Bellingham and Kane save England in thrilling Euro 2024 match

By Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

GEISENKIRCHEN, GERMANY (June 30, 2024) In a stunning turnaround, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane came to England’s rescue on Sunday. Their heroics led to a dramatic 2-1 victory against Slovakia in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in two unforgettable moments that propelled England into the quarterfinals.

Slovakia struck first with a goal from Ivan Schranz in the 25th minute. This put England on the back foot as Slovakia defended fiercely for the next 70 minutes. Despite England’s dominance in possession, they struggled to break down Slovakia’s resolute defense and failed to register a single shot on target for most of the match.

Just when it seemed like England’s Euro 2024 journey was about to end in disappointment, Jude Bellingham produced a moment of sheer brilliance. In the 95th minute, with the match in added time, Bellingham executed a stunning bicycle kick to tie the game. His incredible goal was England’s first shot on target and ignited hope among fans and teammates alike.

Barely a minute after the game restarted, England’s captain Harry Kane found the back of the net with a clinical finish. Kane’s goal, officially recorded in the 91st minute, was his second of the tournament. This swift comeback secured England’s spot in the quarterfinals and brought the fans to their feet.

Bellingham’s spectacular strike was a defining moment in what had been a challenging tournament for the 21-year-old midfielder. Positioned in the No. 10 role behind Kane in England’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Bellingham had struggled to make a significant impact in the earlier matches. However, his remarkable goal showcased why he is considered one of the best midfielders in the world and a crucial player for England.

Following these dramatic goals, England manager Gareth Southgate made cautious substitutions, bringing on more defensive players to preserve the lead. Slovakia, determined to equalize, applied pressure in the final minutes of the match, but England’s defense held firm.

Earlier in the game, England thought they had an equalizer when Phil Foden scored in the 50th minute. However, the goal was rightly disallowed for offside after a video review. This added to the tension and frustration for England, making Bellingham’s late equalizer even more significant.

As the final whistle blew, it was clear that England had narrowly escaped another early exit from a major tournament. Entering Euro 2024 as pre-tournament favorites, England had underwhelmed in the group stage, securing only five points and two goals in three games. Bellingham and Kane’s last-minute heroics have now given them a chance to rewrite the narrative as they prepare to face Switzerland in the quarterfinals.

Houston Dynamo FC sends Charlotte FC home with 1-0 loss

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography     Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 29, 2024) Houston Dynamo FC continued their impressive run with a 1-0 win against Charlotte FC at Shell Energy Stadium, thanks to a quick goal by forward Aliyu Ibrahim (shown left).

The victory keeps the Dynamo undefeated in their last six matches, during which they have scored 14 goals. Ibrahim’s goal came in the fifth minute, marking his fifth of the season. The play began with a pass from forward Amine Bassi to Sebas Ferreira, who set up Ibrahim for the decisive shot.

Goalkeeper Steve Clark played a pivotal role in securing the win, making crucial saves throughout the match. His first big stop came in the eighth minute, blocking a strong attempt from Charlotte’s Kerwin Vargas. Clark ended the night with four saves, ensuring a fourth clean sheet for the team this season.

Clark stated after the match, "It's good to win at home, and we needed the points. We played one of our best games on the ball, and the guys performed really well tonight. It was a joy to watch, and I had a good seat for most of it."

Defender Franco Escobar earned a free kick in the 27th minute, giving captain Héctor Herrera a chance to score. Herrera’s shot was on target, but Charlotte’s goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina made the save. Clark was tested again in the 29th minute but handled the challenge easily.

Houston continued to press in the second half, with Griffin Dorsey nearly doubling the lead in the 48th minute. His shot, however, went just over the bar.

Charlotte tried to equalize, with their best chance coming in the 59th minute. Clark made a crucial save, deflecting the shot and then recovering the rebound. He made another significant save in the 75th minute, diving to stop a powerful shot from Liel Abada.

With this win, Houston Dynamo FC will head to Real Salt Lake for their next match on Wednesday, July 3. Kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. CT at America First Field.

Houston Dash, San Diego Wave FC battle to scoreless draw

Story and photo by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 22, 2024) The Houston Dash wrapped up a two-game homestand with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against San Diego Wave FC at Shell Energy Stadium tonight. This result means the Dash have not conceded a goal in their last two matches and have managed a shutout in three of their last four games.

Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell was outstanding, making three key saves to secure her sixth clean sheet of the season. Campbell recently signed a four-year extension with the Dash, ensuring she will stay with the team through the 2028 season. Her performance this season has been stellar, leading the league in shutouts.

The match saw some exciting moments, especially from Dash forward Diana Ordoñez, who forced a save from San Diego's goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan in the 10th minute. Barbara Olivieri's cross created the chance, but Sheridan was quick to react.

Houston's defense was rock solid, particularly in the second half when they didn't allow a single shot on target. Defender Natalie Jacobs led the team with four clearances, while Andressa contributed four interceptions. Olivieri was also impressive, winning all four of her tackles and leading the team with nine recoveries.

In the second half, the Dash continued to push for a goal. Avery Patterson's cross set up a chance for Sarah Puntigam, but the Wave defense cleared it. Tarciane's ambitious shot from outside the box also went wide. Ordoñez had a couple of late chances to score, but her efforts were blocked and off target.

The final opportunity came in the eighth minute of stoppage time when a cross found Tarciane, but her header missed the mark.

Next, the Dash will travel to Kansas City for a two-game road trip before taking a break from regular-season play. They will return to Shell Energy Stadium on July 28 to host Tigres UANL in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup.

Jane Campbell shines in Houston Dash's fifth clean sheet of season

Photo credit: Houston Dash, Used with permission

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (June 15, 2024)  In an exciting game at Shell Energy Stadium, Houston Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell led her team to a scoreless draw against Angel City FC, earning their fifth clean sheet of the season. With this performance, Campbell tallied her 35th career clean sheet for the Dash and was named Player of the Match.

Campbell made five crucial saves during the game, including a standout moment in the 53rd minute when she saved a penalty kick from Claire Emslie. This marked Campbell's ninth penalty kick save in all NWSL competitions, tying her for the most in league history with Kailen Sheridan.

Houston's first big chance came early, in the seventh minute, after a foul on Sophie Schmidt. Ramona Bachmann took the free kick, which found Paige Nielsen, but her shot was blocked. A minute later, midfielder Sarah Puntigam narrowly missed the far post with a long shot. Forward Michelle Alozie also had a good chance in the 16th minute, but her shot went wide.

Campbell's first save came in the 28th minute when she denied Alyssa Thompson at the near post. The game stayed tight, with both teams struggling to find the back of the net.

Angel City was awarded a penalty kick in the 53rd minute due to a handball inside the box. Campbell’s impressive save kept the score level and showcased her skill and composure under pressure.

Late in the game, forward Barbara Olivieri had two opportunities to score but couldn't convert. Rookie Amanda West also took a shot in stoppage time, followed by a header from Natalie Jacobs in the 102nd minute, but neither resulted in a goal.

The Houston Dash, now tied for the most clean sheets this season, will look to continue their strong defensive form as they host San Diego Wave FC on Saturday, June 22. 

USWNT faces challenges ahead of 2024 Paria Olympics

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

PASADENA, TEXAS (June 15, 2024) The United States women's national soccer team is going through a big change as they get ready for the 2024 Olympics. With new head coach Emma Hayes, the team is facing some tough challenges. They have fallen to their lowest-ever FIFA ranking, now sitting at No. 5.

The updated FIFA rankings released on Friday show that the U.S. dropped one spot from their previous rank in March. This is the lowest ranking for Team USA since FIFA started ranking women’s teams in 2003. It also marks a drop of three spots since the beginning of the year.

The decline began last year when the U.S. lost to Sweden in the Round of 16 at the World Cup. This was the first time the Americans failed to finish in the top three at the tournament since it started in 1991. That defeat pushed them down to No. 3 in the standings, behind Sweden and 2023 World Cup champion Spain.

Despite this, the team showed some strength by winning the SheBelieves Cup recently, beating Japan in the semifinals and Canada in the final.

The Olympics will be Emma Hayes' first major event as the head coach. Hayes, who had a very successful 12-year run with Chelsea, was named U.S. head coach in November. She has a record of 261 wins, 42 losses, and 64 draws, along with seven Super League titles and five FA Cup titles.

For the upcoming friendlies against Korea Republic, Hayes selected a 23-player roster with only 11 players from the 2023 World Cup team. She made some surprising choices, like picking defender Sam Staab over the more experienced Abby Dahlkemper.

Hayes told reporters:

"If we can perform at our best level, then we have a chance of doing things. But we've got work to do. The realities are that the world game is where it is, and the rest of the world do not fear the USA in the way that they once did and that's valid. It's our job to grasp quite quickly what we need to do to get close again to those levels."

Team USA will start their Olympic journey in Group B with Zambia, Germany, and Australia. Their first game is on July 25 against Zambia. 

IOC announces plans for the first-ever Olympic Esports Games

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND (June 14, 2024) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to launch the Olympic Esports Games, a new event featuring digital sports under the Olympic brand. This decision came after a report from the IOC’s Esports Commission during a three-day Executive Board meeting held in Lausanne, Switzerland. The proposal will be brought to the IOC Session for approval when it meets in Paris on July 22.

IOC President Thomas Bach stated that David Lappartient, the Commission Chair who has been involved in this initiative since 2018, will continue to be a part of this new branch of the Olympic Movement. The IOC previously tested the waters with the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021 and the Olympic Esports Series in Singapore in June 2023.

“This will bring our engagement in esports to a completely new level,” Bach said.

Currently, there are two major international federations that organize Esports world championships: the International Esports Federation (IeSF) based in South Korea, and the Global Esports Federation (GEF) in Singapore. However, these are not recognized by the IOC. Both federations host popular competitive titles, including battle games and simulated sports.

Bach has emphasized that the Olympic Esports Games will focus on family-friendly, non-violent titles, unlike some of the more popular violent games in the esports world. The IOC's Esports events have included games like Zwift for cycling and online Chess, aiming to promote Olympic values.

Some gamers have criticized the IOC’s choice of titles for not including their favorites. For instance, Epic Games' popular Fortnite was modified to a target shooting game for the Olympic Esports Series. Despite this, Bach believes the Olympic Esports Games will become a prestigious event in the esports world, much like the traditional Olympic Games.

The IOC will manage and finance the Olympic Esports Games separately from the traditional Olympics to ensure the financial stability of its member sports federations. The first host city for the event is yet to be announced, with Japan being a strong candidate. However, final decisions will be made after the IOC members vote in July.

This new initiative marks a significant step in integrating esports into the Olympic Movement, promising an exciting future for digital sports enthusiasts worldwide.

UIL Baseball State 6A All-Tournament Team Announced

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS (June 9, 2024) The Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association has announced the UIL Baseball State All-Tournament Team for Conference 6A. This team features the best players from the state tournament, with selections highlighting their outstanding performances.

MVP Honors: Karson Reeder, a sophomore from Tomball, was named the Most Valuable Player. His remarkable skills and performance throughout the tournament earned him this top honor.

Pitching Excellence: Nico Partida, a junior from Pearland, shone on the mound, earning him the pitcher spot on the all-tournament team. His powerful throws and consistent strikes were crucial for his team's success.

Behind the Plate: Cade Arrambide, a senior from Tomball, was selected as the catcher. His leadership and skill in managing the game from behind the plate were exceptional.

Infield Stars

• First Base: CJ Sampson, a sophomore from Tomball, was a strong presence at first base, contributing significantly both offensively and defensively.
• Second Base: Blaine Lucas, a senior from Tomball, showcased his experience and talent, securing the second base position.
• Third Base: Freshman Ryan Maples from San Antonio Johnson displayed impressive talent at third base, marking him as a rising star in the sport.
• Shortstop: Adrian Rodriguez, a senior from Lewisville Flower Mound, excelled at shortstop, demonstrating his agility and precision.

Outfield Talents: The outfield positions were filled with top performers:

• John Moya, a senior from Pearland, showed exceptional skill and speed.
• Walker Hurst, a junior from Pearland, displayed excellent fielding abilities.
• Catcher Hopkins, a sophomore from Tomball, impressed with his versatility and strength.

Utility Player: Josh Olivo, a senior from Tomball, was selected as the utility player. His ability to play multiple positions effectively made him a valuable asset to his team.

These talented athletes have been recognized for their hard work and dedication, making them standouts in the 2024 UIL Baseball State Tournament for Conference 6A. 

Brazil top Mexico 3-2 at Texas A&M's Kyle Field

Photo by Darla S Tamulitis, La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS (June 8, 2024) In front of 85,249 fans at Kyle Field, on the campus of Texas A&M University, Brazil edged out Mexico on the College Stayion stop of MexTour 2024, with a last-minute goal, winning 3-2 in a thrilling match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

The action kicked off early with Brazil’s Andreas Pereira finding the net just five minutes into the game, thanks to a great assist from Savio De Oliveira. The first half continued with intense play but no further goals, leaving Brazil with a 1-0 lead at halftime.

The second half saw Brazil doubling their lead when Gabriel Silva scored in the 54th minute, assisted by Yan Couto. This put Mexico under immense pressure, and they responded fiercely. Mexico's Julian Quiñones, coming off the bench, scored in the 73rd minute after a beautiful setup by Alexis Vega, giving Mexico hope.

The atmosphere grew even more electric as the match approached its end. In stoppage time, Mexico’s Guillermo Martinez scored an equalizer in the 92nd minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy. It seemed like the match was headed for a draw.

However, Brazil had other plans. In the 6th minute of added time in the second half, Endrick Sousa, assisted by Vinicius Junior, scored the winning goal, sealing a dramatic victory for Brazil.

Tomball Cougars down Pearland Oilers to win 6A state championship

By Robert H Kelly

Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

ROUND ROCK, TEXAS (June 8, 2024) Houston area high school baseball was destined to shine this season, and the Tomball Cougars made sure they were the ones bringing home the UIL Class 6A state championship. On Saturday at Dell Diamond, the Cougars clinched their second state title in program history with a 4-1 win over Pearland.

Tomball (41-3), ranked No. 3 in the nation by MaxPreps, ended their season with an impressive 30-game winning streak. They also secured two shutout victories in the state tournament. Pearland (36-9), on the other hand, fell short of state gold for the second year in a row after losing 6-4 in the final last season.

The game remained scoreless until the fourth inning when Tomball brought 10 batters to the plate and took control. Sophomore right-hander Karson Reeder delivered a stellar performance, pitching a complete game with just three hits allowed. He struck out 14 straight batters at one point, allowing Pearland only one hit in the sixth inning.

Pearland's senior pitcher Jaden Barfield, who started in the state championship game for the second consecutive year, had a strong start with four strikeouts in the first three innings. However, things took a turn in the fourth inning. With two runners on base, Reeder hit an RBI single, followed by a two-run single by Josh Olivo, and a bases-loaded walk by C.J. Sampson, putting Tomball up 4-0.

Barfield, an Oklahoma recruit, had previously thrown three shutouts during the postseason but struggled in this game. Despite his efforts, he couldn't stop Tomball's two-out rally in the fourth inning.

Reeder, who came into the game with a 12-1 record and a 0.89 ERA, continued to dominate after allowing a leadoff single. He ended the inning with a double play and kept Pearland in check until Cade Adams hit an RBI single with two outs in the seventh inning.

Tomball's playoff run was remarkable, going undefeated with a 12-0 record and allowing only 15 runs. This win marks Houston's first 6A state title since Deer Park won in 2017 and only the third 6A state title for  the Houston area since 2014.