The US captain feels that victory has no barring on the rematch Sunday for the women’s FIBA World Cup title.
“This is a completely new game and everybody has their own things that continue to motivate them,” Stewart said after the US topped Spain 76-66 in a semifinal Saturday. “I think that what I will continue to be preaching to this team is ‘we’re going to turn the page on everything.’ This is one game to win the the gold medal at the World Cup in Berlin and that’s our entire focus.”
It’s easy for Stewart to say that as more than half the US roster in the World Cup wasn’t on that Olympic team. Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers are playing for their first championship with the national team. Stewart’s already won three World Cup titles since making her debut in 2014.
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Kahleah Copper was a huge reason the US was able to beat France two years ago. She had 12 points in that game.
“I mean, they’re a different team, we’re a different team,” she said. “Two great teams gonna go at it head-to-head.”
The Americans have looked far from the team that has dominated the World Cup during this historic run of 35 consecutive victories and four straight championships. A three-point win over Italy in pool play was the closest a team has come to the Americans in group stage in 50 years. The 10-point victory over Spain was the closest semifinal contest during this remarkable streak. The Americans had been winning by an average of 26 points over the past four medal-round games.
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“It’s literally about us. Everything that we do is going to dictate what happens in tomorrow’s game and making sure that that’s the main focus as we continue to look inward,” Stewart said. “Whether that’s lifting a teammate up or high fiving them or telling them shoot the next shot. There’s going to be a ton of emotions in this game. It’s going to be the team that really kind of regulates that and handles that best that will have the advantage.”
French players are also downplaying the significance of that Olympic contest.
“That was two years ago,” Janelle Salaün said of the defeat. “There were different people involved, different players, so now we’re focusing on tomorrow and the here and now.”
Marine Johannes knows about the tall task the French have in front of them.
“If I’m (being) honest we have nothing to lose,” she said. “We actually know they are a great team. They won every World Cup for years and years. We are playing with these players all season in WNBA actually. We know how good they are. It’s one game, nothing to lose. We are going to play hard and we’ll see what happens.”
No matter what happens on Sunday, France is set for its best World Cup finish ever. The French team hasn’t won a medal since the inaugural tournament in 1953, when the team finished third in the final round.
“It means a lot. This is the first time we’re taking it to this level,” France coach Jean-Aimé Toupane said after the semifinal win over Germany. “You guys can see how French basketball all around the world is improving.”
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France winning a gold medal would be a seismic shift in the sport’s landscape. The Americans have only lost once in the championships game, falling to the Soviet Union in 1983. They are 8-0 since.
“We didn’t come all this way for nothing – we’re here to win,” France’s Leila Lacan said. “We won’t settle for the silver medal, we’re going to go and get that gold.”
After a pair of 2-2 session ties on Friday at the 2026 Solheim Cup, Saturday’s sessions were once again mirror images of each other — albeit, on opposite sides. Europe dominated the morning foursomes 3-1, while some late heroics by the U.S. team’s Jennifer Kupcho flipped the final afternoon four-ball match to give the U.S. the session win, 3-1.
Now, we’re heading into Sunday right were we started: a deadlocked tie, 8-8. With 12 singles matches still pending, there’s lots of golf left to be played, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Here’s what you need to know.
How to watch the Solheim Cup Sunday
Things weren’t looking good for the U.S. after Saturday’s foursomes. Europe won three of the four matches, and led by a score of 7-5 heading into afternoon four-balls.
Then, Europe extended the lead to 8-5 when Maja Stark and Linn Grant took down Americans Megan Khang and Lauren Coughlin 2 and 1. But U.S. victories in the two middle matches — Yealimi Noh and and Andrea Lee over Lottie Woad and Charley Hull 1 up, and Rose Zhang and Auston Kim over Nastasia Nadaud and Leona Maguire 3 and 2 — tightened things up again to 8-7 with one match remaining.
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That final four-ball — which featured Jennifer Kupcho and Lindy Grant against Carlota Ciganda and Celine Boutier — was an all-timer, and showcased some particularly incredible putting highlights from Kupcho. The Americans were 2 down on the 15th tee, and won the 15th, 17th and 18th holes to claim the match 1 up.
Who will prevail on Sunday? Every member of both teams will play in Sunday singles, and one thing’s for sure: You won’t want to miss a minute of the action. You can find out the details on how to watch below.
Solheim Cup Sunday TV schedule
You can watch the Solheim Cup’s Sunday singles matches from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET on Golf Channel. The closing ceremony will air from 1:30-3:30 p.m. ET.
How to stream the Solheim Cup Sunday
You can stream the third day of the Solheim Cup via Golfchannel.com and the Golf Channel app. Both will have live simulcasts of Golf Channel’s coverage beginning at 5 a.m. ET on Sunday.
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2026 Solheim Cup Sunday singles matchups, tee times (ET)
5:10 a.m. – Megan Khang (USA) vs. Charley Hull (EUR) 5:22 a.m. – Alison Lee (USA) vs. Esther Henseleit (EUR) 5:34 a.m. – Angel Yin (USA) vs. Linn Grant (EUR) 5:46 a.m. – Nelly Korda (USA) vs. Mimi Rhodes (EUR) 5:58 a.m. – Allisen Corpuz (USA) vs. Nanna Koerstz Madsen (EUR) 6:10 a.m. – Andrea Lee (USA) vs. Nastasia Nadaud (EUR) 6:22 a.m. – Yealimi Noh (USA) vs. Julia Lopez Ramirez (EUR) 6:34 a.m. – Auston Kim (USA) vs. Lottie Woad (EUR) 6:46 a.m. – Lauren Coughlin (USA) vs. Leona Maguire (EUR) 6:58 a.m. – Lindy Duncan (USA) vs. Maja Stark (EUR) 7:10 a.m. – Jennifer Kupcho (USA) vs. Carlota Ciganda (EUR) 7:22 a.m. – Rose Zhang (USA) vs. Celine Boutier (EUR)
Saturday Foursomes results / 3-1 Europe
9 — Maja Stark/Linn Grant (Europe) def. Allisen Corpuz/Nelly Korda (USA), 3 and 2 10 — Leona Maguire/Esther Henseleit (Europe) def. Jennifer Kupcho/Rose Zhang (USA), 1 up 11 — Mimi Rhodes/Nastasia Nadaud (Europe) def. Andrea Lee/Auston Kim (USA), 4 and 3 12 — Alison Lee/Lauren Coughlin (USA) def. Charley Hull/Lottie Woad (Europe), 6 and 5
Saturday Four-ball Results / 3-1 U.S.
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13 — Maja Stark/Linn Grant (Europe) def. Megan Khang/Lauren Coughlin (USA), 2 and 1 14 — Yealimi Noh/Andrea Lee (USA) def. Lottie Woad/Charley Hull (Europe), 1 up 15 — Rose Zhang/Auston Kim (USA) def. Leona Maguire/Natasia Nadaud (Europe), 3 and 2 16 — Jennifer Kupcho/Lindy Duncan (USA) def. Carlota Ciganda/Celine Boutier (Europe), 1 up
Friday Foursomes Results / 2-2 tie
1 — Allisen Corpuz/Nelly Korda (USA) def. Charley Hull/Lottie Woad, 4 and 3 2 — Alison Lee/Lauren Coughlin (USA) def. Nanna Koerstz Madsen/Celine Boutier, 3 and 2 3 — Esther Henseleit/Leona Maguire (Europe) def. Andrea Lee/Lindy Duncan, 2 up 4 — Maja Stark/Linn Grant (Europe) def. Rose Zhang/Jennifer Kupcho, 3 and 2
Friday Four-ball Results / 2-2 tie
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5 — Charley Hull/Lottie Woad (Europe) and Yealimi Noh/Angel Yin (USA), tie 6 — Megan Khang/Alison Lee (USA) def. Celine Boutier/Nanna Koerstz Madsen, 5 and 3 7 — Mimi Rhodes/Natasia Nadaud (Europe) def. Allisen Corpuz/Auston Kim, 2 and 1 8 — Carlota Ciganda/Julia Lopez Ramriez (Europe) and Nelly Korda/Lauren Coughlin (USA), tie
WWE SmackDown after Sunday Night’s Main Event witnessed a major heel turn when Damian Priest turned on R-Truth. This occurred after Priest and R-Truth failed to capture the AAA Tag Team Championships from the War Raiders.
The Archer of Infamy launched a post-match attack, stunning the Mexican crowd. In this article, let’s take a look at three possible reasons the former Judgment Day member turned into a villainous star on the blue brand.
Thanks for the submission!
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#3. WWE may be ready to push Damian Priest as a singles star again
Damian Priest is a former World Heavyweight Champion. However, in recent months, Priest has mostly been booked in the tag team division.
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After losing the WWE Tag Team Championships, Damian told Truth he wanted to pursue a singles run again. Despite this, R-Truth accepted an AAA Tag Team title match.
Priest’s heel turn on Friday night’s show subtly suggests that the Stamford-based promotion is ready to push the 43-year-old star as a singles star again. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he enters the World title picture soon or becomes part of the 2026 Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
#2 Priest could be moving to WWE RAW
For those who might not know, Damian Priest and Lola Vice are in a real-life romantic relationship. Based on the recent vignettes, it’s confirmed that Vice is coming to the main roster as part of the red brand.
Being on the same brand can help a couple travel together, support each other, and spend as much time together as possible.
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Damian’s heel turn on SmackDown could be a strategic move by WWE to shift The Archer of Infamy to the Adam Pearce-led brand. As a result, Vice and Priest could both wrestle on RAW.
#1. WWE may have no further plans for Priest and Truth as a tag team
DAMIAN PRIEST HAS TURNED ON R-TRUTH 👀 HEEL PRIEST IS BACK. #SmackDown
Since R-Truth and Damian Priest lost the Tag Team Championships on SmackDown, the sports entertainment juggernaut may be looking to move them away from the tag team division.
A change in creative direction could be another major reason behind Priest’s character switch on SmackDown. This also lets WWE separate the two stars and book them individually in the coming weeks.
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The former Judgment Day member might move into the mid-card or enter the World title picture. Meanwhile, the Triple H-led creative group can book Truth in comedic segments or decent singles matches on SmackDown.
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Popular streamer and online personality Kai Cenat recently unveiled VIVET, his clothing brand, after months of work and preparation. The brand officially showcased its first collection during VIVET Journal 1 in New York on September 12, 2026, at 8 PM ET. The event was also livestreamed, giving fans their first major look at Kai’s fashion project.
After the launch, VIVET revealed a lineup of 20 products across categories including tops and knitwear, bottoms, footwear, and accessories. The collection includes products for both men and women, with prices ranging from $20 to $1,195.
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Fans looking to purchase VIVET products can do so through the brand’s official online store. The collection includes relatively affordable items such as the VIVET Journal, while some of the higher-end pieces are priced close to $1,000 or more.
According to the information provided on the website, orders currently take around 1–3 days to process. Standard shipping is estimated to take another 3–8 days, while expedited shipping is expected to take 1–3 days. VIVET currently ships across the United States and Canada.
What are all of Kai Cenat’s VIVET products, and which is the most expensive item?
Kai Cenat’s VIVET currently has 20 products available in its collection, with the VIVET Journal being the cheapest item at $20. At the other end of the range, the VIVET Raglan Zip Up Jacket is the most expensive product at $1,195.
Here is the complete list of VIVET products and their prices:
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VIVET Journal: $20
VIVET Beginner Sweatpant: $140
VIVET Beginner Hoodie: $160
VIVET Bodysuit: $179
VIVET Track Pant: $220
VIVET Moto Top: $220
VIVET Monogram Loafer: $220
VIVET 100MM Transparent Heel: $220
VIVET Track Jacket: $280
VIVET Beginner Half Zip Sweater: $320
VIVET Electrician Boot: $320
VIVET Slim Fit Denim: $360
VIVET Balaclava Sweater: $395
VIVET Streaming Backpack: $550
VIVET Cargo Jacket: $580
VIVET Leather Button Down Regular Fit: $800
VIVET Leather Oxford: $800
VIVET Slim Fit Leather Pants: $995
VIVET Travel Backpack: $995
VIVET Raglan Zip Up Jacket: $1,195
This puts the VIVET collection across a wide price range, from a $20 journal to a $1,195 jacket. The collection also includes several products priced above $500, including the Streaming Backpack, Cargo Jacket, Leather Button Down Regular Fit, Leather Oxford, Slim Fit Leather Pants, Travel Backpack, and Raglan Zip Up Jacket. For Kai Cenat, VIVET marks a major move into fashion beyond his career as a streamer and online personality.
Alas Pilipinas Women have arrived in Nagoya, Japan all set for the Asian Games 2026.–Photo from Alas Pilipinas
MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas Women are all set for their Asian Games comeback after arriving in Japan on Sunday.
The Philippine women’s volleyball team safely landed ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya Games. The country’s women’s volleyball team is participating in the Asiad for the first time since 2018.
Alas is slated in Pool B, facing defending champion China on September 16 and Kazakhstan on September 17.
Shaina Nitura, the reigning UAAP MVP from Adamson, was with the young squad after being a late replacement for libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig.
Captain and setter Jia De Guzman was the lone holdover from the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, where she played with Jaja Santiago-Minowa, Alyssa Valdez, Majoy Baron, and Aby Maraño.
The eight-time league Best Setter will now lead a new generation of players, led by Angel Canino, Alyssa Solomon, Bella Belen, and Eya Laure.
Young middle blockers Amie Provido, Thea Gagate, Niña Ytang, and veteran Dell Palomata, as well as backup setter Mars Alba and libero Justine Jazareno will also make their Asian Games debuts under Japanese coach Taka Minowa.
The core won a historic silver medal in the SEA V Cup Leg 2 last month in Thailand.
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When Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper traded up to draft quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, he proclaimed the Alabama product was the guy who could bring the franchise “multiple” Super Bowl titles.
With the 25-year-old Young entering his fourth season, Tepper hasn’t wavered from that belief.
“I think he has a lot of talent, and with the right weapons and the right situation, yeah,” Tepper said in a rare news conference with reporters on Wednesday.
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Young is 14-30 as the team’s starting quarterback and the Panthers have yet to sign him to a long-term contract extension. Young is under contract through 2027 after the team picked up his fifth-year option.
Tepper declined to say if the Panthers have offered Young a long-term deal — one that would reaffirm the organization’s believe that he is worthy of being a franchise quarterback.
But Tepper is pleased with the way Young progressed in his third season, leading the Panthers to the NFC South title and snapping a seven-year playoff drought before losing 34-31 to the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the playoffs.
Young threw for 264 yards and a touchdown and also ran for a score against the Rams, but Carolina fell on a late touchdown pass from league MVP Matthew Stafford.
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Young beat the Rams earlier last season, and finished with the best statistical numbers of his career surpassing 3,000 yards passing with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
“He has performed at a high level against high-level competition,” Tepper said. “It seems to bring the best out in him. Bryce is the type of guy who doesn’t feel the pressure. You saw that against the Rams twice (last year). When you see that, you know it’s there. Can he bring it every single game? I know it’s there.”
Young Can Lead Rallies, But Looking For Faster Starts
Young has displayed an ability to rally the Panthers. He has 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime in the past three seasons.
Tepper said that’s great, but now he’d like to see Young — and the Panthers as a team — start games faster.
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Young has also had trouble starting the season fast.
He is 0-3 in Week 1 games and the Panthers have been outscored 97-30 in those defeats entering Sunday’s home opener against the Chicago Bears. Young has not thrown for more than 161 yards in any of those games and has six interceptions with only two touchdown passes.
Young said that starting fast has been a point of emphasis for the Panthers.
“We have talked a lot about that as a team, as a unit and as an organization,” Young said. “That comes with work. It’s about having the best week possible and going into the game, with as much communication as we can and just being on the same page.”
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Tepper likes Offensive Players Panthers Have Added
Tepper has referred to Young as a point guard who can distribute the ball, but added he could have used more playmakers to work with in past years.
Tepper believes the Panthers now have those.
Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has a season of experience after winning AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Jalen Coker is looking like a legitimate No. 2 receiver. The jury is still out on talented, but underachieving 2024 first-round draft pick Xavier Legette, but the Panthers added free agent veteran Darren Waller to give Young a pass-catching tight end.
The Panthers have Chuba Hubbard in the backfield and are hoping Jonathon Brooks can overcome his knee injury and can give the team a big-play threat in the backfield.
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Tepper also thinks the team’s overall depth has improved, pointing to the team’s 3-1 record in the preseason.
“We are more of a playoff team this year than we were last year,” Tepper said. “I think the pieces are there and we have everything we need.”
President Donald Trump paid a visit to the Amgen Irish Open on Saturday, where video surfaced of Trump chatting with Brooks Koepka.
Trump visited the tournament as part of a reported two-day trip to the Emerald Isle, which included meetings with Ireland president Catherine Connolly and prime minister Micheál Martin.
Trump has a long history of visiting golf tournaments while in office, making appearances at the 2017 U.S. Women’s Open at Trump National Bedminster, the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National, the 2025 LIV Golf Miami at Trump Doral and the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
This year’s Irish Open is being played at Trump International Doonbeg, which is located in County Clare on Ireland’s southwest coast.
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JUST NOW at Doonbeg: President Trump on the ground at the Irish Open standing next to five time major champion Brooks Koepka.
“Among those looking on, Brooks Koepka, alongside the 45th and 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Loves his golf!” pic.twitter.com/Azz7Ol5Tqm
There was plenty of on-course action to entertain President Trump and others on Saturday, as Ireland’s Shane Lowry added to his lead. The 39-year-old is a native of County Offaly, and memorably won his first and, to date, only Irish Open title as an amateur in 2009. A decade later, Lowry prevailed in the Open Championship at Royal Portrush for his maiden major title.
With one round remaining, Lowry is 16 under par overall and holds a four-shot lead over Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen (-12). Joaquin Niemann is third at nine under par.
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After posting a third-round 70 on Saturday, Brooks Koepka is T44 (+1). Rory McIlroy is T50 at two over par overall.
You can watch the final round of the Amgen Irish Open from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ET on NBC, and 12-1:30 p.m. on Golf Channel.
VANCOUVER — Zander Horvath drove in three touchdowns and the B.C. Lions held on for a 48-29 victory over the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday.
B.C. jumped out to a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter, only to see the visitors rally and get the game to within four points late in the first half.
Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke made good on 24 of his 33 attempts for 317 passing yards, connecting with Keon Hatcher Sr. for a second-quarter touchdown.
The Canadian added 77 rushing yards and drove in a major of his own, while defensive lineman Casey Sayles also notched a TD for B.C. (7-6). Sean Whyte made a pair of field goals, including a 42-yard kick late in the game’s final minutes.
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Davis Alexander threw for 242 yards for the Alouettes (10-3), and found both Tyler Snead and Tyson Philpot in the end zone. He also registered an interception early in the second quarter.
Defensive tackle Mustafa Johnson added a Montreal major off a forced fumble and Jose Maltos Diaz chalked up three field goals.
The result capped a home-and-home series that saw the Als take a 37-30 win in Montreal last week.
The Alouettes came within inches of recording an early interception Saturday when Robert Kennedy III nearly picked off Rourke’s attempt to Jermaine Jackson on the goal line midway through the first quarter.
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Rourke put a pass just over the outstretched fingertips of Stanley Berryhill on the next play and the Lions settled for a 35-yard field goal from Whyte to open the scoring.
A successful challenge helped B.C. boost its lead before the end of the opening frame.
Tyrice Beverette swooped in to collect Rourke’s pass in the end zone and it looked like the visitors had made good on the interception. Lions head coach Buck Pierce challenged the play and, after review, officials ruled Lorenzo Burns had interfered with the pass, putting B.C. at the one-yard line.
Horvath capitalized, plunging in and Whyte’s convert gave the home side a 10-0 lead.
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Seconds into the second quarter, Alexander tried to get a pass off before he was pulled down from behind, but Sayles nabbed the ball and sprinted in for another TD that put the Lions up 17-0.
The interception ended a streak that saw the Als QB go 108 attempts without getting picked off.
Montreal responded with a big drive, capped by Alexander’s 26-yard toss to Philpott in the end zone to put the visitors on the scoreboard 2 1/2 minutes into the quarter.
It didn’t take the Alouettes long to further chip away at the deficit.
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Beverette snuck around B.C.’s offensive line and hauled Rourke to the turf. Johnson collected the loose ball and ran it in for another TD. Maltos Diaz missed the convert, but the Lions’ lead dwindled to four points.
The two sides then traded seven-point scores, with Rourke finding Hatcher in the end zone under pressure before Alexander sent Snead a deep ball to make it 24-20 for B.C.
Action continued on both ends of the field in the dying seconds of the first half.
With 35 seconds left in the quarter, Rourke kept the ball himself after a snap and darted down the field, getting the ball to the corner marker for a touchdown before getting forced out of bounds. Whyte’s convert put B.C. up 31-20.
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A string of penalties on Montreal’s next possession made for choppy play, but the Als persisted and, with five seconds to go in the half, Maltos Diaz put a 25-yard kick through the uprights to make it 31-23 heading into the locker rooms.
Both sides struggled to capture momentum in the second half, but Montreal took another bite out of B.C.’s lead midway through the third with 33-yard field goal from Maltos Diaz.
The Lions broke through the stalemate midway through the frame when Horvath muscled his way through traffic for his second TD of the night.
Montreal lost a key piece on the ensuing kickoff return when receiver Devonte Dedmon was upended and suffered an apparent leg injury in the process. After being examined on the field, he was taken away on a cart.
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Horvath struck again with less than five minutes to go in the game, diving across the goal line for his third touchdown of the game and 16th of the season.
Montreal answered with a 50-yard field goal from Maltos Diaz before Whyte sealed the game at 48-29 with a 42-yard kick through the uprights.
Alouettes: Visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-9) on Friday.
Lions: Have a week off before hosting the Saskatchewan Roughriders (8-5) on Friday, Sept. 25.
Just as racegoers believed Sheza Alibi’s Makybe Diva Stakes victory had put things right after Oliveanotherday’s setback in the Bobbie Lewis Quality, Pondalowie stepped in with the day’s major surprise in the 2026 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m).
The David and Emma-Lee Browne-trained Deep Field six-year-old, based at Pakenham, recorded the first Group 2 win of her career by surging past her competitors in the 1400m contest at odds of $51.
This victory represented her fourth win from 22 starts, a career that has frequently been hampered by misfortune. Winning jockey Lachlan Neindorf indicated that this time, unlike previous races, he almost went looking for trouble.
“I spoke to my form man – he’s a genius and massive shout out to him, James. Jordan – and he said, ‘I’m so convinced with this horse you need to ride it almost for bad luck’,” Neindorf commented. “I found a lot of bad luck. She was in what seemed like an unwinnable position at the 200, but that’s when she really lets and she let rip today and she got over top.”
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Pondalowie finished a short-half-head ahead of another outsider, Too Darn Discreet ($21). On Display ($6), who appeared to have the race won when clear at the 150m mark, came in a half-back third. The $2.10 favourite, Gold Coast Belle, finished a disappointing seventh in the field.
Ready to place a bet on the next big race? Explore the leading Australian betting sites for the best racing odds and offers. Find your next favourite betting site here.
Man Utd have conceded twice in every Premier League game this season, and that defensive record could be put to the test this weekend.
It was a welcome clean sheet for Manchester United against Sabah on Thursday night, but it’s fair to say Manchester City’s front line will pose a bigger threat than the journeymen of Azerbaijan this weekend.
United had conceded twice in their first three Premier League games of the season, but despite a first-half scare, they kept Sabah at arm’s length to record a 4-0 win to open their Champions League campaign.
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That soft underbelly could be back in the spotlight on Sunday, however, when Erling Haaland and co rock up at Old Trafford. If Hull, Ipswich and Everton can all breach this rearguard twice, then City will fancy their chances of doing some damage.
United have conceded twice in 10 of Michael Carrick’s 20 Premier League games in charge, and although they have won five of those games and lost just twice, that kind of record feels unsustainable.
There is no shortage of defensive know-how on Carrick’s backroom staff, with Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate bringing plenty of experience, and another former United centre-back believes it is more about a team issue than individuals.
“They need to not only control the game, but defensively control the game by not giving away opportunities,” Jaap Stam told the Manchester Evening News, in an interview via Betfred.
“We know that if you want to win a league or win trophies then you need to be steady as a team and be consistent in what you’re bringing to the game.
“Is it something with individuals, and are we lacking quality with individuals, or is it something we can do better as a team? I think it’s the second one because I think we could do better with our defensive work and getting back behind the ball quicker, defending as a unit and not giving away these opportunities. It happens too often that United give away these goals.”
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez were Carrick’s first-choice centre-back pairing last season and although Leny Yoro came in for the former against Sabah, it would be a surprise if it wasn’t Maguire and Martinez against City.
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But there is another option that Carrick hasn’t yet had the opportunity to use, in Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt. The former Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich centre-back hasn’t played for eight-and-a-half months after a back injury, but he is nearing a return to action.
He was in the best form of his Old Trafford career until his injury setback and Stam believes the 27-year-old’s ability to organise could make him a serious option to shore up the defence.
“I wouldn’t say that Matthijs solely has got the mentality that you need because I think all the other players are trying to do their best and a lot of them have the experience where you expect them all to step up and lead the team together, especially in communication with each other, which is incredibly important,” said Stam.
“Matthijs, as I know him, and how he can play, he’s got the physique, he can play out from the back and he’s a tough defender that’s hard to get past. He’s always trying to organise, so that can really help a team.”
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Carrick is aware that conceding fewer goals is essential if United are to make a mark in the Premier League or Champions League this season, but next summer will bring an overhaul of the defence.
A left-back will remain the priority signing, with Lewis Hall still at the top of United’s wishlist despite a new five-year deal with Newcastle, but Stam believes right-back should also be looked at in 2027.
“Everybody always wants to see the best players in their team, but I think it’s about finding the right quality of course within the squad that you need, and they need to address certain positions that they can be stronger in,” he said.
“For me, it’s very important that they look at the full-back positions. I think Luke Shaw is a good and experienced player, but he’s struggled with injuries and especially now with the Champions League returning and more games, you’ll need to rest players and have somebody that can come in and play that position quite easily.
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“You may need to bring somebody in that can play at the same level or even better and I think that applies to right-back as well. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can play that position, but I think it’s important to bring in a right-back that’s even better and has more quality defensively. I think that’s what we need.
“We have lots of players that can play at centre-back. Harry Maguire’s still very important for United and at left centre-back, Lisandro Martinez is very good on the ball and his passing is good, but does he form the ideal pairing with Harry? We don’t know yet.
“Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are both still very young and they need to get more experience, but they need to have minutes if they’re to gain that experience. Michael Carrick needs to make decisions in these areas because they need the points and they need to win games. That’s the most important thing at the moment.”
Mohammed Shami’s chances of returning to international cricket for India appear uncertain, with the pacer having not played for the national team for one-and-a-half years. Now 36, Shami has dealt with recurring injuries in recent years, and the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selection committee appears to have moved towards a younger group of fast bowlers.This has led to questions over whether Shami is being overlooked because of his age, especially as he has continued to perform in domestic cricket. There have been arguments that the BCCI should not rule him out because of his age, pointing to experienced fast bowlers such as Mitchell Starc, who continue to play for Australia.However, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra said age is not the only reason Shami is out of the Indian team.“There is a stark difference between Mohammed Shami and Mitchell Starc. Starc has remained fit and played continuously, and whenever he has returned to action, he has spearheaded the (Australian) attack. No question can be raised over his form, fitness and sharpness,” Chopra said, in a video posted by CREX.“Mohammed Shami, on the other hand, has had injuries. He had a surgery and then spent time out of action. When he returned to domestic cricket, there were question marks over his pace and whether he was in full swing. He did take wickets, but that intensity appeared to be lacking,” he said.Chopra also rejected the idea that Shami’s age is the reason he has been left out, pointing to the continued selection of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are older than Shami.“Is Shami’s age going against him? I think that would be preposterous. It makes no sense whatsoever to drop someone because of his age, because you are still selecting veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.”“I don’t think age is the factor. At some point, the selectors will spell out the reason, but I don’t think it is age,” Chopra concluded.Shami recently completed 100 first-class matches after playing for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026 final.
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