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The U.S. were flat for 90 minutes, but a late own-goal and a dominant performance from standout subs Reyna and Wright saved them from embarrassment.

Talk about flirting with disaster, huh?

The U.S. men's national team found themselves just seconds away from a catastrophic result. Through 95 minutes, they had been outplayed, outhustled and, more importantly, outscored. With the score 1-0 to Jamaica, Matt Turner came all the way up for one last corner kick with the USMNT needing a miracle.

They got one. It came off the head of Miles Robinson, and then off the head of Jamaica's Corey Burke; with an own-goal sending the match to extra-time.

From there, it was one-way traffic. It ended 3-1, a result that flattered the USMNT while somewhat dismissing what really was an incredible performance from the Reggae Boyz. On any other day, Jamaica should have walked away multi-goal winners. Fortunately for the USMNT's hopes of a CONCACAF Nations League threepeat, today wasn't one of those days.

In the 30 minutes of extra-time, substitutes Haji Wright and Gio Reyna stole the show with the Coventry City striker netting twice, and the 21-year-old Nottingham Forest midfielder assisting both goals.

The USMNT performance was nowhere near good enough; it was slow, lethargic and, perhaps most important, really frustrating to watch. However, Gregg Berhalter has stressed learning how to survive knockout rounds, and that's exactly what the USMNT did. Onto the next, they'll say, but the next will have to be a whole lot better if the U.S. wants to make it three-straight in this competition.

GOAL rates the USMNT's players from AT&T Stadium…

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Matt Turner (5/10):

Could he have done better on the goal? It sure felt like it. He had a few other good moments to at least partially make up for that early incident.

Joe Scally (5/10):

Lost his man on the early Jamaica goal, although it wasn't completely his fault given what went on elsewhere. Still, he did have a bad foul later on, earning a yellow, before being yanked at halftime.

Miles Robinson (8/10):

Was among the more solid players on the field. Overall, a good performance as he did well to limit the Reggae Boyz attack before creating the game's biggest moment.

Chris Richards (6/10):

Couldn't quite close down on the early goal and nearly got embarrassed for being unaware on one chance in the second half. Not the best night.

Antonee Robinson (6/10):

A rare bad moment on the goal. Just wasn't ready for that first-minute chance, and it very nearly came back to bite the USMNT.

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Weston McKennie (7/10):

Was relatively quiet in the first half and then was surprisingly moved to right back. Had a good game no matter what position he was playing in, though.

Yunus Musah (7/10):

Really good for large stretches, with his ability to drive the ball through midfield helping the U.S. throughout. Was taken off in the second, though, as the U.S. changed things up tactically.

Malik Tillman (5/10):

Had one good chance that was just blocked away but, overall, was too wasteful. Didn't create nearly enough and his one big chance on a free kick was sent into the 20th row.

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Tim Weah (6/10):

Had a few good moments, including one great low cross to Tillman. Was unlucky to be taken off relatively early in the second half.

Folarin Balogun (5/10):

Got very little service and did almost nothing with what he had. Did create a good chance for Pulisic and had one decent header but, otherwise, was fairly invisible.

Christian Pulisic (6/10):

A poor day by his standards. Had one good chance that needed to be hit first-time. Set piece-wise, had a few poor ones, but his corner did lead to the own goal, so he gets credit for that.

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Gio Reyna (9/10):

Definitely added creativity and urgency to the USMNT attack. His assists on Wright's goals were spectacular as Reyna proved once again that he can do things that no one else in this player pool can.

Haji Wright (9/10):

Took his chances in extra time, firing a pair of composed finishes to win the game. He was dangerous prior to that, too, but strikers are judged by goals, and Wright got his.

Ricardo Pepi (5/10):

Barely noticeable throughout his runout aside from one decent chance.

Tyler Adams (7/10):

Passing was fantastic, particularly for a player who has barely played over the last year, sparking the U.S. to life. Was unhappy to be taken off, but Berhalter had to protect him in extra-time.

Brenden Aaronson (6/10):

Provided the usual energy, which was key particularly in extra time.

Johnny Cardoso (6/10):

Replaced Adams, who was on a minutes restriction. Passed the ball well and had a few good defensive moments.

Gregg Berhalter (5/10):

One of the worst games of his tenure. You can't gameplan for a first-minute goal, but you can react to it. The USMNT never really did as the team looked slow and uncertain all night long, despite Robinson's last-second save.

Leeds United have deployed chiefs to assess a new forward live in action, but a fresh report has revealed that there are also six other clubs chasing his signature.

Leeds United's season so far

Daniel Farke’s side have made a fairly mixed start to the new campaign having won seven, drawn four and lost three of their opening 14 games in the Championship, meaning that they currently find themselves in third place in the league table.

Ipswich Town (4-3)

Cardiff City (2-2)

Birmingham City (1-0)

Millwall (3-0)

West Bromwich Albion (1-1)

Southampton (3-1)

Watford (3-0)

Sheffield Wednesday (0-0)

Stoke City (1-0)

QPR (1-0)

Hull City (0-0)

Bristol City (2-1)

Norwich City (3-2)

Huddersfield Town (4-1)

The Whites are sure to be full of confidence following the most recent thrashing over Huddersfield Town last weekend and they will know that they are more than capable of pushing for promotion this season, but regardless, that hasn’t stopped chiefs from wanting to strengthen their squad even further.

The Elland Road outfit have identified Fluminense’s right-winger Jhon Arias as a possible target, who has made a total of 135 appearances at the Maracana Stadium since first putting pen to paper back in 2021 (Transfermarkt – Arias statistics).

The Colombia international has made an outstanding beginning to this season having established himself as Fernando Diniz’s overall best-performing player with a match rating of 7.22 (WhoScored – Fluminense statistics), and the 26-year-old’s form has brought him onto the radar in West Yorkshire.

Leeds send scouts to watch Jhon Arias

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have sent representatives to watch Arias, but they are far from alone in their pursuit ahead of January.

“A Colombian attacker who’ll play in the biggest club match of his life next weekend has been scouted by Rangers, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Wolves, Burnley, Leeds Utd and Leicester City, TEAMtalk can confirm.

"TEAMtalk has been told one of Andre’s midfield teammates – Jhon Arias – will also come under observation. We understand Crystal Palace, West Ham, Burnley, Wolves, Leicester, Leeds and Scottish giants Rangers have all checked on Arias.”

Arias is a crossing machine with fantastic assist numbers

During his time at Fluminense, Arias has posted 56 involvements (30 assists and 26 goals) in 135 outings, so it’s clear to see the positive and prolific impact he makes in the final third, but even if the end product isn’t always there, he constantly tries his best to create chances.

Sponsored by Adidas, Diniz’s £7.1k-per-week earner (Fluminense salaries), also ranks in the 95th percentile for successful take-ons so he loves to use his pace to dribble past his marker (FBRef – Arias statistics), and has made 140 crosses so far this season, which is more than any of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Fluminense statistics).

Leeds are additionally bound to find it attractive that he’s a versatile operator having been deployed in eight different positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and in four roles in the midfield, so this really is a no-brainer of a deal to pursue should the right opportunity present itself.

Surrey appear unstoppable on their title march after deposing of the defending champions in three days

Matt Roller at Chelmsford06-Sep-20181:55

Surrey make it eight and promotion race hots up

ScorecardNot since 1999 have Surrey won eight Championship games on the bounce, and their current run certainly has a once-in-a-generation feel to it. That run owed much to the dual spin threat of Saqlain Mushtaq and Ian Salisbury; this time, it has been all about the seamers.On the third day at Chelmsford, led by Morne Morkel and the evergreen Rikki Clarke, they bowled Essex out for the second time in just over three sessions to go 43 points clear at the top of the Championship, and look certain to secure the pennant before the final round of games. Ravi Bopara offered staunch resistance with an unbeaten 81, but despite being some way short of their bullish best, Surrey’s pace attack was simply too good.For some time this fixture had been earmarked as a final test of Surrey’s credentials. Away from home against the reigning champions, it should have been a tough challenge; instead, they cruised to victory with a full day to spare.Surrey have proved over the course of the year that Championship cricket requires a squad rather than just a team. They have used 20 players, and that Tom Curran, who did the early damage, was playing for just the second time in this competition this season, showed their impressive level of depth.Curran was fearsome in his opening burst, running in with his collar up and his hair slicked back. He trapped Varun Chopra lbw early, before beating Tom Westley’s outside edge time after time and eventually ending his difficult stay at the crease by sending his off stump cartwheeling.It seems a long time since Curran made his Test bow at the MCG back in December, and his youngest brother Sam has overtaken him in England’s long-form plans this summer. But Tom remains a fine bowler at the Championship level, and his first spell of the day was a reminder of his worth in red-ball cricket. He bowled with hostility and an extra yard of pace, and found enough movement off the seam to keep Essex guessing.The middle-order destroyer was again Clarke. He made good use of a helpful pitch to remove Dan Lawrence and Nick Browne, both caught in the slips off back-of-a-length balls that lifted sharply, before Rory Burns’ stunning catch in the gully accounted for Ryan ten Doeschate to leave Essex five down going into lunch.At that point, the only question was whether or not Essex could make Surrey bat again, and thanks to Bopara and some old-fashioned tail-end slogging from Jamie Porter and Sam Cook, they did. Bopara was the only Essex batsman throughout the game to look comfortable at the crease, as he rotated the strike well and scored fluently both sides of the wicket. When he brought up a 76-ball half-century, he had hit just three boundaries; it was an innings that highlighted the importance of ticking over against quality bowling.But in truth, Bopara’s knock served only to delay the inevitable. Morkel returned to remove Simon Harmer for a pair, and then ended Porter’s fun after a couple of lofted boundaries off Clarke, before Bopara and Cook added 18 to leave Surrey needing two.The impact Morkel has had on this Surrey team cannot be overstated. His Championship debut was the first game of this eight-match winning run, and it would be brave to suggest that is in any way coincidental. He now has 42 wickets at 14.57, and has terrorised Division One batsman up and down the country. He did not bowl as well as he can here, but a couple of sharp bouncers to Michael Pepper and Porter showed that his pace has by no means dropped.Surrey now go to New Road next week to play bottom club Worcestershire in the knowledge that a win will effectively, if not mathematically, seal the title with two games to spare. On the basis of this run, they will be worthy winners.

Liverpool's recent Premier League draw at Luton Town served as a timely reminder of just how much progress is still to come in Jurgen Klopp's latest Anfield chapter. The German did well to rebuild his midfield during the summer transfer window, welcoming Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, and so far, the quartet of arrivals have all enjoyed solid starts to their Liverpool careers.

Whilst the focus was firmly fixed on solving Klopp's midfield problem during the summer, the Reds failed to address their defensive depth, and that's where their attention must turn in January, with a Newcastle United target now in mind.

Liverpool transfer news

We've seen in the past just how much damage injuries to key defenders can do at Anfield, as Klopp once played half a season with Fabinho at the heart of the backline, as well as occasionally asking Jordan Henderson to step in alongside youngsters like Rhys Williams. The sight of midfielders forced to play centre-back is one that the Liverpool boss will not want to see ever again, and the January transfer window can ensure that's the case.

As things stand, the Reds have Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and the young Jarell Quansah to call on. Given the injury history of Matip and Gomez, however, those in Merseyside could do with one more option, which could come in the form of a Bundesliga defender. According to Sport1 in Germany, Liverpool could make a move for Willian Pacho from Eintracht Frankfurt, despite their desperation to keep hold of the 22-year-old.

Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche told Sport1: "Certainly he is making a good development. But our plan is for him to stay with us longer. After the big upheaval last summer, the young players are expected to develop gradually: Pacho has immediately become a top performer. But he still has issues he can work on."

Pacho's contract doesn't run out until 2028, but Sport1 claim that it would be no shock to the Reds, alongside Newcastle United and Manchester United, make their move for the centre-back in 2024.

Liverpool should move for "world class" Pacho

A 22-year-old centre-back who is impressing in one of Europe's top leagues, Pacho ticks every box for Liverpool, who could avoid a potential defensive crisis by moving for the Frankfurt man in January. Of course, a deal would be a difficult one to negotiate given the words of Krosche, but the Reds would be doing no harm by testing the waters with an offer in January. Pacho's stats certainly show that he can keep up with the current Liverpool backline too, giving Klopp plenty to think about.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Tackles Won

Interceptions

Willian Pacho

4

38

15

16

Joel Matip

5

24

4

8

Ibrahima Konate

8

34

4

3

It's no real surprise after looking at the numbers that the Ecuador international has been at the centre of praise during his time at Frankfurt, including from current manager Dino Toppmoller, who told Bild Sport via Sport1: "His (defending) is absolutely world-class."

England have taken an unassailable 2-0 series lead, and now have a rare win in Asia in their sights

The Preview by Andrew Miller19-Oct-2018Big pictureA fortnight into England’s tour of Sri Lanka, and a pattern has settled over the cricket that has so far been possible. Invitingly clear skies in the mornings have invariably given way to torrential afternoon downpours and if, in between whiles, there’s been enough opportunity to get a contest underway, then the players have slotted into whatever windows present themselves.It’s not exactly ideal, but for England – 2-0 up after three truncated contests and with a share of the series secured – they are at least passing their first significant test in this, the final approach to their 2019 World Cup campaign. For Sri Lanka, ill-balanced in the absence of Angelo Mathews and over-reliant on rare moments of individual brilliance, their only realistic target is respectability.Plenty has been said about the timing of this tour, not least by the ECB themselves, who felt obliged to defend its scheduling in a post on social media during Wednesday’s six-hour rain delay.But somehow, in spite of everything, we’ve been treated to a pair of entertaining contests so far – with England having to withstand a renaissance performance from Lasith Malinga in the opening contest in Dambulla, before outsmarting their opponents in a 21-over thrash at Pallekele on Wednesday.Who knows what bearing any of this will have on England’s sterner tests to come in the new year, but they’ve given off the sense of a side with more gears to power through if required. Neither Jos Buttler nor Moeen Ali needed to bat during the run-chase in the third ODI, while Eoin Morgan, the captain, referred to the “good frustrations” in the England dressing-room after that same game, given that players of the calibre of Alex Hales, Sam Curran and Mark Wood can’t even get into the team at present. That said, there is a concern that Jonny Bairstow may have damaged his ankle playing football, which may present Hales with a chance to reclaim his opening berth.Sri Lanka, for their part, need a measure of consistency above all else. Their implosion in the third match was a case in point – 55 for 0 after five overs, 95 for 9 in their remaining 15, with Niroshan Dickwella’s blazing intro proving insufficient to ignite a competitive total. Then there’s the hot and cold performance of Malinga to consider. He was stunning in adversity in Dambulla, his five wickets showcasing all the old tricks that many feared he could no longer deliver. And yet four days later, his powder-puff display in Pallekele later seemed to deflate the entire attack.Anything can happen in the course of a one-day international, particularly when Messrs Duckworth, Lewis and Stern get involved in the permutations. But it is hard to see how the narrative of this leg of the tour can be changed in a hurry. England look to have too much in reserve, Sri Lanka already seem to be stretched beyond their limits. A rare win in Asian conditions is very much on the cards, but it’s as much a reflection on Sri Lanka’s struggles as England’s excellence that, should it come to pass, it is unlikely to feel like a seismic triumph.Form guideSri Lanka LLLLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
England WWWWLDinesh Chandimal prepares to play the reverse-sweep•AFPIn the spotlightHe spent much of the summer in the shadow of his younger brother, as Sam Curran cut a dash during the India Test series. But after taking advantage of Liam Dawson’s misfortune, Tom Curran stepped into the vacancy to serve a reminder of the uncanny confidence he exudes whenever he’s armed with a white ball. His four overs in Wednesday’s 21-over thrash were masterfully delivered – his full repertoire of variations helped to check Sri Lanka’s rampant early progress before he returned at the death to pick off the lower order for figures of 3 for 17. It was a reminder of how valuable it can be to have a bowler in your ranks who wants to be the hero, and if he’s not yet inked into England’s first-choice World Cup XI, he’s rapidly making a case for the final 15.There wasn’t a lot for Amila Aponso to write home about after his solitary outing during the Asia Cup – it was his first ODI in more than a year, and only his seventh all told, and his figures of 1 for 55 in nine overs proved incapable of slowing Bangladesh’s progress towards a 137-run win. But at Pallekele on Wednesday, no-one did more than him to give Sri Lanka a grain of hope in their defence of a sub-par 150. After opening the bowling, ostensibly to target the frailty of Jason Roy against left-arm spin, he bagged Jonny Bairstow straightaway, then bowled Joe Root through the gate one over later. He was powerless to prevent England surging past their target when he returned for his final over, but there was a confidence to his bowling which may manifest itself better over 10 overs rather than four – if the weather gives him a chance to settle into a longer spell.Team newsKusal Mendis stepped into the vacancy created by Kusal Perera’s quad strain, but his first-ball duck made it three blobs in a row since his Asia Cup meltdown, and suggested that his place in the team is once again in peril. Upul Tharanga, who made way for the 21-over match, is likely to slot back into the side, though possibly at No.3, with Sadeera Samarawickrama expected to be given the chance to build on his 34-ball 35. Dinesh Chandimal, who missed the post-match presentations on Wednesday after suffering a bout of dizziness, is expected to be fit to lead the side once more.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 2 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 3 Upul Tharanga, 4 Dinesh Chandimal (capt), 5 Dhananjaya de Silva, 6 Dasun Shanaka, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Akila Dananjaya, 9 Amila Aponso, 10 Lasith Malinga, 11 Nuwan PradeepBairstow did not appear for the rest of training after appearing to turn his ankle during a warm-up game of football. Hales is on standby to take over at the top of the order. Liam Plunkett has arrived in Sri Lanka and is ready to resume his deck-hitting mid-innings role after emerging unscathed from his wedding last week. But with Olly Stone impressing in his first outing of the tour, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be reclaiming his place straightaway.England (probable): 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow/Alex Hales, 3 Joe Root, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Ben Stokes, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Tom Curran, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Olly StonePitch and conditionsShockingly, it didn’t rain in Kandy on Thursday, and Friday has dawned rather pleasant as well. Which, inevitably, means that the weather on match-day is forecast to be torrential. Nevertheless, after some heroic work from the Pallekele groundstaff, mostly involving the judicious positioning of several acres of blue tarpaulins, the actual pitch for the third ODI proved to be dry and true, with good carry for the seamers and a bit of purchase for the spinners – as Adil Rashid demonstrated with a pinpoint googly.Stats and trivia Sri Lanka have won just one of their last six ODIs at Pallekele. That came against South Africa, by 3 runs, in August. To find an innings in which Dinesh Chandimal has hit a half-century at or better than a run a ball, you have to go back to June 2016. He has played 26 innings since then. After making headlines earlier in the tour by admitting he would consider dropping himself for the World Cup if his form didn’t merit selection, Eoin Morgan has racked up four fifties in his last five ODI innings, scoring 305 runs at 152.50 in that period. Quotes”Hopefully we’ll be able to capitalise on good starts through our middle order in the coming games. We’ve talked about that and formulated a plan about batting in the middle now.””We have to keep winning as a unit. People have come in and it’s about confidence that you can beat anyone in any condition. People say you never win away from home in the past, you struggle when you travel and when it’s spinning, but we’ve shown now we can win in any conditions..”

After Jude Bellingham returned to the action against Athletic Club after serving his suspension, Real Madrid fans welcomed him with a special banner.

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Bellingham returns after suspension Was suspended for X-rated rant at referee Madrid fans welcome him back with special banner WHAT HAPPENED?

The English midfielder made his long-awaited return to league action with Real Madrid after the 20-year-old was sent off against Valencia for his X-rated rant at the referee almost a month ago. He was then given a two-match ban which meant he missed the wins against Celta Vigo and Osasuna.

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Bellingham has quickly become a fan favourite at Santiago Bernabeu following his €103m (£88m/$110m) move last summer from Borussia Dortmund. The midfielder has surprisingly become the spearhead of Real Madrid's attack with Carlo Ancelotti deploying the youngster in a very advanced role due to their lack of a starting quality striker.

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The former Birmingham City man has scored 20 goals and provided nine assists for Los Blancos this season having played a total of 31 games. The goals have dried up for the Englishman towards the latter part of the season with Ancelotti slowly incorporating him into an outright midfielder, however, he remains an integral part of Madrid's set-up.

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WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

Bellingham will look to run through the paces in Ancelotti's setup as the club prepares for one of the toughest matches of their season when they take on Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final on April 9 at the Bernabeu and April 17 at the Etihad Stadium.

Aston Villa are apparently willing to "break the bank" for a club's star forward who's even been likened to Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.

Villans make January transfer plans

According to various reports in the last few weeks, Villa appear determined to strengthen their ranks in the January window as manager Unai Emery looks to mount a serious challenge to Champions League qualification.

The Midlands side appear to be very real contenders for a top-four finish, as highlighted by their electric start to the Premier League season.

Winning eight out of a possible 12 league matches, Emery's side are just three points off table-topping Man City with barely anything separating first and fifth.

If Villa wish to maintain their excellent form, though, more squad depth is perhaps needed – especially in the midfield area as Emiliano Buendia is out with a long-term injury.

The Argentine was a mainstay under Emery last term, playing in all 38 of their top flight matches, but Villa may not see him return until April next year.

As a result, Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe is believed to be a target for Villa, as well as Paris-Saint Germain midfielder Carlos Soler.

However, it is also rumoured that NSWE are plotting swoops for attacking additions, with an interesting claim now made involving Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson.

Villa ready to "break the bank" for Gudmundsson

The Iceland international has been in fine form for the Serie A side over 2023/2024, scoring five goals in 12 league outings.

Gudmundsson has even attracted attention from the likes of Tottenham as a result, with Villa being no exception as they have throw their hat in the ring.

According to Calciomercato.it (via Sport Witness), Villa are ready to "break the bank" for Gudmundsson and will have no issue paying his asking price either.

The 26-year-old only penned a new contract on Friday morning, but that hasn't deterred Emery and co who are still said to be pursuing Gudmundsson.

He is said to be valued at around £17.5 million, a very affordable fee for a high-flying Premier League side like the Villans. Gudmundsson can operate in many areas across the forward line, including on the wing and through the middle as an attacking midfielder.

This season, though, manager Alberto Gilardino has utilised the Icelandic star as a second striker behind Mateo Retegui – where he has blossomed and stood out as a key player for them.

Perhaps most interestingly, Gudmundsson has drawn comparisons with Liverpool star Salah. Teammate Kevin Strootman, speaking to Il Secolo XIX newspaper (via Football Italia), likened the player to Jurgen Klopp's Egyptian superstar.

"If he keeps improving, he won’t stay at Genoa for long,” Strootman said.

“He reminds me of Salah when he was at Roma, in that every now and then he disappears. Much like Salah then, he would have four or five chances per match and only score at most one.

“They used to say that if Salah was more clinical, he would be playing for Liverpool, and that is exactly what happened. All joking aside, Gudmundsson is a devastating player and also an exemplary professional.”

Isobel and Cecelia, who played for nearly two decades in the international circuit, announced their retirements after Ireland’s loss in their final group-stage match in the World T20

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Nov-2018Ireland’s Joyce twins, Isobel and Cecelia, announced their retirement from international cricket after Ireland’s eight-wicket loss to New Zealand in their final group-stage match in the World T20. It was also the last international game for their team-mates, Clare Shillington and Ciara Metcalfe, who had, in May this year, announced that the tournament would be their last. All four have been in the international circuit for nearly two decades, with 37-year-old Shillington having debuted in 1997.While Shillington and Metcalfe received a guard of honour from players of both teams before taking the field, the Joyces informed their decision to their team-mates only during the post-match huddle.

BREAKING: @izzyjoyce and @CeceliaJoyce44 have announced they are retiring from international cricket alongside @CiaraJMetcalfe and @ShillersC.

Thanks for the memories, and best of luck for your post-playing careers! pic.twitter.com/UwOZRtODB2

— ICC World Twenty20 (@WorldT20) November 17, 2018

Allrounder Isobel, who made her Ireland debut in 1999, has played 79 ODIs and 55 T20Is, while opening batsman Cecelia, who entered the international circuit two years later, has played 57 ODIs and 43 T20Is. Isobel had also led Ireland in 62 games before stepping down as captain following the World T20 in 2016.”I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for us. The next 10-12 months will be about transitioning the team as we don’t have any international fixtures coming up,” Laura Delany, the Ireland captain, said.Earlier this year, their brother Ed Joyce, who has represented both Ireland and England, announced his retirement from professional cricket, following Ireland’s inaugural men’s Test match against Pakistan in Dublin. Five Joyce siblings have represented Ireland in all – Dom, who played three ODIs in 2006-07, and Gus, who played one first-class game for Ireland in 2000.Post-retirement, all four players are set to stay involved in the game, with Cecelia focusing on her role as vice-president of Ireland’s player association and the other three taking up coaching roles.

LAFC striker Mateusz Bogusz scored a wicked free kick against the Portland Timbers Saturday, helping his team to a 2-2 draw.

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LAFC draw Portland 2-2Bogusz nets brace, including free kickTimbers reduced to 10-men in controversial fashionWHAT HAPPENED?

A Maxime Crepeau red card in the 48th minute put the Polish striker in a perfect spot on the edge of the 18-yard-box, and he didn't let the opportunity pass. Stepping up, he curled home a wicked dipping effort, leaving substitute goalkeeper James Pantemis – who replaced Crepeau – standing still.

The strike was his second of the game, and the goal that earned his club a point on the day.

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The free kick came via the red card foul, and it arrived in controversial fashion. There was not a camera angle available to show whether or not a Timbers defender has stepped behind Crepeau on the far side of the box, meaning that with what VAR had to work with, the goalkeeper was deemed to be the last defender back. As a result, DOGSO was the ruling from the center official, as the foul was not a clear and obvious error after being called on the pitch.

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LAFC will take on one of the best teams in the East next week, clashing with the New York Red Bulls and in-form striker Lewis Morgan. They'll look to bounce back after a frustrating draw with a man advantage against the Timbers.

Chelsea have quickly become one of the most unpredictable sides in the Premier League. Whilst they became the team to end Tottenham Hotspur's unbeaten start to the season with a 4-1 thrashing, before they earned points against both Arsenal and champions Manchester City in games they could have won, the Blues were eased past by Newcastle United and have suffered defeats against Brentford and Nottingham Forest this season. If any side have been the definition of inconsistent, it is Mauricio Pochettino's.

The Blues will be well aware of the issues that they face, however, and have reportedly already turned their attention towards future transfer windows, with one journalist delivering a positive verdict on one specific defensive target.

Chelsea transfer news

It's a rare day when Chelsea aren't in the headlines for their transfer activity, especially since the arrival of Todd Boehly and that looks set to only continue. During the summer transfer window, the Blues attempted to rebuild by bidding farewell to the likes of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz to make room for incomings such as Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku. That rebuild is yet to have any success though, and the London giants have been left needing further reinforcements. They have at least been given a positive verdict on one target, however.

Speaking to the Simon Phillips Substack, one reporter claimed that Marc Guehi would be keen on a move to Chelsea: “Chelsea have sold a lot of home-grown talent already, they have to have a certain amount. Crystal Palace have been really clear that they want to do no business until after the Euros. That’s what their line is. Marc Guehi would be very keen to join in the first team and play for Chelsea. SO that’s something that’s definitely got legs. It’s one to watch out for.”

Guehi, of course, began his career as an academy graduate at Chelsea before finding his feet away from Stamford Bridge, meaning that a return now that he is an established Premier League player may feel somewhat fitting. It does look as though the Blues will have to wait until late next summer before any deal can potentially get done.

"Excellent" Guehi deserves big move

Not only is Guehi now an established Premier League defender, he is now an England international who looks increasingly likely to get a place on the plane for Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad. Guehi's stats show that he is more than ready for a big move too.

Player

Tackles Won

Blocks

Interceptions

Clearances

Marc Guehi

10

14

12

59

Thiago Silva

7

12

12

48

Axel Disasi

2

10

4

33

It's no surprise, given how well Guehi has performed, that Southgate has had nothing but good things to say. The England boss told Channel 4: “Marc has been excellent. He has really in every game he has shown great composure. His defending has been good. He has taken what I have seen for his club into international and we all know that is not straight forward but he is really looking like a top player.”