Deadspin | Canadiens, Lightning head into critical third game of OT-laden series Apr 21, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) and left wing Brandon Hagel (38) fight with Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images The Montreal Canadiens return home for Game 3 of their best-of-seven series against the Tampa Bay Lightning and have a chance to maintain the home-ice advantage they claimed in the opening game of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal. Both of the games in Tampa went to overtime, with each team taking one. After the Canadiens won 4-3 on Sunday, the Lightning rebounded with a 3-2 win Tuesday. Montreal led Tuesday’s game 2-1 before Nikita Kucherov tied the score with 7:27 remaining in regulation. J.J. Moser won it with his first goal of the postseason with 7:12 left in the first overtime. Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis told reporters Thursday that Montreal was in command until the last 10 minutes of the third period. “We controlled a lot of that game,” he said. “We just lost our way.” After Juraj Slafkovsky scored a hat trick in the series-opening victory for Montreal, his teammates on the top line, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, added assists on Lane Hutson’s power-play goal in Game 2. Through the first two games, Caufield and Suzuki have three assists each. Caufield, who led the Canadiens with 51 goals in the regular season, told reporters that he expects more. He believes that’s possible, adding that while there may not be many opportunities, he and his line must be ready to pounce when they arise. “We want more, and that’s what we’re going to do,” said Caufield, 25, who has improved on his goal totals in each of his five full seasons with the Habs. “We’re going to build off the energy of playing here and being excited for that. It’s a fun time of the year to play, and obviously it’s back to zero-zero.” As the Lightning travel to Montreal, they are expected to have defensemen Charle-Edouard D’Astous and Victor Hedman be with the squad. However, it’s still uncertain whether D’Astous, who is out with an undisclosed injury, or Hedman, who has been on leave for a month, will return to the lineup. Hedman, the team’s captain and 17-year veteran, played in a career-low 33 games this season with 16 of his 17 points coming on assists. The 35-year-old has been an effective offensive player for most of his career and played a key role on Tampa Bay’s power play. His absence for most of this season has opened the door for Darren Raddysh to augment his role with the Lightning. In his third full season, the Toronto native, 30, posted personal highs with 22 goals and 48 assists. His 70 points equaled his total from the past two seasons. The boost in offense did not necessarily come as a surprise to Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who told reporters Thursday that he remembered Raddysh once led the AHL in scoring around Christmas. “He’s had that part to him,” the coach said about Raddysh, who scored a goal in Game 1. “He just had to find his niche. “The spot opening up on the power play for him has helped, but that’s all playing time, confidence, having success, knowing what you can do. It took him a little bit of time to figure all that stuff out, and then it took a coach that finally clued in and played him more.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canadiens #Lightning #critical #game #OTladen #series

Deadspin | Canadiens, Lightning head into critical third game of OT-laden series
Apr 21, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) and left wing Brandon Hagel (38) fight with Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens return home for Game 3 of their best-of-seven series against the Tampa Bay Lightning and have a chance to maintain the home-ice advantage they claimed in the opening game of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal.

Both of the games in Tampa went to overtime, with each team taking one. After the Canadiens won 4-3 on Sunday, the Lightning rebounded with a 3-2 win Tuesday.

Montreal led Tuesday’s game 2-1 before Nikita Kucherov tied the score with 7:27 remaining in regulation. J.J. Moser won it with his first goal of the postseason with 7:12 left in the first overtime.

Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis told reporters Thursday that Montreal was in command until the last 10 minutes of the third period.

“We controlled a lot of that game,” he said. “We just lost our way.”

After Juraj Slafkovsky scored a hat trick in the series-opening victory for Montreal, his teammates on the top line, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, added assists on Lane Hutson’s power-play goal in Game 2.

Through the first two games, Caufield and Suzuki have three assists each.

Caufield, who led the Canadiens with 51 goals in the regular season, told reporters that he expects more. He believes that’s possible, adding that while there may not be many opportunities, he and his line must be ready to pounce when they arise.

“We want more, and that’s what we’re going to do,” said Caufield, 25, who has improved on his goal totals in each of his five full seasons with the Habs. “We’re going to build off the energy of playing here and being excited for that. It’s a fun time of the year to play, and obviously it’s back to zero-zero.”

As the Lightning travel to Montreal, they are expected to have defensemen Charle-Edouard D’Astous and Victor Hedman be with the squad. However, it’s still uncertain whether D’Astous, who is out with an undisclosed injury, or Hedman, who has been on leave for a month, will return to the lineup.

Hedman, the team’s captain and 17-year veteran, played in a career-low 33 games this season with 16 of his 17 points coming on assists. The 35-year-old has been an effective offensive player for most of his career and played a key role on Tampa Bay’s power play.

His absence for most of this season has opened the door for Darren Raddysh to augment his role with the Lightning. In his third full season, the Toronto native, 30, posted personal highs with 22 goals and 48 assists. His 70 points equaled his total from the past two seasons.

The boost in offense did not necessarily come as a surprise to Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who told reporters Thursday that he remembered Raddysh once led the AHL in scoring around Christmas.

“He’s had that part to him,” the coach said about Raddysh, who scored a goal in Game 1. “He just had to find his niche.

“The spot opening up on the power play for him has helped, but that’s all playing time, confidence, having success, knowing what you can do. It took him a little bit of time to figure all that stuff out, and then it took a coach that finally clued in and played him more.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Canadiens #Lightning #critical #game #OTladen #series

Sports news April 24, 2026

Apr 21, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) and left wing Brandon Hagel (38) fight with Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) during the second period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens return home for Game 3 of their best-of-seven series against the Tampa Bay Lightning and have a chance to maintain the home-ice advantage they claimed in the opening game of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal.

Both of the games in Tampa went to overtime, with each team taking one. After the Canadiens won 4-3 on Sunday, the Lightning rebounded with a 3-2 win Tuesday.

Montreal led Tuesday’s game 2-1 before Nikita Kucherov tied the score with 7:27 remaining in regulation. J.J. Moser won it with his first goal of the postseason with 7:12 left in the first overtime.

Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis told reporters Thursday that Montreal was in command until the last 10 minutes of the third period.

“We controlled a lot of that game,” he said. “We just lost our way.”

After Juraj Slafkovsky scored a hat trick in the series-opening victory for Montreal, his teammates on the top line, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, added assists on Lane Hutson’s power-play goal in Game 2.

Through the first two games, Caufield and Suzuki have three assists each.

Caufield, who led the Canadiens with 51 goals in the regular season, told reporters that he expects more. He believes that’s possible, adding that while there may not be many opportunities, he and his line must be ready to pounce when they arise.

“We want more, and that’s what we’re going to do,” said Caufield, 25, who has improved on his goal totals in each of his five full seasons with the Habs. “We’re going to build off the energy of playing here and being excited for that. It’s a fun time of the year to play, and obviously it’s back to zero-zero.”

As the Lightning travel to Montreal, they are expected to have defensemen Charle-Edouard D’Astous and Victor Hedman be with the squad. However, it’s still uncertain whether D’Astous, who is out with an undisclosed injury, or Hedman, who has been on leave for a month, will return to the lineup.

Hedman, the team’s captain and 17-year veteran, played in a career-low 33 games this season with 16 of his 17 points coming on assists. The 35-year-old has been an effective offensive player for most of his career and played a key role on Tampa Bay’s power play.

His absence for most of this season has opened the door for Darren Raddysh to augment his role with the Lightning. In his third full season, the Toronto native, 30, posted personal highs with 22 goals and 48 assists. His 70 points equaled his total from the past two seasons.

The boost in offense did not necessarily come as a surprise to Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who told reporters Thursday that he remembered Raddysh once led the AHL in scoring around Christmas.

“He’s had that part to him,” the coach said about Raddysh, who scored a goal in Game 1. “He just had to find his niche.

“The spot opening up on the power play for him has helped, but that’s all playing time, confidence, having success, knowing what you can do. It took him a little bit of time to figure all that stuff out, and then it took a coach that finally clued in and played him more.”

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #Canadiens #Lightning #critical #game #OTladen #series

NFL Draft 2026: Grades on every Round 2 and Round 3 pick <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">We are on to the second night of the 2026 NFL Draft.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">32 selections have already been made, starting with Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders and building to Jadarian Price at No. 32 to the Seattle Seahawks. But while we have grades on each of those selections already, the teams are still working towards a final report card.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">With a lot of picks left to be made, and some roster spots to fill out.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Round 2 begins with the San Francisco 49ers on the clock, and if you are interested we have a mock draft for the second round that you can peruse here. But if you are just curious to see how we feel about each pick on Day 2, you can check back after the picks start rolling in shortly after 7:oo p.m. Eastern.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Unlike the first round, where process plays a bigger role, here we are looking more at the players themselves, scheme fits, and more.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">33. San Francisco 49ers — De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I don’t really know what to say here, because this selection is absolutely mystifying with the board that was in in place. Stribling didn’t make our Top 100 list, was 85th on the consensus big board. Even if the 49ers really loved Stribling there is no way they needed to take him at No. 33. There’s been some talk he was a late riser, but goodness this is a choice with Denzel Boston on the board. — JD</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">34. Arizona Cardinals — Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Absolutely love this pick for the Cardinals, and somehow like it even more after the Jeremiyah Love pick a day ago. Predominantly a pass-blocking left guard, he’s likely not going to be a road grader at right — but he has a lot of athleticism with the ability to get into the second level and block downfield. This team needs some more hogs on the line, but for value and need, this was a great pick. Small knock just because his run blocking is a little suspect. — JD</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">35. Buffalo Bills — T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Bills traded down to get into this spot, and they get a really intriguing player. The speed is there, the athleticism is there, the strength is there — but this was a horrible season for Parker, along with all the Clemson players in 2025. It was simply a case of Parker not performing up to his ability, and showing lapses in effort on film. In very early mocks last year he was getting Top 10 buzz, and unquestionably has that potential. It’s simply about unlocking it all, and I think there’s a chance Parker could become a force in a disciplined, tutorial setting. — JD</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">36. Houston Texans (via trade from Raiders) — Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The best pure run-stopping defensive tackle in this class, I think McDonald has unfairly gotten lost in the shuffle and overanalyzed. In many ways he’s a bit of a throwback tackle, eating space and containing the line without a lot of upfield penetration — but that is totally fine in Houston with the pass rushers they have to dominate in the backfield. Really like this fit, and think the Texans got value on this pick with a guy who could have gone 10 picks earlier. — JD</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">37. New York Giants — Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Known in the process as the “other” Vols corner, injury concerns for Jermod McCoy switched their order. Hood is a little on the smaller side at 5’11 — but he had really good ball skills, solid discipline, and he was No. 29 on our Top 100 big board. The transformation to the Giants defense is here, and Hood is a guy who can do work in a John Harbaugh system. — JD</p></div></div> #NFL #Draft #Grades #pick

mwasimuddin125 0

India vs Ireland, 1st T20I LIVE score: IRE 51/3 (7); Harshit, Arshdeep put IND on top against IRE, no Sooryavanshi debut
Many eyes will be trained to see if Vaibhav Sooryavanshi makes his India debut when it takes on Ireland in the first T20I between the sides at the Civil Service Country Ground in Belfast on June 26.
If he plays, Sooryavanshi will become the youngest player to debut for the Indian men’s team, and the second-youngest overall behind Gargi Bannerjee, who played for India at 14 years and 165 days.
Sooryavanshi has forced his name into national contention after a record-shattering IPL 2026 season in which he won the Orange Cap award for most runs.
However, the early indications are that Sooryavanshi will have to wait his turn to play behind India’s settled top-order of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan.
#India #Ireland #1st #T20I #LIVE #score #IRE #Harshit #Arshdeep #put #IND #top #IRE #Sooryavanshi #debut

Victor Wembanyama Could Become the NBA 2K27 Cover According to Odds | Deadspin.com Oct 30, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) chants “Go Spurs Go” along with fans after a victory over the Miami Heat at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Now that the dust has settled on the NBA Finals and the NBA Draft, all attention will be on free agency.But the release of NBA 2K27 will take place in the first week of September. NBA fans and gamers will have a chance to use the entirely new rookie class and proper free agent fits on this new game.Popular prediction market site Kalshi allows users to make trades of real-world events. As of June 25, they’re giving San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama an 84% chance of being named the cover of this year’s version of NBA 2K.An 84¢ contract on Wembanyama to be named the cover of NBA 2K27 wouldn’t payout much, as it’s the favored outcome. New York Knicks NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has a 20% chance of being the cover of the league’s popular video game, which would be a much more attractive contract for users seeking value. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is the longshot, getting only a 9% chance of being named the cover athlete. Those chances increased following the breaking news of LaMelo Ball being traded to Minnesota. Certainly, the Timberwolves will be a popular team in the game next season.How does NBA 2K decide the cover athlete?Each year, NBA 2K takes their time determining the cover athlete.For the game’s main cover, they typically select an up-and-coming superstar. A player whose stock could be on the rise would be the usual target. They also like to take advantage of significant benchmark moments in the NBA (like winning a championship, MVP, etc.).Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the cover of NBA 2K26. He had won his first MVP and NBA Championship. Carmelo Anthony was the superstar edition cover and Angel Reese was the WNBA edition cover.Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was the cover of NBA 2K25. For 2K24, the game tributed the cover to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was the cover of NBA 2K23 and Luka Doncic was the cover of NBA 2K22. Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving and Paul George have also been on NBA 2K covers in the last decade.It’s likely that Wembanyama or Brunson will be this year’s cover athlete. The value would be on Brunson after winning a championship and breaking New York’s five-decade title drought. But for now, Wembanyama remains the favorite as the future face of the league. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com

#Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

Oct 30, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) chants “Go Spurs Go” along with fans after a victory over the Miami Heat at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Now that the dust has settled on the NBA Finals and the NBA Draft, all attention will be on free agency.
But the release of NBA 2K27 will take place in the first week of September. NBA fans and gamers will have a chance to use the entirely new rookie class and proper free agent fits on this new game.
Popular prediction market site Kalshi allows users to make trades of real-world events. As of June 25, they’re giving San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama an 84% chance of being named the cover of this year’s version of NBA 2K.
An 84¢ contract on Wembanyama to be named the cover of NBA 2K27 wouldn’t payout much, as it’s the favored outcome. New York Knicks NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has a 20% chance of being the cover of the league’s popular video game, which would be a much more attractive contract for users seeking value.

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: basketball

Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is the longshot, getting only a 9% chance of being named the cover athlete. Those chances increased following the breaking news of LaMelo Ball being traded to Minnesota. Certainly, the Timberwolves will be a popular team in the game next season.
How does NBA 2K decide the cover athlete?
Each year, NBA 2K takes their time determining the cover athlete.
For the game’s main cover, they typically select an up-and-coming superstar. A player whose stock could be on the rise would be the usual target. They also like to take advantage of significant benchmark moments in the NBA (like winning a championship, MVP, etc.).
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the cover of NBA 2K26. He had won his first MVP and NBA Championship. Carmelo Anthony was the superstar edition cover and Angel Reese was the WNBA edition cover.
Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was the cover of NBA 2K25. For 2K24, the game tributed the cover to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was the cover of NBA 2K23 and Luka Doncic was the cover of NBA 2K22. Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving and Paul George have also been on NBA 2K covers in the last decade.
It’s likely that Wembanyama or Brunson will be this year’s cover athlete. The value would be on Brunson after winning a championship and breaking New York’s five-decade title drought. But for now, Wembanyama remains the favorite as the future face of the league.

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: basketball

#Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com">Victor Wembanyama Could Become the NBA 2K27 Cover According to Odds | Deadspin.com

Oct 30, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) chants “Go Spurs Go” along with fans after a victory over the Miami Heat at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Now that the dust has settled on the NBA Finals and the NBA Draft, all attention will be on free agency.

But the release of NBA 2K27 will take place in the first week of September. NBA fans and gamers will have a chance to use the entirely new rookie class and proper free agent fits on this new game.

Popular prediction market site Kalshi allows users to make trades of real-world events. As of June 25, they’re giving San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama an 84% chance of being named the cover of this year’s version of NBA 2K.

An 84¢ contract on Wembanyama to be named the cover of NBA 2K27 wouldn’t payout much, as it’s the favored outcome. New York Knicks NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has a 20% chance of being the cover of the league’s popular video game, which would be a much more attractive contract for users seeking value.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is the longshot, getting only a 9% chance of being named the cover athlete. Those chances increased following the breaking news of LaMelo Ball being traded to Minnesota. Certainly, the Timberwolves will be a popular team in the game next season.

How does NBA 2K decide the cover athlete?

Each year, NBA 2K takes their time determining the cover athlete.

For the game’s main cover, they typically select an up-and-coming superstar. A player whose stock could be on the rise would be the usual target. They also like to take advantage of significant benchmark moments in the NBA (like winning a championship, MVP, etc.).

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the cover of NBA 2K26. He had won his first MVP and NBA Championship. Carmelo Anthony was the superstar edition cover and Angel Reese was the WNBA edition cover.

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was the cover of NBA 2K25. For 2K24, the game tributed the cover to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was the cover of NBA 2K23 and Luka Doncic was the cover of NBA 2K22. Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving and Paul George have also been on NBA 2K covers in the last decade.

It’s likely that Wembanyama or Brunson will be this year’s cover athlete. The value would be on Brunson after winning a championship and breaking New York’s five-decade title drought. But for now, Wembanyama remains the favorite as the future face of the league.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com

The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.

Mauricio Pochettino rotated heavily bringing in a completely new defense including Matt Turner in goal. The game had low stakes considering Türkiye was already eliminated and the co-host nation was guaranteed to top Group D, yet it had no impact on how the USMNT began. Auston Trusty scored in the third minute of the game from a set piece as Berhalter delivered a corner perfectly to the center back.

The Celtic defender separated himself from the pack at the back post, calmly controlled the ball and fired it past Ugurcan Çakir. From there, however, Türkiye turned up the intensity and looked hungrier than the USMNT for the rest of the first half.

Arda Güler equalized for Türkiye seven minutes later as the Real Madrid midfielder scored the first goal for his country this tournament. Barış Alper Yılmaz put his country in front inadvertently after Orkun Kökcü fired a shot that ricocheted off the striker into the back of the net. The U.S. looked off the pace after going behind, but regrouped at halftime and started the second half strong.

Berhalter added a goal to his assist when he fired a shot from the edge of the box to equalize in the 49th minute. The mood in the stadium was lifted further by Pulisic coming on in the 58th minute for Tim Weah. The AC Milan winger missed the win against Australia with a calf injury, but looked lively. It was a risk bringing him on in a dead rubber, but he looks ready to go for the knockouts.

The game was heading for a draw, but Kaan Ayhan had different plans in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Türkiye the 3-2 win. A gut punch, yet one that fans hope the players and coaches use as motivation going forward.

Türkiye overmatched a similar U.S. side personnel-wise in a June 2025 friendly, so the performance overall shows the growth this team has undergone in a year’s time. Sure, the game had no ramifications on how the rest of the tournament would play out, but it’s still the World Cup stage. Plus, Pochettino didn’t have his first choice defense, midfield or attack on the pitch. It’s clear this U.S. team believes in each other and is feeding off the home crowd—the only thing left to find out is when this ride comes to an end.

If there’s any critiques to take from the game, it’s the USMNT’s lack of defensive depth and awareness at times. Pochettino needs to make sure his defense cleans up mistakes and remains switched on at all times. This was the first game of the tournament where the U.S. faced adversity—how the players respond will dictate their knockout stage run.

The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.

Next up is a round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1. Edin Džeko and company qualified as a third place team from Group B marking their first appearance ever in a World Cup knockout stage. The 64th ranked country in the world scored five goals, but conceded six.

The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up.

#USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return">

USMNT ends World Cup group stage on sour note despite Pulisic return The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.Mauricio Pochettino rotated heavily bringing in a completely new defense including Matt Turner in goal. The game had low stakes considering Türkiye was already eliminated and the co-host nation was guaranteed to top Group D, yet it had no impact on how the USMNT began. Auston Trusty scored in the third minute of the game from a set piece as Berhalter delivered a corner perfectly to the center back.The Celtic defender separated himself from the pack at the back post, calmly controlled the ball and fired it past Ugurcan Çakir. From there, however, Türkiye turned up the intensity and looked hungrier than the USMNT for the rest of the first half.Arda Güler equalized for Türkiye seven minutes later as the Real Madrid midfielder scored the first goal for his country this tournament. Barış Alper Yılmaz put his country in front inadvertently after Orkun Kökcü fired a shot that ricocheted off the striker into the back of the net. The U.S. looked off the pace after going behind, but regrouped at halftime and started the second half strong.Berhalter added a goal to his assist when he fired a shot from the edge of the box to equalize in the 49th minute. The mood in the stadium was lifted further by Pulisic coming on in the 58th minute for Tim Weah. The AC Milan winger missed the win against Australia with a calf injury, but looked lively. It was a risk bringing him on in a dead rubber, but he looks ready to go for the knockouts.The game was heading for a draw, but Kaan Ayhan had different plans in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Türkiye the 3-2 win. A gut punch, yet one that fans hope the players and coaches use as motivation going forward.Türkiye overmatched a similar U.S. side personnel-wise in a June 2025 friendly, so the performance overall shows the growth this team has undergone in a year’s time. Sure, the game had no ramifications on how the rest of the tournament would play out, but it’s still the World Cup stage. Plus, Pochettino didn’t have his first choice defense, midfield or attack on the pitch. It’s clear this U.S. team believes in each other and is feeding off the home crowd—the only thing left to find out is when this ride comes to an end.If there’s any critiques to take from the game, it’s the USMNT’s lack of defensive depth and awareness at times. Pochettino needs to make sure his defense cleans up mistakes and remains switched on at all times. This was the first game of the tournament where the U.S. faced adversity—how the players respond will dictate their knockout stage run.The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.Next up is a round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1. Edin Džeko and company qualified as a third place team from Group B marking their first appearance ever in a World Cup knockout stage. The 64th ranked country in the world scored five goals, but conceded six.The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up. #USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return

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The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.

The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.

The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up.

#USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return">USMNT ends World Cup group stage on sour note despite Pulisic return

The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.

The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.

The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up.

#USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return

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