The U.S. men’s national soccer team is about to embark on one of the rarest privileges in sports — playing a World Cup on native soil.
We’ve written extensively about many of them, particularly the ones with ties to the region. Now, the time has come. The World Cup kicks off today with two Group A games, and the U.S.’s Group D opener is against Paraguay on Friday (9 p.m., Fox29).
We’ve known for a few weeks who was on the team. But now’s your chance to really get to know the 26 players suiting up for their country in our detailed breakdown and analysis of each member of the World Cup roster.
One of the most important members of that squad is Chris Richards, who says he’s good to go after an ankle injury in May — though he knows it’s not fully his call.
Looking for somewhere to keep the World Cup party going into the wee hours in the morning? Your options might be limited — less than 20 bars have been approved to stay open until 4 a.m.
— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.
If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.
❓How far do you think the USMNT will go in the World Cup? Why? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.
OK, so remember back in April when ESPN published a report detailing friction between Jalen Hurts and the Eagles? The quarterback felt no need to set the record straight, saying, “so just let it live and go do my job.”
How about that “four verticals” play that sealed the wild-card loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Did he ask for that? Another no.
Hurts is embarking on another season of change as he adjusts to yet another play-caller in Sean Mannion. He’s also adjusting to life without top wide receiver A.J. Brown. That may seem like a lot of change, but Hurts says he’s maintaining focus.
The guys protecting Hurts have been through it, injury-wise, in recent seasons. But his center, Cam Jurgens, finally had a (somewhat) normal offseason and is eagerly learning Mannion’s new offense.
Hurts and the Eagles offense were able to strike back at Vic Fangio’s defense during the final minicamp session. On defense though, Riq Woolen continues to shine this spring, Jeff McLane writes in his practice takeaways.
Next: That’s it from Jefferson Health Training Complex (wow, what a mouthful) until late July, when the Birds report for training camp.
Max Scherzer, the Blue Jays’ ace, was making his first start since April 27 on Wednesday, and the Phillies made him pay. Homers from Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm chased Scherzer out of the game after 3⅓ innings in the Phillies’ 7-4 win over Toronto.
Meanwhile, Johan Rojas, who was serving an 80-game PED suspension, won’t play for the season after imaging revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, which will require surgery.
Next: After an off day on Thursday, the Phillies return to the States to open a road series vs. the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers on Friday (7:40 p.m., NBCSP). Phillies rookie Andrew Painter (1-7, 6.21 ERA) will oppose Jacob Misiorowski (7-2, 1.50).
You’ll have to forgive Mike Gansey for being kind of over his introductory press conference.
You see, the NBA draft is about two weeks away. And it’s kind of his thing.
Gansey, the Sixers’ new president of basketball operations, brings his draft expertise from Cleveland and is working to blend it with the preparations already underway on the Sixers’ end. They’ll draft 22nd, which isn’t nearly as flashy as last season, but there’s still a sense of urgency.
Next: Gansey’s first draft as the Sixers’ top executive is June 23-24.
The NHL draft is fast approaching, and Flyers general manager Danny Brière and Co. It’ll be Brière’s fourth with the team for which he played six seasons, and we had questions.
Brière and our Jackie Spiegel sat down to discuss strategy for the June 26-27 draft, particularly in light of this season’s postseason appearance, the ever-present need at center, and more in Part 2 of our Q&A with the GM.
Next: After the draft, Flyers of the present and future will be back on the ice locally on June 29, when development camp opens.
Sports snapshot
A “spectacle”: This Philly fighter says he will show off his “dad strength” as he prepares for a bout on the White House lawn.
Going global: How the Anderson Monarchs punched their ticket to an international soccer tournament.
Kind of a big deal: Time recently dropped its list of the 100 most influential people in sports, and it had plenty of Philly-area ties.
What you’re saying about the best Birds
We asked: Who is the “best” to ever play for the Eagles in your opinion?
The Bests. Let’s start off with the best player — Reggie White. The best one single game — Nick Foles. The best disrupters — tie between T.O. & A.J. — Ronald R.
26 Eagles in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and of those Reggie White and Brian Dawkins were the two best and absolutely dominant in their performance. And one of the dumbest decisions in Eagles history was letting Reggie White go to the Packers for want of a few bucks. — Everett S.
A.J. really thought highly of himself. Best to ever play here????? NOT ... — Bill M.
This will be a generational response. Though I was born in 1959, I would have to nominate Chuck Bedbarik, for leading the Eagles to the 1960 NFL Championship, and Vince Lombardi’s only playoff loss. A 21st century pick would by Donovan McNabb for leading the Eagles to 5 NFC title games and one Super Bowl appearance. He had a sustained Eagles career of excellence. — Bob C.
Chuck Bednarik — Joe R.
Dawkins best ever. Owens best receiver. Bye A.J. You can quit your routes for NE now. — Brian C.
So many players, so many choices but the one player that encompasses everything the “best” Eagle should have — talent, grit, determination, brashness,perseverance,will to win — is Chuck Bednarik. “The Hit” and the stop on Jim Taylor say it all. — Joseph W.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jonathan Tannenwald, Henry Savage, Beatrice Forman, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Lochlahn March, Gina Mizell, Jackie Spiegel, Ariel Simpson, Mia Messina, and Ethan Kopelman.
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! Bella will be back tomorrow to close out the week. — Maria