Monday, June 20, 2022
Issue No. 438
For Gmail addresses, we recommend using the link immediately below for a pristine copy.
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2022 NBA Finals -- The latest Golden State Warriors title is the
most impressive of them all...
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It Was More Than Just A Game
by Pete Elman
On March 14, in his first game back after missing 31 games with a back injury, Draymond Green was interviewed post-game. When asked about the Warriors playoff seed possibilities, he gave a surprising, yet totally in character answer. “It doesn’t matter,” he said, “because we’re gonna win the championship anyway.”
At the time that comment seemed cocky, unrealistic, and inadvisable. The team was 43-21, tied for second place in the West with a surging Memphis team, and way behind front-running Phoenix. Klay Thompson was back but rusty, Andrew Wiggins was mired in a post-All-Star slump, and Steph Curry, after a great start, was missing shots at an alarming clip. But in hindsight, Draymond, as usual, was right on the money. The championship DNA emerged in mid-April.
Thursday night in Boston the Warriors showed the world what champions are made of, winning their fourth title in eight years. The list of story lines that make up the most inspiring—and most improbable--of those four titles is long. Let’s call the roll of those who will forever be part of Bay Area sports history.
The Nullifier: For him, it’s never been about individual accolades; scoring titles, MVP awards, jaw-dropping stats or records. They wrote him off—he’s 34, getting beat up by defenses and his shots are off, they said. But they forgot a small item; for one Wardell Stephen Curry, who can shut out the noise and block out everything, there are three things that matter to him: his family, friends and fans; his teammates and coaches; and winning.
The Shooter: Defying all logic, he came back from the two worst injuries in sports and showed guts and grit. After an incredible 941 days of no hoops, he returned to contribute, hit key shots, and play solid defense when it mattered the most. Klay Thompson did it with grace, a sense of humor, humility, and passion.
The Heart and Soul: After being cussed out mercilessly by the vulgar Boston fans in Games 3 and 4, Draymond Green did not flinch; he let his game do the talking. His Game 6 was a clinic; one of the all-time finals’ masterpieces by a brilliant player at the top of his game.
The Soft-Spoken One: With his consistent, relaxed yet intense game, Andrew “Two-Way” Wiggins, in his eighth year, finally showed the promise of that #1 draft pick who was supposed to take the league by storm. It just took the right team—and the right culture.
The Iron Man: Without Kevon Looney’s determination and relentless rebounding, this team would not be hoisting their fourth trophy. He was outstanding all year.
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Jordan Poole found the mark with a third quarter-buzzer-beater
The Thin Prince: Who would have thought that the 22-year-old would become an elite scorer this season? He could have folded come playoff time, but the bright lights were not too big for Jordan Poole. His 38-foot buzzer-beating bank shot in Game 5 to grab the lead is one of the biggest shots in finals history.
The Son of the Glove: Nobody thought he could return from a fractured elbow on his shooting arm in time to contribute—but he did, remarkably. There is tough—then there is Oakland tough. Gary Payton was invaluable in the finals, and showed why he belongs in the NBA.
The Old Man: How fitting it was that Andre Iguodala, 38, came back for one more title push, and in his 18th year played the role of mentor to the young players.
The Coach: Whether it’s cracking self-effacing jokes in a post-game interview or calling out the toxic gun culture, there is no one more humble or generous—or competitive--than Steve Kerr. The man, now a nine-time champion, is the quintessence of dignity, intelligence and class.
This leads to my twin takeaways from Thursday’s victory. There are two stories that live behind the stats, score sheets and the tallying of trophies.
The first is one I referred to before the finals. In my view it is not so much the comeback from two years in the wilderness, or even the miracle of the core three winning after what they all have gone through. It involves payback…
2015: The narrative; they only won because Kyrie and Kevin Love were hurt.
2016: The NBA, in their greedy LeBron-is-God myopia, robbed the Warriors.
2017-2018: The narrative persisted; Kevin Durant brought them two tainted titles.
2019: They only lost to Toronto because of the injuries to Durant and Thompson. In other words, nothing was pristine about any of those finals’ experiences. But this season, which culminated in that near-perfect game Thursday, the Warriors, led by their MVP, convincingly defeated a solid Boston team at full strength—on their home court.
The ghosts of those five finals have finally been exorcised. How sweet it must be for Steph and his teammates. And to all the jealous haters, naysayers, talking heads and misinformed morons of the media—you may now shut up--for good.
In the words of their baby-faced leader, who upon entering the champagne-drenched locker room celebration, had the last word, “What are they gonna say now, huh? What are they gonna say now?!”
And the other story, we can agree, is how impressive the team and coaching staff has been in the way they have handled their journey to the mountaintop; with class, character, and respect for their opponents. In the words of Michelle Obama, whose husband and Steph are golfing buddies, when they go low—we go high.
The Bay Area should be proud of this team, for they have demonstrated throughout the years the qualities that we admire in sports, and in each other: hard work, friendship, teamwork, loyalty, respect, resilience, compassion and joy.
To paraphrase birthday boy Paul McCartney, who turned 80! Saturday, “The joy you take is equal to the joy you make.” And, in the end, it was much more than just a game. It was an affirmation of all that is wonderful about sports, and by extension, the human experience.
Pete Elman
Oakland
June 20, 2022
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From 2000-2011 Elman wrote a column for the Oakland Athletics Fan Coalition and covered sports for the Bay Area News Group. In 2013 he penned an acclaimed children's book and recently co-authored a book on unsung minority athletes entitled In the Shadow of Obscurity; Toiling in a Reluctant Society. He is currently teaching 13 courses on popular music and sports at Bay Area colleges. For earlier articles by Elman published in the Ultimate Sports Guide, click HERE.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Director of Sales: Ann Cooke
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee. Kenny Karst (retired).
Contributors: Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Dave Newhouse, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young
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Reggie Jackson loafed on this way to first base after hitting a lazy fly ball and was taken out by manager Billy Martin. Jackson and Martin nearly came to blows in the dugout as national television cameras watched on June 18, 1977 |
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When Antoine Walker of the Boston Celtics was asked why he kept shooting three-pointers,
he replied:
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Letters to the Editor
Warriors 21-0 Run UNCUT vs Celtics -- Game 6
"If you're feelin' a little blue, this YouTube video is the perfect elixir."
Or to quote Jackie Gleason, "How Sweet It Is!"
Kristen LaRue
San Francisco, CA
Racing Plaudit
Great piece on Phil Hill in your WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca report last issue and a photo from the deservedly famous racing photographer Jesse Alexander’s fabulous book, Driven: The Motorsport Photography of Jesse Alexander, 1954-1962, Chronicle Books, 2000 of which I happen to have two copies.
Rudi Petschek
Nevada City, CA
Pleased with Email
It’s magic! One can open their phone In any part of the world and read one of the greatest sports magazine ever printed. Thank you email.
A loyal fan...
Arif Khatib
Founder and President Emeritus, Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame
Oakland, CA
High Praise
Thank you for the many years of interesting articles, columns and photographs that have chronicled the rich, iconic history of sports in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Your publication and contributors are top-notch.
Jim Zelinski
San Ramon, CA
Carpe Diem
Let’s go Warriors! And hope the A’s get better! Thank goodness for sports to keep us going – and thanks to you for all your work in keeping us informed!
Have a great weekend and stay safe. “Carpe Diem!”
Elisabeth (Betty) C.
Livermore, CA
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Contents
Columns
Hardly Trivial by T. Buff
Games
Oakland A's 4, Kansas City Royals 0
Oakland Roots SC 1, New Mexico United 2
Oakland Roots SC 1, San Antonio FC 1
Oakland Spiders 20, Seattle Cascades 19
San Jose Earthquakes 0, Real Salt Lake 2
Features & Commentary
Autographed Billyball, Collection of Bob Hackett, by Bob Hackett
It Was More Than Just A Game, by Pete Elman
'Twas the Day of the Dubs Parade, by Andy Dolich
Sports Haiku ©️ Glimpses of Nirvana, by Robert Moselle
Organizations
Cal Bears
Golden State Warriors
Oakland A's
Saint Mary's College Gaels
San Francisco Giants
San Jose State Spartans
Stanford Cardinal
WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca
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'Twas the Day of the Dubs Parade
(inspired by 'Twas the Night
Before Christmas)
by Andy Dolich
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'Twas the day of the Dubs Parade, when all thru the region
Warriors Fans were getting ready as blue and gold legion
Their colors were hung, ready to wear
Knowing they would show out at the gala affair
The kids were jumping all over their beds
Warriors excitement stuck in the front of their heads
In hopes the whole team would wave them hello
They were going to be part of the show
And Mama in her T-shirt and Pop in his Cap
They were more than prepared for a victory lap
When out from Market and Main there arose such a clatter
We sprang from BART with thousands achatter
From the back row we looked for a place
And all through the parade route there was hardly any space.
When to our wandering eyes should appear
Double decker buses with the whole team, arms waving in air
More rapid than cheetahs we squeezed to the front
And thousands whistled and shouted as we called Dubs by name
This was almost as much fun at being at a game
Now Kevon, Now Poole,
Now GP II, and Otto
The Celts of Boston got out quick
Before our team from the West turned the trick
On Andre, On D Lee and O that Andrew Wiggins
He played larger than others who were his biggins
On Nemanja, Chiozza, JTA, QW, Kuminga and Moses
Who danced up and down with cool looking poses
Now Dance away Dance away
Dance away all.
Dray, Klay and Stephen Curry leading a mobile partay
Thousands of Dubbers were having a ball
Here comes a coach all full of coaches
Adams, Atkinson, Brown, DeMarco and Mahlalela
Add in Fraser, Milojevic rounded off with Leandro Barbosa
When the past few years seemed pretty bleak
Bob Myers went to work and winning players did successfully seek
A wink of his eye and a smile on his face
Head Coach Steve Kerr is always ahead of the pace
He sprang from the bench to his team gave a whistle
And play like NBA Champions they did as fast as a missile.
But we all heard Steve exclaim as he exited the bus
“We are all NBA Champions, every single fan and everyone of us!"
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Andy Dolich has over five decades of leadership in the sports industry, including executive positions in the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, pro soccer and lacrosse. Presently Dolich is EVP of the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) and teaches sports business at Stanford's School of Continuing Studies. Dolich is also co-author of: 20 Secrets to Success for NCAA Student-Athletes Who Won't Go Pro and co-author of LOL, Loss of Logo,
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Oakland A's 4
Kansas City Royals 0
June 19, 2022
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Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy hits a 3-run home run in the sixth inning to help the A's defeat the Kansas City Royals, 4-0, at RingCentral Coliseum on Sunday, June 19th. Caption and photo by Darren Yamashita.
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Autographed Billyball
Collection of Bob Brackett
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Here’s an actual autographed Billyball from the 1981 season.
(Rickey Henderson’s signature in the prime spot.)
We had four seats, front row, in left field for many weekend games and every game with the Yankees, Boston and Angels. I bought the tickets pre-season from Ticket Manager Ann Vargas. The ushers got to know us pretty well because once the season began, the A’s would sometimes close that cozy little porch. We already had our tickets and had the section to ourselves.
Had several chats with Rickey, and one very memorable one with Dave Winfield. Billy Martin brought Art Fowler in as a coach and several other former Yankees to Oakland.
The ball is a Fred “Chicken” Stanley (Yankees) line drive homer that snuck just inside the foul pole. A week or two later, I got it signed by every A’s player who participated in an on-field autograph signing event before a game. (Never knew of one before, never heard of one since.
Just got lucky.)
Bob Brackett, Napa
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Autograph Stories Invited |
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Have an autograph with a story behind it?
Sports Today thinks this would be an ideal opportunity
to share a sports moment with our readers.
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Giants Third Base Coach Mark Hallberg's Unique Road to the Show
Who’s on third? San Francisco Giants third base coach Mark Hallberg sits down with Amy G. to talk about growing up in the Middle East, what it's been like to step into a role Forever Giant Ron Wotus held and dishes on being Buster Posey's
college roommate.
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Cal Claims No. 1 Ranking In ITA Northwest
Nine On Phil Steele Preseason All-Pac-12 Team
For a full report, visit HERE.
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Stanford Women’s Golf Wins Second NCAA Title!
The NCAA DI Women’s Golf Championships started with 72 teams, and the Cardinal ultimately emerged victorious, 3-2, on Wednesday at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. There had been discussions around the fact that the No. 1 seed has never gone on to win the national title since the start of match-play team finals in 2015, but Stanford hung on to win its second national title as a program.
Stanford was able to hold off Oregon, the No. 2 team in the nation. Hurrah!
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SJSU Inks Four-Year Extension with Dana Dormann
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- San José State University Director of Athletics Jeff Konya announced a four-year extension for women's golf head coach Dana Dormann . Dormann led the Spartans to a historic season, finishing No. 3 in the final GolfStat rankings, posting a record 30-shot victory at the Mountain West Championship and advancing to match play at the NCAA Championships for the first time in program history.
"We are very confident in Dana's leadership moving forward," said Konya. "Under her guidance, our program is reaching new heights and building champions in the classroom, on the course and in the community. She is the definition of a true Spartan, and I look forward to working with her in the future."
Dormann was a finalist for the Division I Jackie Steinmann WGCA National Coach of the Year, presented by Golf Pride, and earned her second Mountain West Coach of the Year distinction (2018-19, 2021-22) after the Spartans dominated the field at the conference tournament. SJSU captured five tournament titles in the spring, including winning the NCAA Ann Arbor Regional by three shots over No. 7 Virginia to advance to the NCAA Championships. SJSU was the only school outside of the Power 5 to qualify for the national championships and finished seventh through stroke play to advance to match play for the first time.
"I am excited for the opportunity to continue to bring out the best in our student-athletes," said Dormann. "I want to thank Jeff Konya and our donors for believing in me and what we are doing in our program. I am grateful to be able to continue leading our athletes to be empowered and strong women who represent Spartan Athletics well in the community, classroom and in competition!"
Under Dormann's tutelage, MW Player of the Year Natasha Andrea Oon set a record with a 10-under score at the conference championship and followed that up with a record-setting performance at the U-M Golf Course in the NCAA Ann Arbor Regional, capturing medalist honors at 6-under 207 (70-69-68). Oon garnered All-America accolades for the second time in her career and finished runner-up at the NCAA Championships at 3-under 285 (77-68-70-70). She was named the 2022 Inkster Award recipient, recognizing the highest ranked women's Division I collegiate golfer in her senior year for the 2021-22 college golf season.
The Spartans swept the conference awards for the second time during Dormann's tenure (2018-19, 2021-22) as Oon won player of the year, Lucia Lopez Ortega earned MW Freshman of the Year and Dormann was named coach of the year. SJSU remained inside the top five of the GolfStat rankings for almost the entire spring and finished with an astounding 73-1 record, winning 5-of-6 tournaments, and ended the season with a No. 3 national ranking. The women's golf program also led the athletic department in the classroom, tallying over a 3.8 team grade point average over the 2021-22 academic year.
Dormann Highlights
- Dormann's extension will run through June 1, 2026.
- She just completed her fourth season as head coach.
- The Spartans finished the season No. 3 in the final GolfStat rankings, their highest finish since winning the national title in 1992.
- Coach Dormann is a two-time MW Coach of the Year (2019, '22).
- San José State made its second NCAA Championship appearance over the last four years (2019, '22), and 22nd overall.
- Dormann was part of the first-ever SJSU national championship in women's golf in 1987 as a student-athlete.
- She served as a student assistant coach during the 1989 NCAA championship for the Spartans.
#SpartanUp
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Saint Mary's College Gaels |
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Kuhse Completes Draft Prospect Workouts
with Three Teams
MORAGA, Calif. — Over the last few weeks, former Saint Mary's men's basketball standout Tommy Kuhse participated in three different NBA Draft prospect workouts. The Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, and Utah Jazz have all shown interest in Kuhse, and he completed all three workouts in preparation for the NBA Draft on June 23.
The Hornets were the first team to workout Kuhse, taking place on June 2, along with four other guards from across the country, including Utah (Both Gach) and Florida (Phlandrous Fleming Jr.). The Nuggets included Kuhse during their second wave of prospect workouts, which took place on June 10 on the UCHealth Practice Court at Ball Arena. The Jazz got a chance to look at Kuhse on June 15, along with a pair of Villanova teammates in Collin Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels.
Breaking out into a leading role on the Gaels over his final two seasons, Kuhse capped off his Saint Mary's career by being named the West Coast Conference's Sixth Man of the Year, in addition to First Team All-WCC honors. He joined the 1,000-point club at Saint Mary's at finishes his career 26th overall in points scored (1,138), fifth in assists (477), ninth in steals (119), and as the program's all-time leader in games played (149).
His performance on the court continued to rise throughout his collegiate career, culminating in his final two seasons, where he averaged 12.4 points per game over his final 58 games. He maintained his excellence in the classroom simultaneously, continuing to lock up WCC All-Academic honors as a senior, and most likely again as a graduate student this season.
The 2022 NBA Draft takes place on Thursday, June 23 at 5:00 pm PT at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Both rounds of the draft will be televised on ESPN, with ABC picking up coverage of the first round as well. Fans can also stream the draft on the NBA App.
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff |
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A swan song for Basketball Trivia until next season...
Tawkin' three-peats and dynasties. With four championships in eight years, the Warriors are being referred to as a dynasty, a word I believe is overused.
A dynasty, to me, is an enterprise that does a lot better than that, like the Celtics with eight consecutive championships (in much different times), or the Bulls winning six championships in eight years.
Even the Yankees never put together more than
five in a row...
On to the question: Only three NBA franchises have been three-peats, winning three championships in a row. The three teams make for only 6 three-peats in NBA history. Who are they?
(See answer below...)
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
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Haiku: A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with seventeen syllables, written in a 5/7/5 syllable count. Sports Today! has expanded Haikus to embrace our readership and invites you to submit your own. Top entries will be published!
Thank you for your many entries!
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GLIMPSES OF NIRVANA
The Golden State Warriors are
Champions of the NBA
The Highest of Highs, The Lowest of Lows -- One team reaches the mountain top, while the other slinks off
into darkness.
Light shines on the Warriors' parade as Boston fans slither back under their rocks. Heroes slay villains.
Right makes might.
Thank you, Warriors!
San Francisco and the Bay Area Rule.
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Glimpses of Nirvana
Golden State 4 Celtics 2
They Booed Their Own Team
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Contributed by Robert Moselle
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Bonus Haiku Coverage!
In celebration of the W's NBA championship,
here are links to Sports Today's earlier
WARRIORS HAIKUS!
Enjoy these profound and often prophetic masterpieces as you watch Game 6
for the 10th time
As noted in the USG's own Haiku below, we invite entries for "Best Sports Haiku." The winner will be published!
Sports Haikus ©️ USG/Sports Today's Haiku Invitation
Ultimate Sports Guide
Wants to Publish Your Haiku
You must send it in
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Ann Cooke, Director of Sales |
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"Good things come to those who wait"
The Guinness is pouring well and honestly we can't drink it all by ourselves so join us. Open Monday through Thursday at 4pm. Friday through Sunday at 12pm. Happy Hour 4pm to 6pm. Look forward to seeing all your smiling
faces once again.
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Editor's Note
Have a favorite Sports Moment you would like to share?
With perhaps a photo or two? Send a brief description along with any photos and we'll make room. Why not bring those memories to life?
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Where The Bay Comes To Play! |
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San Jose Earthquakes 0
Real Salt Lake 2
June 18, 2022
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MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Real Salt Lake 2
Quakes host LA Galaxy for California Clasico at
Stanford Stadium next Saturday
SANDY, Utah – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to Real Salt Lake 2-0 on Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium. The result sees the Quakes snap their two-match winning streak against Real Salt Lake on the road.
Real Salt Lake opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Marcelo Silva from a corner kick. The Utah side later doubled their lead in the 81st minute off a volley by Jefferson Savarino.
The Earthquakes will now turn their attention to the California Clasico at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, June 25, presented by Stanford Medicine. The Bay Area’s biggest summer sporting event features the San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy, a military appreciation celebration, and the region’s largest fireworks show postgame. The match will kick off at 7 p.m. PT and will be broadcast nationally on UniMás and TUDN , as well as on local radio via KNBR 1050 (English), and
1370 KZSF (Spanish).
MEDIA ASSETS
GAME NOTES
- The Earthquakes currently hold a 3-7-6 record (15 pts.) during the 2022 MLS regular season.
- San Jose is now 14-13-11 all-time vs. Real Salt Lake, including a 5-7-7 record on the road.
- The Quakes are now 3-3-3 in MLS play under interim head coach Alex Covelo.
- Midfielder and team captain Jackson Yueill was active for the first time since May 22, starting and playing 90 minutes. He missed the past two matches with a thigh injury.
- Midfielder Judson made his first start of the season, playing 69 minutes. It also marks his first MLS start since Oct. 30, 2021 (at RSL).
MATCH INFORMATION
2022 MLS Regular Season, Real Salt Lake 2 – 0 San Jose Earthquakes, Saturday, June 18, 2022 – Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, Attendance: 20,517
Scoring Summary:
RSL (1-0) – Marcelo Silva (Tate Schmitt, Jefferson Savarino) 22’, RSL (2-0) – Jefferson Savarino (unassisted) 81’
Misconduct Summary:
RSL – Tate Schmitt (caution) 31’, SJ – Cristian Espinoza (caution) 68’, SJ – Nathan (caution) 79’, RSL – Everton Luiz (caution) 84’
REAL SALT LAKE: Zac MacMath; Andrew Brody; Justen Glad, Tate Schmitt, Marcelo Silva (C); Justin Meram, Jefferson Savarino (Maikel Chang 82), Scott Caldwell (Nick Besler 76), Jasper Loffelsend (Everton Luiz 76); Bobby Wood (Rubio Rubin 20), Sergio Cordova (Anderson Julio 82). Substitutes not used: Tomas Gomez, Erik Holt, Johan Kappelhof.
SHOTS: 16; SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; FOULS: 9; CORNER KICKS: 10; SAVES: 1
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Marcos Lopez, Tanner Beason, Nathan, Paul Marie (Ousseni Bouda 82); Benji Kikanović, Judson (Jan Gregus 69), Jackson Yueill (C), Cristian Espinoza, Jamiro Monteiro, Jeremy Ebobisse (Shea Salinas 69). Substitutes not used: Oskar Ågren, Matt Bersano, Will Richmond, Jack Skahan, Tommy Thompson.
SHOTS: 7; SHOTS ON GOAL: 1; FOULS: 12; CORNER KICKS: 3; SAVES: 4
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH ALEX COVELO
On his thoughts after tonight’s match and on the California Clasico next Saturday:
“First off, we need to recover from this game and analyze it because we did not have the best game today offensively and defensively for several moments. [Real Salt Lake] scored from one situation off a set piece and the other was off a mistake that was we committed. In the first half they, were able to run in behind a little bit more because we were unable to press well. Even if we did not have our best game today, we created a couple of chances in the first half where if Jebo [Jeremy Ebobisse] and Jamiro [Monteiro] would had score it would have been a different game. In the second half, with Benji [Kikanović], some set pieces and some headers were the only thing we created. We’ll need to recover and analyze the game; the guys will be ready for the Cali Clasico. It is a game that all the players want to play, and they will be very motivated.”
On player availability for the Cali Clasico:
“Like every week, we have some players out but during next week we are going to evaluate all the players available. In general, the guys are working well and we will decide which ones are the best ones to participate in the Cali Clasico that will provide the most opportunities to win.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER JACKSON YUEILL
On the takeaways from tonight’s game:
“Real Salt Lake has been really good having their two blocks in front of goal and they have been hard to break down. hat’s why I think they’ve got a lot of points and playing away is always difficult here, so we’ll give credit to them. I think we were a little sloppy in some of our buildup, in our end product and I think some of our momentum going forward was disrupted by that. We had some good moments where we were able to break them down and get good chances. Jebo [Jeremy Ebobisse] had a few [chances], we had a few crosses. But we’re definitely looking to be more creative in the attacking third. It’s difficult against teams like this, but we have creative players to break them down. It just comes down to quality and execution and that’s something that we continue to work on each practice.”
On the team turning their attention to the California Clasico:
“As soon as possible. I think we’ll digest this game, have a look at it again and on Monday when we get back together as a group we’re looking forward to the game at Stanford. To me, it’s one of my favorites of the year. A lot of the guys in the locker have great memories in it. It’s one that at the beginning of the year we were already looking forward to it. The California Clasico against the LA Galaxy is really enjoyable and I think the guys are all up for it. It’s a rivalry and I think all of our attention is going to be there. For the fans, we’re ready to give 100% because we know how special it is for them, we know how special it is for us, for the community, and what that game means. Unfortunate result tonight, but the guys are eager for it to rebound, put our best game forward, and we’ll do everything we can to win.”
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Oakland Roots SC 1
San Antonio FC 1
June 18, 2022
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Oakland Roots Score First and Leave
Texas with a Point
Oakland Roots grabbed the lead early through the head of Joseph Nane following some smooth build up play and an assist from Juan Azocar. The goal gave Oakland the 1-0 lead inside of 30 minutes. Azocar nearly made it two moments later but it was not to be. Blanchette was then called on three times in a row to come up big to keep the match level heading into the final moments of the 1st half. San Antonio was able to finally grab an equalizer however in first half stoppage time through Samuel Adeniran as the two sides went into the locker level at 1-1.
The first 30 minutes of the second half played out balanced with few chances falling to either side. Both teams made multiple subs and the game began to slow down due to the heat in San Antonio. Paul Blanchette was forced into three more huge second half saves to keep Roots level heading into stoppage time. The game became a lot about injuries late on as both Azocar and Lindo Mfeka were forced off with injuries. After a more than 100 minute battle with 12 minutes of stoppage time the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Oakland now returns home to Laney to take on Atlanta United 2 Saturday, June 25th at 7:00 PM PT for Soul Night.
Oakland Roots SC at San Antonio FC, USL Championship | June 18, 2022
Venue: Toyota Stadium, San Antonio, Texas
Kickoff: 6:00 PM PT
Weather: 96 degrees, clear
SCORELINE: SA: 1, OAK: 1
SCORING SUMMARY: OAK: 14’ Joseph Nane, SA: 44’ Jasser Khmiri
DISCIPLINE SUMMARY: OAK: 29’ Joseph Nane (yellow card), SA: 45+’ Samuel Adeniran (yellow card), A: 86’ Mitchell Taintor (yellow card), SA: 90+’ Jordan Farr (yellow card),
OAK: 90+’ Matias Fissore (yellow card)
OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Paul Blanchette, Emrah Klimenta, Tarek Morad, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Juan Azocar (Lindo Mfeka), Memo Diaz (Danny Barbir), Joseph Nane (Matias Fissore), José Hernández, Darek Formella, Charlie Dennis (Mikael Johnsen), Óttar Magnús Karlsson. Unused subs: Taylor Bailey, Johnny Rodriguez, Jesus Enriquez
Shots: 5 | Shots On Goal: 3 | Corner Kicks: 3 | Fouls: 12 | Offside: 1 |
SAN ANTONIO FC LINEUP: Farr, Taintor, Khmiri (Gomez), Garcia, Maloney, Traore, Abu, Loera (Patiño), Victor Giro, Adeniran (Bailone), Dhillon. Unused subs: Bosshardt, Diouf, Hernandez, Beckford
Shots: 17 | Shots On Goal: 7 | Corner Kicks: 5 | Fouls: 13 | Offside: 4 |
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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca |
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Congratulations Cooper MacNeil and Thomas Merrill on Podium Finish at 24 Hours of Le Mans
MONTEREY, Calif., June 14, 2022 – This weekend saw WeatherTech Racing’s Cooper MacNeil and local Salinas resident Thomas Merrill ascend endurance racing’s most famous podium steps at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. MacNeil and Merrill, who were joined by teammate Julien Andlauer, captured second place in the tightly contested LMGTE AM class in their Porsche 911 RSR. The team completed 343 laps of the unforgiving Circuit de la Sarthe.
MacNeil and Merrill share close ties to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, with the latter calling it his home track. Merrill grew up just outside the track’s boundaries in Salinas and recalls hearing the revving of race cars his entire life. Merrill most recently raced in the Trans-Am series in Monterey and is coming off a win by besting 32 competitors in the Memorial Day Classic at Lime Rock Park. His father, Ross, is a leader in the agriculture region and is president of the Laguna Seca Raceway Foundation.
For MacNeil, he opts for WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca every chance he gets. He regularly competes in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and has seen double duty in the Ferrari Challenge Series as well. MacNeil doubles down on favoring the rolling circuit in Monterey, for whose family company is the naming rights partner: WeatherTech.
“Our entire team has gotten to know Thomas and Cooper quite well, and we’re thrilled to see them achieve such a fantastic finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans,” commented John Narigi, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “It’s a real shot in the arm for us to see such gentlemen do well.”
This August 17-20 the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion celebrates the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the official kick-off to the French Classic’s 100th anniversary celebration that culminates in June 2023. Four of the 14 race groups are dedicated to authentic Le Mans race cars, while an eagerly anticipated Le Mans Legends Heritage Display, presented by Motul, will showcase more than 50 race cars that were either overall race winners or first-in-class. The extraordinary display is expected to be the largest gathering of the actual cars ever in America.
For ticketing and camping information on all major events at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, call 831-242-8200 or visit wwwWeatherTechRaceway.com.
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Oakland Roots SC 1
New Mexico United 2
June 15, 2022
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Roots goalkeeper Paul Blanchette (#20) goes up to grab a shot coming off from a corner kick early in the first half, as the Oakland Roots SC played host to New Mexico United at Laney College on Wednesday evening, June 15, Oakland, CA. Final score: Oakland Roots SC 1, New Mexico United 2.
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On a breakaway midway through the first half, Edgardo Rito (#72) took a shot which froze the New Mexico goalkeeper just long enough to hit the far corner of the goal. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Early in the second half the Roots leading scorer, Ottar Magnus Karlsson (#22), went up on a corner kick to get a header in the goal but it was negated on
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Oakland Spiders 20
Seattle Cascades 19
June 17, 2022
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Using all his size and long legs, the Spiders' Solan Megarssa (#47) attempts to block the throw early in the game, as Oakland played host to the Seattle Cascades at Fremont High School on Friday night, June 17, in Oakland, CA. Final score: Spiders 20, Cascades 19. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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On a long huck, it was the Spiders' Robert Yeagle (#25) who won the jump ball catch to keep control of the disc during the second quarter.
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Bidding out for the defensive stop attempt, Brandon "Springs" Fein (#8) just misses the disc but hits the deck hard late in the second quarter.
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In the closing seconds of the third quarter, it appears half of the players on the field all went up for the same disc. In the melee the Spiders' Ashton Paulus (#13) gets bumped around in the mix, with all those hands reaching for it, the disc found its way to ground for the incomplete pass. To view a game photo album, visit our Facebook Page and be sure to LIKE us or visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.
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Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff |
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Boston Celtics / Chicago Bulls /
Los Angeles Lakers
The Boston Celtics did it twice via eight consecutive championships. The Chicago Bulls did it twice. The Los Angeles Lakers did it twice, once in Minneapolis and once in Los Angeles. Three-peats are not exclusive to Basketball.
https://bit.ly/3Hyykws will take you to the history of the word and a listing of teams that have done such a feat. If you are not tired of reading about the Warrior win, Reuters did a nice report on the "Golden Dynasty", https://reut.rs/3n1HoAy...
Go Celtics -- Next Year!
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Recent Facebook Albums to Enjoy |
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Back Issues
not to be missed!
Offering superb photography and
entertaining chronicles
Sports Today - #415 -- Jan. 10 - Jan. 16
* Click here for 2019 editions.
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, June 20, through
Sunday, June 26, 2022
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Monday, June 20
San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 4:20 p.m.
Tuesday, June 21
San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 4:20 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Seattle Mariners, 6:40 p.m.
Wednesday, June 22
San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 4:20 p.m.
Oakland A's vs. Seattle Mariners, 6:40 p.m.
Thursday, June 23
San Francisco Giants @ Atlanta Braves, 9:20 a.m.
Oakland A's vs. Seattle Mariners, 12:37 p.m.
Friday, June 24
San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds, 7:15 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Kansas City Royals, 5:10 p.m.
Saturday, June 25
San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds, 4:15 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Kansas City Royals, 1:07 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy, 7 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC vs. Atlanta United FC 7 p.m.
Oakland Spiders @ Seattle Cascades, 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 27
San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds, 1:05 p.m.
Oakland A's @ Kansas City Royals, 11:10 a.m.
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Jackson Watson (right), a valued member of a Monument Little League team in Grand Junction, CO, is pictured with his proud grandfather, Harvey Cohen. |
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Enjoy the
Under the ultra-skilled leadership of Cal graduate Ricky Liu, a team of talented Cal students assembled the elegant Ultimate Sports Guide website for your readers. Ricky's team included Natalie Leung, Yafei Liang and Kasey Woo. Visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
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This is an eBook available in .epub or .mobi file formats.
Navigating a career in any business is highly complex, especially in the world of sports and entertainment. Knowing how to separate the logo on your business card from your personal identity is a valuable skill for creating your own career path. Building a career in the sports industry is easier said than done, especially since the business is extremely addictive. Cool corporate logos and titles should never control your true sense of self; your name on the card is much more important! Welcome to the world of LOL, or “Loss of Logo.”
Written for aspiring sports professionals, current sports industry professionals, and any career enthusiasts who are chasing the fancy logo and corner office, LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Comprised of powerful perspectives from 38 multitalented industry professionals, this book will give you the tools to succeed in the industry, with or without
your logo.
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The New York Yankees are the greatest dynasty, not only in baseball but in all of sports. The Yankees, in fact, embody a series of dynasties, from Ruth-Gehrig through Jeter-Rivera. But the absolute greatest Yankees were the 1949-1953 pinstripers, winners of an unprecedented five consecutive World Series. The Yankee Way, Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa writes in the book's forward, is “full of Yankee winning keys, star-studded competitions, and insights about one of baseball's historically fascinating periods.” Key contributors to this dynasty, including Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Billy Martin, Phil Rizzuto, and manager Casey Stengel, are remembered by their teammate, Charlie Silvera, catcher and co-author.
Dave Newhouse was an award-winning sportswriter/columnist for the Oakland Tribune before his retirement. He has continued his work as an author and The Yankee Way is his eighteenth book. He lives with his wife, Patsy, an artist, in Oakland, CA.
ISBN 978-1-937943-60-8 – 196 pages – $24.95
Published by St. Johann Press, P.O. Box 241, Haworth, NJ 07641 (201) 387-1529 www.stjohannpress.com
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Advertise in Sports Today!
* Reach thousands of fans on a weekly basis
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Ann Cooke, Director of Sales
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5980 Stoneridge Drive, Ste. 122
Pleasanton, CA 94588-2723
CalBRE License #:01770629
Agent 510.512.2145
Office 925.847.8900
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Many people -- maybe even you -- have been getting out on their bikes more during Shelter-in-Place. "Check for Bikes" clings and bumper stickers are great ways to keep bicyclists safer out there on the road by promoting awareness by drivers to share the road. Keep safe out there and keep your neighbors safe by using or passing along vinyl clings for inside a car window or windshield and
4" circular bumper stickers. We have Youth and Spanish versions, too!
with questions or to order.
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Ultimate Sports Guide
P.O. Box 4515
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-915-5664
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The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute through helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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