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RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: Moody backs Pooran to come good despite tough start  Tom Moody, Lucknow Super Giants’ global director of cricket, expressed hope that star batter Nicholas Pooran will soon return to form. The West Indian has a highest score of 19 this IPL season.“Nicky is fully aware of the slow start he’s had,” Moody said on Tuesday. “But we’ve got 100% confidence in what he brings to the table. Class is permanent and I’m sure that the opportunity tomorrow night (Wednesday), at a venue where top-order players can enjoy, could well be the tonic that he needs.”There is also an expectation that 23-year-old pace sensation Mayank Yadav will play his first game this IPL.The youngster, whose workload is being carefully managed because of his injury history, breathed fire the last time he was in Bengaluru (April 2024), topping speeds of 150 kmph and taking three for 14 in LSG’s 28-run victory.The three batters he dismissed in a Player-of-the-Match performance were Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green.ALSO READ: RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru looks to extend winning run against Lucknow Super Giants“He’s ready to go,” Moody stated. “He didn’t jump into our thought processes early in the tournament purely because he was still a little bit underdone. His fitness was good, but just in terms of bowling and the loads that any bowler needs to feel comfortable at the crease.“But we feel it has come to a point where he’s ready to go. He’s worked exceptionally hard, and he presents a headache for us with regards to selection,” the Aussie added.Published on Apr 14, 2026  #RCB #LSG #IPL #Moody #backs #Pooran #good #tough #start

RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: Moody backs Pooran to come good despite tough start

Tom Moody, Lucknow Super Giants’ global director of cricket, expressed hope that star batter Nicholas Pooran will soon return to form. The West Indian has a highest score of 19 this IPL season.

“Nicky is fully aware of the slow start he’s had,” Moody said on Tuesday. “But we’ve got 100% confidence in what he brings to the table. Class is permanent and I’m sure that the opportunity tomorrow night (Wednesday), at a venue where top-order players can enjoy, could well be the tonic that he needs.”

There is also an expectation that 23-year-old pace sensation Mayank Yadav will play his first game this IPL.

The youngster, whose workload is being carefully managed because of his injury history, breathed fire the last time he was in Bengaluru (April 2024), topping speeds of 150 kmph and taking three for 14 in LSG’s 28-run victory.

The three batters he dismissed in a Player-of-the-Match performance were Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green.

ALSO READ: RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru looks to extend winning run against Lucknow Super Giants

“He’s ready to go,” Moody stated. “He didn’t jump into our thought processes early in the tournament purely because he was still a little bit underdone. His fitness was good, but just in terms of bowling and the loads that any bowler needs to feel comfortable at the crease.

“But we feel it has come to a point where he’s ready to go. He’s worked exceptionally hard, and he presents a headache for us with regards to selection,” the Aussie added.

Published on Apr 14, 2026

#RCB #LSG #IPL #Moody #backs #Pooran #good #tough #start

Tom Moody, Lucknow Super Giants’ global director of cricket, expressed hope that star batter Nicholas Pooran will soon return to form. The West Indian has a highest score of 19 this IPL season.

“Nicky is fully aware of the slow start he’s had,” Moody said on Tuesday. “But we’ve got 100% confidence in what he brings to the table. Class is permanent and I’m sure that the opportunity tomorrow night (Wednesday), at a venue where top-order players can enjoy, could well be the tonic that he needs.”

There is also an expectation that 23-year-old pace sensation Mayank Yadav will play his first game this IPL.

The youngster, whose workload is being carefully managed because of his injury history, breathed fire the last time he was in Bengaluru (April 2024), topping speeds of 150 kmph and taking three for 14 in LSG’s 28-run victory.

The three batters he dismissed in a Player-of-the-Match performance were Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green.

ALSO READ: RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026: In-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru looks to extend winning run against Lucknow Super Giants

“He’s ready to go,” Moody stated. “He didn’t jump into our thought processes early in the tournament purely because he was still a little bit underdone. His fitness was good, but just in terms of bowling and the loads that any bowler needs to feel comfortable at the crease.

“But we feel it has come to a point where he’s ready to go. He’s worked exceptionally hard, and he presents a headache for us with regards to selection,” the Aussie added.

Published on Apr 14, 2026

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#RCB #LSG #IPL #Moody #backs #Pooran #good #tough #start

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NBA Play-In Player Props: Donovan Clingan, LaMelo Ball Headlines Best Picks | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776177610462" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1776177610462" alt="Mar 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 22, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The play-in tournament gets underway tonight. The Eastern Conference 9th place (Miami Heat) vs. 10th place (Charlotte Hornets) game gets things started, with the Western Conference’s 7th place (Portland Trail Blazers vs. 8th place (Phoenix Suns) game to follow.</p><p>Sportsbooks will, of course, carry the traditional betting line along with full player prop menus. In this post, I’ll go over my favorite player props for tonight’s games.</p><p>Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets<br/><strong>LaMelo Ball, OVER 4.5 Made Threes at +134 (FanDuel)</strong></p><p>I did a double-take on this one when I first saw it. At first, I thought I had to be misreading it, that it must be an old page for Steph Curry back in his prime or something. But no, the market is for LaMelo Ball to hit over or under 4.5 3-pointers.</p><p>Incidentally, it is a number he’s gone over in his last five games and in eight of his last 12. Opponents averaged 14 per game against the Heat (No. 22) while attempting 39 (35.9%). If recent history is any indication of what we can expect, he’ll attempt enough to have a good shot at the over.</p><p>Requiring five made threes makes me nervous, but I can’t pass this value up.</p><p><strong>LaMelo Ball, OVER 12.5 Attempted Threes at -120 (bet365)</strong></p><p>He averaged 13.2 attempts in April (six games), and that with trying only six against Phoenix (April 2). In May, he averaged 11.7 attempts and tried over the total in six of 15 games. With a chance to move on and keep playing at stake, I expect Ball to let it fly early and often against a <a href="https://deadspin.com/coby-white-eyes-breakthrough-as-hornets-face-heat/" target="_blank">Heat team that is not great at defending the perimeter</a>.</p><p>The price isn’t great, but I’d be shocked if he finished under this mark.</p><p><strong>Norman Powell, UNDER 18.5 Points at -120 (bet365)</strong></p><p>Powell averaged 21.7 points per game this season. He has gone over this prop in 43 of 58 games this season, but under it in five of his last ten and in three of his last four. But Charlotte had the No. 7 defense in the regular season (111.2 points per game allowed) and the best defense over the last 15 games (106.3 points per game allowed).</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div> <section id="section-3"> <p>Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns<br/><strong>Donovan Clingan, UNDER 12.5 Rebounds at -120 (DraftKings)</strong></p><p>I’ve seen a lot of <a href="https://www.si.com/nba/trailblazers/onsi/news/donovan-clingan-taking-major-step-portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank">analysts take the over</a> because Phoenix is not a super-strong rebound team. However, the difference between the Suns’ rebound average at No. 20 and Oklahoma City’s at No. 12 is just a single rebound per game. Opponents are averaging 43.7 per game against the Suns (15th best in the NBA), one rebound away from being in the top ten.</p><p>Clingan has gone over this mark in two of three games against the Suns, but in just one of his last seven games. He went under this mark in 47 of 77 games played.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><div class="pt-1 grid grid-cols-1 lg:grid-cols-2 gap-2"><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>1</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/4327/dailyfantasysports/underdog-fantasy" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Underdog-ffffff.png" alt="Underdog" style="background-color:#ffffee" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">Underdog</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>2</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6026/dailyfantasysports/parlayplay" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/parlayplay-ffcf10.png" alt="ParlayPlay" style="background-color:#ffc10f" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">ParlayPlay</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $100</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>3</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/6275/dailyfantasysports/ownersbox" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/ownersbox-000000.png" alt="OwnersBox" style="background-color:#191717" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">OwnersBox</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">100% up to $500</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div><div class="grid grid-cols-12 bg-white p-2 relative border border-gray-400"><p>4</p><div class="col-span-3"><a target="_blank" href="https://deadspin.com/go/3043/dailyfantasysports/fanduel-fantasy" class=""><div class=""><img src="https://deadspin.com/casinos-logos/350x350/Fanduel-Fantasy-0070eb.png" alt="FanDuel Fantasy" style="background-color:#0070eb" class="h-auto w-auto max-h-20 max-w-full object-contain" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/></div></a></div><div class="col-span-6"><span class="text-sm text-gray-500 pb-2">FanDuel Fantasy</span><h3 class="text-base line-clamp-2 m-0 h-12">$65 value with just a $10+ deposit</h3><p class="text-xs line-clamp-1 pt-0 mt-0">T&Cs apply, 18+</p></div></div></div> </div> #NBA #PlayIn #Player #Props #Donovan #Clingan #LaMelo #Ball #Headlines #Picks #Deadspin.com

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Refined Layers – Julia Berolzheimer

Deadspin | Reds on winning end of pitchers’ duel against Twins  Apr 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA;  Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images   Eugenio Suarez hit a two-run double and Brandon Williamson pitched into the sixth inning to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night in Minneapolis.  Williamson (2-1), a Fairmont, Minn., native, earned the win in the opener of a three-game set. He threw 5 1/3 innings, allowed three hits, one run, four walks and struck out two in his homecoming start. Suarez had two of Cincinnati’s four hits.    Minnesota starter Joe Ryan (2-2) gave up three hits, two runs (one earned) and struck out six in a solid six-inning outing. Josh Bell was 2-for-4 for the Twins, who only had five hits.  Emilio Pagan tossed a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth to register his sixth save for the Reds.    Elly De La Cruz got the Reds going in the fourth when he hammered a double to deep right field. Sal Stewart reached on an error and stole second. Suarez knocked them in with a double that landed in the left-center gap as the Reds took a 2-0 lead.   A bout of wildness from Williamson led to three straight walks as the Twins loaded the bases in the fifth with no outs. Austin Martin’s sacrifice fly was caught by a sliding Will Benson in right field as Minnesota pulled within 2-1. Williamson escaped a big inning by inducing Luke Keaschall to ground into a double play.  Through three innings, Ryan was cruising. The Reds only hit was a Stewart’s blooper to shallow right field in the second.   The first bases-loaded jam of the game challenged Williamson in the third. Matt Wallner led off with a hit by pitch that he took in the right elbow guard. After two flyouts, Byron Buxton lined a single to left field and Martin walked to load the bases. But Keaschall struck out looking to end the threat.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Reds #winning #pitchers #duel #TwinsApr 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Eugenio Suarez hit a two-run double and Brandon Williamson pitched into the sixth inning to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night in Minneapolis.

Williamson (2-1), a Fairmont, Minn., native, earned the win in the opener of a three-game set. He threw 5 1/3 innings, allowed three hits, one run, four walks and struck out two in his homecoming start. Suarez had two of Cincinnati’s four hits.

Minnesota starter Joe Ryan (2-2) gave up three hits, two runs (one earned) and struck out six in a solid six-inning outing. Josh Bell was 2-for-4 for the Twins, who only had five hits.


Emilio Pagan tossed a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth to register his sixth save for the Reds.

Elly De La Cruz got the Reds going in the fourth when he hammered a double to deep right field. Sal Stewart reached on an error and stole second. Suarez knocked them in with a double that landed in the left-center gap as the Reds took a 2-0 lead.

A bout of wildness from Williamson led to three straight walks as the Twins loaded the bases in the fifth with no outs. Austin Martin’s sacrifice fly was caught by a sliding Will Benson in right field as Minnesota pulled within 2-1. Williamson escaped a big inning by inducing Luke Keaschall to ground into a double play.

Through three innings, Ryan was cruising. The Reds only hit was a Stewart’s blooper to shallow right field in the second.

The first bases-loaded jam of the game challenged Williamson in the third. Matt Wallner led off with a hit by pitch that he took in the right elbow guard. After two flyouts, Byron Buxton lined a single to left field and Martin walked to load the bases. But Keaschall struck out looking to end the threat.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reds #winning #pitchers #duel #Twins">Deadspin | Reds on winning end of pitchers’ duel against Twins  Apr 17, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA;  Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) delivers a pitch against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images   Eugenio Suarez hit a two-run double and Brandon Williamson pitched into the sixth inning to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night in Minneapolis.  Williamson (2-1), a Fairmont, Minn., native, earned the win in the opener of a three-game set. He threw 5 1/3 innings, allowed three hits, one run, four walks and struck out two in his homecoming start. Suarez had two of Cincinnati’s four hits.    Minnesota starter Joe Ryan (2-2) gave up three hits, two runs (one earned) and struck out six in a solid six-inning outing. Josh Bell was 2-for-4 for the Twins, who only had five hits.  Emilio Pagan tossed a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth to register his sixth save for the Reds.    Elly De La Cruz got the Reds going in the fourth when he hammered a double to deep right field. Sal Stewart reached on an error and stole second. Suarez knocked them in with a double that landed in the left-center gap as the Reds took a 2-0 lead.   A bout of wildness from Williamson led to three straight walks as the Twins loaded the bases in the fifth with no outs. Austin Martin’s sacrifice fly was caught by a sliding Will Benson in right field as Minnesota pulled within 2-1. Williamson escaped a big inning by inducing Luke Keaschall to ground into a double play.  Through three innings, Ryan was cruising. The Reds only hit was a Stewart’s blooper to shallow right field in the second.   The first bases-loaded jam of the game challenged Williamson in the third. Matt Wallner led off with a hit by pitch that he took in the right elbow guard. After two flyouts, Byron Buxton lined a single to left field and Martin walked to load the bases. But Keaschall struck out looking to end the threat.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Reds #winning #pitchers #duel #Twins

Deadspin | Kennedy Wesley’s first goal, assist lead USWNT past Japan  Apr 17, 2026; Commerce City, CO, USA; United States defender Naomi Girma (4) kicks the ball in the middle of the field during the first half against Japan at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images   Kennedy Wesley scored and had an assist during a 17-minute, second half eruption when the U.S. women’s national team scored all its goals for a 3-0 victory over Japan in Commerce City, Colo., on Friday.  The U.S. won two of three in the series vs. Japan over the past week, prevailing in the finale on goals by Naomi Girma (47th minute), Rose Lavelle (56th) and Wesley (64th).  Wesley, who entered at halftime, got her first U.S. goal contribution in her sixth match on the opening score. She headed a corner kick by Lavelle to Girma in front of the goal for another header and Girma’s third career goal.  Lavelle stretched the lead to 2-0 after a pass by Trinity Rodman split the defense to send her on a break. Lavelle calmly scored from the top of the box to the left corner. She has 29 goals in 120 appearances for the USWNT.  Another corner kick, this one by Jaedyn Shaw, found the right foot of Wesley to extend the lead.  Several inches of snow were cleared from the field hours before the match and the kickoff temperature was 36 degrees.   Claire Hutton was the lone holdover starter from the United States’ 1-0 loss to Japan in Seattle on Tuesday. However, nine starters for this match also started in the 2-1 U.S. victory on April 11.  The U.S. outplayed but couldn’t outscore Japan in the first half with 70% possession, nine shots with two on goal while Japan’s one attempt was a comfortable for goalkeeper Claudia Dickey in the 5th minute.  There were three prime chances for the U.S. beginning with Colorado native Sophia Wilson’s try in the 20th minute. Tierna Davidson headed a pass to her in the center of the box, and Wilson put the shot on target, but goalie Chika Hirao parried it over the crossbar.  Nearly 20 minutes later on a break, Hutton took a setup in stride from Alyssa Thompson and ripped a shot off the bar from outside the box. In fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, Girma forced a close-range save.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Kennedy #Wesleys #goal #assist #lead #USWNT #JapanApr 17, 2026; Commerce City, CO, USA; United States defender Naomi Girma (4) kicks the ball in the middle of the field during the first half against Japan at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Kennedy Wesley scored and had an assist during a 17-minute, second half eruption when the U.S. women’s national team scored all its goals for a 3-0 victory over Japan in Commerce City, Colo., on Friday.

The U.S. won two of three in the series vs. Japan over the past week, prevailing in the finale on goals by Naomi Girma (47th minute), Rose Lavelle (56th) and Wesley (64th).

Wesley, who entered at halftime, got her first U.S. goal contribution in her sixth match on the opening score. She headed a corner kick by Lavelle to Girma in front of the goal for another header and Girma’s third career goal.

Lavelle stretched the lead to 2-0 after a pass by Trinity Rodman split the defense to send her on a break. Lavelle calmly scored from the top of the box to the left corner. She has 29 goals in 120 appearances for the USWNT.

Another corner kick, this one by Jaedyn Shaw, found the right foot of Wesley to extend the lead.


Several inches of snow were cleared from the field hours before the match and the kickoff temperature was 36 degrees.

Claire Hutton was the lone holdover starter from the United States’ 1-0 loss to Japan in Seattle on Tuesday. However, nine starters for this match also started in the 2-1 U.S. victory on April 11.

The U.S. outplayed but couldn’t outscore Japan in the first half with 70% possession, nine shots with two on goal while Japan’s one attempt was a comfortable for goalkeeper Claudia Dickey in the 5th minute.

There were three prime chances for the U.S. beginning with Colorado native Sophia Wilson’s try in the 20th minute. Tierna Davidson headed a pass to her in the center of the box, and Wilson put the shot on target, but goalie Chika Hirao parried it over the crossbar.

Nearly 20 minutes later on a break, Hutton took a setup in stride from Alyssa Thompson and ripped a shot off the bar from outside the box. In fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, Girma forced a close-range save.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Kennedy #Wesleys #goal #assist #lead #USWNT #Japan">Deadspin | Kennedy Wesley’s first goal, assist lead USWNT past Japan  Apr 17, 2026; Commerce City, CO, USA; United States defender Naomi Girma (4) kicks the ball in the middle of the field during the first half against Japan at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images   Kennedy Wesley scored and had an assist during a 17-minute, second half eruption when the U.S. women’s national team scored all its goals for a 3-0 victory over Japan in Commerce City, Colo., on Friday.  The U.S. won two of three in the series vs. Japan over the past week, prevailing in the finale on goals by Naomi Girma (47th minute), Rose Lavelle (56th) and Wesley (64th).  Wesley, who entered at halftime, got her first U.S. goal contribution in her sixth match on the opening score. She headed a corner kick by Lavelle to Girma in front of the goal for another header and Girma’s third career goal.  Lavelle stretched the lead to 2-0 after a pass by Trinity Rodman split the defense to send her on a break. Lavelle calmly scored from the top of the box to the left corner. She has 29 goals in 120 appearances for the USWNT.  Another corner kick, this one by Jaedyn Shaw, found the right foot of Wesley to extend the lead.  Several inches of snow were cleared from the field hours before the match and the kickoff temperature was 36 degrees.   Claire Hutton was the lone holdover starter from the United States’ 1-0 loss to Japan in Seattle on Tuesday. However, nine starters for this match also started in the 2-1 U.S. victory on April 11.  The U.S. outplayed but couldn’t outscore Japan in the first half with 70% possession, nine shots with two on goal while Japan’s one attempt was a comfortable for goalkeeper Claudia Dickey in the 5th minute.  There were three prime chances for the U.S. beginning with Colorado native Sophia Wilson’s try in the 20th minute. Tierna Davidson headed a pass to her in the center of the box, and Wilson put the shot on target, but goalie Chika Hirao parried it over the crossbar.  Nearly 20 minutes later on a break, Hutton took a setup in stride from Alyssa Thompson and ripped a shot off the bar from outside the box. In fourth minute of first-half stoppage time, Girma forced a close-range save.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Kennedy #Wesleys #goal #assist #lead #USWNT #Japan

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