👑 A soccer legend | Sports Daily Newsletter

The World Cup is here, and as you get ready for tonight’s United States vs. Paraguay game (9 p.m., Fox29, Telemundo 62), let’s go back in time to the 1950 World Cup hosted in Brazil.

The U.S. team stunned England in a 1-0 win that still stands as one of the most significant moments in American soccer history. But the U.S. may have not qualified for the World Cup if it wasn’t for the late Benny McLaughlin, one of Philadelphia’s true soccer pioneers.

He played professionally as a teenager, was a star at North Catholic, and all-American at Temple before dropping out after one year to work at a factory in Hatboro that made parts for Navy ships and submarines.

However, McLaughlin, then 22 years old, didn’t get to play in the epic upset in the World Cup. Instead, he chose family and a paycheck.

McLaughlin’s name still means something in Philadelphia, but his legacy has dimmed outside the city. Perhaps that would be different if he played in that World Cup and scored that iconic goal. Though, none of that mattered to McLaughlin.

🚨 Curious what our writers predict for America’s World Cup opener? We got you covered — a win over Paraguay would go a long way for the U.S.

— Isabella DiAmore, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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The Phillies have leaned on Jhoan Duran a lot this season, and this week against the Blue Jays, they asked their closer for more than usual. He was used three nights in a row. The last time Duran made three appearances on three consecutive nights was in 2023. But if he feels good, then “I want to be in the game.”

On Thursday, the Phillies acquired outfielder Derek Hill in trade with the White Sox as they wait for an update of Adolis García, who is sidelined with a right shoulder injury.

🏀 Wondering: Taylor Swift repped the Knicks during Game 4 at Madison Square Garden. Some Philly fans feel betrayed. But should they?

🏎️ Reading: NASCAR driver Kyle Larson and the Urban Youth Racing School want Philly students to get involved with motorsports, especially through STEM.

🎤 Learning: Devan Kaney, a former WIP host and Eagles sideline reporter, is back talking Philly sports on a new podcast.

⚾ Watching: The College World Series starts today. Here’s the local players to know and what their former coaches are saying.

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin wants a trade. Larkin is set to begin Year 4 of an eight-year contract he signed in March 2023, with a cap hit of $8.7 million. The contract makes his trade request sticky.

Multiple sources have confirmed to The Inquirer that the Flyers are interested in the center. And why wouldn’t they be? But the Flyers would have to come with the right package, one that includes a combination of prospect, an NHL player, and draft picks.

This U.S. men’s soccer team has players with talent and pedigree like never before. Now, the time has come to prove it.

The U.S. men have won just nine of the 37 games they’ve ever played at World Cups and haven’t won two group games in one tournament since 1930. Those are the stakes heading into Friday’s opener.

And in Philadelphia, the first day of the World Cup fan fest at Lemon Hill drew thousands, despite a heat advisory that saw temperatures jump into the mid-90s with heat indexes surpassing 100 degrees, thanks to high humidity levels.

For the rest of the weekend, folks should prepare for more hot weather with possible showers on Sunday.

Riq Woolen, the Eagles’ new outside corner opposite Quinyon Mitchell, made a highlight play during the final day of mandatory minicamp to cap off a strong few weeks.

Woolen’s size and cover skills were on display earlier during OTAs, and given the makeup of the Eagles’ defensive backfield, there could be plenty of celebrating to do for a group that was looking to improve at the cornerback spot.

The Knicks completed the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history on Wednesday night. They now stand 48 minutes away from ending a 53-year drought. Only one NBA team has blown a 3-1 lead in the Finals, and those 2016 Golden State Warriors faced prime Kyrie Irving and LeBron James in his prodigal return to Cleveland.

But this is Jalen Brunson’s team. These are the ‘Nova Knicks, writes columnist Marcus Hayes.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Matt Breen, Jeff Neiburg, Marcus Hayes, Jonathan Tannenwald, Lochlahn March, Jackie Spiegel, Scott Lauber, Ariel Simpson, Becca O’Reilly, Conor Smith, Mia Messina, Owen Hewitt, Anthony Wood, Isabel Maney, and Nick Vadala.

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.

As always, thanks for getting your morning started with me. Happy Friday, and have a wonderful weekend. — Bella