LAS VEGAS Phoenix Rising came back from an early deficit to draw 1-1 against Las Vegas Lights.The draw makes it three unbeaten for Phoenix, with forwards Kelvin Arase and Ihsan Sacko added to the list of unavailable players for this tie. However, Rising still sits below the playoff line, having won just two of their last ten in all competitions.Absences mount again for Phoenix RisingPhoenix Rising had been steadily making its way out of an injury crisis, but availability once again plagued Risings efforts in Las Vegas.Kelvin Arase, who been making his comeback in recent weeks after missing the vast majority of his time at Rising to date, was listed as unavailable due to injury. He exited last weeks match early in the second half while holding his right hamstring.Elsewhere, Ihsan Sacko missed the match for personal reasons. According to coach Pa-Modou Kah, the forward will return to the squad on Monday.The result was that Rising had very few options off the bench in the attack, with only young Conrad Ambursley a senior option.Luck, or not?Within just minutes of the match kicking off, Las Vegas found the back of the net off a long distance effort from Themi Antonoglou that caught Phoenix Rising goalkeeper Patrick Rakovsky at the wrong post.From there, Rising dictated much of the tempo, but didnt do a whole lot to threaten former Phoenix goalkeeper Triston Henry.It was because we didnt occupy the necessary spaces we needed to occupy. Kah said. We get the goal off being in the right position. We wanted to have Dom [Badji] and Hope [Avayevu] besides the one six, but again, we had the ball but we didnt take care of the opportunities when we had it.Eventually, Risings breakthrough came off a Daniel Flores cross into the penalty area, which was ultimately turned into the Vegas net by defender Ben Ofeimu.Still below the playoff line, but its tightThe playoff places continued to escape Phoenix Rising on a night that the team picked up a road point, but they still arent an unassailable distance away.In fact, Rising is currently level on points with El Paso Locomotive, who currently sit in the final playoff place. Looking further up the table, Rising is four points behind Sacramento Republic in fourth.However, Phoenix is still in the position that every team above them except for Orange County and San Antonio, who occupy the top two positions currently has at least one game in hand over Rising.Owains takeA points a point, I suppose.Was that an especially enjoyable 90 minutes of football? No. Was it at least not as bad as it could have been? Yes.When I saw Phoenix Risings lineup for the day, and the lack of options on the substitutes bench of an attacking persuasion, I was concerned. When Rising went 1-0 down within minutes, I was even more concerned.In many ways, that concern was vindicated. Rising had a fair amount of the ball at times, and even managed to push it into Vegas territory. But there was a clinical lack of well, anything clinical at all as soon as they really made it into that final third. If you look at the chances that Rising actually created, and the times that they made Triston Henry in the Vegas net do anything more than the most routine of saves, there wasnt a whole lot that they produced.From Risings perspective, this may well be three games unbeaten, but it also means that Phoenix has won just two of its last ten games in all competitions. And those three unbeaten have all come against teams that currently sit outside of the playoff picture, with just a solitary win produced.For Phoenix Rising, is that good enough? Historically, no, it wouldnt be.But at Cashman Field, you almost have to wonder: what else could Pa-Modou Kah have really done on the night? The front three was far from the strongest, and the loss of Ihsan Sacko naturally hurt the starting elevn. Kelvin Arase and Damian Rivera watched on in street clothes as Dominique Badji and Charlie Dennis started alongside Gunnar Studenhofft, and if any of you say that you expected that to be a starting front three based upon this seasons form, you would be lying to yourself. The sole option off the bench in the attacking positions was Conrad Ambursley, who may have been impressive through his first two games off the bench but, lets not forget, is 19 and still somewhat unproven at the senior level. Even as we watched Rising struggle to get much of anything at Vegas net, it was hard to see what changes Kah could have made from the dugout.And thats the crux of the issue here. You can talk of the talent in this squad, and there is talent, even if some of it hasnt shown this season. But you also cant pretend that, with the starting eleven and substitutes at Kahs disposal today, he wasnt fighting with one hand tied behind his back.What is frustrating is that this is coming at a time where Rising could have tried to kickstart some momentum ahead of what could be a comparatively tougher stretch to the end of the season, especially as Phoenix remains on the outside looking in.Will the results come soon? Who knows. The standings are tight enough that even the chance of a home playoff game remains alive, if unlikely.But one thing remains true: we just cant have an easy season at Phoenix Rising any more, can we?Top image: Las Vegas Lights FC

The Rays missed out on Tarik Skubal and pivoted almost immediately

The New York Mets have seen enough of Freddy Peralta.Six months after acquiring the starting pitcher in one of the splashiest moves of the offseason, the Mets are dealing him to the Tampa Bay Rays at the MLB trade deadline, according to The Athletics Will Sammon.The deal is a pure rental, as the 30-year-old Peralta is set to hit free agency this winter. Peralta will join a starting rotation that includes Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen and Nick Martinez.Peralta was supposed to be the headliner of the Mets' new look rotation after last year's disappointment, in which New York won only 83 games and missed the playoffs. This year's team would now be lucky to reach 83 games, and Peralta's performance is a major reason why.Previously a dependable starter for the Milwaukee Brewers who had a career year in 2025, Peralta was roughly a replacement-level player for the Mets. He has taken a step back in nearly every statistic and has come to symbolize just how badly things have become under president of baseball operations David Stearns.No one is more aware of that situation than Peralta, who said he likely made his final Mets start last Sunday and said he had let the team down:"I know it probably is," the 30-year-old Peralta said. "But I have to focus and keep giving the best of myself. And if it happens, it happens. I'm thankful and grateful to be part of this organization. I know that, so far, I've let them down. I haven't done what I'm supposed to do. But I'm grateful to be here."Now, Peralta can only hope a change of scenery will revive his chances at a significant contract in free agency. He will certainly be one of the players with the most to prove for the final two months of the season.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch during the third inning of a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 08, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe week in Chicago started wonderfully. Two straight wins over the White Sox and suddenly a 5-2 or 6-1 trip through the Windy City did not seem unreasonable. But after dropping the final two games against the Pale Hose and splitting the first two games against the Cubbies, the Yanks now need a Sunday victory to escape Chitown with a winning record for these seven games.Gerrit Cole is the man tasked with making that happen. The former AL Cy Young Award winner makes his 13th start today in his return from Tommy John surgery and his most recent was one of his best. Facing the White Sox, Cole threw six innings of shutout ball in New Yorks 3-2 win.Cole has relied on his hard stuff since his return. Between his four-seam fastball (46% of his pitches) and his sinker (5%), hes making opposing hitters try to hit the heat just over half the time. With the fastball in particular, it is working. Batsmen have managed a paltry .207 batting average against the pitch. Two other keys to Coles success: striking guys out and limiting walks. Hes whiffing more than a batter per inning. Meanwhile, his walk percentage sits in the 95th percentile.Veteran right-hander Colin Rea takes the ball for Chicago. Hes been comfortably on the wrong side of mediocrity so far this season (88+ ERA). Rea allows a ton of baserunners and doesnt miss many bats. The law of averages seems to suggest that is not a recipe for sustainable success. Rea will keep the Yankees guessing as he throws seven different pitches, headlined by a mid-90s fastball that he throws just under half the time. Watch for the changeup and curveball almost exclusively to lefties while righties will predominantly see the sweeper and sinker.Against Rea, Trent Grisham and Jasson Domnguez have seen success in a limited sample, each having taken him yard. Paul Goldschmidt has seen Rea the most, with three hits in 10 at-bats against Rea. Speaking of small sample sizes, keep an eye on Spencer Jones. Since July 26th, the towering lefty has been punishing baseballs: three homers and six RBI in seven games, and a gaudy 1.303 OPS. If hed like to go yard again today, I would support this.After today, its another series with Senior Circuit old-blood royalty as the Yanks face St. Louis. Lets leave Chicago on a high note.How to Watch:Location: Wrigley Field Chicago, ILFirst Pitch: 2:20 pm EDTTV broadcast: YES / Marquee Sports NetworkRadio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9FM, WADO 1280 / 104.3 The Score, TUDN, WPPN 106.7/TUDNOnline stream: MLB Network (out-of-market-only)For updates, follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.Wrapping up the Road Trip. #RepBXpic.twitter.com/9acfwp6w7e New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 2, 2026Back on at 1:20.Tune in on @WatchMarquee. pic.twitter.com/5t21638Mlj Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 2, 2026Join the conversation!Sign up for a user accountand get:Fewer adsCreatecommunity postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!

HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA - NOVEMBER 22: Trent Hendrick #5 of James Madison Dukes on the field in the second quarter during a game against Washington State Cougars at Bridgeforth Stadium on November 22, 2025 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. (Photo by Brien Aho/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesMichigan appears to be doing its homework on a pair of experienced linebackers after a recent court ruling created an unexpected pool of potential transfer portal additions. According to On3s Ethan McDowell ($), the Wolverines have contacted former James Madison linebacker Trent Hendrick and former Western Kentucky linebacker Jaylen Wester.Talks have not advanced far with U-M yet, per McDowell.Both players are exploring the possibility of returning to college football for a fifth season following a preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court of Colorado this past week that could grant additional eligibility to athletes from the 2022 recruiting class. The Wolverines conversations with both players appear to be preliminary as of right now which is very like due to the hurdles that still need to be cleared but they are clearly pondering the opportunity of adding experience to an inexperienced position group entering the season.Hendrick led the Dukes with 106 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles during their College Football Playoff run last year, earning the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in the process. He also recorded an 82.7 overall defensive grade on Pro Football Focus, including marks higher than 80 in run defense, tackling and pass rushing. He is exploring a return to college football after participating in rookie minicamps with the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns.Former James Madison LB Trent Hendrick is exploring a return to college football following Friday's ruling, his rep @zachoban tells @On3. The Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year was in NFL minicamp with the Chiefs and Browns. Had 106 tackles and 7 TFLs in 2025. https://t.co/Jy2rBTrUd3pic.twitter.com/QF7apoLa00 Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) August 1, 2026Meanwhile, Wester also surpassed the 100-tackle mark last season as well as seven tackles for loss during his lone year at Western Kentucky. The former Florida Atlantic and Colorado linebacker also had 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles while earning a 70.2 overall defensive grade and an 81 run defense grade.WKU LB Jaylen Wester is exploring a return to college football following Friday night's court ruling, his rep @Lockettagency21 tells @PeteNakos. Posted 106 tackles, 7 TFLs and two forced fumbles in 2025.https://t.co/WyPegwUlUDhttps://t.co/g3OxhJkxmxpic.twitter.com/obvp9XMJhF Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) August 1, 2026Head coach Kyle Whittingham and company clearly feel a certain way about their linebacker room heading into the season. They tried to make upgrades at the position this winter, but fell short in the portal recruitments of Rasheem Biles (Pitt to Texas) and Cade Uluave (Cal to BYU). These efforts were intensified following the losses of Cole Sullivan to Oklahoma, and Jaishawn Barham, Jimmy Rolder and Ernest Hausmann to graduation/the NFL.Sophomore Chase Taylor is viewed as a promising young contributor, but he has yet to earn significant defensive snaps up to this point. Senior Troy Bowles, senior transfer Nathaniel Staehling and sophomore Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng have all drawn positive reviews this offseason, but adding an experienced and productive linebacker would add valuable depth and competition.Michigans early interest in these two players reflects the new coaching staffs willingness to be aggressive and try to capitalize on an evolving NCAA landscape. With more and more players more than likely to look at a fifth season of college eligibility, dont be surprised to see more reports like this pop up over the next month or so prior to the start of the 2026 season.

After 'Clicky Ponting', village cricket produces hilarious Mankad attempt gone wrong originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.KEY TAKEAWAYS:A village cricket Mankad attempt went viral after the bowler slipped and missed the stumps.The clip was shared with the caption that it does not get more village than this.It follows the "Clicky Ponting" saga in keeping grassroots cricket in the spotlight.After 'Clicky Ponting', village cricket produces hilarious Mankad attempt gone wrongVillage cricket is enjoying an unlikely spell in the viral spotlight, and the latest offering is a Mankad attempt that unravelled in the most comical fashion. Days after the "Clicky Ponting" finger-clicking controversy gripped the sport, another piece of grassroots footage has set social media alight for very different reasons.The clip captures a bowler spotting the non-striker backing up and pulling out of his delivery stride to attempt a run-out at the non-striker's end. What should have been a simple dislodging of the bails instead descended into farce as the execution went badly awry.Rather than calmly removing the stumps, the bowler appeared to lose his footing and slipped, missing the woodwork entirely as the chance to complete the Mankad slipped away with him. The moment was captured in full view of a squatting wicketkeeper and a bemused set of fielders.MORE: Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of Sri Lanka Tests! Front-runners to replace the Indian pacer listedA Mankad that could not have gone worseThe footage was posted by user markus, who captured the essence of the moment with a wry caption. He wrote, "It does not get more village than this #cricket", a line that quickly resonated with a following amused by the amateur chaos on display.It does not get more village than this #cricketpic.twitter.com/82PIjzFoHV markus (@markuswrites) August 2, 2026The post gained considerable traction, racking up more than 1,100 likes, dozens of comments, and numerous reposts. The blend of high-stakes intent and low-grade execution proved irresistible to an audience that has developed a fresh appetite for the quirks of recreational cricket.The clip arrives at a moment when grassroots cricket has been drawing eyes well beyond its usual audience. The "Clicky Ponting" saga, in which a Yorkshire club fielder was accused of clicking his fingers to fool umpires, dominated headlines and even drew comment from broadcaster Piers Morgan.Against that backdrop, a botched Mankad offers lighter relief. There is no allegation of foul play here, simply a well-meaning attempt undone by a patch of turf and a loss of balance, the kind of moment that unfolds on club grounds every weekend but rarely reaches a global audience.MORE:No Sooryavanshi: DK picks India squad for 2027 ODI World Cup, two surprise inclusionsThe charm that keeps village cricket watchableThere is something quietly joyful about these clips cutting through in an era of polished, professional highlights. The appeal lies precisely in the imperfection, the reminder that for every immaculate yorker in an international, there is a weekend cricketer slipping over while attempting a run-out in front of a handful of spectators.Whether the game deserves the gentle mockery is beside the point, because the affection underpinning it is genuine. Village cricket has always been the sport's beating heart, and moments like this, shared and enjoyed in good humour, do more to endear the grassroots game to a wider audience than any amount of earnest promotion ever could.For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.

Juventus new boy Alajbegovic: Playing for Italys biggest team is an honourKerim Alajbegovi has spoken of his pride at joining Juventus, calling it a great honour to pull on the black and white shirt after completing his move from Bayer Leverkusen.Speaking via the clubs official channels, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, the 18-year-old gave his first interview as a Juventus player after being unveiled on Sunday.Reflecting on his first taste of Turin, the Bosnia international said: Yesterday at the Allianz Stadium I felt some wonderful emotions. I cant wait to get started, Im very proud, its a great honour to wear this shirt and Ill give my all.Asked to describe his game, Alajbegovi pointed to his attacking instincts, saying he is a player who likes to have the ball and enjoys shooting, dribbling, creating chances and passing, wanting to give all his strength to the attack while always looking to play forward.Alajbegovic signs for JuventusAlajbegovi sets sights on Serie A with JuventusThe teenager already has first-hand experience of Italian opposition, having converted his penalty in Bosnias shootout win over Italy in March, the result that meant the Azzurri would not be present at the 2026 World Cup. He drew on that when weighing the challenge ahead.The match against Italy was a good one, fortunately we won in the end, but it was very difficult and they played very well, he said. I feel ready for Serie A and for Italian football. Playing for the biggest team in Italy is a source of pride, and Ill have to work hard to improve.Eager to settle fast, Alajbegovi spoke of wanting to adapt very quickly and show my qualities straight away, and signed off with a message to his younger self: Believe in yourself, because you can achieve a great deal.

Freddy Peralta is on the move once more, as the New York Mets dealt the veteran starter to the Tampa Bay Rays, per The Athletic. He will now join Drew Rasmussen, Shane McClanahan and Nick Martinez in one of the American League's best pitching staffs. The Mets are acquiring three top 30 prospects from the Rays. The deal will include outfielder Aidan Smith (No. 15), infielder milien Pitre (No. 26), and pitcher Gary Gill Hill (No. 27). This marks the end of a disappointing campaign with the Mets, as they acquired Peralta this past offseason from the Brewers in exchange for prospects Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat. While Sproat has struggled at the back of Milwaukee's rotation, Peralta has done the same at the top of New York's. Peralta has a 4.99 ERA in 22 starts and 113 innings his worst ERA as a starter. His strikeouts are down from 10.4 per nine to 8.9, while his homer and hit rates have both risen. However, Peralta also went from one of the top teams in the league in the Brewers to the Mets New York's pitching has struggled across the board in 2026, and Peralta is just part of that larger issue. It's entirely possible that the Rays are able to get back some of Peralta's past excellence for the stretch run, if they are able to figure out what the Mets could not. And as Peralta is owed just $2.4 million more in 2026 before he becomes a free agent after the season, the financial risk for finding out was low. Currently 65-45 with a rotation that ranks ninth in MLB in ERA, the Rays are well-positioned for October. Peralta carries obvious risks, but there is plenty of reason for Tampa Bay to absorb them at the trade deadline.

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Chiesa set to stay at Liverpool despite Serie A and Atltico linksFederico Chiesa appears set to stay at Liverpool for the coming season, despite persistent links with a return to Serie A and interest from Atltico Madrid.According to Calciomercato.it, the Italy winger, who had been tipped to head back to Italy following his spells with Fiorentina and Juventus, and was also courted by Diego Simeones Atltico, now looks highly likely to remain at Anfield.The Italian forward is said to want to fight for his place under new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola and prove he can make his mark in the Premier League.NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE JULY 25: Jack Whitaker #40 of Sunderland AFC and Federico Chiesa #14 of Liverpool FC battle for the ball during the second half of their pre-season friendly match at GEODIS Park on July 25, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)Chiesa focused on Liverpool stay under IraolaIt represents something of a turnaround. Only a few weeks ago, the report notes, a summer sale had looked all but a foregone conclusion.Iraola, who arrived from Bournemouth to replace Arne Slot this summer, now offers Chiesa a fresh start, and the winger is reportedly keen to seize it in one of Europes most demanding leagues.With the transfer window open until the end of August, nothing is set in stone, the market can always throw up late surprises. But as things stand, the Italian looks poised to remain on Merseyside rather than engineer a move back to Serie A.