Monday, October 4, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Stifling Defense, Steady Offense Lift Giants Over Bears

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 05:36 PM PDT

Kareem Shaker – AHN Sports Reporter

United States (AHN) – Eli Manning led a steady offense that outgained Chicago 372-110 and took advantage of a New York Giants defense that forced three turnovers, managed an incredible 10 sacks and held the Bears to 0-for-13 on 3rd-down in a 17-3 win Sunday night.

Manning came into the game with six interceptions in three games, five of which came on tipped balls. But he managed to avoid an interception while going 18-for-30 for 195 yards.

Hakeem Nicks was a big part of the reason, catching eight passes for 110 yards with incredibly sure hands.

The Giants running game came to form against what was rated as the league’s top run defense coming into the game.

Ahmad Bradshaw had 29 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown and Brandon Jacobs had six carries for 62 yards and a score.

The Giants defense up front, led by Jonathan Goff (5.0 sacks), Justin Tuck (3.0) and Osi Umenyiora (3.0), completely manhandled any kind of pass protection the Bears mustered.

Both Jay Cutler and backup Todd Collins were knocked out of the game with injuries. In addition to a 42-yard, one-interception performance, Cutler had to deal with a concussion.

New York (2-2) moved into a three-way tie with Washington and Philadelphia for first in the NFC East. The Giants play the upstart Texans in Houston in Week 5.

Chicago (3-1) is tied with Green Bay for first in the NFC North. The Bears visit Carolina to face the Panthers.

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Garcia-Lopez Rules Thai Open; Youzhny Tops Golubev In Malaysian Finale

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 05:36 PM PDT

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Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Bangkok, Thailand (AHN) – Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez capped his impressive Thailand Open run by topping Jarkko Nieminen of Finland in three sets in Sunday’s finale.

Garcia-Lopez, who knocked off fellow Spaniard and top-ranked Rafael Nadal in the semifinal Saturday, carried the momentum into the final to post a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory over his opponent, who is ranked seven places below him.

The world No. 53 Garcia-Lopez struggled in the second set and early in the decider before regaining his form, unleashing a crisp cross-court return winner to seal the victory.

It was the second career ATP singles crown for Garcia-Lopez, who won his only previous title in Kitzbuhel in 2009.

Garcia-Lopez will move up to No. 40 next week.

It marked the first time that the Thailand Open final featured two unseeded players.

Sunday’s encounter was just the second all-time between Garcia-Lopez and Nieminen. The 29-year-old Nieminen, who was appearing in his 10th career ATP final, won their initial meeting at Beijing in 2004.

At Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, fourth-seeded Russian Mikhail Youzhny dismantled eighth-seeded Andrev Golubev of Kazakhstan in three sets in the Malaysia Open final Sunday.

Youzhny, who returned to the top-10 for the first time in 2 1-2 years after reaching the semis of the recent U.S. Open, where he succumbed to eventual champion Nadal, defeated the 41st-ranked Golubev, 6-7 (7), 6-2, 7-6 (3).

It was the seventh career ATP singles title and second of 2010 for the ninth-ranked Youzhny, who found his rhythm in the second set as Golubev committed unforced errors.

In the third set, both players struggled to gain a break point until the tiebreaker went in favor of Youzhny.

Meanwhile in Tokyo, Japan, top-seeded Dane Caroline Wozniacki shrugged off a tentative start to beat former champion Elena Dementieva of Russia Saturday in the final of the Toray Pen Pacific Open.

World no. 2 Wozniacki, who is gearing to claim the top spot in the world rankings, dropped six of the seven games in the opening set before regaining her form to post a 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory.

Wozniacki, who was appearing in her 18th career final, won her 11th WTA title, fifth this year.

She could supplant current No. 1 Serena Williams atop the WTA rankings if she advances as far as the quarterfinals of next week’s tournament in Beijing.

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Penguins Rout Red Wings In Preseason Finale

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 05:36 PM PDT

Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – Recently acquired Mike Comrie tallied twice, while Evgeni Malkin had a goal and three assists, as the Pittsburgh Penguins ended their preseason with a 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings Sunday at Joe Louis Arena.

The 10-year veteran Comrie, who was signed early in September to a league-minimum $500,000 free-agent contract, is perfectly blending with Mallkin.

Comrie finished the exhibition season with four goals and five points, as he works with Malkin on the same line.

Malkin, on the other hand, recorded three goals with three assists in four preseason contests.

The Penguins also got a goal and helper each from Chris Kunitz and Alex Goligoski, while Marc-Andre Fleury had 22 saves in the victory.

Pavel Datsyuk registered a goal and an assist for Detroit, while Mike Modano scored for the first time in a Red Wings uniform after joining the team in early August.

Chris Osgood finished with 20 saves in the loss.

The Penguins open the regular season Thursday by welcoming the Flyers to their new arena, Consol Energy Center.

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Beckham`s First Goal Of Season Lifts Galaxy Over Chivas USA

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 05:36 PM PDT

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Jojo Doria – AHN Sports Contributor

Carson, CA, United States (AHN) – David Beckham doubled his team’s lead six minutes before the half and shattered a 1-all tie, as the Los Angeles Galaxy edged Chivas USA 2-1 Sunday night in the SuperClasico at the Home Depot Center.

Edson Buddle opened up the scoring for L.A. in the 23rd with his 15th Major League Soccer-leading goal.

Alan Gordon accounted for the lone goal for the Goats (7-15-4), who lost three consecutive contests and four of five.

The Galaxy played with 10 men after Eddie Lewis, who replaced Beckham in the 64th, and was assessed a red card in the 77th minute.

Beckham, taking advantage of a foul on Buddle, scored off a free kick just outside the box, rocketing a curling shot around the wall and past Chivas goalie Zach Thornton.

The victory is the third win in four games for the Galaxy (16-6-5) and enabled Los Angeles to move back into first place in the Western Conference, taking a two-point lead over Real Salt Lake.

The Galaxy will aim to carry the momentum into Thursday when they square off against the Philadelphia Union.

Chivas, on the other hand, will attempt to rebound against Toronto FC Saturday at The Home Depot Center.

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BYU Fires Defensive Coordinator Hill After Disappointing 1-4 Start

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 05:51 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Provo, UT, United States (AHN) – BYU’s awful 1-4 start to the college football season and Jaime Hill’s reportedly strained relations with Cougars coaches and players alike cost the defensive coordinator his job Saturday.

The Cougars are ranked well over 100th in the nation in rushing defense, and a pair of offensive categories as well (scoring, passing efficiency) in its worst start since 1973.

Only BYU’s opening opponent, Washington, failed to reach the 400 yard mark in offense at 394.

Air Force followed with 477 yards, Florida State collected 427, Nevada piled up 435 and in-state rival Utah State outgained BYU by nearly 100 yards (434-335).

Hill previously worked with a pair of CFL teams in Ottawa and Calgary before joining BYU in 2006 as secondary coordinator.

Hill was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2008.

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Pac-10: Washington`s Locker Hurts Southern Cal; Oregon Perfect At 5-0

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 05:51 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Corvallis, OR, United States (AHN) – Two Pac-10 football powerhouses experienced contrasting results Saturday, as Southern California absorbed its first loss in a heartbreaking fashion to Washington, while Oregon crushed Stanford to stay perfect after five games.

The Trojans failed to pass their first real test in the season, as Washington’s Erik Folk booted a last second 32-year field goal to beat South California 32-31.

Folk’s late game heroics saved a terrific performance of Huskies quarterback Jake Locker, who completed 24-of-40 passes for 310 yards and one TD pass.

The signal-caller also rushed for 110 yards on 12 carries to lead the Huskies offense through the air and on the ground.

From the opening snap, the Trojans and Huskies engaged in a competitive and entertaining game, as both teams traded the lead until the final seconds.

Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley (14-of-20 for 186 yards) and running back Allen Bradford (223 yards on 21 carries and two rushing TD) contributed, but not enough to prevent Lane Kiffin from suffering his first loss as USC coach.

Meanwhile, the Oregon Ducks maintained their winning ways Saturday, as they rallied from an 18-point first quarter deficit to defeat Stanford 52-31at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.

Ducks quarterback Darron Thomas completed 20-of-29 passes for 238 yards and 3 TD strikes to spearhead a big second-half rally.

The Ducks sophomore quarterback also rushed 117 yards on 15 carries and one rushing TD, while running back LaMichael James rolled up 257 yards on 31 carries and 3 TDs.

After five weeks, Oregon stayed on top of the Pac-10 with a 5-0 overall record (2-0 in the conference), while No.18 USC dropped to sixth place with a 4-1 overall slate (1-1 in the conference).

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Ryder Cup Quest Turns Into Nighmare For U.S. Team

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 05:51 AM PDT

Tom Edrington – AHN Sports Reporter

Newport, Wales, United Kingdom (AHN) – The nightmare of Saturday evening turned into a dreadful reality Sunday in the rain and sunshine at Celtic Manor for the U.S. Ryder Cup team.

An inspired European team turned the tide of the competition and takes a commanding 9 1-2 to 6 1-2 lead into the 12 singles matches to be staged in the first-ever Monday finale for this historic competition.

The Americans were simply buried during the two alternate shot and four best-ball matches that started Saturday evening and concluded after a brief rain delay Sunday.

The Europeans won five of the six matches and tied the other and need only five points from the singles matches to regain the Cup.

The United States team will have to regroup and hope it can pull off a miraculous rally reminiscient of the miracle comeback at Brookline in 1999 that was inspired by then captain Ben Crenshaw.

The U.S. won the first six matches in the singles that final day in ’99 and won eight of the first 10 to win the Cup.

This time, the U.S. will have to come up with five and a half points on Monday that would forge a tie and allow the Americans to keep the Cup with 14 total points.

The faces of the team captains reflected the situations for their respective squads.

Colin Montgomerie was ear-to-ear smiles as his team played with the passion he hoped it would find. It was a huge momentum swing to the European side.

“It was indeed,” Montgomerie said. “You have to have 12 guys to win this thing. This format did favor Europe. My objective was to get into the singles matches at 8-all,” said Montgomerie, who watched the Molinari brothers, Francesco and Edoardo take away a U.S. opportunity for a single point in the final match at the final hole.

The Molinaris were one-down standing on the 18th tee to Matt Kuchar and Stewart Cink.

All four players had short wedge shots to the green at the par five and after Cink and Kuchar hit unimpressive shots, Francesco his a remarkable shot that stopped just inside four feet from the hole.

He made the putt, got the half point and sent the pro-European crowd into a frenzy.

“You have to give them (the Molinaris) credit,” their captain said after the putt. “It was fantastic for us.”

The entire day was fantastic for Monty’s squad.

It started with a total wipeout of the Tiger Woods-Steve Stricker team by Lee Westwood and Luke Donald. The European duo won 6-and-5 giving Woods his worst-ever loss in Ryder Cup competition.

The other alternate shot match saw Zach Johnson and Hunter Mahan beaten 3-and-1 by the Irish duo of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.

In the best ball, nothing turned out well.

Phil Mickelson stayed winless in this event. He and Rickie Fowler lost to Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer, 2-and-1. Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson both remained winless when they lost to Paddy Harrington and Ross Fisher, 2-and-1.

Even team rookie for the U.S. — Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton — were beaten, 2-up on the final hole by Miguel Angel Jiminez and Peter Hanson.

Only Cink and Kuchar prevented the dreaded goose-egg.

The look on American captain Corey Pavin’s face told the other side of the story.

Pavin looked on grim and expressionless and uninspired as he watched Kuchar and Cink lose the final hole.

“We’re still okay,” Pavin insisted. “I’m really proud of the guys. They hung tough. They know what they have to do. We won’t talk much. They’ll figure out what they have to do and come out and do it.”

To do “it” the play will have to be superb and the rally furious for the U.S. team, like the one staged 11 years ago at Brookline.

But momentum going into the 12 singles finals is clearly on the European side and the huge crowd has grown louder and louder as the European lead swelled.

“Momentum,” said Montgomerie, “is the key in these matches.”

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Analysis: Lions Offense Not Exactly Motoring Through Season

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 04:22 AM PDT

Chad Hutchinson – AHN Sports Correspondent

Detroit, MI, United States (AHN) – Here is a position by position breakdown, pardon the choice of words, of the Detroit Lions offense through the first three weeks of the season.

Quarterbacks - Sadly the injury suffered by franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford in week one against Chicago has limited those expectations. Stafford is expected to start throwing this week, but Detroit’s coaching staff is not going to allow Stafford to be exposed to a very skilled and very fired up Green Bay defense.

Lions backup quarterback Shaun Hill has been serviceable, but clearly lacks the arm strength to squeeze the ball between defenders on seam routes, or the zip to get the ball to receivers on deep out routes.

This was clear in last Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. Hill had Tony Scheffler open on a seam route down the middle, but he didn’t have enough zip on the ball, and this allowed the defender time to make a play on the ball. I have to think with Matthew Stafford in there, that is seven points on the board.

One of the more positive things Hill has brought to the table, is his pocket awareness. Multiple times against the Vikings, the pocket collapsed, and Hill was able to maneuver and buy himself a few more seconds to find an open receiver.

It still appears however, that if the Lions have any hopes of winning multiple games this year, they are going to need Matthew Stafford under center, and they are going to have to PROTECT HIM.

Running backs - This is without a doubt one of Detroit’s greatest strengths on offense, as well as their deepest position for talent. That is until the injury bug hit. Last week against Minnesota Detroit suffered injuries to three running backs.

Rookie sensation Jahvid Best had to leave the game with a foot injury which was later diagnosed as turf toe, which can can be extremely painful and can put quite a hamper on a speedster like Best. The Lions other speedy back, Aaron Brown, suffered a broken hand and will be out for a few weeks at the least. Maurice Morris was the Lions last back and he was even shook up on a play but was still able to return to the game.

Detroit can’t afford injuries to this talented group. Look for Kevin Smith to return to action soon to make up for the damaged backfield. Both Best and Morris are expected to play this week. One possibility the Lions could explore is a trade for disgruntled New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs.

Jacobs only had four rushing attempts for 17 yards and one catch for one yard in the Giants loss to the Tennessee Titans. The Lions running game has struggled in short yardage situations, and Jacobs could be the answer.

Wide Receivers - This was expected to be Detroit’s greatest strength heading into the season. Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Bryant Johnson, and Derrick Williams made up what seemed to be a young and talented receiving corps.

Calvin has been relatively ineffective against opposing defenses, except for the first and fourth quarters. Burleson was expected to draw coverages away from Calvin, but an ankle injury in week two has left him sidelined, and his return against the Packers is doubtful.

Bryant Johnson still seems to struggle to find his place in the offense, and for such a big bodied receiver, he has to do better in catching the ball and taking hits.

Derrick Williams seems to remain in the coaching doghouse, but when he got on the field against the Vikings, he once again made plays. The Lions have to incorporate Williams into the game plan more.

Overall, Detroits receiving group has great talent, or potential, but it’s up to Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan to find ways to stretch the field and get the ball to his playmakers.

Tight Ends – This has been one of Detroit’s steadiest groups this season. Tight ends Tony Scheffler and Brandon Pettigrew have been a real spark for Detroit’s offense. Pettigrew had a 100 yard receiving performance against the Eagles in week two, and Scheffler caught his first touchdown pass of the season last week against the Vikings.

With the struggles the Detroit receiving corps seems to be having, its important that both Pettigrew and Scheffler continue to step up and pick up the slack.

Offensive Line – Detroit’s offensive line is improved over last year, but unfortunately it is still poor overall. Detroits struggles on the offensive line cannot be directed at any one member. All five of their starting lineman has had blown plays and struggled at times.

This unit has to start playing with some consistency. They looked solid in week two against the Eagles, helping rookie Jahvid Best to have a breakout game. The next week however, the Vikings completely dominated, and the Lions were unable to produce any sort of running game at all.

In the passing game, they are having their struggles as well. The number of QB sacks allowed is down compared to last year, big time, but the line is still allowing far too many hits and knockdowns on the quarterback.

A franchise quarterback like Matthew Stafford does the Lions no good if they can’t keep him healthy, protected, and on the field.

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Men`s Volleyball Championships: Bulgaria Stuns Brazil, Spain Up Next

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 04:22 AM PDT

AHN Sports Staff

Milan, Italy (AHN) – After winding up undefeated in the second round, Bulgaria looks to sustain its excellent play Monday, when it takes on Spain in third round action at the 2010 World Men’s Volleyball Championships in Italy.

Fresh off scoring a 25-18, 25-20, 25-20 upset win over Brazil Saturday night, the Bulgarian men’s volleyball squad is expecting an even tougher challenge in the next round, where powerhouses Spain and Cuba are waiting in pool Q.

Many believe Brazil strategically surrendered the match to the Bulgarian unit to avert a potential third round clash with South American rival Cuba.

Cuba, which defeated Brazil in the preliminary round 3-2, is one of the favorites to advance to the gold medal game in Milan, Italy.

Brazil, which already secured a third-round ticket after defeating Poland last week, will play less competitive opposition as it faces Germany and Czech Republic in pool R.

The Bulgarians nevertheless are confident they can overcome their favored opponents this week and eventually clinch a semifinal birth.

After two rounds of play, 12 teams successfully progressed to the third round and were divided into four pools.

The teams that topped each pool will earn a semifinal spot, while second-and third-placed teams will be demoted to the consolation rounds.

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Sweeney`s Sweet Success: Ex-Royal Finally In Playoffs After 15 Years

Posted: 04 Oct 2010 04:22 AM PDT

Ed Condran – AHN Sports Correspondent

Philadelphia, PA, United States (AHN) – It appeared to be another lost season for Mike Sweeney. The affable first baseman seemed to be on his way to a last place finish with the woebegone Seattle Mariners.

It’s familiar territory for Sweeney, who spent most of his 15-year career with perennial cellar dwellers, the Kansas City Royals .

But Sweeney’s fortunes changed in early August. The former All-Star was dealt from the M’s to the Phillies after Ryan Howard sprained his ankle.

“It was just amazing to find out that I was going to the Phillies,” Sweeney said. “I was thrilled to find out that I was going to a team that always has a chance to get to the playoffs.”

The former All-Star, who hit .340 in 2002, spelled Howard and his right-handed bat did some damage. He homered and drove in seven runs but once the ‘Big Piece’ returned to the lineup, Sweeney hit the bench.

“It’s alright,” Sweeney said. “I don’t mind. I just want to help the team win a World Series. I’ll do whatever they ask. I want to experience the playoffs. I want to feel the champagne.”

The closest Sweeney, 37, who has the most service time of any player that has yet to play in the postseason, came to championship bubbly was in high school when apple cider doused his team after securing a title.

“Young players should realize that it’s no given that you’ll play in the playoffs,” Sweeney said. “I’m living proof. You look around this clubhouse and Brian Schneider and Roy Halladay haven’t been there yet either.”

But Halladay, who is fourth on the list for most service time without performing in the post-season at 11 plus years, and Schneider sought out Philadelphia in the off-season.

rThe former arrived by trade and the latter by free agency.

“The winning culture was too appealing to pass up,” Schneider said. “Part of the reason I wanted to come here was to get in the playoffs and have a chance to win it all.”

It’s obvious that Halladay wanted to come to Philadelphia for the same reason. That has been evident since his press conference in December.

“You look around this clubhouse and the players expect to win,” Sweeney, a proud Christian man, said. “I understand that’s why they are in the playoffs. I really want to feel what that’s like. You want to get in the playoffs and win the World Series. It’s the dream for every player.”

The Phillies teammate who most wants to help make Sweeney’s dream a reality is Raul Ibanez. Sweeney and Ibanez played together with the Royals from 2001 to 2003.

“Mike is just the nicest guy you’ll ever meet,” Ibanez said. “There might not be more of a gentleman in the game than Mike Sweeney. It would be great to go deep in the playoffs for him and for Brian Schneider and Roy Halladay. Each of those guys is hungry but so am I. I want that ring. I wasn’t here in 2008. We came close last year.”

“We’re going to do all that we can to win it this year. It would be so nice for Mike since he suffered on all those bad teams and now he’s on a great team. This is a team that can make up for all the suffering he went through.”

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