⚽ Business men | Sports Daily Newsletter
The knockout rounds are here for the USMNT.
If we’ve learned anything over the past few weeks — and especially the last couple days — anything can happen.
So with the U.S. men’s national team set for the knockout rounds against a much lower-ranked opponent in the World Cup, players aren’t taking any chances.
“Hopefully we can get it done in regular time — the extra 30 minutes plus pens can get a little bit dangerous,” U.S. centerback Chris Richards said. “We saw the upset yesterday, so us going into this game, [it’s] making sure that we take care of business and go on.”
The stakes only get higher from here, and here are our expert predictions for this round of 32 match.
And now we know who’s coming to town for the round of 16 game on Saturday.
— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.
If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.
❓Tell us about the biggest upset you’ve ever witnessed in any sport. What made it so special? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.
Late Tuesday night, the Sixers joined in on the free agency fun. A league source confirmed to The Inquirer that the team agreed to a four-year deal, $39 million deal with Dean Wade.
Wade was one of Mike Gansey’s success stories in his previous job as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ general manager. Wade evolved from undrafted player to rotation forward, and last season averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 59 games and is a career 36.7% three-point shooter.
On the heels of their first playoff appearance since 2020, the Flyers are looking to continue their forward momentum and take the next step.
While they hope a lot of that growth will come internally via the development of youngsters such as Porter Martone, Matvei Michkov, and Tyson Foerster, the Flyers also could benefit from a veteran move or two to bolster their lineup and keep pace with their competition.
That brings us to free agency, which opens today. Here’s a look at the Flyers’ cap situation, team needs, and some potential targets in free agency and via trade.
Meanwhile, two future Flyers will not be participating in development camp this week. Gabriela Carroll has more.
Derek Hill had some time on his hands during a rain delay last week. So he took out a red Sharpie and got to work ... on his cleats.
The new Phillies outfielder has always had an interest in artistic pursuits, and cleats currently are his canvas, though he often uses acrylic paints instead of Sharpies.
Acquired on June 11, he’s got to make some for his new team now. Lochlahn March has more on Hill’s “getaway from the game.”
And after a second-inning scare, Cristopher Sánchez tossed another gem as the Phillies evened their series with the Pirates.
Next: Get ready for a potential pitcher’s duel as Paul Skenes (6-7, 3.10 ERA) faces Zack Wheeler (8-1, 2.03) tonight (6:40 p.m., NBCSP).
Their names may have raised some eyebrows when news of their signings broke. Elijah Moore and Dameon Pierce had strong rookie seasons but were unable to recapture that magic and ended last season on practice squads. Now, they’re with the Eagles trying to crack the 53-man roster at crowded position spots at wide receiver and running back.
In the latest installation of our newcomer breakdown, Olivia Reiner takes a closer look at Moore and Pierce and their paths to making the roster.
Training camp begins this month, but before the Eagles put on their pads, owner Jeffrey Lurie will be honored at during ESPY week for his work for his commitment to autism awareness, research, and care.
Next: Did someone say training camp? Players will report on July 28.
Sports snapshot
Running for a cause: A Philly man set a record with his five-day run across Pennsylvania, and he’s not done yet.
Shining moments: Malvern Prep and Mount St. Joseph Academy made history at the USRowing Youth National Championships.
Going for gold: An Olympic gold medalist’s chain of gymnastics academies is coming to South Jersey, and there are plans for further expansion in the area.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jackie Spiegel, Gabriela Carroll, Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, Gina Mizell, Olivia Reiner, Jeff Neiburg, Jonathan Tannenwald, Kerith Gabriel, Owen Hewitt, Becca O’Reilly, and Mia Messina.
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.
Thanks for reading along! I’ll be back tomorrow with more of the best stories in Philly sports. — Maria