U.S./World Sports category, Page 354
U.S. midfielder Lindsey Horan hopes World Cup helps grow NWSL
LYON, France — Midfielder Lindsey Horan hopes the attention on women’s soccer and the United States’ run at the World Cup boost the professional league back home. The National Women’s Soccer League is in the midst of its seventh season and has been more successful than any other attempt at...
15-year-old Coco Gauff still unfazed, perfect at Wimbledon
WIMBLEDON, England — It was easy to forget Coco Gauff is still just 15 as she stood on the grass of Centre Court, pounding her chest and shouting, “Let’s go! Come on!” to celebrate a 32-stroke point that forced a third set in her match Friday evening at Wimbledon. Up...
Schenley Plaza hosting Women’s World Cup championship watch party
If you’re looking for a place to watch one of the biggest matches in U.S. Women’s Soccer history, head for Schenley Plaza in Oakland this Sunday. The City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy are hosting a free watch party Sunday morning in Schenley Plaza for the FIFA Women’s...
Technology allows NBC to add elements to Tour de France
Phil Liggett remembers the early days of Tour de France coverage in the United States, which would involve him traveling to Paris at the end of a stage, recording voiceovers all night and then rejoining the circuit for the next stage. Those days, though, are ancient history. The Tour has...
U.S. women’s team prepares for ‘final insult’
Megan Rapinoe considers Sunday to be the final insult. Just a few hours after the United States and the Netherlands meet in the Women’s World Cup final in France, Brazil or Peru will celebrate winning the Copa America, South America’s men’s championship. And then at night, the United States or...
Super-sub Carli Lloyd: Depth, versatility key for U.S. women
LYON, France — Carli Lloyd said the success the United States is having at the Women’s World Cup in France isn’t an extension of the 2015 title run. The so-called 2019ers are their own team. “We don’t really bring up the 2015 World Cup that much because it’s done. It’s...
Joey Chestnut, Miki Sudo repeat as hot dog eating champions
NEW YORK — Joey “Jaws” Chestnut ate 71 wieners and buns to secure his 12th title at Nathan’s Famous annual July Fourth hot dog eating contest on Thursday, just a few hot dogs shy of breaking the record he set last year. In front of a crowd of fans and...
Kyrgios’ antics in loss to Nadal overshadow other events at Wimbledon
WIMBLEDON, England — Rafael Nadal was near the Centre Court net when Nick Kyrgios smacked a booming forehand directly at him — on purpose — and earned a lengthy staredown in return. Kyrgios didn’t apologize — at the time or at his news conference — for that or for berating...
Peters Township’s Alison Riske advances to 3rd round at Wimbledon
This one needed overtime. After handily winning the first set and then dropping a second-set tiebreak, Peters Township native Alison Riske bounced back and defeated Ivana Jorovic, 6-2, 6-7 (3), 9-7, in a nearly 3-hour match to advance to the third round at Wimbledon. Riske quickly took the first set,...
Record-setting Kentucky quarterback Jared Lorenzen dies at 38Video
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Jared Lorenzen, a husky left-handed quarterback who set multiple Kentucky passing and offensive records before backing up Eli Manning on the New York Giants’ Super Bowl-winning 2007 team, has died. He was 38. A release from the school said Lorenzen’s family announced his death on Wednesday, but...
Chartiers Valley’s T.J. McConnell to sign with Pacers for 2 years, $7M
Chartiers Valley graduate T.J. McConnell agreed to a two-year, $7 million deal with the Indiana Pacers, his agent confirmed Wednesday. McConnell, 27, who was the longest-tenured player on the 76ers and a fan favorite, spent four years with the Sixers after going undrafted out of Arizona. He began his college...
Penn State grad Alyssa Naeher saves best for World Cup semifinalsVideo
LYON, France — Alyssa Naeher finally escaped Hope Solo’s shadow with her smothering save of a penalty kick. Endlessly compared to her controversial predecessor on the U.S. national team, Naeher cemented her legacy when she preserved the United States’ 2-1 semifinal win over England. It was the first penalty save...
Netherlands edges Sweden to set up Women’s World Cup final with U.S.
LYON, France — The Netherlands will play the United States for the Women’s World Cup title after Jackie Groenen sealed a 1-0 victory over Sweden in extra time on Wednesday night. A slick passing sequence ended in the 99th minute with Groenen driving a shot from outside the penalty area...
Young Canadian Auger-Aliassime turning heads at Wimbledon, could face Djokovic
WIMBLEDON, England — Dealing with jitters early in a match is nothing new to Felix Auger-Aliassime. Being among the favorites to win Wimbledon? Considering the Canadian is just 18 and never had won so much as one Grand Slam match until this week, well, yes, that’s not the sort of...
XFL’s plans for upcoming season starting to take shape
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Oliver Luck’s first year as the XFL’s commissioner mostly has been confined to the office and getting the league’s framework set up. The next couple months are what Luck refers to as the fun part of preparing for next year’s return. “We’re still a long way...
Tim Benz: Alex Morgan sipping tea is fine; pandering double standards aren’t
The U.S. women’s national soccer team has gotten its fair share of attention for celebrating too much and showing up its opponents during the Women’s World Cup. Even their own social media account was getting cocky after the 2-1 semifinal win against England on Tuesday afternoon. PARTY LIKE IT’S 1776...
Report: Pitt’s Brad Wanamaker returns to Celtics on 1-year deal
Pitt product and free agent Brad Wanamaker agreed to a one-year contract to return to the Boston Celtics, ESPN reported. Wanamaker was the oldest rookie in the NBA last season at age 29 after playing six seasons in Europe. He averaged 3.9 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 36...
First-round opponent relishes loss to Serena Williams at Wimbledon
WIMBLEDON, England — Used to be players would dread the prospect of facing Serena Williams, especially at Wimbledon. Nowadays, they seem to be eager to go up against her — not because they think they can beat Williams, mind you, but because, well, she’s Serena Williams, and what better way...
Peters Township native Alison Riske makes Wimbledon history
WIMBLEDON, England — In her ninth appearance at the All England Club, Alison Riske finally has a piece of Wimbledon history. The unseeded American became the first player to win a match under the new roof on No. 1 Court after rallying to beat Donna Vekic 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in...
Alex Morgan scores and Alyssa Naeher saves to send U.S. to World Cup title matchVideo
LYON, France — Alex Morgan celebrated her go-ahead goal with a cheeky tea-sipping motion and Alyssa Naeher stopped a late penalty kick to send the United States into the final at the Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 victory over England on Tuesday night. The top-ranked United States will face...
First Call: Pro Football Hall of Fame expanding next class; T.J. McConnell could stay with 76ers
In “First Call” Tuesday, T.J. McConnell may be staying with the Philadelphia 76ers. The NFL could expand its next Hall of Fame class. And we keep an eye on Long Island. Staying put in Philly? T.J. McConnell may stay in Philadelphia after all. At the end of the NBA season,...
Egan Bernal set to impress at unpredictable Tour de France
PARIS — Egan Bernal is just 22 years old. Two years younger than Eddy Merckx was when the Belgian great won his first Tour de France half a century ago. Gifted with superb bike handling and climbing skills, Bernal has matured by leaps and bounds to become cycling’s most exciting...
Maple Leafs acquire defenseman Tyson Barrie in trade with Avalanche
TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Tyson Barrie, forward Alex Kerfoot and a sixth-round pick in the 2020 draft from the Colorado Avalanche on Monday. Toronto is sending Colorado forward Nazem Kadri, defenseman Calle Rosen and its third-round selection in the 2020 draft. Colorado will retain 50 percent...
Klay Thompson staying with Warriors; Jimmy Butler-to-Miami gets done
Klay Thompson is staying home with Golden State. Jimmy Butler finally has a new home in Miami. And the wait continues for Kawhi Leonard. Thompson announced his decision to stay with the Golden State Warriors for $190 million over the next five years, meaning the five-time reigning Western Conference champions...
Neville’s leadership has England in Women’s World Cup semis vs. U.S.
LYON, France — Phil Neville’s path to the Women’s World Cup semifinals began with a phone call persuading him to consider the England manager’s job. Late in 2017, Sue Campbell, the baroness in charge of English women’s soccer, was bemoaning the lack of female coaches to fill the vacancy after...
