The International break disrupts Premier League play again this weekend at a time when proceedings are gaining momentum. This is the second international break in the last month – so much for continuity. Through seven matches, the logjam remains atop the table, with just four points separating first from seventh place. Just as intriguing, only three points stand between ninth place Manchester United and Norwich City, sitting in 18th and in the relegation zone.  No need to wax poetic this week. To keep your BPL palate satiated, 10 Premier League thoughts heading into the International dates. 1. The Premier League is still buzzing from Adnan Janusajs two-goal debut saving Manchester Uniteds blushes last weekend. Ive been planning a Belgian of the Week section in this space, and Janusaj would fit the bill as worthy winner for Matchday 7. The excitement surrounding the 18-year-old is understandable. Ive been writing about the young players talent for months. His wonderful left foot (he scored with his right foot as well in the 2-1 win), his confidence taking on players, his silky smooth distribution; theres a whole lot to like. It must be remembered this is just one standout performance and Janusaj has a ways to go. Hell have to work on his frame and speed – two glaring physical attributes that will most certainly come in time. Consistency of performance and greater understanding of the game will reveal itself. Whatever may come of Janusaj, remember these are early days. Janusaj was playing at the Dallas Cup with Manchester Uniteds youth team short months ago. Hes jumped from playing in front of hundreds into the cauldron of the Premier League. The narrative, knee-jerk as ever, has been over the top. Comparisons to other young greats (he shares the same date of birth as Cristiano Ronaldo) are far too premature. As is the assumption hes set to pack up and leave Old Trafford at seasons end, just as Paul Pogba forced the clubs hand in his move to Juventus. Pogba has been candid that his inability to win over the manager forced a move. A new contract for Janusaj is a near certainty. So leave any panic to the alarmist in your life. Janusaj also put to bed any immediate discussion about his international future, denying a call-up to Belgium for World Cup qualifiers, and instead focusing on securing regular first team football at United. Janusaj is taking his rise in stride, and so should we. By the looks of it, he has star quality. But its easy for young players to fall off the rail under greater expectations and scrutiny. Even at United, in 2009 Federico Macheda scored a wonder goal winner at Aston Villa in the third minute of time added on at 17 years of age, drawing instant acclaim. Now 22, Macheda has failed to find his way and has been subject to numerous loan moves that havent helped his game. Lets give Janusaj some time before making any bold declarations of what he is and what he will be. 2. Wayne Rooney spoke publicly for the first time since his summer of discontent, claiming hes happy with his football and settled at Manchester United under David Moyes. Rooney claims his soured relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson stemmed from the former manager playing Rooney in the midfield, a position he did not want to play. The 27-year-old admitted his stance was selfish. Although now settled, Rooney stopped short of committing his long-term future to the club. At this point, the conversation about Rooneys future is irrelevant. Rooney, when fit, has been the top player for Moyes over the first two months. His work rate has been outstanding, and movement on and off the ball has been better than it has in years. A motivated Rooney is what this team needs. He has found a proper role under Moyes and regained his edge he has lacked in recent times. As long he maintains top form and continues to hold his place in the side playing off Robin van Persie along the front line, United will pay him whatever he requires to keep his spot in the side. No player is bigger than the club. But no player is more important over this transition period for Moyes than Rooney. Just 47 goals away from Sir Bobby Charltons club record of 249, such a prestigious record at the biggest club in the world is something neither club nor player can ignore. It wont be just Rooney acting selfish, the club will too. It may not be a perfect marriage, but its one that works. 3. An unsung hero is emerging at Arsenal. The deadline day big money acquisition of Mesut Ozil stole the headlines. But the addition of Mathieu Flamini has been another true difference maker. Flamini returned to Arsenal after five years at AC Milan. At the time, it seemed the Frenchman would be a role player. His importance cannot be understated, forcing Jack Wilshere up the park in a less familiar role, and the move has paid off in spades. Flamini fits the mold of a quiet, no-nonsense central midfielder who will allow the players around him to play. Hes efficient, tactically sound and his runs and passes are simple. Hes not all action and will never be a box-to-box, end-to-end presence. Thats not what Arsenal needs anyway. Flamini had only two wayward passes in the 1-1 draw on the weekend at the Hawthorns and has started every match in the Premier League and Champions League with the exception of his debut. The substance here doesnt require flash. It seems like Flamini has been around forever, yet hes only 29 and has plenty of game left. Its these types of character moves, bringing team players into the squad that wins trophies. The acquisition was understated, or even an afterthought, but bringing Flamini back to the Emirates has been a stroke of genius by Arsene Wenger. 4. Football has never been more attack oriented. Fluid, dynamic attacking players reflect the way the game is going, and top teams are being rewarded for more adventurous play. Southampton is a team who added attacking flair in the summer with a club record move for Dani Osvaldo from Roma. The Premier League has been an adjustment for the Italian international, scoring one goal thus far. But patience can be preached with Osvaldo while the team boasts the top defensive record in the BPL. Southampton have only conceded two goals this season; thats six fewer than league leaders Arsenal. And go figure, Southampton sits fourth in the Premier League. Team defending and shape has been efficient under Mauricio Pochettino. The team conceded 60 times last campaign with only five teams having a worse goal against record. A less flashy off-season move was the purchase of centre-back Dejan Lovren from Lyon, who has shored up things along the back line alongside the underrated Jose Fonte. The tandem, in combination with centre-midfielders Victor Wanyama and tackle-machine Morgan Schneiderlin have given strength down the spine. The true starring figure has been goalkeeper Artur Boruc, arguably the top player at his position in the league thus far. 19 saves, many of the highlight reel variety and five clean sheets have provided strength in goal for a team with a core of young players dependent on leadership at the back. The Saints will be hard pressed to keep up their current form. But the competitive nature of this team shouldnt surprise. 5. Spurs slip up at home to West Ham to the tune of a 3-0 loss was the shock result of the weekend. It was all a mess for Andre Villas-Boas side, forcing the issue in attack and allowing sloppy play to seep into the teams defensive performance in the second half. Spurs hadnt conceded more than a goal in a match all season and for the complete breakdown to come against a scoring deficient West Ham is entirely surprising. Other than a wonderful individual effort by Ravel Morrison, the other West Ham goals were defenders being muscled off the ball, failing to get in proper position, and losing concentration; all more mental issues than anything else. As far as squad selection, AVB elected to hand Jermain Defoe a rare start and it backfired. Defoe seems a player more suited to life in Cup competitions rather than a player to rely upon in the Premier League. Once Roberto Soldado came on, there was too little action from the Spaniard. Hes a talented goal scorer, but he needs to become more active in his play. Superior movement off the ball is required for Soldado to be a reliable big match option for Spurs. This team is good enough to be at the top of the table. How they respond from this setback will say a lot about the true makeup of the team. Its time to grow up. 6. There need be growing worry about the durability of Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany. The centre-back is the most important player to Citys title credentials, yet he cant stay fit. Kompany will miss Belgiums World Cup qualifiers and faces another spell on the sidelines after leaving Citys 3-1 win over Everton after just 34 minutes with a quad injury. This is Kompanys second injury requiring missed action of the season. Over the last 18 months, Kompany has dealt with three separate calf injuries, a hamstring and groin issues. Kompany is just 27 years old and supposed to be in peak physical condition. As the injuries mount, so does the concern. Short term, City has a big match with Chelsea at the end of the month. If not fit, Jose Mourinho will look to expose the back line with team speed in high positions. But longer term, another top centre-back need be recruited to manage Kompanys minutes more effectively. Manchester United had to do so with the greatest of care with Rio Ferdinand after a myriad of injury issues. The problem for Manuel Pellegrini is he doesnt have requisite cover at the back at present time. Joleon Lescott continues to be a nightmare and unable to play adequately alongside Matija Nastasic. The thought of Javi Garcia playing out of position in big matches is one that would have other teams salivating. As good as City is in attack, they need a fit Kompany to maintain proper structure and lead from the back in all competitions. 7. The raves reviews of Liverpools standout early play continue to ring in. There is a lot to like about the Luis Suarez/Daniel Sturridge partnership in attack, no matter how over the top the praise has become. The movement off the ball is most impressive, with neither player taking up a true high position. The inter-play and the freedom manager Brendan Rodgers has given the duo is whats making it so fluid. The preference of each player is to drift out to the left, but they are doing so with great patience and positional awareness. Rodgers is making all the right moves at the back as well. Against Crystal Palace, Rodgers deployed three at the back, showing intent to attack. The formation works with Steven Gerrard and Lucas playing deeper in holding midfield positions. The variety to which Liverpool can play at a high level is impressive. The formations are flexible and the players dont seem effected by the various tactical changes. Hats off to Rodgers as he continues to get the most out of what he has.  8. There are only 20 managerial jobs in the Premier League. When a job comes available, its hard to turn down the opportunity. That opportunity knocked for Gus Poyet at Sunderland, and the Uruguayan jumped at the chance to take the job. Good luck, Gus. Youre going to need it. Poyet did a wonderful job at Brighton, bringing the club to the brink of Premier League promotion. After a controversial falling out, its plain to see why Poyet wanted back on the job as soon as possible. Problem being, this Sunderland team may be the worse place for the next step in his managerial career. Although its just seven games in, Sunderland are stuck on one point and face a tough go of it, with Swansea away before meeting fierce rival Newcastle in a statement match in the coming weeks. Sunderland brought 14 new players to the club in the summer, and its far-fetched to believe a new manager can bring this group of relative unknowns closer together, forming a chemistry and identity while navigating through murky waters. Dont look for the bank to re-open for transfers in January. Poyet was known for wanting complete control of transfers at Brighton. Director of football Roberto de Fanti and chief scout Valentino Angeloni were instrumental in the busy summer business working hand in hand with Paolo Di Canio. The gentlemen can say they will all be on the same page. But until further evidence, its all lip service. Fact is, the team isnt good enough. Neither are the players. The passionate supporters of the Black Cats deserve better than the current climate. Poyet will have to pull a rabbit out of his hat to get this one right. 9. Cardiff City promotion was a wonderful story of perseverance for the Welsh club. The good vibes have continued into this Premier League season. The magical 3-2 home victory over Manchester City provided some of the scenes of the season. Now stories of discontent and questionable decision-making behind the scenes threaten the goodwill and could derail positive strides on the field. First came reports last weekend of players banning owner Vincent Tan from the locker room over a row about unpaid bonus payments. Then on Tuesday, head of recruitment and right-hand man of manager Malky Mackay, Iain Moody was replaced by a 23-year-old friend of the owners son, with no said footballing experience. The latest rumours have Mackay being asked to leave his position; something the manager refuses to do. The players clearly play for their manager. Any such move would shake the club to its core. Cardiff City stadium was a fortress in winning the League Championship last campaign. Cardiff supporters have already endured the owner changing the colours from their tradition blue to red. Now discontent is taking the dysfunction to intolerable levels. This is certainly a situation to monitor. It would be an absolute shame if the clubs historic rise to the top tier unravels as such. 10. A BBC State of the Game study revealed English footballers account for less than a third of minutes played in the Premier League thus far this season. The figure is substantially lower in comparison to other nationals playing in their respective leagues across Europe. These latest findings will raise the voice of the disheartened masses about the state of the game in England. A national team struggling through World Cup qualifying with little success in recent memory combined with a league whose biggest stars reside from other countries doesnt sit well with the proud footballing nation. Add Jack Wilsheres patriotic call for what it means to be English and represent country, expect a reaction calling for limitations on foreign players in the Premier League. This line of thinking couldnt be more off base. Its not about putting restrictions or foreign players. Its about proper development from within the country. This starts at the youth level. Its the way the players are being taught to play the game. Its the startling lack of top trained and progressive thinking English coaches. Its about redeveloping the identity of how England should play as a nation, bringing the country up to modern standard with a refreshed tactical and skill development approach. The reason why more English players arent playing at the top level is they arent good enough. Its the hard to swallow reality of where the bulk of English players stand at the current time. Theres something ironic about a call for restrictions on foreign players in a league that benefits so significantly from their global popularity and the financial windfall stemming from their reach and the relatable nature of their product. You can reach Gareth at gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca or follow him on Twitter, @WheelerTSN Bob McAdoo Jersey . Replay backed him up. Adeiny Hechavarria immediately followed the ruling with a go-ahead sacrifice fly for the Miami Marlins, who held on to beat the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Sunday completing a three-game sweep. Jerome Robinson Jersey . Minutes before the final whistle of Sporting Kansas Citys 3-0 victory over a shorthanded Montreal Impact squad on Saturday afternoon, Saputo tweeted: "Our fans deserve better. https://www.cheapclippersonline.com/960h-norm-nixon-jersey-clippers.html . -- Billy Andrade hasnt played much competitive golf over the past four years. Paul George Jersey .C. - The Carolina Hurricanes hope they now have the leadership tandem in place to turn the franchise around. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Jersey . "I love the game, its the best job you can have," he explained Tuesday as the players left Joe Louis Arena for the summer. "Ill sit down with my wife and well go from there.SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Dustin Tokarski stopped all 43 shots he faced as the Hamilton Bulldogs blanked the host Syracuse Crunch 3-0 on Saturday in American Hockey League action. Nathan Beaulieu and Christian Thomas had a goal and an assist apiece for the Bulldogs (9-7-3), who used their power play to supply all of their offence, and Martin St. Pierre tacked on two assists. Greg Pateryn added a single goal to round out Hamiltons scoring. Nikita Nesterov led the Crunch (9-6-2) with seven shots on goal while Cedrick Desjardins turned away 30-of-33 shots in defeat. Tokarski kept his club inn the game early by turning away 15 shots in the first period.dddddddddddd Thomas opened the scoring 1:29 into the second while Syracuse blue liner Matt Taormina was serving a minor for tripping. Taorminas period got worse as he picked up another minor for delay of game at 5:51, which led to Pateryn making it 2-0 for Hamilton at 7:18. Beaulieu added another power-play goal for the Bulldogs at 6:47 of the third period. Hamilton, which has won its last four contests, went 3 for 7 on the power play while Syracuse failed to score on six chances with the man advantage. ' ' '

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Brewers centre fielder Carlos Gomez is dropping his appeal of a three-game suspension he received for his part in fight with the Pittsburgh Pirates during a game on Easter Sunday. Gomez will begin serving his suspension Wednesday night and be eligible to return against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. The Pirates are currently in Milwaukee for a three-game series. Pirates starter Gerrit Cole and Gomez exchanged words before the benches and bullpen cleared on April 20th in Pittsburgh. Gomez threw a punch during the fracas. Last night, Gomez went 0 for 1 with a strikeout, and scored a run after being hit by a pitch from Cole in Milwaukees 5-2 win. Gomez later exited the game with back spasms. Brewers catcher Martin Maldonado has already served his five-game suspension. Klay Thompson Jersey . De La Rosa pitched six strong innings to win his sixth consecutive decision, Todd Helton homered and the Colorado Rockies snapped the Los Angeles Dodgers six-game winning streak with a 7-5 victory on Wednesday night. Wilt Chamberlain Jersey .S. President Barack Obama saluted the Stanley Cup winning Chicago Blackhawks at the White House on Monday -- a rare moment for a president hungry to see more victorious teams from his hometown. https://www.cheapwarriors.com/1429o-glenn-robinson-iii-jersey-warriors.html . Speaking on Leafs Lunch with Bryan Hayes and Jamie McLennan on Thursday, Bernier said it was "very hard" at times being entrenched behind Jonathan Quick and is now excited at the prospect of getting an opportunity to compete with Reimer for the top spot with the Leafs. Jeff Mullins Jersey . And though his comeback night didnt quite go to script, Bryant couldnt help reflecting on the work necessary to get back on that court -- and all the months of steady labour ahead to reclaim his game. Bryant had nine points and eight rebounds in his season debut, but Amir Johnson scored a career-high 32 points in the trade-depleted Toronto Raptors 106-94 victory over Los Angeles on Sunday night. David West Jersey . The defending champions sent their preliminary list to FIFA on Tuesday, with coach Vicente del Bosque to announce the final 23-man squad on May 25. Costa is set to lead the attack in his native Brazil, with Atletico Madrid teammate David Villa and Chelseas Fernando Torres also included, while David de Gea replaces injured goalkeeper Victor Valdes.KELOWNA, B.C. -- The Portland Winterhawks scored four goals in the second period, including two in 13 seconds, to come from behind and defeat the host Kelowna Rockets 5-3 on Saturday in Western Hockey League playoff action. Dominic Turgeon, Nicolas Petan, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Brendan Leipsic scored in the second for the Winterhawks, who evened the Western Conference final at a game apiece. Alex Schoenborn added another goal in the third period. Petan tackeed on two assists for a three-point outing and Derrick Pouliot had three assists.dddddddddddd Corbin Boes earned the win for Portland after stopping all 15 shots he faced in 38 minutes of relief. Boes replaced starter Brendan Burke, who allowed three goals on 12 shots. Madison Bowey, Riley Stadel and Nick Merkley supplied the scoring for the Rockets, who blew leads of 2-0 and 3-1. Kelownas Jordon Cooke turned away 48-of-53 shots in defeat. ' ' '

Caroline Ouellette has been named captain of Canadas womens Olympic hockey team. Ouellette, from Montreal, already has three Olympic gold medals since joining the team in 1999. The 34-year-old forward also has six Womens World Championship gold medals as well as five silvers. She is the third-leading scorer in team history with 238 points (85 goals, 153 assists) in 210 games. Ouellette replaces Hayley Wickenheiser as captain. Wickenheiser, who had worn the C for all major international tournaments since Cassie Campbell retired in 2006, will serve as a permanent alternate captain. Packers Jerseys China . Top-ranked Rafael Nadal was also taken to three sets but emerged with a 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3 win over Tobias Kamke of Germany, while second-seeded David Ferrer joined Murray in making an early exit after a 6-4, 7-5 loss to Daniel Brands of Germany. Wholesale Packers Jerseys . The Rangers announced after Thursdays 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees that they would purchase Williams contract from Triple-A Round Rock. The 32-year-old Williams was released by Houston earlier this month after going 1-4 with a 6. https://www.packersjerseysale.com/ . Although Olivetti, a qualifier, had 13 aces, he failed to force a single break-point chance on Gasquets serve and lost his own three times. Gasquet next plays third-seeded Jerzy Janowicz of Poland, who won had 18 aces in a 6-2, 6-4 win against seventh-seeded Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France. Green Bay Packers Pro Shop . During the furious first few hours of free agency Tuesday, the team agreed to terms with strong safety Donte Whitner, a Cleveland native who cant wait to play in his hometown. Custom Green Bay Packers Jerseys . 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell.NEW YORK -- Rangers forward Chris Kreider is sitting out against the Philadelphia Flyers because of a left hand injury that also will force him to skip at least New Yorks upcoming four-game Western Conference trip. The 22-year-old Kreider was injured Friday night in New Yorks win at Columbus, but played in the next two games -- including Monday nights win over Phoenix. But the left winger, who has 17 goals and 37 points thiis season, was limited to about 10 minutes of ice time in each of the previous games.dddddddddddd Details of the injury havent been released, and it hasnt been determined whether Kreider will need surgery. The Rangers said Wednesday he wouldnt go on the trip that begins Friday at Calgary. New York recalled 21-year-old centre J.T. Miller from Hartford of the AHL, and he was in the lineup against the Flyers. ' ' '

The worlds best golfers hit the fairway at the 96th PGA Championship live on TSN from Aug. 7-10 from Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. TSN delivers complete coverage of the fourth and final Major of the year with 26 hours of live action across every round. First Round coverage begins Thursday at 1pm et on TSN. TSNs exclusive live coverage of the PGA Championship is also available for live streaming and on demand viewing through TSN GO. French-language coverage of the PGA Championship is available on RDS and RDS INFO. World #1-ranked player Rory McIlroy will attempt to win his second career PGA Championship title against a world-class field that includes Phil Mickelson, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Canadians Graham DeLaet and David Hearn, as well as 14-time major champion Tiger Woods, who is attempting to make his return from a back injury. TSN Digital platforms deliver exclusive bonus online coverage from the PGA Championship – coverage that goes beyond the television broadcast. Fans can view two bonus feeds featuring marquee groupings and Par 3 holes from around the Valhalla course. TSNs bonus coverage is available on TSN.ca, TSN GO, and the newly launched TSN Golf app. TSN also surrounds its live coverage of the PGA Championship with the multi-platform highlights listed below. SportsCentreBob Weeks files daily reports for SportsCentre all week long from Valhalla Golf Club, delivering post-round reaction, one-on-one interviews, and more. TSN.caTSN.ca features up-to-the-minute news from The PGA Championship as well as daily highlights, analysis from Bob Weeks, along with frequent posts on his popular golf blog. TSN Golf app The fully customizable TSN Golf app is a completely new golf experience that lets fans follow their favourite players hole-by-hole and get real-time alerts whenever they make a birdie, bogey, or par, as well as receive all the latest scores, news, and stats.  Using this app, fans can also directly live stream bonus online coverage from TSNs lineup of the biggest events in golf. Paul George Shoes Wholesale . De La Rosa pitched six strong innings to win his sixth consecutive decision, Todd Helton homered and the Colorado Rockies snapped the Los Angeles Dodgers six-game winning streak with a 7-5 victory on Wednesday night. Nike Air Max Plus Wholesale . DeGrom outpitched Jake Peavy in a tantalizing hitless duel that carried into the seventh inning Saturday night before the New York Mets broke loose and beat the San Francisco Giants 4-2. http://www.wholesalenikeshoesclearance.com/cheap-max-270-shoes/fake-air-max-270-black.html . They signed their first kicker. Ottawa inked Nick Setta, a 32-year-old native of Lockport, Illinois, to a contract. Lebron James Shoes In Order . Perhaps as important, shes sending a message to 17-year-old gold medal favourite Sara Takanashi of Japan. Iraschko-Stolz relegated Takanashi, who has 10 World Cup victories this season, to second place in two of three training jumps Saturday. Cheap Nike Shoes Near Me . The Incheon-based tea, of the Korea Baseball Organization said the deal for the 35-year-old Scott included a $50,000 signing bonus. Scott reached the major leagues with Houston in 2005 and hit 23 homers or more for Baltimore each year from 2008-10.TORONTO -- Purple is back for the Toronto Raptors 20th anniversary logo. The Raptors unveiled their special anniversary logo Tuesday, featuring two bold purple Xs around the traditional Raptors claw. Purple was the teams primary colour for its first 11 seasons in the NBA. "This anniversary logo embodies the excitement of both the future and the past of Raptors basketball, but most importantly, it reminds us of the success and history were working to create here," Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertaiinment, said in a release.dddddddddddd Leiweke added that next season promises to be one of the most important yet, with both the teams 20th anniversary and preparations for the 2016 NBA all-star game in Toronto. The anniversary logo incorporates past and present team designs, anchored by the original Raptors font and jagged pinstripe design with the current claw. The logo will be featured prominently in team marketing and advertising next season, while a variation of it will be worn as a patch on the teams home uniforms. ' ' '

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis wants everyone to know that his latest NFL suspension resulted from taking a supplement that contained a banned substance -- and not a repeat of the recreational drug use that got him into trouble in the past. The NFL announced Wednesday that Davis has been suspended indefinitely without pay for violating the leagues substance abuse policy. It is his second substance-abuse suspension -- he sat out the final four games of the 2011 season after testing positive for marijuana. "I would like to clarify the circumstances that resulted in my current suspension," Davis said in a statement released through the NFL Players Association. "In the past, I made the mistake of knowingly ingesting a banned substance. For over two years, Ive worked very hard to eliminate marijuana from my life, and I have not had a positive test for it since 2011. "Unfortunately, a couple of months ago I took a supplement that contained a banned substance. I now know that supplements are not regulated by the FDA and may contain banned substances. The NFL Policy is strict, and not knowing that a supplement might contain a banned substance doesnt excuse a violation of the policy." NFL players are regularly briefed on the leagues drug policy. Davis is a six-year veteran, a second-round selection by the Redskins in the 2008 draft. Davis said he has been working with the league and players union to "resolve this violation" and that he will be permitted to apply for reinstatement in the fall. "I look forward to staying in football shape, remaining in compliance with the NFL policy, and having a chance to get back on the field to contribute to a teams success next season," the statement said. Davis appears unlikely to return to the Redskins. He is set to become a free agent next month, having signed a one-year deal in 2013 with the hope of producing big numbers that he could parlay into a hefty multiyear contract when he hit the open market. Instead, he caught only seven passes and was passed on the depth chart by rookie Jordan Reed. Davis also admitted to nodding off during team meetings and voiced a desire to play for another team after he was put on the inactive list for multiple games. Davis has 162 career receptions for 2,043 yards. His best season was 2011, when he had 59 catches for 796 yards before his first suspension. Marcelo Balboa Jersey . As deep as their roster is, they need their superstar. Rose scored 23 points in his return from a five-game absence due to back pain, and Chicago hung on to beat the struggling Atlanta Hawks 90-79 on Monday. Eric Wynalda Jersey .com) - Carmelo Anthony tallied 31 points to help the New York Knicks continue their improved play of late with a 100-92 victory over a short-handed Oklahoma City Thunder squad. https://www.cheapusasoccer.com/381j-antonee-robinson-jersey-usa.html . Venus Williams advanced to the ASB Classic final in Auckland on a walkover when fellow American Jamie Hampton withdrew from their semifinal Friday with a right hip injury. Wholesale USA Soccer Jerseys . The rookie is rewarding their faith with a stellar first season. MacKinnon had a goal and two assists, Jamie McGinn had two goals and an assist, and Colorado beat the Buffalo Sabres 7-1 on Saturday. Fake USA Soccer Jerseys . The England international had both goals in TFCs season-opening 2-1 win over the Seattle Sounders on Saturday.ARLINGTON, Texas -- Colby Lewis had to be reminded about his last victory for the Texas Rangers. It had been a while. Lewis allowed one run over 5 1-3 innings for his first win in nearly two years, after elbow surgery and a unique hip procedure, and the Rangers beat the Chicago White Sox 6-3 on Saturday night for their fifth consecutive victory. "Its pretty sentimental," Lewis said. "Its one of those victories that Im just excited about." The 34-year-old right-hander won for the first time since June 17, 2012, a month before his last game prior to surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow. He was still rehabbing from that last August when he had right hip resurfacing surgery, and is the first known major league pitcher to return from that operation to remove bone spurs without a full hip replacement. "It was awesome," shortstop Elvis Andrus said. "Were really glad for him." Joakim Soria, the fifth Texas reliever, worked a perfect ninth for his third save in four chances. He then gave the game ball to Lewis (1-1). Before his season debut Monday night, a home loss to Seattle when he also went 5 1-3 innings, Lewis hadnt made a major league start since July 18, 2012. "Im still kind of disappointed that i didnt go deeper in the ball game," Lewis said. "But I felt like the 85 (pitches) were a lot better than the 88 that I threw the other day. I felt like I was more relaxed. I was more myself." Manager Ron Washington said that kind of improvement is what the Rangers wanted to see from Lewis. "He came out and kept the ball down for the most part and used his pitches well, kept his stamina going for the time that he was out there," Washington said. Texas went ahead to stay on Prince Fielders high-arching blast to right leading off the fourth for a 2-1 lead. It was only his second homer in his 18 games with Texas. Shin-Soo Choo and Alex Rios each had three hits for the Rangers and Kevin Kouzmanoff homered leading off the eighth, giving him a 10-game hitting streak to start his Rangers career. Jose Quintana (1-1) allowed five runs and nine hits over five innings, and the White Sox lost their fourth straight. "He was pretty good. It wasnt his best stuff, but they are going to get hits, just because of the way the ballpark plays," manager Robin Ventura said.dddddddddddd "But once they start falling in, those are the ones that hurt you." Dayan Viciedos two-run single in the eighth got the White Sox within 5-3 before Alexei Ramirez, who entered the game with a AL-leading .379 batting average, grounded into an inning-ending double play. Ramirez finished 0 for 4 to snap his 21-game hitting streak, the longest hitting streak by a White Sox player since Carlos Lees franchise-record 28 in a row 10 years ago, and drop his average to .357. After Fielders homer, Josh Wilson had a two-run single in the fourth before Choos RBI-double made it 5-1. "The situation in the fourth inning changed the game for me," Quintana said. "One pitch. But now Im thinking about the next start." Chicago opened the second inning with three consecutive singles -- equaling its season-low hit total from the night before in a span of five pitches. Ramirez then grounded into a double play to send home a run that tied the game at 1. Texas had three consecutive hits in the first, though No. 2 Elvis Andrus got tagged out in a rundown between first and second base after his single. Rios had an RBI double for a 1-0 lead and to stretch his hitting streak to six games. After Andrus was tagged out diving back into first, Texas manager Ron Washington took one step out of the dugout like he might challenge the play. He instead returned to his seat, and TV replays showed that Andrus was indeed out. Notes: Chicago leadoff hitter Adam Eaton left with a mild strain in his left hamstring after batting in the fifth. Eaton and manager Robin Ventura said the injury wasnt related to a collision with 1B Fielder the previous pitch on a foul-ball roller up the first-base line. ... Viciedos hit off Alexi Ogando ended a scoreless streak of 16 2-3 innings by Rangers relievers, who had allowed only one earned run the previous 23 1-2 innings. ... Texas LHP Matt Harrison threw eighth scoreless innings in a rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Saturday night. He could make his Rangers season debut as early as next weekend. ... The Rangers are a majors-best 9-3 at home this season. ' ' '

Nashville, TN (SportsNetwork.com) - The Tennessee Titans agreed to terms with running back Jackie Battle on a one-year contract Friday. Battle was scheduled to become a free agent on March 11. The 30-year-old had 142 yards and one touchdown on 36 carries while playing in all 16 games last season, his first with the Titans. Battle has rushed 321 times for 1,168 yards and eight touchdowns in 80 career games with Tennessee, San Diego and Kansas City. Golden Knights Jerseys 2020 . "Rob brings a wealth of coaching experience, having worked both in Canada and overseas in player development," Canada Soccer technical director Tony Fonseca said in a release. Vegas Golden Knights Store .Y. - Alex Rodriguez paid $305,000 for evidence that could be used in the case involving the Biogenesis of America drug clinic, the Daily News reported Saturday. https://www.cheapgoldenknights.com/ . - The Clippers have signed guard Dahntay Jones to a second 10-day contract. Fake Golden Knights Jerseys . Although taking two of three from the Baltimore Orioles wasnt nearly as uplifting as winning the World Series, it still felt pretty darn good. Felix Doubront and four relievers combined kept Baltimores potent lineup in check, and David Ortiz had three of Bostons 12 hits off Wei-Yin Chen in a 4-3 victory Thursday night. Golden Knights Jerseys China . The Toronto Blue Jays general manager made a series of bold moves that reshaped the club ahead of what would turn out to be a disastrous 2013 campaign.GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- Henrik Lundqvist had his game-day face on at practice. He still smiled and answered all the questions thrown at him Monday about the Los Angeles Kings -- the New York Rangers long-awaited opponent in the Stanley Cup finals. "Exciting. Long flight," the star goalie said Monday before he and his teammates headed to California for New Yorks first appearance in the finals since winning the title in 1994. "East Coast-West Coast. Ill look forward to this matchup." If there wasnt already enough pressure on Lundqvist to lead his team to the championship, he is now part of the hype machine heading into Game 1 on Wednesday. Headlines are screaming: "King Henrik vs. the Kings." "Clever," he said with a slight laugh. The Rangers have been waiting since Thursday to find out if they would face the 2012 Stanley Cup-winning Kings or the defending champion Chicago Blackhawks in the finals. They took two days off before returning to practice on Sunday. Most of the players said they watched at least part of Los Angeles third road Game 7 win of this playoff year that night. So practice on Monday had a bit more focus for the Rangers as they knew exactly who was standing in their way next. "Any team you play at this time of year is a good hockey team, especially a team that has kind of been around the playoffs and the Stanley Cup finals a couple of times in the last few years," forward Derek Stepan said. "This is a very good hockey club, We have a tough challenge in front of us." The Kings returned to Los Angeles after their 5-4 come-from-behind overtime win at Chicago and took Monday off. They have played a record 21 playoff games before the finals -- one more than the Rangers, who eliminated the Montreal Canadiens in six games during the Eastern Conference finals. Before this year, no team that played seven games in each of the first two rounds had reached the finals. Now, both clubs have done it. The Kings taking it a step further with a trio of seven-game series. "When you knew you were playing L.A., the adrenaline started coming a little bit more," Lundqvist said. "Youve been thinking about this ever since you beat Montreal, but now knowing were going to L.A., it was easier to focus on whats coming. "You just try to now come back to the focus and mindset you had last week. Its been nice to get a little break heree and get away from it a little bit because its been that intense.dddddddddddd" Both teams will be back to the grind on Tuesday for media day, leading up to the opener the following night. The Rangers and Kings split two games during the regular season -- with each team winning in the other clubs building -- but they havent seen each other since Los Angeles 1-0 victory at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 17. New York opened with a five-game Western road trip as final renovations were being made at the Garden. Its only win during that stretch was a 3-1 victory at Los Angeles on Oct. 7 -- a 28-save performance by Lundqvist. "Great goaltending. Great defence. Great forwards. Great special teams," Kings coach Darryl Sutter provided as a quick scouting report on the Rangers. "Were up against it again." The Rangers know that many, if not most, in the hockey world arent giving them much of a chance to win the Cup. They neither mind nor embrace the role of underdog. They have heard it before, and have just gone about their business. "When you get into the NHL, you know how hard it is to win," forward Brad Richards said. "The underdog thing and the favourite thing really doesnt mean anything in the locker room. You have to go out and play." New York needed seven games to get past division rival Philadelphia in the first round. The Rangers werent expected to beat Pittsburgh from the start, and certainly not after they fell into a 3-1 series deficit. Montreal was coming off a stirring seven-game victory over defending Eastern Conference champion Boston, so odds makers favoured the Canadiens in their matchup against New York, too. But here the Rangers are as the last team standing. "To put it quite simply, were up against the team that won the Stanley Cup two years ago that just beat the defending Stanley Cup champions, that without a doubt is battle-tested," Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. "We know exactly what we have to do. If we want to have a chance, were going to have to bring our best hockey of the year. Its as simple as that. "Weve had a couple of good practices, were going to have another good one tomorrow, and were going to be ready come Wednesday." He added one more thing as he left the media interview tent while wearing his sandals, to go prepare for a cross-country flight. "Bring your shorts," he said. ' ' '

CHICAGO -- A couple of weeks ago, Jeff Samardzija was a symbol of the Chicago Cubs struggles when he was winless despite leading the major leagues in ERA. Now Samardzija has his second win in three starts for a team trying to turn around its season. Samardzija tossed seven solid innings, Junior Lake hit two home runs and Emilio Bonifacio added a two-run shot as the Cubs extended their winning streak to five with a 5-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Saturday. "The best thing as a starting pitcher you can have is consistency -- that every time you go out there your coach and your teammates know what youre going to give them," Samardzija said. "Thats what I want to do." Saturday certainly was a start. Samardzija (2-5) allowed two runs and five hits in seven innings, striking out eight. Pedro Strop got his second save. Except for his last outing -- eight runs in three innings at Milwaukee last Sunday -- Samardzija has put up similar numbers all season. The Cubs, though, would always come up short in one phase of the game during his outings, whether it was offence or defence. During the winning streak, consistent all-around production has been the norm. "I think everybodys contributing in some shape or form," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. "Junior adding two solo homers there, those are big runs, obviously. There are a lot of different things, a lot of little things. Theyre just playing the game." Christian Yelich went 2 for 4 with a homer for the Marlins and opened the scoring in the third inning with a solo shot to make it 1-0. "It was a good swing," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "He keeps battling. He gives you good at-bats. Hes got power. You see it in there. Its just really just a matter of consistency for him. He keeps having good at-bats. Even though his average is probably not where he would want it, or everyone else would want it, I know hes going to give me a good at-bat." The Cubs went in front in the bottom half of the inning when Samardzija singled and Bonifacio hammered a 3-2 pitch from Miami starter Randy Wolf (1-2) into the left-field bleachers for a 2-1 lead. It was Bonifacios first homer since July 30 last season. "That was great," Samardzija said. "I got to jog around the bases instead of having to score from first." The Cubs stretched the lead to 3-1 in the fifth when Lake hit a long homer into the shrubbery in centre field, connecting with a 79 mph changeup on a 2-1 count. Miami got to 3-2 in the sixth inning when Giancarlo Stanton doubled with one out, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on Casey McGehees groundout to first base. The Cubs got a run back in the bottom half when Starlin Castro led off with a double, advanced to third on a fly out and scored when Wolf threw a wild pitch with Mike Olt at the plate. Lake bumped the lead to 5-2 an inning later when he went deep for the second time in the game -- the second multihomer game of his career -- on a line drive to left against reliever Chris Hatcher. "I really love how were playing right now as a team in all phases," Samardzija said. "To win big league ballgames you have to have all three or four phases of the game. "I love the way were swinging it right now, and, as a pitcher, it gives you a lot of confidence to go out and pound the zone." NOTES: Cubs LHP Zac Rosscup (left shoulder soreness) began his rehab assignment with Class AAA Iowa Saturday. He has been on the disabled list since May 10. ... Redmond said C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (concussion) has not participated in baseball activities since being hit on his catching mask by a foul tip on May 31 and that it was likely he would be sent to the 15-day disabled list. ... RHP Jake Arrieta (1-1, 3.00 ERA) will face RHP Henderson Alvarez (3-3, 2.62) Sunday in the finale of the three-game series. Alvarezs three wins are all shutouts. USA Soccer Jerseys 2019 . It led to his downfall on Tuesday. The Major League Soccer club fired Rennie after a second straight up-and-down season that saw the Whitecaps start strong before limping across the finish line. Keegan Rosenberry Jersey . Anything less than gold for either nation is considered a disappointment.   Yet for Switzerland, advancing to the semifinal might be a victory in itself. https://www.cheapusasoccer.com/721j-deandre-yedlin-jersey-usa.html . “The fact that he was willing to do the deal the way we wanted it to be done showed that he wanted me to be a part of something great," Lowry said, noting that Ujiri willingness to sign off on the proposal that both Lowry and his agent presented to the GM was the final straw that convinced him to return. USA Soccer Store . Snedekers best result so far this year is a tie for eighth place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March. He sits 113th in FedEx Cup standings and has dropped to 31st in world rankings — not the results expected from a player ranked fourth in the world only two years ago. Matt Miazga Jersey . Listen to the Raptors vs. Jazz live tonight on TSN Radio 1050 at 9pm et/6pm pt. The Raptors are 1-1 so far on the five-game junket after defeating Denver and losing to Portland.Manaus, Brazil - Cameroon midfielder Alex Song has been hit with a three-match suspension following his red card against Croatia last Wednesday. Song was sent off in the 40th minute after he elbowed Croatia forward Mario Mandzukic in the back away from the ball, which was spotted by the referee. Cameroon went on to lose the contest 4-0, eliminating the team from the competition iin the group stage for the fifth successive World Cup.dddddddddddd The 26-year-old received an automatic one-game suspension for being sent off, which rules him out of Cameroons final match against Brazil on Monday. But he will now serve a further two-game ban, making him unavailable for his teams next two international matches after FIFA decided to extend the ban. ' ' '

MADRID, Spain -- Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to miss Wednesdays Copa del Rey final against Barcelona due to a leg injury. Madrid says medical scans Thursday on the Portugal international revealed a muscle injury in his left leg -- in addition to a left knee injury he had been nursing. Madrid did not say how long Ronaldo would be sidelined. Madrid lost 2-0 at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday without Ronaldo, who has scored 45 goals in all competitions for the Spanish giants this season including a record-equaling 14 in the Champions League. However, his side advanced 3-2 on aggregate. Ronaldo is also expected to miss Saturdays game against Almeria. Madrid trails Spanish leader Atletico Madrid by three points with six rounds to play. Florida Panthers Shirts . -- Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf has been suspended two games for his hit from behind on Kevan Miller of the Bruins. Florida Panthers Store . Former San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds made his longshot request of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit upheld Bonds conviction in September. https://www.panthersjerseycheap.com/ . CEO Steve Koonin on Tuesday told the Hawks flagship radio station that he made the decision to discipline Ferry but allowed him to keep his job managing the team. He did not say what the punishment was, but noted that he relied on a law firms three-month investigation of Ferry and him describing Deng as someone who has a little African in him. Panthers Jerseys China . - Anthony Beauvillier had the winning goal in the third period as the Shawinigan Cataractes edged the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 2-1 on Wednesday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League play. Wholesale Panthers Jerseys . The move will give Hentgen the "time needed to support his family and his fathers current health issues," the Blue Jays said in a release. Hentgen spent 10 of his 14 big-league seasons with the Blue Jays, winning a Cy Young Award in 1996.PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks have been pulling off comebacks all season, with seemingly a different player coming through each time. This time, it was Eric Chavezs turn. Stuck in a rut since coming off the disabled list, Chavez hit the first pitch he saw in the ninth inning for a run-scoring single, sending the Diamondbacks to another walk-off victory, 4-3 over the San Francisco Giants on Saturday night. "Weve been good at it, its just not a fun way to play baseball," Chavez said. "Weve played so many extra-inning games, you just dont want to play like that. But we are good late. I dont know what that means, but that was a good one." Arizona has had a knack for walking away with wins this season and pulled off another one against the Giants. After Brad Ziegler (8-1) worked a perfect ninth, Willie Bloomquist opened the bottom half with a single off Sandy Rosario (3-2) for his third hit and moved up on Adam Eatons sacrifice bunt. After an intentional walk to Paul Goldschmidt, Chavez lined his single into left-centre for his fifth career game-ending hit, sending the Diamondbacks rushing out of their dugout to greet him. It was Arizonas 12th walk-off victory this season and 29th comeback win. It may also be the trigger that gets Chavez back in the groove he was in before going on the DL Aug 10 with a strained left knee. Hitting .299 before the injury, he had gone hitless in 12 at-bats since coming off the DL, including an 0-for-4 start against the Giants. Chavez ended the streak in dramatic fashion, lining a high fastball to the opposite field. "He came to me during (batting practice) and said, My swing stinks right now, but I might come through in a big spot," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. "He hung tough a got a good pitch." San Francisco won the series opener 1-0 and rallied from a 3-0 deficit to tie the middle game. Starter Ryan Vogelsong gave the Giants a chance with six effective innings, but the bullpen, which has been stellar let it slip away. The run off Rosario was the second allowed by San Franciscos bullpen in 20 2-3 innings that past seven games. Gregor Blanco hit a solo homer and Hunter Pence had three hits for the Giants. "A hard fought game, the guys did well ccoming back," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.dddddddddddd"They got the leadoff hitter and that puts pressure on you." Vogelsong had been sharp since coming off the disabled list for a broken right hand, going 3-1 with a 2.55 ERA. But the right-hander has struggled his second time through the order all season and Saturday was no different. Vogelsong escaped a bases-loaded jam in the third inning, but Arizona opened the fourth with three straight hits, the last a run-scoring single by Miguel Montero. Gerardo Parra followed with a sacrifice fly and Bloomquist made it 3-0 with a run-scoring single. Opponents are hitting .349 against Vogelsong the second time through the order after the Diamondbacks went 5 for 6 with a walk and two sacrifices. "In that one inning, I got a little loose mechanically and that had an effect on how sharp the pitches were," said Vogelsong, who allowed three runs on nine hits. "The rest of the game wasnt too bad." Arizona starter Trevor Cahill escaped a bases-loaded jam in the first by getting Pablo Sandoval to fly out. Cahill was helped by double plays in the fourth and fifth. He seemed to tire by the seventh inning, when Blanco hit his third pitch out to right for a homer and Marco Scutaro chased him with a run-scoring triple. Buster Posey tied the game at 3 later in the inning with a run-scoring single off Josh Collmenter. Cahill yielded three runs and nine hits in 6 1-3 innings. "I had some guys on base all night and had to make some big pitches, just probably trying to do a little too much there at the end," Cahill said. NOTES: Vogelsong singled in the fifth for his second hit in 24 at-bats this season. ... Arizonas Martin Prado is hitting .364 since the All-Star break after going 3 for 4. ... Giants CF Angel Pagan saved a run in the seventh with a diving catch on Aaron Hills liner. ... Arizona LHP Patrick Corbin will pitch the series finale Sunday after allowing eight earned runs in 5 1-3 innings against Philadelphia in his last start. ... RHP Yusmeiro Petit will make his second start for the Giants on Sunday. He earned his first victory in the majors since 2009 by allowing two runs over six innings against Colorado in his first start this season. ' ' '