May 23 - 2022 -- Friend, a weekly Sports Journal

Monday, May 23, 2022

Issue No. 434

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

Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net

Photo of the Week

President William Howard Taft throwing out a ceremonial pitch

Opening Day of the major league baseball season used to be held in Washington D.C. and the first United States President to throw out the ceremonial first pitch was William Howard Taft on April 14, 1910. The 27th President began a tradition that continued for 60 years until the Washington Senators moved to Texas in 1972. It resumed when the Montreal Expos moved to Washington D.C. and became the

Nationals in 2005.

What is interesting is that Taft was not the first President who was asked to throw out the first pitch. He was the first to accept and actually show up on Opening Day to do it

Quote of the Week

Boxing promoter Lou Duva (Evander Holyfield, etc.), has TWO words to share:

Letters to the Editor

Laguna Seca Memories

Great Laguna Seca column in your last issue, with the recap of George Follmer’s career. He drove in the test I was invited to attend as a photographer a half century back, of Don Nichol’s UOP Shadow car. Great to be reminded of all those names and records. And Kenny Roberts on two wheels. That was a glorious area in Laguna Seca’s history as well as in American motorsports.

Rudi Petschek

Nevada City, CA

PGA Championship: Winners and Losers

Winners: Golfers you never heard of before.

Note: At the time of this Letter, a San Francisco-born golfer is in second place; little-known Will ("Slim Willie") Zalatoris. Others in the top four: Pereira (Chile, on top), Matt Fitzpatrick and Cameron Young. Say who?

Losers: Big names who didn't even make the cut, like Scottie Scheffler, World No. 1 ranked; Patrick Cantlay (with his Hugo Boss T-shirt and Goldman Sachs cap - C 'YA!); Dustin Johnson, a non-winner since 2020 and second missed-cut in a row, and Sergio Garcia (finally, some GOOD news!).

Oh, and Tiger withdrew after three rounds, so let's include the person who bet 20K on Tiger to win, at 60-1. Memo: Donate the 20K to a Food Bank, instead.

Noteworthy: who said golf isn't dangerous? Not ESPN reporter Sage Steele, who was struck in the face by a Jon Rahm tee shot, and left holding her nose, mouth and chin area covered in blood. The tee shot ended up in the center of the fairway! I wish her a speedy recovery!

Results: Justin Thomas wins a 3-hole playoff: Pereira's double-bogey on the 18th allowed Justin Thomas, who had steadily climbed the leaderboard, and the San Francisco's own Will Zalatoris, to get defaulted into a 3-hole playoff, won by JT. Cameron Young finished fourth and Matt Fitzpatrick, fifth. To his credit, Mito Pereira handled the interviews well, despite the demotion to third place.

^{Robert Moselle}

^{Monterey, CA}

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Contents

Columns

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

Games

Oakland Roots 1, LA Galaxy II 0

Oakland Spiders 22, Oregon Nitro 26

San Jose Earthquakes 1, Sporting Kansas City 1

Features & Commentary

Noah's Ark at the Park, by Andy Dolich

Sports Haiku ©️ -- Warriors Wordle of the Day, by Robert Moselle

The A's Should Retire Campaneris' Number, by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Warriors Back To The Top? by Bruce Macgowan

Wings Over Solano Open House, by Ed Jay

Organizations

Golden State Warriors

Oakland A's

San Francisco Giants

San Jose State Spartans

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

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Golden State Warriors

Above, left to right, Mavericks star Luka Doncic attempts to cover Warriors star Steph Curry while Golden State coach Steve Kerr and Dallas coach Jason Kidd look on.

Warriors

Back To The Top?

by Bruce Macgowan

Anyone who has been watching the Warriors during these last few weeks knows that they’re seeing something special. The Warriors have saved their best basketball for the right time of the season, and it could result in their fourth title in their last eight years.

But will it happen? Barring a catastrophic collapse by the Warriors, it appears that the West Finals are done. It also appears that Stephen Curry is rising to new heights. Having most of a full season lost to injury several years ago might have been the best thing that happened to this superstar. It not only saved one year of wear and tear on his body, but it gave him a renewed determination to show everyone he is far from done.

Curry has been spectacular in the Dallas series. His long-distance shooting, his ballet-like inside moves, the terrific passing, it’s all part of a special package of talent that is rarely seen in any sport.

How many athletes have we had here in the Bay Area who are transcendent stars? Joe Montana, Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, Jerry Rice and Rickey Henderson come most prominently to mind. And Curry is right there with them. Will he be able to continue? The Mavs have had no choice but to double team him, overplay him and try to take him out of his comfort zone as they did when they won 3-of-4 from Golden State in the regular season. But it hasn’t worked this time.

Meanwhile, Splash Brother Klay Thompson may not be an elite defender anymore but between his clutch shooting and the emergence of rising star Jordan Poole to complement Curry, is there a backcourt in basketball that’s any better?

To win it all in any sport, you have to be lucky and very good. The Warriors have been very good but in winning three titles and moving toward the possibility of the fourth they’ve also been lucky. In earlier years, key injuries to stars such as Kawhi Leonard of the Spurs and Chris Paul, (then with the Houston Rockets,) were turning points in playoff series they could have lost.

So far in this postseason the Warriors have been fortunate once again in that department. Yes, elite defender Gary Payton II may not return and valuable utilityman Otto Porter Jr. is not at full strength with a sore foot. But good fortune has smiled on the Warriors so far in the first two rounds.

Against the Nuggets, they didn’t have to deal with Denver’s second and third best players because they were both out with injuries. So Nikola Jokic really didn’t have anyone to complement his play. In the series with Memphis, the Warriors got a HUGE break when Ja Morant, who feasted on the Warriors in the first two games, went down with a knee injury.

Everyone raves about Curry’s shooting, Green’s passing, Looney’s rebounding and the clutch play of Andrew Wiggins. But defense has been the story of the Warriors' success this spring. Wiggins has been a solid, unspectacular and sometimes overlooked defender. Draymond Green plays with great passion and energy at both ends of the floor but he is also one of the best defensive players in the NBA. Kevon Looney has been a beast underneath and can ‘bang’ with the best of them.

Against Dallas, the Warriors know there is only so much one can do to put the clamps on Luca Doncic. His 42 points in Game Two in San Francisco, however, wasn’t enough to make up for a second half collapse by the Mavs that led to one of the most dramatic Warrior playoff comebacks we’ve ever seen. Steve Kerr knows that you can’t let Doncic have his way. So, the key is to harass him enough so that Dallas coach Jason Kidd will have to depend more on guys such as Spencer Dinwiddie and Jalen Brunson. Both of those players have had their moments, but the Warriors’ defense has done a great job of forcing the Mavs to take lower percentage shots. Dallas also depends heavily on its three-point shooting, and they’ve had trouble establishing consistency in that department. And finally, the Mavs have rarely been able to slow the tempo of the game down and play at a more deliberate pace.

Meanwhile, the Warriors have owned the third quarter of the first three games of the series. In that amazing Game Two come back, they turned a 19-point first half deficit around and grabbed the game by the throat in the third quarter. In Sunday night’s third game in Dallas, they yanked the momentum away in a close game and never let the Mavs get any closer than five points in the final minutes.

Can the Warriors continue playing this well against either Boston or Miami if they finish off Dallas, as expected? Right now, it’s all about momentum and the Warriors seem to have plenty of that.

* * *

Long-time Bay Area sportscaster Bruce Macgowan has been recording his 45 years of broadcast experience for a forthcoming book to be published shortly. For earlier articles by Macgowan, published in

Sports Today, click HERE.

San Francisco Giants

The Willie Mays Day Celebration took place on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Nicholl Park in Richmond for the renaming and celebrating the renovation of the baseball diamonds and honoring the legacy of baseball legend

Willie Mays.

(Left to right) Among the dignitaries attending the ceremony were Larry Baer, President and Chief Executive Officer, San Francisco Giants; Tom Butt, Richmond Mayor; Michael Mays, son of Willie Mays; Nat Bates, the nation’s oldest elected public official (at age 90) currently holding office for the

City of Richmond.

The Richmond High School Marching Band performed before the program.

Evan Longoria - Getting a Hit Off of Pujols

& More Stories from 14 Years in MLB

Evan Longoria talks about how he felt getting a hit off of Albert Pujols and which Giants position player he thinks could be ready to pitch. He also tells stories about playing against his idols Ken Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter, his experience as a big leaguer down in the minors, his thoughts on Heliot Ramos and more.

Listen Now

You Can't Make This Stuff Up

Oakland A's latest problem: a possum in the press box. Pictured above, an earlier visitor on August 4, 2014. Photo by Michael Zagaris.

Noah's Ark

at the

Park

by Andy Dolich

During the A’s-Twins game on Tuesday, May 16th at the Coliseum,

the Press Box was visited by a local four legged journalist with a ringtail and a busy snout. Yes, there was a Possum in the Press Box.

The A’s and animals have had a long relationship with all types of critters from Philadelphia to Oakland. Seemed like the perfect time to select an A’s Animal All-Star Team.

Batting order:

Cat
Rat
Possum
Mule
Elephant
Seagull
Crow
Squirrel
“Catfish”

Relievers:

"Goose Gossage"
Jim Panther
Lefty Wolf

A's Dugout Denizens:

Eric Fox
Jake Fox
Moose Haas
Jake Lamb
Russ Wolf

I have A’s HOFer Tony LaRussa, founder of the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), as the manager. A’s legend Jimmie Foxx will be the bench coach and Nellie Fox as third base coach. Rob Deer has just been hired to coach first.

Is the Coliseum the finest fertilized field in all of Major League Baseball?

* * *

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,

What's Your Next Move? For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today!, click HERE .

No. 19 Is Worthy of Retirement

Dagoberto Blanco Campaneris, a native of Cuba, never won an MVP award but made his share of history

The A's Should Retire Campaneris' Number 19

by Amaury Pi-Gonzalez

Baseball is a generational sport. People grow up watching their favorite players and they are engraved in their collective memories forever. It is passed from one generation to the next one. Many times during The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame exhibits at the A’s Fanfest, All-Star games, community and other events, I have seen fathers telling their kids (as they watch an exhibit), "Billy, this was Minnie Miñoso, my favorite player as a kid." Players numbers are retired by teams to honor their past stars. Teams are proud to retire their legends' numbers, not to mention it is a smart marketing tool to sell more jerseys and merchandise for people to wear and use. It is a win-win situation for everybody.

On September 11, when the A's host the Chicago White Sox, the Oakland A's fans in attendance will receive a replica of #34, Dave Stewart's number, which will be officially retired by the team. Stewart is one of the A's legends. As a great pitcher, Dave Stewart was the heart and soul of the Oakland Community, especially during the 1989 World Series during the Loma Prieta earthquake. He’s one of the last pitchers in baseball to have four consecutive 20-game winning seasons and his famous "Death Stare" on the mound, when he was pitching, is remembered forever in the memories of A's fans, as well as those hitters who faced him.

Another great Oakland A's player is Cuban-born shortstop Dagoberto Blanco (Campy) Campaneris. Campy is the only Latino shortstop in history to have been a shortstop for three-consecutive World Series champions, the 1972-73-74 Oakland A's. Campy will be in attendance as the A's celebrate their 1972 World Series champion team reunion on Saturday, June 4 at the Oakland Coliseum.

Campy (now living in Arizona) is a shy and humble man who as the A's lead-off hitter was the spark plug for those great championship teams of the early 1970's. Many times I have spoken with Campy and he cherishes those great memories. He is a baseball man to his core and his stories about the game are priceless. He still represents the Oakland A's and is happy to sign autographs for fans when the A's conduct their Spring Training camp in Arizona. A few years ago I was called by Channel Two, FOX to translate for Campy for an exclusive interview done by Mark Ibañez, their sports anchor during Spring Training. Campy is so humble he told me "¿por qué quieren hablar conmigo?" which translates to, 'Why do they want to talk to me?"

Reggie Jackson became a star with the Oakland A's, and a megastar once he won two World Series championships and earned the nickname “Mr. October,” with the New York Yankees. Reggie said that those Yankee teams were inferior to the Oakland A’s teams that won back-to-back-to back championships in the 1970s with Jackson as its megastar, according to the man himself. Reggie (whose number 9 is retired by the A's) always talks fondly about Campy Campaneris, "The Road Runner," the man who ignited that great lineup.

Around 30 to 33 percent of all players in today's game are Hispanic. The Oakland A's always enjoyed very loyal Hispanic fans in the Bay Area and across the country and those that remember Campy will tell you he was an integral part of the "Swinging A's" during his playing days.

I hope the Oakland Athletics consider the retirement of Campy Campaneris, number 19. To this day, the A's have not retired a Number from one of their Latino players and I cannot think of a better person than Dagoberto Blanco (Campy) Campaneris. In the past I have suggested to A's upper management the importance of retiring Campy Campaneris. I hope in the near future they will. It is time.

These are the numbers retired to date by the Oakland A's:

34 Rickey Henderson, 43 Dennis Eckersley, 9 Reggie Jackson, 27 Jim "Catfish" Hunter, 34 Rollie Fingers and Walter A. Haas, Jr, Owner.

Dagoberto "Blanco" Campaneris is in The Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame.

* * *

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez is the lead Spanish play-by-play talent for the Oakland A's heard on flagship station 1010 KIQI San Francisco LeGrande and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com. For earlier articles by

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez published in Sports Today, click HERE.

Autograph Stories Invited

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.

Send to: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

San Jose State Spartans

San José State Named Finalist for SVG Most Outstanding Live Game Production

SAN JOSE, Calif. - San José State Athletics is a finalist for the Sports Video Group (SVG) College Sports Media Awards, announced by the organization. The Spartans are 1-of-13 finalists for most outstanding live game production.

"We placed a strong emphasis on increasing our broadcast opportunities and forged a strong relationship with NBC Sports Bay Area and California," said Director of Athletics Jeff Konya. "Scott MacDonald, Justin Allegri and the broadcast team did a great job and we look forward to enhancing these opportunities in the immediate future."

This is the first time that the Spartans have been a finalist for the SVG College Sports Media Awards. Another first was the production of a football game on NBC Sports Bay Area as the Spartans defeated New Mexico State, 37-31, in front of nearly 16,000 fans inside CEFCU stadium. The game witnessed strong ratings on NBC Sports Bay Area.

"This year's field is the largest number of entries we've ever received and it's inspiring to see that work being done for everything from live game coverage to video board shows to social media content," said Brandon Costa, Director of Digital at Sports Video Group and Program Director of the SVG College Summit. "This industry is loaded with talented producers, editors, storytellers, technicians, administrators, and students. It's an honor for us at SVG to celebrate this community with these awards for the 14th consecutive year."

"One of our top priorities here at San José State is to increase our brand awareness through broadcast and production of our sports on television," said Deputy Athletics Director for PR and Content Strategy Scott MacDonald. "This recognition is a direct result of the strong relationship with NBC Sports Bay Area and the hard work that Justin Allegri and his team has put in to showcase SJSU Athletics in the best possible way. Thank you to Ben Rodrigues and Jason Liu from NBC Bay Area for a great first year."

Finalists will be celebrated and winners will be selected by a panel of judges and announced at the 14th Annual SVG College Sports Media Awards in association with NACDA which returns to an in-person ceremony at the SVG College Summit in the Omni Atlanta Hotel on June 13 at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET.

About Sports Video Group

The Sports Video Group was formed in 2006 to support the professional community that relies on video, audio, and broadband technologies to produce and distribute sports content. Leagues, owners, teams, players, broadcasters, and consumer technology providers have joined the SVG to learn from each other, turn vision into reality, implement new innovations, while sharing experiences that will lead to advancements in the sports production/distribution process and the overall consumer sports experience. For more information, visit www.sportsvideo.org.

#SpartanUp

Hardly Trivial by T. Buff

Memory check...with the increased possibility of a Warriors vs. Celtics NBA championship, I've been thinking about how the game has changed since I first followed the Celtics in the 1960s, when the legendary Red Auerbach was coach.

One thing I could not remember was the Celtic player that may have had the most 3-pointers when the Celtics were a true dynasty. It's no wonder I could not remember. There were no 3-pointers. The question then:

What year was the 3-pointer introduced into the NBA?

If you can name the first player credited with a 3-pointer in the NBA, you can take over my position

or just take a few genius points.

(See answer below...)

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Sports Haiku

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!

WARRIORS WORDLE OF THE DAY

©️ STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

As the WARRIORS head into the Playoffs, their TEAM chemistry and personality are unique compared to other contenders for the crown. While we all know of

Steph, Klay, Draymond, Looney and All-Star Andrew Wiggins, the JTAs, the GP2s and other spark plugs, rebounders and shooters are the straws that stir

the drinks. This HAIKU is an invitation to enjoy the entire complement of players* who will perform, under the orchestral baton of coach Steve Kerr, Golden State's

rendition of "Strength in Numbers."

*Honorable Haiku Mention: Chris Chiozza, point guard

5-7-5 must be observed. Apologies. You are most worthy.

Porter Payton Poole

Kuminga Bjelica

Lee Juan Moody Ig

* * *

Contributed by Robert Moselle, Esq.

Executive Director, Center for Continuing Education

https://www.cce-mcle.com/

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

To: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com

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Wings Over Solano Open House

May 14 - 15, 2022

Thousands of military and aviation fans converged on Travis AFB in Fairfield to attend the Wings Over Solano Open House over the weekend of May 14-15. They were greeted with dynamic aero acrobatic skills as well as many aircraft to view and tour. Above, the Jelly Belly plane, piloted by Kent Pietsch, attempts a landing on top of the Jelly Belly truck. Caption and photo by Ed Jay.

Heritage Flight, left to right: F-16 Viper, P-38 (top), P-51 and F-35A Jet (bottom, center). Caption and photo by Ed Jay.

Patriot jet fighters were a hit of the show. Caption and photo by Ed Jay.

Fans were invited to walk into a cargo plane. Caption and photo by Ed Jay.

The interior of a cargo plane is impressive. Caption and photo by Ed Jay.

Patriot jets execute with precision. Photo by Ed Jay.

The Patriots Jets Team closed out the air show with impressive aerobatics. The team is comprised of former Blue Angels and Thunderbirds pilots and were pleased to sign autographs. Caption and photo by Ed Jay.

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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?

Write: sportstoday@ultimatesportsguide.net

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San Jose Earthquakes 1

Sporting Kansas City 1

May 22, 2022

The Quakes celebrate Jackson Yueill's goal early in the second half

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Sporting KC 1

Team captain Jackson Yueill scores in second consecutive match; Rookie defender Oskar Ågren starts and makes MLS debut

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City played to a 1-1 on Sunday afternoon at PayPal Park. The Quakes extended their unbeaten streak to four matches (2-0-2), tied for the second longest active streak in MLS. San Jose also extended their unbeaten streak at PayPal Park to seven regular season matches (3-0-4) and eight matches in all competitions (4-0-4).

Following a Sporting Kansas City goal one minute before halftime, San Jose equalized less than a minute into the second half on a header Jackson Yueill. It marked Yueill’s second consecutive match with a headed goal, the first time in his career he has scored in back-to-back games.

Despite taking 18 shots, tied for their second most in a match this season, the Earthquakes could not find a winner.

The Earthquakes will now prepare to face Sacramento Republic FC in the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday, May 25. The match will kick off from Heart Health Park at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

MEDIA ASSETS

CLICK HERE TO WATCH MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PHOTOS OF THE MATCH

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD POSTGAME SOUNDBITES

GAME NOTES

The Earthquakes currently hold a 3-5-5 record (14 pts.) during the 2022 MLS regular season.
San Jose is now 5-1-2 in all competitions under interim head coach Alex Covelo, including a 3-1-2 record in MLS play.
San Jose is now 25-28-10 all-time vs. Sporting KC in MLS play, including a 17-7-8 record at home.
Midfielder Jackson Yueill scored his third goal of the season and 10th of his MLS career. With the goal, Yueill matched his single-season career-high in goals (2019, 2021). He has now scored in back-to-back games for the first time in his MLS career.
Midfielder Jamiro Monteiro tallied an assist on Yueill’s goal. It marked his fourth assist of the season and 25th of his MLS career. He has tallied three goals and four assists in his last six games.
Defender Francisco Calvo tallied an assist on Yueill’s goal. It marked his first assist of the season and 10th of his MLS career.
Rookie defender Oskar Ågren made his MLS debut, starting and playing 90 minutes.
Midfielder Eric Remedi made his 100th MLS appearance, starting and playing 80 minutes.
Midfielder Chofis made his first appearance since March 12, playing 22 minutes as a substitute.

MATCH INFORMATION

2022 MLS Regular Season, San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 1 Sporting Kansas City

Sunday, May 22, 2022 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif., Attendance: 14,233

Man of the Match: Jackson Yueill

Scoring Summary: SKC (1-0) – Johnny Russell (Cam Duke, Roger Espinoza) 45’

SJ (1-1) – Jackson Yueill (Jamiro Monteiro, Francisco Calvo) 46’

Misconduct Summary: SKC – Roger Espinoza (caution) 58’, SKC – Uri Rosell (caution) 74’, SJ – Paul Marie (caution) 88’

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Tanner Beason, Oskar Ågren, Francisco Calvo, Paul Marie; Eric Remedi (Judson 80), Cade Cowell, Jackson Yueill © (Jan Gregus 68), Jamiro Monteiro (Chofis 68), Cristian Espinoza; Jeremy Ebobisse. Substitutes not used: Ousseni Bouda, Matt Bersano, Benji Kikanovic, Shea Salinas, Jack Skahan, Tommy Thompson.

SHOTS: 18; SHOTS ON GOAL: 5; FOULS: 11; CORNER KICKS: 4; SAVES: 1

SPORTING KANSAS CITY: Tim Melia; Ben Sweat, Robert Voloder, Kortne Ford, Logan Ndenbe, Uri Rosell, Roger Espinoza (Marinos Tzionis 64), Felipe Hernandez, Cam Duke, Remi Walter, Johnny Russell (C). Substitutes not used: Jake Davis, Kendall McIntosh, Kayden Pierre, Kaveh Rad, Julian Vazquez.

SHOTS: 6; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 7; CORNER KICKS: 4; SAVES: 4

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH ALEX COVELO

On his thoughts on the match:

“I think Sporting Kansas City came and showed a very defensive formation, a 4-5-1 which was very difficult to break. I think in the first half, we didn’t occupy the right spaces to advance. We were trying to find Jamiro [Monteiro] and Jackson [Yueill]. We didn’t need them falling back as we saw. We knew we needed to fix something in the second half. But at the end of the first half, we committed a mistake that cost us a lot. In the second half, Jackson was tired and felt something in his leg, so we tried to put [Jan] Gregus and Chofis to find more in between lines and create more chances because we were very low. That’s why we made those substitutions.”

On Oskar Ågren’s MLS debut and his performance today:

“It’s not easy to have your first MLS game here, against Sporting Kansas City, after being selected in the MLS SuperDraft. I think overall he did well. Any young player that comes through the draft needs to improve, but he did well.”

On the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match vs. Sacramento Republic FC on Wednesday:

“The approach will be to try to win the game. I don’t think it’s going to be an easy game there in Sacramento with the way that they play. There’s a big rivalry, but we will prepare well. We’ll put on the field the best players that we have.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES DEFENDER OSKAR ÅGREN

On his debut:

“It felt good to be out there and get the debut. I’m very appreciative for that. The game was pretty calm, I thought overall. We had the ball a lot and I think we controlled it, conceded a goal that was a bit unfortunate right at the end of the first half. But the second half started off well and we got that goal back. We felt that we were right back in it, and I think we had enough chances to win the game.”

On team chemistry:

“I think the chemistry on the field was good and I think that comes from good chemistry outside the field. I think both in the locker room and on the field, we always try to help each other on the back line and give tips and advice. [Francisco] Calvo is a great guy to help me with that and Tanner [Beason] and Paul [Marie] and other guys too.”

On how his opportunities in MLS NEXT Pro prepared him for his MLS debut:

“Those have been good for sure. I’m not the only one that played there. Everyone that has played there is happy to get minutes there and the quality is good too. I’m happy to do that in the future if I have to.”

www.sjearthquakes.com

Oakland Roots SC 1

LA Galaxy II 0

May 21, 2022

Roots Survive with Ten Men to Take All Three Points

18-year-old Project 51O goalkeeper Timothy Syrel helped Oakland Roots blank LA Galaxy II, 1-0, in a thrilling match which went down to the wire Saturday night at Laney Stadium in Oakland.

Syrel was called up to Roots on Friday as an emergency signing after an injury to Oakland netminder Paul Blanchette left Roots with only one goalkeeper, and made his USL Championship debut when called into action after a red card was issued to starting goalkeeper Benny Diaz in the 69th minute. Despite facing an extra attacker and a desperate Galaxy side, Syrel kept Los Angeles off the board through to the final whistle.

Roots played an excellent first half, owning time of possession and staying aggressive on the attack leading to five corner kicks in the first 11 minutes, one of which led to a shot that rang off the crossbar. The intense pressure applied by Oakland frustrated the Galaxy leading to three first half yellow cards, the third of which earned Roots a penalty kick in the 37th minute.

Óttar Magnús Karlsson made no mistake from the spot, rattling home his league leading 7th goal for Oakland this season -- a goal which stood the test of time and carried Roots to their second victory of the year in a reversal of fortunes after playing to draws in three of their last four matches.

Roots return to Laney Stadium next Saturday, May 28th, against Sacramento Republic FC and face a quick turnaround playing at home again the following Wednesday, June 1st, vs. Orange County.

Oakland Roots SC vs LA Galaxy II, USL Championship | May 21, 2022, Venue: Laney College, Oakland, California, Kickoff: 7:00 PM PT, Weather: 70 degrees, clear

SCORELINE: OAK: 1, LA: 0

SCORING SUMMARY: OAK: 37’ Óttar Magnús Karlsson (PK)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY: LA: 28’ Mike Salazar (yellow card), LA: 32’ Preston Judd (yellow card), LA: 35’ Felipe Cobian (yellow card), LA: 61’ Taylor Danila (yellow card), OAK: 63’ José Hernández (yellow card), OAK: 68’ Benny Diaz (red card), OAK: 90+ 5’ Edgardo Rito (yellow card), LA: 90+ 5’ Liam Doyle (yellow card)

OAKLAND ROOTS LINEUP: Benny Diaz (Timothy Syrel), Tarek Morad, Emrah Klimenta, Danny Barbir, Juan Azocar, Edgardo Rito, Mikael Johnsen, José Hernández, Dariusz Formella, Charlie Dennis, Óttar Magnús Karlsson. Unused subs: Memo Diaz, Alejandro Fuenmayor, Matias Fissore, Johnny Rodriguez, Lindo Mfeka, Jesús Enríquez

LA GALAXY II LINEUP: Eric Copez, Felipe Cobian (Chandler Vaughn), Liam Doyle, Jalen Neal, Owen Lambe, Cam Dunbar, Dante Campbell(Taylor Danla), Hamza Barry (Remi Cabrai), Adrian Gonzalez, Preston Judd, Mike Salazar (Duhaney Williams). Unused subs: Rich Sanchez, Marcus Ferkranus, Axel Picazo

Talking to Head Coach Juan Guerra

It was a big way for the 18 year old to come onto the pitch, describe his impact, and just your thoughts on him?

Juan Guerra: I'm so proud of him, just the way he behaves himself when he showed up to training the other day when we needed it, and he's done everything right. And today, as soon as, or even before the referee blew the whistle, I turned around, and I knew he was gonna have to go in. We looked at him in the eyes, Peter, the goalkeeper, coach, talked to him and explained to him what we expected. And he stepped up and he did whatever was necessary for us to keep the zero. So I'm very happy for him. I think he deserves it. And now we just have to keep pushing. I think at the end of the day, it was an overall collective effort. That led to a good result tonight. So now we have to keep pushing.

High pressure at the end there. What was your message when the red card occurred?

Juan Guerra: Just to focus and to keep the intensity to be more aggressive in defensive bases, but at the same time to keep playing. Because we're a team that wants the ball. And when we don't have the ball, we feel uncomfortable. And to have the ball with 10 Men, it's a bit more difficult, but it's not impossible. So that was the message that we're trying to send to the guys is to try to keep the ball as much as we can to try to progress the field together. So when we lose possession of the ball, we can press right away. And we didn't have to make too much of a transitional game. Because it was going to be a very, very tough 25 or 30 minutes with them.

Like you just mentioned, kind of describe how the system progressed from the first half, and then into the second and so on.

Juan Guerra: We started strong, we created some chances in the game, we had the opportunity to probably put one or two away before the penalty. But again, we keep doing a lot of things properly and a lot of things right. Offensively, and defensively, we got a lot better today. The most important thing for me and the staff and the players was the key vision. And that's one of the main things that I asked him for the game. I said, Guys, I'm gonna ask for one thing, and that's the key for zero tonight. I know offensively what we can do. And I think all the other teams, know that as well. Now we have to make sure that the things that we're doing well, we keep pushing, we get stronger, and the things that need fixing, and then need improvement. We have to work and have the awareness and be humble enough to understand where we're making mistakes, and get better at those. Defending is a collective effort that starts with a striker, and it finishes with a goalkeeper. And that's what the guys showed tonight. We're a pressing team when we have to press them with a high press and reward block, or defensive goal was very organized, but yet it was still intense and aggressive, which is what we wanted. And then everybody saw what the team did with 10 men, the effort, the intensity, how much the guys wanted it, and this is how much it means to them. So it was a huge step forward for us tonight to be able to get the three points. And now we just have to focus on the next thing.

www.oaklandrootssc.com

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Porsche Announces Dates and Location for

Next Rennsport Reunion

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca will host

the world's largest fan gathering in September 2023

MONTEREY, Calif., May 17, 2022 — The next Porsche Rennsport Reunion will be held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca near Monterey, California, from September 28 to October 1 in 2023. This will be the seventh running of the Rennsport Reunion and marks the fourth time that the iconic California race circuit is the stage for a celebration of the motorsports heart of Porsche. Further information on themes and ticket sales will be announced in due course.

During the four-day event, fans of all ages will not only get to experience exciting racing action with vintage and contemporary Porsche race cars on track, but also be able to see many rare Porsche vehicles, enjoy new vehicle reveals, Esports, fan zones, and take part in opportunities to meet and interact with drivers as they share their exciting racing experiences. Rennsport Reunion will also offer a host of other off-track activities.

“California and Porsche are a dream pairing, and the Monterey Peninsula is an ideal spot to bring the two together for an unforgettable weekend with so much happening both on and off the track” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America Inc. “Rennsport Reunion is for everyone – we’re creating an experience that’s special, whether you’re or a long-time enthusiast or are new to Porsche and are learning about our cars for the first time. Rennsport Seven is going to be bigger and more exciting than ever and yet at its core it’s the people that sets it apart – all are welcome, and I can’t wait to share our plans in the coming months.”

Visit newsroom.porsche.com for more photos.

About Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Established in 1984, Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is the exclusive U.S. importer of the Porsche 911, 718 Boxster, 718 Cayman, Macan, Cayenne, Panamera and Taycan. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, since 1998, PCNA is also home to the first Porsche Experience Center in North America featuring a module- based 1.6 mile driver development track, business center, and fine dining restaurant, 356. The company operates a second Porsche Experience Center near Los Angeles. That 53-acre complex features a driver development track with eight educational modules totaling 4.1 miles, a business center, and Restaurant 917. PCNA supports 194 independently owned and operated Porsche dealerships in the U.S., including supplying parts, service, marketing, and training. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best- in-class experience that is in keeping with the Porsche brand's more than 70-year history of leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. PCNA is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.

At the core of this success is Porsche's proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000-plus motorsport wins to date.

About WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is a world-renowned 2.238-mile traditional road course that was built in 1957 and was known at the time as Laguna Seca Raceway. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is owned by the County of Monterey and operated by A&D Narigi Consulting, LLC.

The 2022 premier event schedule begins with the Trans Am Speedfest April 22-24, followed by the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship featuring the Hyundai Monterey Sports Car Championship presented by Motul, April 29 - May 1, the GEICO Motorcycle MotoAmerica Superbike Speedfest July 8-10, the AHRMA Classic Motofest of Monterey July 15-17, the Monterey Pre-Reunion August 13-14, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion August 17-20, and the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES September 9-11. Concluding the 2022 season is the Velocity Invitational, October 14-16 (TBC).

www.weathertechraceway.com

Oakland Spiders 22

Oregon Nitro 26

Under beautiful weather, the Oakland Spiders played host to the new Oregon Nitro team in their first away game of their inaugural AUDL season on Saturday, May 21. Sadly for the Spiders, they came up short in the box score, but there was plenty of action with a final score of 26-22. Above, going all out on defense, Evan Magsig (#32) bids for the disc just out of his reach mid-way through the third quarter as the Spiders hosted the Nitro at Oakland Tech High School in Oakland, CA. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Team co-captain Keenan Laurence (#51) who goes full horizontal for the disc. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Phil Chang lays out for the reception to keep a drive alive in the second quarter. Caption and photo by Ron Sellers.

Showcasing the next generation of ultimate players, the Bay Area Disc Association brought in four Bay Area middle school programs. A collection of Spiders’ players, middle-school players and coaches and support staff took to the field at the end of halftime. 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.

Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff

Chris Ford, Boston Celtics

The NBA adopted the 3-point line for a one-year trial for the 1979–80 season, despite the view of many that it was a gimmick. Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics is credited with making the first 3-point shot in NBA history on October 12, 1979.

As the saying goes, the rest is history.

This link, https://bit.ly/3PuNQNo will take you to a

fascinating history of the 3-pointer.

Can you imagine if the ABA had never challenged the NBA,

using the 3-pointer, among other things, to make

basketball more exciting?