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Not even the support of a festive home crowd and conditions they thrive could inspire India Women as they were knocked out of the World T20 by West Indies Women in Mohali

The Report by Shashank Kishore in Mohali27-Mar-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsDeandra Dottin led the way for West Indies with a brisk 45, followed by figures of 3 for 16•IDI/Getty ImagesNot even the support of a festive home crowd and conditions they thrive could inspire India Women as they slumped to a three-run loss to West Indies Women in Mohali. The defeat brought the curtains down on India’s disappointing World Twenty20 campaign.Jhulan Goswami, who bowled all of two overs on a slow surface, kept India alive with a few lusty blows that brought the equation down to 20 off the last two overs. Tension engulfed the PCA Stadium, but a crowd that was on tenterhooks roared in delight as the third ball of the penultimate over sailed over long-on to bring it down to 12 off nine balls.But her run-out off the next delivery, once again, meant the pendulum swung West Indies’ way. Deandra Dottin, who ensured West Indies were in with a chance by making 45 off 40 balls in the team’s total of 114 for 8, then showed immaculate death-bowling skills to leave India short-changed. Shikha Pandey, who carved a boundary over point to bring it down to five off three balls was run-out off the next delivery to effectively dash India’s hopes.India landed the early punches and weakened West Indies to 26 for 3 as the contest was reduced to a battle of spin attacks. The hosts then switched off for a bit, only to see Stafanie Taylor and Dottin regain lost ground, and then lift West Indies with a fourth-wicket partnership of 77 that gave the bowlers a handy total to defend.India were dealt an early blow in their chase as Mithali Raj fell for a golden duck, leaving the young middle to lead the recovery. But West Indies, who learnt a thing or two from India, stifled the hosts’ challenge with spin. Equally impressive was their ground fielding that helped them save at least 10 runs. In the end, it proved to be the clincher for West Indies, as they put one foot in the door to the semi-finals. West Indies now await the result of the England-Pakistan clash in Chennai.Raj’s glee at winning the toss wasn’t lost on anyone. And the team justified the decision by choking West Indies with spin, as the top order tangled themselves by playing for turn when there wasn’t much. Taylor and Dottin, known for their firebrand approach, tempered down to milk India’s spinners, taking as many as 38 singles in their partnership to set up a platform for the final flourish.West Indies kept waiting for India’s spinners to finish their quota of overs, but they kept arriving like a factory line, leaving Taylor and Dottin to force the pace. That they did in their own unique style. While Taylor turned to pick singles, Dottin used the crease well to smother the spin and bring out fierce sweeps and delicate dabs that kept India honest.Not even an outstanding catch by Anuja Patil at long-on could lift them out of a hole they got into; 30 minutes of indiscretion on the field allowing West Indies to get 20 more than what India would have liked to keep them to.In their chase, there was early panic that was exemplified by Veda Krishnamurthy’s ill-timed pull to midwicket to leave India in strife at 22 for 2. Harmanpreet Kaur scratched around to not just elevate the asking rate, but also put pressure on Smriti Mandhana.Kaur’s dismissal for a 20-ball 7 left the middle order with unenviable task of hitting out right from the outset. When Mandhana chopped on for 22, there was proper panic. Hard as the lower order tried, they couldn’t bridge the gap, with the lapses on the field eventually proving the difference between the two sides.

Can anyone stop the juggernaut that is Toronto FC?

That's the question entering the 2018 MLS campaign, which kicks off Saturday when TFC begins its title defense with an Eastern Conference final rematch against the Columbus Crew at BMO Field.

Less than three months after Toronto completed a treble by sinking the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final, has unanimously picked Sebastian Giovinco and Co. to repeat as Supporters' Shield winners and tapped them as favorites to again lift the MLS Cup as well.

But which dark-horse contenders could potentially dethrone TFC? Who will take home MLS MVP honors? Which player is poised for a breakout campaign? editors and writers have provided their predictions below:

Brad PennerMost Valuable Player

IVES GALARCEP:. He may be 36 years old, but Villa is still a goal-scoring machine. With New York City FC upgrading through the addition of Jesus Medina, Villa should have another outstanding season and hold off Miguel Almiron for his second MVP.

JON ARNOLD:. At some point, Giovinco has to stop shredding MLS opposition. This is not that year. The Atomic Ant will again be key for Toronto, leading the team in scoring and helping the Reds to more trophies.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The 24-year-old Paraguayan playmaker isn't long for MLS, but he'll make the most of his time stateside by delivering a dominant season as the focal point in Atlanta United's high-octane attack.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. There are plenty of good candidates, but the simple pick here is the best player on the best team in the league.

BEN VALENTINE:. Miguel Almiron figures to be a popular preseason MVP pick, but Rusnak quietly was almost as productive last season. Real Salt Lake’s struggles hid that somewhat, but Rusnak will get more exposure this year in what should be a much better side.

SETH VERTELNEY:. Yes, he's 36, but Villa somehow shows no sign of slowing down and has actually been getting better and better in his three MLS seasons. He could pick up his second MVP if he continues that trend.

AdvertisementGreg BartramCoach of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. After a dozen seasons away from MLS, Bradley is back and will make the most of a talented expansion squad with Los Angeles FC.

JON ARNOLD:. Unless voters have fatigue and want to reward a coach of an up-and-coming team (perhaps more in the spirit of the award), Vanney should be able to repeat. TFC is set for a big year, and Vanney has so far steered the team with an expert touch.

THOMAS FLOYD: . It's been a rough few years for a coach seen as one of the brighter minds in American soccer, but a productive offseason has given Kreis the tools to make Orlando City an Eastern Conference contender after last season's 10th-place finish.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. Atlanta came on strong in year one and any step forward would represent the club actually contending for a title in just its second season.  

BEN VALENTINE:. The Columbus Crew not only have to deal with replacing two key players in Ola Kamara and Justin Meram but also face the specter of relocation. If Berhalter can navigate this club to a successful season, he deserves the award.

SETH VERTELNEY:. If the Argentine can take Atlanta from an expansion team making the postseason to a second-year side atop the East, it will be one of the biggest MLS coaching feats in recent memory.

Brett DavisDefender of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. The Atlanta central defender came on strong late in 2017, and should carry over his dominant form into an outstanding second season.

JON ARNOLD:. After a rough start, Calvo and Minnesota United settled into life in MLS. The Loons have an opening to be better this year in a Western Conference full of teams in transition and Calvo will lead the charge from the back.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The Argentine defender was a commanding presence in his first MLS season but seemed to fly under the radar as Atlanta's attack grabbed the headlines. Look for Gonzalez Pirez to get his due this year.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. Bob Bradley's LAFC team will play good defense, and with a former Defender of the Year playing beside him in Laurent Ciman and plenty of eyes on the expansion club, Zimmerman should stand out in 2018. 

BEN VALENTINE:. An injury slowed his start to 2017, but Glad should continue his development into one of the league’s best center backs while anchoring Real Salt Lake's defense.

SETH VERTELNEY:. Year two in MLS should be even better than year one for Gonzalez Pirez, who still managed to finish fourth in the Defender of the Year voting in 2017. A classy defender on the ball who can get involved in the attack, the Argentine should take his game to new heights in 2018.

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Kim KlementGoalkeeper of the Year

IVES GALARCEP:. The playoff hero for the Columbus Crew finished 2017 on a roll, and he should dominate in net in his second full season as a starter.

JON ARNOLD:. This award is tough to call. Tim Melia was fantastic last year, and nobody saw that coming. But you can't go wrong picking Blake since the Jamaican makes good stops and generally has plenty to do.

THOMAS FLOYD: . The U.S. national team goalkeeper was quietly impressive after his midseason arrival, and he should post pristine numbers with that stacked Atlanta team in front of him.

ALLEN RAMSEY:. The 22-year-old was playing at a very high level in the 2017 playoffs and, if he can carry that into the new season, looks primed to make his mark as one of the top shot-stoppers in MLS. 

BEN VALENTINE:. Bono solidified himself as the No. 1 last season and out-dueled fellow U.S. national team prospect Zack Steffen in the playoffs. While Steffen may be a popular pick for this award, Bono will fare well behind a Toronto defense that should be a touch more stable than its Columbus counterpart.

SETH VERTELNEY:. The 23-year-old doesn't quite get as much credit as some of Toronto's other big names, but Bono was a huge factor in TFC's treble-winning season last year and should only improve in 2018.

Eddie Nketiah has hinted that Folarin Balogun may be about to get his transfer wish by admitting that the Arsenal strikers are on “different paths”.

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American starred on loan at ReimsHoping to secure summer moveFellow frontman expects him to leaveWHAT HAPPENED?

United States international Balogun has, after hitting 21 goals while on loan at Reims last season, made no secret of the fact that he wants to see regular game time in the 2023-24 campaign. Competition from the likes of Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus is blocking his path at Emirates Stadium.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Clubs from across Europe – including Inter, Monaco and Chelsea – are said to have expressed interest in the USMNT star, but no deal has been done. That is because Arsenal are demanding big money from any sale, with the Premier League outfit aware that they have a hot prospect on their hands.

WHAT THEY SAID

The summer transfer deadline is fast approaching, with Balogun still in north London, but Nketiah appears to have suggested that a current team-mate is edging towards the exits. Nketiah has told of his relationship with Balogun: “That’s fine, we get on well. He’s a great guy and he’s a great player, every situation is different. We’re managed by the same people, but we have different careers. We’re on different paths, so that doesn’t really matter. It’s good to have him back. I wish him all the best, he’s a great player.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

There were suggestions that Arsenal were looking for as much as £50 million ($64m) from any transfer involving Balogun, but that asking price may be dropped slightly as a compromise is sought which suits all parties.

Weston McKennie admits that the USMNT “couldn’t get close to” to Ilkay Gundogan as the Barcelona star ran the show in a 3-1 friendly win for Germany.

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Pulisic fired the home side in frontVisitors hit back in styleBarcelona playmaker ran the showWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States took the lead in that contest courtesy of a spectacular first-half strike from AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic, but the game was level by the interval and the hosts ran out of steam in the second 45 as the German visitors to Hartford, Connecticut moved through the gears.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Gundogan restored parity for Germany, and McKennie concedes that the former Manchester City captain had his American rivals chasing shadows.

Juventus midfielder McKennie told : “We had a great start to the game, the energy levels were high. I'm sure they went inside [at half-time] and saw how they could hurt us. I think the pressing in the second half, for us, we kind of got a little bit disorganised. I mean, a player like Gundogan, if you leave him a little space, he punishes you, and that's what he was doing, he was building up and made it very difficult for us. I feel like we couldn’t really get close to him, we were just defending in our box the whole time.”

WHAT THEY SAID

Niclas Fullkrug and Jamal Masiala were also on target for Germany, with McKennie aware that the USMNT have things to work on tactically before facing Ghana next Tuesday.

He added: “We could have been a little bit better at preventing the counter-attacks or the long balls in behind the backline, because Germany has speed up top for sure, and their little switches that they had, just closing the middle down, I think would have helped a lot. But Gregg’s a tactician, so we'll definitely go in and look at video and then review it and see how we could have done better.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Head coach Gregg Berhalter may decide to shuffle his pack when facing Ghana, with the USMNT eager to look at as many different players and systems as possible as they continue down a path to the 2026 World Cup that will see them fill a role as co-hosts alongside neighbours Canada and Mexico.

Complete guide to the 2024 MLS Superdraft, including how to watch, best prospects and more

The 2024 MLS Superdraft is almost here, with some of the best young players ready to be drafted to the biggest teams in North America.

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It is one of the key dates in the soccer calendar in the United States and Canada, and everyone is waiting to see who the first picks will be.

So, when is the 2024 MLS Superdraft, who are the top prospects and how can you watch it? GOAL has everything you need to know.

When is the 2024 MLS SuperDraft?Date:December 19, 2023Time:3pm ET / 12 noon PT

The 2024 MLS Superdraft will take place on Tuesday, December 19 at 3pm ET / 12 noon PT, with all 29 teams set to have representatives stationed at the draft for the event. This will be the second-straight year with the draft in December, despite the fact that it is nominally the 2024 edition.

AdvertisementHow to watch the 2024 MLS SuperDraft – tv channel & live streamGet your MLS Season Pass today!Subscribe now

Round One of the draft will be streamed live for free on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass.

It is also expected to be streamed live on the MLS Twitch page.

Commissioner Don Garber will announce each pick on stage, with players present walking up and joining him for a brief presentation.

Getty ImagesWhat is the draft order for the 2024 MLS SuperDraft?

The 2024 draft order is initially determined via MLS regular season standings finish for all non-playoff teams, with the last-place team picking first.

For all playoff teams, the order is then determined by which round of playoffs they're eliminated. The entire order can be seen here below. It should be noted that the pick order can changed depending on trades between teams.

Note: Any team with a '*' symbol next to them is a pick that has been received via trade already.

Pick Number Team

1Toronto FC2Colorado Rapids3FC Dallas*4Colorado Rapids*5Austin FC6Chicago Fire7DC United8New York City FC9Minnesota United10CF Montreal11Nashville SC*12Colorado Rapids*13San Jose Earthquakes14New York Red Bulls15Inter Miami*16Real Salt Lake*17St. Louis CITY SC*18Real Salt Lake19Atlanta United20Minnesota United*21Colorado Rapids*22Sporting Kansas City23Seattle Sounders24Inter Miami* 25Orlando 26Houston Dynamo27FC Cincinnati28LAFC29Columbus CrewENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Best prospects in 2024 MLS SuperDraftJacob Murrell | Georgetown | Forward

Jacob Murrell is a former Gatorade National Player of the Year who scored 11 goals and added four assists for the Hoyas in 2023. He's a top prospect who has drawn similarities to Orlando City's Duncan McGuire, as a pure domestic forward with a nose for the goal.

Kalani Kossa-Rienzi | Washington | Central midfielder

Expected to be the first midfielder off the board, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi participated in the 2023 MLS College Showcase event, where he displayed a technical quality that many think will translate to MLS level. An elite passer of the ball, he can play in multiple formations across multiple midfield positions.

Nate Jones | Washington | Central defender

Nate Jones is arguably the top central defensive prospect in the draft, stands six-foot-three and leads from the back. Following the mold of USMNT star Miles Robinson, he is a standout defender who possess passing skills – making him a versatile option for coaches in the draft.

Vivianne Miedema and Victoria Pelova will be unavailable for the Netherlands' must-win game against Germany, dealing Arsenal a scare in the process.

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Miedema & Pelova leave Dutch campWill miss Netherlands' Olympics play-off with GermanyCould impact Arsenal's WSL title chaseWHAT HAPPENED?

The Netherlands face Germany on Wednesday night in the UEFA Women's Nations League's third-place match. However, it's significance goes way beyond that, with the winner to get UEFA's final place in the Olympic women's football tournament this summer. However, the Dutch will have to do it without Miedema and Pelova after announcing that the pair have left the national team and returned to Arsenal.

AdvertisementWHAT WAS SAID

In a brief statement on Tuesday, the Netherlands' national team said: "Vivianne Miedema and Victoria Pelova are not available for next Wednesday's UEFA Women's Nations League Finals match against Germany. Both players have left the Dutch national team selection and are returning to Arsenal."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The news will also be of concern to Arsenal fans. The Gunners face Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday, looking to get revenge on their local rivals after a first-ever loss to them in December. A win will be vital in keeping their WSL title hopes alive, too, with Arsenal now only three points behind leaders Chelsea. Next Wednesday, the Gunners then have a huge Continental Cup semi-final against Aston Villa. Miedema and Pelova will be huge losses if they are unavailable in a big week.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Pelova leads the Women's Super League in assists this season with five, while Miedema is the division's all-time top goal-scorer having netted 79 times in 101 appearances since signing for Arsenal from Bayern Munich in 2017.

Mohammad Shahzad bulldozed 75 off 34 balls to spearhead Afghanistan’s third successive victory in the World T20 qualifier, after beating Scotland by 37 runs

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jul-2015
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsMohammad Shahzad smashed seven sixes and five fours in his 75•ICC/Donald MacLeodMohammad Shahzad bulldozed his way to 75 off 36 balls to spearhead Afghanistan’s third successive victory in the World T20 qualifier. While their celebrations were buoyant – the fans at the Grange leapt onto the field, flags in tow for handshakes and selfies – hosts Scotland were left in the slipstream with two losses in two days and one big problem – their bowling. “We couldn’t keep the boundary count down to where we would have liked,” their captain Preston Mommsen said. As mild a telling off as can be considering they took the brunt of 17 sixes and nine fours.Afghanistan’s 210 – their highest total in T20 cricket – was built on their highest partnership in T20 cricket. Shahzad and captain Asghar Stanikzai ransacked 110 in 63 balls for the second wicket to deflate a bowling attack that appeared rather shocked. Poor Mark Watt, all of 18 years old and bowling innocuous left-arm spin, was spanked for four sixes in his first, and the third, over of the day. All of them courtesy the bullish Shahzad. The fuse was lit.The explosion looked like this: 6 off 9 became 30 off 15 which became 50 of 26 and eventually finished at 75 off 36 with seven sixes and five fours. By the time Watt was forced out of the attack – 2-0-41-0 – Afghanistan had reached 101 for 1 in the ninth over. It is difficult for a bowler to restore parity after a batsman gets as much momentum. Especially when they are 130 kph medium-pacers and finger spinners low on experience.Shahzad, who averages 49 against Scotland and is the highest scorer in World T20 qualifier history with 867 runs from 27 matches, ran down the pitch as if his intent was to whack the bowler himself, not so much the ball. But when the seamers Alasdair Evans and Safyaan Sharif kept it full and he was asked to take only one step forward to the ball, he did look suspect.Scotland bowled only five balls on a fuller length at him, and none of them were on or outside off. They fed that big swing into the leg side and Shahzad tucked in to the tune of 45 runs. The only bowler who had any measure of control against him, and the rest of the line-up, was offspinner Michael Leask who used the around-the-wicket angle and variations of pace and length to ensure he wasn’t predictable.Scotland did create a chance when Shahzad was dismissed in the 12th over, and his partner Stanikzai who contributed only 33 runs to the 110 they added together, fell two balls later. Afghanistan flailed for a little while – only 35 runs in five overs – until Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi found their groove – 63 runs in the last four overs to push the total past 200.With a required rate that was over 10 before a ball was bowled, Scotland needed a big innings. Although they didn’t get that, they compensated by stringing meaningful partnerships together. Matthew Cross, with a hefty preference for slog sweeps, added 50 off 31 balls with Richie Berrington. Then Mommsen smashed 41 of the 51 runs that the sixth wicket stand provided for Scotland to keep a few people guessing. He carved 22 runs in four balls in the 15th over but that still left 70 needed off the final 30 balls. Against possibly the best bowling attack in the tournament, that is a no-contest.Mohammad Nabi with his crafty use of flight and Hamid Hassan with his bulls-eye yorkers took six wickets between them to keep them comfortably atop the Group B table. Although there is concern around Hassan’s fitness. Towards the end of his spell, he appeared to have suffered an injury and limped off the field after bowling the 19th over.

With Juventus and AC Milan considering a surprise player-exchange, Goal looks back at the most sensational trades in the history of the game

Getty/Man Utd compositeSanchez-Mkhitaryan: Man United-Arsenal

After almost joining Manchester City on deadline day in the summer of 2017 and then agreeing personal terms ahead of a seemingly inevitable January move to the Etihad, Alexis Sanchez stunned Pep Guardiola & Co. by moving to Old Trafford instead.

Manchester United’s offer to make the former Arsenal ace the best-paid player in the Premier League proved enough to turn the Chilean’s head, while the Gunners were happy to get a ready-made replacement in Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Ultimately, everybody seems to have got what they want… apart from City.  

However, Guardiola's side enjoyed the last laugh, winning the Premier League title by a record-breaking 19 points from second-placed United, with Alexis struggling horribly to justify his lofty wage. 

AdvertisementGettyEto’o-Ibrahimovic: Inter-Barcelona

Barcelona won just about everything it was possible to win in 2009, but Pep Guardiola took the rather strange decision to remove a key component from that all-conquering team by sending Samuel Eto’o to San Siro as part of a €69.5 million (£56m) deal for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Eto’o, who had been bizarrely valued at just €20m, would win a second successive treble in 2010, but this time with the Nerazzurri rather than the Blaugrana, while Ibrahimovic lasted just one season at Camp Nou, after an infamous falling-out with Guardiola.

Indeed, as he later admitted in his autobiography, Zlatan once told his Catalan coach: "You have no balls!"

GettyMatic-Luiz: Benfica-Chelsea

Having given Nemanja Matic just three senior appearances, Chelsea agreed to let a highly-rated midfielder head to Benfica in January 2011 as part of a €25m (£21m) deal for enigmatic Brazilian defender David Luiz.

After Jose Mourinho returned as manager, the Blues quickly moved to rectify their mistake, stumping up another €25m (£21m) to bring Matic back to west London in 2014.

Chelsea have also sold and re-signed Luiz since then, while moving Matic out once more to Manchester United for an estimated £40m in the summer of 2017, much to the bemusement of the club's fans.

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GettyGallas-Cole: Arsenal-Chelsea

Back in the summer of 2006, William Gallas wanted out of Chelsea – amid accusations that he had threatened to score own goals if he was not allowed to leave (something he later refuted) – and Ashley Cole was looking for an upgrade to his bank balance.

The solution to this problem? A swap deal which would also see Arsenal net £5m for their England international left-back.

Cole went on to win everything at Stamford Bridge, while Gallas threw the odd strop with the Gunners before crossing north London to join Tottenham.

How to watch and stream Arsenal vs Leeds United in the Premier League on TV and online in the United States.

Arsenal take on Leeds United in a crucial Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

▶Watch Arsenal vs Leeds United live on Sling TV today!

The hosts are unbeaten in their last 13 meetings with Leeds in all competitions (W11 D2), since a 3-2 home loss in May 2003 that ended the Gunners' title bid that season. They have won their last six Premier League games, their joint-longest such run under Mikel Arteta, and will hope to extend that to get a firmer grip at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, Leeds have won just two of their 23 Premier League games against the league leaders (D9 L12), though both victories came away from home (v Middlesbrough in August 2000 and Man City in April 2021). The Whites are in the 14th spot with 26 points, just two outside the drop zone and will be desperate to stage an upset in north London.

GOAL brings you details on how to watch the game on TV in the U.S. as well as how to stream live online.

(C)Getty ImagesKick-off time

Game:

Arsenal vs Leeds United

Date:

April 1, 2023

Kick-off:

11am ET

Venue:

Emirates Stadium

The game is scheduled for April 1, at Emirates Stadium. It will kick off at 11am ET in the U.S.

AdvertisementGettyHow to watch Arsenal vs Leeds United on TV & live stream online

In theUnited States (US), the game will be broadcasted on theUSA NetworkandUNIVERSOand can be live-streamed onSling TVandNBC Sports app/website.

Country TV Channel Live stream

USUSA Network, UNIVERSOSling TV, NBC Sports app/website.Check out GOAL's Soccer on US TV guideTeam news & squads

Arsenal team news

Arsenal have a few injury concerns going into this fixture as they are certainly going to miss Mohamed Elneny, Eddie Nketiah and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Meanwhile, Kieran Tierney and Martin Odegaard remain doubtful after they picked up knocks during the international break.

Arsenal are also sweating over the fitness of William Saliba and Thomas Partey, as the latter missed Ghana's draw with Angola on Monday.

Position

Players

Goalkeepers

Ramsdale, Turner.

Defenders

Gabriel, Kiwior, Holding, Zinchenko, White.

Midfielders

Jorginho, Xhaka, Smith Rowe, Vieira.

Forwards

Martinelli, Trossard, Saka, Nelson, Jesus.

Leeds United team news

Wilfried Gnonto (ankle) and defender Maximilian Wober (thigh) will miss the trip to Emirates Stadium after getting injured during the international break.

While Tyler Adams, Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw are long-term absentees.

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Meslier, Klaesson, Robles. Defenders:Koch, Cooper, Strujik, Firpo, Kristensen, Ayling. Midfielders: Roca, McKennie, Aaronson, Greenwood, Bogusz. Forwards: Harrison, Sinisterra, Summervile, Rutter, Bamford, Rodrigo. Head-to-head recordDateResultCompetition16/10/2022Leeds United 0-1 ArsenalPremier League8/05/2022Arsenal 0-1 Leeds UnitedPremier League18/12/2021Leeds United 1-4 ArsenalPremier League27/10/2021Arsenal 2-0 Leeds UnitedLeague Cup14/02/2021Arsenal 4-2 Leeds UnitedPremier League

The two teams have faced each other 110 times so far with Arsenal winning on 46 occasions, Leeds 38 times, and the rest have been draws. In their last five meetings, the Gunners have won each one of them.

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Getty ImagesUseful linksArsenal team pageLeeds United team pageLive soccer on U.S. TV

Sunday's second leg was a formality after a first-leg drubbing all but sealed the trophy

Sunday's Liga MX finale was little more than a coronation. The result, essentially, was already in hand for Pachuca, who blasted Toluca 5-1 in the away leg to all but seal the Apertura title.

And, in many ways, it continued as it began. More Pachuca goals, more Toluca heartbreak and, ultimately, no real surprise as the coronation was completed in emphatic fashion.

It was a party at the Estadio Hidalgo as Pachuca sealed their seventh Liga MX title and second in the last six years. It finishes 3-1 on the day and 8-2 on aggregate, an absolute destruction on the highest level in what was supposed to be a clash of Liga MX's best.

For a little while, there was hope that somehow, someway, Toluca could make a game of it. They did score first, but then the wheels fell off.

Pachuca scored the next two, with Víctor Guzman finishing after a penalty miss by Nicolas Ibanez in first-half stoppage time. Ibanez made amends, though, six minutes into the second half with his side's second. Gustavo Cabral's finish from the spot just put the result even further out of reach than it already was.

It all ended as expected: with Pachuca lifting a trophy. And no one can say they didn't deserve it after an absolutely incredible Liguilla push capped by a near-perfect performance over the two-legged final.

GettyWINNER: Guillermo Almada

What a job he's done.

After suffering heartbreak in the last Liga MX final, Almada and Pachuca got it done this time. As a result, Almada's stock continues to soar within Mexican soccer.

The Uruguayan manager has been linked with the Mexico national team job in recent months, with Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's future very much depending on the World Cup. And, based off what we've seen with Pachuca, there may not be a better candidate than Almada should El Tri move on.

He's developed young stars and built a system, all while working with a club that has far from the biggest budget in Mexico. Almada is the type of manager that gets the most out of his players, and he sure got a lot out of them over this two-legged final.

After suffering final heartbreak in the past, Almada now has the trophy to his name and it may not be his last, whether it comes with Pachuca or elsewhere should a major job come calling.

AdvertisementGettyLOSER: The potential for drama

For one second, one split second, it looked like something could happen.

Toluca was up 1-0, down 5-2 on aggregate. Thiago Volpi dived to save Ibanez' penalty, seemingly giving his side a bit of momentum even as they were down three goals. Weirder things have happened, right? Could Toluca do it?

Seconds later, the ball was behind Volpi and in the back of the net. Guzman's goal was the real backbreaker, the dream-killer for any lingering hopes of a miraculous comeback.

As a result, the second half lacked any juice. The hope was simply that players would avoid injuries. There was a certain formality to it, even if Pachuca were eager to run up the scoreline a little bit just in case.

Who knows what Toluca could have done in the second half if Guzman had not scored. But, given what we saw over these 180 minutes, it probably wouldn't have much as there was little they could do to stop Pachuca's rise.

GettyWINNER: Nico Ibanez

Yes, he did miss a penalty, but that won't matter – Ibanez was superb.

The 28-year-old attacker has been incredible throughout his side's run. He scored a hat-trick in the first leg of the semifinal against Monterrey, one in the first leg of the final against Toluca and one again in Sunday's second-leg finale. That's all in addition to the 11 goals he scored in the regular season.

Ibanez is the focal point of this team's attack, and he made that attack shine throughout this run. He got a deserved goal in this finale, even after fluffing the penalty, putting a cap on what was a wonderful season for the player and the club.

He was far from the only Tuzos player to step up in this recent run, but give Ibanez his flowers for all he's done throughout this season.

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GettyLOSER: The feelings around Toluca

Getting to the final is a massive, massive achievement for Toluca. Manager Nacho Ambriz really did work wonders with this team.

They won one of their last seven before the playoffs before really turning it on in the Liguilla, crushing FC Juarez, outscoring Santos Laguna and then stunning Club America on their way to this finale. That was fantastic.

What wasn't fantastic was how it all ended. Toluca will be able to accept defeat in a final that no one expected them to reach. What they probably can't accept is how it all played out.

Conceding eight goals over two games will be painful as Toluca were never really even in contention to win this final. They were scored on early and often. They never even had a chance.

Hopefully, that won't be what's remembered about this run, although it probably will be. It was a historically lopsided final that will likely be remembered as exactly that.

And that's unfortunate for Toluca, who did so well to get this far before stumbling in a big way.