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VANCOUVER -- The B. Evan Gattis Authentic Jersey .C. Lions are looking for more bang from their Buck on Friday as they host the Calgary Stampeders in the final game of the CFL regular season for both teams. Fresh off a strong relief appearance in a win over Edmonton last week, Buck Pierce will start at quarterback for the Lions as they prepare for the playoffs. It will be Pierces first start since July 19 while he was with a Winnipeg club that discarded him in a September trade to the Lions. "Each opportunity that you get, youre excited about, especially after the year that I had this year," said Pierce after a walk-through Thursday at B.C. Place Stadium. " Its not easy. You leave a situation that was tough mentally, and then youre put into a situation that gives you another opportunity to play and prove your worth and just have fun." The Lions (10-7) will use the game as preparation for a playoff road game, knowing that they are already set to finish third, and a possible re-match with the first-place Stampeders (14-3) in the Western Final. "I think we took a big step last week and did some good things," said Pierce. "Were looking to build off that." The Lions must hope that Pierces banged-up body holds up as he continues his second stint with B.C. in an injury-plagued career. He is getting the start because No. 1 signal-caller Travis Lulay is recuperating from a shoulder injury and replacement Thomas DeMarco has been ineffective recently. Some people might think its redemption time for Pierce, who threw for three touchdowns, ran for one and made a key block as Stefan Logan rushed for another against Edmonton. But Pierce, who has completed 17 of 27 passes for three touchdowns in four games with B.C. after being relegated to third-string status with Winnipeg, takes a different view. "Im not looking for any kind of redemption at all," said Pierce, a nine-year CFL veteran. "Ive never played that way. A lot of people have tried to spin it that way, like its me against the critics and all that kind of stuff. But thats never been what its been about for me. "For me, its about making the most of my opportunities and just go out there and play football and do what I love to do." Despite Pierces comments, he and the Lions, losers of three of their past four games and inconsistent for much of the season, have more than their fair share of critics. And, B.C.s quarterbacking situation for the post-season is far from certain. "If I was honest with you right now, were just going to see where it goes," said Lions coach Mike Benevides. But Pierce has the starters job until Benevides decides otherwise. "I need to continue to play Buck," said Benevides, adding he will play as long as necessary against Calgary. Lulay, who has missed six games after getting hurt while scoring a touchdown against Montreal on Sept. 15, is listed as the backup and will see some action if things are going as well as Benevides likes. "Im going to be suited up, Im going to be ready to play and when that happens, Im not definitively sure," said Lulay. He said its important to get game action in preparation for the playoffs, because it would be difficult to have to play in the post-season without any since his injury. But, like Pierce, he does not plan to reduce his injury risk by shying away from contact. "I think youre always being smart about how those things happen," said Lulay. "But when youre out on the field and youre doing whatever youre doing whatever it takes for your team, its part of playing the game." Meanwhile, the Stampeders are scheduled to use all three of their quarterbacks after general manager and coach John Hufnagel pledged to do so earlier in the week. Kevin Glenn is slated to start while Drew Tate and Bo Levi Mitchell are slated for relief duty. Glenn expects all three signal-callers to receive an equal number of plays. The Stampeders will also have a new look on their offensive line as veterans JMichael Deane and Stanley Bryant are sidelined with injuries that are not expected to keep them out of the playoffs. Hufnagel is also expected to give other players, notably running back Jon Cornish, less playing time than usual. But Glenn said the game still holds considerable importance, even with Calgary holding a bye in the first round. "We still want to go into the playoffs with a winning streak," said Glenn. "Nobody wants to go into the playoffs with a losing streak." The game is also important for him personally after he completed only 11 of 17 passes for 120 yards before being pulled in last Saturdays 29-25 win over Saskatchewan. But he is determined not to dwell on the sub-par effort, which he noted was rare. "The thing is, to have a short memory for your body," he said. "You move on." The Stampeders have a 2-1 record against B.C. this season. Glenn and Cornish said its important for the Stamps to post another win in order to have momentum going into the playoffs. Cornish leads the CFL in yards from scrimmage (2,143) and rushing (1,799). But noting that he has not achieved any of his personal goals this season, he is not looking to pad his statistics. "If (the coaches) want to pull me early, Im cool with that," he said. "If they dont, thats cool, too." The game will be the last for the Lions at home this season. They hope to put in a strong showing for their fans and use the contest as a chance to set the stage for a strong first-round playoff game in Saskatchewan and a possible rematch with the Stampeders in the Western Final after losing to them last year on the same B.C. Place field. "We want to try and send a message," said Lions linebacker Adam Bighill. "If we see them again in the West Final, we want them to remember that we smacked them around here first." Bobby Cox Braves Jersey . And the Ottawa Redblacks linebacker wanted to be sure his words delivered their full effect. "Its an insult," he said over the phone Wednesday after the CFL Players Association lifted its media ban, giving its members the ability to speak openly about stalling collective bargaining talks.Phil Niekro Authentic Jersey .ca in a 30 Teams In 30 Days tour of the NHL in preparation for the upcoming season.PHOENIX -- Al�Jefferson helped the Utah Jazz dominate the paint and the game Friday night. Jefferson scored 21 points and Paul�Millsap added 19 to lead the Utah Jazz past the slumping Phoenix Suns, 87-80 on Friday night. "We kept attacking and didnt settle for too many outside shots," Jefferson said. "We kept attacking the paint." The Jazz were dominant down low, hitting 30 of 58 shots in the paint for a 60-28 advantage. "Thats how weve got to play," Millsap said. "We come out and put it all on the floor and good things are going to happen." Not including Utahs six free throws, the Jazz scored only 18 points outside the key. "Almost everything they did was in the paint except a couple of jump shots," Suns coach Alvin Gentry said. "Thats the toughest thing." Gordon�Hayward added 14 points off the bench for the Jazz, who have won consecutive games for the first time since they won four in a row Dec. 5-12. "I didnt like the first quarter but after the first quarter until the last three minutes of the game I thought we picked it up on the defensive end." Utahs bench outscored Phoenixs reserves 32-14 and scored 25 points off a season-high 21 Suns turnovers. "They werent forced," Gentry said of the turnovers. "We threw it away." Utah was without centre Enes�Kanter, who sprained his right ankle in a win Wednesday against Minnesota. Marcin�Gortat had 18 points and 11 rebounds for Phoenix, which has dropped seven of eight. Goran�Dragic added 17 points, but only six after the first quarter. Randy�Foye gave the Jazz the lead for good, 47-44, on a 3-pointer with 9:41 left in the third quarter -- Utahs only 3-pointer on nine attempts. Four minutes later, Jefferson scored six straight points to key a 14-2 run that stretchhed Utahs lead to 65-52. Babe Ruth Braves Jersey. Phoenix pulled no closer than seven the rest of the way, needing a 10-0 run in the final two minutes to narrow the final margin. The Suns shot 77.8 per cent in the first quarter to take a 31-25 lead, with three of four starters scoring eight points or more. But that abruptly changed in the second quarter, when the Suns second unit went 8:24 without scoring. Fortunately for Phoenix, the Jazz were just as cold -- the teams combined to miss 21 consecutive shots over a 4:28 span and Utah led only 42-40 at halftime. "I dont know what happened," Dragic said. "The second unit didnt move the ball as well. They were playing more one and five and taking tough shots. When you play like that youre not getting good looks, youre shooting over hands and you shoot a low percentage." Phoenixs nine second-quarter points were a season low for any quarter and just two points off the franchise record for futility. "I thought the first quarter was the best weve played all season," Gentry said. "But the last three quarters were as bad as possibly could have played." NOTES: The Jazz had not won in Phoenix since March 4, 2010. ... Utah won on the road for the first time since Dec. 23. ... The Suns scored seven points in a quarter on Nov. 11, 2006, against Memphis. ... Millsap missed the final nine minutes of the first quarter after he bumped heads with Suns forward P.J.�Tucker. Millsap needed three stitches in his right earlobe but returned at the start of the second. Later in the game, he took a shot to the throat. ... Phoenix made 14 field goals in the first quarter but only 20 the rest of the way. . Suns guard Jared�Dudley, known locally for his lack of dunking ability, was fouled on a dunk for a "dunk and one," his first, he said, since college. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

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TORONTO - Garrett Billings scored six goals and added six assists as the Toronto Rock dominated the Philadelphia Wings 20-10 in National Lacrosse League action on Friday night. Dale Murphy Jersey . Stephan Leblanc and Kasey Beirnes had four goals and two assists apiece, Colin Doyle had three goals and four assists, Rob Hellyer scored once and assisted on seven, and Ethan OConnor and Scott Johnson also scored for the Rock (4-3). Toronto goaltender Nick Rose made 41 saves for the win. Kevin Crowley and Tracey Kelusky scored three goals each for Philadelphia (3-5). Pat Saunders had two goals and two assists, Brodie Merrill had a goal and three assists, and Ryan Ward scored once and assisted on two. Wings goaltenders Brandon Miller and Evan Kirk split time in net, with Miller stopping 16 of 25 shots in just under 32 minutes, and Kirk giving up 11 goals on 24 shots. Julio Teheran Jersey .Y. -- Ralph Wilson fulfilled his vow in keeping the Bills in Buffalo during his lifetime. Dan Uggla Authentic Jersey . That will be 35 more holes than the first time they played together. Walker was a senior at Baylor when he used his parents credit card -- against their wishes because it was during finals -- to go through Monday qualifying for the Byron Nelson Championship.Carmelo�Anthony said Wednesday that he has heard Phil Jackson will be "coming on board" with the New York Knicks, the strongest indication yet that the 11-time NBA champion coach will soon be taking over the teams basketball operations. Anthony went as far as to suggest that its no longer a question of if Jackson will rejoin the Knicks, but when. "Everythings in his hands now," Anthony told reporters in Boston at the Knicks gameday shootaround practice. Neither the Knicks nor Jackson had any immediate comment. Jackson played on the Knicks last championship team in 1973, and later went on to win six NBA titles as a coach with the Chicago Bulls and five more with the Los Angeles Lakers. "Im agnostic as to what team, but I would love to see Phil Jackson" back in the league, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday after speaking to the Boston College Chief Executives Club of Boston. "To have one of the greatest ever sitting on the sidelines is a loss for the league," Silver added. "The league needs him. I hope he lands with some organization." Jackson, 68, has said in the past that teams have tried to lure him back to the NBA, and there has been speculation for several days that this offer from the Knicks would be good enough to get him to interrupt retirement. Jackson has been out of the league and largely out of the public eye since 2011, when he ended his coaching stint with the Lakers. "I still dont have a lot of the details, all the details," Anthony told reporters. "Have I heard? Yeah, Ive heard that he will be coming on board. Its not official yet. You can always use Phil Jacksons insight on whatever ... his philosophy, his mindset, his resume, what he brings to the game, what he brings to a team or organization. That goes without even saying, so well see how that plays out." Anthony said he hasnt spoken with Jackson about his plans for the Knicks. If this deal becomes official, that will likely change quickly, since Anthony could leave this summer as a free agent. Anthoony said the Knicks told him about their pursuit of Jackson over the last couple days. Bobby Cox Jersey. He gave no indication if Jacksons potential involvement with the Knicks would affect his free-agency plans. "It wasnt something that was do-or-die based on my decision," Anthony told reporters. "Them guys was going to make that decision regardless of what I said." Ever since Jackson last coached, there has been a certain amount of guessing about when he would return to the league � or if any offer really could get him to leave Montana, where hes spent much of retirement. He didnt exactly slam the door shut in 2012, telling HBOs "Real Sports" that "there might be" a job that would bring him back to the game. In that same interview, Jackson called the Knicks roster at the time "clumsy" and said Anthony had to become a better passer. But he also seemed to suggest that if he wanted, he could still win. "The game doesnt pass a person by," Jackson told HBO in that interview. The Knicks won 54 games last season and considered themselves to be title contenders. They entered Wednesday on a four-game winning streak, but were still No. 10 in the Eastern Conference standings, 3 1/2 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot. Already, though, speculation is rampant that major changes are coming before next season. Knicks coach Mike Woodson has been on perhaps the hottest of hot seats, Anthony could go elsewhere, and it would certainly make sense if Jackson surrounded himself with people who are familiar with him and the style he used to coach the Bulls and Lakers to the 11 titles. "You cant take for granted what he knows about the game of basketball, whether hes on the sideline or in the front office," Anthony told reporters. "Im sure he will try to his best to do what he has to do to try to build a championship team. He knows how to put guys together, put a team together. Well see what happens." AP Sports Writer Jimmy Golen in Boston contributed to this report. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

TORONTO -- Wins continue to elude Drew�Hutchison. Phil Niekro Braves Jersey . Hank�Conger homered and drove in a career-high five runs to power the Los Angeles Angels to a 9-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon. Hutchison (1-3) gave up three runs and four walks over just 4 1/3 innings to extend his winless streak to seven starts. "You cant walk four guys," Hutchison said afterwards. Unfortunately, rookie reliever Marcus�Stroman also struggled. He was pounded for four runs over 1 2/3 innings after replacing Hutchison as Los Angeles earned its third straight win. Toronto came into this four-game series riding a season-high, five-game win streak. "Thats the way it goes in this business sometimes," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "You think everything is going in the right direction, then all of a sudden, wham, you run into some pretty good pitching and a good offence. "Theyre just out-playing us. But, a well-pitched game can cure all that." Toronto (18-20) will send ace Mark�Buehrle (6-1, 1.91 earned-run average) to the mound in the series finale Monday night. The Angels (19-17) will counter with left-hander C.J.�Wilson (4-2, 3.21 ERA). On Sunday, Los Angeles feasted on Toronto pitching, with Conger registering three hits before a Rogers Centre gathering of 20,871. But it was a two-out walk to Howie�Kendrick in the fourth that was the start of Hutchisons undoing. It was followed by two doubles-- L.A.s first hits of the day -- as the Angels scored twice for a 2-1 advantage and stayed ahead the rest of the way. "I was ahead and I didnt put him away," Hutchison said of Kendricks at-bat. "It was not a good job on my part." The Angels ended Hutchisons afternoon in the fifth. Collin�Cowgill, the No. 9 hitter, led off with a walk and went to third on a sharp single by Erick�Aybar. That chased Hutchison and Cowgill scored on Mike�Trouts double off Stroman. L.A. blew it open in the sixth, sending eight men to the plate and scoring four runs off Stroman for a 7-1 lead. The big blast came from Conger, who belted a 93 mile-per-hour fastball over the right centre-field wall for a three-run shot. Meanwhile, Angels veteran right-hander Jered�Weaver (4-2) surrendered a run in the first but nothing more over 6-1/3 innings to win his fourth straight decision. "Jered did a good job mixing his pitches up," said Toronto second baseman Steve�Tolleson. "He never really threw the same pitch two times in a row and he would take something off his fast ball, add something to his curve, take something off his changeup. "He was good out there." Toronto threatened in the seventh, loading the bases and chasing Weaver with one out. But right-handed reliever Michael�Kohn got Colby�Rasmus to pop out behind second before Tolleson struck out looking. Edwin�Encarnacion pulled Toronto to within 7-3 with a two-run double in the eighth but L.A. countered with two in the ninth. Toronto slugger Jose�Bautista entered Sundays game having reached base safely in all 37 games this season to lead the majors. But that club record was snapped Sunday as Bautista went 0 for 4 with an RBI. Toronto opened the scoring in the first. Jose�Reyes led off with a sharp single to left, then stole second on the next pitch. With one out, Reyes got a great jump off Weaver as Bautista cued one off the end of his bat to second. As Kendrick scooped up the ground ball and tossed it to first, Reyes broke from third and slid head-first ahead of first baseman Albert�Pujols throw. L.A. took the lead in the fourth, combining a walk and their first two hits of the day, all with two out. Efren�Navarro doubled into the left-field corner to score Kendrick, who walked, stole second and advanced to third on catcher Dioner�Navarros throwing error. One pitch later, Conger doubled to bring in Navarro with the go-ahead run. After the game when Gibbons said reliever Sergio�Santos was headed to the 15-day disabled list with forearm stiffness. The Jays will announce Monday wholl take his spot on the roster. NOTES -- Toronto closer Casey�Janssen (left abdominal/lower back strain) returned from the 15-day disabled list prior to Sundays game. To make room on the 25-man roster, infielder Chris�Getz was designated for assignment . . . Tolleson, who signed as a free agent this off-season, came into Sundays game batting .429 with all six of his hits with Toronto having gone for extra bases -- four doubles, two triples. That made him the first player since Chris�Dickerson with Cincinnati in 08 to do that with his new team. Andrelton Simmons Authentic Jersey . The All-Star point guard, sidelined for the past six months with a knee injury, was set to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup for Sunday nights home game against the Phoenix Suns, weeks earlier than expected. Bobby Cox Braves Jersey . The Lions traded their fifth overall pick in the 2014 CFL Draft to the Ottawa Redblacks for QB Kevin Glenn.KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Tampa Bay left-hander Matt�Moore left Monday nights game against the Royals in the fifth inning with an apparent injury. Moore grimaced after throwing a pitch to Nori Aoki and Rays manager Joe Maddon and a member of the teams athletic training staff went to the mound. After a brief conversation, Madden called for left-hander Cesar�Ramos out of the bullpen and Moore departed without trying a warm-up pitch. Greg Maddux Jersey. Moore was 17-4 with a 3.29 ERA in 27 starts last year. He had thrown 78 pitches against the Royals and left trailing 1-0. cheap jerseyscheap jerseys from china ' ' '

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. OBrien Schofield Jersey Seattle Seahawks . -- Matt�Cassel will start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings against Carolina on Sunday, a seemingly inevitable decision finally confirmed by coach Leslie Frazier. Cassel helped the Vikings get their first victory of the season with a solid performance in London against Pittsburgh Sept. 29, a game Christian�Ponder sat out of because of a broken rib. Ponder was cleared to play this week, though. Despite Fraziers earlier statement that Ponder was still the starter when healthy, the Vikings decided to make the former first-round draft pick their backup. Frazier said his mind was made up a couple of days ago. "I think its always tough when you make a change at quarterback," he said. "You have to take a lot of factors into it when youre doing that. You dont make those decisions lightly, and we didnt. Well see how it plays out." The Vikings signed ex-Tampa Bay quarterback Josh�Freeman this week, further muddling the position. Frazier wasnt ready to declare Freeman an option for the next game, Oct. 21 on the road against the New York Giants, but he said hed re-evaluate the situation Monday. Cassel is 30-33 in 63 career starts, most of them with Kansas City. He said he didnt find out until Friday. "Ive been focusing on it without really knowing but at the same time anticipating maybe this would happen," Cassel said. "You know what? You never know in this league. I wouldnt have guessed on Monday wed have another quarterback in the room as well." After practice Thursday, Ponder acknowledged the mental challenge of the last few weeks. "I would be lying if I didnt say its a little disappointing and frustrating," he said. "But Im not going to get too discouraged about it. Im a man of faith and I know God is in control." Ponder said a trade "would be difficult to deal with" but that he was trying not to worry about the future of his career. Picked 12th overall in the 2011 draft, Ponder is 12-17 as a starter with 39 turnovers. "Its a waste of energy and thought to think about what could happen and what might not happen," he said. "Im just trying to enjoy these moments because life in the NFL doesnt last long." The Vikings also listed kicker Blair�Walsh as questionable for Sunday due to tightness in his hamstring that kept him out of practice the last two days. Punter Jeff�Locke would be the emergency replacement, but Frazier said hes anticipating Walsh will play against the Panthers. Cornerback Chris�Cook (groin) and safety Jamarca�Sanford (hamstring) are expected back in the starting lineup after missing the Steelers game with injuries. Max Unger Jersey Seattle Seahawks .C. -- If this was Jabari Parkers last home game at Duke, what a farewell it was. Christine Michael Jersey Seattle Seahawks . Kawhi�Leonard scored 20 points, Tony�Parker had 16 points and 10 assists, and San Antonio rolled to a 114-97 victory over the Trail Blazers on Thursday night for a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.HALIFAX - Halifax was named the host city for the 2015 world mens curling championship Tuesday. It will mark the 22nd time the tournament has been held in this country and fourth in Atlanta Canada but will make its first appearance ever in played Nova Scotia. The games will be played at the 10,500-seat Halifax Metro Centre. Kam Chancellor. Canada has captured 34 world championships since the mens event began in 1959, the latest coming in 2012 when Glenn Howard of Midland, Ont., won gold in Basel, Switzerland. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

It hit me this week. jerseys nfl cheap china . There it was staring at me in the form of a magazine advert for posters. Placed together as portraits were drawings of four high-profile football managers but one made me do a double take. It wasnt long ago that the face of David Moyes, placed next to Jose Mourinho, Manuel Pellegrini and Arsene Wenger, would not have made me think twice. I have always hoped he would succeed, back to the days when I covered him as a manager of Preston North End. Yet, heading into Wednesdays crucial game against Olympiakos, it was easy to look at him differently after what has taken place under his watch at Manchester United this season. I am not a United fan but when I visited Old Trafford for their clash with Chelsea in August I was pleased that he had been given a chance. "The Chosen One" sign hung proudly in the famous Stretford End and the United fans sung songs with his name in them and mocked the manager in the opposing dugout. "You wanted the job...you wanted the job...Jose Mourinho...you wanted the job!" Seven months on and the joke has turned on them. Oh how they must wish for Mourinho to be in charge of Manchester United today. The same amount of home league wins as Crystal Palace. Fewer home league goals than Stoke, Swansea and West Ham. More than twice as many league losses than Chelsea. "This has been a difficult season," admitted Moyes in his programme notes for Wednesdays home match against Olympiakos in the second leg of their last 16 encounter in the crown jewel of club football, the Champions League. The official matchday programme had a message for fans before they even opened it saying, on the front cover, the Reds are determined to give everything. Inside the desperation reached new heights with a message from Moyes telling the fans to "make time wasting noticeable to the officials." It all felt a little forced. Defensive, in fact. From a team full of stars who have underperformed this season, the one message they wanted to make sure they got across was that they would give it everything. Manchester United expect more than effort but on a day when it felt like their managers job was seriously on the line, this was the message they were given. It was a night when more than a managers job seemed in jeopardy. A club who this season have badly lost their identity, were in danger of losing their place amongst the sports elite. On Wednesday night they claimed back a little bit of both. Before Robin van Persie scored a terrific hat-trick, United were in danger of falling from the balcony hosting the greatest clubs in the world and hanging on by their finger nails. Their position, outside the room, is not exclusively David Moyes fault but an elimination on Wednesday would have certainly played a massive part in the eventual sacking of the manager, whether that would have been this week or in the summer. The truth is United dont think they should be on the balcony, instead they think they should be inside hosting the party, but a home win against Olympiakos wont get them back in. What it does give them is two more games to show if they can once again be back where they belong as well as a victory that this club badly needed, not just for Moyes, but for themselves. To understand Uniteds demise at the elite level it is important to look at their performances in the true big games. No United team should be judged on past victories over any team out of the top 7 of the Premier League. For the purpose of this study, I looked at all of Manchester Uniteds matches in the last six seasons against Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham and their games in Europe, whether it be in the Champions League, Europa League or the European Super Cup. Over the last three seasons (2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14) United have now played 66 of these big game matches. They have won 28, drew 15 and lost 23 for a very disappointing win percentage of 42 per cent. They have been knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage and the last 16 in the last two seasons. In the three seasons prior to this stretch (2008/09, 2009/10, 2010/11), United played 70 big game matches. They won 45, drew 18 and lost 17 for a very impressive win percentage of 64 per cent. During this time they went to the Champions League final TWICE and lost in the quarter-finals on away goals to a team called Bayern Munich. The alarm bells should have been sounded during Sir Alex Fergusons penultimate year in charge when United were well and truly outplayed at Old Trafford in Europe by Benfica, Basel, Ajax and Atletico Bilbao. Likely, this was when Ferguson knew his time to retire was coming soon. He no longer belonged in the room at the top table with the sports best clubs. A collapse in April in two more big game matches, 4-4 at home to Everton and 1-0 at Manchester City, gave away the title and Ferguson returned for one more year but the big game cracks continued to show. The four previous seasons United had lost 24 big game matches combined � an average of 6 losses per season. Despite cruising to the Premier League title last season, United lost nine big game matches in 2012/13. Yes, they were Premier League champions but against the best sides they looked desperately short of genuine world class players. Alarmingly, in the last 14 months, heading into Wednesdays match, they had played 27 of these matches and won just seven of them. This is where the intense pressure fell on Moyes. This season, before Wednesday, in 18 of these games, his United team have scored more than one goal in a game only three times. No wins in four games against Chelsea and Tottenham. One goal, from a set piece, in two matches against Arsenal. A loss at home to Everton and away at Manchester City and, above everything else, two losses to rivals Liverpool who absolutely demolished United at Old Trafford on Sunday. All of these results, and specifically the performances, stayed with Moyes like bruises on the face of a prize fighter and with every new failure in a big game his loyal supporters started to doubt him more. Moyes wasnt just on the ropes on Wednesday night. He was on the floor facing a count to 10. Thats what makes the victory over Olympiakos so enormous. It is arguably the biggest victory in the career of Moyes. A victory that proves to himself, his bosses and his players that he can take charge of a significant victory in a big game. A loss would have capped off a nightmare season for United and the only way the club could have hung on to that balcony will have been to fire Moyes and blame him for their season. Players care about three things. Money, trophies, and playing at the highest level. It is essential that Manchester United are always able to offer that. If they had been knocked out on Wednesday they will have only had money in their hands to offer players who will have been worried to play for Moyes. Yes, the 3-0 victory saved Moyes but it also saved United who have been treading water in big games for far too long. It is clear star players need to come in to improve their record in those games but, perhaps, a star manager does not. Wednesdays win is only one game but for Moyes it can help change perceptions that, perhaps, he belongs amongst the games best managers without anyone looking at him twice. cheap nfl jerseys .com) - The Edmonton Oilers have been in spoiler mode for a while now, however as the season winds down they become more and more dangerous to opponents fighting for a playoff berth. jerseys nfl cheap . Heading into the final round with a two-stroke lead, Donald had seven birdies and two bogeys at the par-71 Phoenix Country Club to finish at 14-under 270 on the Japan Tour.ATLANTA -- Flanked by his family, his former manager and a group of teammates he hates to leave behind, Chipper�Jones choked up a bit and delivered the news thats been looming for years: Its time to call it a career. This time, he means it. With his 40th birthday approaching and a long string of injuries slowing him down, Jones announced Thursday he will retire after one more season as the Atlanta Braves third baseman. "I have fulfilled everything," Jones said during a news conference at the teams spring training stadium in Kissimmee, Fla. "Theres nothing left for me to do." Jones, who has spent his entire 18-year career with Atlanta, actually planned to retire after the 2010 season, only to change his mind. As he battled leg issues this spring, he openly wondered if hed be able to make it through the season. So, hell give it one more year with the Braves, then become a full-time dad to his three children. "I just want to make it final," Jones said. He praised the Braves organization, calling Bobby Cox "the greatest manager any of us will ever know," thanked team executives John Schuerholz and Frank Wren for building a perennial winner and fought back tears as he turned to his teammates. "Ive been thinking about this and the reason I stayed around is you guys," Jones said. "I played on teams where clubhouse cohesion wasnt there. That never happened with you guys." Around baseball, Jones was praised for this long, consistent career, which included the NL MVP award in 1999, an NL batting title in 2008, seven All-Star games -- and, quite possibly, will include an induction ceremony at Cooperstown. Even fans of the rival New York Mets, who were continually battered by Jones as crowds in the Big Apple tried to rattle him by chanting his actual name ("Larry! Larry! Larry" was a familiar chant at old Shea Stadium), offered up nothing but respect. Jones already reciprocated by naming one of his children Shea. "Hes a great ballplayer who has always been a Mets nemesis," said New York fan John Ring, speaking before Mets spring training game in Port St. Lucie, Fla. "I mean, he just tore them apart. Hes been an asset to the game, but as Mets fans we never wanted to see him in the lineup." Mets third baseman David�Wright grew up wanting to be like Jones, which didnt change after they both wound up in the big leagues. "Hes been one of those guys where I always looked across and tried to take away some of the things from his game and apply it to mine," Wright said. "Hes been so consistent, so good for so long and been part of a lot of great times. Its going be a little odd looking across there and not seeing Chipper in uniform, thats for sure." New York Yankees shortstop Derek�Jeter, whose 17-year stint with one team is surpassed only by Jones among active players, has always been impressed by the way the Atlanta player carries himself: a wad of tobacco in his jaw, a batting glove always dangling out of his back pocket when he took the field. "He just looks like a ballplayer, you know? His actions, his mannerisms, everything he does," Jeter said. "I really cant say enough good things about him. The way hes gone about his business, his consistency, how he took care of himself, what he means to the team. He could flat-out hit. Hes a Hall of Famer, for sure." He should be a first-ballot selection, according to Cox, who attended the news conference with the only other manager Jones will have in his big league career, current Braves skipper Fredi Gonzalez. Schuerholz, the former general manager and now team president, and Wren are the only GMs of the Jones era. Stability meant a lot to the third baseman, who never seriously considered leaving the Braves. "To have two top executives and only two managers at one table after all these years says a lot about this organization," Jones said. "There have been times when I could have gone into free agency to see if the grass is greener, but it never was." While other players came and went, Jones was always the one constant in the clubhouse. jerseys nfl cheap free shipping. "He was the face of the franchise," said former teammate Andruw�Jones, whos now with the Yankees. "You dont see it too much any more. Its hard for players to stay with one organization." No matter what happens in his final season, Chipper�Jones will go down as one of the games greatest switch-hitters, a guy who could hit for average (.304 in his career) and power (454 homers and 1,561 RBIs). Shortly after reporting for what will be his final spring training, Jones marveled that he was still with the Braves with his milestone birthday coming up in April. "Never in my mid-20s would I have given myself a snowballs chance to be in camp and have a job at 40 years old," Jones told The Associated Press. "But I like to think Ive kept myself in pretty good shape over the years. The skills are still there to go out and get it done. I dont know for how much longer, but were going to ride it as long as we can." That ride lasts one more season. The Braves said Jones hopes to remain with the organization in another capacity after his playing career ends, but it wont happen next year. First, he plans to spend some long-overdue time with his family. "I just want to be a full-time dad," Jones said. But hell always stay involved in the game. While Jones has no desire to go into managing, he has indicated a desire to be hitting instructor some day. "I have such a passion for hitting," Jones said last month. "Im kind of a one-track-mind kind of guy. I cant have my hands in a bunch jars and be delegating responsibility for a bunch of different areas. Id much rather stay focused on just one area and be able to do that well. While I think I could manage, I really dont have the urge to manage. Id much rather be a hitting coach than a manager." Jones, the top overall pick in the 1990 draft, was initially pegged to join the Braves lineup four years later as a left fielder. But he suffered a season-ending knee injury in spring training, delaying his debut. What a debut it was. Back at his natural infield position in 1995, Jones finished second in the NL rookie of the year balloting and helped the Braves win their first World Series title in Atlanta. That remains his only championship, even though the Braves kept right on winning the NL East through 2005 in an unprecedented streak of 14 straight division titles. Jones was on teams that lost to the Yankees in the 1996 and 99 World Series. After the team slumped for a couple of years, Jones was joined by a new generation of players who led the Braves back to the post-season in 2010 -- the final year of Coxs long tenure as manager. Atlanta lost to the eventual champion San Francisco Giants in a tightly fought division series that Jones missed, having gone down in August with the second season-ending knee injury of his career. Now, the Braves have one more chance to send Jones into retirement with a second World Series title. "Hes had 18 remarkable years," Schuerholz said, "and I hope his 19th is his most remarkable." Injuries were an unfortunate hindrance to Jones career, preventing him from reaching 500 homers. In addition to the two major knee operations, Jones had to deal with nagging ailments since 2004. This spring, he reported in top shape but his legs tightened, leading him to question whether he could even make it through the season. "Theres not a day goes by that I dont take some kind of pill or injection ... to help me go out there," he said. When Jones was healthy, he was one of games most feared hitters. His best season was 1999, when he won the MVP award with a .319 average, a career-leading 45 homers and 110 RBIs. Nine years later, at 36, he won his first batting title with a career-high .364 average, which remains the last of his 10 seasons hitting above .300. Despite his impressive power numbers, Jones always considered average to be the most important statistic. "Youre never going to convince me I cant hit .300-plus," he said. "Hitting .300 -- thats my benchmark." cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

Vinny Prospal officially announced his retirement from the NHL on Tuesday after 1,108 NHL games, 255 goals and 765 points. Coby Fleener Jersey . A veteran of 16 NHL seasons, Prospals career was highlighted by him ranking fourth in points scored, third in assists and sixth in games played among all Czech Republic born players in NHL history. "I want to thank my teammates and coaches who helped me enjoy a 20-year professional hockey career when very few thought I would play even one NHL game," said Prospal. "I sincerely want to thank the fans who have been so good to me, treating me with such kindness and respect, for the 20 years I have played here in North America in both the NHL and the AHL. Playing in the NHL was a dream. To play at the highest level for 16 years, with the best players in the world is something I will cherish for the rest of my life." Prospal�played for seven NHL teams - the Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning�- with three stints in Tampa Bay and two in Philadelphia. The Vancouver Canucks were looking to sign the 38-year-old winger to an American Hockey League tryout with the� Canucks affiliate, the Utica Comets last week. However, Prospal informed the team Friday he has decided to retire instead. "I loved playing hockey, I loved scoring goals and I loved being a part of the NHL for so many years. That said, within minutes of me stepping on the ice for practice last week in Abbotsford, I knew that I wanted to focus on something that was more important than hockey, my family. I love my wife and I love my children. Having spent much of the last 10 months with them waiting for a call to return to the ice, I know now that I would rather be with them at home helping and supporting my wife and being with my kids than playing the game I love so much. When I got on the ice with the Abbotsford Heat last Thursday, it was clear to me that I did not have the desire to play at the level I have come to expect of myself anymore. And to not be able to give everything needed would be to disrespect the game that has been so good to me. I am going to focus all my time and attention now on being a good father and a husband. Because, in the end, my family is and will always be my greatest accomplishment. "I want to thank all of the teams I have played with for having the faith in me they did. I especially want to thank the Vancouver Canucks, with whom I have never played a game for, and my coach and friend, John Tortorella, for helping me have closure that would not have occurred had they not extended to me the opportunity they did last week. I appreciate Torts and the Canucks for their faith in me and am sorry I will not be reunited with one of the most influential people in my life in Torts as we had planned." Prospal was drafted 71st overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. Jonathan Newsome Elite Jersey . Pelfrey hit a tiebreaking two-run double and limited the Rockies to three solo homers, helping the New York Mets to a 4-3 win over Colorado on Tuesday night. Andrew Luck Elite Jersey . - Once Gerald�Green gets going, he doesnt think he can be stopped. TORONTO -- With his team looking to escape the eighth inning with a slim lead, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell thought he had the matchup he wanted to get the third out. Wilson�Betemit proved him wrong. Betemit hit a two-out, two-run single in the eighth inning off left-handed reliever Darren�Oliver as the Baltimore Orioles overcame four solo home runs by the Blue Jays in a 7-5 victory on Friday. "I had a good pitch to hit," Betemit said. "He threw me a fastball right down the middle." With runners at first and third and two out, left-handed reliever Oliver (0-1) pitched carefully to Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt�Wieters, who entered the game batting .364, and walked him. That brought switch-hitter Betemit to the plate, who usually hits better left-handed. But his time the Orioles third baseman came through batting right, hitting a first-pitch fastball up the middle for a single that scored two runs. It was the match-up Farrell wanted and it was the one that beat him. "The match-up ended up being Betemit." Farrell said. "We wanted him batting right-handed. As well as Wieters came into the series swinging the bat we were okay with somewhat pitching around him with second base being open. We wanted Betemit hitting right-handed in that situation." In his career, Betemit has hit .245 against left-handed pitchers as a right-handed batter and .276 as a left-handed hitter against right-handed pitchers. "Wilson has had a couple of big hits for us right-handed," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "I know exactly what (Farrell) is thinking. Id have done the same thing. His better side is left-handed." Right-hander Darren�ODay (1-0) picked up the win for Baltimore for one inning in relief. Jim�Johnson pitched the ninth for his third save despite giving up an infield single to Brett�Lawrie and hitting J.P.�Arencibia with a pitch. Kelly�Johnson, Colby�Rasmus, Yunel�Escobar and Edwin�Encarnacion each hit solo home runs for Toronto against Baltimore starter Tommy�Hunter. Robert�Andino and Adam�Jones hit solo home runs for Baltimore against Blue Jays starter Brandon�Morrow, who allowed six hits, one walk and four runs while striking out four in seven innings. "It was home run derby out there tonight," said Jones who was 3-for-4. "A lot of balls left the ballpark." Nolan�Reimold, who was 3-for-5 with two doubles, hit his first homer of the season off Casey�Janssen in the ninth to bump Baltimores lead to two. The four homers Hunter surrendered equalled his career high. He allowed five runs, four earned, on six hits and two walks in six-plus innings. Reimolds leadoff double, a groundout and a sacrifice fly to left by Nick�Markakis, put the Orioles (4-3) into a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Trent Richardson Jersey. Johnson homered to left in the bottom of the first, his second of the season. Johnson has hit in six of Torontos seven games this season and has reached base in each of them. Markakis sliced a double to left to lead off the fourth and scored on a single to centre by Jones. The next two outs were deep flies -- to the right-field wall Matt�Wieters and to the warning track in centre by Betemit -- but Morrow survived. The Blue Jays (4-3) tied the score in the bottom of fourth when Reimold was charged with an error on Adam�Linds sinking drive to left. Jose�Bautista scored from first, avoiding Wieters tag at the plate. He sprawled past the plate and then came back to touch it with his hand while diving. The Orioles regained the lead in the fifth on Andinos first homer of the season, a one-out drive to centre. The Blue Jays took a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the fifth on solo home runs by Rasmus and Escobar. They were the first homers of the season for both. It was Escobars fifth homer in 32 career games against the Orioles. Jones hit his second homer of the season to centre field with one out in the sixth for a 4-4 tie. But the Blue Jays went ahead again by one run in the bottom of the sixth when Encarnacion hit his second homer of the season, a one-out drive to left centre. Hunter was removed from the game after walking Rasmus to lead off the home seventh. Jason�Frasor replaced Morrow in the eighth and allowed Reimolds single and had a strike out before Oliver replaced him. Reimold stole second and took third on an infield single to second by Markakis. Then after Oliver struck out Jones for the second out, Wieters walked to load the bases and Betemit drove in two runs with a single up the middle. "Wieters is one of the hottest hitters right now so obviously we go after the next guy whos not swinging as hot a bat," Oliver said. "But it seemed like everybody was kind of swinging a hot bat tonight so we probably should have faced Wieters instead of Betemit maybe I might have had better luck." Betemit also started a double play on Encarnacions hard grounder to end the bottom of the eighth. Notes: Attendance at Rogers Centre was 21,988. ....Blue Jays closer Sergio�Santos was put on paternity leave after he travelled to California to be with his wife for the birth of their third child. He can be on the list for one to three days. ...Outfielder Travis�Snider hit his second homer of the season for triple-A Las Vegas in an 8-5 loss to Fresno on Thursday and was batting .370 (10-for-27) after six games. ...Left-hander Evan�Crawford was called up from double-A New Hampshire to take the place of Santos. ...Right-hander Henderson�Alvarez (1-0, 1.50 ERA) will start today against Jason�Hammel (1-0, 1.13 ERA). cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

Denver, CO (Sports Network) - It took just a couple hours for the NCAA Tournament second round to get its first big upset, as 13th-seeded Morehead State stunned fourth-seeded Louisville, 62-61. Zack Wheeler Jersey . Demonte Harpers pull-up three-pointer with four seconds left put Morehead State up for good, while the Cardinals failed to make a desperation shot with time running out to give Morehead State its first win over Louisville since 1957. During the media timeout, coach said, I dreamt about this last night, this exact position we would be in this situation, Harper said of his shot. He said, I know exactly where Im going to, Im going to put it right in your hands, Demonte. I dont want you to drive it to the hole, I want you to pull up and win the game off a three-pointer. Terrance Hill had a career-high 23 points with eight rebounds, while Ty Proffitt finished with 13 points for the Eagles (25-9), who had lost to Louisville in the round of 64 in the 2009 NCAA tourney. Morehead will play No. 12 seed Richmond in the third round of the Southwest Region on Saturday. Kenneth Faried, who established the NCAA modern-era (post-1973) career rebounding record and entered the tournament with 1,643 career boards, pulled down 17 rebounds, poured in 12 points, and provided crucial defense on Louisvilles last-second shot. Chris Smith notched a team-high 17 points and six boards for the Cardinals (25-10), who lost star guard Preston Knowles midway through the second half when he turned his ankle. Well, I was real proud of our team this year, Louisville head coach Rick Pitino said. This is as tough a loss as Ive had in coaching, and Ive been coaching a long time, after tonight maybe too long. I feel terrible for our guys because they were just a wonderful group to coach. The Eagles used a game-changing 10-1 run to claim a 49-48 edge with just under eight minutes left. Hill had a three-pointer and went 2-for-4 from the free throw line during the run. From there, the game was nip-and-tuck, as Hills trey with 5:24 left gave Morehead State its biggest lead of the half, 57-52. Louisville, though, went on a nine-point burst to claim a 61-57 lead with 80 seconds left. Faried made two key free throws with 31 ticks remaining, and at the other end of the court, Louisvilles Elisha Justice missed the front end of a 1-and-1 to set up Harpers heroic triple from the top of the arc. The Cardinals had some time to work with to steal the victory, but during the questionable play, Mike Marra stumbled just before getting a three-point shot off. Faried played stingy defense and blocked the attempt to secure the win. I mean, you cant really expect the ref to make a call, Marra said. Faried played good defense. Im not really mad about the call. It is what it is. Morehead State started hot, jumping out to a 15-2 lead, as Louisville didnt score for the first six-plus minutes. However, the Eagles cooled down, allowing Louisville to edge its way back into the game -- though it took the Cardinals nearly the entire half to claim their first lead. Justice and Smith buried back-to-back three-pointers to pull Louisville within 27-26 with 3:33 left in the half. A minute later, Proffitt responded with a trey. The Cardinals scored the next seven points, though, and took a 33-30 edge when Kyle Kuric buried a trey from the corner. But in true March Madness form, Hill sank a long-distance three-pointer with time running out to knot the game at the half. Louisville looked to have taken control of the game in the second half, grabbing a 47-39 lead on Smiths trey with 11:52 remaining. I think its, without question, the biggest win in the history of our program, said Morehead State head coach Donnie Tyndall. Coach [Wayne] Martin, who is the best coach to ever coach at Morehead State, had some big wins during his time. I think to be a first-round game against an in-state power, to be able to knock them off, I dont think its ever been bigger than that in the history of our school. GAME NOTES:Louisville fell to 60-39 in 37 NCAA tourney appearances, while Morehead State improved to 6-7 in seven appearances...The Cardinals hold a 31-12 lead in the all-time series...Knowles left the game with 8:51 left. He finished with nine points and five assists. Nolan Ryan Authentic Jersey . Canada dropped a 24-21 decision to Zimbabwe before bouncing back with a 10-7 win over Spain. All three sides finished with seven points apiece in Pool E to move on to the final eight while the Philippines was last with only three points. David Wright Authentic Jersey . -- As usual, Aksel Lund Svindal was super fast on this hill.PHILADELPHIA -- There is no secret to Bostons road success. The Bruins play their system and play it well no matter where they play. Patrice�Bergeron scored the go-ahead goal in the second period and also tallied in the shootout to help Boston to a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. The Bruins have won nine straight road games, a single-season club record. "Just being smart, playing the system and not forcing plays," Bergeron said. "Every time we take whats there, we have success." Reilly�Smith, the fifth Boston shooter, clinched the victory in the shootout for the Bruins, who ended March 15-1-1. "Thats pretty impressive," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "Theyve stayed focused, theyve stayed humble, theyve stayed determined. Im very proud of the way weve handled this month." Vincent�Lecavalier scored twice for the Flyers, including the game-tying goal with 25 seconds left in regulation. Lecavaliers first goal was the 400th of his career. "Ive always wanted to have a long career, but you dont come into the league saying, I want a certain amount of goals," Lecavalier said. "You come into the league saying, I want to win the Stanley Cup. I never even thought about 400. Now that it was today I was proud of it, but as a hockey player your goal is to win a Stanley Cup." Kimmo�Timonen also scored for Philadelphia, which has lost three of four to remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division. "I thought our team competed real hard," Flyers coach Craig�Berube said. "They had an attitude today that they were going to show them something and I think they did. I know the outcome wasnt what we wanted, but we attacked and put a lot of pucks at the net." Andrej�Meszaros and Zdeno�Chara also scored, and Tuukka�Rask made a career-high 49 saves for the Bruins. "They play their system to a T no matter what," Berube said. "They dont vary from it. Theyre a very competitive, heavy team." Bergeron scored to give Boston a 1-0 lead in the shootout and Claude�Giroux, Philadelphias second shooter, tied it. But no other Flyers shooter scored. The Bruins last road setback came in overtime Feb. 26 at Buffalo, and they havent lost on the road in regulation since a Jan. 9 defeat at Los Angeles. Ike Davis Authentic Jersey. Lecavalier scored his second goal with 25 seconds left. With goalie Steve�Mason on the bench, Philadelphia pressed into the Boston zone. Johnny�Boychuk had a chance to clear the zone, but the puck bounced over his stick on a backhand clearing attempt and went right to Jakub�Voracek. Rask contested Voracek, who passed in front to a wide-open Lecavalier. It looked as if Boston had it won in regulation. Boston erased a one-goal deficit with a pair of second-period goals. Chara scored on the power play 5:44 into the period. Jarome�Iginla set Chara up for the goal with a pass in front of the net, and Chara wheeled to his backhand and lifted it past Mason to the far side of the net. Bergeron continued his torrid pace with a goal in his seventh straight game, this one with 8:55 left in the period to give the Bruins a 3-2 advantage. Bergeron whirled around from the left circle and his turnaround shot slipped under Masons pads. The Flyers led 2-1 after an action-packed first period. Lecavalier opened the scoring just over five minutes into the game by beating Rask with a slap shot from the point that dipped under Rasks glove. Meszaros, who the Flyers traded to the Bruins at the trade deadline for a conditional third-round pick, tied it just over five minutes later when his wrist shot from the slot got past Mason on the stick side after Philadelphia had trouble clearing the zone. Philadelphias Zac�Rinaldo raised the excitement level with a hard check on Iginla with just over four minutes left in the period and the players subsequently were penalized for fighting in a one-sided affair in favour of Rinaldo. Timonen gave Philadelphia a one-goal lead with 41.7 seconds left in the period by finishing an cross-ice, back-handed pass from Voracek. Notes: The Bruins won eight straight on the road during the 1971-72 and 1992-93 seasons. . Lecavalier became the 90th player to reach 400 goals. . The Bruins are the only team in the NHL against which the Flyers have a sub-.500 record all-time in Philadelphia. . Steve�Downie (upper body injury) missed his fourth straight game for the Flyers. . Boston improved to 2-0 against the Flyers this season, counting a 6-1 win at Philadelphia on Jan. 25. The teams will conclude the regular-season series at 1 p.m. Saturday in Boston. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

MALMO, Sweden - Jacob de la Rose scored with 2:22 left in the third period to lift Sweden to a 3-2 win over Russia on Tuesday, the final day of round-robin play at the world junior hockey championships. Chris Tillman Jersey . Sweden, first in Group B with a 4-0-0-0 record, will face Slovakia in Thursdays quarterfinals while Russia (2-0-0-2) will finish either second or third depending on the outcome of the Finland-Switzerland game later Tuesday. "It feels really amazing right now," said de la Rose. "It was a great goal for us and we really needed it." Andreas Johnson and Nick Sorensen also scored for Sweden while and Lucas Wallmark had two assists. Alexander Barabanov and Mikhail Grigorenko scored for Russia. "I thought we were really close to getting three points in this game," Grigorenko said. "It was 2-2, and Sweden was a little bit luckier than us at the end. I guess we had too many penalties today. We cant really do that against teams like that." Swedens Oscar Dansk made 23 saves for the Swedes while Andrei Vasilevski stopped 29 shots in the Russian net. "Obviously our goal was to win the group," said Swedish captain Filip Forsberg. "Now weve done that. But now the tournament really starts with the playoff games. We have to get ready for the quarter-final here." Chris Davis Orioles Jersey . The 22-year-old from Notre Dame started 29 games and had five goals and six assists this season. The league announced Monday that Powers received 93 per cent of team, media and player votes. Nick Markakis Jersey . -- U.S. captain Tom�Watson said Monday that Tiger�Woods latest back injury "doesnt bode well right now" for Woods playing in the Ryder Cup.MILAN, Italy -- Inter Milan struggled at the San Siro again in a 0-0 draw with Udinese in Serie A on Thursday, as the visitors 17-year-old goalkeeper Simone Scuffet blocked out the Nerazzurri. Still, Inter moved one point ahead of Parma in the race for fifth place and the final Europa League spot. Udinese remained 14th, 11 points above the relegation zone. Inter was beaten 2-1 by Atalanta at home on Sunday and has won only seven of 16 matches at the San Siro this season, as the squad seems to still be searching for its identity under new owner Erick Thohir and first-year manager Walter Mazzarri. Before the Atalanta match, Inter was on a six-match unbeaten run. The draw was all the more surprising since Udinese left former Italy forward Antonio Di Nataale on the bench. Adam Jones Orioles Jersey. Scuffet denied Inter playmaker Hernanes twice and also stopped a late effort from Esteban Cambiasso. It was a performance that could put him in discussion for the third goalkeeper spot on Italys World Cup squad behind Juventus Gianluigi Buffon and Paris Saint-Germains Salvatore Sirigu. "Hes doing great. The future is on his side," Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin said. "Hes humble and hasnt lost his head." Udinese defender Maurizio Domizzi preserved the draw with an acrobatic clear off the line when Scuffet appeared beaten by a close-range effort from Danilo DAmbrosio in the 88th minute. "The squad did everything to win, and (a victory) would have been deserved," Mazzarri said. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

TAMPA � Tim�Gleason has built a career in the NHL on protecting the house. wholesale jerseys . "You hate when they score," he said with some distaste at the thought. "You take pride in it. You think its your fault every time it goes into the net, whether youre on the ice or not. From a defensive standpoint or mindset, its something that you do have to take pride in." At the core of another failed season with the Maple Leafs sitting outside the postseason picture (theyre still technically alive, but just barely) is a defensive foundation that ranks as one of the worst in hockey. And if there is one dominant trend in the organizations failures since the end of the 2004-05 lockout its just that: they cant keep the puck out of their own net. Season Rank (Goals Against) 2005-06 21st 2006-07 27th 2007-08 27th 2008-09 30th 2009-10 29th 2010-11 24th 2011-12 29th 2013 17th 2013-14 26th Hired to replace the high-octane Ron Wilson in the spring of 2012, Randy Carlyle was supposed to help change all that. "I think that our defensive play, its been sporadic," said Carlyle after a late season practice in Tampa, his team nearing elimination from the postseason for the eighth time in the past nine years. And if Carlyle does lose his job for the house of cards that eventually collapsed in Toronto this year it will be in large part to his failing to influence change in the way the Leafs play defence. But a related question that Dave Nonis and the management team will have to ponder in the summer assessment that follows is how much of the defensive struggle is related to coaching and Carlyles system and how much is simply a failing in personnel and their subsequent commitment to defence.�Carl�Gunnarsson, one half of the teams top pairing on the back-end, downplayed the trouble as a matter of system. "I dont think theres anything wrong with the system," he told the Leaf Report. Instead, Gunnarsson believed it was a matter of execution within that system. He pointed to a lack of patience, a tendency to stray from the game-plan at the first sign of adversity. And if there was one thing, he said, that made a club like Boston the stingiest of stingy it was their wholehearted commitment to the system Claude Julien has put into place. "If theyre down, if theyre up, they always play the same way and they know that it works," he said. "For some reason, we dont seem to get it in our heads [that] when we do play according to the system and everyone is executing its been working." All of which would explain the unpredictability and inconsistency imbued in the Leafs performance this season. One good period has quickly spiraled into two bad ones. One good game has rarely translated into another. Without saying so quite bluntly, Gleason seemed to suggest that an ingredient of will was missing with this Leafs team when it came to keeping the puck out of the net. That was never more apparent than in a lacklustre loss to Winnipeg over the weekend, one that saw Toronto simply outworked with their playoff chances riding on the line. The Jets grinded pucks down low in the Leafs zone for minutes on end, one-on-one battles lost with alarming frequency. "I think were hoping to get things out of the zone instead of bearing down and knowing its going to get out," Gleason said. "The hopes got to stop. "Were good enough offensively to put numbers on the board, we just have to find a way to bear down, take care of our zone first and then go from there." Otherwise, the Leafs have been doomed by an uneasy assortment of fatal blunders resulting in a steady stream of breakaways, odd-man opportunities and two-time Rocket Richard trophy winners left open with far too much time and space. That was the case when the Leafs last played the Lightning � theyll square off again on Tuesday night � Steven�Stamkos scoring a hat trick in a Tampa win. At practice Monday, Jake�Gardiner went back to retrieve a puck in the defensive zone with pressure from an oncoming forward. "Get inside," Carlyle bellowed. "Dont let him come inside." Only Gardiner did and the puck was quickly lost. "Obviously with the defensive zone coverage we need to be a lot more inside and lot more stiffer and not as giving of many opportunities from that critical area," Carlyle said afterward. It was a point of emphasis for the coaching staff during the Olympic break. "Theres looseness," he said. "We have people back in position and the stick is not in the right position. Its a foot, six inches, two inches [in the wrong place]. And those things are happening to us. Those are the things that are frustrating for everybody." That was evident, he said, in the two of the goals scored by the Bruins in a third period comeback last week (the Leafs won in overtime). Milan�Lucic and Patrice�Bergeron tallied the second and third Boston goals with a swarm of Leafs in and around the puck. "We had people right there," Carlyle said. "We had all five guys around the puck. But somehow they snuck the puck through us � they made good plays � but we were in position. Stick position was an area that obviously we didnt have it in good enough position." On the day of his first training camp in Toronto, the Leafs head coach declared that "its going to just as important to prevent a goal as it is to score a goal and recognition of that is not going to be taken lightly." Part of his job then would be to enforce that mandate, infuse his will on the group. He has not managed to do that in either of his two full seasons behind the bench, his preferred style of play often clashing with the personnel. The Leafs have been one of the leagues worst possession teams under his purview, spending far too much time in the defensive zone. They subsequently yield more shots against than any other team and fail all too often in that defence � they rank fifth worst in goals against despite boasting terrific goaltending from Jonathan�Bernier for most of the year. A bad penalty kill, one that ranks third from last this season, has only added to the trouble. And if theres credit owed to the coaching staff for the units improvement a year ago, then responsibility must go the other way when that performance falters. But the question for Nonis is how much of the defensive trouble goes beyond coaching and into personnel? A defence that features Gunnarsson and Dion�Phaneuf at the very top isnt likely to have much success at goal prevention and needs obvious upgrade. Beyond that is a forward group long on skill, but short on the requisite commitment, competitiveness and attention to detail. Torontos best players are often amongst its worst offenders. Nonis will wrestle with those questions of coaching and personnel in another offseason that comes earlier than was hoped. Whats clear is where improvement for the club has to begin. "Defence," Gleason said, "I think at the end of the day wins championships." jerseys nfl cheap . "The opportunities are going to come," he said Monday on a conference call from Slovenia, where the team was preparing for a friendly. "If we werent creating chances then it would be a different conversation. wholesale nfl jerseys . -- San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad�Brooks was fined $15,570 by the NFL on Wednesday for his hit on Saints quarterback Drew�Brees last Sunday.WASHINGTON -- Tyshawn�Taylor scored 16 points, Paul�Pierce had more fouls than points, and Jason�Kidd was a winner in his coaching debut as the Brooklyn Nets opened their preseason with a 111-106 overtime victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night. The remade Nets showed off new additions Kevin�Garnett, Pierce, and, of course, Kidd, transitioning to a coat and tie after 19 seasons in uniforrm. jerseys nfl cheap free shipping. Kidd played most of his starters for only 12 minutes, with Brook�Lopez (15 points) outscoring the other four combined. Pierce had three points and four fouls, and Garnett scored four points. Shaun�Livingston started at point guard in place of Deron�Williams, who has a sprained right ankle. Nene led the Wizards with 19 points. John�Wall had 16 points and eight assists. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

DUNEDIN, Fla. Chase Blackburn Jersey . -- Brett�Cecil walked into spring training last year with his career in limbo. The Toronto left-hander seemed far removed from his breakout season of 2010, when he posted a team-high 15 wins despite not making the 25-man roster out of camp. Instead, he was fresh off two years of disappointment. Hed bounced back and forth between the Blue Jays and Triple-A, going a combined 6-15 while getting demoted from the rotation. Cecil knew that if he didnt show improvement, his days in Toronto would be numbered. "There was a big discussion before the beginning of spring last year whether he was even going to make the team," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said Saturday. That doubt forced the 6-foot-1, 215-pound Cecil to make a change. He began throwing a weighted baseball during pitching drills to help strengthen his arm and build velocity. It worked. After several strong outings, Cecil was informed in the final days of camp that hed made the final cut. As a reliever, in fact. Cecil took advantage of that opportunity and went 5-1 with a 2.82 ERA and one save. He was also picked as an American League All-Star for the first time. Cecil pitched in 60 games, striking out 70 in 60 2-3 innings. He signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract in the off-season. The 27-year-old Cecil said last years experience changed his mindset and made him appreciate what he has. "Completely different," he said. "Im fairly certain that I have a spot on the team. Obviously, I have to perform, but its a little bit more pressure taken off not being on the bubble." Though Cecil performed well early on in 2013, he began to wear down during the second half of the season. Extra work with the weighted-ball routine and the added stress of having to continuously prove himself took a toll on his body. In September, soreness developed in his shoulder and prematurely ended his season. "I just needed rest," Cecil said. "It was a combination of a different role, different workload and overdoing the ball program a little bit." Cecil said he is now completely healthy and understands where his limits are. He said it will be much easier to dial it back when he needs to instead of constantly going full-bore all the time. "I just dont want any red flags to be thrown up, but I am going to be a lot smarter about the time I take throwing," Cecil said. "When I feel like I really need the work, if I feel like I need to take a day, I said Im going to take a day." "(During batting practice on Friday) they told me I had 25 pitches, and I said I dont need 25 pitches, Ill do 20. If I can throw 20, Im sure I can get five more in a game down the road. I dont need that right now. I need 20 or so and that would be it. Right now, its just saving as many bullets as I can for August, September and, hopefully, October." Gibbons agreed and said it will take that approach from Cecil to help the bullpen succeed. "He had a heck of a year," Gibbons said. "Hes found a role, he likes that bullpen role and hes very good at it. The big thing is always going to be durability, because the good ones get used a lot. Hes got to be conscious of that. He can be a hero, but he also has to understand that to be good in this business." NOTES: Gibbons said LHP J.A.�Happ will start the Blue Jays exhibition opener on Wednesday in Clearwater against the Philadelphia Phillies. ... RHP Liam�Hendriks, claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, joined the team. ... Japanese-born SS Munenori�Kawasaki said he will cheer for the Canadian mens hockey team during its Olympic gold-medal game against Sweden on Sunday. Kawasaki said he predicts a win for Canada, because his son, Issho, was born in Toronto last year. "I love Canada," Kawasaki said. "I think Canada wins 2-1. Yes, perfect. Sounds good. Lets go, Canada." Jason Avant Jersey. Pro Bowl centre Maurkice�Pouncey ripped up his right knee and linebacker Larry�Foote ruptured his biceps during Pittsburghs 16-9 home loss to Tennessee, likely sidelining both players for the rest of the season. Stephen Hill Panthers Jersey . - The Abbotsford Heat hope a last-minute goal keeps their season alive for more than one extra game. TAMPA, Fla. -- Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven�Stamkos has taken another step forward in his comeback from a broken right shin by taking part in his first morning skate. Stamkos practiced with his teammates on Thursday as they prepared for a game Thursday night against the New York Islanders. The centre had been skating on his own, or briefly joining the team on the ice at the end of workouts. A member of Canadas Olympic team, Stamkos remains confident that he will be able to play with the Lightning and then participate in the Sochi games next month. "Its not a full practice, but to be able to get out and not haave to go off early or not have to wait until the end to go on, I wanted to go and try it," Stamkos said.Fernando Velasco Panthers Jersey. "Its the best its felt." Stamkos has been out since he was injured Nov. 11 at Boston and needed surgery. "A lot of this is physical and how you feel," Stamkos said. "But there is that mental element. The power of the mind is very strong and Ive really come to understand that right now. This is another step closer." Stamkos had 14 goals and 23 points in 17 games before the injury. "Every day hes getting closer," Lightning coach Jon Copper said. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, former Detroit Red Wings forward Daniel�Cleary will be signing with the Philadelphia Flyers. Ray Nitschke Womens Jersey . The report states Cleary will sign for three years with an annual average salary of $2.75 million. The deal, which will include a no trade clause, will not be made official until the end of the month. The two sides have agreed to a Professional Tryout with Cleary reporting to training camp on Wednesday�and according to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com,�if all goes well, hell sign with the Flyers. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger added that some cap management by the Flyers will be required before the deal can be done. The 34-year-old Cleary had nine goals and 15�points for the Red Wings in the lockout shortened season last year. In his career, Cleary has 160 goals and 377 points in 869 games. Jordy Nelson Jersey . Gooden is expected to sign the deal and join the team in time for Thursdays game against the Toronto Raptors. Datone Jones Womens Jersey . - The way Mark�Teixeira looks at it, getting booed on the road is a badge of honour.CLEVELAND -- Andrew Wiggins has an NBA home. Maybe a temporary one. The Cavaliers signed the No. 1 overall draft pick Thursday, a deal that prevents Wiggins from being traded for 30 days. Wiggins, from Vaughan, Ont., has been linked to a possible blockbuster trade with Minnesota for All-Star forward Kevin�Love. But any deal now involving Wiggins cant be finalized for at least 30 days. The Cavs and Timberwolves have had talks about a trade involving Love for months, long before Cleveland selected Wiggins, the former Kansas standout, with the first pick in Mays draft. Those discussions have intensified lately, and the sides can still reach an agreement on a trade but nothing can be finalized until late August. Now that Wiggins is under contract, the leagues seldom-used 30-day rule is in effect. It was designed to prevent teams from circumventing salary cap rules. There have been restrictions placed on trading newly signed rookies dating back at least to the 1998-99 collective bargaining agreement. At that time, rookies were lumped in with all free agents into a rule that prevents any newly signed player from being traded for three months or before Dec. 15 of the next season -- whichever is longer. The rule was modified in the 2005 CBA, separating rookie contracts into a different category with the shorter, 30-day timeline between signing date and trade eligibility. The spirit behind the rule is that if a rookie is traded immediately after he signs, it gives the appearance that the acquiring team is the one that is in fact signing him. Clevelands decision to sign Wiggins actually makes it easier to trade him. Before his deal, he had zero value on the salary cap but his contract -- worth $5.5 million -- could allow the Cavs to clear enough room to take on a player like Love, who is sent to earn $15.7 million next season. Minnesota has received offers from other teams, including the Chicago Bulls, who reached out to the Timberwolves this week, acccording to a person with knowledge of the discussions who requested anonymity because the teams were not publicly commenting on the process. Morgan Burnett Womens Jersey. With Wiggins unable to be moved by Cleveland for a month, its possible other teams may approach the Timberwolves to make a run at Love, a double-double machine and arguably the leagues top power forward. Love is entering his final year under contract in Minnesota and has said he does not intend to sign a long-term deal with the Timberwolves. Golden State has also shown interest in the 25-year-old Love. But the Warriors have refused to include guard Klay�Thompson in any offer, which has been a deal-breaker for the Timberwolves. Cleveland had been reluctant to include Wiggins in a package for Love, but the team has softened its stance and may be willing to part with the 6-foot-8 forward with the 44-inch vertical leap. The Cavs are interested in bringing in Love to form a "Big 3" with LeBron�James and Kyrie�Irving. That trio would make the Cavs an overwhelming favourite in the Eastern Conference, and potentially put them in position to win the citys first major sports championship since 1964. Cleveland also signed rookie Joe Harris, taken with the first pick (No. 33 overall) of the second round. Harris, who played at West Virginia, averaged 7.8 points in four summer league games in Las Vegas. As the Wiggins-Love situation drags on, the Cavs continue to re-shape their roster. The team is interested in signing free agent Ray�Allen, who has spent the past two seasons in Miami with James. On Thursday, the agency representing Allen knocked down a report that the NBAs career 3-pointer leader was leaning toward joining the Cavaliers. Allens agent, Jim Tanner, wrote on his Tandem Sports & Entertainment twitter account that reports Allen "intends to play for the Cavs are unfounded. He has not yet decided if he will play next season or for which team." cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

SPIELBERG, Austria -- Formula One returned to business as usual Sunday as Nico Rosberg led Lewis Hamilton at the Austrian Grand Prix for the sixth 1-2 finish by Mercedes. Deion Sanders Jersey Dallas Cowboys . Red Bulls Daniel Ricciardo won the Canadian GP two weeks ago and Williams Felipe Massa took pole position for Sundays race but this had little effect on Mercedes which had missed out on the front row of the grid for the first time this season. "I was still very confident going into the race and knew I could win starting from third," said Rosberg, who celebrated his third win of the year and sixth overall as he extended his lead in the drivers championship over Hamilton to 29 points -- 165 vs. 136. "I am extremely happy," the German said. "Extending my lead was the main goal coming into this race." Williams Valtteri Bottas came third for his first career F1 podium while teammate Massa took fourth. Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel quit the race on lap 36 after overcoming engine problems early in the race. Rosberg succeeded where his father Keke had just failed 32 years ago, when he came up 0.05 short of Elio de Angelis at the 1982 Austrian GP. However, Keke Rosberg went on to become world champion that year, a feat Nico Rosberg is reluctant to think about yet. "29 is a nice gap but its still so early in the season," he said. Hamilton, who was ninth after qualifying, earned four places from a blistering start and won another place to work his way up to fourth in the opening lap. "It was a good start, one of the best starts Ive ever had," the 2008 F1 champion said. "To get from ninth to second and then pressure Nico shows the pace I had this weekend." Rosberg immediately overtook Bottas but lost that position again shortly after the first turn. Massa dropped from pole to fourth after the top four had their first pit stops and never threatened the leaders again. Sergio Perez remained in the lead until the 27th, overtaken by Rosberg who accelerated for the fastest lap so far to create distance on Hamilton, who got stuck behind Perez. The Mercedes drivers went 1-2 from lap 47 on but Rosberg kept Hamilton at bay, denying him a chance to overtake. The British driver saw his chances reduced as the two pit stops in the race cost him 1.9 seconds more than Rosberg who relaxed at the end. "I felt comfortable in the last lap," Rosberg said. "It wasnt that close." The race once more confirmed Mercedes has best adapted to the introduction this season of the 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engines with the build-in energy recovery system. Hamilton won four races in a row while Rosberg never finished worse than second. "Thats super, 1-2 means you cant do better," Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said. "They both made some mistakes under pressure but did well to handle the situation near the end as we had some problems with the cooling system and the brakes." Mercedes stranglehold on F1 victories was broken by Ricciardo in Montreal, though Red Bull failed to threaten Mercedes again on its home circuit in Austria. Mercedes dominated practice Friday with Rosberg and Hamilton posting the fastest times, but Williams hit back the next day when Bottas led the final practice before Massa grabbed pole position -- his first in six years. Despite starting 1-2, Williams was not counting on a victory, Bottas admitted. "From all the data we had from practice we knew it was going to be difficult," the Finn said. "I am really happy for what we did with the whole team." Vettel lost drive in the second lap and had already been doubled by the field by the time he could pick up again. He later damaged the front wing of his Red Bull as he clipped the left rear wheel of Esteban Gutierrezs Sauber and shortly afterward quit the race in lap 36 for his third DNF of the season. "From the back of the pack there obviously was nothing I could do anymore," Vettel said. "Its bitter but weve learnt a lot and we still have to learn a lot more from this and look forward." The track was new to all but four of the 22 drivers as F1 returned to Austria for the first time since 2003. At 4.3 kilometres (2.7 miles), the Red Bull Ring is one of the shortest circuits on the calendar, though with just nine turns it features long straights. Situated in Central Austrias countryside, the track includes inclines of up to 12 per cent. It was the 27th Austrian GP, which has been held on different circuits since 1964, with Alain Prost winning a record three times. Until 1987, the races took place in nearby Zeltweg before Austria first disappeared from the calendar for 10 years. Spielberg also hosted the race from 1997-2003. Five years after the last race, Red Bull reportedly invested 200 million euros ($270 million) for upgrading the track and its surrounding infrastructure. The Austrian GP has been one of two new races to this seasons F1 calendar alongside the Russian GP, scheduled for Sochi in October. Daryl Johnston Jersey Dallas Cowboys . Louis Blues remain at the top spot of the TSN. Gerald Sensabaugh Jersey Dallas Cowboys . PAUL, Minn. VANCOUVER -- A play that Vancouver Whitecaps defender Jay DeMerit says he makes dozens of times a game ended up costing his team two points on Saturday. Gonzalo Pineda scored on a controversial penalty in the 82nd minute after Vancouvers captain was judged to have fouled Seattle substitute Cam Weaver as both players jumped for the ball in front of goal as the Sounders salvaged an emotional 2-2 draw with the Whitecaps. The home side looked to be on its way to a third straight Major League Soccer victory before referee Ismail Elfath whistled DeMerits aerial challenge and pointed to the spot late in the second half. The Whitecaps were furious with the decision but could only watch as Pineda stepped up and cooly chipped a shot behind Vancouvers David Ousted for his first goal with the Sounders. "Its devastating," said DeMerit. "Its devastating not only for myself, but to see guys put in the type of performance that they did ... guys put themselves on the line for 90 minutes, and for that to be taken away from us is disappointing." "As players, all we can do is play hard and play committed and work hard for our teammates, and I thought all of us did that tonight." When asked what he saw on the decisive refereeing decision, Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said bluntly: "I saw my captain jump for the ball in his penalty box and head the ball away." DeMerit, who plays an aggressive, physical style, has now been called for fouls inside his penalty area in consecutive MLS games at B.C. Place Stadium. "Im too old to start changing my game and play less committed than I already do," said the 34-year-old. "It is hard and I think the thing thats really eating me inside is that if I have to change my game then Im going to be in trouble and thats sad. "Ive been around this game for a long time and when you play hard and you play with the heart on your sleeve and you get punished for that, thats disappointing." Vancouver got its 2-1 lead in the 66th minute when midfielder Gershon Koffie scored his first goal of the season on a horrendous goalkeeping error by Seattles Stefan Frei. In an effort to keep a ball in play, Frei ventured way out of his net and booted a clearing attempt into the middle of the pitch instead of safely up the sideline. Koffie pounced on the mistake and fired a shot from a distance that Frei could only watch bounce into his vacated goal. After the Seattle penalty tied the game, Sounders striker Obafemi Martins struck the post behind Ousted before Koffie had two more chances in stoppage time, including one on the last kick of the game. "I thought there was only going to be one team winning. I thought the guys put in the effort that was necessary," said DeMerit. "Ultimately to go away with a draw is disappointing. Everyones going to walk away a little bit disappointed but thats life and thats football." Erik Hurtado also scored for Vancouver (4-2-5), which has just one win against Western Conference opponents so far in 2014. Seattle (8-3-2), which entered play atop the league standings with five wins in its last six games, got its other goal from Chad Barrett against a Whitecaps team that nearly ran the Sounders out of the park early on. "It was unlucky today, but nevertheless I thought it was a great team performance," said Whitecaps defender Nigel Reo-Coker. "The first 30 minutes were fantastic. Its the best weve been all seaason as a team -- the chances we created, the tempo we were playing at, the passing, the movement . Ryan Williams. ... another day it could have been 3-0, 4-0 to us and game done." Apart from being an important game in the Western Conference standings, Saturdays encounter was the second match of the Cascadia Cup competition, a mini-tournament played between the Whitecaps, Sounders and Portland Timbers. The team with the most points in the games played amongst the three clubs at the end of the season takes the title, which Vancouver did last season. The Sounders had a large section of travelling fans in one corner on the stadium on Saturday, while Vancouvers supporters section took up its usual spot in the home end in a match that had the passion of a European derby both on and off the field. After a rocky start for the visitors, Barrett headed home his first of the season in the 36th minute off a cross from Kenny Cooper. The Whitecaps got that one back just three minutes later on a highlight-reel effort from Hurtado. The striker with the bleach-blonde Mohawk cut back twice to free himself from two Seattle defenders before blasting a shot into the roof of the net over a helpless Frei. Hurtado now has three goals in three games -- two in MLS and one in the Amway Canadian Championship. "The boys were fantastic from the first minute," said Robinson. "I thought the first half hour we were absolutely phenomenal in our play, could have been ahead, werent ahead, they scored on their second chance and then we fought back. It was a very entertaining game." Robinson said earlier this week that he wanted his team to put its stamp on the match, and Vancouver was a bit unlucky to not open the scoring in the games first 10 minutes. Kekuta Manneh, who had a hat trick in last years 4-1 victory over the Sounders in Seattle, had a good chance four minutes in, but saw his effort stopped by Frei. Koffie then busted through the middle and ripped a shot that went off the crossbar and landed just inches from the goal-line before being cleared by a defender. Robinson wouldnt bite on questions about the officiating afterwards and instead pointed to the positives. "I think my job this year since I took the job was to try and put a certain style of playing in this team and I think Ive done that," said Robinson, who was promoted from his assistants role in December. "I concentrate on my job and thats my job. I think today you saw were going in the right direction. Obviously disappointed with the result but the performance of some of the players was excellent." Notes: The Sounders were without influential playmaker Clint Dempsey, who is away with the U.S. national team preparing for the World Cup in Brazil. Fellow midfielder Brad Evans was also at the American camp, but failed to make the 23-man roster. ... The Whitecaps came in having not played since bowing out to Toronto FC in the Amway Canadian Championship semifinal 10 days earlier. ... The Cascadia Cup has been played between the Whitecaps, Sounders and Timbers every year since 2004. Vancouver won its fourth title last season, while Seattle and Portland have each won three times. ... The Sounders host Real Salt Lake next Saturday, while the Whitecaps visit the Timbers on June 1st in another Cascadia Cup matchup. ... Seattle and Portland tied the first game of the competition 4-4. ... Whitecaps defender Steven Beitashour is away at Irans World Cup camp. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

PRETORIA, South Africa -- The defence team for Oscar Pistorius plans to close its case after its last witness, a physician who has treated the athlete, completed his testimony at the murder trial on Monday, a lawyer said. jerseys from china . The end of testimony signals a new phase in the months-long trial of Pistorius, who killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in his home in what he has described as a mistaken shooting. It is expected to lead to a break during which the defence and prosecution prepare final arguments as the high-profile legal battle moves toward a conclusion. Barry Roux, the chief defence lawyer, indicated that he would wrap up on Tuesday morning after final consultations with his team. "We plan to close the case," Roux told Judge Thokozile Masipa. Pistorius, 27, has said he fatally shot Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model, through a closed toilet door after thinking there was an intruder in his home. The prosecution says Pistorius fatally shot Steenkamp after a Valentines Day argument last year. Earlier Wednesday, chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel said the last defence witness, physician Wayne Derman, could not be objective about the double-amputee runner because he was too familiar with the Paralympian, having treated him over many years and travelled with him extensively. Derman had testified that Pistorius had an anxious nature linked to his disability, bolstering the defence case that the runners allegedly deep sense of vulnerability was a factor in the killing because, according to his version, he believed he was under threat. Under questioning, Derman acknowledged that his testimony did not amount to a "forensic report" but disputed Nels assertion that he could not be objective. On Sunday, an Australian broadcaster showed video footage of Pistorius participating in a re-enactment of how he says events unfolded on the night he killed Steenkamp. In the video, Pistorius is seen walking on his stumps with an arm outstretched and fist clenched, as though holding a gun. It also shows Pistorius carrying a woman. It is unclear where the re-enactment was filmed. The broadcast by Channel Seven prompted criticism from a lawyer for Pistorius who said the re-enactment was made with the help of a U.S.-based company last year as part of the defence teams trial preparations. The video has not been shown at the trial, and it was not mentioned in court on Monday. Pistorius, who is free on bail, faces 25 years to life in prison if found guilty of premeditated murder, but he could also be sentenced to a shorter prison term if convicted of murder without premeditation or negligent killing. Additionally, he faces separate gun-related charges. Pistorius was born without fibulas, the slender bones that run from below the knee to the ankle. His lower legs were amputated when he was 11 months old. cheap jerseys . -- Jayce Hawryluks second goal of the game with 29 seconds left lifted the Brandon Wheat Kings past the Regina Pats 5-4 in Western Hockey League play Wednesday. cheap jerseys from china . Now he can be had by any team willing to pay his salary. According to a report from ESPN, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are shopping the veteran CB and plan on releasing him Wednesday if they cant find a trade partner.Wimbledon, England (SportsNetwork.com) - Australian Open champion Li Na, former Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova and former world No. 1s Victoria Azarenka and Venus Williams posted first-round victories on opening day at The Championships, Wimbledon. The second-seeded Li bested Polands Paula Kania, making her WTA-level debut, 7-5, 6-2 on the famed Centre Court, while the sixth-seeded 2011 Wimbledon winner Kvitova cruised past fellow Czech Andrea Hlavackova 6-3, 6-0, and the eighth-seeded Azarenka handled 32-year-old Croat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 6-3, 7-5 on No. 1 Court at the venerable All England Club. The 32-year-old Li has reached at least the semifinals at all of the majors except for Wimbledon, where shes a three-time quarterfinalist, including last year. Her second-round opponent will be Austrian Yvonne Meusburger. The left-handed Kvitova has reached at least the quarterfinals here four straight years and will meet German Mona Barthel on Wednesday. Azarenka fought to get past the 1999 Wimbledon semifinalist Lucic-Baroni, winning on her fifth match point. The Belarusian struggled with her serve, with eight double faults, but made the most of her opponents 29 unforced errors. The two-time Australian Open champion just returned to tour action last week after being sidelined with a foot injury for three months. Monday marked her first match win since the fourth round at the Aussie Open in January. Azarenka reached back-to-back Wimbledon semifinals before pulling out of her second-round match here a year ago because of an injury. Next up for the Belarusian star will be Serbian Bojana Jovanovski. The 30th-seeded Williams picked up her first Wimbledon win in three years with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 victory over Spaniard Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor. The 34-year-old Williams owns seven major tiles, including five Wimbledon crowns, and shes now 72-11 lifetime at Wimbledon. Her second-round opponent will be Japans Kurumi Nara. Tenth-seeded Australian Open runner-up Dominika Cibulkova, of Slovakia, whipped Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak 6-1, 6-2 on Centre Court; 12th-seeded Italian Flavia Pennetta drubbed Slovak Jana Cepelova 6-2, 6-3; oft-injured former U.S. Open semifinalist Yanina Wickmayer, who has been working with fellow Belgian and former world No. 1 star Kim Clijsters, dropped 17th-seeded former U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur 6-3, 6-4; and Russian Maria Kirilenko doused 18th-seeded American Sloane Stephens 6-2, 7-6 (8-6). Stosur struggles mightily on grass, having suffeered six first-round exits in 12 trips to the All England Club and never advanced beyond the third round here. nfl jerseys china. Stephens saved five match points against Kirilenko before play went to a second-set tiebreak. Stephens had reached at least the fourth round at the last six Grand Slam events, including a run into the Wimbledon quarterfinals last year. Stephens is still a solid 31-13 at the majors, but a pedestrian 55-54 everywhere else. In other action involving seeds, No. 22 Russian Ekaterina Makarova overcame 43-year-old Japanese Kimiko Date-Krumm 3-6, 6-4, 7-5; No. 23 Czech Lucie Safarova edged out German Julia Goerges 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-3); hot American Coco Vandeweghe converted on her 13th match point in taking out No. 27 Spaniard Garbine Muguruza 6-3, 3-6, 7-5; and No. 32 Russian Elena Vesnina took care of Austrias Patricia Mayr-Achleitner 6-0, 6-4. Vandeweghe corralled her first-ever WTA title, on grass, in The Netherlands just two days ago. Muguruza shocked Serena Williams in the second round at the French Open last month. Several other women advanced, including Meusburger, Jovanovski, Barthel, Nara, Aussie Casey Dellacqua, and American Lauren Davis. Rain forced the suspension of some action, as fourth-seeded 2012 Wimbledon runner-up Agnieszka Radwanska was leading Andreea Mitu 4-2; 14th-seeded former French Open runner-up Sara Errani was tied with Frances Caroline Garcia 6-2, 6-7 (3-7); 16th-seeded former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki was ahead of Israeli Shahar Peer 6-3, 2-0; and Portuguese Michelle Larcher de Brito was leading 28th-seeded two-time Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova 2-1 when rain started to fall just after 8 p.m. local time. The current world No. 1 Serena will open her fortnight Tuesday against Georgian Anna Tatishvili. The American great is a 17-time major champion, including five Wimbledon championships, just like her older sister, Venus. Meanwhile, third-seeded French Open runner-up Simona Halep will face Brazils Teliana Pereira and fifth-seeded Roland Garros champion Maria Sharapova will take on Brit Samantha Murray. Sharapova captured her lone Wimbledon title by upsetting Serena in the final here 10 years ago. Also on Tuesdays schedule will be seventh-seeded former No. 1 Jelena Jankovic, 11th-seeded former top-ranked star Ana Ivanovic, 13th-seeded two- time 2014 Grand Slam semifinalist Eugenie Bouchard, and 19th-seeded Sabine Lisicki, who was last years Wimbledon runner-up to since-retired Marion Bartoli. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

SAO PAULO, Brazil -- The solid performance by the Williams team in early testing has left Felipe Massa upbeat about the new Formula One season. cheap jerseys from china . The Brazilian driver had the second-best time in last months tests at Jerez and said the "good start" could play to his advantage when the season gets underway in Australia in March. "It always helps to start well, especially now that we have a completely different car, which requires a completely different driving style," Massa said at a news conference on Tuesday. Testing is seen as crucial this year as significant rule changes have been implemented, including a switch to a turbo engine and more sophisticated energy recovery systems. Debuting with Williams after eight years with Ferrari, Massa was clearly looking forward to making a fresh start. "Im really motivated, this is a special moment for me," he said. "I changed to a team that welcomed me with open arms. I needed this change and I think the team needed too." Massa remained cautious, however, saying that the cars full potential wont be known until the first race starts. Car designs needed significant aerodynamic alterations compared to last year, with reliability and fuel consumption likely to play a big part in races. "I think theres a lot to learn with the car and a lot has to be done to make the car improve," Massa said. "Its hard to say right now how good we will be. Usually, in the first races it will be difficult just to finish the race. But it was a good start, I was happy." He said Mercedes also looked to be in a strong position after the tests, but that Red Bull has a lot of work to do to get its car ready after a series of mechanical difficulties. McLarens Kevin Magnussen had the best time overall after the four days of testing in Jerez, Spain. There will be two more test sessions ahead of the March 16 opener in Australia. The next testing period runs from Feb. 19-22 in Bahrain. Massa said he went to France to visit former Ferrari teammate and seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher, who is recovering from a serious head injury after a skiing accident in the French resort of Meribel on Dec. 29. "I stayed a long time by his side," said Massa, without providing many details on his condition. "It was good to be there. It looked like he was just sleeping, like anyone of us sleeps. Im really hopeful that everything will be OK and that he will wake up and recover fully." Massa said he is getting daily updates on the condition of his "great friend." Cheap Carolina Hurricanes Jerseys . Filion, from Laval, Que., and Montreals Benfeito finished third with 326.10 points. Ruolin Chen and Hao Wang of China won gold with 360.66 points and Paola Espinosa and Alejandra Orozco of Mexico were second at 327. wholesale nfl jerseys . Pelfrey hit a tiebreaking two-run double and limited the Rockies to three solo homers, helping the New York Mets to a 4-3 win over Colorado on Tuesday night.Its been a historic season in Denver, one that is about to result in another AFC West crown for the Broncos. Denver can take the division this week by defeating San Diego on "Thursday Night Football," coupled with a Kansas City loss at Oakland on Sunday. The Broncos, who have already clinched at least a wild card berth, can also lock up a first-round bye on the AFC side of things by topping the Chargers and hoping for losses by the Chiefs and Cincinnati, which plays at Pittsburgh on Sunday. "Our goal every year is to win the division No. 1, and obviously (if you) you win your division youre in the playoffs," said Broncos coach John Fox, who returned to the sidelines against Tennessee last week for the first time since undergoing a heart procedure on Nov. 4. "Thats still our goal, always has been our goal and we still have three games and on a short week we got a division opponent coming to our place." Broncos quarterback Peyton�Manning continued his run toward a record fifth MVP award with 397 yards and four touchdown passes as Denver ripped off 24 consecutive points en route to a convincing 51-28 decision over the Titans in Week 14. It was Mannings NFL-record seventh four-touchdown game this season and the high-powered Broncos also became the first team in NFL history to have four different players score at least 10 touchdowns in one season (running back Knowshon�Moreno, receivers Demaryius�Thomas and Wes�Welker, along with tight end Julius�Thomas). Manning set a single-game club record with 39 completions on a personal-record 59 attempts for the 11-2 Broncos, who maintained their one-game edge over the Chiefs in the AFC West as well as a one-game lead over New England for the top spot in the conference overall. "We had a good plan," said Manning. "I thought we threw the ball well and guys caught the ball well." Kicker Matt�Prater also set a record of his own, converting a 64-yard field goal, the longest in league history. "I knew I hit it pretty good," said Prater. "I wasnt sure with the cold and everything if it was going to make it. Then I saw the refs hands go up, and I cant even explain how I felt after." Before Praters record kick, Tom Dempsey (1970), ex-Bronco Jason�Elam (1998), Sebastian�Janikowski (2011) and David�Akers (2012) held a share of the previous mark at 63 yards. Eric�Decker led a stacked receiving corps against the Titans with 117 yards and a score on eight catches, while Demaryius�Thomas and Julius�Thomas added a TD grab apiece in the rout as Denver tied an NFL record by posting its third 50-plus-point effort of the season, matching the 1969 Minnesota Vikings. Moreno led the rushing attack thanks to 78 yards on 14 carries as the Broncos also set a club record for points in a single season with their Sunday total boosting their overall mark to 515. Meanwhile, the 91 plays executed against Tennessee were the most for the franchise in a non-overtime contest. The one down note was the fact that Welker, who posted 61 yards and a touchdown on five catches, did not return after halftime due to a concussion. San Diego hasnt been nearly as spectacular this season but remains in the hunt for the final postseason berth in the AFC after Philip�Rivers got the better of Eli�Manning once again, tossing three touchdown passes to lead the Chargers to a much-needed 37-14 victory over the New York Giants at Qualcomm Stadium in Week 14. Rivers completed a crisp 21-of-28 attempts for 249 yards without an interception in the one-sided win, which kept San Diego (6-7) a game back of Baltimore and Miami in the race for the final wild card spot in the AFC with three games to play. Rookie star Keenan�Allen was on the receiving end of two of Rivers scoring strikes, while Ryan�Mathews ran for a touchdown and compiled 103 yards on 29 carries. "Were one game back with three weeks to go," said Rivers of the AFC playoff picture. "Lets go and see what happens." Manning, traded for Rivers on the day of the 2004 NFL Draft after originally being chosen by San Diego with the No. 1 overall pick, was intercepted twice while managing 259 yards and a touchdown on 20-of-32 passing against the team he balked at playing for while still a college prospect. The Chargers have now won all three meetings between the clubs since both quarterbacks entered the league. "The passion of our football team was there today," said Chargers head coach Mike McCoy. "An outstanding team effort." Denver leads the all-time series with a 58-48-1 mark and has won four straight over the Chargers, including a 28-20 triumph in SSan Diego back on Nov.Cheap New York Islanders Jerseys. 10 when Demaryius�Thomas caught three TD passes from Manning and the Broncos defense recorded four sacks. WHAT TO WATCH FOR Denver has won 10 consecutive games against AFC West opponents since Manning arrived in the Rockies and the club will be attempting to match the franchise record with its 11th straight victory in divisional play against the Chargers. "Youre just putting your focus as far as your game preparation on the practice field (and) in the meeting rooms," Fox said when asked about the streak. "We stress preparation one day at a time getting better every day. Weve put together a pretty good group and thats whats helped. All our focus right now is just on San Diego." Its all about the offense with the Broncos and that starts with Manning, who has already thrown for a team-record 45 touchdowns this year, a total that already ties for the fifth most in NFL history for a single season with three games to go. The smartest and most studious signal caller in the game leads an offense that averages 39.6 points per game, 6.3 yards per play, 465.6 yards per contest and has a 48.2 third-down conversion rate, all first in all of football. The fact that Denver has already set the record with four players who have 10 or more TDs on the season should tell you all you need to know about Mannings ability to spread the ball around and have everyone involved, a trait which makes it incredibly difficult on opposing defenses. "There is a progression to each play but the credit goes to the receivers for running full-speed routes," Manning said. "When you run full-speed routes youre going to have a chance to get open. I think because they know we spread the ball around, guys are expecting the ball and that makes a big difference in how they run their routes. Im trying to get the ball to those guys, get it in their hands and give them a chance to make plays." The Chargers offense isnt the Broncos and Rivers isnt Manning but both are very good. San Diego is averaging 400.5 ypg (fourth in the NFL), 6.1 yards per play (third) and also has a 48.2 third-down success mark (a tick behind Denver and second in the NFL), while Rivers has thrown for 3,882 yards, 26 TDs and a 106.4 passer rating compared to Mannings 4,522 (the most ever through 13 games), 45 and 114.5. In fact if it werent for Manning, Rivers may have even gotten some MVP consideration, thats how well he has played this season. "He definitely is a different quarterback," Broncos CB Chris�Harris said when discussing Rivers. "Hes not forcing the ball and hes taking the check down to short passes other than the deep pass more. Thats something that (San Diego first-year coach and former Denver offensive coordinator) Mike McCoy has definitely brought to them. Take the easy throw and dont take the difficult one." The one glaring difference between the two teams is the lack of red-zone production for the Chargers. San Diego has a 52.1 percentage when inside the 20, just 22nd in the NFL, while Denver is at 79.0 percent, No. 1 overall. Thats why the Broncos are at nearly 40 ppg and the Chargers score just 24.3 (11th in football) despite their production in between the 20s. The trump card is Mannings playmakers. As mentioned Denver already has a record four players with 10 or more TDs with Decker threatening to join that group. Rivers biggest weapon outside the numbers is a rookie third-round pick in Allen. "We know when we played Denver the last time they made some plays," Chargers CB Richard�Marshall said. "There were a couple plays that we had out there that we should have made, but we didnt make. We know that Peyton is a good quarterback, and we know they have some good receivers over there. So weve just got to practice hard, and make our plays when the plays come." OVERALL ANALYSIS McCoy knows Manning better than most after spending 2012 as the offensive coordinator in Denver but that extra knowledge probably just keeps him up at night. San Diego is the far more desperate team coming in and that might keep the Chargers competitive for a stretch but expect the Broncos, who are a perfect 7-0 on their home field, to pull away in the second half. "Its a challenge for both teams," Manning said of the short week. "(It takes) real discipline by each player to get themselves physically ready to play. "We put emphasis on the division games. There is familiarity with players and with schemes and it does make it tough to prepare but I think our guys have done a good job preparing for these division games. 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NEW YORK -- The New York Jets have agreed to terms with former Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric�Decker, considered by many the top free agent at his position. Reggie Wayne Womens Jersey . Decker spent all day Wednesday at the Jets facility and had dinner with a contingent of team officials, including coach Rex Ryan. He gives quarterback Geno�Smith and the offence a sorely needed playmaker and No. 1-type wide receiver. According to ESPNs Adam Schefter, its a five-year, $36.25 million deal with $16 million guaranteed. The Jets on Monday cut talented but oft-injured wide receiver Santonio�Holmes after four seasons. The move saved the Jets $8.25 million, and Holmes was also scheduled to have a $10.75 million cap number, a lofty total for a one-time Super Bowl MVP who has struggled with inconsistency the last two seasons. He turned 30 last week. The Jets get a rising star in Decker, who last season combined with Demaryius�Thomas as the most prolific receiving tandem (2,718 yards) in the league, meshing with Peyton�Manning all year. The 6-foot-3, 214-pound Decker, wholl be 27 on Saturday, set career highs with 87 catches and 1,288 yards receiving to go along with 11 touchdowns. He had 85 receptions for 1,064 yards and a career-best 13 TDs in 2012. Getting a top receiver was a priority as the Jets headed into free agency, especially after parting with Holmes. Decker emerged late last season, with a four-touchdown breakout at Kansas City on Dec. 1. Until then, the only starring role Decker enjoyed with the Broncos had come in his reality TV show about his wedding to country and pop singer Jessie James. He was in the final year of the contract he signed as a rookie four years ago with no extension in hand. He ended December with eight touchdowns for the Broncos, a triumph of sorts for a player who had contended with a balky shoulder and endless comparisons to teammates Thomas, Wes�Welker and Julius�Thomas. The slump-busting performance against the Chiefs did wonders for him as the Broncos advanced to the Super Bowl. Also Wednesday, the Jets agreed to terms with former Seattle Seahawks right tackle Breno�Giacomini, quickly finding a replacement for Austin�Howard. The Jets re-signed backup defensive lineman Leger�Douzable to a one-year deal, too. Giacomini missed seven games with a knee injury last season for Seattle, but was back in time for the Seahawks run to their Super Bowl title against Denver. The 6-foot-7, 318-pound Giacomini will replace Howard, who signed with Oakland as a free agent after starting every game the last two seasons. Giacomini was a fifth-round pick in 2008 of Green Bay, where he spent three seasons before spending the last three with Seattle. Douzable signed with New York as a free agent last off-season and had 20 tackles and a career-high 1 1/2 sacks. The Jets earlier released cornerback Antonio�Cromartie, clearing $17.75 million of salary cap space. New York could also save another $8.3 million if they cut quarterback Mark�Sanchez, who missed last season with a shoulder injury. Adam Vinatieri Colts Jersey .Com Tour. The former Canadian Amateur champion, who made his rookie year as a professional a memorable one, has had a long wait to get back on the course and after last season, hes anxious to play. Pat McAfee Colts Jersey . The solutions? Not so much. Given an extra week to stew over the worst start in 45 years, Tomlin is tweaking the lineup hoping to find a spark that will help his team begin the long road back to respectability.MANCHESTER, England - Manchester United striker Robin van Persie will undergo a second scan to determine the nature and extent of the knee injury he sustained in the win over Olympiakos in the Champions League. Van Persie was carried off on a stretcher after hurting his knee in a challenge toward the end of Wednesdays 3-0 victory, in whichh he scored a hat trick to send his team into the quarter-finals. LaRon Landry Jersey. . United manager David Moyes said on Friday that Van Persie was being rescanned because "there was nothing conclusive" in the first test. Moyes said the Netherlands international will miss Saturdays Premier League game against West Ham. cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '

Any NFL team that drafts Michael Sam will be taking on much more than a rookie pass-rusher. cheap nfl jerseys . But experts say the smart approach for a team that signs the leagues first openly gay athlete -- from a marketing and public relations standpoint -- is to simply let Sams on-field play speak for him and his team. "While this is a significant announcement given the sport, the general hope is that hes just accepted as one of the other men on the roster, and therefore his marketability is still simply tied to his ability to play well on the field and ultimately make the team," said Paul Swangard, managing director of the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon. Sam declared Sunday that he is gay in interviews with ESPN, The New York Times and Outsports. The Missouri All-American had already come out last August to his coaches and teammates, who respected his privacy. Now Sam is entering uncharted territory as he prepares for the NFL draft. The SECs co-defensive player of the year was projected to be a mid-round selection. At 6-foot-2, 255 pounds, Sam will likely have to transition to outside linebacker, which could impact where hes drafted. But announcing hes gay could also have an impact on his draft status. "Im not naive to think there arent potentially some owners or executives out there who will say, Eh, Im not so sure now." said Golden State Warriors President and Chief of Operations Rick Welts, who came out publicly in 2011. "But also, I hope, there are a lot who would say, Theres an opportunity to do something that I think our fans would actually embrace. And if were supposed to win football games, if this guy helps us win football games, thats somebody we should have on our roster." Sam, 24, joins a growing list of active athletes to publicly come out, including Robbie Rogers, a winger for Major League Soccers Los Angeles Galaxy, and Brittney Griner, who plays for the WNBAs Phoenix Mercury. Conner Mertens, a kicker for Division III Willamette University, came out as bisexual late last month, and is believed to have been the first active college football player to publicly announce his sexuality. Griner, as one of the WNBAs brightest stars, was the centerpiece of the Mercurys marketing campaign. She also made a point of supporting causes that are important to her. "There was nothing about her that was difficult in marketing. We supported what she wanted to do with bullying and the LGBT community. We made those connecting points," said Amber Cox, president of the Mercury before leaving to go to the Big East last fall. Nike has also thrown support to LGBT athletes, signing both Griner and Jason Collins, a former NBA player who came out last year, to sponsorship deals, and launching its "Be True" campaign. Profits from the .BeTrue collection are being donated to the LGBT Sports Coalition to support the goal of ending discrimination in sport. Mark Elderkin of the Gay Ad Network, an online media platform for national advertisers, said NFL teams need only look at Sams track record. "Theyre going to make their choices based on who the best college athletes are. And theyre going to choose Michael if they deem him the best pick. So, I think they need to focus on the facts, and his performance over the years, his All-America status and everything hes done for Missouri," Elderkin said. "Also his relationships with the fans, and with the positive energy he has around his teammates and their full support, shows that hes not going to be disruptive to the team in any way, but is going to add value." But its still a reality that gay athletes face a backlash. Derogatory comments were easily found among the positive posts on social media and other online commentary following Sams announcement. A Pew Research survey last year of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults in the U.S. found that just 4 per cent saw pro sports leagues as friendly toward LGBT people, while 59 per cent saw the leagues as unfriendly and 36 per cent saw them as neutral. Still, even over the past year there have been significant overall victories in gay and lesbian rights, most notably two U.S. Supreme Court decisions in June. One ruling cleared the way for ending a ban on same-sex marriages in California; the other struck down a 1996 law passed by Congress that banned federal recognition of same-sex marriages. It remains to be seen how growing tolerance extends to the NFL playing field. "I think the point thats being made in a lot of the discussion is, Lets just move on," Swangard said. "If the guy makes a team, then he makes the team. His sexual orientation shouldnt be the story." cheap jerseys from china . The import DB was taken to a nearby hospital after catching his head awkwardly trying to tackle Winnipeg running back Will Ford in the first quarter of the game at the Rogers Centre. nfl jerseys china . Kitna told The Dallas Morning News (http://dallasne.ws/1aaJ38v ) of his plans Wednesday. Kitna retired after the 2011 season, his 15th in the league, and was coaching football at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Wash. TORONTO -- Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey knows his starters can not play the entire game. But after Sundays loss to the Denver Nuggets, he probably wishes they could. The Nuggets reserves came off the bench to outscore their Raptors counterparts 72-16 as Denver pulled away in the fourth quarter for a comfortable 112-98 win before 16,290 fans at Air Canada Centre. "Our bench has got to give us something," Casey told reporters after Toronto (6-10) lost its third straight. "Our guys (starters) cant play for 48 (minutes), so weve got to get production from our bench. "The guys coming in have got to develop a toughness, a resilience of getting stops. And, it starts on the defensive end. In the second half, they shot it well but we didnt make them feel us." The 72 bench points conceded is the worst in Raptors history, exceeding the 69 points surrendered to the Chicago Bulls in a loss on Jan. 25, 2006. Diminutive guard Nate�Robinson led the way for Denver (10-6) with 23 points off the bench. The 5-foot-9 veteran hit five three-pointers on the afternoon, including back-to-back shots from beyond the arc with just over two minutes to go, as the Nuggets coasted to their sixth straight win. In addition to Robinsons team-high 23 points, three other Denver players had double-digit point totals off the bench, including Timofey�Mozgov with 16, Darrell�Arthur with 14 and Jordan�Hamilton with 10. Rudy�Gay led the way for the Raptors with 23 points. Jonas�Valanciunas had 18 points and 11 rebounds. Finishing 1-3 on their longest home stand of the season, the Raptors now head out West for the next week, visiting the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. "Personally, Im frustrated. Period," said Toronto guard DeMar�DeRozan, who finished with 17 ppoints.wholesale jerseys. "Weve just got to figure it out and turn it around on the road. "Its correctable but we shouldnt have to keep doing the same thing over and over before we realize that we are doing something wrong. We have to understand what were doing out the gate and correct it." Casey shuffled his line-up, inserting Tyler�Hansbrough into the starting rotation in place of a struggling Amir�Johnson. And, the initial results were positive, as the Raptors came out flying, opening up a 15-point lead eight minutes into the first quarter on the strength of a swarming defence and some deadly accurate field goal shooting. DeRozan hit his first four shots and Lowry sunk his initial two attempts from beyond the three-point arc. But the Nuggets went on a 13-4 run over the final 3:56 of the first quarter to cut the lead to 31-25. Denver led 47-45 at the half and had a 76-72 lead after a see-saw third quarter that featured four lead changes. In addition to lamenting his bench being outplayed, Casey also said the Raptors didnt pass the ball enough. "We had only 18 assists, they had 29," he said. "And, thats where it starts in the offensive end. "We talked about the defensive end but the offensive end, weve got to start trusting the pass." Gay said despite three straight losses, the Raptors are not getting down on themselves. "If we want to win, we have to make the right adjustments," he said. "Lets not get crazy," Gay said when asked if there might need to be some dramatic shake-up with the team. "They hit some tough shots and we made them hit some tough shots. We made them move the ball around, which is our defensive principle. We cant look at ourselves like we are just terrible. "We made some strides today but we can be better." cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '