The Los Angeles Galaxy will aim to complete one of the most remarkable transformations in Major League Soccer history on Saturday when they host the New York Red Bulls chasing a record-extending sixth MLS Cup crown. A year ago, the California franchise had hit rock bottom, plummeting to their worst ever regular season record to finish one place off the bottom of the Western Conference. The team that had once been a home to the likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were engulfed in crisis, with fans boycotting fixtures after nearly a decade of failure on the field. Moreover, the Galaxy's status as one of MLS's glamour clubs had been diminished by the arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, as well as the emergence of city rivals Los Angeles FC, winners of the MLS Cup in 2022. The febrile atmosphere at the Galaxy prompted team ownership to shake up their front office, with Will Kuntz appointed general manager to replace long-time predecessor Chris Klein, who was fired in May 2023. The turnaround since those changes has been dramatic. After winning just eight fixtures in the 2023 season, the Galaxy under head coach Greg Vanney won a record-equalling 19 games this season to finish joint top of the table, second only to leaders LAFC on goal difference. The Galaxy kept up their winning ways in the postseason, swatting aside Colorado 9-1 on aggregate to wrap up their first round series, before thrashing Minnesota United 6-2 and then squeezing past Seattle 1-0 last weekend. Those results have left the club on the threshold of a first MLS Cup title since 2014 and a record sixth championship overall. Victory in Saturday's showpiece in Carson would be especially sweet for Vanney, who appeared in three MLS Cup finals with the Galaxy as a player in 1996, 1999 and 2001 -- and lost all three. Reflecting on his team's journey to this year's final, Vanney said this week his team had thrived under the pressure of being expected to challenge for silverware. "The expectation is to be in games like this, to win trophies and win championships," Vanney said. "This group has come out and attacked it from day one and hasn't been afraid of it or in awe of it -- and that's one of the beauties of this group. "I'm excited for this group and this opportunity and now the objective is to win it and put the stamp on it, rewriting a new group of players and new legacy for this organisation." Vanney's task has become more complicated by an injury to star midfielder Riqui Puig, who suffered torn knee ligaments in last week's Western Conference final win over Seattle and will miss Saturday's game. "He's the ultimate competitor," Vanney said. "He wants to win, compete, and take responsibility on the field. He drives the team in so many ways. "We're going to have to adapt, and we're going to have to adapt in a collective way." The Galaxy meanwhile will be wary of a New York Red Bulls line-up that have ripped up the form book en route to the final. After finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference -- 27 points behind leaders Inter Miami -- the Red Bulls stunned reigning champions Columbus in the first round of the playoffs before wins on the road over rivals New York City FC and Orlando to book their place in their first MLS Cup since 2008. New York's Scotland international midfielder Lewis Morgan says the team is unfazed by Saturday's assignment in Los Angeles. "For me, it doesn't really matter where it is: it's playoff football," Morgan said this week. "It's not the regular season. These games are more cagey. You go 1-0 up, we defend a little bit deeper and we're relying on guys at the back. There have been massive performances." rcw/bbIs it worth spending top dollar on a temporary decoration that will inevitably end up in the compost bin? Is it wise to invest in a plant that may struggle to thrive in your home environment? These are questions that every consumer should ask themselves before succumbing to the allure of seasonal trends and fads.Social media platforms play a significant role in shaping public discourse and influencing cultural norms. As such, it is essential for content creators and influencers to be mindful of the impact their content can have on society. By promoting positive, respectful, and uplifting messages, internet celebrities can use their platform for good and inspire their followers in a meaningful way.
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To grace the cover of ELLE magazine not once, but twice within such a short span of time is a rare feat, reserved only for those who truly captivate and inspire. Sun Yingsha's ability to transcend boundaries and excel in both sports and fashion is a testament to her versatility and talent.Thompson Education Foundation distributes over $23,000 in classroom grants
In the era of successive investments in Semiconductor and Xingxin Technology, large funds frequently play the role of "Patient Capital"CLEVELAND — There are moments when Nikola Jokic does things on the court that seem to defy reason — almost magical. On Thursday, he passed a player who had the same remarkable skill. Denver's superstar center moved past Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and into third place on the career list for triple-doubles by recording the 139th of his career in a 126-114 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The three-time MVP finished w ith 27 points, 20 rebounds and 11 assists. But he missed some easy shots and the Nuggets couldn't defend the Cavs, who made a season-high 22 3-pointers and improved to 20-3. Jokic trails only teammate Russell Westbrook (200) and Oscar Robertson (181) on the career list for triple-doubles. “It's something that you’re probably going to look at after you finish your career,” said Jokic, who has nine triple-doubles this season. "Right now, you don’t even think about it. But it’s a great thing. It’s really nice.” Jokic went by Johnson in the fourth quarter, picking up his 10th assist on a pass to Michael Porter Jr., who dropped a 3-pointer from the wing with 3:37 left. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic dunks in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Cleveland. Credit: AP/Sue Ogrocki When the game ended, the personable 7-footer hugged all of the Cavs who were on the floor and a few of Cleveland's coaches. Once he reached the locker room, Jokic was presented with a game ball for passing Johnson. Nuggets guard Jamal Murray has run out of words to describe his celebrated teammate. “You see it with his work ethic,” said Murray, who had 19 points, “His touches continue to amaze me. He does everything on the court with a great attitude and has a will to win. What else?” It was a rough night for the Nuggets, who had numerous defensive lapses. Coach Michael Malone was pleased to learn about Jokic's mark, but he quickly turned his focus back on a team looking for its identity. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, left, shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, right, in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, in Cleveland. Credit: AP/Sue Ogrocki “We just got our butts kicked,” Malone said. "Obviously, I love Nikola and I feel very fortunate to coach a player with his talent and he’ll go down as one of the best to ever do it. I’m happy to hear that, I really am. But I’m so much more concerned about our team right now and where we’re at. “It’s not so much that we lost tonight. I knew coming in here would be a tall order. I just don’t like how we lost and there is a big difference.”
In the world of football, debates and controversies surrounding individual awards and recognitions are inevitable. The FIFA best eleven lineup serves as a reflection of the diverse opinions and perspectives within the global football community. While Manchester City's representation in the lineup has sparked debates, and Real Madrid's omission has raised eyebrows, the beauty of football lies in its subjectivity and the endless dialogues it inspires.In addition to its gaming business, Sony's strategic investments and partnerships in other areas, such as entertainment and technology, have also played a role in driving its stock price to new heights. The company's acquisition of entertainment companies like Funimation and Crunchyroll has bolstered its presence in the anime streaming market, while its focus on innovation in areas such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence has positioned it for future growth opportunities.