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finish his first heat. Mazdzer remained fifth in th

Not only did the Leafs return home from their three-game Western Canadian road trip plagued with the same defensive issues they left with, but to compound matters, the team lost key two-way centre Dave Bolland for an indefinite period with a lacerated ankle tendon. Matt Breida Super Bowl Jersey . In the latest Leaf Report podcast, Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle address Torontos sloppy defensive play and discuss how the team will fill the hole left by the absence of Bolland and Tyler Bozak in the middle of the ice. Leaf Report discusses how the Leafs will fill their centre ice hole Jason Verrett Super Bowl Jersey .com) - James Harden had 32 points, including a tying layup late in regulation, and the Houston Rockets scored eight of their 13 points in overtime at the foul line to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-111 on Friday night. Mike Person Super Bowl Jersey .J. -- After getting permission from his 7-year-old daughter, New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl has retired after an 11-year career that included two Super Bowl championships.KONIGSSEE, Germany -- Canada continued to push towards its first Olympic luge medal, winning silver in the team relay at a World Cup event Sunday. Sam Edney, Alex Gough and Justin Snith, all from Calgary, and Tristan Walker of Cochrane, Alta., joined forces to win silver in two minutes 44.499 seconds. "We had a race full of little mistakes from all three sleds including Sam bumping the wall off the start. Having made mistakes, and to still finish second, shows the class these three sleds are sliding in right now," said Canada head coach Wolfgang Staudinger. "It was another great day and we are happy with how things are going." Germany finished on top at 2:42.781, while Italy took bronze in 2:44.681. It was the third silver for the Canadian foursome in the team relay this year. "It gets tighter and tighter every week and less room for mistakes," said Staudinger. "Nothing is a guarantee in this race. Can very easily be standing in fourth and not very happy. Thats what makes this event so exciting. With three sleds there is lots of room for error, but our results show we are definitely in the game." The team competition consists of one female sled, one male sled and one doubles team sled. Each athlete completes one run for a commbined final time. DeForest Buckner Super Bowl Jersey. The event will make its Olympic debut next month at the Sochi Games. In singles competition, Felix Loch of Germany easily won his third World Cup luge race of the season , posting the fastest heat in both runs and beating Italys Armin Zoeggeler by nearly a second. Loch finished in 1:38.266 seconds. Zoeggelers time was 1:39.129 and Switzerlands Gregory Cariget was third in 1:39.203. Only five sliders in the 32-man field finished within a second of Loch, the defending Olympic champion and current World Cup points leader. Chris Mazdzer of the U.S. had major trouble in his first run, then had the third-best time in the second heat of 49.697 seconds to finish 21st overall. Tucker West was 23rd for the U.S., and Aidan Kelly failed to finish his first heat. Mazdzer remained fifth in the overall points standings. Edney finished fifth in 1:39.232. "Sam is so close to breaking through and getting onto the podium," Staudinger said. "He is no different than Alex a few years ago and the doubles this year. When you finish in that group consistently, it is just a matter of time until the ball starts rolling and it happens. He was very close today to it being his day." Calgarys Mitchel Malyk was 20th (1:40.204). ' ' '


Hamels had double-digit strikeouts for the 26th ti

(SportsNetwork. Geronimo Allison Super Bowl Jersey .com) - In his more reflective moments you can bet Phil Emery looks in the mirror and realizes that he made a mistake by plucking Marc Trestman out of the CFL to be the head coach of the Chicago Bears. By admitting that, though, the Bears general manager would be highlighting his own failings and placing a rather sizeable bulls-eye on his own back when it comes to any future employment prospects in the Windy City. For that reason and that reason alone, Trestman will likely get a third opportunity to try to resuscitate the Bears in an NFC North that is seemingly now the Green Bay Packers birthright. I dont think it ever has changed here. By all the key parties that youre thinking about, Trestman said after his teams latest loss, a 41-28 drubbing at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night. It has been tremendously supportive, during the good weeks and bad weeks. And it has been extremely consistent by everybody here. The only thing that people ask me here is what can they do to help, Trestman continued. And that comes from all areas of this building. What can we do to help you along? And that support has been very heartfelt. Things arent so heartfelt for defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, however. In the its-so-obvious-why-do-you-need-to-report-it department, NFL Media leaked the upcoming Bears narrative Sunday when they reported Tucker will likely be the one paying for the sins of those higher up on the food chain. The NFL Networks Ian Rapoport was the one claiming that the Bears will be terminating Tuckers deal at seasons end which is comparable to breaking the news that the sun will rise Monday. There are a number of issues with the Bears, who will be missing the postseason for the seventh time and eight years, but they start at the top where its always been about signing high-profile names in free agency and cost-cutting where you dont have a salary cap and can really make inroads, the coaching staff. That flawed philosophy is only magnified because the Packers, Chicagos most- heated rival, do things the opposite way, largely eschewing free agency in favor of the draft, while possessing one of the leagues most highly-regarded coaching staffs. Its not like you should feel sorry for Tucker or that he has done a good job in Chicago, however. The Bears are 26th in total defense, allowing 377.8 yards per game and the team has given up more than 50 points on two different occasions. Theyve also been blown out five different times, the latest of which was Thursday in Soldier Field when the Cowboys blew into town. Whats unfair is the illogical belief in the Second City that the Bears are a talented but underachieving team because of all the high-profile names that dot the roster. Offensively you can at least make that argument because players like Brandon Marshall (before his injury on Thursday) and Jay Cutler can still perform at a high level, at least on occasion. Even thats nonsense of course because Cutler is orchestrating things and he is this generations Jeff George, a signal caller with elite arm talent but no leaderships skill to speak of and the body language of a pre-teen who hasnt gotten his way. Yet, Emery still signed him to a seven-year, $126.7 million extension this past offseason, with $54 million of that guaranteed. In Tuckers domain, observers who dont understand look at names like Jared Allen, Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman and assume they will always be the players they once were. In truth they were all descending talents coming into the 2014 season, far closer to the end of spectacular careers than the beginning. And when Tillman and then Briggs were lost to injury for yet another campaign, the floor fell out because depth is a major issue, something that again points toward Emery far more than Tucker or even Trestman. Moving forward by jettisoning Tucker is like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg. Its simply not addressing the real problem for Chicago. And when Emery looks in that mirror, he knows it. Darnell Savage Jr. Super Bowl Jersey . Forsman closed with a 3-under 69 in windy conditions Sunday for his third Champions Tour title. He beat Jay Don Blake by two shots. Packers Super Bowl Jerseys . On paper, it looks a little like Andre the Giant taking on a midget wrestler. It has all the makings of a rout with the Americans adding an eighth win in nine outings of this biennial event. The Yanks have eight players in the top 15 in the world while the Internationals have just one.PHILADELPHIA - Reid Brignac has a knack for getting big hits. Brignac hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-0 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night. His second walk-off hit in two weeks gave the Phillies consecutive wins for the first time since a three-game streak May 17-20. "Its what you play the game for, its what you dream of as a kid," Brignac said. Brignac had a game-winning RBI single in the 14th inning of a 6-5 win over the New York Mets on May 30. His only other walk-off hit before this year was a solo homer for Tampa Bay off Yankees reliever Sergio Mitre in the 11th inning on Sept. 13, 2010. That gave the Rays a 1-0 win and put them a half-game ahead of New York in the AL East. "Different circumstances," Brignac said. "Both feel great." Starters Cole Hamels and Tyson Ross matched zeroes, but didnt get decisions. Hamels struck out a season-high 11 and allowed five hits in eight shutout innings for the Phillies. Ross struck out seven in seven scoreless innings, giving up four hits. Jonathan Papelbon (2-1) tossed a scoreless ninth for the win. "Cole was outstanding," manager Ryne Sandberg said. "Real sharp with his command, his fastballs and change-ups. Hes looking real good." Nick Vincent (0-2) walked Domonic Brown with one out and hit Carlos Ruiz on 1-2 pitch. Brignac then sent a 2-0 pitch into the right-field seats for his first homer with the Phillies. Brignac was just 8 for 40 with 19 strikeouts before going deep. Brignac pointed into the dugout as he jogged to first, slapped his hands together after rounding the bag and was mobbed at the plate by jubilant teammates. He got doused with shaving cream afterward by A.J. Burnett. "It feels great to come through for my teammates," Brignac said. "Cole pitched great." Jimmy Rollins stole two bases on the same pitch in the Phillies first after moving within three hits of breaking Mike Schmidts franchise record of 2,234. Rollins lined a one-out singlle to right, but jogged slowly to first and was grimacing in pain. Corey Linsley Super Bowl Jersey. He appeared hobbled perhaps because he hit a foul off his leg. But Rollins then stole second base, diving headfirst ahead of the throw. He got up, saw no one covering third base because of an overshift on Ryan Howard and swiped that bag. Howard walked, but Marlon Byrd struck out to end the inning. Johnny Damon once did the same thing against the Phillies, stealing second and third in the ninth inning in Game 4 of the 2009 World Series, a 7-4 win for the Yankees. Hamels pitched out of a couple jams in the early innings. Cameron Maybin led off the third with a double and advanced on Jace Petersons sacrifice, a drag bunt attempt. But Hamels fanned Ross and retired Chris Denorfia on a grounder. San Diego loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth, but Hamels struck out Maybin swinging to end the inning. "I feel like Ive really been able to execute start to finish," Hamels said. "Im not giving in when I get behind in counts, not overdoing it. Im able to make good pitches and getting good results." The Padres, who entered with the worst batting average in the majors at .217, had just five hits and none after the fourth inning. Carlos Quentin (1 for 29), Everth Cabrera (0 for 23) and Peterson (0 for 20) continued their slumps, going a combined 0 for 10 with six strikeouts. "That was a great pitchers duel," Padres manager Bud Black said. "Both guys were outstanding." NOTES: Phillies ace Cliff Lee has started throwing again, but its uncertain when hell return. Lee has missed four starts since landing on the disabled list with an elbow strain. ... Hamels had double-digit strikeouts for the 26th time, passing Jim Bunning for third place on the Phillies list. ... Byrd was 0 for 4 with four strikeouts. ... Ross lowered his ERA to 2.97. ... The Phillies are 22-13 vs. the Padres at Citizens Bank Park. ... LHP Eric Stults (2-7, 5.68) goes for the Padres against RHP Kyle Kendrick (1-6, 4.30) in the series finale Thursday afternoon. ' ' '


series. They gave the Blackhawks a fight, too

Mark Buehrle goes after his third win in as many starts on Sunday when the Toronto Blue Jays close out a three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Packers Super Bowl Jerseys . After striking out 11 and coming within an out of a shutout his first time out, Buehrle defeated the Houston Astros on Tuesday, but admittedly wasnt as sharp, despite holding them to a run and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings. "I was up in the zone and everything, wasnt getting ahead in the count like I was last start. Im fortunate to get away with one run in 5 1/3 innings. That could have been a game where I gave out eight to 10 runs." Buehrle has faced the Orioles 21 times (19 starts) and is 7-8 with a 3.42 ERA. Baltimore, meanwhile, relies on righty Ubaldo Jimenez, who is still searching for his first win as a member of the Orioles. Jimenez fell to 0-2 on Monday against the New York Yankees, as he allowed four runs and walked five batters in just 4 2/3 innings, while upping his ERA to 6.75 on the year. "He went through some really good sequences and then just got out of whack," Os manager Buck Showalter said of Jimenez. "He was just missing a lot of pitches, but he had the type of stuff that gets you a lot deeper in the game. Hed just go through spurts where he couldnt command it. It was a cold day and he was trying to get a feel for the baseball, but you guys watched it. It wasnt like they banged him around all over the ballpark. He just couldnt get consistent with it. I know hes frustrated because there was a lot longer (of an) outing there potentially today." Jimenez is 2-1 in five starts versus the Blue Jays with a 4.61 ERA. Baltimore won in thrilling fashion on Saturday, as David Loughs RBI single in the bottom of the 12th inning propelled the Os to a 2-1 win. Jonathan Schoop knocked in the other run for the Orioles, who shook off a loss in Fridays opener to win for the fourth time in six overall. After J.J. Hardy flied out against Todd Redmond (0-1), Steve Lombardozzi stroked a ball into the gap in right center and raced all the way to third. Lough followed by slicing a pitch to left field to plate the winning run. "It was one of those games where we kept our heads up," Lough said. "I looked in the dugout and we still had energy." The hit made a winner of Zach Britton (2-0), who tossed two scoreless relief frames. Colby Rasmus two-out, homer in the ninth stood as the lone production for the Blue Jays, who have lost two of three. Baltimore won last years season series with the Blue Jays by a slim 10-9 margin. Kenny Clark Super Bowl Jersey . Even if he is shooting 38 per cent from the field overall this season, the Utah Jazz rookie always feels like his final shot is going in. Paul Hornung Super Bowl Jersey .  Rooneys latest piece of football genius lost in the furore which now stalks David Moyes, and the man who gave the Manchester United striker his start as a 16-year old at Goodison Park back in 2002.MINNEAPOLIS -- Mike Yeos three-year run in Minnesota has been anything but easy. The Wild coach has had to navigate key injuries to his roster, his own growing pains in his first NHL head coaching job and the considerable expectations brought forth when the teams owner spent nearly $200 million on two players two summers ago. The Wild have improved under Yeo in each season, and Yeo has improved himself enough to earn the faith of the Wild leadership going forward. Yeo signed a multi-year contract extension with the Wild on Saturday, the team announced. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the agreement was expected after Yeo guided the team out of the first round of the playoffs for just the second time in franchise history in the final year of his original deal. He has gone 104-82-26 in three seasons with the Wild. "Mike has done a very good job the last three seasons as our head coach and we look forward to his leadership going forward," Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher said. Yeo was an unproven coach with no NHL head coaching track record to go by when Fletcher picked him to take over for Todd Richards three seasons ago. The Wild faded after a strong start to Yeos first season and never found a rhythm in his second year, an abbreviated 48-game schedule due to the lockout. The Wild did snap a five-season playoff drought in his second season, but were dominated by Chicago in a first-round deffeat. Preston Smith Super Bowl Jersey. His status was tenuous at best by New Years Eve last season, when the Wild lost their sixth straight game and Yeo felt compelled at the next practice to tell the players he wouldnt coach simply to save his job. But despite foot injuries that kept stars Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu and key defenceman Jared Spurgeon out for long stretches of the winter, Yeo helped hold the group together while the wins picked up. The Wild played all season with a carousel in the net, too, with four different goalies starting 10 games each or more. "There were times where the wheels couldve come off, and he kept it together," said defenceman Ryan Suter, one of several players to endorse Yeo after the season-ending loss to Chicago. The Wild solidified his status in the playoffs with a seven-game victory over Colorado in the first round when the Avalanche led 2-0 and 3-2 in the series. They gave the Blackhawks a fight, too, until falling in six games. The late-season surge, and Yeos impressive strategic decisions both rounds of the playoffs, gave Fletcher the faith that he had the right man for the job. "I am very excited to continue to coach the Minnesota Wild and pursue a Stanley Cup for the State of Hockey," Yeo said. "Our fan support has been amazing and it went to a new level during the playoffs this season. We are all motivated to reward them." ' ' '


fast, he had little time to adjust his footing and get

SUNRISE, Fla. Hank Lauricella . - The Florida Panthers are getting some Army training to finish off their preparations for the season.Florida will spend Sunday through Tuesday at West Point for training and team-bonding exercises, before flying back south to open the regular season at Tampa Bay on Thursday.Its going to be big, first-year Panthers coach Gerard Gallant said. We had 51 players in camp and now were getting down to the nitty-gritty. Were going to have our team picked very shortly. Itll be good to get the guys together and I think going to West Point will be a real positive for us.Florida closes the preseason in Tampa on Saturday, and then heads north to West Point. Panthers owner Vincent Viola is a 1977 graduate of the United States Military Academy, and the team has several West Point graduates and military veterans working in the front office.The trip has been scheduled for several weeks. Florida released several specifics on Friday, with things such as field problems designed to test mental and physical strength; a hike up Torn Mountain; team barbecues and meals in the Cadet Dining Hall all on the schedule, along with actual hockey work.Were figuring out how to work together, Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau said. New coach, new system, and weve got to all get on the same page. Were going to figure out how to be a real team, a close team.Its the Panthers third visit to West Point for training and team bonding. Several other teams have done so in recent years as well.I havent done it in the past but Ive heard good things about it and I know our guys are excited about it, so thats the main thing, Gallant said. Well have two or three good practice days there, plus some good off-ice stuff. Im looking forward to it.The Panthers, who are winless in five preseason games with just nine goals so far, got their roster down to 24 on Friday by placing defenceman Blake Parlett on injured reserve and assigning forwards Rocco Grimaldi, Quinton Howden, Drew Shore and Vincent Trocheck, along with defencemen Alex Petrovic and Mackenzie Weegar to the teams AHL affiliate in San Antonio.For the most part, it will be the regular Panthers lineup on the ice Saturday in the preseason finale, with at least one notable exception. Starting goalie Roberto Luongo said he does not plan to play, with backup Al Montoya likely to get the nod instead.Luongo isnt worried about the lack of preseason offence.Right now were not worried about goals, Luongo said. Were worried about keeping the scoring chances down. We want to give ourselves a chance to win every night and in order to do that weve got to play well defensively. Cheap NFL Jerseys China . -- Packers cornerback Tramon Williams has been fined $26,250 for contact with an official, per NFL guidelines. Brett Brackett . "Weve given ourselves now a tougher task," said Carlyle after the Friday practice, the Toronto head coach notably chipper and upbeat throughout. "But the bottom line is we just have to win our share of games [and] not worry about what anybody else is doing.Steve Bruce will have to wait for his first win as Aston Villa boss as he watched his new side play out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Midlands rivals Wolves. It took just 15 minutes for the Bruce era to get off to a perfect start as Jonathan Kodjia dispatched a spot-kick following a contentious decision by the referee over an incident involving Jack Grealish.But 20 minutes later, Helder Costa equalised with a penalty of his own after Aly Cissokho had acrobatically handled his original effort, somehow escaping a booking. Jonathan Kodjia of Aston Villa celebrates after scoring the opening goal Despite an overwhelmingly dominant second half, the visitors couldnt force a winner despite seven unanswered shots on target; Villa have now drawn six of their last seven and continue to flirt with the relegation places.A confident start from Villa was nearly compromised by a catalogue of fouls by Cissokho, who needlessly handed possession to the opposition on several occasions inside the opening 10 minutes.But Wolves failed to capitalise and it was Villa who took the lead through a set-piece situation - and a soft one at that. Steve Bruce starts life as Aston Villa manager with a point after holding local rivals Wolves at Villa Park As Grealish made his way into the area, he was crowded out and fell to the deck. It was interpreted by the referee as a trip by Dominic Iorfa, but replays suggest Grealish tripped without undue contact; Kodjia stepped up and hit a low penalty into the bottom-right corner. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just ?£6.99. No contract. Wolves settled the play down and were denied a penalty after the ball struck inadvertently struck James Chesters hand, but 15 minutes before the break, they were awarded one of their own after Costas shot was handled by Cissokho; man-of-the-match Costa made no mistake from 12 yards. Wolves manager Walter Zenga was furious that Wolves were denied a second penalty as his side were held to a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa Kodjia went close soon after the equaliser as he hit a sweet volley from Adomahs knockdown, but the dipping shot was pushed over by Ikeme at full stretch. Don Shy. Never one to shy away from controversy, Grealish found himself at the centre of the action again as his kick on Conor Coady sparked a melee and Villa seemed lucky to still be at full strength with an hour gone as Chester tripped Costa on his way to goal. James Chester and Danny Batth give their reaction to Aston Villas draw with Wolves. Wolves dominated the second half from start to finish, with seven shots on target, but despite mistakes in the Villa defence, they were without real clear-cut chances.Alan Huttons mis-kick allowed substitute Cavaleiro a free shot at goal, but the mistake happened so fast, he had little time to adjust his footing and get a proper shot away.Nouha Dicko had a chance to win it in the final ten minutes as he sneaked in behind the Villa defence, but although he succeeded, the angle was far too acute for the returning frontman and his shot went over the bar.You can watch Liverpool v Man Utd, plus Englands tour of Bangladesh and the British Masters on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy six months at half price! ' ' '


with a last-minute goal in a Serie A derby t

SAN DIEGO -- A rare big night from the Padres offence overshadowed Tim Stauffer stepping into the depleted rotation and giving San Diego a strong start. Cory Ross Jersey . "That was a great lift for the staff," Padres manager Bud Black said. Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal homered, and Chase Headley drove in three runs, as the Padres beat the Chicago Cubs 11-1 on Friday night. The Padres set a season-high in runs and had 12 hits. Everyone but Will Venable had at least one hit among the starting position players. But with starters Andrew Cashner and Robbie Erlin going on the DL this week with elbow woes, the Padres were in a pickle. They turned to the veteran Stauffer (2-0) and he didnt disappoint. Making his first start since May 14, 2012 at Washington, Stauffer pitched five shutout innings and gave up two hits. "And two years from now it should feel pretty good again," Stauffer joked about his time between starts. "It felt good and after getting through that first inning, the offence really set the tone. After that I was just trying to keep pitches down and eat up some innings and keep the bullpen fresh." Stauffer struck out five, with a walk and hit batter and earned his win as a starter win since Sept. 16, 2011, against Arizona. The Padres snapped a four-game losing streak with a performance which was out-of-character for a team which has been shut out eight times, tops in the majors. "We havent had many of those games," Black said. "A couple, but not many. When that happens there is a different feeling in the dugout and a different vibe. Everyone wants to get to the bat rack, to start hacking and wanting to get involved." Edwin Jackson (3-4) took the loss, allowing eight runs and nine hits in just four innings. The Cubs managed one runner in scoring position through six innings before Welington Castillo drove in Luis Valbuena with a broken-bat single in the seventh. Three relievers completed the five-hitter for San Diego. The Padres scored four first-inning runs, matching their total from the previous three games. Seth Smith drove in two with a single and after Headley reached on a fielders choice, Alonso smacked his second home run of the season. The Padres began Friday averaging 2.98 runs per game, the lowest in the majors. Grandal opened the second inning with his fifth homer, this one to the opposite field. Everth Cabrera and Cameron Maybin singled and Headley brought them home with a booming double to right for a 7-0 cushion. "Its about time," Grandal said. "Ive been hitting fly balls that way and they all seem to be short. I was lucky enough to hit one that actually carried a little bit more." Headley added his third RBI with a fourth-inning single after Maybin doubled. All of this came at the expense of Jackson, a pitcher the Padres flirted with before he signed last year as a free agent with the Cubs. Hes now 0-5 against the Padres, with a 6.94 ERA. Jackson had been keen avoiding the long ball -- only two home runs allowed in this seasons previous nine starts. But hes had trouble in the early innings and that rang true against the Padres. Of Jacksons 31 earned runs this year, 23 have come in the first two innings. "His command wasnt as sharp as it has been," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said. Cabrera, Maybin, Alonso, Headley and Jedd Gyorko each had two hits for the Padres. "The swung the bats well and took advantage of Jackson," Renteria said. NOTES: The Padres juggled their rotation with LHP Robbie Erlin joining RHP Andrew Cashner (elbow) on the DL this week with elbow soreness. Donn Roach was bumped from Saturdays start, with Billy Buckner expected to fill in after being promoted from Triple-A El Paso. That made Roach available for relief on Friday; he worked a scoreless inning. Buckner, who was signed April 19, was 3-2 with a 2.98 in five starts at El Paso. . OF Carlos Quentin, who last played on Sunday when straining his groin, is available for pinch hitting. . Cubs OF Justin Ruggiano played in his second straight game at Triple-A Iowa; hes been on the DL since April 24 with a strained hamstring. . RHP Pedro Strop (groin strain) is close to making a rehabilitation start. . Cubs LHP Travis Wood (4-4, 4.61) faces Padres RHP Billy Buckner (0-0, 0.00) on Saturday night. Justin Tucker Jersey . - Josh Sterk scored twice to lead the Oshawa Generals to a 7-1 rout of the Ottawa 67s in Mondays Ontario Hockey League action. Brynden Trawick Jersey . The Thornhill, Ont., native, who is ranked 11th in the world, said hed hoped he would be ready when Canada begins its World Group first-round tie against Japan in Tokyo on Friday. ROME -- Mario Balotelli failed to convert a penalty kick and AC Milan was held to 1-1 by 10-man Genoa at the San Siro on Saturday to extend the Rossoneris winless streak in Serie A to five matches. Kaka put the hosts ahead four minutes in with an expert control and shot but former Milan forward Alberto Gilardino equalized four minutes later with a penalty. In the 36th, Thomas Manfredini was sent off for a foul on Balotelli but Balotellis ensuing spot kick was too central and was blocked by Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin. It was also a difficult night for third-place Napoli, which was beaten 1-0 at home by Parma for its second consecutive loss after losing 3-0 to Juventus two weeks ago. Former Italy forward Antonio Cassano scored the winner for Parma in the 81st with an impressive solo run. Dries Mertens threateened for Napoli in the 89th with a long free kick that skimmed the top of the crossbar. Nick Murphy Jersey. Napoli remained four points behind leader Roma, which hosts Cagliari on Monday, and three points behind two-time defending champion Juventus, which visits Livorno on Sunday. Milan is 18 points back in 11th. Earlier, last-place Chievo Verona beat Hellas Verona 1-0 with a last-minute goal in a Serie A derby that hadnt been played in 11 years. Left unmarked inside the area, Slovenian midfielder Dejan Lazarevic scored with a powerful shot in the second minute of added time for his first Serie A goal. It was Chievos first match since Eugenio Corini was rehired as coach. The victory moved Chievo provisionally level with Sampdoria and Catania at the bottom of the table. Promoted Hellas remained sixth. ' ' '


Saturday, and Tijuan Walker (shou

SWANSEA -- Ecuadorean winger Jefferson Montero has signed a four-year deal with Swansea for an undisclosed amount. China Jerseys For Sale . Montero began training with the club immediately following his physical on Thursday. The 24-year-old started in all three of Ecuadors games at the World Cup. Montero scored 15 goals for Morelia during two seasons at the Mexican League club after a spell in Spain with Villarreal, Levante and Betis. He is the fourth signing of the summer for Swansea, joining Gylfi Sigurdsson, Lukasz Fabianski and Bafetimbi Gomis. China Jerseys Wholesale . Bjoerndalen, who had failed to win any major race for two years before Sochi, writes in a Facebook entry that he is "full of energy and inspiration" after winning the 10-kilometre sprint and mixed relay at last months Olympics. Walt Schupp Jersey Store . The move - the latest twist in Greeces nearly three-year financial freefall -- is the first such action by any of the countrys major sports bodies. It immediately halts all domestic track and field competitions, including track meets May 12-13 in several Greek cities.MINNEAPOLIS -- Brian Dozier doesnt like talking about his power-hitting abilities. When told his manager referred to him as Minnesotas "igniter" over the past couple of games -- during which he homered on consecutive nights -- the Twins second baseman looked embarrassed. "The igniter? Oh goodness," Dozier said Saturday night after hitting a three-run homer that proved to be the game-winning hit in Minnesotas 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Then he was told "The Ignitor" was the nickname for Hall of Famer Paul Molitor, the former Twins player and current coach. "Thats pretty cool. . Ill take it," Dozier said with a laugh. So will the Twins. Doziers homer in the fifth inning put Minnesota ahead for good, Samuel Deduno tossed six sharp innings for his first win as the Twins moved a game over .500 -- a rarity in these parts over the past three years. With Minnesota trailing 2-1, Dozier followed consecutive singles by Aaron Hicks and Eduardo Escobar by sending a curveball from Roenis Elias (3-3) into the seats in left field. It was Doziers 11th homer of the season. "Hes our igniter," Gardenhire said. "If we can get the bottom of the order to get on base, and roll it over, hes going to come up with more and more RBI opportunities and thats kind of what were looking for, and tonight he delivered." Dozier had a solo homer on Friday night; Saturday night marked the fifth time in his career he homered in consecutive games. His 20 home runs at Target Field ties him for fourth all-time with former Twins slugger Justin Morneau. He leads the A.L. with 40 runs scored. "My job is to get on base, whether its my hits or anything, on base is my biggest stat," said Dozier, who extended his current hitting streak to a season-high eight games. Michael Saunders had a homer and two RBIs for Seattle. Deduno (1-2) struck out four, allowed two hits and retired 18 of the 23 batters he faced. Both of Seattles runs off Deduno came in the third inning after James Jones triple scored Brad Miller.. Ken Panfil Jersey Store. Jones scored on Saunders sacrifice fly to give the Mariners a one-run lead. But Deduno was otherwise solid, working efficiently through Seattles lineup over the next three innings while Elias struggled with his control. Elias allowed six hits and one walk in seven innings, but he also hit a batter, and had a wild pitch and a balk in the second inning. Elias teammates and manager sounded pleased with his performance, even saying his curveball that Dozier homered on was a good pitch. "I went back right after that inning to check where it was and I thought it was a really good pitch," catcher Mike Zunino said. "(Dozier) just dropped the head on it and was able to elevate it." Seattle pulled to 4-3 in the eighth when Saunders hit a solo homer off Jared Burton. Corey Hart doubled two batters later, but Burton got Kyle Seager swinging to end the threat. Glen Perkins worked the ninth for his 12th save in 14 chances. The Mariners have lost four straight. "Well figure it out. Its a little tough right now," Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon said. "One thing I pointed out right from the start, winning games at this level is tough. One thing here and one thing there will cause you to lose. Well figure this offence out and well be OK." NOTES: The Twins havent been above .500 since April 27. ... McClendon decided to skip RHP Brandon Maurers turn in the rotation for Seattles upcoming two-game series at Texas. Maurer (1-2) has a 6.00 ERA. . LHP James Paxton (strained back) threw a two-inning simulated game Saturday, and Tijuan Walker (shoulder) threw a bullpen session. Both players may throw more simulated games in Texas. ... Twins bench coach Terry Steinbach missed the game to attend his sons college graduation in Duluth. ... Jones has recorded a hit in all nine of his starts. He drove in his first career run. ... Minnesota goes for the series sweep on Sunday when RHP Ricky Nolasco (2-3) faces Mariners RHP Felix Hernandez (4-1) who is 6-5 in 15 career starts versus the Twins. ' ' '


wwith confidence and assurance that the Brewers ca

Jamie Carragher says Englands players should have taken collective responsibility after Wayne Rooney was involved in a drinking controversy while away with the national team. Jaquiski Tartt Super Bowl Jersey . The Manchester United forward was pictured looking worse for wear at a wedding reception at the England team hotel after their World Cup Qualifier against Scotland.Rooney initially apologised for his behaviour before describing the media coverage of the incident as disgraceful following Uniteds 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Saturday. But Carragher, speaking during Monday Night Footballs Twitter Q&A, does not think the Manchester United forward is solely to blame. Wayne Rooney in action during the World Cup 2018 Qualifier against Scotland The biggest problem is not Wayne Rooney or the players, the former Liverpool defender said.For me looking at the situation after a week or so, the biggest problem is the FA.Wheres all this information coming from? Every day theres another question asked. Was he allowed to stay up? The next day the answer is there. Who was he with? Theres information coming out of the FA. Wales manager Chris Coleman says he doesnt think theres a problem with Wayne Rooney having a drink on international duty Gareth Southgate was part of a squad at Euro 96 when something went on before they got to the tournament, Carragher added.It was a different climate and culture, I get that. But the way they dealt with it was collective responsibility. Wayne Rooney wasnt the only player to go out because the rest of the squad were in a night club. I know where I would want my player, in the hotel bar.Wheres the collective responsibility? Why is it all on Wayne Rooney? Sky Sports Black Friday sale Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price! People have said hes the captain, hes the example to the rest of the squad, who look up to him.If they all love him and look up to him that much why didnt they stay in the bar with him. Why did they all go to a night club?Rooneys performances for club and country have been heavily scrutinised this season and Carragher thinks its only natural that he needs a release from the pressure.Carragher said: Have you ever thought for one minute what its like being Wayne Rooney? People may say he earns lots of money and hes got a fantastic life. Chris Coleman and Jamie Carragher answer your Twitter questions on MNF Of course he has but he cant go to a night club. The whole place would come to a standstill. He cant go out on a Saturday night so his only real chance is in the hotel bar.We talk about staff being with him, they may be some of his closest friends. How many people can he trust? They are masseurs and physios hes known for 10 to 12 years. Think of it like that. The pressure that lads been under all season.Every performance gets scrutinised so much. He shouldnt be in the team, the money hes on, Manchester United need to get rid of him, England are a better team without him.Hes a human being with family and friends. He needs a release.Upgrade to Sky Sports now and get 12 months half price. Hurry, offer ends December 4! Also See: MNF Twitter Q&A Carra on underrated Mata WATCH: Palaces problems WATCH: Chelsea & Wales 3-4-3 Tarvarius Moore Super Bowl Jersey . Now, he might be their hottest pitcher. Lobstein earned up his first major league victory Sunday night, allowing one run in 5 2-3 innings in the Tigers 6-1 win over the San Francisco Giants. Ronnie Lott Super Bowl Jersey . The question all fans want to know heading into this light heavyweight affair is will Rua display his true potential. Working with UFC welterweight fighter Demian Maias team in Sao Paulo Brazil and having training partners such as fellow UFC stand outs Fabio Maldonado and Daniel Sarafian, the 32-year old feels very well prepared for Friday nights encounter.Maryvale, AZ (SportsNetwork.com) - The Milwaukee Brewers have exercised the 2015 club option on manager Ron Roenicke. The Brewers believe that Roenicke can get the team back on track after a 74-88 record in 2013. "In picking up the option for 2015, it shows our confidence in having Ron lead this team on the field," said Brewers general manager Doug Melvin. "Last season was a difficult one, and Ron provided critical leadership wwith confidence and assurance that the Brewers can get back to the postseason. Nick Bosa Super Bowl Jersey. " Roenicke is heading into his fourth season as the manager of the Brewers, compiling a 253-233 record in his first three. He led the Brewers to a 96-66 record, the most wins in franchise history, and a National League Central Division title in 2011. Milwaukee lost the NLCS to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Brewers went 83-79 in 2012. ' ' '


(@Raptors) July 2, 2014 Congrats @m

NEW YORK, N. Monty Stickles Jersey .Y. - Alex Rodriguez paid $305,000 for evidence that could be used in the case involving the Biogenesis of America drug clinic, the Daily News reported Saturday. The allegation was denied by a spokesman for the Yankees third baseman. The newspaper said Rodriguez and his representatives confirmed the payments during testimony this week in the players grievance hearing. Rodriguez is attempting to overturn his 211-game suspension. Citing an unidentified source familiar the proceedings, the News reported Rodriguez and his surrogates spent the money to purchase evidence that included videotapes, documents and affidavits. "Its not true and as usual not only are certain parties leaking information but they are leaking false information," Rodriguez spokesman Ron Berkowitz said in an email to The Associated Press. Porter Fischer, the former Biogenesis associate who gave the Miami New Times documents last winter that sparked Major League Baseballs investigation, said in July he turned down MLBs $125,000 offer for evidence but he did receive $5,500 in cash. Rodriguez was suspended Aug. 5 but was allowed to keep playing pending a decision on the grievance. Arbitrator Fredric Horowitz has held eight days of hearings, and the case is to resume the week of Nov. 18. Corey Dillon Jersey .  His recovery time is expected to be six to eight months. Seidenberg was injured in the third period of Fridays 5-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators, when he got his leg tangled with forward Cory Conacher. Shaun Hill Jersey . Not Peyton Manning. Hes holding on to the heartache to stoke his competitive fire. More good news from our 2nd favourite court. Congrats @milosraonic on advancing to the semis at #Wimbledon! #RTZ pic.twitter.com/r08rfunbDg — Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 2, 2014 Congrats @milosraonic and @geniebouchard for reaching the semi-finals at Wimbledon! #Wimbledon #GoCanadaGo — Toronto Maple Leafs (@@MapleLeafs) July 2, 2014And the tweet of the match goes to Canadian Olympic Gold Medal Kayaker, Adam van Koeverden. Roger Craig Jersey. Raonic & Kyrgios is like watching two medieval cannons blast furry green cannonballs back & forth. #Tennis #Wimbledon2014 — Adam van Koeverden (@vankayak) July 2, 2014 ' ' '


five steals. When you look around the

INDIANAPOLIS - New Cleveland coach Mike Pettine calls a report "noise" that the Browns tried to trade for Jim Harbaugh. Emanuel King Jersey Store . The Pro Football Talk website reported Friday that before hiring Pettine last month Cleveland had a deal in place with San Francisco, but Harbaugh decided to stay. Via Twitter, 49ers CEO Jed York denied that was true. Pettine said Saturday the issue "has no bearing" on his job. The Browns didnt deny their attempt to acquire Harbaugh, but Pettine said that didnt bother him, either. He said he thought that shows the organizations commitment to turning around the struggling franchise. Harbaugh has led the 49ers to three straight NFC championship games, but they lost their only Super Bowl appearance with him. Pettine is the seventh head coach of the Browns since 1999. China Jerseys . -- Houstons All-Star tandem of James Harden and Dwight Howard refused to let the Rockets give in to fatigue. Richard Bell Jersey Store .com) - Demario Richard posted four touchdowns and Kweishi Brown came up with a key late interception as No.TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on the agressiveness of Paul George, the struggles of LeBron James in Game 5, the prospects of Billy Donovan as an NBA head coach, the swagger of Cory Joseph and the maturation of Russell Westbrook. 1. Paul George (Pacers): Brilliant fourth quarter Wednesday night as he saved his team from elimination. Unfortunately, we havent see that from him enough in the playoffs and surely in the second half of the regular season. He let it rip in Game 5 and loved his aggressiveness and the attack mode that he took. When he plays like an elite player, it settles the rest of the roster down and guys are able to play their games. Still dont like their chances though; their bench has been a huge bust and though the defence was a bit better Wednesday, it hasnt been up to par in this series. I like Miami to close in Game 6 at home. 2. LeBron James (Heat): Played less than 25 minutes due to foul trouble! How often do you ever hear or see that? An aberration to say the least. Obviously, that helped the Pacers immensely. I tend to doubt youll be hearing that phrase too often the rest of the playoffs for Mr. James. When its time for the spotlight to shine brightest, hell be out there. 3. Billy Donovan (University of Florida): Where there is smoke, there is fire. Keep hearing his name when you talk about NBA jobs. Hes a terrific head coach and has done a wonderful job with the Gators. Already took the Orlando Magic job and then backed out years ago when Stan Van Gundy ended up taking it. Worked out great for both guys. Talking to a number of college coaches of late, many of them are getting tired of the one and done mentality that many players have and the concept of the free agent mentality that many players have today regarding transferring oout each offseason. Dave Pacella Jersey Store. . I know, I get it, its a two-way street for both sides yet I think when  you coach at the highest level in top-notch leagues and have constant movement each year, you say to yourself, might as well get to where everyones trying to get to and not have to deal with recruiting and academics and the goofy NCAA rules and deal totally with why you do it in the first place: basketball - the game - and not the other nonsense. Like many college coaches, Im sure Donovan has had those thoughts. If he comes to the NBA, I have no doubt hed be good. 4. Cory Joseph (Spurs): Loved the swagger he played with in Game 4. Came in and looked like he belonged. Love the dunk on Serge Ibaka; posterized him! Hes a passionate competitor and you cant discount that playing in San Antonio has greatly helped his development as a young player. Hes had nice stints of play at times this year and with a guy like Patty Mills in front of him behind Tony Parker, minutes are tough to come by. When youre called upon, be ready. He has shown me that when that happens, hes ready to get after it. Good for him. 5. Russell Westbrook (Thunder): What a Game 4 performance with 40 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and five steals. When you look around the NBA right now, there arent many more talented guys than this guy out there. Yes, at times, he can drive you crazy with his self-absorbed play but you cant discount his ability. Hopefully, the consistent maturity and professional/team-oriented approach becomes a part of his daily persona. I see a young guy that is maturing and still figuring it out; a guy you definitely stick with because there is so much there and he really wants to win. Just still learning how to go about it the right way, but its coming.  ' ' '


came to an end with a 2-1 loss at Dunde

CLEVELAND -- Karin Knapp won her second match of the weekend to give Italy a 3-1 win over the United States in the first round of the Fed Cup World Group on Sunday. China Cheap Jerseys . Knapp defeated American Alison Riske 6-3, 7-5 to secure Italys victory in the best-of-five series. She held a 5-2 lead in the second set, only to let Riske tie it at five. But Knapp regained the momentum and closed out the match. "I got a little bit nervous, I got a little bit of emotion," Knapp said. "But I tried to continue my game, to hit the ball hard, to command the game." Knapp also defeated Christina McHale on Saturday, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. Camila Giorgi defeated Madison Keys 6-2, 6-1 in Saturdays second match. Stan Olejniczak Jersey Retro . Napoli beat high-flying Hellas Verona 3-0 to keep up the pressure on the top two while AC Milan had another disappointing night as four goals from teenage forward Domenico Berardi saw relegation-threatened Sassuolo come back from two goals down to win 4-3. Mike Fitzgerald Jersey Retro . Moors, from Cambridge Ont., landed a double-twisting, double somersault in the layout position, en route to a score of 14.600 points in the womens floor exercise, more than a full point ahead of runner-up Pia Tolle of Germany.GLASGOW, Scotland - Celtics eight-game winning run in the Scottish Premiership came to an end with a 2-1 loss at Dundee United that revived the title race on Sunday.Goals by Turkish striker Nadir Ciftci and Stuart Armstrong gave United a 2-0 lead by the 65th minute, before Leigh Grifffiths scored an 87th-minute reply for Celtic. Walt Merrill Jersey Retro. Griffiths struck the post in stoppage time.United moved into second place and tied on 34 points with Aberdeen, with both teams four points behind Celtic after 17 rounds.Aberdeen beat Kilmarnock 1-0 on Saturday. ' ' '



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