1) - Catalan News Agency

The 100 point mark was settled early on as first Iniesta, Pedro and Villa combined for the latter to open the scoring after just 3 minutes, before Cesc did a lovely one-two with Iniesta to fire past Caballero for the second. Two minutes later, Montoya made it three with a tremendous shot from the edge of the box.

The three goals also took the team level with FC Barcelona's best goal scoring record, equalling last season's 114 - but there was more to come!

Malaga woke up after the third goal and with nothing left to lose began to threaten Pinto's goal Baptista had the best chance, but his effort ended in a corner and Barça went in at the break with the three points looking pretty safe.

Iniesta treated the fans to a beautiful goal at the start of the second half, with a perfectly placed shot from outside the box. Pinto was also in the action with a great stop that brought the Camp Nou to its feet, but he was unable to stop Morales getting Malaga's consolation goal from close in as he met a cross from the right.

With the result not in doubt, Vilanova brought on Thiago for Iniesta, Alexis Sánchez for Villa and when Abidal replaced Piqué the crowd gave the Frenchman a standing ovation every time he touched the ball. With chants of "Champions, Champions!" the Camp Nou crowd sent the team off after an unforgettable league campaign.

More Info: Neymar, a media with chiaroscuro for the Barça prodigy

Carlos Zambrano and Philadelphia Phillies Agree on Minor League Deal

The Philadelphia Phillies announced they reached an agreement with veteran starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano on a minor league deal, reports Danny Knobler of CBS Sports:

Zambrano has been without a team since finishing the 2012 season with the Miami Marlins. He made 35 appearances, including 20 starts, for the Phillies' National League East rivals last season. The right-hander went 7-10 with a 4.49 ERA and 1.50 WHIP.

Before his stint with the Marlins, Zambrano had spent his entire career with the Chicago Cubs. Starting in 2002, he posted nine straight seasons with an ERA below four. His temper often overshadowed his talent, however, which might help explain why he was only able to fetch a minor league contract.

The Phillies are searching for rotation depth after a shoulder injury put former ace Roy Halladay on the shelf. They are also without offseason addition John Lannan, who struggled in three starts before going on the disabled list with a knee issue.

Cole Hamels, Cliff Lee and Kyle Kendrick are anchoring the staff in the meantime. Jonathan Pettibone has been impressive in his first five outings, going 3-0 with a 3.41 ERA. Even with his contributions, the club is short in the starting pitching department.

Only time will tell if Zambrano is capable of filling that void. His numbers over the past two seasons, high ERA and a declining strikeout rate, would suggest it's a long shot. But the Phillies clearly believed he was worth taking a chance on.

If he can return to his prior form, he would be a nice addition for the back end of the team's rotation. Philadelphia faces an uphill battle with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals in the division. Their margin for error is already shrinking, so a move was necessary.

Plans for what the team expects to do with Zambrano in terms of getting him ready for major league action were not immediately announced.

Link: Neymar asked to be released from the 'Seleção' to sign with Barça

Make fun of Help Wanted Ad to get Philadelphia 76ers' Open Top of your head Coaching Position.

Not going to lie to any of you in existence... everyone here at a Philadelphia 76ers organization feels a little bit of disappointed about looking for a head coach just by posting a "help wanted" posting, but we are a bit desperate.

Going 34-48 and omitted the playoffs after dealing with the Eastern Conference semifinals the last year isn't what we were seeking to do. Our goal now could be to get back into a winning routine and you need to do it quickly.

As the majority of you know out in that respect there, Doug Collins was a former head coach of that team. We used his services for a couple of years, and he did some positive things for ones Sixers. Our defense became, the younger players started to blossom and he quite possibly taught players like Thaddeus Young to play at a new position.

Please see our qualifications for ones head coaching position with the Philadelphia 76ers and inform us if you have what it takes.

Sometimes life is concerning learning from your mistakes, and that is a factor that we will strive to undertake. One of our modern mistakes was hiring a man that hadn't been a good head coach in 6 years. In hindsight, it almost actually sounds like a ridiculous mistake. Why would we hire people that hasn't recently coached?

Our new guy needs to have been an NBA head or assistant coach withing one more year. The NBA is a league heaped with change and getting somebody that is current on how to coach is toward Philadelphia's success.

The Sixers went through countless changes to the rotation as the season progressed this past year. Some of them were necessary as a consequence of injuries or fatigue, then again, a number of him or her were random and didn't add up.

Philly needs a discipline that is willing to produce a realistic rotation and sticks to his markers. He needs to understand that there will be times when it determines and times when it does not. Making small adjustments can be needed, but completely revamping certain areas the lineup won't get tolerated.

Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young are three our best players and each of them is 24 years old and also younger. If we choose to bring Andrew Bynum back, then you can find a 25-year-old to that catalog.

Our new head coach ought to show that he has experience with developing small players. Having the ability to instruct and help some of our younger players grow shall be necessary toward our upcoming success.

We truly believe we have most our future's core members already on this subject team. The problem is that him and i won't get anywhere except they reach their potential and take us in that respect there.

It's hard position a finger on it, but the Sixers have been completely missing somewhat of a good competitive mindset for the past period. It feels like efficient okay with being just another team. "There are 29 people so we'll sit this season out. "

The only way to your top is to be able to get to the top. We'd like a coach that is established to fight through any adversity with the intention of being the top team in the NBA. We don't expect you to ultimately get there overnight, although the expectation to eventually arrive at that point is truth be told there.

If you meet the previous criteria and agree with this philosophy, then please find the Sixers' head instructing position.

More Info: Roland Garros: Sergiy Stakhovsky protest tweeting a decision of the judge in the party

NASCAR Driver Dick Trickle Took His Own Life In A North Carolina Cemetery Today

The web roundup for Thursday, May 16. Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. See anything that should be on SportsGrid? Send it to tips@sportsgrid.com.

Venezuela is out of toilet paper; awesome hitchhiker dude no longer so awesome; the younger Tsarnaev left a note in the boat; people go through great pains to bring KFC to the Gaza Strip.

Myles Brown Plainly put, Michael Jordan was an asshole. Probably a bigger one than Kobe. All this talk of his leadership is seen entirely in hindsight.

Ken Berger Most members of Doug Collins' staff have a year left on their contracts. Philly moving deliberately in search under new GM Sam Hinkie.

Ken Berger The Sixers are expected to interview lead assistant Michael Curry for coaching opening next week, league sources say.

Ethan Strauss Another distracting Kings presser? RT @JRAM_91 David Stern will reportedly be at Oracle tonight for Game 6.

More Info: The new 'pai' Neymar

Raul Ibanez in addition to Endy Chavez Deserve Much more Playing Time.

That 2013 Seattle Mariners season has become, well, mediocre thus a long way. The team has underachieved and is in the course of a six-game losing skills, including three walk-off cuts in four days with Cleveland Indians.

One of only a few bright spots that came to light during the skid ended up being the emergence of Raul Ibanez. The veteran outfielder slugged six home runs in as many days while travelling trip and reminded the baseball world that she can hit.

Ibanez got off for a terrible start, hitting. 158/. 213/. 298 in April, and was looking like he might be sent down to help Tacoma when Franklin Gutierrez brought back from his injury.

But the month of May is a huge complete 180 for Raul. He or she is batting. 333/. 366/. 872 using six homers and 15 RBI, cementing his spot on the roster. Maybe that's a hot streak. Maybe he was fueled by time for Yankee Stadium. Either way, he's earned a starting spot with the lineup.

Another guy who fills the box score whenever your dog sees the field is usually Endy Chavez. Believe the application or not, he gets the highest batting average over the team at. 289 and remains one of several only players with speed. He isn't going to wow you while using long ball, but he plays hard is a defensive upgrade with the outfield.

The tricky section for Eric Wedge can be, how can both worth mentioning guys see more taking part in time without benching variety player?

Chavez could take Jason Bay's put in place left field and Ibanez may be the DH over Justin Smoak, but Smoak is becoming his season back on course and taking him out from the lineup would only slow down that process.

Wedge are going to have an even tougher decision to make when Gutierrez comes once again. Who will be directed down or designated meant for assignment? Robert Andino is the logical choice, but he's the only backup infielder on the roster. Jason Bay is working the worst of Seattle's five outfielders and should be moved to help make room for Guti.

Wedge has no easy task find playing time for each of his five outfielders, each of whom deserve to enjoy. Maybe the answer will come like a trade for a good middle infielder or glass pitcher, both positions Seattle is requiring.

Link: Domenicali encouraged to overcome after Monte Carlo Ferrari

Monday, June 3, 2013

Excellent planning for Madrid - Bundesliga - formal website

DAsseldorf - Borussia Dortmundas 2-1 win at Fortuna DAsseldorf on Matchday 31 was, in more ways than one, the ideal warm-up for the biggest game in the clubas recent history. Mind instructor JArgen Klopp presided over a sixth group win in a line that leaves Dortmund just two things from promising themselves a second-placed end. Perhaps moreover, however, the players that starred in the 4-1 thrashing of Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first knee got a rest prior to the all-important return game next Tuesday. Undoubtedly with a watch on next week's installation, Klopp made as many as five changes to his group, with Mats Hummels the only real representative from the medial side that shone so brightly against Real. Little difference was made very by it to the Yellow Blacks, although, as a screamer from Nuri Sahin and a Jakub Blaszczykowski reach after having a cool team transfer were enough to see off Fortuna. A bit was struggled by awe with so many changes to the team, but weare all qualified and weall do the job asked people, regardless of who plays," described membership captain Sebastian Kehl following the game. aWe wanted to win to create area safe and to boost our confidence in front of Tuesday.a The only blot to the copybook was the concession of a late DAsseldorf target, while Robert Lewandowski was unable to increase his report of scoring in twelve successive group games. An indirect help for his compatriot Blaszczykowski will have been some consolation, though, and one thinks his mood will still be sky-high after his historic four-goal cart last Wednesday. The eyes of the earth will again be on the Poland international when Dortmund get to the field at the Bernabeu, and in view of the first leg effect, Klopp's men will be many peoplesa favourites to progress to the final. An altogether more cautious view was taken by kehl, however. aTuesday is likely to be very difficulta, he warned. aWe donat for one minute think that weave already managed to get to the final in London.a A 3-0 win for Real could see them progress at BVBas cost, and the nine-time European Champions have history in that regard, against a German side no less. In 1985, they lost 5-1 absent at Borussia Monchengladbach, but still experienced after winning the home leg 4-0. Such views wonat, but, be entertained with a Dortmund team unbeaten in eleven Champions League games this season. Amazement need certainly to create still another efficiency like we did in the very first leg," feels Kehl. Understanding that objective will surely be adequate to book their day at London on 25 Might and close a first Champions League final look since 1997. Tobias Gonscherowski

More Info: Rafa Benitez, new coach of the Naples

English football's longest-serving manager to follow Manchester United's Sir ... - Telegraph.co.uk

Jimmy Davies has managed Waterloo Dock AFC in the Liverpool County Premier League since 1963 where he has won 70 trophies.

Davies, who will manage his last game as Waterloo Dock AFC manager on May 28, said that he had enjoyed managing the club "tremendously" though admitted that he fell into football management "purely by accident."

The outgoing Waterloo Dock AFC manager said he had played for the club that was formed by a group of dock workers 1963 before being "found out" by his team-mates. "Early on but after six weeks, the lads found me out and, trying to be nice, said 'you can go and be our manager'".

The 71 year-old, whose claims have been verified by The Football Association, told the BBC he had "made the bold announcement it was going to be my last year ahead of our AGM, although I will still be on the committee" and that "time moves on [and] the modern age is catching up on me".

Davies added that, unlike the millionaires playground of the Premier League, the Liverpool County Premier League was "proper football" while chipping in that he did not "think Fergie gets involved in washing football kits like my wife does."

The irony of a Merseyside-based manager outlasting Ferguson and winning more trophies than the Scot will, no doubt, not be lost on Liverpool supporters who still rememeber the Scot's aim to "knock Liverpool off their ******* perch" following his arrival in England from Aberdeen in 1986.

Via: Rafa Benitez, new coach of the Naples

Orioles End Losing Streak; Gausman to Start Against Toronto on Thursday

The Baltimore Orioles ended their six-game losing streak on Monday, beating the Yankees 3-2 in 10 innings on a Nate McLouth solo home run.

The rest of the Orioles offense on Monday night came solely from outfielder Chris Dickerson, who hit two solo home runs. Both blasts were surrendered by Yankees starter Phil Hughes, with one coming in the third inning and the other in the fifth.

While Orioles starter Miguel Gonzalez pitched a solid seven innings in his first start after coming off the disabled list, it was Orioles closer Jim Johnson who picked up the win. After blowing three straight saves, Johnson pitched a perfect top of the 10th and only needed eight pitches to do so.

However, perhaps the biggest news of the night came an hour after the end of the game. It was confirmed by Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun that top pitching prospect Kevin Gausman would be called up from Double-A Bowie and start for the Orioles on Thursday in Toronto. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports broke the story.

Gausman, 22, was the fourth overall draft pick out of LSU in last year's draft. So far this season in Bowie, Gausman has pitched well. In eight starts, he has a 3.11 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP, despite only compiling a 2-4 record.

After struggling in a couple of his first three starts, Gausman has hit his stride as of late. In his latest start, which came on Friday, he had another strong outing. Over six innings, Gasuman allowed only one run on four hits and a walk, while striking out 10.

The Orioles' starting rotation has been somewhat of a mess since Jake Arrieta was demoted back in April. With Arrieta's replacements not pitching well and with Wei-Yin Chen currently on the disabled list, it shouldn't come as a total surprise that the Orioles will have Gausman, who is MLB.com's 36th overall prospect, skip Triple-A and get a start in the majors.

While it's likely that Gausman's stay isn't permanent and more of a fill-in start, the 22-year-old can perhaps get a longer look if he provides the Orioles with a strong outing.

Link: FC Barcelona, the best Ambassador of Catalunya

John Smoltz Stops working the Best Baseball Pranks.

Tom Smoltz joins Behind a Mic this week to talk about some of his beloved pranks he's pulled and seen taken in Major League Baseball.

Check out among the best pranks Smoltz experienced in the course of his 21-year career and tell us which pranks you much like the most in the comments below. Remember to maintain watching more Behind this Mic, right here from Bleacher Report.

Via: Feliciano Lopez has just work to Marcel Granollers at Roland Garros

Tottenham Hotspur as contrasted with. Sunderland: Lineups - SB Usa.

Tottenham Hotspur must beat Sunderland in order to have any chance of beating Arsenal for the fourth and final Champs League spot. Fortunately, it's Sunderland and White Hart Isle, and the Black Moggies have approximately nothing so that you can play for after Wigan Athletic's midweek relegation. Truly, their bench looks as it was selected via some sort of random name generator.

So, expect an easy Spurs gain, unless they find out Arsenal are losing, in which case they'll probably Spurs things up a lttle bit.

Tottenham Hotspur starting collection (4-2-3-1): Hugo Lloris; Benoit Assou-Ekotto, January Vertonghen, Michael Dawson, Kyle Master; Scott Parker, Tom Huddlestone; Gareth Bale, Clint Dempsey, Aaron Lennon; Emmanuel Adebayor.

Substitutes from: Brad Friedel, Steven Caulker, Kyle Naughton, Moussa Dembele, Lewis Holtby, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Jermain Defoe.

Sunderland beginning lineup (4-4-2): Simon Mignolet; Sebastian Larsson, Carlos Cuellar, Bob O'Shea, Jack Colback; James McClain, James Vaughan Alfred N'Diaye, Adam Manley; Connor Wickham, Danny Graham.

Replacements from: Kieran Westwood, Scott Harrison, Liam Marrs, Adam Mitchell, Billy Knott, Mikael Mandron, David Ferguson.

More Info: Nadal goes to second round at Roland Garros

'He is the better since Shearer': Ron Atkinson backs Wayne Rooney to keep at... - Mirror.co.uk

'A lot is being said about Rooney, but I believe heall be at the club for at least yet another two or three decades' says Big Ron Getty John Atkinson has struck right back at detractors of champions-elect Manchester United and their under-fire striker, Wayne Rooney. Many observers contend the Red Devils' development towards a 20th name has been smoothed by the inconsistency of AManchester City and Chelsea. No United player has come under closer examination than Rooney, who continues to be associated with a summer shift. But former United chef AAtkinson declared: aA lot has been said about Rooney, but I think heall nevertheless be at the club for at least another two or three years. As maybe the most effective skill place had since Alan Shearer, a striker who can perform to the greatest standard at club and international level I look on him. aHe is just a match-winner, a player who is with the capacity of Amaking a difference, and whatever folks are saying about United, they do however have match-winners. aYou canat criticise a team which are winning the league by miles. Maybe they're not as specific as a few of their earlier teams and if City had played regularly as they did in the FA Cup semi-final and the derby it could have now been more of a match. aBut on the year United have already been the very best in the League. United gain. And they take action significantly more than anyone.a