Wednesday, May 10, 2017

MLS Midweek: May 10, 2017

Today's game has the Columbus Crew SC hosting Toronto FC. Alexander Bono and Zack Steffen are in goal. Columbus began in the twenty-eighth minute with a Federico Higuain penalty kick goal. In the thirty-seventh minute, the Crew's keeper Steffen took a yellow card for a foul. Toronto got on the board in the eighty-first minute with a Tosaint Ricketts goal, assisted by Raheem Edwards and Victor Vazquez. Adam Jahn of Columbus took a yellow card for dissent in the eighty-second minute. Toronto took the lead with a Ricketts goal in the ninetieth minute, passed from Vazquez and Edwards. The final held at 2-1, with Ricketts the man of the match for his brace.

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Pacific Division Final: 1) Anaheim Ducks VS. 2) Edmonton Oilers

It's time for the second round of the playoffs, as the NHL's quest for the Stanley Cup continues. This series features Pacific Division rivals, the Anaheim Ducks and the Edmonton Oilers.

Game 1: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Cam Talbot for the Oilers and John Gibson for the Ducks. Anaheim got going in the second period with a Ryan Getzlaf power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Cam Fowler and Ryan Kesler. Edmonton tied it on a Mark Letestu power play goal, his second of the playoffs, with assists provided by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers added on in the third period with a Letestu power play goal, his second of the game and third of the postseason, made possible by Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Edmonton added on with an Adam Larsson goal, via Draisaitl, who got a sock trick, and Patrick Maroon. The Ducks got one back with a Patrick Eaves goal, his second of the playoffs, helped along by Getzlaf and Brandon Montour. Anaheim tied it on a Jakob Silfverberg goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Andrew Cogliano and Kesler. The Oilers regained the lead on a Larsson goal, his second of the playoffs, passed from Oscar Klefbom and Maroon. Edmonton iced it at 5-3 with a Draisaitl empty net goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Milan Lucic and Larsson. The three stars were Draisaitl, Letestu, and Larsson, while Maroon, Getzlaf, and Kesler get the honorable mentions. The Oilers have a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Cam Talbot for the Oilers and John Gibson for the Ducks. Edmonton led off in the first period with an unassisted Andrej Sekera goal. The Oilers added on with a Patrick Maroon power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in the second period. Anaheim got on the board with a Jakob Silfverberg power play goal, his fourth of the playoffs, with assists provided by Cam Fowler and Ryan Kesler. This stood for the 2-1 final, with the three stars being Talbot (39 for 40 in saves), Maroon, and Sekera. The Oilers head home with a 2-0 series lead in hand.

Game 3: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta. In goal: John Gibson for the Ducks and Cam Talbot for the Oilers. Anaheim began in the first period with a Rickard Rakell goal, his third of the postseason, via Ryan Getzlaf and Brandon Montour. The Ducks added on with a Jakob Silfverberg goal, his fifth of the playoffs, coming off of Hampus Lindholm. Anaheim extended the lead as Getzlaf scored his fifth of the postseason, going in unassisted. Edmonton got on the board with a Patrick Maroon goal, his third of the playoffs, guided in by Kris Russell and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers got on the board with an Anton Slepyshev goal, his second of the postseason, courtesy of David Desharnais and Russell. Edmonton tied it on a Connor McDavid goal, his third of the playoffs, an unassisted goal. The Ducks gain the lead with a Chris Wagner goal, helped along by Josh Manson and Shea Theodore. Anaheim padded the lead with a Silfverberg goal, his second of the game and sixth of the postseason, with helpers from Manson and Theodore. The Ducks iced it at 6-3 with a Ryan Kesler goal, with a lone assist by Silfverberg. The three stars went to Silfverberg, Getzlaf, and Manson, while Russell and Theodore get the honorable mentions. The series still favors the Oilers 2-1.

Game 4: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta. In goal: John Gibson for the Ducks and Cam Talbot for the Oilers. Edmonton opened in the first period with a Milan Lucic power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Leon Draisaitl and Mark Letestu. The Oilers added on with a Connor McDavid goal, his fourth of the playoffs, helped along by Draisaitl and Patrick Maroon. Anaheim got on the board in the second period with a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his sixth of the postseason, coming off of Brandon Montour. The Ducks tied it on a Rickard Rakell goal, his fourth of the playoffs, with assists provided by Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Anaheim took the lead on a Getzlaf goal, his second of the game and seventh of the postseason, going in unassisted. Edmonton tied it on a Drake Caggiula goal, via Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Maroon in the third period. The Ducks won 4-3 in overtime with a Jakob Silfverberg goal, his seventh of the playoffs, thanks to Getzlaf. The three stars were Getzlaf, Silfverberg, and Maroon, while Draisaitl gets an honorable mention. The series heads back to California tied at 2.

Game 5: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Cam Talbot for the Oilers and John Gibson for the Ducks. Edmonton dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Leon Draisaitl goal, his third of the postseason, assisted by Oscar Klefbom and Adam Larsson. The Oilers added on with a Connor McDavid power play goal, his fifth of the playoffs, powered by Mark Letestu and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Edmonton extended the lead as Drake Caggiula scored his second of the postseason, thanks to McDavid and Kris Russell. Anaheim got on the board with a Ryan Getzlaf goal, his eighth of the playoffs, helped along by Jakob Silfverberg and Ryan Kesler. The Ducks got closer with a Cam Fowler goal, passed from Silfverberg and Corey Perry. Anaheim tied it on a Rickard Rakell goal, his fifth of the postseason, made possible by Perry and Fowler. The Ducks won 4-3 in the second overtime with a Perry goal, his second of the playoffs, via Getzlaf and Rakell. The three stars were Perry, Rakell, and Fowler, while Getzlaf, Silfverberg, and McDavid get the honorable mentions. The Ducks leave home again with a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta. In goal: John Gibson for the Ducks and Cam Talbot for the Oilers. Edmonton started in the first period with a Leon Draisaitl goal, his fourth of the postseason, via Adam Larsson. The Oilers added on with a Draisaitl goal, his second of the game and fifth of the playoffs, passed from Milan Lucic and Darnell Nurse. Edmonton chased Gibson with a Zack Kassian goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Mark Letestu and Griffin Reinhart. The Oilers extended the lead against Jonathan Bernier as Letestu scored his fourth of the playoffs, thanks to Kris Russell and David Desharnais. Edmonton padded the lead on a Letestu power play goal, his second of the game and fifth of the postseason, powered by Matt Benning and Draisaitl. The Oilers continued in the second period on an Anton Slepyshev goal, his third of the playoffs, fueled by Patrick Maroon and Draisaitl. Anaheim got on the board with a Rickard Rakell goal, his sixth of the postseason, helped along by Corey Perry and Cam Fowler. Edmonton shot back with a Draisaitl power play goal, completing his hat trick on his sixth of the playoffs, with assists provided by Lucic and Letestu. This stood for the eventual 7-1 final, with the three stars awarded to Draisaitl, Letestu, and Lucic. The series heads back to California one more time tied at 3. 

Game 7: Honda Center, Anaheim, California. In goal: Cam Talbot for the Oilers and John Gibson for the Ducks. Edmonton struck first in the first period with a Drake Caggiula goal, his third of the postseason, going in unassisted. Anaheim tied it in the second period with an Andrew Cogliano goal, passed from Ryan Kesler and Brandon Montour. The Ducks took the lead in the third period with a Nick Ritchie goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Sami Vatanen and Corey Perry. This stood for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Ritchie, Gibson (23 for 24 in saves), and Cogliano. The Ducks win the series 4-3, and will face the Nashville Predators in the Western Conference Final.

Metropolitan Division Final: 1) Washington Capitals VS. 2) Pittsburgh Penguins.

It's time for the second round of the playoffs, as the NHL's quest for the Stanley Cup continues. This series features Metropolitan Division rivals, the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Game 1: Verizon Center, Washington, DC. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for the Penguins and Braden Holtby for the Capitals. Pittsburgh got going in the second period with a Sidney Crosby goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Jake Guentzel and Patric Hornqvist. The Penguins added on with a Crosby goal, his second of the game and fourth of the playoffs, passed from Hornqvist and Olli Maatta. Washington got on the board with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Lars Eller and T.J. Oshie. The Capitals tied it in the third period with an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal, his second of the playoffs, guided in by Matt Niskanen. Pittsburgh took the lead back with a Nick Bonino goal, his second of the postseason, helped along by Scott Wilson and Justin Schultz. The final held at 3-2, with the three stars belonging to Crosby, Hornqvist, and Bonino. The Penguins have a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Verizon Center, Washington, DC. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for the Penguins and Braden Holtby for the Capitals. Pittsburgh dented the scoreboard in the second period with a shorthanded and unassisted Matt Cullen. Washington tied it on a Matt Niskanen power play goal, powered by Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. The Penguins took the lead back with a Phil Kessel goal, his third of the postseason, made possible by Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel. Pittsburgh added on with a Guentzel goal, his sixth of the playoffs, with a lone assist by Crosby. The Penguins extended the lead as Kessel scored his second of the game and fourth of the postseason, a power play goal with the help of Justin Schultz and Evgeni Malkin. The Capitals got one back with a Backstrom goal, his third of the playoffs, via Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie. Pittsburgh replied with an Evgeni Malkin goal, his third of the playoffs, passed from Ian Cole and Kessel. The Penguins iced it at 6-2 with a Guentzel empty net goal, his second of the game and seventh of the postseason, set up by Cullen and Olli Maatta. The three stars went to Guentzel, Kessel, and Cullen, while Crosby, Malkin, Backstrom, and Ovechkin get the honorable mentions. The Penguins head home with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Braden Holtby for the Capitals and Marc-Andre Fleury for the Penguins. Washington led off in the first period with a Nicklas Backstrom power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Alex Ovechkin and Justin Williams. The Capitals added on in the third period with an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal, his third of the playoffs, via Marcus Johansson and Williams. Pittsburgh got on the board with an Evgeni Malkin goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Phil Kessel and Justin Schultz. The Penguins tied it on a Schultz goal, made possible by Malkin and Chris Kunitz. Washington won 3-2 in overtime with a Kevin Shattenkirk goal, helped along by Backstrom and Kuznetsov on the power play. The three stars were Kuznetsov, Backstrom, and Williams, while Schultz and Malkin get the honorable mentions. The Penguins still hold a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Braden Holtby for the Capitals and Marc-Andre Fleury for the Penguins. Pittsburgh began in the first period with a Patric Hornqvist goal, his third of the postseason, courtesy of Olli Maatta and Matt Cullen. The Penguins added on in the second period with a Jake Guentzel goal, his eighth of the playoffs, going in unassisted. Washington got on the board with an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Justin Williams and Marcus Johansson. The Capitals tied it on a Nate Schmidt goal, fueled by T.J. Oshie and Kevin Shattenkirk. Pittsburgh took the lead back with a Justin Schultz power play goal, his second of the playoffs, powered by Evgeni Malkin and Guentzel. The game ended at 3-2, with the three stars given to Guentzel, Fleury (36 for 38 in saves), and Schultz. The Penguins lead the series 3-1 as they leave home.

Game 5: Verizon Center, Washington, DC. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for the Penguins and Braden Holtby for the Capitals. Pittsburgh opened in the first period with a Carl Hagelin goal, via Nick Bonino and Ron Hainsey. Washington tied it on an Andre Burakovsky goal, passed from Kevin Shattenkirk and Lars Eller. The Penguins took the lead back with a Phil Kessel power play goal in the second period, his fifth of the postseason, powered by Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. The Capitals tied it on a third period goal from Nicklas Backstrom, his fifth of the playoffs, guided in by Burakovsky. Washington took the lead with an Evgeny Kuznetsov goal, his fifth of the postseason, fueled by Marcus Johansson and John Carlson. The Capitals added on with an Alex Ovechkin goal, his fifth of the playoffs, assisted by Eller and Nate Schmidt. The final stood at 4-2, with the three stars given to Burakovsky, Eller, and Kuznetsov. The Penguins return home with their series lead cut to 3-2.

Game 6: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In goal: Braden Holtby for the Capitals and Marc-Andre Fleury for the Penguins. Washington started in the first period with a T.J. Oshie power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom. The Capitals added on with an Andre Burakovsky goal, his second of the playoffs, going in unassisted. Washington extended the lead in the third period as Backstrom scored his sixth of the postseason, thanks to Oshie and Dmitry Orlov. The Capitals padded the lead on a power play goal by John Carlson, his second of the playoffs, passed from Matt Niskanen and Kuznetsov. Washington continued with a Burakovsky goal, his second of the game and third of the postseason, an unassisted goal. Pittsburgh got on the board with a Jake Guentzel goal, his ninth of the playoffs, with a lone assist by Sidney Crosby. The Penguins got closer with an Evgeni Malkin goal, his fifth of the postseason, courtesy of Conor Sheary and Brian Dumoulin. This made it 5-2, the final, with the three stars going to Burakovsky, Backstrom, and Oshie, while Kuznetsov gets an honorable mention. The series is tied at 3 with the deciding game in the nation's capital. 

Game 7: Verizon Center, Washington, DC. In goal: Marc-Andre Fleury for the Penguins and Braden Holtby for the Capitals. Pittsburgh struck first in the second period with a Bryan Rust goal, his fifth of the postseason, coming off of Jake Guentzel and Sidney Crosby. The Penguins added on in the third period with a Patric Hornqvist goal, his fourth of the playoffs, via Justin Schultz. This made it 2-0, the final, with the three stars being Fleury (29 save shutout), Rust, and Hornqvist. The Penguins advance to the Eastern Conference Final to face the Ottawa Senators after this 4-3 series win.

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Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Atlantic Division Final: 2) Ottawa Senators VS. 4) New York Rangers

It's time for the second round of the playoffs, as the NHL's quest for the Stanley Cup continues. This series features the Atlantic Division's Ottawa Senators against the wild card New York Rangers.

Game 1: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers and Craig Anderson for the Senators. New York got going in the second period with a Ryan McDonagh power play goal, powered by Mats Zuccarello and Pavel Buchnevich. Ottawa tied it on a Ryan Dzingel power play goal, with assists provided by Alexandre Burrows and Kyle Turris. The Senators took the lead with an Erik Karlsson goal in the third period, via Mike Hoffman and Marc Methot. This stood for a 2-1 win, with the three stars being Anderson (34 for 35 in saves), Karlsson, and Lundqvist (41 for 43 in saves). The Senators have a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers and Craig Anderson for the Senators. New York began in the first period with a Michael Grabner shorthanded goal, his third of the postseason, set up by Jesper Fast. Ottawa tied it on a Jean-Gabriel Pageau goal, his second of the playoffs, going in unassisted. The Rangers took the lead back in the second period with a Chris Kreider goal, passed from Mika Zibanejad and Ryan McDonagh. New York added on with a Derek Stepan shorthanded goal, his second of the postseason, with a lone assist by Rick Nash. The Senators got one back with a Marc Methot goal, helped along by Mike Hoffman and Ben Harpur. The Rangers replied with a Brady Skjei goal, his third of the playoffs, assisted by McDonagh and Zibanejad. Ottawa pulled back with a Mark Stone goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Dion Phaneuf and Fredrik Claesson. New York chipped back with a Skjei goal, his second of the game and fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Brendan Smith. The Senators countered with a Pageau goal, his second of the game and third of the postseason, made possible by Zack Smith and Phaneuf. Ottawa tied it on a Pageau goal, completing his hat trick on his fourth of the playoffs, via Kyle Turris and Erik Karlsson. The Senators won 6-5 with a Pageau goal in double overtime, his fourth of the game and fifth of the postseason, with a lone helper from Alexandre Burrows. The three stars were awarded to Pageau, Phaneuf, and Skjei, while McDonagh and Zibanejad get the honorable mentions. The Senators travel with a 2-0 series lead.

Game 3: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Craig Anderson for the Senators and Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers. New York led off in the first period with a Mats Zuccarello goal, his fourth of the postseason, coming off of Mika Zibanejad and Dan Girardi. The Rangers added on with a Michael Grabner goal, his fourth of the playoffs, via Zuccarello. New york extended the lead as Rick Nash scored his third of the postseason, thanks to Derek Stepan and Jimmy Vesey. The Rangers padded the lead with an Oscar Lindberg goal, helped along by J.T. Miller and Tanner Glass. Ottawa got on the board with a Jean-Gabriel Pageau goal, his sixth of the playoffs, assisted by Bobby Ryan and Cody Ceci. This only made it 4-1, the eventual final, with the three stars given to Zuccarello, Lundqvist (26 for 27 in saves), and Grabner. The Senators still lead the series 2-1.

Game 4: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Craig Anderson for the Senators and Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers. New York started in the first period with a Nick Holden goal, assisted by Kevin Hayes. The Rangers added on in the second period with an Oscar Lindberg goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Michael Grabner and Tanner Glass. New York extended the lead as Lindberg scored his second of the game and third of the playoffs, thanks to J.T. Miller and Glass. The Rangers padded the lead on a Chris Kreider power play goal in the third period, his second of the postseason, powered by Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan. Ottawa got on the board with a Kyle Turris goal, his second of the playoffs, via Zack Smith and Ben Harpur. This only made it 4-1, the final, with the three stars being Lindberg, Glass, and Lundqvist (22 for 23 in saves). The series is tied at 2 heading back to Canada.

Game 5: Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa, Ontario. In goal: Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers and Craig Anderson for the Senators. New York opened in the first period with a Jesper Fast goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Brendan Smith and Kevin Hayes. The Rangers added on with a Nick Holden goal, his second of the playoffs, via Jimmy Vesey. Ottawa got on the board with a Mark Stone goal, his third of the postseason, passed from Chris Wideman and Zack Smith. The Senators tied it on a Mike Hoffman goal in the second period, his third of the playoffs, guided in by Clarke MacArthur and Erik Karlsson. Ottawa took the lead with a Tom Pyatt goal, assisted by Smith. New York retied it on a Ryan McDonagh goal, his second of the postseason, fueled by Michael Grabner and Fast. The Rangers pulled ahead as Vesey scored, thanks to Brady Skjei and Derek Stepan. The Senators tied it again with a Derick Brassard goal, his third of the playoffs, helped along by MacArthur and Karlsson. Ottawa won 5-4 in overtime with a Kyle Turris goal, his third of the postseason, with helpers from Alexandre Burrows and Karlsson, the latter earning a sock trick. The three stars were Karlsson, Smith, and MacArthur, while Fast and Vesey get the honorable mentions. The Senators leave home leading the series 3-2. 

Game 6: Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York. In goal: Craig Anderson for the Senators and Henrik Lundqvist for the Rangers. Ottawa struck first in the first period with a Mike Hoffman goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Erik Karlsson and Clarke MacArthur. The Senators added on with a Mark Stone goal, his fourth of the playoffs, passed from MacArthur and Chris Wideman. New York got on the board in the second period with a Mika Zibanejad goal, his second of the postseason, made possible by Mats Zuccarello and Nick Holden. Ottawa replied with a Karlsson goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Bobby Ryan and the goalie Anderson. The Rangers got one back with a Chris Kreider goal, his third of the postseason, via Zibanejad and Brendan Smith in the third period. The Senators iced it at 4-2 with a Jean-Gabriel Pageau empty net goal, his seventh of the playoffs, set up by Stone. The three stars were Karlsson, Stone, and Zibanejad, while MacArthur gets an honorable mention. The Senators advance to the Eastern Conference Final on a 4-2 series win.

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Sunday, May 7, 2017

MLS 2017: Week 10

All teams in action this weekend, beginning on Friday in...

Colorado, as the Rapids host the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. David Ousted and Tim Howard are the keepers. Colorado's Mekeil Williams had a yellow card for a fortieth minute foul. Vancouver saw a yellow card for dissent by Fredy Montero in the forty-eighth minute. The Rapids had a yellow card for a Shkelzen Gashi foul in the eightieth minute. The Whitecaps got going in the eighty-fourth minute on a Brek Shea goal, via Nicolas Mezquida. In the eighty-eighth minute, Colorado went down to ten men as Williams took a second yellow card for another foul. The final held at 1-0, with Shea the man of the match for his winning goal.

Saturday begins in Seattle, with the Sounders FC welcoming Toronto FC. Clint Irwin and Stefan Frei are the gloved men. Jordy Delem of Seattle had a yellow card for a thirteenth minute foul. Toronto began with a Jozy Altidore goal in the twenty-third minute, from the penalty spot. The Sounders' Osvaldo Alonso received a yellow card for a forty-sixth minute foul. Toronto's Chris Mavinga had a yellow card for his foul in the seventieth minute. Toronto won 1-0, with the man of the match being Altidore.

East to DC, where United brings in the Montreal Impact. Evan Bush and Travis Worra are the goalies. Montreal led off in the thirteenth minute with a Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla goal, set up by Adrian Arregui. Hernan Bernardello of the Impact had a yellow card for a foul in first half stoppage time. Montreal had yellow cards for fouls by Daniel Lovitz and Kyle Fisher in the fiftieth and fifty-ninth minutes, respectively. The final held at 1-0, with the man of the match being Tabla for his goal.

In Philadelphia, the Union host the New York Red Bulls. Luis Robles and Andre Blake man the nets. Aaron Long of New York had a yellow card for a foul in the ninth minute. Philadelphia saw yellow cards for Fabrice-Jean Picault in the twenty-fifth minute and Haris Medunjanin for dissent in the twenty-sixth minute. Jack Elliott of the Union had a yellow card for his sixty-sixth minute foul. Philadelphia dented the scoreboard on a C.J. Sapong goal in the seventy-fourth minute. The Union added on with a Sapong goal in the eighty-first minute, via Chris Pontius and Fabian Herbers. Philadelphia extended the lead as Sapong finished his hat trick with a penalty kick goal in the eighty-fifth minute. Union keeper Blake took a yellow card for time wasting in the eighty-seventh minute. Sapong was the man of the 3-0 match for his hat trick.

Into Ohio, where the Columbus Crew SC welcome the New England Revolution. Cody Cropper and Zack Steffen play goal. Columbus opened in the thirteenth minute with an Ola Kamara goal, via Justin Meram. Jonathan Mensah of the Crew had a yellow card for his fifteenth minute foul. Columbus added on with a fifty-third minute Federico Higuain goal, coming off of Kamara. The Crew's Nicolai Naess had a yellow card for his sixty-ninth minute foul. New England saw yellow cards for fouls by Je-Vaughn Watson in the seventy-seventh minute and Antonio Mlinar Delamea in the eighty-first minute. Columbus won 2-0, with Kamara the man of the match for his goal and assist.

Down in Texas, the Houston Dynamo bring in Orlando City SC. Joe Bendik and Joe Willis are the similarly named goalies. Houston started in the twenty-third minute with an Alberth Elis goal, courtesy of A.J. DeLaGarza. Romell Quioto of the Dynamo had a yellow card in first half stoppage time for not retreating. Houston added on with a Mauro Manotas goal, via Alex, in the fifty-first minute. In the sixtieth minute, DeLaGarza took a yellow card for persistent infringement for the Dynamo. Houston extended the lead as Manotas scored in the sixty-fifth minute, with the help of Quioto and Alex. The Dynamo padded the lead on a seventy-fifth minute Quioto goal, set up by Manotas. Donny Toia of Orlando City took a yellow card for his persistent infringement in the seventy-ninth minute. Adolfo Machado of Houston had a yellow card for an eighty-fourth minute foul. The Dynamo won 4-0, with the man of the match being Manotas for his brace and assist.

Northwest to Salt Lake, where Real hosts FC Dallas. Jesse Gonzalez and Matt Van Oekel play in goal. Dallas struck first in the third minute with a Maximiliano Urruti penalty kick goal. Urruti took a yellow card for his fifty-seventh minute foul. Dallas added on in the sixty-seventh minute with a Matt Hedges goal, assisted by Kellyn Acosta. Cristian Colman of Dallas had a yellow card for a seventy-ninth minute foul. Dallas iced it at 3-0 with a stoppage time goal by Urruti. The man of the match was Urruti for his brace.

In California, the Los Angeles Galaxy welcome the Chicago Fire. Matt Lampson and Brian Rowe are set to start in goal. Chicago was first to score in the thirteenth minute with a David Accam penalty kick goal. The Fire added on in the sixteenth minute with a Nemanja Nikolic goal, passed from Accam. Los Angeles got on the board in the fifty-sixth minute with a Daniel Steres goal, made possible by Romain Alessandrini. Chicago's Brandon Vincent received a yellow card for a sixtieth minute foul. The Galaxy tied it on a sixty-fifth minute Giovani dos Santos goal, coming off of Dave Romney and Alessandrini. In the seventy-fourth minute, Los Angeles' Alessandrini took a yellow card for a dive. In the ninetieth minute, the Fire's Bastian Schweinsteiger took a yellow card for a foul. The game ended at 2-2, with the man of the match being Accam.

Saturday ends with the San Jose Earthquakes bringing in the Portland Timbers. Jeff Attinella and David Bingham are between the posts. San Jose drew first blood in the eighth minute with a Jahmir Hyka goal, via Chris Wondolowski. The Earthquakes added on in the thirty-first minute with a Wondolowski goal, made possible by Florian Jungwirth. Darren Mattocks of Portland had a yellow card for his forty-fifth minute foul. San Jose extended the lead in the fifty-fifth minute as Wondolowski scored, thanks to Jungwirth again. The Timbers saw a yellow card for dissent by Sebastian Blanco in the sixty-sixth minute. Portland's Vytautas Andriuskevicius took a yellow card for a foul in stoppage time. The game ended 3-0, with the man of the match being Wondolowski for his brace and assist.

On Sunday, Minnesota United FC hosts Sporting Kansas City. Tim Melia and Bobby Shuttleworth are in goal. Igor Juliao of Kansas City took a yellow card for his seventeenth minute foul. Minnesota cracked the scoresheet in the twenty-second minute with an Abu Danladi goal, via Miguel Ibarra nd Ibson. Minnesota added on in the thirty-ninth minute with a Christian Ramirez goal, passed from Ibarra and Danladi. Minnesota's Ramirez had a yellow card for his fifty-first minute foul. In the seventy-second minute, Minnesota's Francisco Calvo and Sporting's Dominic Dwyer each had yellow cards for fouls. The final held at 2-0, with the man of the match being Ibarra for his pair of assists.

Finally, New York City FC hosts Atlanta United. Alec Kann and Sean Johnson protect the woodwork. New York City got on the board first in the seventeenth minute with a David Villa goal, assisted by Rodney Wallace. Atlanta's Julian Gressel had a yellow card for his thirty-fourth minute foul. Atlanta tied it on a Carlos Carmona goal in the thirty-ninth minute. Atlanta saw Michael Parkhurst take a yellow card for his forty-third minute foul. Ethan White of New York City had a yellow card for a foul in the fiftieth minute. New York City took the lead in the sixtieth minute with a Wallace goal, set up by White and Jack Harrison. New York City added on in the sixty-first minute with a Maximiliano Moralez goal, passed from Wallace and Villa. Jeff Larentowicz of Atlanta had a yellow card for his sixty-ninth minute foul. Tyrone Mears of Atlanta had a yellow card for his eighty-second minute foul. The final held at 3-1, with the man of the match being Wallace for his goal and two assists.

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NWSL 2017: Week 4

We're back for more action this weekend, beginning with three Saturday games. The first is...

The Chicago Red Stars hosting the Houston Dash. Lydia Williams and Alyssa Naeher protect the nets. Houston's Bruna took a yellow card for a fourteenth minute foul. Chicago got a gift to start the scoring in the forty-fourth minute when the Dash's Sarah Hagen scored an own goal. The Red Stars added on in the sixty-first minute with a goal by Julie Johnston Ertz. Christen Press of Chicago received a yellow card for an eighty-second minute foul. The final held at 2-0, with Ertz the woman of the match for her well-rounded game.

To the east, the Washington Spirit welcome Sky Blue FC. Kailen Sheridan and Stephanie Labbe are in the six-yard boxes. Washington led off in the sixth minute with a Francisca Ordega goal, set up by Line Sigvardsen Jensen. Sky Blue tied it on a twelfth minute goal by Kelley O'Hara. The Spirit retook the lead in the twenty-sixth minute when Sky Blue's Erin Simon put the ball in her own net for an own goal. Washington added on with a Havana Solaun goal in the thirty-fourth minute, coming off of Ordega. Sky Blue's Simon had a yellow card for a thirty-ninth minute foul. Sky Blue pulled back in the fiftieth minute on a Sarah Killion goal, guided in by O'Hara. The Spirit replied with a fifty-sixth minute goal by Ordega, her second of the game. Sky Blue shot back with a Killion penalty kick goal in the seventy-first minute, her second of the game. Cheyna Williams of Washington had a yellow card in the eighty-seventh minute for a foul. The final held at 4-3, with Ordega the woman of the match for a brace, assist, and the cross that led to Simon's own goal.

Saturday ends in the Northwest, as the Portland Thorns FC host the Seattle Reign FC for some Cascadia fun. Haley Kopmeyer and Adrianna Franch are the keepers. Seattle began in the first minute with a Jess Fishlock goal, assisted by Rumi Utsugi. Portland tied it in the thirty-seventh minute as Fishlock slid into a Hayley Raso cross that ended up in the Seattle goal. The Reign fired back with a thirty-ninth minute Merritt Mathias goal, coming off of Rebekah Stott. Seattle saw yellow cards for fouls by Megan Rapinoe in the fifty-seventh minute and Fishlock in the sixty-sixth minute. The Thorns' Amandine Henry took a yellow card for her seventy-third minute foul. Portland tied it on an eighty-second minute Allie Long goal, guided in by Meghan Klingenberg. Lindsey Horan of the Thorns had a yellow card in stoppage time for her foul. The game ended 2-2, with the woman of the match being Mathias.

On Sunday, the Boston Breakers bring in the North Carolina Courage. Sabrina D'Angelo and Abby Smith guard the woodwork. North Carolina opened in the thirty-second minute on a Jessica McDonald goal. Boston's Julie King had a yellow card for her thirty-fifth minute foul. The Breakers' Rosie White took a yellow card for her fifty-third minute foul. In the eighty-second minute, Boston's Adriana Leon received a yellow card for a foul. The Courage had a yellow card for time wasting by Taylor Smith in the eighty-seventh minute. The game ended at 1-0, with McDonald named woman of the match.

Finally, FC Kansas City hosts the Orlando Pride. Ashlyn Harris and Nicole Barnhart are the keepers. In first half stoppage time, Kansas City's Sydney Leroux received a yellow card for her foul. Maddy Evans of Orlando had a yellow card for a sixtieth minute foul. The Pride got going in the seventy-third minute with a Marta goal, passed from Jasmyne Spencer. Kansas City tied it on an eighty-fourth minute goal by Erika Tymrak, assisted by Maegan Kelley. The game ended 1-1, with the woman of the match honors going to Marta.

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Central Division Final: 3) St. Louis Blues VS. 4) Nashville Predators

It's time for the second round of the playoffs, as the NHL's quest for the Stanley Cup continues. This series features Central Division rivals, the St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators.

Game 1: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Pekka Rinne for the Predators and Jake Allen for the Blues. Nashville started in the first period with a Colin Wilson power play goal, powered by P.K. Subban and Ryan Ellis. The Predators added on with a Subban goal in the second period, made possible by Ryan Johansen. St. Louis got on the board with a Colton Parayko goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of Joel Edmundson and Kyle Brodziak. Nashville answered with a Filip Forsberg power play goal, his third of the playoffs, with assists provided by Subban and Roman Josi. The Blues pulled back with a Jaden Schwartz goal in the third period, his third of the postseason, guided in by Paul Stastny and Edmundson. St. Louis tied it on a Vladimir Sobotka goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Magnus Paajarvi. The Predators took the lead back with a Vernon Fiddler goal, with a lone assist by Austin Watson. This made it 4-3, the final, with the three stars handed to Subban, Edmundson, and Fiddler. The Predators have a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Pekka Rinne for the Predators and Jake Allen for the Blues. Nashville opened in the first period with a James Neal goal, coming off of Colton Sissons and Ryan Ellis. St. Louis tied it on a Vladimir Tarasenko power play goal, his second of the postseason, powered by Alex Pietrangelo and Alexander Steen. The Predators retook the lead with an Ellis goal, his second of the playoffs, going in unassisted in the third period. The Blues tied it on a Jori Lehtera goal, via Patrik Berglund and Colton Parayko. St. Louis took the lead with a Tarasenko goal, his second of the game and third of the postseason, assisted by Joel Edmundson and Jaden Schwartz. This stood for a 3-2 win, with the three stars given to Tarasenko, Ellis, and Lehtera. The series is tied at 1 as it shifts to Tennessee.

Game 3: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Jake Allen for the Blues and Pekka Rinne for the Predators. Nashville led off in the first period with a Ryan Ellis goal, his third of the postseason, coming off of Filip Forsberg and P.K. Subban. The Predators added on with a Cody McLeod goal, via Colton Sissons and Mattias Ekholm. St. Louis got on the board with an Alexander Steen goal, his third of the playoffs, assisted by Alex Pietrangelo and Vladimir Sobotka. Nashville replied in the third period with a Roman Josi goal, his third of the postseason, made possible by Sissons and Harry Zolnierczyk. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars going to Sissons, McLeod, and Rinne (22 for 23 in saves). The Predators retake the series lead at 2-1.

Game 4: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Jake Allen for the Blues and Pekka Rinne for the Predators. Nashville got going in the third period with a Ryan Ellis power play goal, his fourth of the postseason, powered by Colin Wilson. The Predators added on with a James Neal goal, his second of the playoffs, going in unassisted. St. Louis got on the board with a Joel Edmundson goal, his third of the postseason, via Alexander Steen and Jori Lehtera. The game ended at 2-1, with the three stars being Rinne (32 for 33 in saves), Neal, and Ellis. The Predators have a 3-1 series lead, on the verge of advancing.

Game 5: Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In goal: Pekka Rinne for the Predators and Jake Allen for the Blues. St. Louis dented the scoreboard in the second period with a Dmitrij Jaskin goal, passed from Alex Pietrangelo and Vladimir Sobotka. Nashville tied it on a James Neal power play goal, his third of the postseason, powered by P.K. Subban and Roman Josi. The Blues took the lead in the third period on a Jaden Schwartz goal, his fourth of the playoffs, guided in by Colton Parayko. This made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars handed to Schwartz, Jaskin, and Allen (21 for 22 in saves). The series heads back to Tennessee with the Predators ahead 3-2. 

Game 6: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee. In goal: Jake Allen for the Blues and Pekka Rinne for the Predators. St. Louis began in the first period with a Paul Stastny goal, his second of the postseason, via Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz. Nashville tied it in the second period on a Roman Josi goal, his fourth of the playoffs, assisted by Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Johansen. The Predators took the lead with a Johansen goal in the third period, his second of the postseason, guided in by Viktor Arvidsson and Filip Forsberg. Nashville iced it at 3-1 with a Calle Jarnkrok empty net goal, set up by Josi and the goalie Rinne. The three stars were Johansen, Josi, and Rinne (23 for 24 in saves). The Predators are the first team to advance to the Western Conference final on a 4-2 series win.

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