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IFL 2025-26: Diamond Harbour leads standings before Championship round; Gokulam Kerala battles relegation The first stage of the Indian Football League 2025-26 (spanning 45 matches) officially came to an end on Sunday, finalising the standings as the league splits into two phases.Diamond Harbour FC finished at the top with 22 points, establishing a five-point lead.On the final matchday, Real Kashmir FC defeated Sreenidi Deccan FC 2-0, while Rajasthan United FC registered a 2-1 comeback win against Dempo SC.Teams in IFL 2025-26 Championship roundDiamond Harbour (22 points) will be joined in the top-six Championship Phase by Shillong Lajong FC (17 points), Rajasthan United FC (17 points), Sreenidi Deccan FC (15 points), Chanmari FC (11 points), and Dempo Sports Club (9 points), who will all compete for the Indian Football League 2025-26 title. Teams in IFL 2025-26 Relegation roundConversely, the bottom four teams enter the Relegation Phase, where they will fight to secure their position. This group includes Aizawl FC (9 points), Real Kashmir FC (8 points), Gokulam Kerala FC (8 points), and Namdhari FC (7 points). IFL 2025-26 FormatThe championship round will be played in a single round-robin format, and the club that gets the highest points will be declared the winner. In the championship round, the clubs will carry forward the points they have garnered in the first phase.The club that was ranked higher in the first phase will play at home against a lower-ranked side in the championship round.The bottom two finishers in the relegation phase, after a single round-robin format, will be relegated to I-League 2.Published on Apr 19, 2026 #IFL #Diamond #Harbour #leads #standings #Championship #Gokulam #Kerala #battles #relegation

IFL 2025-26: Diamond Harbour leads standings before Championship round; Gokulam Kerala battles relegation

The first stage of the Indian Football League 2025-26 (spanning 45 matches) officially came to an end on Sunday, finalising the standings as the league splits into two phases.

Diamond Harbour FC finished at the top with 22 points, establishing a five-point lead.

On the final matchday, Real Kashmir FC defeated Sreenidi Deccan FC 2-0, while Rajasthan United FC registered a 2-1 comeback win against Dempo SC.

Teams in IFL 2025-26 Championship round

Diamond Harbour (22 points) will be joined in the top-six Championship Phase by Shillong Lajong FC (17 points), Rajasthan United FC (17 points), Sreenidi Deccan FC (15 points), Chanmari FC (11 points), and Dempo Sports Club (9 points), who will all compete for the Indian Football League 2025-26 title. 

Teams in IFL 2025-26 Relegation round

Conversely, the bottom four teams enter the Relegation Phase, where they will fight to secure their position. This group includes Aizawl FC (9 points), Real Kashmir FC (8 points), Gokulam Kerala FC (8 points), and Namdhari FC (7 points). 

IFL 2025-26 Format

The championship round will be played in a single round-robin format, and the club that gets the highest points will be declared the winner. In the championship round, the clubs will carry forward the points they have garnered in the first phase.

The club that was ranked higher in the first phase will play at home against a lower-ranked side in the championship round.

The bottom two finishers in the relegation phase, after a single round-robin format, will be relegated to I-League 2.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

#IFL #Diamond #Harbour #leads #standings #Championship #Gokulam #Kerala #battles #relegation

Sports news

The first stage of the Indian Football League 2025-26 (spanning 45 matches) officially came to an end on Sunday, finalising the standings as the league splits into two phases.

Diamond Harbour FC finished at the top with 22 points, establishing a five-point lead.

On the final matchday, Real Kashmir FC defeated Sreenidi Deccan FC 2-0, while Rajasthan United FC registered a 2-1 comeback win against Dempo SC.

Teams in IFL 2025-26 Championship round

Diamond Harbour (22 points) will be joined in the top-six Championship Phase by Shillong Lajong FC (17 points), Rajasthan United FC (17 points), Sreenidi Deccan FC (15 points), Chanmari FC (11 points), and Dempo Sports Club (9 points), who will all compete for the Indian Football League 2025-26 title. 

Teams in IFL 2025-26 Relegation round

Conversely, the bottom four teams enter the Relegation Phase, where they will fight to secure their position. This group includes Aizawl FC (9 points), Real Kashmir FC (8 points), Gokulam Kerala FC (8 points), and Namdhari FC (7 points). 

IFL 2025-26 Format

The championship round will be played in a single round-robin format, and the club that gets the highest points will be declared the winner. In the championship round, the clubs will carry forward the points they have garnered in the first phase.

The club that was ranked higher in the first phase will play at home against a lower-ranked side in the championship round.

The bottom two finishers in the relegation phase, after a single round-robin format, will be relegated to I-League 2.

Published on Apr 19, 2026

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#IFL #Diamond #Harbour #leads #standings #Championship #Gokulam #Kerala #battles #relegation

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Deadspin | Padres intent on shutting down Angels, winning 5th straight series <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-900/28730579.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28730579.jpg" alt="MLB: Seattle Mariners at San Diego Padres" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 14, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) walks off the field during the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>San Diego right-hander Michael King will try to win his third consecutive start Sunday afternoon when the Padres face the Los Angeles Angels in the rubber game of their three-game series in Anaheim, Calif.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>King (2-1, 2.78 ERA), one of the key pieces in the seven-player deal that sent Juan Soto from the Padres to the New York Yankees in December 2023, is trying to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 campaign that saw him make just 15 starts and finish with a 5-3 record and 3.44 ERA.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>King, 30, has back-to-back six-inning, four-hit starts, allowing two runs in an 8-2 victory at Pittsburgh on April 8 and giving up one run in a 4-1 win over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>King has struck out 20 batters in 22 2/3 innings. His 2.78 ERA ranks in the top 15 in the National League, but he said he still has a “long way to go” to match his 2024 season, when he finished 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA and 201 strikeouts in 173 2/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>“I still don’t feel super confident in the pitch locations that I’ve got right now,” King said after his win over the Mariners. “Mechanically, I’m definitely making adjustments.”</p> </section><section id="section-10"> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>San Diego, which is 12-2 over its last 14 games, will try to win its fifth consecutive series.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Padres saw their eight-game winning streak snapped with an 8-0 loss Friday to the Angels and red-hot Jose Soriano, who lowered his major-league-leading ERA to 0.28. Soriano allowed two hits and struck out eight over 5 2/3 innings as San Diego suffered its first shutout loss of the season.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> </section> <section id="section-15"> <p>The Padres bounced back to even the series on Saturday with a 4-1 victory. Fernando Tatis Jr. had two hits and two RBIs, Ramon Laureano also drove in two runs, and Mason Miller struck out two in a scoreless ninth to pick up his seventh save.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Laureano and Tatis each had an RBI single in the eighth inning to snap a 17-inning scoreless drought for the Padres, who were held to four hits over six innings while striking out eight times against Los Angeles starter Yusei Kikuchi.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>“We know what we’re capable of,” Tatis said. “Obviously, we’re playing some good baseball out there, and Soriano came out and shut the door against us. We just regrouped and we trusted what got us here, and we (went) out and played some really good baseball.”</p> </section><section id="section-20"> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>The Angels finished with just six hits in the loss on Friday but did make the game interesting in the ninth against Miller when Yoan Moncada, robbed of a home run in the second inning by Jackson Merrill, led off with a single and Vaughn Grissom garnered a four-pitch walk to give Los Angeles runners at first and second with one out. But Miller struck out out Logan O’Hoppe and then got Adam Frazier to ground out to second to end the game.</p> </section><section id="section-22"> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>Miller extended his scoreless streak to 31 2/3 innings dating to Aug. 6, 2025. He has struck out 25 batters in 10 1/3 innings this season. Moncada’s single was one of just two hits Miller has given up this season.</p> </section><section id="section-24"> </section><section id="section-25"> <p>“They never stopped fighting,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said of his team. “They keep going. I mean (against) Mason Miller, they get two guys on and the tying run comes to the plate twice. Two shots at it against the best closer in the game. These guys keep fighting, and it’s fun to be a part of.”</p> </section><section id="section-26"> <p>Left-hander Reid Detmers (1-1, 3.57 ERA), who has pitched one scoreless inning of relief in his career against the Padres, will start for Los Angeles on Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-27"> <p>King is 0-1 with a 4.15 ERA in four appearances (two starts) against the Angels. </p> </section><br/><section id="section-28"> <p>-Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Padres #intent #shutting #Angels #winning #5th #straight #series

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MLB Pitcher Props Today: Best Bets for June 3rd | Deadspin.com May 29, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images OK, tough night last night. We’ve done our best with pitcher props lately so let’s stick to that for today’s MLB Picks.Season Record 30-27-1, +0.41 UnitsGiants at BrewersLogan Webb Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-140 bet365)I was semi-temped to go with Webb’s Over 5.5 K prop, but I like this one better. At his best, Webb is an innings eating machine. He’s not having his best of seasons by any stretch, in fact it’s basically his worst since 2020 as he’s got an ugly 4.82 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. But he still generally gives the Giants length as he’s gone at least 6 innings in 6 of his 9 starts. His three “fails” are the issue here as one was an Opening Night battering by the Yankees. I’ll blame Netflix for that one. The other two were his last two starts however. But he was injured, which may have led to a lousy 4 IP, 6 ER outing on May 5th vs. the Padres then a somewhat abbreviated 4.1 IP 86 pitch return on May 29th vs. the Rockies in Coors. He encouragingly pitched well as he allowed just 1 ER on 3 hits and 3 BB’s in a tough venue. I’m banking on Webb going to back to his usual workload tonight.The opponent is tough tonight as the pesky Brewers give everyone fits. But they don’t whiff a bunch with just a 20.2% K% and they have a league worst 41 homers. Webb for his part has yielded just 4 bombs to the 228 batters he’s faced. So let’s bet on him to keep the game in control and get through 6. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Mets at MarinersFreddy Peralta Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-136 FanDuel)It’s a bit of the opposite situation here as Peralta hasn’t given the Mets length at all this year, but he’s at least whiffing 9.27 batters per 9 IP. And the Mariners’ 23.7% K% at home is the 4th worst in MLB. And we might get an added edge on the margins. Josh Naylor and his elite low 13.4% K% missed the last game and a half with back spasms that seemed to happen on a home run trot on Monday. His replacement would be Patrick Wisdom. He’s got major pop but he also has a 42.1% K% in his 19 PA’s this year, and a 36.7% K% for his career. That’s incidentally why a guy with a 15% career Barrel% has never stuck in the majors. I like Peralta to get to his mark anyways and this would just be an added boost. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #MLB #Pitcher #Props #Today #Bets #June #3rd #Deadspin.comMay 29, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

OK, tough night last night. We’ve done our best with pitcher props lately so let’s stick to that for today’s MLB Picks.

Season Record 30-27-1, +0.41 Units

Giants at Brewers

Logan Webb Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-140 bet365)

I was semi-temped to go with Webb’s Over 5.5 K prop, but I like this one better. At his best, Webb is an innings eating machine. He’s not having his best of seasons by any stretch, in fact it’s basically his worst since 2020 as he’s got an ugly 4.82 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. But he still generally gives the Giants length as he’s gone at least 6 innings in 6 of his 9 starts. His three “fails” are the issue here as one was an Opening Night battering by the Yankees. I’ll blame Netflix for that one. The other two were his last two starts however. But he was injured, which may have led to a lousy 4 IP, 6 ER outing on May 5th vs. the Padres then a somewhat abbreviated 4.1 IP 86 pitch return on May 29th vs. the Rockies in Coors. He encouragingly pitched well as he allowed just 1 ER on 3 hits and 3 BB’s in a tough venue. I’m banking on Webb going to back to his usual workload tonight.

The opponent is tough tonight as the pesky Brewers give everyone fits. But they don’t whiff a bunch with just a 20.2% K% and they have a league worst 41 homers. Webb for his part has yielded just 4 bombs to the 228 batters he’s faced. So let’s bet on him to keep the game in control and get through 6.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Mets at Mariners

Freddy Peralta Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-136 FanDuel)

It’s a bit of the opposite situation here as Peralta hasn’t given the Mets length at all this year, but he’s at least whiffing 9.27 batters per 9 IP. And the Mariners’ 23.7% K% at home is the 4th worst in MLB. And we might get an added edge on the margins. Josh Naylor and his elite low 13.4% K% missed the last game and a half with back spasms that seemed to happen on a home run trot on Monday. His replacement would be Patrick Wisdom. He’s got major pop but he also has a 42.1% K% in his 19 PA’s this year, and a 36.7% K% for his career. That’s incidentally why a guy with a 15% career Barrel% has never stuck in the majors. I like Peralta to get to his mark anyways and this would just be an added boost.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#MLB #Pitcher #Props #Today #Bets #June #3rd #Deadspin.com">MLB Pitcher Props Today: Best Bets for June 3rd | Deadspin.com May 29, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images OK, tough night last night. We’ve done our best with pitcher props lately so let’s stick to that for today’s MLB Picks.Season Record 30-27-1, +0.41 UnitsGiants at BrewersLogan Webb Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-140 bet365)I was semi-temped to go with Webb’s Over 5.5 K prop, but I like this one better. At his best, Webb is an innings eating machine. He’s not having his best of seasons by any stretch, in fact it’s basically his worst since 2020 as he’s got an ugly 4.82 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. But he still generally gives the Giants length as he’s gone at least 6 innings in 6 of his 9 starts. His three “fails” are the issue here as one was an Opening Night battering by the Yankees. I’ll blame Netflix for that one. The other two were his last two starts however. But he was injured, which may have led to a lousy 4 IP, 6 ER outing on May 5th vs. the Padres then a somewhat abbreviated 4.1 IP 86 pitch return on May 29th vs. the Rockies in Coors. He encouragingly pitched well as he allowed just 1 ER on 3 hits and 3 BB’s in a tough venue. I’m banking on Webb going to back to his usual workload tonight.The opponent is tough tonight as the pesky Brewers give everyone fits. But they don’t whiff a bunch with just a 20.2% K% and they have a league worst 41 homers. Webb for his part has yielded just 4 bombs to the 228 batters he’s faced. So let’s bet on him to keep the game in control and get through 6. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Mets at MarinersFreddy Peralta Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-136 FanDuel)It’s a bit of the opposite situation here as Peralta hasn’t given the Mets length at all this year, but he’s at least whiffing 9.27 batters per 9 IP. And the Mariners’ 23.7% K% at home is the 4th worst in MLB. And we might get an added edge on the margins. Josh Naylor and his elite low 13.4% K% missed the last game and a half with back spasms that seemed to happen on a home run trot on Monday. His replacement would be Patrick Wisdom. He’s got major pop but he also has a 42.1% K% in his 19 PA’s this year, and a 36.7% K% for his career. That’s incidentally why a guy with a 15% career Barrel% has never stuck in the majors. I like Peralta to get to his mark anyways and this would just be an added boost. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #MLB #Pitcher #Props #Today #Bets #June #3rd #Deadspin.com

the Giants length as he’s gone at least 6 innings in 6 of his 9 starts. His three “fails” are the issue here as one was an Opening Night battering by the Yankees. I’ll blame Netflix for that one. The other two were his last two starts however. But he was injured, which may have led to a lousy 4 IP, 6 ER outing on May 5th vs. the Padres then a somewhat abbreviated 4.1 IP 86 pitch return on May 29th vs. the Rockies in Coors. He encouragingly pitched well as he allowed just 1 ER on 3 hits and 3 BB’s in a tough venue. I’m banking on Webb going to back to his usual workload tonight.

The opponent is tough tonight as the pesky Brewers give everyone fits. But they don’t whiff a bunch with just a 20.2% K% and they have a league worst 41 homers. Webb for his part has yielded just 4 bombs to the 228 batters he’s faced. So let’s bet on him to keep the game in control and get through 6.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Mets at Mariners

Freddy Peralta Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-136 FanDuel)

It’s a bit of the opposite situation here as Peralta hasn’t given the Mets length at all this year, but he’s at least whiffing 9.27 batters per 9 IP. And the Mariners’ 23.7% K% at home is the 4th worst in MLB. And we might get an added edge on the margins. Josh Naylor and his elite low 13.4% K% missed the last game and a half with back spasms that seemed to happen on a home run trot on Monday. His replacement would be Patrick Wisdom. He’s got major pop but he also has a 42.1% K% in his 19 PA’s this year, and a 36.7% K% for his career. That’s incidentally why a guy with a 15% career Barrel% has never stuck in the majors. I like Peralta to get to his mark anyways and this would just be an added boost.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#MLB #Pitcher #Props #Today #Bets #June #3rd #Deadspin.com">MLB Pitcher Props Today: Best Bets for June 3rd | Deadspin.com
MLB Pitcher Props Today: Best Bets for June 3rd | Deadspin.com May 29, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images OK, tough night last night. We’ve done our best with pitcher props lately so let’s stick to that for today’s MLB Picks.Season Record 30-27-1, +0.41 UnitsGiants at BrewersLogan Webb Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-140 bet365)I was semi-temped to go with Webb’s Over 5.5 K prop, but I like this one better. At his best, Webb is an innings eating machine. He’s not having his best of seasons by any stretch, in fact it’s basically his worst since 2020 as he’s got an ugly 4.82 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. But he still generally gives the Giants length as he’s gone at least 6 innings in 6 of his 9 starts. His three “fails” are the issue here as one was an Opening Night battering by the Yankees. I’ll blame Netflix for that one. The other two were his last two starts however. But he was injured, which may have led to a lousy 4 IP, 6 ER outing on May 5th vs. the Padres then a somewhat abbreviated 4.1 IP 86 pitch return on May 29th vs. the Rockies in Coors. He encouragingly pitched well as he allowed just 1 ER on 3 hits and 3 BB’s in a tough venue. I’m banking on Webb going to back to his usual workload tonight.The opponent is tough tonight as the pesky Brewers give everyone fits. But they don’t whiff a bunch with just a 20.2% K% and they have a league worst 41 homers. Webb for his part has yielded just 4 bombs to the 228 batters he’s faced. So let’s bet on him to keep the game in control and get through 6. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Mets at MarinersFreddy Peralta Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-136 FanDuel)It’s a bit of the opposite situation here as Peralta hasn’t given the Mets length at all this year, but he’s at least whiffing 9.27 batters per 9 IP. And the Mariners’ 23.7% K% at home is the 4th worst in MLB. And we might get an added edge on the margins. Josh Naylor and his elite low 13.4% K% missed the last game and a half with back spasms that seemed to happen on a home run trot on Monday. His replacement would be Patrick Wisdom. He’s got major pop but he also has a 42.1% K% in his 19 PA’s this year, and a 36.7% K% for his career. That’s incidentally why a guy with a 15% career Barrel% has never stuck in the majors. I like Peralta to get to his mark anyways and this would just be an added boost. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #MLB #Pitcher #Props #Today #Bets #June #3rd #Deadspin.comMay 29, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

OK, tough night last night. We’ve done our best with pitcher props lately so let’s stick to that for today’s MLB Picks.

Season Record 30-27-1, +0.41 Units

Giants at Brewers

Logan Webb Over 17.5 Outs Recorded (-140 bet365)

I was semi-temped to go with Webb’s Over 5.5 K prop, but I like this one better. At his best, Webb is an innings eating machine. He’s not having his best of seasons by any stretch, in fact it’s basically his worst since 2020 as he’s got an ugly 4.82 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. But he still generally gives the Giants length as he’s gone at least 6 innings in 6 of his 9 starts. His three “fails” are the issue here as one was an Opening Night battering by the Yankees. I’ll blame Netflix for that one. The other two were his last two starts however. But he was injured, which may have led to a lousy 4 IP, 6 ER outing on May 5th vs. the Padres then a somewhat abbreviated 4.1 IP 86 pitch return on May 29th vs. the Rockies in Coors. He encouragingly pitched well as he allowed just 1 ER on 3 hits and 3 BB’s in a tough venue. I’m banking on Webb going to back to his usual workload tonight.

The opponent is tough tonight as the pesky Brewers give everyone fits. But they don’t whiff a bunch with just a 20.2% K% and they have a league worst 41 homers. Webb for his part has yielded just 4 bombs to the 228 batters he’s faced. So let’s bet on him to keep the game in control and get through 6.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Mets at Mariners

Freddy Peralta Over 5.5 Strikeouts (-136 FanDuel)

It’s a bit of the opposite situation here as Peralta hasn’t given the Mets length at all this year, but he’s at least whiffing 9.27 batters per 9 IP. And the Mariners’ 23.7% K% at home is the 4th worst in MLB. And we might get an added edge on the margins. Josh Naylor and his elite low 13.4% K% missed the last game and a half with back spasms that seemed to happen on a home run trot on Monday. His replacement would be Patrick Wisdom. He’s got major pop but he also has a 42.1% K% in his 19 PA’s this year, and a 36.7% K% for his career. That’s incidentally why a guy with a 15% career Barrel% has never stuck in the majors. I like Peralta to get to his mark anyways and this would just be an added boost.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#MLB #Pitcher #Props #Today #Bets #June #3rd #Deadspin.com

Alex Sarama was relatively unknown when the Portland Fire announced he’d be their first-ever head coach. But, on Wednesday, when the WNBA announced that Sarama was named Coach of the Month, it came as no surprise. Sarama led the Fire to a 6-4 record in May and several improbable victories, while making a name for himself in broad basketball circles.

At just 30 years old, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the director of player development.

He joined NBA Europe in 2020, became a Paris Basketball player improvement specialist in 2022, and was the director of methodology for the British Basketball League’s London Lions in 2023. In the 2023-2024 season, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Rip City Remix, the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate. Then, in 2024, he became an assistant for the Cavaliers.

Sarama is unique in that he is an advocate of the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) to skill acquisition and practice design, a methodology that emphasises decision-making, adaptability, and game-representative learning environments rather than isolated and repetitive drills.

Sarama has cancelled morning shootarounds, had Fire players practice with just socks, and simulated specific drills with different constraints to emulate late-game scenarios.

The Fire are 6-5 and owners of the league’s 8th-best record, despite being one of two WNBA expansion teams. In May, they went 6-4, accruing two wins over the New York Liberty and a win over the Indiana Fever, among other star-studded squads.

On the court, Portland has been led by Carla Leite, who is averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, both team-highs.

Bridget Carleton, selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA’s expansion draft, is averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, while Emily Englster has been the top shot blocker in the league, averaging 2.3 blocks per game. Engstler is also averaging 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists per game. And, Sarah Ashlee Barker has been huge off the bench, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

In a video shared by the Fire, Sarama credited the players and his staff for his first-ever Coach of the Month honor.

“This isn’t possible without incredible players. This is really because of you guys, number one,” he said. “Everything we’ve asked you to do, you guys have done times a thousand. I couldn’t be more proud to coach you guys. This is going to be such a fun ride.”

“Secondly, it’s staff of the month. Not coach of the month. That’s everyone. Front office, performance, the incredible coaching staff we have. It’s every single one of us here.”

#WNBA #named #Coach #Month #welldeserved">The WNBA just named a Coach of the Month, and it’s well-deserved Alex Sarama was relatively unknown when the Portland Fire announced he’d be their first-ever head coach. But, on Wednesday, when the WNBA announced that Sarama was named Coach of the Month, it came as no surprise. Sarama led the Fire to a 6-4 record in May and several improbable victories, while making a name for himself in broad basketball circles.At just 30 years old, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and became the director of player development.He joined NBA Europe in 2020, became a Paris Basketball player improvement specialist in 2022, and was the director of methodology for the British Basketball League’s London Lions in 2023. In the 2023-2024 season, Sarama was an assistant coach for the Rip City Remix, the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate. Then, in 2024, he became an assistant for the Cavaliers.Sarama is unique in that he is an advocate of the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) to skill acquisition and practice design, a methodology that emphasises decision-making, adaptability, and game-representative learning environments rather than isolated and repetitive drills.Sarama has cancelled morning shootarounds, had Fire players practice with just socks, and simulated specific drills with different constraints to emulate late-game scenarios.The Fire are 6-5 and owners of the league’s 8th-best record, despite being one of two WNBA expansion teams. In May, they went 6-4, accruing two wins over the New York Liberty and a win over the Indiana Fever, among other star-studded squads.On the court, Portland has been led by Carla Leite, who is averaging 15.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, both team-highs.Bridget Carleton, selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA’s expansion draft, is averaging 14.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game, while Emily Englster has been the top shot blocker in the league, averaging 2.3 blocks per game. Engstler is also averaging 9.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists per game. And, Sarah Ashlee Barker has been huge off the bench, averaging 10 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.In a video shared by the Fire, Sarama credited the players and his staff for his first-ever Coach of the Month honor.“This isn’t possible without incredible players. This is really because of you guys, number one,” he said. “Everything we’ve asked you to do, you guys have done times a thousand. I couldn’t be more proud to coach you guys. This is going to be such a fun ride.”“Secondly, it’s staff of the month. Not coach of the month. That’s everyone. Front office, performance, the incredible coaching staff we have. It’s every single one of us here.” #WNBA #named #Coach #Month #welldeserved

Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.

Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.

The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.

Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.

India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.

Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.

The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.

ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title">SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: India scrapes past Bhutan 1-0, to face Bangladesh for title Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and factsBhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.Published on Jun 03, 2026 #SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title

India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title">SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: India scrapes past Bhutan 1-0, to face Bangladesh for title

Five-time champion India booked its place in the final of the SAFF Women’s Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resolute Bhutan in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

India, which found the winner through Sanfida Nongrum in the 60th minute, will meet defending champion Bangladesh in the title clash at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.

Having scored 14 goals in two group-stage matches, the host was expected to dominate, but Bhutan once again showed the defensive discipline that had taken it to a third successive semifinal appearance.

Ranked 69th in the FIFA rankings, India controlled possession for long periods but found it difficult to break down Bhutan’s compact backline in a goalless first half.

The Blue Tigresses created chances through Karishma, Soumya Guguloth and Aveka Singh, but poor finishing and alert goalkeeping kept the scores level at the break.

Bhutan, meanwhile, remained a threat on the counterattack and squandered a couple of promising opportunities of its own.

India finally found the breakthrough when Sanfida scored after sustained pressure, giving the host the lead it had been searching for throughout the contest.

Coach Crispin Chhetri then introduced experienced attackers, including Manisha Kalyan and Pyari Xaxa, as India looked to put the game beyond Bhutan. However, Bhutan refused to back down and continued to test the Indian defence on the break.

The host created several openings in the closing stages but was unable to add to its tally.

ALSO READ: India vs Bhutan as it happened, highlights and facts

Bhutan, despite its determination, lacked the finishing touch required to force extra time as India held on for a narrow victory.

The Blue Tigresses are now one win away from reclaiming the title it last won in 2019.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh beat Nepal 2-1 in the first semifinal to reach a third consecutive SAFF Women’s Championship final after substitute Sagorika scored a stoppage-time winner.

Bangladesh won the previous two editions, held in 2022 and 2024.

Published on Jun 03, 2026

#SAFF #Womens #Championship #India #scrapes #Bhutan #face #Bangladesh #title

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