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March 25, 2023 - Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) - Florida Tropics SC News Release

LAKELAND, Fla. - The Florida Tropics have assured themselves of a post-season spot in the 2023 Ron Newman Cup playoffs, but the sprint to the regular season finish line will still have plenty attached to it as six different Eastern Division teams are still alive for a playoff spot.

The Tropics are currently in third place, and can finish no worse than fifth. But they are hoping to improve on their third place spot right now, a point back of the Baltimore Blast, and three points ahead of Utica who has played one more game than Florida.

Utica will be in town Sunday for the first of three straight at home to finish the 24-game regular season. A win Sunday would assure the Tropics finish no worse than third in the division.

The St. Louis Ambush, still trying to chase down the Kansas City Comets for the fifth spot in the East, will come to Lakeland to finish out the regular season with games Friday, March 31 and Sunday, April 2.

The playoffs will start the following weekend with a one-game play in game between the No. 4 and No. 5 finishers in the division at the home arena of the No. 4 team. Then, playoffs move to the divisional semi-final round which will be a best of three series, with each team hosting one home game. If the games are split, then a 15-minute knockout game will be held at the immediate conclusion of the second game.

If the Tropics can catch Baltimore for second, they would have homefield advantage for the divisional semi-finals. Baltimore has a home and home series with the Mesquite Outlaws this weekend.

Sunday's game at the RP Funding Center starts at 3:05 p.m. and will be broadcast live on MASL TV on Twitch.

The Tropics are led offensively by Ricardo Carvalho with 17 goals and 13 assists. Defenseman Drew Ruggles and forward Vini Dantas each have 16 goals on the season. For Utica, Gordy Gurson is pacing the offense with 20 goals and 19 assists.

Home game tickets are available starting at just $7 per game by calling the arena box office at 863-834-8111. Although tickets are also available online at http://www.rpfundingcenter.com, service fees are significantly higher through Ticketmaster as opposed to calling the box office directly.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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Sprint to Post-Season Features Three Home Games, Starting ... - OurSports Central

Garang Kuol is only 19, but is already the poster boy for Australias next generation, after playing a noteworthy role off the bench for the Socceroos at the World Cup. Having made waves in the A-league the season prior, Kuol was quickly snapped up by Newcastle (in the midst of splashing big cash on the likes of Isak, Sven Botman and Nick Pope) before his true break out in Qatar.

The teenager became the youngest player since Pele to play a World Cup knockout game, as the Socceroos bowed out in the Round of 16 in a tight loss at the hands of eventual victors Argentina . The 19-year-old impressed in a bench cameo, and would have scored a late equaliser but for an outstanding save from Argentinas Emiliano Martinez in goal.

Described by his junior coach as having a play style like Kylian Mbappe and Newcastles Allan Saint-Maximin, the rapid winger has an eye for goal like the French maestros, and even crossed paths with Mbappe in Qatar, in France and Australias World Cup opener.

While its early days yet in Kuols fledgling club career, his international form shows signs of the potential superstar he could be for the Toon. Overnight, Kuol calmly tapped home the winning goal (and his first in internationals) in a comfortable 3-1 win for the Roos over Ecuador in Sydney.Coming on for Awer Mabil in the 78th minute, Kuol (a natural right winger) found himself playing centrally when, 6 minutes later, he put the finishing touches inside the 6 yard box on a well worked Australian move. Starting tight up against the Ecuadorian centre back (Bayer Leverkusens Piero Hincapie) Kuol used his explosive acceleration to get into the ample space between Hincapie and the left back, Brightons Pervis Estupinan. Kuol checked his run just enough to get into the 6-yard box in time to tap in Aziz Behichs cross for the Socceroos third (albeit slightly scuffed).

Newcastle fans will hope Kuol can take the confidence of his first goal in green and gold back to club level, where (on loan at Heart of Midlothian)the wonder-kid has struggled. After three months in Scotland Kuol is yet to score, but if he can play with the swagger and skill he did in Sydney, it wont be long before he breaks his duck and begins fulfilling his enormous potential.

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Newcastle Uniteds wonderkind Garang Kuol scores debut international goal - The Top Flight

Its time for our Monday wrap of who has their name in lights and who is making the headlines for all the wrong reasons after the weekend.

Correct outcome following Freddie Steward hearing: On Wednesday, it was revealed that Stewards red card, handed out on the stroke of half-time against Ireland in the Six Nations, was rightly rescinded by an independent disciplinary panel. It was no consolation for England fans, players and coaches, whose chances in that clash were no doubt hampered by the full-backs absence, but ultimately people make mistakes and the main thing is that South African referee Jaco Peyper and company learn from it. Peyper was a bit rash to come to a decision without considering the mitigation involved in the unfortunate collision with Irelands Hugo Keenan, but that can happen under those high pressure situations and, providing that error isnt repeated, it can prove to be a useful learning curve for the sport going forward.

Scott Robertson achieves his dream: It was only a matter of when he was going to be confirmed as head coach but finally, after years of being in the frame, the current Crusaders boss will get the opportunity to coach the All Blacks. For us, it is three years too late as he should have been in position following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, but New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have at least managed to keep one of the games most talented young coaches within the country. It will be exciting to see what Robertson can achieve with an already-talented group after the 2023 global tournament has been completed but hell no doubt want to sign off with another Super Rugby title before taking the reins.

Fitting farewell for Sarah Hunter: After 141 caps, Englands most capped player played her final game for the Red Roses in the perfect setting and with the ideal result. Saturdays game took place in Hunters home town of Newcastle at Kingston Park as England ran out 58-7 winners over Scotland, starting their Six Nations campaign in impressive style. What a stalwart Hunter has been in white. We wish her well.

Glasgow Warriors: That was an outstanding first-half performance from the Warriors as they blew Munster away in Limerick, picking up a try bonus point before the break before seeing out a 38-26 victory. The win consolidates their position in the United Rugby Championship top four and theyll be delighted to go into their Challenge Cup knockout game against the Dragons with this result in the bank. Tries fromFraser Brown, Stafford McDowall, Domingo Miotti, Cole Forbes and Sione Vailanu saw them to a maximum as they ended Munsters impressive recent run of form.

Tom Stewarts incredible try-scoring record: What a breakthrough season it has been so far for Ulster hooker Stewart, who currently sits on 13 tries this URC campaign as the 22-year-old leads the way in the competition. I think I have scored more tries this season than I have in my entire life, he told the Belfast News Letter after the victory against the Bulls, with his treble making it three wins in a row in the tournament for Ulster. The province will hope he can continue this run of form when they face Leinster in the Champions Cup this weekend.

Springbok prop stars on the move: Baths league position may not show it but they have put together a talented squad and it will be even stronger next season with the addition of Thomas du Toit. The South Africa international, who can play both sides of the scrum, will join the Premiership team next season and will certainly improve their front-row options. The Sharks have found an equally impressive replacement, however, by bringing World Cup winner Vincent Koch back to South African shores. Koch has been away from the country since 2016, playing for Saracens, Wasps and most latterly Stade Francais over the past seven years, but he will return ahead of 2023/24.

Ian Foster and NZR in a difficult position: While were delighted for Robertson that he gets his big opportunity, we feel for the current head honcho who has been rather shafted by New Zealand Rugby. Although the official line was that Foster decided not to reapply, it was a position forced on him by the governing body, who have never truly backed the 57-year-old during the past four years. Foster had previously stated publicly that he would have liked another shot in the role if the All Blacks were to win the 2023 World Cup, but NZR were desperate to keep the in-demand Robertson on side. That puts the current head coach, as well as the All Blacks players, in a difficult situation, knowing that whatever happens in France, someone else will be in charge after the tournament. Ultimately, the governing body had no option but to name the Crusaders man early as they needed to ward off the other potential suitors, but the whole process has been handled badly.

Play-off hopes dashed for Gloucester, Bristol and Harlequins: The Premiership top four now looks out of reach for this trio after they suffered defeats to Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers and Saracens respectively over the past weekend. The Cherry and Whites are 11 points off the knockout spots with Quins and the Bears one point better off as these teams domestic focus is now on European qualification.

Exeter Chiefs hanging on by a thread: Speaking of bad weekends in England, Exeters hugely disappointing 36-19 loss at the hands of Bath has dented their own play-off ambitions. Playing against the leagues basement side who had not won a Premiership game in their five previous run-outs, Exeter supporters would have expected a victory on the road on Sunday. However, they were well beaten at the Rec which leaves them eight points adrift of the top four with just three games remaining. Credit to Bath for their performance but Exeter look way off.

Munsters first half: That was a disastrous opening 40 minutes from the Irish province as they left themselves with far too much to do in the second-half at Thomond Park. Going into the dressing rooms 28-0 down which became 31-0 soon after the resumption, it is incredible they managed to pull the scores back to 38-26 and at least take a try bonus point from proceedings. But theres no hiding from that sluggish start to the game as they were picked apart by a lethal Glasgow outfit. Lessons must be learned ahead of this weekends clash at the Sharks.

Sharks woes continue: Speaking of the Durbanites, their form over recent times has left a lot to be desired as they have slipped down the URC standings, this after a strong opening to the season. They currently sit in eighth position after three straight defeats in the competition, which is obviously not ideal ahead of the European showdown with Munster this Saturday. The latest lost came despite having a Bok-laden XV on the field so their supporters will hope it is just rust from their returning stars and that the cobwebs are now blown off for this week.

Waratahs and Moana Pasifika: A victory over Fijian Drua aside, it has been a disappointing start to the campaign from the New South Wales-based side. The Waratahs had a much-improved campaign in 2022 following a disastrous 2021, but they have certainly taken a step backwards in the early part of 2023. Fridays game against current leaders the Chiefs was always going to be a test but they ultimately made far too many errors, succumbing to a 24-14 defeat their fourth of the campaign so far with improvements desperately needed if theyre to salvage the season. Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika failed to fire a shot as they suffered a humiliating 59-0 defeat against the Hurricanes and they are bringing up the rear on the Super Rugby Pacific table after losing all five their matches played so far this year.

READ MORE:Sunday Social: An icon retires, crazy tries and 4G pitches

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Who's hot and who's not: Freddie Steward call, Glasgow and All Blacks - planetrugby.com

Former England out-half Stuart Barnes has made an incredible claim about Grand Slam champions Ireland and their upcoming Rugby World Cup campaign which has them pitted against defending champions South Africa in the pool stages. The Irish are due to take on the Springboks in Paris on September 23 and Barnes has suggested it could be best for Andy Farrells team to lose that match if the tournament opens 15 days earlier with the All Blacks defeating host nation France.

Writing in his latest The Times column, Barnes argued that it would be best for Ireland to take on the All Blacks in the quarter-finals rather than the French as he believes it would be an easier World Cup tie for them to negotiate.

If France win their tournament opening match, there would be no such dilemma for Ireland who are going into the World Cup looking to win all four pool games and qualify on top of Pool B. However, Barnes intriguingly suggested they would be better off losing to the Springboks if the French are beaten in Pool A on opening night.

The hosts, France, and the All Blacks are the sharks in pool A, he began. The defending champions, the Springboks, and the worlds No 1 side, Ireland, loom large in pool B, with the additional presence of Scotland making this group all the more red-toothed. The next world champions will come from one of those two pools.

France are likely to make a statement on the opening night. Then again, if any side can catch them cold with their own fluid attacking game, it is New Zealand. The Kiwis are inconsistent but they can be mercurial.

Were New Zealand to win, I wonder whether Andy Farrell would consider how shall we phrase it throwing considerably less than the kitchen sink at their mega match with South Africa 15 days later? France would be formidable opponents come a quarter-final; the round that reads like a curse to Irish rugby fans.

If Ireland lose to the defending champions (as the Springboks did in the pool stage to New Zealand in Japan four years ago), they would then assuming the All Blacks have beaten France be set up for a clash against New Zealand on neutral territory. If France win on the opening night, then Ireland would need to beat the Springboks and top the group to avoid the host nation.

In recent years, Ireland have scared the bejesus out of the men in black more than any other nation, with five wins from their past eight clashes (including that psychological series win in New Zealand) since their bogey-breaking victory in Chicago in 2016. To win the World Cup, a team have to win the final, not every game.

There is no need to be macho and accept facing France in a frenzied Parisian knockout game if the evidence indicates that the better route to lifting the trophy is via a last-eight meeting with New Zealand, a side capable of great rugby but who have been horribly twitchy in the Ian Foster era. Let South Africa win the pool and slog it out at the quarter-final stage.

"All this rather rudely discounts Scotland but Ireland are not heading to France to just take part. Gregor Townsends team are dangerous but if Farrells men are serious contenders (they are) then the odd risk is worth taking.

"It goes against the sporting grain to want to lose a game but it wasnt Ireland who came up with a pool system, potentially pitting them against the host nation.

"If France pull off an opening-night victory, everything would become simple for Johnny Sextons side. Beat the Springboks and avoid the might of France. Let the Springboks do the dirty work and try to oust them. Whichever way you look at it, New Zealand are the Irishs quarter-finalists of choice. If they must face France, let it be in the final.

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Ex-England international identifies RWC game Ireland 'want to lose' - RugbyPass

An exciting generation of midfield talent has emerged in European football in recent seasons, with Europes top leagues having witnessed some brilliant breakthroughs.

Midfield is often called the engine room of a side and with good reason, with those at the heart of the side required to create and enforce in equal measure, providing box-to-box influence on their teams.

As the old generation begins to make way for the new, weve picked out nine starlets who could define the next decade.

Pedri might not have been schooled in Barcelonas La Masia system, but there has rarely been a footballer as suited to the demands of the Spanish giants. Since arriving from Las Palmas as a teenager, Pedri has become an integral player for club and country.

His understanding of the game, technical talent and willingness to receive the ball in tight areas make Pedri the perfect profile for Xavis midfield, with his effortless ease in possession and ability to manoeuvre past opposition challenges having drawn comparisons to Andres Iniesta.

Still just 20, he has made more than a century of appearances for Barcelona across the last three seasons, a period which has seen the midfielder claim the Golden Boy, Kopa Trophy and feature in the Olympics, World Cup and European Championship for the Spain national team.

This season he has begun to add goals to his game, with six in La Liga matching his total from the past two seasons combined. At home in an advanced number eight role, his consistent ability to find space and unerring accuracy of pass has made Pedri the standout star of Spains next generation. A gem of a footballer, he will be the centrepiece of Barcelonas rebuild.

Barcelonas breathtaking side that dominated Spanish and European football between 2005-2015 was built on the brilliance of Lionel Messi and an iconic midfield pairing of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. The latter duo dovetailed in sublime fashion as Barcelona monopolised possession, a scenario the Catalans will hope can repeat after Gavis emergence.

Gavi and Pedri are the great hopes of the new era at Camp Nou, a pair of prospects already mixing it at the elite level. Gavi broke into the side last season and has already amassed quite the list of achievements, becoming Spains youngest debutant and goalscorer and the youngest player to score at a World Cup since Pele.

He won the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy in 2022, emerging as one of Europes most exciting talents with his intelligence, close control and change of acceleration. Gavis best position is perhaps unclear, a testament to his wide-ranging attributes which could allow him to settle in several midfield roles.

Europes wealthiest sides remain on red-alert as Barcelona dispute a registration issue involving the midfielder, after a court ruling ordered that his new contract replacing his youth deal was to be revoked as it would exceed Barcelonas salary limit. Should the issue not be resolved, he would be available on a free transfer this summer.

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Real Madrids faith in Aurelien Tchouamni saw the club allow Casemiro to leave the club last summer, after the Spanish giants beat Liverpool in the race to sign the highly-rated midfielder.

Tchouamni had made a major impression across two seasons at Monaco, emerging as an elite ball-winner at the Ligue 1 side to earn inclusion in the divisional Team of the Season in consecutive campaigns. Last season the 23-year-old more tackles and interceptions combined (170) than any other player in Europes top 5 leagues, form which persuaded Real Madrid to sign the Frenchman in an 80m deal.

Tchouamni has filled the void left by Casemiros departure, replacing the five-time Champions League winner at the base of the midfield. Combative out of possession and quick across the ground, he has provided the perfect safety blanket in Carlo Ancelottis midfield. Already owner of 21 caps for France, he appears the natural successor to NGolo Kante with the national team.

Enzo Fernandez has had a meteoric rise this season, with the midfielder having gone from exciting prospect to World Cup winner and the Premier Leagues most expensive footballer within six months.

Fernandez signed for Benfica last summer after a promising emergence at River Plate, but was catapulted into the consciousness of the casual fan following his exploits in Qatar. The 22-year-old was named as the World Cups Best Young Player after a string of impressive performances in Argentinas triumphant tournament.

Those displays in the Middle East sparked predictable transfer interest, with Chelsea breaking the bank to land the midfielder in January. The west Londoners activated Fernandezs 106.1m release clause at Benfica, a deal which set a new British record.

Fernandez has already demonstrated the attributes which made him so sought after, with his ability to regain and use the ball effectively on show during his opening outings at Stamford Bridge. He looks set to be Chelseas conduit in midfield as Graham Potter seeks to mould his expensively assembled squad.

Eduardo Camavinga appears to be coming of age at Real Madrid this season. After a frustrating start to the campaign which saw Premier League clubs make ambitious enquiries into his availability, the 20-year-old has started 18 of 20 games for the Spanish champions since the new year.

Camavinga has underlined his status as one of Europes top young midfielders in 2023, producing performances of maturity in the Madrid midfield. He was exceptional during the clubs 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions Leagues last 16, as he won four duels, made nine ball recoveries and completed ten passes into the final third.

The France international performs with an old head on young shoulders, rarely ruffled when under pressure and able to control the tempo of games. This season has even seen Camavinga used at left-back for club and country, with each of Carlo Ancelotti and Didier Deschamps having valued his dynamism and comfortability coming inside from full-back. Given the increasing popularity of inverted full-backs, it could be an option seen more often moving forward.

It is the centre of the pitch where Camavinga is most at home however, providing high-energy and determined defensive work to support ageing greats Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Replacing the clubs iconic centre represents a challenge, but the future of Reals engine room appears in safe hands.

Jude Bellingham is the name on everyones lips right now, as the midfielder prepares to spark an almighty scramble for his services this summer.

Not a day goes by without the front runner to sign Bellingham appearing to change, with the midfielders future either undecided or a close-kept secret despite the expectation he will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.

Bellingham has evolved into a complete midfield talent, with Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool all chasing a deal for a teenager who will cost in excess of 100m.

Bellingham has starred during Dortmunds title challenge this season and ranks among the Bundesliga leaders for progressive passes (2nd), take-ons completed (2nd), passes into the final third (3rd), shot-creating actions (6th), tackles (5th) and progressive carries (6th).

It is a versatile skillset that has Europes elite battling hard to secure his signature, with the successful suitor set to land a talent who can be moulded into an elite and complete midfielder.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi revealed earlier this year that he dreams of producing a team that fields only Parisian players. Kylian Mbappe is the current headliner in those plans, but Warren Zare-Emery appears the next Parisian product set for a major role.

Zare-Emery impressed Christophe Galtier in pre-season and the midfielder was handed his debut, aged just 16, in August. The teenager became the youngest debutant in PSG history and has since established himself in the senior side, breaking a number of records along the way.

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The youngest goalscorer in club history after netting his first senior goal against Montpellier last month, he then became the youngest player to start a Champions League knockout game as PSG lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich.

Zare-Emery has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season and the 17-year-olds breakthrough at one of Europes top clubs has been impressive. Already producing performances of maturity in midfield, he will hope to cement a permanent place in PSGs engine room as the home-grown heartbeat of the side.

Is Jamal Musiala the most exciting midfield talent in world football?

Its been a phenomenal season from the Bayern Munich midfielder, who has been in sublime form for the Bundesliga champions.

Musiala has turned talent into tangible output this season to emerge as one of the most productive players in Europe, having provided 19 goal contributions in 20 league starts.

The 20-year-old is an enthralling watch with his adhesive close control and ability to skip through defensive challenges with ease, a brand of dribbling which has earned the German international comparisons with Lionel Messi.

His quickness of mind and feet have made Musiala a must-watch this season.

Xavi Simons has long been backed for a big future in the game, but after a false start the midfielder is beginning to fulfil his early potential.

Simons came through the academy system at Barcelona and was hailed as one of La Masias most exciting talents, before a move to Paris Saint-Germain failed to provide the first-team breakthrough hoped. He signed for PSV Eindhoven last summer and has since thrived, forming part of Ruud van Nistelrooys exciting young side.

The 19-year-old has scored 15 goals and provided a further seven assists for PSV this season, operating in a number of advanced roles. He earned inclusion in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup in Qatar and made his debut in the round of 16 win over the USA.

Simons has averaged a goal or assist every 113 minutes in the Eredivisie this season, a return which has seen Europes top clubs renew their interest. Paris Saint-Germain, sensibly, included a buy-back clause in the deal that took the teenager to the Netherlands last summer.

Read Six Premier League players to watch during the international break

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