We’ve made it to Friday, Philly.
Hopefully, you’re in the midst of winding down for the week and getting ready for a relaxing weekend celebrating 250 years of American independence.
Before you check out, we have to tell you about this wild story that happened a little less than 50 years ago, when a group of rock stars tried to kickstart a professional soccer team in this town, which became the “poster child for what not to do,” according to those who were there and lived through its brief but memorable heyday.
Nestled in between the Atoms of the 1960s and the Union of today was the Philadelphia Fury, a pro soccer team owned by Peter Frampton that might be known more for the stories that transpired off the field and then on it. Stories that Inquirer writer Matt Breen collected for your reading pleasure.
It’s the perfect read as the final game of this World Cup in Philadelphia takes place on Saturday when France returns to face Paraguay in a round-of-16 knockout match (5 p.m., Fox29).
What’s the weather going to be like for that one? Not as steamy as today, which is expected to again reach over 100 degrees, but yeah, hot.
Let’s get into it.
— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.
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On a scorching afternoon at Citizens Bank Park, where the temperature at first pitch was 98 degrees and climbed to triple digits from there, the Phillies dropped the series finale to the Pirates, 6-1.
However, it was a loss that could’ve ended up worse, as Pittsburgh had plenty of opportunities to run up the score. So what was it? The heat played a role, sure, but the Phillies managed just four hits, while the Pirates rattled off 14.
Inquirer writer Lochlahn March has more and what’s next as the Phillies prepare to embark on a three-city road trip before the MLB All-Star break.
From the fact that the Sixers could have had him over Ben Simmons in the 2016 NBA draft to the notion that he’s had beef with Joel Embiid for calling the big man a flopper, Philly is well acquainted with Jaylen Brown.
Brown is the latest marquee player in Philly named Jaylen (spelled differently than the Eagles’ QB variety), with a big spotlight as many hope he’s the game-changing presence the Sixers need to get over the hump.
It’ll be a wait before Sixers fans see him on the court. As we wait for his deal to be made official, get up to speed on Brown and what he brings not just on the court, but off of it.
If you’re more of a visual person, Inquirer writer Gina Mizell breaks down the Sixers’ trade for Brown.
With Eagles training camp drawing nearer, The Inquirer is taking a closer look at the more than three dozen new faces who are expected to report along with the rest of the team on July 28.
From their previous experience to their honest path to a roster spot, we analyze the newcomers trying to make the 53-man roster later this summer, starting right now. Inquirer reporter Ryan Novozinsky takes a look at an offensive lineman and long snapper vying for a roster spot.
With the final World Cup game set for Philly, our pop-up streaming show Soccer Extra wraps up this week, looking at the knockout rounds and Philly’s place in all of it on July 4. Inquirer writer Jonathan Tannenwald and host Lisa Carlin take you through it all and what to expect. Watch here.
Also, just for kicks …
Free Folarin: Many are questioning if U.S. men’s national team forward Folarin Balogun’s red card was deserved, including his own teammates.
Footy in 4K: We stepped inside Comcast Labs for its worldwide broadcast of the World Cup in 4K.
On this date
July 3, 2020: Major League Baseball announced the cancellation of its MLB All-Star weekend, including the game at Dodger Stadium, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
🧩 Unscramble the anagram
ROTEN SOFTERSY
This player just signed a massive eight-year deal with the Flyers that will begin during the 2027-28 season. Think you know? Take a guess and click here to see if you’re correct.
What you’re saying about the Sixers
We asked: Do you think Jaylen Brown will be a good fit with the Sixers? Why or why not?
David Murphy summed up the Brown deal much better than I can, but yes. The Embiid-George team was not going to win any NBA titles, but with the addition of Brown and Embiid being at least 75% present, I think they can do it. — Everett S.
Good fit? He’s a great fit and a big improvement over Paul George. — Richard V.
It’s hard to separate the on-court questions from my elation of seeing the final proof of how thoroughly Joel Embiid and the funky bunch ripped the heart out of the C’s this year. I’ve always seen Brown as the better and, just as importantly, more versatile and flexible of the “Jays,” and indeed, I think he should slide in neatly. I’ll also note that I believe his sour reputation (not to social outspokenness) was a significant factor both in why Boston (more the fanbase) never loved him and why his trade market wasn’t huge (more from an organization standpoint) — which means he’s got the makings of a classic Philly figure. — D.W. Stone
Jaylen Brown? Wow. How did [Sixers president Mike] Gansey pull this off? Now offload Embiid. — Bill M.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gina Mizell, Lochlahn March, Jackie Spiegel, Ryan Novozinsky, Gabriela Carroll, Jonathan Tannenwald, Anthony R. Wood, Kerith Gabriel, and Owen Hewitt.
By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
Stay cool, Philly. We’re taking a brief break for the holiday weekend, but we will be back in your inboxes next week. — Kerith