Red Bulls will play Montreal In Eastern Conference Semifinals

The New York Red Bulls will play Montreal Impact in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs.

The Impact beat D.C. United by two goals, 4-2, in the Knockout Round on Thursday night.

New York and Montreal will meet on Sunday, October 30 at 3 p.m. ET in Canada and Sunday, November 6 at Red Bull Arena for their two-match, aggregate-goal series. Kick time and broadcast information for the second leg will be determined following the conclusion of the first leg of games across MLS.

New York is 8-3-2 all time against the Impact. The Red Bulls went 2-1 against Montreal this season. New York lost 3-0 on the road, won 3-1 at home, and won 1-0 at home this season.

The Red Bulls avoided the knockout round by finishing first in the Eastern Conference for the second-consecutive season, and third time in the last four years. New York begins its seventh-straight playoff campaign, the longest such streak amongst major professional teams in the New York metro area.

Tobias Harris lead Pistons with 22pointd

Detroit Pistons might have no answers for Raptors in 109-91 opening loss, but Harris leads Pistons with 22 points.

Tobias Harris leads Pistons with 22 points. Pistons played without point guard Reggie Jackson, who is out until next month rehabbing a left knee that received a platelet-rich plasma injection.

His last appearance came with a mask to protect a broken nose, and a taped left index finger.  Harris was brought in after a February trade with the Orlando Magic to help upgrade the Pistons’ forwards. They had a scorer in Marcus Morris who thrived in isolation, Harris added a different dimension with his athleticism and play-making ability.
The Raptors scored 54 points in the paint with center Jonas Valanciunas leading the way with 32 points and 11 rebounds.

The Raptors (1-0) shot 24-for-29 at the free-throw line, and outrebounded the Pistons 51-40.  The Pistons (0-1) were led by Tobias Harris’ 22 points. Andre Drummond finished with 16 points and six rebounds in 24 minutes. He was hindered by foul trouble and an early elbow to the jaw from Valanciunas.

The Pistons, who enter the season with optimism after their first playoff appearance in six seasons, shot 4-for-22 from three-point range. Marcus Morris scored 17 points. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored four points on 2-for-9 shooting.

But the main story was DeRozan, who thrilled the Air Canada Centre crowd. He finished 17-for-27 from the field, and was 10-for-14 in the third quarter.

“He obviously hit some tough shots,” Harris said to sources: “You have to give him credit for it, but at the same time there were a lot of baskets that they made where we could have helped ourselves out by getting the offensive rebound or grabbing the defensive rebound and going the other way. We didn’t help ourselves in that aspect, but he had it going and when obviously when someone has it going like that you gotta keep fighting, but you gotta take away all the easy baskets and you gotta pretty much be perfect …”

DeRozan, who only needed three quarters to score 40, finished with 15 points in the first quarter and the Raptors shot 13-for-13 at the line to take a 33-23 lead after the first quarter.

Nikola Pekovic out of injury this season 2016-17

Minnesota Timberwolves centerNikola Pekovic will miss the 2016-17 season due to recurring foot injuries, team owner Glen Taylor said Friday.

The 30-year-old Pekovic has battled a series of ankle and Achilles injuries in his six-year career. He is owed $12.1 million this season and $11.6 million in 2017-18, but insurance will cover a portion of his salary.

Pekovic appeared in only 12 games in 2015-16 and has never played in more than 65 games in a season. He signed a five-year, $60 million contract before the 2013-14 season.

In 271 career games, Pekovic is averaging 12.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

NASL named Team of the week

Rayo OKC’s Sebastien Ibeagha, Indy’s Duke Lacroix, and New York’s Juan Arango highlight the latest Team of the Week.

Rayo OKC was the big winner of Week 17, taking control of its destiny in the postseason race, thanks to the play of defender Sebastien Ibeagha and his important goal. Indy Eleven’s Duke Lacroix dazzled in a win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies, which hurt Tampa Bay’s chances at the postseason. Also in Week 17, New York Cosmos’ Juan Arango continued to shine with another stellar display.   Here is the full list of top performers to make the Team of the Week:  Goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre (Carolina RailHawks) a young shot-stopper kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Minnesota United, making five saves in the victory.

Defender Sebastien Ibeagha (Rayo OKC) He helped power Rayo OKC closer to a postseason berth with the first goal in the 2-0 win over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Ibeagha also made five clearances in the game.

And New York Cosmos defender helped stymie the Miami FC attack en route to a 4-0 win for New York. Rovérsio made four interceptions with three clearances as well as winning both of his tackles.

Defender Johann Smith (FC Edmonton) helped the Eddies to a 1-0 win over Jacksonville Armada FC with a strong overall performance. He won eight duels and made four interceptions at the back while being tidy in possession. Smith completed 43 of his 46 passing attempts.

Midfielder Duke Lacroix (Indy Eleven) was instrumental in Indy earning a midweek win against the Tampa Bay Rowdies, 3-2. Lacroix scored the first goal of the game on a sensational individual effort and then assisted another.

Juan Arango midfielder from (New York Cosmos) continued his hot form with two assists and then scoring off another dead-ball situation in New York’s victory over Miami. He was also named Player of the Week for his contributions to the Cosmos’ win.

MID: Yohandry Orozco (New York Cosmos) – He scored a pair of goals in the win over Miami, including a strike from distance as the club set a new home unbeaten streak record.

MID: Zach Steinberger (Jacksonville Armada FC) – The midfielder was key in the 3-2 win over Miami FC during the midweek contest. Steinberger was involved in all three of the Armada FC’s goals, picking up two assists.

MID: Joe Cole (Tampa Bay Rowdies) –The English star scored twice, including a sensational goal from distance, but the Rowdies were unable to defeat Indy in the midweek contest.

FWD: Matt Fondy (Carolina RailHawks) – The forward scored the game-winning goal in the RailHawks’ victory over Minnesota.

FWD: Justin Braun (Indy Eleven) – He opened the scoring and then added an assist in Indy’s win on Saturday over Puerto Rico FC, 3-0.

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Derrick Rose signed by NY Knicks

Knicks fans have been eager for the 2016 season to begin since the June 2016 trade that brought All-Star point guard Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP winner in NBA history, to the franchise. The team also signed free agents Brandon Jennings and Joakim Noah. The newcomers are expected to join Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis en route to another noteworthy era in the Knicks’ storied history.

Raised by a single mother in a tough section of Chicago, Illinois, Derrick Rose was born on October 4, 1988. The nation’s No. 1 high school point guard, Rose played for the University of Memphis before declaring for the 2008 NBA Draft after his freshman year.

In Rose’s first NBA season (2008-09), he averaged 16.8 points and 6.3 assists per game, earning Rookie of the Year honors and leading the Bulls back to the playoffs.

Over the next three seasons, the point guard molded himself into one of the game’s better all-around players. Following a stellar 2010-11 season that saw Rose average 25 points per game, the NBA named Rose its league MVP, making him the youngest player (at 22 years, 191 days old) to receive the honor.

In the strike-shortened 2011-12 season, Rose led the Bulls to the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. But in the first game of the post-season, Rose went down with a serious knee injury that forced him to miss the remainder of the playoffs as well as all of the 2012-13 season.

Personal Life, Rose, who lives in Chicago year-round, became a father for the first time on October 9, 2012, when his longtime girlfriend, Mieka Reese, gave birth to a son, Derrick Rose Jr.

Awards: NBA Most Valuable Player Award,NBA Rookie of the Year Award, All-NBA Team, NBA All-Rookie Team.

CARLOS ALBERTO HAS DIED AGED 72

THE WORLD CUP-WINNING BRAZIL CAPTAIN CARLOS ALBERTO HAS DIED AGED 72


The World Cup-winning Brazil captain Carlos Alberto has died aged 72, his former club Santos announced.

Carlos Alberto Torres (July 17, 1944 – October 25, 2016), also known as “O Capitão do Tri”, was a Brazilian footballer. He was widely regarded as one of the best defenders of all time. He was a captain of Brazil national team put in victory of 1970 World Cup, scoring the fourth goal in the final, considered one of the greatest goals in the history of the tournament.

Carlos Alberto was a member of the World Team of the 20th Century, and in 2004 was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100list of the world’s greatest living players. He was an inductee to theBrazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame, and was a member of the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame.

In January 2013, Carlos Alberto was named one of the six Ambassadors of2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, others being Ronaldo, Bebeto, Mário Zagallo, Amarildo and Marta.

Alberto has appeared in 53 for Brazil and scored what is consideredone of the greatest goals in World Cup history, a fierce low strike to cap off a wonderful move in the 4-1 victory over Italy in the 1970 final.

Carlos Alberto died after suffering a heart attack in Rio de Janeiro, according to local TV.

The New York Cosmos tweeted: “We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Carlos Alberto, a legendary player and wonderful person. He’ll always remain part of the Cosmos family.”

Peter Siemsen, the Fluminense president, said: “Very sad about the loss of our great captain Carlos Alberto Torres, one of the best in the history of world football. Formed in the Fluminense youth teams, the captain had tricolor blood. He took part in one of the great moments in the history of the club.”

NY Knicks lost over Cleveland 117-88

NBA this season starting this week, but biggest goal is that Kristaps Porzingis officially became an Adidas guy before the Knicks’ season opener Tuesday night.

So the rumor said worth sneaker deal is worth about $4.5 million annually, the largest ever for an European hoopster, Porzingis is first ever player has biggest deal,

The 7’3 tall Latvian player got his grande deal, as he released a statement, saying, “I’m a unique player and Adidas is a unique brand. I’m just excited to join the family.”

The biggest night opening following the ring ceremony, Cleveland raced out to an early lead and closed the first quarter on a 21-8 run while New York attempted to find a groove in its first road contest. The Knicks found that rhythm in the second frame by complete erasing the deficit to tie the game at 41-41 late in the period, fueled by a 10-0 run. Cleveland turned up the heat in the third quarter, utilizing a 13-4 run to create separation and the home team never looked back in the win. LeBron James was spectacular from the opening tip (19 points, 14 assists, 11 rebounds) but Kyrie Irving closed the show by finishing with a game-high 29 points on 12-for-22 shooting from the floor.

The Knicks came out shooting erratically and never gained any balance but defensively wasn’t good at all. Porzingis started hitting some deep shots late winding up 3-of-5 from the 3-point line, as he will be aproaching to the All-Star this February in New Orleans.

Carmelo Anthony was cooking in the first quarter and posted 13 of his team-high 19 points in the first half.  The All-Star hit 8-of-18 shots from the field, grabbed five boards, and dished out three assists in 29 minutes of work.

The Knicks 117-88 disappointment against Cleveland didn’t start with glam, but it’s too early to say.

Tuesday marked the one-year anniversary of Flip Saunders’ death

Philip Daniel “Flip” Saunders was an American basketball player and coach. During his career, he coached the Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.

Timberwolves pay tribute to Flip Saunders one year after his death.

On Tuesday marked the one-year anniversary of Flip Saunders’ death and the Minnesota Timberwolves organization clearly showed that his legacy has not been forgotten.

The Target Center have created a tribute to the former head coach and president in the arena’s new premium level series of framed newspaper clippings and photos highlighting Saunders’ time with the franchise.

Several Timberwolves players also paid their respects to Saunders by posting photos and messages on their social media accounts throughout the day.

 #hopeyourproudofmecoach #missyou

Always wit us. Thanks coach #FlipRip

Saunders was responsible for acquiring several of Minnesota’s current rotation players.

Saunders died after a brief battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma just before last season and the organization had to shift gears.

Garnett returned to the Timberwolves in a trade with Brooklyn in 2015. Flip Saunders had helped mend the fences that were broken after Garnett’s first exit from Minnesota in 2007, and the coach and the legend talked about Garnett desires to one day get into ownership with the Wolves.

Flip’s plan was to have Garnett passion and work ethic serve as an example for one of the most promising young rosters in the league. KG could reach Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and Gorgui Dieng on a different and more personal level that the coaches ever could.

The Ohio native first joined the Timberwolves in 1995 as the team’s general manager before becoming head coach that same year. He held the position for the next decade and guided Minnesota to the 2004 Western Conference Finals, which still remains the Timberwolves’ last appearance in the playoffs.

After stints coaching the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards in addition to an advisory role with theBoston Celtics, Saunders returned to Minnesota in 2013.

He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma during the summer of 2015.

NYCFC CLINCHED SECOND PLACE IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE

NYCFC CLINCHED SECOND PLACE IN THE EASTERN CONFERENCE

New York City FC on Decision Day from the regular season faced Columbus Crew SC at Yankee Stadium, win the 4 goals by Mendoza 45, Harrison 75, Shelton 77, Villa 90).
Jack Harrison and Khiry Shelton scored two minutes apart late in the second half to lift New York City FC to a 4-1 win over Columbus Crew SC in front of 30,374 at Yankee Stadium Sunday afternoon.

The win in the regular season finale clinched second place in the Eastern Conference for NYCFC, which has a bye into the two-legged Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Harrison broke the one-all tie in the 75 minute when he took a short pass from Frank Lampard and blasted a left-footed shot into the net for his fourth goal of the season.

As the second half Sunday was winding down with NYCFC tied 1-1 with Columbus and Toronto FC, which trailed NYCFC by one point entering the day, leading Chicago 3-1, it looked like NYCFC might lose second place and be doomed to the dreaded knockout round.

But a three-goal explosion in the final 15 minutes with goals by Jack Harrison, Khiry Shelton and Villa secured second place and completed NYCFC’s remarkable turnaround in the span of a mere year.

Villa, who entered the day one goal behind Red Bulls striker Bradley Wright-Phillips in the Golden Boot race for most goals in the league, was his usual brilliant self Sunday, assisting on NYCFC’s first goal, a tasty left-footed cross that was one-timed into the back of the net by Steven Mendoza in the 45th minute right before the half.

David is an incredible asset the way he works,’’ Harrison said. “You see passion in everything that he does. Before I came here he was a legend in my eyes. I used to play him in FIFA on the Xbox when I was a kid. And now, to be able to play beside him is just a dream opportunity I’m so thankful for.

The Red Bulls finished first plays and second respectively whent as of one and galf year old club to NYCFC, in the Eastern Conference as they concluded the regular season Sunday.

Congratulations #NYCFC great match.

Juan Arango named NASL player of the week

NEW YORK (October 24, 2016) – The New York Cosmos are hitting their stride at the perfect time, and veteran midfielder Juan Arango is leading the way. The Venezuelan midfielder has been named North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week after another outstanding performance that saw him score a goal and add two assists in the club’s 4-0 win over Miami FC on Saturday.

“I’m very happy to be named NASL Player of the Week,” Arango said. “This is, without a doubt, an honor I wouldn’t have been able to achieve without my teammates. We had a great performance against Miami and we will continue working hard to wrap up the season in the best possible way.”

The Cosmos jumped all over visiting Miami right from the start, finding the back of the net four times in the opening 36 minutes at Shuart Stadium. Arango was involved in three of the goals, first finding forward Jairo Arrieta for a goal just over a minute into the game. After fellow Venezuelan international Yohandry Orozco doubled New York’s lead in the 7th minute, Arango made it 3-0 with one of his signature free kicks. The 36- year-old midfielder curled the ball over the wall and past Miami goalkeeper Daniel Vega to score his 15th goal of the season. To put the cherry on top of a phenomenal first half, Arango found the feet of Orozco, who blasted a low shot into the corner of the net from distance in the 36th minute.

Arango has played an integral role in the success of the Cosmos, who enter The Championship, the league’s four-team postseason tournament, as the No. 1 seed. The Maracay, Venezuela, native has seven assists to go along with his 15 goals, and has proved to be lethal in dead-ball situations around the penalty area.

“We are very fortunate to have Juan here with the Cosmos,” said head coach Giovanni Savarese. “Juan’s quality and experience allow him to contribute every game in so many different ways, and his presence helps the team in the midfield and boosts our attack whenever necessary. This is a well- deserved honor for him.” A veteran of Spain’s La Liga, Germany’s Bundesliga, and Mexico’s Liga MX, Arango is Venezuela’s all- time leader in both goals and appearances. He has found the back of the net 23 times for La Vinotinto in 128 appearances.

Arango and the Cosmos face off against Minnesota United on Saturday at NSC Stadium in Blaine, Minn.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET and the game can be seen live on ONE World Sports.

NY RED BULLS II WIN 2016 USL CUP FINAL

NY RED BULLS II WIN 2016 USL CUP FINAL

New York Red Bulls II’s announced the championship with Brandon Allen tallied three goals and an assist as the Red Bulls II defeated the Swope Park Rangers 5-1 on Sunday in the 2016 USL Cup Final, Presented by Nike, at Red Bull Arena.

NYRBII became the first MLS-owned-and-operated USL team to win the USL Cup Final. Allen was named the championship MVP for factoring in four of the five goals. He is a finalist for 2016 USL MVP after a 15-goal regular season, and Allen led all USL players with six goals during the postseason.

“It’s been a hard fought year, all season,” Allen told ESPNU sideline reporter Heather Mitts following the match. “To come away with today’s win is such a relief, and to hold the trophy at the end is an amazing feeling.”

NYRBII had a strong attacking presence in the opening 45 minutes, with Allen involved in both tallies. Allen set up Derrick Etienne Jr. in the 18th minute, with Etienne carving a right-footed shot just inside the right post from 19 yards out to take a 1-0 lead.

Allen then found himself on the end of a David Najem cross that was slightly deflected by Swope Park’s defense and Allen slotted it home for a 2-0 cushion in the 39th minute.

Swope Park midfielder Tomas Granitto brought the visiting side within one goal with a free kick tally in the 74th minute that eluded everyone in the box and found its way inside the right post to cut it to a 2-1 Red Bulls II lead.

That momentum was halted 11 minutes later as Allen notched his second of the match with an 85th-minute rebound. NYRBII pressured heavily in the buildup, with second-half substitute Stefano Bonomo with a couple spin moves to break down the SPR defense. Then in the second minute of second-half stoppage time, Vincent Bezecourt capped off the scoring with a goal off of an Etienne cross to push the lead to four goals.

NYRBII wraps up 2016 with an impressive 14-game unbeaten streak (13-0-1) dating back to early August. Following a record-breaking regular season that featured a single-season mark of 61 goals, the Red Bulls II opened the USL Cup Playoffs with a commanding 4-0 victory against Orlando City B, followed by shootout wins against the defending USL champion Rochester Rhinos and second-seeded Louisville City FC in the Eastern Conference Final.

Swope Park’s inaugural season was a strong one, heading into the USL Cup Final with a seven-game winning streak spanning both the end of the regular season and postseason. The Western Conference Champion had conceded only one goal in its three previous playoff games, with victories against 2015 runners-up the LA Galaxy II, a thrilling overtime victory against Orange County Blues FC while playing with only nine men and then a 3-0 win against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 in the conference final.

2016 USL CUP FINAL: NEW YORK RED BULLS II 5, SWOPE PARK RANGERS 1

Scoring:

18′ – NY – Derrick Etienne Jr. (Brandon Allen)

39′ – NY – Brandon Allen (David Najem)

74′ – SPR – Tomas Granitto

85′ – NY – Brandon Allen

88′ – NY – Brandon Allen (Stefano Bonomo)

90’+2 – NY – Vincent Bezecourt (Derrick Etienne Jr.)

Lineups:

NY: 18-Ryan Meara; 46-Kevin O’Toole (41-Konrad Plewa, 66′), 33-Aaron Long, 17-Zach Carroll, 37-David Najem; 36-Dan Metzger, 4-Tyler Adams, 88-Vincent Bezecourt; 7-Derrick Etienne Jr. (70-Benjamin Mines, 90+’), 21-Brandon Allen (39-Tim Schmoll, 89′), 47-Florian Valot (29-Stefano Bonomo, 81′)

SPR: 95-Adrian Zendejas; 24-Ever Alvarado, 81-Oumar Ballo, 55-Amer Didic, 90-Johnny Grant (38-Akeil Barrett); 32-Christian Duke (92-Alex Molano, 89′), 23-Emmanuel Appiah (44-Tomas Granitto, 46′), 45-Ayrton (47-Mark Anthony Gonzalez, 61′); 77-Tyler Pasher, 99-Dane Kelly, 50-Kris Tyrpak.

NY COSMOS DEFEAT ANY TEAMS IN HOME STADIUM!

NY COSMOS DEFEAT ANY TEAMS IN HOME STADIUM!

HEMPSTEAD, NY (October 22, 2016) – The New York Cosmos made a statement in their final home game of the NASL regular season, scoring four first-half goals to defeat Miami FC 4-0 on Saturday night.

The result was the Cosmos’ 19th consecutive league match without a loss at Shuart Stadium, breaking their own record of 18 matches, set between the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

“I’m very proud of this team, especially with the way we played the first half,” said Cosmos Head Coach Giovanni Savarese. “I saw a team that was hungry, not satisfied with the fact that we already won the Fall Season and the Combined Season. The team wanted to show that every game matters.”

New York raced out to an early lead through striker Jairo Arrieta. The Costa Rican international split Miami FC’s center backs to connect with Juan Arango’s service into the 18-yard box. Arrieta headed toward the far post, beating goalkeeper Mario Daniel Vega in the second minute to put the Cosmos ahead 1-0.

The home side doubled its advantage five minutes later. This time Yohandry Orozco capitalized on a Miami turnover, chipping Vega from 20 yards to give the Cosmos a two-goal edge less than 10 minutes into the match.

Arango added to his team-leading goal tally in the 30th minute, scoring on one of his patented free kicks. The midfielder curled a shot over the Miami wall and inside the near post to net his 15th goal of the season.

Orozco completed his brace in the 36th minute by making an incisive run into space from the right wing. Sensing an opening, he took aim outside the box and found the target, firing low past a sprawling Vega.

Cosmos goalkeeper Brian Holt earned his fourth start and kept his first clean sheet this NASL Season. He denied Miami forward Vincenzo Rennella from point-blank range in second-half stoppage time.

“It was definitely a team effort,” said Holt. “I thought we did a good job of defending as a whole unit, and that allowed us good opportunities going forward. It’s always good to come out and get a game.”

The Cosmos (13-5-3 Fall, 19-5-7 Combined) won for the fourth time in five matches.

They finish their regular season at Shuart Stadium with an unblemished 14-2-0 (W-D-L)record.

PROZINGIS HUGE IMPROUVMENT FOR NY KNICKS

PROZINGIS HUGE IMPROUVMENT FOR NY KNICKS

Litvanian star 7 foot 3 inch tall player at the age 20, was a the Knicks first-round pick in the 2015 draft.

Prozingis quickly established himself as a fan favorite. During debuting in October with 16 points against Milwaukee, the Latvian big man posted 24 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks against the Houston Rockets on November 21. That performance helped the rising star earn his second consecutive Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honor, and a very promising career was underway.

And not longer ago, Litvanian player signed up huge contract with Adidas of $4,5 millions, showing up his new shoes and t-shirt in social media, that make him a first European player with such a big contract.

Keep it up! Young man.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLnLKh0Boi5/

LAMPARD WILL HELP HIS TEAMMATES ON FINAL GAMEGAME

LAMPARD WILL HELP HIS TEAMMATES ON FINAL GAMEGAME

Frank Lampard wants to hand Patrick Vieira a huge boost ahead of the final game of the MLS regular season.

NYCFC’s second top-scorer has confirmed that he’s hoping to be back in contention for Sunday’s showdown with Columbus Crew SC following the thigh strain which has seen him sit out the last three matches.

With the playoffs looming, Lampard is eager to return to the field to help his teammates sure up second spot and a place in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Vieira’s men know that a win will be enough to earn a bye and avoid the Knockout Rounds.

Lampard told NYCFC.com: “I feel good, I’ve been training well over the last two weeks and building up. I’m really looking forward to getting back in.

“It’s an important game for us, generally. We want to secure second place so if I can work hard this week, force myself into contention and then try and help us to get that second place and then into the playoffs.”

Read: Is Patrick Vieira the League’s Best-Dressed Coach?

Frank’s last minutes came in the 2-2 draw with FC Dallas a month ago.

Following defeat last time out on the road in Washington, the English midfielder wants the team to demonstrate the character which has seen them recover from setbacks throughout the 2016 campaign.

“We’re preparing as we always do and we’re working hard,” Frank reflected.

“One of the good things about this season is that when we’ve had a bad result, we’ve generally reacted and done very well.

“We’ve always worked hard. There’s a lot of focus and a lot of desire.”

NYCFC will be hosting Fan Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, a series of events in around our home to thank you, the fans, for your incredible support all season long.

Frank also wants to express his gratitude with the kind of performance and result which will send the team into the Playoffs on a high.

“It’s not only important because we’ve got the chance to finish in second place in the Conference but it’s our final game of the regular season and we want to put in a good performance in front of our own supporters in our home stadium.

“We want to give a good performance, show the fans what we can do, get the result and then take that into the playoffs so we can go as far as we can.”

LUCKY MKOSANA AND ANDRÉS FLORES ENROLLED AT THE MBA PROGRAM OF NY COSMOS IN SPAIN

LUCKY MKOSANA AND ANDRÉS FLORES ENROLLED AT THE MBA PROGRAM OF NY COSMOS IN SPAIN

New York Cosmos have their sights set on wins, the postseason and, ultimately, another championship trophy, but two players are thinking far beyond the next goal or even the next game.

Besides working hard on the field, Lucky Mkosana and Andrés Flores are best dynamic duo have enrolled at the Sports Management MBA Program at Universidad Europea de Madrid in Spain, a school the Cosmos recently signed a partnership with. The program highlights several subject areas such as management, marketing, sponsorships, communications and, of course, sports.

“I think this program is going to help me achieve some of my immediate career goals, because it touches on key aspects that I get to see as a professional player. I am learning new skills I am sure I will get to use when I retire,” said Flores, whose dream is to become a General Manager of a sports organization.

Universidad Europea de Madrid and famed European soccer club Real Madrid joined forces back in 2006 to create the first University school specialized in sports and its relation to other academic disciplines like health, communications, and management.

Between player appearances, family life, training, and other match preparation, players often find themselves in a crunch to focus on sports, and sports only. Flores said that although he sometimes feels tired after practice, he finds ways to keep himself focused on the online classes.

“Since I was a kid, I was always conscious about the importance of getting an education and my parents always told me that it would help me a lot in life,” Flores said. “They always motivated me to look for it. Now I’m ready.”

A challenging course load is not new for Mkosana, who earned a bachelor’s degree at Dartmouth College and graduated in 2012. The Zimbabwean striker said he learned a lot about time management when he was faced with balancing his studies of international development with the requirements of being a collegiate athlete.

“I learned about time management — like starting a task and finishing that task without cutting any corners,” said Mkosana about his time at the Ivy League school.

The trip to the prestigious college was a great one for Mkosana, who said it’s great to have a degree from Dartmouth because his playing career can only last so long. However, unlike Flores, Mkosana said he wants to work with a youth soccer organization or academy in his post-playing career. He finds it important to give back to both the Zimbabwean and American communities in which he has thrived.

“Just teaching [children] about life in general other than soccer,” he said, stressing the importance of youth development. “I like being involved with kids and the community and helping people out.”

Flores and Mkosana seamlessly work together on the field, so they also find it important to work together and bounce ideas off each other in an academic setting. Mkosana said it’s always fun to study together when the chance presents itself.

“If there’s something I don’t get, I ask him. If there’s something he doesn’t get, he asks me,” Mkosana said. “It’s been going well so far. We are enjoying it.” Mkosana said that although it is fun to study together, sometimes their busy schedules conflict, so they meet up when it’s convenient for both of them.

Flores and Mkosana are definitely making the most out of the 2016 season. While they are furthering their education, the Cosmos are getting ready to play in the postseason for the fourth consecutive year and are close to claiming the NASL Fall Season title.

“The Cosmos-Real Madrid alliance is going to help the club a lot because I know there are other players that are interested in taking classes, and now we have even more options to better ourselves,” Flores added.

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NY COSMOS OFFICIALLY CHAMPIONS

NY COSMOS OFFICIALLY CHAMPIONS

New York Cosmos will be the No. 1 seed heading into The NASL Championship

NEW YORK (October 20, 2016) – The New York Cosmos were today presented with the NASL Fall Season Championship trophy by the league’s Commissioner, Bill Peterson at Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University.
“The Cosmos’ Fall Season title is a tribute to the way the organization is run and the system that Giovanni Savarese and his staff have in place,” said Peterson.

“Year in and year out, the Cosmos compete for Championships, they epitomize professionalism, and the players and coaches represent the club’s legacy well,” he added.

The Cosmos, who are defending champions, wrapped up the Fall Season title last Saturday with a win against Jacksonville Armada FC 4-2 at Community First Park. Scoring two goals in the waning minutes of the match, the Cosmos not only guaranteed to finish with the best overall record in the league for the second straight year, giving them home field advantage throughout the postseason, but also posted a 12-5-3 (Fall) and 18-5-7 (Combined) records.

“We feel very proud of bringing this trophy to our fans and will continue working hard to finish the season strong,” said Cosmos Head Coach and Sporting Director, Giovanni Savarese. “The team and staff have done an incredible job throughout the season and we are excited to host another postseason match at home.”

Fans will be able to see the trophy and take pictures at the Cosmos’ last regular season home match on Saturday, October 22, against Miami FC at 7pm.

DEVILS DIDN’T PLAY WELL ENOUGH TO EARN TWO POINTS

The Devils lost, 2-1, to the Bruins at TD Garden tonight in Boston’s home opener.

Not only the highlights of tonight match, Devils started kind of slow and not effective from the start in winning hockey game tonight.

Keep Devils with only six shots on net in the first period and played the majority of that frame in their own end. Also trouble getting through the neutral zone, getting pucks past their defense and, when they did, they couldn’t sustain any offensive pressure.

Devils didn’t play well enough to earn two points, pushed back hard in the second and scored the first goal of the game early in the third, but they immediately fell back on their heels and let the Bruins back into the game. After Palmieri’s power play goal, the Bruins had the next eight shots on goal, a total of 17 in the third period and scored twice for the win. As captain Andy Greene said after the game, “We found a way to lose tonight and it’s unacceptable.”

Cory Schneider is a beast of a goalie. He stopped 34 shots and gave the Devils every opportunity to win this game tonight with huge save after huge save. In the first four games, he has a 2.00 GAA and .952 save percentage.

The Devils will practice tomorrow afternoon about their ofensivelly start and prepare for their next game on Saturday against Minnesota at Prudential Center, 7 p.m.

ZLATAN IS SO BIG IN SWEDEN PSG HAVE LOST EIGHT MILLION

ZLATAN IS SO BIG IN SWEDEN PSG HAVE LOST EIGHT MILLION

Former Manchester United winger Jesper Blomqvist said to sources Paris Saint-Germain have ” might lost eight million supporters” after Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined the Premier League side this summer.

Ibrahimovic 35-years old, former Sweden international champions at the end of last season after four trophy-laden years at Parc des Princes and Blomqvist.

“He is one of the biggest personalities in Sweden,” Blomqvist told the Sun. “He has launched his own perfume, Volvo cars and his own sports clothing range. He is everywhere even though he has stopped playing for the national team, while one article mentioned that while his parents moved as a refugees in Sweden, he was discrinated as a child, and to play for national team, he did a lot..

“I work a lot with travel companies in Sweden coming over to Manchester. The interest is just triple. Zlatan is so big in Sweden.  PSG have lost eight million supporters in Sweden and now they are all Manchester United. Not all but it is like that.

“More planes come over, they sell a lot more tickets to the United games. I have done it every now and then for a couple of years. Now there are 10 times more calls from companies who want me to come over with the supporters.”

PSG are struggling to come to terms with the loss of Ibrahimovic on and off the pitch so far and the talismanic striker’s absence has been credited as a key factor behind the Ligue 1 giants’ slow start to life under new coach Unai Emery.

NYCFC TO HOST FAN APPRECIATION DAY

NYCFC TO HOST FAN APPRECIATION DAY

New York City FC is delighted to announce that we will be hosting a friendly between the FDNY & NYPD friendly at Yankee Stadium on Sunday.

This charity game between FDNY and NYPD will take place after NYCFC’s final regular season match against Columbus Crew SC.

Marking the seventh meeting between the two sides, this will be the first time that the Yankee Stadium will have hosted this prestigious match which is contested annually to raise money and awareness of the team’s respective charities.
The NYPD, who play in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League, are raising awareness for the NYPD: Widow’s & Children’s Funds, which provides aid and assistance to widows, widowers and eligible dependents of police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The FDNY, take part in the Long Island Soccer Football League, hope to use the match to spread awareness of The Sergio Villanueva Soccer Foundation which was set up to recognize Sergio Villanueva, the FDNY Soccer team’s no.10 and central midfielder.

Sergio passed away during the events of September 11 and the charity serves a way to educate the community on the tragedy and recognizes the hard work of the all those who lost their lives that day

Through the foundation, the FDNY soccer team has set up youth soccer clinics globally for over 3000 children.  Locations include Hempstead, NY; Exeter City, UK; Baumholder, Germany; Rome, Italy; and others.

The match will kick-off after the Shirts Off Our Backs presentation on the field at Yankee Stadium which follows our final regular season game.

The FDNY Soccer team will be aiming to end a run of six successive defeats in the match-up, a winless run which stretches back to the first meeting in 2009.

BRADLEY WRIGHT-PHILLIPS WITH MLS GOLDEN BOOT

The New York Red Bulls striker was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 33 by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) on Tuesday.

Wright-Phillips scored two goals in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Columbus Crew SC, surging ahead of crosstown rival David Villa for the Golden Boot lead with 23 goals.

If he can hold off Villa who’s scored 22 goals this year in the final week of the regular season, he would join Preki, Taylor Twellman, Jeff Cunningham and Chris Wondolowski as two-time Golden Boot winners. Wright-Phillips led MLS in goals in 2014 with 27 and finished with 17 last season.

Sunday’s game marked the seventh multi-goal effort of the season for Wright-Phillips, who’s now scored in 10 of his last 12 matches and has won Player of the Week honors three times this year.

The brace against Columbus began in the 58th minute when he followed a pretty cutback move in the box with a tough-angle, left-footed shot past Crew goalkeeper Brad Stuver. He completed it12 minutes later when he got in the perfect position to tap in an Aurelien Collin flick off a Sacha Kljestan corner kick, a goal which put the Red Bulls up 3-0 and proved to be decisive as Columbus rallied for two more goals.

Although he downplayed his brace after the game, it helped the Red Bulls all but wrap up the top seed in the Eastern Conference. They conclude their regular season Sunday with a short trip to Talen Energy Stadium to take on the Philadelphia Union (4 pm ET, MLS LIVE). And since the Union essentially have the final playoff spot in the East locked up, the biggest drama of the game might be BWP’s Golden Boot hunt.

The MLS Player of the Week is selected each week of the regular season by a panel of journalists from NASR. The group consists of members of print, television, radio and online media.

DAVID VILLA URGES ANDRES INIESTA

DAVID VILLA URGES ANDRES INIESTA

New York City FC striker David Villa recently update that he urged for his former FC Barcelona and Spain teammate Andres Iniesta to “share the American experience” and join him in MLS when his current contract expires, according to a report on the website donbalon.com.

Iniesta is under contract with the Catalan giants through the 2017/18 season and has reportedly recently been offered “a contract for life” by Barcelona, and has expressed a desire to retire as a member of the Blaugrana.

But he is apparently also considering playing in China, Qatar or MLS after his deal expires, and after chatting with Villa, he is leaning toward MLS as his best option.

The report noted, however, another of Iniesta’s former Barcelona and Spain teammates, Xavi, who currently plays in Qatar, has put in a good word for that league as well.

David Villa calling teammate Andreas Iniesta

New York City FC striker David Villa recently urged his former FC Barcelona and Spain teammate Andres Iniesta to "share the American experience" and join him in MLS when his current contract expires, according to a report on the website donbalon.com.

Iniesta is under contract with the Catalan giants through the 2017/18 season and has reportedly recently been offered "a contract for life" by Barcelona, and has expressed a desire to retire as a member of the Blaugrana.

But he is apparently also considering playing in China, Qatar or MLS after his deal expires, and after chatting with Villa, he is leaning toward MLS as his best option.

The report noted, however, another of Iniesta's former Barcelona and Spain teammates, Xavi, who currently plays in Qatar, has put in a good word for that league as well.

Drogba refused to play important match

Refusing to play on Sunday match 2-2 tie against Toronto FC.

The Montreal Impact knew before signing Drogba in July 2015 that he would be almost 39 when his 18-month pact concluded. That he would fade in his second season with the club was always a distinct possibility. And from the start, they never treated Drogba the same as everybody else.

After Saputo demanded that the Ivorian honor the final year of his contract following an invitation to return to Chelsea in a coaching role --l'affair Drogba 1.0 -- the Impact let their talisman join preseason camp late so he could work with his own trainer in Qatar. They've allowed him and his creaky knee to skip games played on artificial turf. They can't pretend now that he's just another player.

The reaction to Droga's drama was swift of this side of the Atlantic: He's a baby, he doesn't care, the Impact should tear up his contract. One tabloid in Toronto has dubbed him "Prima Drogba."

He can be a diva, no doubt about it. Nobody who witnessed him hiding in a locker last season rather than speak to the media will dispute it.

But it's also not hard to understand how a player of Drogba's stature might feel embarrassed by being passed over for a hugely important match. These are almost certainly the final few games of Drogba's long and brilliant career, and it's safe to say the Premier League and European champion didn't come to Canada to ride the bench.

"When you have a guy like Didier, a lot of the attention is on that person," Impact captain Patrice Bernier said Tuesday. "Sometimes people forget that decisions do stir emotions. They kind of forget that professional athletes are human beings."

For the most part, the Impact have gotten what they wanted from Drogba. He put the club on the map not just internationally, but inside MLS. He scored a bunch of goals, including 11 in his first 11 games last season. He has been an invaluable influence on young players like emerging Canadian striker Anthony Jackson-Hamel. That the teammates he deserted are willing, to a man, to welcome him back with open arms speaks to his popularity in the locker room.

"Everybody respects him tremendously, and not just because of the status of the player," Bernier said to ESPN.

But status still matters more in MLS than it does in most places. It's by design. And as long as it's the case, teams must be willing to live and die with their superstars.