Netherlands Rally Past Mexico To Advance



 Huntelaar with the magic touch in NED win. Photo Credit: AP

The Netherlands were a scoring machine in the first round netting ten goals but, up until the 88th minute of the second half at a hot and humid Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza they found themselves without a goal However, that drought would finally break for the Dutch at the 88th minute.

By Sunil Sunderraj

Brazil Defeats Chile In Thrilling Match

Neymar shined brightly for Brazil in their victory. Photo Credit: Getty Images

 

Neymar stutter step perfectly placed ball into the left corner of the net in penalty shootout lifted Brazil past Chile 3-2. Defender Gonzalo Jara’s attempted tying shot clang off the right goal post sending the crowd at Estadio Minerirao in Belo Hortizonte into a frenzy. With the victory Brazil advanced to a quarterfinal matchup on Friday July 4th against Colombia.

 

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Colombia Rolls Into Quarterfinals Courtesy of James Rodriguez

 

James Rodriguez was the star in Colombia's win. Photo Credit: Getty Images

 

Behind the golden foot of James Rodriguez Colombia steamrolled into the Quarterfinals by defeating Uruguay. This result also sets up a showdown on July 4th against the World Cup host Brazil.

 

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Yankees Cruise To Victory Over Red Sox

Nuno delivered for NY last night. Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The Bronx Bombers showed up on Friday at Yankee Stadium for real, smacking three home runs en route to a 6-0 drubbing of the Boston Red Sox.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Tim Lincecum's No Hitter Demands Your Respect

 

Tim Lincecum tosses no hitter. Photo Credit:Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

 

In a baseball season that continues to give us no hitters to enjoy and cherish, Tim Lincecum added to the last on Wednesday as he no hit the San Diego Padres at home in what turned out to be a 4-0 win for the San Francisco Giants.

 

By: Michael Hanley

United States Advances to Round of 16 in World Cup

 

 Mueller's lone goal was enough for victory. Photo Credit: Action Press/Rex

 

Despite losing 1-0 to Germany at a rain soaked Arena Pernambuco in Recife, the United States advanced to their second consecutive Round of 16 in team history.

By: Sunil Sunderraj 

Yankees Break Losing Streak In Victory Over Toronto

Jacoby Ellsbury sparks New York to victory. Photo Credit: AP

 

The New York Yankees broke their four game losing streak with a 5-3 victory over Toronto last night. Jacoby Ellsbury’s double to center field with two outs in the third inning scored Francisco Cervelli from second base and would prove to be the go ahead run for New York.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Blue Jays Win a Wild Game Over Yankees

Melky Cabrera sparks Blue Jays to win. Photo Credit: Fred Thornhill

 

Despite falling behind 6-0 after five innings of play, the Yankees fought back valiantly to tie the game at 6-6 in the Top of the 7th inning. However, Melky Cabrera’s walk off bunt scored Jose Reyes from second base giving the Blue Jays the 7-6 victory at Rogers Centre in Toronto. Reyes sparked the winning run by getting a leadoff double to right field.

By: Sunil Sunderraj 

TheLateShift Podcast: LeBron and Melo Opt-out, World Cup Fever, NBA Mock Draft Talk

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Uruguay Moves On With Victory Over Shorthanded Italy

Diego Godin proved to be Uruguay's hero in win. Photo Credit: MSN UK

 

Uruguay advanced to the Round of 16 by defeating a shorthanded Italy 1-0 at Estadios Das Dunas in Natal. Defender Diego Godin scored the lone goal in this match off a corner kick from Gaston Ramirez in the 81st minute. The goal was set up courtesy of a slick left footed curl pass into the box that glanced off the back and shoulder of a rising Godin past the diving Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and found its way into the back of the net.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Netherland's Subs Spark Team To Victory

 

Daryl Janmaat sparked The Netherlands to victory.Photo credits: Getty Images

 

Some real key substitutions in the second half by the Netherlands sparked a 2-0 victory over Chile yesterday. The Netherlands secured the top spot in Group B and has advanced to the Round of 16.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Chase Utley Wants To Stay Put In Philly

Chase Utley a trading piece for the Phillies? Photo Credit: USATSI

The Phillies continue their underwhelming season as they continue along with a 34-41 record, 6.5 games back of first place Washington in the NL East. The whispers of them putting up the white flag and trading some of their top players at the trade deadline have continued to grow louder and louder in recent weeks. Should Philadelphia decide to do so, don’t count on Chase Utley moving anywhere.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Cristiano Ronaldo Saves The Day for Portugal

 

 

Ronaldo saved his heroics until the end of the match. Photo credit: AP 

 

The United States men’s soccer team was literally seconds in stoppage time away from advancing into the knockout round. Those dreams however,  were dashed away by a perfect high crossing pass from Ronaldo to Varela who bulleted home a header past Tim Howard for the equalizing goal and manage to prevent the U.S team from getting those three precious points.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Suarez's Star Shines in Uruguay's Win Over England

Luis Suarez leads Uruguay to win over England. Photo Credit: Getty Images

 

Despite undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery a month ago, Luis Suarez made a triumphant return scoring twice in Uruguay’s 2-1 victory of England in Group D play. Suarez scored the game winner in the 85th minute of play. He was able to get behind England’s defense and then blast a shot past the goalkeeper Joe Hart into the center of net.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Embiid Changes Things

Joel Embid injury will change the upcoming NBA draft. Photo credit: NCAA

With the news that Joel Embiid has a fractured foot to go along with his bad back, the draft looks a lot different. How far could he fall before someone has to select him.

by +Rodney Fisher

Clayton Kershaw No Hits The Rockies

Kershaw delivered his first no hitter of his career. Photo Credit:  USATSI

 

Clayton Kershaw’s career has so far been spectacular in almost every way manageable.From his sparking W-L record of 84-48 to his remarkable career E.R.A of 2.60. He also has had great success in his postseason starts as well but outside of winning a World series, there was only one other thing missing from his resume: a no hitter. Well, that box got checked off last night as he tossed his first no hitter of his career vs the Rockies last night at Chavez Ravine.

 

By: Michael Hanley

BREAKING: David Villa To Play in MLS in 2015

NYC F.C. makes a splash with David Villa signing. Photo Credit: Soccer

 

David Villa, the highly-experienced Spanish striker who has lifted the Champions League and World Cup trophies in what has been a title brimming career, finally put pen to paper with New York City F.C. early last week to become the Major League Soccer club’s very first player.

By: Luke Jarrett

Tanaka Rings Up League Leading 11th Win



Tanaka  in dominant form. Photo Credit: Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports

 

Mashiro Tanaka registered his league leading eleventh win in the Yankees 3-1 victory over Toronto. Despite giving up a leadoff home run to Jose Reyes on the first pitch of the game, Tanaka was able to strike out two  Blue Jays to end the inning.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

NFL: Inside Dallas Cowboys Mini Camp with D210TV

Dallas Cowboys mini camp. Photo credit: D210TV

Our friends at D210TV take you inside Dallas Cowboys Mini Camp for the latest information.

NBA Finals Live Blog: Spurs Party

Manu Ginobili celebrates another NBA Championship. Photo credit: Rodney Fisher

I hate to say I told you so, but I did have the Spurs in 5...Either way it was great to experience another championship celebration. They say pictures are a thousand words...

by +Rodney Fisher

Jimmy Rollins Open To Trade if Phillies Go Rebuild Route

Jimmy Rollins potential trade target? Photo credit: Ron Cortes/Daily News

The Phillies have had anything but a smooth season so far. They currently sit in dead last in the National League East with a 29-37 record, a record that is fifth worst in all of major league baseball.  This underwhelming first two and a half months has triggered rumors of the organization going into a full rebuild mode at some time and point. Jimmy Rollins though, begs to differ on that notion.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Kings Capture Stanley Cup with Dramatic Game 5 Double OT Victory

Alex Martinez's goal powered LA to Stanley Cup. Photo Credit: Getty Images 

 

The Los Angeles Kings captured their second Stanley Cup in the past three seasons with a dramatic double overtime victory in Game 5 over the New York Rangers. The Kings won the series 4-1. Defensemen Alec Martinez scored off a rebound shot from Tyler Toffoli at 14:43. Martinez became the first NHL player to score the game winning goal that lifted his team to the Stanley Cup Finals and Stanley Cup.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

NBA: Good To Be Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony to become free agent. Photo credit: NBA 

An introspective look at the possible destinations that soon-to-be free agent Carmelo Anthony will have to choose from in the NBA. It would be hard for him to make a bad decision considering the options available.

by +Rodney Fisher

Yoenis Cespedes: The Outfielder With A Cannon Arm

Cespedes making plays with his arm. Photo credit: Kelley L.Cox, US Presswire

Yoenis Cespedes is known for his all around great game, but his arm has been the star of the show the past two nights in major league baseball. We see all sorts of throws in baseball, ranging from laughable and way off the target to ones that make you stop and just say “How did he make that throw” Cespedes had not one but two of those type of highlight throws in the just completes series the Athletics had vs. the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Rangers avoid sweep in Game 4 thanks to their "King"



Lundqvist the star for NY in Game 4.Photo Credit: Scott Levy/Getty Images

The New York Rangers avoided a sweep in the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals by hanging on for 2-1 victory over the Kings in Game 4. The Rangers set an NHL Record with their eight straight home win when facing elimination. A 5-0 record when facing elimination this postseason. Only allowing a goal in each of those games.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

NBA: Coach Fisher? Will this effect Melo decision?

Derek Fisher introduced as New York Knicks head coach. Photo credit: CBS

Derek Fisher becomes second point guard to retire and coach a team in New York. Phil Jackson hires his former player to coach the New York Knicks. With the franchise's bigger decision, Carmelo Anthony, looming we take a look at how this hire will effect the outcome.

by +Rodney Fisher

Oriole's Machado Suspended 5 Games For Bat Toss

Manny Machado gets penalty for actions vs. A's. Photo Credit: US Presswire 

Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado has recently been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons with the confrontation he had with a couple of the Oakland A’s players during their weekend series. He now has been handed a five game suspension by Major League Baseball. It is said that Machado is going to appeal this suspension.

 

By: Michael Hanley

NBA Finals Live Blog: Day 6 and Half of 7, The Long Journey

South Beach View. Photo credit: Rodney Fisher

Day 6 (and half of 7) of my blog covering the 2014 NBA Finals. Fins out why it is always best to keep your bags close by at all times...

by +Rodney Fisher

Kings On Brink of Stanley Cup After Game 3 Win

Quick stonewalled NY last night in Game 3. Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Los Angeles Kings are one win away from their second Stanley Cup after a 3-0 shutout over the New York Rangers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals last night. Jonathan Quick matched the number on the back of his jersey with 32 saves. His second postseason shutout and ninth overall of his career in the playoffs. Quick has not allowed a goal in 114:44 minutes and made 49 consecutive saves.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Padres Draft Manziel in MLB Draft

Johnny Manziel drafted by the Padres. Photo Credit: USA Today

In the MLB Draft, we got to see the top picks be selected by the teams who have been targeting them for months even years in some cases.The San Diego Padres though chose to make a splashy pick with their 28th round pick: Johnny Manziel.  Yes that Johnny Manziel of Heisman Trophy fame and 22nd overall pick by the Cleveland Browns of the NFL. It certainly generated quite the buzz throughout the sports world.

By: Michael Hanley

NBA Finals Live Blog: Day 5, Return of Cool

LeBron James. Photo credit: NBA 

Day 5 of my blog covering the 2014 NBA Finals. As the cool air returns to the building, the "coolest" player returns to the building also. 

by +Rodney Fisher

Kings Stun Rangers with Double OT Victory

 

Dustin Brown, the hero in Game 2 for LA. Photo Credit:Alex Gallardo/AP

For the second consecutive game in the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Rangers in overtime. The Kings did it this time in double OT. Erasing two goal deficits three times in Game 2. Captain Dustin Brown deflected a Willie Mitchell out of midair past Henrik Lundqvist at 10:26. Los Angeles had rallied from 2+ goals down in the last three games, forth in the last games. Los Angeles has overcome 2+ goals deficits five times this postseason notching three victories.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

NBA: Rodney's Mock Draft 1.5

Dante Exum moving in the NBA draft. Photo credit: HoundSports

After talking with some other NBA beat writers I have a few changes to the first round of the upcoming draft. Some teams may not draft for need afterall...

by +Rodney Fisher

NBA Finals Live Blog: Day 2, How HOT was it?

Mascot tries to cool the crowd. Photo credit: MySanAntonio

Day two of my live blog covering the 2014 NBA Finals. The trials and tribulations of traveling and enduring the hot-box formerly known as the AT&T Center.

by +Rodney Fisher

Dodger's Mattingly shows frustration after latest loss.

Don Mattingly of the Dodgers. Photo Credit:Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Dodgers have been a team that is the definition of an  enigma so far this baseball season. The series just completed against the White Sox, showcased why Los Angeles  is just an average 31-30 so far  more than two months into the season. Manager Don Mattingly’s frustration was palpable after the latest loss on Wednesday against Chicago.

 

By: Michael Hanley

NBA Finals Live Blog: Day 1, Game 1

Ready like Ray Allen for Game 1. Photo credit: Rodney Fisher

The first installment of my game-by-game blog covering the 2014 NBA Finals. Find out new information that may sway the entire series, not just game 1...And a quick reminder about the central Texas weather.

by +Rodney Fisher

Kings Defeat Rangers in Thrilling Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final

 Justin Williams leads LA to Game 1 win over NY. Harry How/Getty Images

 Once again the Los Angeles Kings erased a two goal deficit and won a game in overtime. Justin Williams a hero in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against Chicago and worked his magic again last night. A turnover by New York Rangers defensemen Dan Girardi led to a pass from Mike Richards to Williams in the slot who buried the puck past Henrik Lundqvist blocker side at 4:36 of the extra session.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Jose Abreu: A Rising Star

Jose Abreu becoming next great MLB slugger. Photo Credit: Morry Gash/AP

 Jose Abreu’s return to the White Sox on Monday night vs. the Dodgers from the disabled list was a welcomed sight for the ball club and organization. He certainly made his mark on the game as he hit a two run home run to get back into the swing of things for Chicago. Beyond his impressive swing and the numbers he puts up now in the big leagues, his journey to being one of the brightest young sluggers in the game is a  fascinating and incredible one.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Kings Eliminate The Defending Stanley Cup Champions

 

Tyler Toffoli. Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

 

The Los Angeles Kings became the first team in NHL History to win three consecutive Game 7’s on the road in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tyler Toffoli's second goal of the game on a redirection off stick of which deflected off Chicago defensemen Nick Leddy and over shoulder of goaltender Corey Crawford at 14:13 of Overtime. Los Angeles advances to their second Stanley Cup in the past 3 seasons.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Yankee's Teixeira and Pineda Experience Injury Setbacks



Mark Teixeira experiencing soreness Photo Credit: Abelimages/Getty Images

The Mash unit known as the New York Yankees continues to be snake bitten by bad injury news. Just as both Mark Teixeira and Michael Pineda were trying to work back from their injuries, they were unfortunately stopped in their tracks as both have suffered setbacks that will further delay their goal of becoming 100% healthy playing wise.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Fan Poll: The NBA Finals - San Antonio Spurs vs Miami Heat

Miami Heat vs San  Antonio Spurs. Photo credit: NBA

NBA fans will see #1 take on #1 for a second straight time in The Finals. Will the Miami Heat win their third-straight championship? Will San Antonio avenge their only franchise loss in The Finals?

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Blackhawks stave off elimination with Game 6 victory

Patrick Kane of the Blackhawks. Photo Credit: Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

The Chicago Blackhawks staved off elimination for a second time defeating the Los Angeles Kings in Game 6, 4-3. Patrick Kane’s second goal of the game with 3:45 left in the 3rd period was the difference maker. A perfect drop pass to Kane who circled the puck around the Kings zone utilizing patience, speed and quickness eventually snapped a wicked wrist shot past a screened Jonathan Quick. Kane’s 4th game winning goal in the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs and 7th overall of his career.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

NBA: Is Shelly Sterling That Smart?

Did Shelly Sterling orchestrate the billion dollar sale of the LA Clippers?
Photo credit: LA Times

The Los Angeles Clippers have gone from the black-eye of the NBA to a $2 billion dollar pay day for the Sterlings after the announcement of the franchise's sale for former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. The total transformation of fortune over the last 45-days seems too scripted for even Hollywood. 

by +Rodney Fisher

Shields a potental Blue Jays target at Trade Deadline

 Toronto has James Shields in its sights. Photo credit: Charlie Riedel/AP

The Blue Jays have been the surprise team so far in all of the major leagues. They currently sit at 32-23, first place in the AL East and just had a nine game winning streak snapped last night. Their starters as a group have  done a solid job posting a collective 3.88 ERA, firth best in the American League, but are rumored to be looking to add a veteran starter to further strengthen the rotation.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Astros Face Tough Decision on #1 Pick

Carlos Rodon a possible Astro? Photo Credit: Ethan Hyman, News Observer

 Its still a mystery to as who the  Astros are going to select with the number one pick in the upcoming draft on June 5th. They have plenty of options when it comes to high caliber prospects that could make an impact on their on their organization. This is a decision that can easily determine just how much farther they can go in terms of improving as a whole and making those steps in the rebuilding process.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Blackhawks avoid elimination with thrilling Double OT win over the Kings

 Michal Handzus was the Game 5 hero. Photo Credit:Bill Smith/Getty Images  

Michal Handzus scored 2:04 into the second overtime allowing the defending Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks to play another game. A steal in the neutral zone and nifty pass by Brandon Saad to Handzus who skated in and backhanded puck top shelf past Jonathan Quick. Handzus 1st career OT playoff winner. The Brandon Saad/Patrick Kane/Andrew line totaled 1 goal, 8 assists and +10 rating.

By: Sunil Sunderraj