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Deadspin | Stars D Nils Lundkvist signs 2-year, .5M extension Feb 2, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist (5) celebrates after he scores a goal against Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist signed a two-year, .5 million contract extension, the team announced Friday. The deal runs through 2027-28 and adds to a big week for the 25-year-old Swede, who announced the birth of his first child — a son — on Tuesday and whose team opens the playoffs on Saturday at home against the Minnesota Wild. “We’re excited to lock up Nils for two more years,” general manager Jim Nill said in a news release. “He is a highly skilled defenseman with excellent mobility and vision. His ability to move the puck and create offense makes him a valuable piece for our team moving forward.” Lundkvist recorded 11 points (three goals, eight assists) and a plus-12 rating in 52 games this season. He has 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists) in 235 career games with the New York Rangers (2021-22) and Stars. The Rangers selected him in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Stars #Nils #Lundkvist #signs #2year #3.5M #extension

Deadspin | Stars D Nils Lundkvist signs 2-year, $3.5M extension
Deadspin | Stars D Nils Lundkvist signs 2-year, .5M extension Feb 2, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist (5) celebrates after he scores a goal against Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist signed a two-year, .5 million contract extension, the team announced Friday. The deal runs through 2027-28 and adds to a big week for the 25-year-old Swede, who announced the birth of his first child — a son — on Tuesday and whose team opens the playoffs on Saturday at home against the Minnesota Wild. “We’re excited to lock up Nils for two more years,” general manager Jim Nill said in a news release. “He is a highly skilled defenseman with excellent mobility and vision. His ability to move the puck and create offense makes him a valuable piece for our team moving forward.” Lundkvist recorded 11 points (three goals, eight assists) and a plus-12 rating in 52 games this season. He has 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists) in 235 career games with the New York Rangers (2021-22) and Stars. The Rangers selected him in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Stars #Nils #Lundkvist #signs #2year #3.5M #extensionFeb 2, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist (5) celebrates after he scores a goal against Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist signed a two-year, $3.5 million contract extension, the team announced Friday.

The deal runs through 2027-28 and adds to a big week for the 25-year-old Swede, who announced the birth of his first child — a son — on Tuesday and whose team opens the playoffs on Saturday at home against the Minnesota Wild.


“We’re excited to lock up Nils for two more years,” general manager Jim Nill said in a news release. “He is a highly skilled defenseman with excellent mobility and vision. His ability to move the puck and create offense makes him a valuable piece for our team moving forward.”

Lundkvist recorded 11 points (three goals, eight assists) and a plus-12 rating in 52 games this season. He has 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists) in 235 career games with the New York Rangers (2021-22) and Stars.

The Rangers selected him in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Stars #Nils #Lundkvist #signs #2year #3.5M #extension

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Feb 2, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist (5) celebrates after he scores a goal against Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist signed a two-year, $3.5 million contract extension, the team announced Friday.

The deal runs through 2027-28 and adds to a big week for the 25-year-old Swede, who announced the birth of his first child — a son — on Tuesday and whose team opens the playoffs on Saturday at home against the Minnesota Wild.

“We’re excited to lock up Nils for two more years,” general manager Jim Nill said in a news release. “He is a highly skilled defenseman with excellent mobility and vision. His ability to move the puck and create offense makes him a valuable piece for our team moving forward.”

Lundkvist recorded 11 points (three goals, eight assists) and a plus-12 rating in 52 games this season. He has 55 points (12 goals, 43 assists) in 235 career games with the New York Rangers (2021-22) and Stars.

The Rangers selected him in the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft.

–Field Level Media

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IPL 2026: Bowling unit will need tactical tinkering despite Praful, Sakib brilliance, says SRH coach Vettori <div id="content-body-70873913" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain announced themselves in emphatic fashion on their Sunrisers Hyderabad debuts, picking up four wickets each against Rajasthan Royals and easing long-standing concerns around the team’s bowling.</p><p>Praful made an immediate impact with a searing opening spell, the 24-year-old dismantling the top order with three wickets in a single over. Sakib matched him with a composed, disciplined effort, ensuring the pressure never relented. Together, they provided the sharpness with the ball that Sunrisers had long been searching for.</p><p>Head coach Daniel Vettori, while encouraged by the performance against the Royals, suggested that adjustments could still be made based on how conditions play out.</p><p>“We’re playing on the same wicket as the last game. We’re anticipating it to be slightly different and that means we may have to make some tactical changes,” he said.</p><p>Vettori also downplayed concerns over modest returns from openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma.</p><p>“Every opening partnership aims to be ultra-aggressive, but it’s unrealistic to expect that to come off every time. We want to stick with that approach because when those two fire, we usually win,” he said.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/prabhsimran-singh-yuvraj-impact-punjab-kings-ipl-2026/article70872280.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Prabhsimran Singh’s promise edges towards fulfilment at Punjab Kings</a></b></p><p>“We’ve got a strong batting line-up behind them, and they’ve stepped up when the opening stand hasn’t delivered. But when it clicks, it’s one of the best partnerships in the competition. Other teams play in a similar way, so we know how important it is and want them to keep that freedom.”</p><p>He also confirmed that Pat Cummins could make his first appearance of the season for SRH against the Rajasthan Royals on April 25.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Bowling #unit #tactical #tinkering #Praful #Sakib #brilliance #SRH #coach #Vettori

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Deadspin | Rockets-Lakers series ‘much deeper’ than LeBron James-Kevin Durant tilt Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images A pair of NBA legends will square off once more when the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets face off in a first-round series starting Saturday in Los Angeles. Kevin Durant led the Rockets to the No. 5 seed in his first season with the team, while LeBron James has helped guide the Lakers to the No. 4 seed. But Los Angeles will be without significant firepower. Guards Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) could end up missing the series entirely after both were injured in a 139-96 blowout loss at Oklahoma City on April 2. The situation will thrust James back to the forefront at age 41, while in his record 23rd NBA season. Even while starting the season with a sciatica injury, it did not appear as if James lost a step, with averages of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games. “He had not a good season, not a great (one), he had a remarkable season,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “All things considered, you take away the fact that he’s in his 23rd year and he’s 41 years old, he had a remarkable season.” After three consecutive losses when Doncic and Reaves went down, the Lakers rebounded to win their final three games of the regular season to clinch the fourth seed. It was James who pulled the group together in a team meeting to make the late push. “He’s very vocal,” the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura said. “… It’s big time for him.” At age 37 and in his 18th season, Durant averaged 26.0 points with 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Perhaps most impressive of all was his 78 regular-season games played, his most since 2018-19. “Of course, from the outside looking in, casual folks who are not in the life with us every day, yeah, the (playoff) matchup is definitely fun,” Durant said, according to The Sporting News. “Two great players who have been in the league for a long time, but everybody who’s involved in this series knows it’s much deeper than that.” The rebounding total was Durant’s lowest since he was a rookie with the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007-08, but staying out of the fray inside likely helped to keep him fresh. The Rockets had plenty of rebounding, leading the NBA at 48.1 per game and 15.0 on the offensive end. “It’s the best rebounding team in the last 25 years,” James said, anticipating the challenge ahead. And it might have been even better had Steven Adams not gone down with an ankle injury in January. While scoring can be a challenge for the Rockets at times, the focus on extending possession with offensive rebounds has served them well. While the Lakers led the NBA at 50.2% shooting from the floor, the Rockets were 10th at 47.9% and 18th at 115.2 points per game. Alperen Sengun was as much of an all-around threat as Durant with 20.4 points, to go along with team bests in rebounding (8.9) and assists (6.2). Sengun’s passing ability helped to make up for the loss of Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL in the preseason. Amen Thompson added 18.3 points with 7.8 rebounds and Jabari Smith Jr. had 15.8 points with 6.9 rebounds. Houston closed out the regular season by winning nine of its last 10 games, but it lost twice to the Minnesota Timberwolves since March 25 and dropped consecutive games to the Lakers in March at home. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #RocketsLakers #series #deeper #LeBron #JamesKevin #Durant #tiltMar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

A pair of NBA legends will square off once more when the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets face off in a first-round series starting Saturday in Los Angeles.

Kevin Durant led the Rockets to the No. 5 seed in his first season with the team, while LeBron James has helped guide the Lakers to the No. 4 seed. But Los Angeles will be without significant firepower.

Guards Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) could end up missing the series entirely after both were injured in a 139-96 blowout loss at Oklahoma City on April 2.

The situation will thrust James back to the forefront at age 41, while in his record 23rd NBA season. Even while starting the season with a sciatica injury, it did not appear as if James lost a step, with averages of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games.

“He had not a good season, not a great (one), he had a remarkable season,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “All things considered, you take away the fact that he’s in his 23rd year and he’s 41 years old, he had a remarkable season.”

After three consecutive losses when Doncic and Reaves went down, the Lakers rebounded to win their final three games of the regular season to clinch the fourth seed. It was James who pulled the group together in a team meeting to make the late push.

“He’s very vocal,” the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura said. “… It’s big time for him.”

At age 37 and in his 18th season, Durant averaged 26.0 points with 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Perhaps most impressive of all was his 78 regular-season games played, his most since 2018-19.


“Of course, from the outside looking in, casual folks who are not in the life with us every day, yeah, the (playoff) matchup is definitely fun,” Durant said, according to The Sporting News. “Two great players who have been in the league for a long time, but everybody who’s involved in this series knows it’s much deeper than that.”

The rebounding total was Durant’s lowest since he was a rookie with the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007-08, but staying out of the fray inside likely helped to keep him fresh. The Rockets had plenty of rebounding, leading the NBA at 48.1 per game and 15.0 on the offensive end.

“It’s the best rebounding team in the last 25 years,” James said, anticipating the challenge ahead.

And it might have been even better had Steven Adams not gone down with an ankle injury in January.

While scoring can be a challenge for the Rockets at times, the focus on extending possession with offensive rebounds has served them well. While the Lakers led the NBA at 50.2% shooting from the floor, the Rockets were 10th at 47.9% and 18th at 115.2 points per game.

Alperen Sengun was as much of an all-around threat as Durant with 20.4 points, to go along with team bests in rebounding (8.9) and assists (6.2). Sengun’s passing ability helped to make up for the loss of Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL in the preseason.

Amen Thompson added 18.3 points with 7.8 rebounds and Jabari Smith Jr. had 15.8 points with 6.9 rebounds.

Houston closed out the regular season by winning nine of its last 10 games, but it lost twice to the Minnesota Timberwolves since March 25 and dropped consecutive games to the Lakers in March at home.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #RocketsLakers #series #deeper #LeBron #JamesKevin #Durant #tilt">Deadspin | Rockets-Lakers series ‘much deeper’ than LeBron James-Kevin Durant tilt Mar 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images A pair of NBA legends will square off once more when the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets face off in a first-round series starting Saturday in Los Angeles. Kevin Durant led the Rockets to the No. 5 seed in his first season with the team, while LeBron James has helped guide the Lakers to the No. 4 seed. But Los Angeles will be without significant firepower. Guards Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) could end up missing the series entirely after both were injured in a 139-96 blowout loss at Oklahoma City on April 2. The situation will thrust James back to the forefront at age 41, while in his record 23rd NBA season. Even while starting the season with a sciatica injury, it did not appear as if James lost a step, with averages of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 60 games. “He had not a good season, not a great (one), he had a remarkable season,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “All things considered, you take away the fact that he’s in his 23rd year and he’s 41 years old, he had a remarkable season.” After three consecutive losses when Doncic and Reaves went down, the Lakers rebounded to win their final three games of the regular season to clinch the fourth seed. It was James who pulled the group together in a team meeting to make the late push. “He’s very vocal,” the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura said. “… It’s big time for him.” At age 37 and in his 18th season, Durant averaged 26.0 points with 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Perhaps most impressive of all was his 78 regular-season games played, his most since 2018-19. “Of course, from the outside looking in, casual folks who are not in the life with us every day, yeah, the (playoff) matchup is definitely fun,” Durant said, according to The Sporting News. “Two great players who have been in the league for a long time, but everybody who’s involved in this series knows it’s much deeper than that.” The rebounding total was Durant’s lowest since he was a rookie with the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007-08, but staying out of the fray inside likely helped to keep him fresh. The Rockets had plenty of rebounding, leading the NBA at 48.1 per game and 15.0 on the offensive end. “It’s the best rebounding team in the last 25 years,” James said, anticipating the challenge ahead. And it might have been even better had Steven Adams not gone down with an ankle injury in January. While scoring can be a challenge for the Rockets at times, the focus on extending possession with offensive rebounds has served them well. While the Lakers led the NBA at 50.2% shooting from the floor, the Rockets were 10th at 47.9% and 18th at 115.2 points per game. Alperen Sengun was as much of an all-around threat as Durant with 20.4 points, to go along with team bests in rebounding (8.9) and assists (6.2). Sengun’s passing ability helped to make up for the loss of Fred VanVleet, who tore his ACL in the preseason. Amen Thompson added 18.3 points with 7.8 rebounds and Jabari Smith Jr. had 15.8 points with 6.9 rebounds. Houston closed out the regular season by winning nine of its last 10 games, but it lost twice to the Minnesota Timberwolves since March 25 and dropped consecutive games to the Lakers in March at home. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #RocketsLakers #series #deeper #LeBron #JamesKevin #Durant #tilt

Deadspin | East-leading Nashville might be without Sam Surridge at Atlanta Apr 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire FC defender Jack Elliott (3), defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi (4) and Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge (9) battle for control of the ball during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images If Nashville SC intend to extend their lead atop the MLS Eastern Conference standings with a win against host Atlanta United on Saturday night, they might have to do it without their leading scorer for a second straight match. Sam Surridge was sidelined with a hamstring injury on Tuesday when Nashville (5-1-1, 16 points) defeated Liga MX side Club America 1-0 in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal tie and secured passage to the semifinals. The Englishman, tied atop the MLS leaderboard with seven goals, is questionable for Saturday. “He’s made some good progress … and so, right now, it’s just (him having to) clear a few hurdles with medical and performance to see if we can get him ready for (Atlanta),” Nashville head coach BJ Callaghan said. Though Atlanta (1-5-1, 4 points) ranks near the bottom of the East, Callaghan does not take the latest chapter in the clubs’ Southeastern derby lightly. “It doesn’t matter where anybody is on the table. The table doesn’t really matter this early in the season, anyway,” Callaghan said. “They’re going to bring out their best. We’ve had good games in the past (during) the history of both clubs, so the expectation is going to be nothing short of that.” Atlanta United defeated Chattanooga FC 3-1 on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32, snapping a three-match losing streak across all competitions (0-2-1). Atlanta has won just once in MLS play, but it can gain momentum with a positive result against Nashville in front of a home crowd. “The poor results are something we can resolve before the World Cup break, but it’s also important to confidence and the emotional state of the team,” Atlanta head coach Tata Martino said through an interpreter. “What we also have to work on is not just trying to solve the results, but (improving the) confidence and emotional state of the team.” The Five Stripes will be without Miguel Almiron (knee irritation) for up to two weeks after he felt leg discomfort during the match against Chattanooga. Steven Alzate (adductor) will be unavailable as well. Nashville and Atlanta are deadlocked at 4-4-5 in their 13 previous regular-season matches. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Eastleading #Nashville #Sam #Surridge #AtlantaApr 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire FC defender Jack Elliott (3), defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi (4) and Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge (9) battle for control of the ball during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

If Nashville SC intend to extend their lead atop the MLS Eastern Conference standings with a win against host Atlanta United on Saturday night, they might have to do it without their leading scorer for a second straight match.

Sam Surridge was sidelined with a hamstring injury on Tuesday when Nashville (5-1-1, 16 points) defeated Liga MX side Club America 1-0 in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal tie and secured passage to the semifinals. The Englishman, tied atop the MLS leaderboard with seven goals, is questionable for Saturday.

“He’s made some good progress … and so, right now, it’s just (him having to) clear a few hurdles with medical and performance to see if we can get him ready for (Atlanta),” Nashville head coach BJ Callaghan said.

Though Atlanta (1-5-1, 4 points) ranks near the bottom of the East, Callaghan does not take the latest chapter in the clubs’ Southeastern derby lightly.

“It doesn’t matter where anybody is on the table. The table doesn’t really matter this early in the season, anyway,” Callaghan said. “They’re going to bring out their best. We’ve had good games in the past (during) the history of both clubs, so the expectation is going to be nothing short of that.”


Atlanta United defeated Chattanooga FC 3-1 on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32, snapping a three-match losing streak across all competitions (0-2-1).

Atlanta has won just once in MLS play, but it can gain momentum with a positive result against Nashville in front of a home crowd.

“The poor results are something we can resolve before the World Cup break, but it’s also important to confidence and the emotional state of the team,” Atlanta head coach Tata Martino said through an interpreter. “What we also have to work on is not just trying to solve the results, but (improving the) confidence and emotional state of the team.”

The Five Stripes will be without Miguel Almiron (knee irritation) for up to two weeks after he felt leg discomfort during the match against Chattanooga. Steven Alzate (adductor) will be unavailable as well.

Nashville and Atlanta are deadlocked at 4-4-5 in their 13 previous regular-season matches.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Eastleading #Nashville #Sam #Surridge #Atlanta">Deadspin | East-leading Nashville might be without Sam Surridge at Atlanta Apr 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Fire FC defender Jack Elliott (3), defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi (4) and Nashville SC forward Sam Surridge (9) battle for control of the ball during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images If Nashville SC intend to extend their lead atop the MLS Eastern Conference standings with a win against host Atlanta United on Saturday night, they might have to do it without their leading scorer for a second straight match. Sam Surridge was sidelined with a hamstring injury on Tuesday when Nashville (5-1-1, 16 points) defeated Liga MX side Club America 1-0 in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal tie and secured passage to the semifinals. The Englishman, tied atop the MLS leaderboard with seven goals, is questionable for Saturday. “He’s made some good progress … and so, right now, it’s just (him having to) clear a few hurdles with medical and performance to see if we can get him ready for (Atlanta),” Nashville head coach BJ Callaghan said. Though Atlanta (1-5-1, 4 points) ranks near the bottom of the East, Callaghan does not take the latest chapter in the clubs’ Southeastern derby lightly. “It doesn’t matter where anybody is on the table. The table doesn’t really matter this early in the season, anyway,” Callaghan said. “They’re going to bring out their best. We’ve had good games in the past (during) the history of both clubs, so the expectation is going to be nothing short of that.” Atlanta United defeated Chattanooga FC 3-1 on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup Round of 32, snapping a three-match losing streak across all competitions (0-2-1). Atlanta has won just once in MLS play, but it can gain momentum with a positive result against Nashville in front of a home crowd. “The poor results are something we can resolve before the World Cup break, but it’s also important to confidence and the emotional state of the team,” Atlanta head coach Tata Martino said through an interpreter. “What we also have to work on is not just trying to solve the results, but (improving the) confidence and emotional state of the team.” The Five Stripes will be without Miguel Almiron (knee irritation) for up to two weeks after he felt leg discomfort during the match against Chattanooga. Steven Alzate (adductor) will be unavailable as well. Nashville and Atlanta are deadlocked at 4-4-5 in their 13 previous regular-season matches. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Eastleading #Nashville #Sam #Surridge #Atlanta

Deadspin | FC Cincinnati back home, vying for turnaround vs. streaking Fire Apr 11, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander (10) chases after a loose ball against Toronto FC during the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images A massive opportunity to right the ship awaits FC Cincinnati Saturday night when they host the Chicago Fire. Cincinnati (2-4-1, 7 points) has struggled mightily since winning its season opener. It has been plagued by a sluggish offense and a suspect defense, with its minus-6 goal differential tied for third-worst in the Eastern Conference. To be fair, a 6-1 drubbing on March 15 at New England represents most of that goal differential. “It’s been inconsistent,” head coach Pat Noonan said about his team’s performance. “We just need to be more consistent with our play, home and away. We just need to be better all-around in our play, wherever we’re playing.” Kevin Denkey will not play for Cincinnati Saturday night. He is suspended after a red card in Cincinnati’s previous match, a 1-1 draw against Toronto on April 11. Denkey leads Cincinnati with two goals, but it feels far removed from when he and Evander combined for 33 MLS goals for Cincinnati in 2025. FC Cincinnati are 2-1-0 at home in MLS regular-season competition, and this is their first home match since March 22. They will play four home matches in the next five weeks. Chicago (4-2-1, 13 points), currently sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference, is off to a strong start in building on its long-awaited return to the MLS Cup playoffs a year ago. “Since the beginning of the season, we have always shown that we have something to prove this year,” midfielder Mauricio Pineda said. “That’s what really keeps us driving: approaching every game with the mentality to win.” The Fire are on a three-match winning streak, and this is their only road match in a six-match span stretching from April 4 through May 9. Hugo Cuypers leads the Fire with four goals, with Jonathan Bamba next at two goals. Cincinnati leads the all-time series 7-4-3 and swept the series in 2025. The teams will play their return match on May 2 in Chicago. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cincinnati #home #vying #turnaround #streaking #FireApr 11, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander (10) chases after a loose ball against Toronto FC during the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

A massive opportunity to right the ship awaits FC Cincinnati Saturday night when they host the Chicago Fire.

Cincinnati (2-4-1, 7 points) has struggled mightily since winning its season opener. It has been plagued by a sluggish offense and a suspect defense, with its minus-6 goal differential tied for third-worst in the Eastern Conference. To be fair, a 6-1 drubbing on March 15 at New England represents most of that goal differential.

“It’s been inconsistent,” head coach Pat Noonan said about his team’s performance. “We just need to be more consistent with our play, home and away. We just need to be better all-around in our play, wherever we’re playing.”

Kevin Denkey will not play for Cincinnati Saturday night. He is suspended after a red card in Cincinnati’s previous match, a 1-1 draw against Toronto on April 11. Denkey leads Cincinnati with two goals, but it feels far removed from when he and Evander combined for 33 MLS goals for Cincinnati in 2025.

FC Cincinnati are 2-1-0 at home in MLS regular-season competition, and this is their first home match since March 22. They will play four home matches in the next five weeks.


Chicago (4-2-1, 13 points), currently sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference, is off to a strong start in building on its long-awaited return to the MLS Cup playoffs a year ago.

“Since the beginning of the season, we have always shown that we have something to prove this year,” midfielder Mauricio Pineda said. “That’s what really keeps us driving: approaching every game with the mentality to win.”

The Fire are on a three-match winning streak, and this is their only road match in a six-match span stretching from April 4 through May 9.

Hugo Cuypers leads the Fire with four goals, with Jonathan Bamba next at two goals.

Cincinnati leads the all-time series 7-4-3 and swept the series in 2025. The teams will play their return match on May 2 in Chicago.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cincinnati #home #vying #turnaround #streaking #Fire">Deadspin | FC Cincinnati back home, vying for turnaround vs. streaking Fire Apr 11, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander (10) chases after a loose ball against Toronto FC during the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images A massive opportunity to right the ship awaits FC Cincinnati Saturday night when they host the Chicago Fire. Cincinnati (2-4-1, 7 points) has struggled mightily since winning its season opener. It has been plagued by a sluggish offense and a suspect defense, with its minus-6 goal differential tied for third-worst in the Eastern Conference. To be fair, a 6-1 drubbing on March 15 at New England represents most of that goal differential. “It’s been inconsistent,” head coach Pat Noonan said about his team’s performance. “We just need to be more consistent with our play, home and away. We just need to be better all-around in our play, wherever we’re playing.” Kevin Denkey will not play for Cincinnati Saturday night. He is suspended after a red card in Cincinnati’s previous match, a 1-1 draw against Toronto on April 11. Denkey leads Cincinnati with two goals, but it feels far removed from when he and Evander combined for 33 MLS goals for Cincinnati in 2025. FC Cincinnati are 2-1-0 at home in MLS regular-season competition, and this is their first home match since March 22. They will play four home matches in the next five weeks. Chicago (4-2-1, 13 points), currently sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference, is off to a strong start in building on its long-awaited return to the MLS Cup playoffs a year ago. “Since the beginning of the season, we have always shown that we have something to prove this year,” midfielder Mauricio Pineda said. “That’s what really keeps us driving: approaching every game with the mentality to win.” The Fire are on a three-match winning streak, and this is their only road match in a six-match span stretching from April 4 through May 9. Hugo Cuypers leads the Fire with four goals, with Jonathan Bamba next at two goals. Cincinnati leads the all-time series 7-4-3 and swept the series in 2025. The teams will play their return match on May 2 in Chicago. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cincinnati #home #vying #turnaround #streaking #Fire

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