×
Deadspin | NWSL awards expansion franchise to Columbus May 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women’s Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league’s 18th member starting in 2028. The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards. “As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.” Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028. Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’ Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. “Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.” The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio. The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women’s National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #Columbus

Deadspin | NWSL awards expansion franchise to Columbus
Deadspin | NWSL awards expansion franchise to Columbus May 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women’s Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league’s 18th member starting in 2028. The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards. “As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.” Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028. Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’ Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. “Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.” The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio. The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women’s National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #ColumbusMay 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women’s Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league’s 18th member starting in 2028.

The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.

“As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.”

Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028.


Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’ Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

“Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.”

The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio.

The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women’s National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #Columbus

Sports news

May 24, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; The logo of the National Women’s Soccer League at SeatGeek Stadium before the game between the Chicago Stars and the Kansas City Current. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

The NWSL awarded an expansion franchise to Columbus on Tuesday, making the Ohio capital home to the league’s 18th member starting in 2028.

The team is owned by the Haslam Sports Group, the Columbus-based Nationwide insurance company and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards.

“As the NWSL continues its rapid growth, expanding to Columbus is a natural next step. This is a city with a rich soccer tradition, a proven track record of support at the highest level, and an ownership group making meaningful, long-term investments in women’s sports, said NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to bring the world’s most competitive women’s soccer league to Columbus and to see this community embrace the game in a new way.”

Two new NWSL clubs debuted this season with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC. Atlanta was awarded a franchise last November and will join the league along with Columbus in 2028.

Haslam Sports Group also owns the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLS’ Columbus Crew and has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

“Our family is thrilled to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus and further invest in Ohio, with the honor of bringing the 18th team into the league,” HSG managing partner Whitney Haslam Johnson said. “We believe in the power of women’s sports and are humbled to be part of the number one women’s soccer league in the world. Sports are one of today’s greatest unifiers and are incredible for their communities. The NWSL will have a significant impact on Columbus within and beyond sports, now and for future generations.”

The Columbus squad will wait to choose an official team name, colors and crest in conjunction with the input from fans across Ohio.

The team will play at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the 20,000-seat home to the Crew. The U.S. Women’s National Team has hosted 13 matches there, compiling a 10-1-2 record including a win in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final.

–Field Level Media

Source link
#Deadspin #NWSL #awards #expansion #franchise #Columbus

Previous post

Deadspin | Texans confirm contract extension for All-Pro DE Will Anderson Jr. <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/27993575.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/27993575.jpg" alt="NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round win against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Houston Texans announced they have signed All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a contract extension on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed by the team, but the contract extension was first reported last Friday as being for three years and $150 million ($134 million guaranteed).</p> </section><br/><section id="section-3"> <p>Anderson, 24, has recorded 30 sacks, 64 quarterback hits, 136 tackles, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 46 games (44 starts). He was selected by Houston with the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, one pick behind Texans quarterback CJ Stroud.</p> </section> <section id="section-4"> <p>Anderson was the 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2025 and earned All-Pro first-team honors in 2025 when he was runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Texans #confirm #contract #extension #AllPro #Anderson

Next post

Deadspin | Ben Griffin, Andrew Novak have fond memories entering Zurich defense <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26033216.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/26033216.jpg" alt="PGA: Zurich Classic of New Orleans - Final Round" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 27, 2025; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Ben Griffin, left, celebrates with teammate Andrew Novak after winning on the 18th hole during the final round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Ben Griffin and Andrew Novak had the honor of experiencing a golf rarity at last year’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>They each earned their first PGA Tour wins simultaneously in the team-based event.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Twelve months later, the pair reunites at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La. this week with fond memories of last year’s one-stroke victory over Danish brothers Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“In golf, you really don’t get to do (win) much. Unless you’re Scottie (Scheffler) or Rory (McIlroy) or one of those lucky freaks, you don’t win that much,” Novak said at the pair’s Tuesday press conference. “I hadn’t won since before COVID on the Korn Ferry Tour. So just the fact that I got to go lift a trophy and be a winner for that week was pretty special, because I had done multiple years of not doing that.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Novak, 31, and Griffin, 29, turned pro in 2017 and 2018, respectively. They credit their extensive friendship dating back to playing junior golf together as natives of the North Carolina Research Triangle with what makes their partnership work.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>“We (have) just played a lot of golf together. We know each other’s games really well,” Griffin said of their chemistry. “It’s not like we’re just a random team that kind of comes about, and you kind of have expectations of the other guy and maybe there’s a little bit of added pressure because you want to hit perfect shots for your partner.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Coming off their dual debut PGA win, Griffin found more success the rest of the season than Novak. He followed with his first solo tour win less than a month later at the Charles Schwab Challenge and also won the World Wide Technology Championship, finishing 10th in the FedEx Cup rankings.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>“Just built a lot of confidence,” Griffin said of how he carried over the momentum of his Zurich win. “… I knew I was starting to play some really good golf and just wanted to keep playing as many events as I possibly can. Just felt that confident in my game, and I just wanted (to) keep giving myself chances.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>“Didn’t take long to win again, and a lot of it was kind of being freed up from finally winning on tour and having the job security and not really thinking about a whole lot except trying to compete against the best in the world and try to beat them.”</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Novak hasn’t won again on tour in the 12 months since, but he carries better recent form into this week’s event. He’s coming off a T16 in last week’s RBC Heritage and has three top-20 finishes as well as a top-10 this season.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Griffin has made eight of 11 cuts this season but is still looking for his first top-10 finish and has just one top-20 in his first event of the season back in January.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Novak admitted he arrived at this week’s event with a different vibe after last year’s Zurich success.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>“I do think walking into the clubhouse today and pulling in and registering, it does feel a little bit different. Just a little bit more confidence coming in here,” Novak said. “… It is a nice little different vibe. A little bit of extra confidence coming into this week. It’s still a golf tournament. We’re going to have to go out. We don’t win just because we show up. We’re going to have to play well. I think vibes are good.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Ben #Griffin #Andrew #Novak #fond #memories #entering #Zurich #defense

Related Posts

Deadspin | Lightning coach: Victor Hedman ‘doubtful’ to play in first round Mar 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is unlikely to suit up for his team in its first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Jon Cooper announced Tuesday. Hedman hasn’t played in a game since exiting in the first period of Tampa Bay’s 6-2 victory versus the Vancouver Canucks on March 19 due to illness. Six days later, the Lightning announced Hedman was taking a leave of absence for personal reasons. Hedman was spotted on the ice after Tampa Bay’s optional morning skate ahead of Tuesday’s Game 2 against the visiting Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens recorded a 4-3 victory in overtime on Sunday in the opener of the best-of-seven series. When asked to put a percentage on Hedman’s health, Cooper said the defenseman could return “at some point, I think, but not right now. “I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I’d say I’d put that on the doubtful side for this series.” Hedman, 35, has recorded 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 33 games this season. He has endured extended absences due to an undisclosed injury in November and elbow surgery in December. Hedman is a 2017-18 Norris Trophy winner as the best defenseman in the league, a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2020, 2021) and the 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy recipient as the playoff MVP. He has totaled 811 career points (172 goals, 639 assists), a plus-192 rating and 782 penalty minutes in 1,164 games since being selected by the Lightning with the second overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lightning #coach #Victor #Hedman #doubtful #playMar 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is unlikely to suit up for his team in its first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Jon Cooper announced Tuesday.

Hedman hasn’t played in a game since exiting in the first period of Tampa Bay’s 6-2 victory versus the Vancouver Canucks on March 19 due to illness. Six days later, the Lightning announced Hedman was taking a leave of absence for personal reasons.

Hedman was spotted on the ice after Tampa Bay’s optional morning skate ahead of Tuesday’s Game 2 against the visiting Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens recorded a 4-3 victory in overtime on Sunday in the opener of the best-of-seven series.

When asked to put a percentage on Hedman’s health, Cooper said the defenseman could return “at some point, I think, but not right now.


“I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I’d say I’d put that on the doubtful side for this series.”

Hedman, 35, has recorded 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 33 games this season. He has endured extended absences due to an undisclosed injury in November and elbow surgery in December.

Hedman is a 2017-18 Norris Trophy winner as the best defenseman in the league, a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2020, 2021) and the 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy recipient as the playoff MVP.

He has totaled 811 career points (172 goals, 639 assists), a plus-192 rating and 782 penalty minutes in 1,164 games since being selected by the Lightning with the second overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lightning #coach #Victor #Hedman #doubtful #play">Deadspin | Lightning coach: Victor Hedman ‘doubtful’ to play in first round Mar 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) warms up before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman is unlikely to suit up for his team in its first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Jon Cooper announced Tuesday. Hedman hasn’t played in a game since exiting in the first period of Tampa Bay’s 6-2 victory versus the Vancouver Canucks on March 19 due to illness. Six days later, the Lightning announced Hedman was taking a leave of absence for personal reasons. Hedman was spotted on the ice after Tampa Bay’s optional morning skate ahead of Tuesday’s Game 2 against the visiting Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens recorded a 4-3 victory in overtime on Sunday in the opener of the best-of-seven series. When asked to put a percentage on Hedman’s health, Cooper said the defenseman could return “at some point, I think, but not right now. “I wouldn’t rule anything out, but I’d say I’d put that on the doubtful side for this series.” Hedman, 35, has recorded 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 33 games this season. He has endured extended absences due to an undisclosed injury in November and elbow surgery in December. Hedman is a 2017-18 Norris Trophy winner as the best defenseman in the league, a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2020, 2021) and the 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy recipient as the playoff MVP. He has totaled 811 career points (172 goals, 639 assists), a plus-192 rating and 782 penalty minutes in 1,164 games since being selected by the Lightning with the second overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Lightning #coach #Victor #Hedman #doubtful #play

An immense value for an immensely-sized player. The Houston Texans trade picks 28 and 141 for pick 26 to leap-frog the San Francisco 49ers and select Proctor. The 6’7”, 352-pound offensive lineman has fantastic length and power, but had a severely inconsistent season at Alabama. He fits in perfectly with the man and gap schemes in Nick Caley’s offense.

If he continues to develop and becomes more consistent, Houston could have him compete for multiple spots along the offensive line. This high-upside move put the finishing touches on rebuilding the offensive line without leveraging any of their Day Two picks. 

#Kadyn #Proctor #selected #Houston #Texans #Battle #Red #Blog #Nations #community #mock #draft">Kadyn Proctor selected by Houston Texans by Battle Red Blog in SB Nation’s community mock draft An immense value for an immensely-sized player. The Houston Texans trade picks 28 and 141 for pick 26 to leap-frog the San Francisco 49ers and select Proctor. The 6’7”, 352-pound offensive lineman has fantastic length and power, but had a severely inconsistent season at Alabama. He fits in perfectly with the man and gap schemes in Nick Caley’s offense. If he continues to develop and becomes more consistent, Houston could have him compete for multiple spots along the offensive line. This high-upside move put the finishing touches on rebuilding the offensive line without leveraging any of their Day Two picks.  #Kadyn #Proctor #selected #Houston #Texans #Battle #Red #Blog #Nations #community #mock #draft

Leicester City was relegated to the third tier of English football on Tuesday, ‌a decade on from their astonishing run to the Premier League title, while ​Coventry City made sure it went up to the top flight as champion.

Relegated ⁠to the second-tier Championship last season, the Foxes suffered a humiliating second successive drop after drawing 2-2 at home to promotion-chasing Hull City at a King Power Stadium with plenty of empty seats.

Its promotion already in the bag, ‌Frank Lampard’s Coventry thrashed Portsmouth 5-1 to go an unassailable 10 points clear at the top with two games to spare.

Millwall went second after winning 3-1 at Stoke City ‌and is now three points clear of Ipswich Town, which has two games in hand ‌and ⁠plays at Charlton Athletic on Wednesday.

It was also a good night for Wrexham, which ⁠moved back into the promotion playoff places, ahead of Hull on goal difference, after winning 1-0 at relegation-threatened Oxford United, thanks to a Josh Windass goal.

A GOAL DOWN, THEN A GOAL UP

Leicester had to beat the Tigers to stave off relegation ​for at least another day but was already ‌a goal down after 18 minutes when Liam Miller cashed in on an error by goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

It had the fans dreaming the impossible dream in the second half, though, when Jordan James equalised from the penalty spot in the 52nd and Luke Thomas put Leicester ahead ‌two minutes later. Any joy was short-lived, with Oli McBurnie equalising in the 63rd.

The result ​left the Foxes 23rd in the standings on 42 points from 44 games and seven away from safety with only two games remaining.

“Incredibly frustrating,” said Gary Rowett, who ⁠took the helm only in February as Leicester’s fourth manager in less than a year.

“I think the bigger picture is you don’t get relegated over three, four games. You get relegated over a season. . . we’ve ‌only kept five clean sheets all season.

Thai-owned Leicester delighted neutral fans in 2015-16 when, as 5,000-1 outsiders managed by Italian Claudio Ranieri, it took the top-tier title by storm as the world watched in amazement.

It reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League in 2017 but the death of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter accident in 2018 came as a terrible blow.

Leicester won the FA Cup in 2021, a first for the club, but it was docked six points this season for breaches of ‌the English Football League profitability and sustainability rules governing spending, and lost its appeal this month.

It suffered 0-1 losses to ​Swansea City and Portsmouth before Tuesday’s draw dropped it to the third tier for only the second time in its 142-year history.

Next season, its opponents will include newly-⁠promoted Bromley, which has spent all but two of their 134 years of existence playing non-league football and ⁠whose ground holds just over 5,000 people.

“This club won the Premier League not too many moons ago,” said Rowett of Leicester’s plunge. “That was an incredible high of a time for ‌the fans… I think everyone saw that as an amazing achievement. I think we can be equally as disappointed with how poor this moment is.

“The club has to rise again but it ​has to learn its lessons because it’s certainly been a season of an awful lot of regret.”

Published on Apr 22, 2026

#Premier #League #champion #League #side #years #Leicester #City #falls #division">Premier League champion in 2016, League One side 10 years later, Leicester City falls to third division Leicester City was relegated to the third tier of English football on Tuesday, ‌a decade on from their astonishing run to the Premier League title, while ​Coventry City made sure it went up to the top flight as champion.Relegated ⁠to the second-tier Championship last season, the Foxes suffered a humiliating second successive drop after drawing 2-2 at home to promotion-chasing Hull City at a King Power Stadium with plenty of empty seats.Its promotion already in the bag, ‌Frank Lampard’s Coventry thrashed Portsmouth 5-1 to go an unassailable 10 points clear at the top with two games to spare.Millwall went second after winning 3-1 at Stoke City ‌and is now three points clear of Ipswich Town, which has two games in hand ‌and ⁠plays at Charlton Athletic on Wednesday.It was also a good night for Wrexham, which ⁠moved back into the promotion playoff places, ahead of Hull on goal difference, after winning 1-0 at relegation-threatened Oxford United, thanks to a Josh Windass goal.A GOAL DOWN, THEN A GOAL UPLeicester had to beat the Tigers to stave off relegation ​for at least another day but was already ‌a goal down after 18 minutes when Liam Miller cashed in on an error by goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.It had the fans dreaming the impossible dream in the second half, though, when Jordan James equalised from the penalty spot in the 52nd and Luke Thomas put Leicester ahead ‌two minutes later. Any joy was short-lived, with Oli McBurnie equalising in the 63rd.The result ​left the Foxes 23rd in the standings on 42 points from 44 games and seven away from safety with only two games remaining.“Incredibly frustrating,” said Gary Rowett, who ⁠took the helm only in February as Leicester’s fourth manager in less than a year.“I think the bigger picture is you don’t get relegated over three, four games. You get relegated over a season. . . we’ve ‌only kept five clean sheets all season.Thai-owned Leicester delighted neutral fans in 2015-16 when, as 5,000-1 outsiders managed by Italian Claudio Ranieri, it took the top-tier title by storm as the world watched in amazement.It reached the quarterfinals of the Champions League in 2017 but the death of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter accident in 2018 came as a terrible blow.Leicester won the FA Cup in 2021, a first for the club, but it was docked six points this season for breaches of ‌the English Football League profitability and sustainability rules governing spending, and lost its appeal this month.It suffered 0-1 losses to ​Swansea City and Portsmouth before Tuesday’s draw dropped it to the third tier for only the second time in its 142-year history.Next season, its opponents will include newly-⁠promoted Bromley, which has spent all but two of their 134 years of existence playing non-league football and ⁠whose ground holds just over 5,000 people.“This club won the Premier League not too many moons ago,” said Rowett of Leicester’s plunge. “That was an incredible high of a time for ‌the fans… I think everyone saw that as an amazing achievement. I think we can be equally as disappointed with how poor this moment is.“The club has to rise again but it ​has to learn its lessons because it’s certainly been a season of an awful lot of regret.”Published on Apr 22, 2026 #Premier #League #champion #League #side #years #Leicester #City #falls #division

Post Comment