Tree of Life

29 May

PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS DEFEAT RWB ADRIA 3-2 IN FOURTH ROUND OF LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP

published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Thursday, May 29th, 2014 – 10:14 am

The Pittsburgh Riverhounds notched another dramatic win against RWB Adria in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, needing extra time to defeat the Chicago-based side 3-2 at Highmark Stadium on Wednesday night.

Jhonny Arteaga’s goal in the second overtime was the difference, as the Riverhounds now advance to the fourth round, where they will take on the Chicago Fire on June 18.

“It’s the kind of win that can bring everyone back together. This team’s been through a lot, but it was awesome,” said Niko Katic, Riverhounds Interim Head Coach.

As the teams battled into extra time, the Riverhounds finally got the go-ahead goal, thanks to nice pass from Collins John, from the top of the penalty box, he laid a ball to his left to Arteaga, who had plenty of room to finish.

“There’s been a lot of changes for us the past week or so, and this is something that will give us a lot of confidence going forward.”

For the second consecutive year, the Riverhounds were taken in U.S. Open Cup match, to the limit by a hard-fought effort from RWB Adria, this time trailing late in the second half.

“They are a superior technical team, they are all good players and they gave us a valiant effort,” said Katic.

With the match tied 1-1 as the second half started, after Katic inserted Jose Angulo into the match. The Riverhounds could not capitalize on a few quality chances including a nice run down the left side by Angulo, who missed his shot wide in the 60th minute.

Adria stunned the home crowd in the 62nd minute. Taylor Bond deflected a free kick as numerous players from both sides converged on the ball played toward the far post, and the 2014 U.S. Amateur Cup Champions took a 2-1 lead.

Katic responded by bringing in Jhonny Arteaga and Mike Seth into the match in the over the course of the next 10 minutes, and the Riverhounds began to assert themselves — mounting numerous chances.

“We gave up two goals. But who cares, we had to move on. We never stopped fighting. And that’s what we have to do,” Katic said.

In the 80th minute, they finally drew even thanks to a nice service from the right side from Matt Dallman. Angulo was able to get a head on the ball, and sending back to Collins John who finished with a right footed volley past RWB Ardria goalkeeper Igor Dimov.

While the Riverhounds were getting a lot of shots, it was a bit of an erratic half for both teams in the first half.

The Riverhounds took the lead in the 39th minute, as Danny Earls scored his first goal of the year.

It started as Matt Dallman played a ball to Rob Vincent in stride along the right side. Vincent delivered a low cross through the top of the penalty area. John let the ball through his legs, allowing an unmarked Earls to get a one-time, left-footed shot past a diving RWB Adria goalkeeper Igor Dimov.

Earls, who has played the most minutes of any player on the Hounds roster this season, continued his tireless work rate throughout the match, setting up dangerous crosses and drawing fouls, drawing raves from his coach.

“He was unbelievable tonight. That’s why he’s our co-captain. He’s going to keep flourishing to another level, and I see him really helping us going forward,” said Katic.

RWB Adria responded a few minutes later, in the 44th minute, as Christian Dragoi drew a pair of Riverhounds defenders as he dribbled toward the left side, then played the ball back to the middle to Derek Huffman. With plenty of space, from 15 yards, Huffman drilled it into the goal for the equalizer.

The Riverhounds took 10 shots in the first half, but Dimov only had to make 2 saves in the first half. The home side also had the edge in corner kicks in the first half, 4-1.

By the end of the full 120 minutes of play, the Riverhounds outshot RWB Adria 27-6, as Dimov had to make 9 saves. Hounds goalkeeper Hunter Gilstrap only needed to made one save all night. The Hounds also had the edge in corner kicks (12-5).

Katic’s starting line up included: Hunter Gilstrap (GK), Brian Fekete, Sterling Flunder, Andrew Marshall, Rob Vincent, Anthony Obodai, Alfonso Motagalvan, Earls, Seth C’deBaca, Dallman, and John.

Katic sees this as a turning point for the Riverhounds as they now seek their first win in USL PRO League competition.

“Hopefully this will carry over for us in our next game, and for the rest of the season.”

The Riverhounds return to USL PRO League competition against in-state rivals, Harrisburg City Islanders at Highmark Stadium on Sunday, June 1, with a 6 p.m. kickoff.

Posted in Sports Talk Radio

 

29 May

Steelers Sign Fifth-Round Pick Shaquille Richardson

published in category: Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, May 29th, 2014 – 10:13 am

The Steelers have signed their first of two fifth-round selections, cornerback Shaquille Richardson, from the 2014 NFL Draft. Financial terms of the four-year deal were not disclosed.

Richardson (6-0, 194), who was the 157th overall pick, played collegiately at the University of Arizona. He started 37-of-49 games played, including all 13 as a senior. In his career, Richardson recorded 189 tackles (142 solo), eight tackles for loss, 10 interceptions, 131 interception return yards, 30 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

The Steelers have now signed five of their nine selections from the 2014 NFL Draft.

Posted in Pittsburgh Steelers

 

28 May

Steelers OTA’s

published in category: Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, May 28th, 2014 – 11:13 am


Posted in Pittsburgh Steelers

 

27 May

Steelers Sign Two Draft Picks

published in category: Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 – 6:20 pm

The Steelers have signed two of their selections in the 2014 NFL Draft, the second of two fifth-round picks, offensive lineman Wesley Johnson and the first of two sixth-round picks, linebacker Jordan Zumwalt. Financial terms of the four-year deals were not disclosed.

Johnson (6-5, 297), who was the 173rd overall pick, played collegiately at Vanderbilt University. Johnson started all 51 games he played for the Commodores, 39 at left tackle, three at right tackle, two at left guard and seven at center. His 51 starts were a school career record. In 2013, Johnson received All-SEC first-team honors from The NFL Draft Report and from conferences coaches, while also being named second-team All-SEC by the Associated Press.

Zumwalt (6-4, 235), who was the 192nd overall selection, played collegiately at UCLA. He started 30-of-50 games played in his career, compiling 256 tackles (164 solo), two sacks, 22 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions and two blocked kicks. Zumwalt was named All-Pac 12 Conference second-team by The NFL Draft Report and earned honorable mention honors from conferences coaches.

The Steelers have now signed four of their nine selections from the 2014 NFL Draft.

Posted in Pittsburgh Steelers

 

27 May

WWE Champ? GM?

published in category: Wrestling Reality on Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 – 3:02 pm


Posted in Wrestling Reality

 

27 May

Punk-Less Payback BY Jeremy Ackman

published in category: Wrestling Reality on Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 – 2:38 pm

cmpunkThis Sunday is the WWE’s 2nd installment of their pay-per-view “Payback”. Where storylines take turns, and where “Payback” towards a familiar foe is imminent. For this pay-per-view, there are several marquee matchups, a few of which can be main events. We have elimination matches, a few title matches and a 6 man elimination that is for sure going to steal the show.
However, this pay-per-view to me, is not one of storylines of in ring action, this one is one of out of ring action. Payback, is going to happen in Chicago, Illinois. Now to many, this means nothing. To the drama loved WWE fan, this is only the second time WWE will grace the birth and present land of the artist formally known as CM Punk.
I have a huge tolerance for the WWE, as a fan for over 22 years I have to. However, there is one thing that I cannot stand for the past 6 months, and that is the obsession of CM Punk, and more so, his departure.
Though the true story was never officially revealed, CM Punk’s last known match was right here in Pittsburgh, at the Royal Rumble event. Most say, it was the Raw the night after in which backstage conflict led to the “resignation” of CM Punk, or to the real world known as Phil Brooks. Since then, he has not been seen sporting or supporting the WWE and wrestling world. Sporadically there will be a picture of the guy pop on Instagram, and it goes well past viral within seconds. His Twitter account was watched like a hawk since January, as for over 4 months it was silent. Just recently, it has got some attention for that Punk has made himself heard over the recent playoff drive of his beloved Chicago Blackhawks.
The part that bothers me the most though, are the random CM Punk chants by fans, the obsession over this man, and the way the WWE Universe is reacting to such events. I will bet everything I own, everything, that the WWE starts SEVERAL “CM PUNK” chants at the pay per view. Most would say rightfully so, it’s his hometown right? Wrong. If the chants of CM PUNK haven’t worked for the first 4 and a half months, why would they now?
Fans need to give up on the fact he’s coming back anytime soon, let alone at all…….
There’s been reports that he is being stalked outside his home. People camp outside his house and dig through his garbage. Yes, his garbage. However, don’t expect to see the CM Punk authentic apple core on WWE Shop zone soon. Every time Punk tries to tweet about the hockey game (or a bet with LA King’s mascot) his twitter is flooded with anti-punk comments, or WWE based comments of when he’s coming back or looking for answers.
Does Punk deserve this? Well, kind of yeah. He has really done this to himself. Punk, who devoted his time to fans experiences at the shows, literally turned his back on those fans who spend $25 on his t-shirts and make their Punk slogan signs. He left, with NO explanation to why. Nothing. A thank you on twitter, followed 4 months of silence. That was all. If he was so upset with the way things were ran, why didn’t he cut an amazing promo prior? Or a retirement match? Or “get injured” in a storyline? Or heck, suck it up? In a way, he doesn’t have to do all that. He’s still getting his millions off merchandise and the exploitation of his stage name, but as a fan savior, or in his words “voice of the voiceless”, that voice has been way too quiet. This to me, is like a bad break up. The fans want closure. I feel this stocking or obsession would have been avoided (at some level) if this was just handled differently.
So in writing this, this is not a “leave Punk alone” preach (sort of). Let’s say I won’t deliberately come out and say “leave him alone”, but enough is enough right? As a WWE fan, I am just tired of hearing useless chants. He’s not coming back, not for a while, if at all. One reason of his bitterness is the WWE’s habit of pushing returning talents (ie Batista this year). Wouldn’t that make his a hypocrite if he returns? I guess it depends on which juncture he returns in. Maybe he shows up at Payback. Maybe he’s the new General Manger after the firing of the previous one on Last Monday’s edition of Raw. Maybe he shows up in 8 months for a Wrestlemania push. Or maybe, just maybe, he is done. No one seems to accept that, that is one possibility, one aspect in which could come true.
I am just tired of the random, useless, no point or reference Punk chants. I’m tired of good matches or segments or promos hijacked by a Punk chant. There’s been great matches, or segments in which a Punk chant is uncalled for that just dampers what we’re experiencing, much to what I expect come Sunday.
In a way yes, it’s WWE who can take SOME blame in the Punk thing, but I don’t see them MORE at fault than Phil Brooks himself. I am happy for him, because he’s not a wrestler or a character or a Paul Heyman guy, but a person. After all, they are ALL people. He is relaxing, still deemed successful, and about to marry a WWE diva upcoming month.
So, as politely as I can say, fans have got to just suck it up. Punk will do what Punk will do, whenever Punk feels like doing. That the joys of “retirement”. Stop the Punk chants. Hell, protest if you will and stop buying his stuff if it makes you feel better. Let the current, employed superstars continue the show, because this is a business, and the show must and will go on.
Ironically in the words of either Barrett’s “I’m afraid I’ve got some Bad News”, or even better Batista’s “deal with it”…..that’s exactly what WWE fans are going to have to accept and do.

Posted in Wrestling Reality

 

27 May

Robert Morris Announces 2014-15 Recruiting Class

published in category: College Sports on Tuesday, May 27th, 2014 – 1:43 pm

Robert Morris University men’s basketball head coach Andrew Toole announced the program’s 2014-15 recruiting class Tuesday, which includes four freshmen, two junior college transfers and one transfer.

Joining RMU for the 2014-15 campaign are freshman forwards Andre Frederick (Detroit, Mich. / Daniel Hand) and Elijah Minnie (Monessen, Pa. / Lincoln Park), freshman guards Jafar Kinsey (Syracuse, N.Y. / Jamesville-Dewitt) and Marcquise Reed (Laurel, Md. / Capitol Christian), junior forward Lionel Gomis (Dakar, Senegal / Cloud County Community College), junior guard Rodney Pryor (Evanston, Ill. / Cloud County Community College) and sophomore guard Jairus Lyles (Washington, D.C. / DeMatha Catholic).

“We’re extremely excited about the group of student-athletes we’ve brought into the program,” Toole said. “We’ve identified and addressed our needs for not only next season but beyond with our latest class, and I think we’ve attracted high quality athletes and individuals to Robert Morris.”

Frederick and Kinsey signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) with the Colonials in the early signing period of November 2013, while Minnie, Reed, Pryor and Gomis signed NLI’s with RMU in the spring.

“I’m really excited about the balance our freshman class presents,” Toole said. “There’s good versatility with the group, as well. We have guys that can play multiple positions, and I think we were able to help shore up our frontcourt depth with the size we’ve brought in. Rodney and Leo, meanwhile, are both physically and mentally mature and ready to contribute at the Division I level. Both of them will have the ability to contribute right away.”

Lyles announced his decision to transfer to Robert Morris in May of 2014 and will sit out the 2014-15 campaign due to NCAA transfer rules. He will have three years of eligibility with Robert Morris beginning in 2015-16.

“Jairus is one of the more highly rated high school recruits we’ve gotten, and he’ll fit in perfectly with our system,” Toole said. “I’m confident he’ll use the next year to improve his game, whether it’s through practice or through his routine off the court, and he’ll be ready to step in and contribute in 2015-16.”

The recruiting class joins a group of three returning starters and six letterwinners from a squad that finished with an overall record of 22-14 (.611) in 2013-14 and earned its second straight and 11th Northeast Conference regular-season title overall with a mark of 14-2 (.875) in league play.

RMU advanced to the postseason for the sixth time in the last seven years in 2013-14, advancing to the second round of the 2014 National Invitation Tournament (NIT). The Colonials earned an 89-78 victory at St. John’s (3/18/14) in the first round of the 2014 NIT, the program’s first victory against a Big East school, before falling at Belmont (3/21/14) in the second round, 82-71.

Returning as starters for Robert Morris in 2014-15 are forwards Lucky Jones (Newark, N.J. / St. Anthony) and Stephan Hawkins (Gary, Ind. / Bowman Academy) and junior guard David Appolon (Philadelphia, Pa. / Imhotep Charter).

Jones, a 2014 All-NEC Second Team selection, enters his final season of eligibility and senior season in 2014-15 as RMU’s active leader in both points (1,190) and rebounds (662). One of 13 players in school history to eclipse career totals of 1,000 points and 500 caroms, Jones ranks 16th all-time in career points and sixth in career boards and enters next year 90 rebounds shy of becoming the program’s all-time leading rebounder.

Hawkins supplied the Colonials with averages of 6.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in his final 16 games of the 2013-14 campaign after RMU went to an eight-man rotation, while Appolon averaged 6.5 points and 5.2 boards over the same span.

Robert Morris enters the 2014-15 campaign with an overall record of 163-81 (.668) over the last seven seasons, both a school and league record. Over that span, the Colonials rank seventh among mid-major programs in victories, tied with Akron.

Robert Morris 2014-15 Recruiting Class

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Year Hometown / High School (Previous College)
Andre Frederick F 6’8″ 210 Fr. Detroit, Mich. / Daniel Hand (Conn.)
Lionel Gomis F 6’9″ 220 Jr. Dakar, Senegal / Cloud County Community College
Jafar Kinsey G 6’1″ 180 Fr. Syracuse, N.Y. / Jamesville-Dewitt
Jairus Lyles G 6’2″ 175 So. Washington, D.C. / DeMatha Catholic (VCU)
Elijah Minnie F 6’8″ 215 Fr. Monessen, Pa. / Lincoln Park
Rodney Pryor G 6’4″ 195 Jr. Evanston, Ill. / Cloud County Community College
Marcquise Reed G 6’3″ 175 Fr. Laurel, Md. / Capitol Christian

Andre Frederick (F) – (YouTube Highlights) – Signed a National Letter of Intent with RMU in November of 2013 … As a senior in 2013-14 averaged 12.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 59 percent from the floor at Daniel Hand High School in Madison, Conn. … Earned 2014 Southern Connecticut Conference All-Hammonasset Division honors … Earned Class L All-State Second Team accolades from the Connecticut High School Coaches Association … Selected Honorable Mention All-State by the New Haven Register and the Harford Courant … Selected to play in the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Senior All-Star Festival and the JCC Schoolboy Classic, an All-Star game between high school players from Connecticut and New Jersey … Prior to spending a year at Daniel Hand played majority of his prep career in his hometown of Detroit, Mich., at Douglass Academy.

Lionel Gomis (F) – Inked a National Letter of Intent with Robert Morris in April of 2014 … Played in 30 games for Cloud County Community College in 2013-14, including 29 starts … Averaged 5.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game in 2013-14 … Scored a career-high 12 points in a 90-84 win over Central Community College-Columbus (11/5/13) and tied a career high in scoring in a 105-56 victory over Midland (11/9/13) … Spent his freshman campaign in 2012-13 at Siena College … Played his prep basketball at Blair Academy in New Jersey.

Jafar Kinsey (G) – (YouTube Highlights) – Inked a National Letter of Intent with Robert Morris in November of 2013 … A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter at Jamesville-Dewitt … Two-time captain (2012-13, 2013-14) … As a senior averaged 20.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game … Three-time All-Freedom Conference selection, earning second team honors in 2011-12 and first team accolades in 2012-13 and 2013-14 … Two-time All-Central New York (CNY) All-Star selection (2012-13, 2013-14) … Two-time Zebra Classic All-Star (2011-12, 2012-13) … On his career scored 1,120 points and compiled career totals of 334 rebounds, 192 assists and 97 steals.

Jairus Lyles (G) – (YouTube Highlights) – A transfer from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) … Will sit out the 2014-15 campaign due to NCAA transfer rules … As a freshman at VCU in 2013-14 appeared in 22 games, playing a total of 58 minutes … Played his prep basketball at DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Md. … As a senior in 2013-14 averaged 13.4 points and 4.3 assists per contest … As a junior in 2011-12 averaged 10.5 points and 2.4 assists per game … Helped lead DeMatha Catholic to the 2012 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference finals … Will have three years of eligibility with the Colonials.

Elijah Minnie (F) – (YouTube Highlights) – Signed a National Letter of Intent with the Colonials in May of 2014 … Helped lead Lincoln Park to both Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class A championships … Contributed eight points, eight rebounds and nine blocks in a 70-66 victory over Math, Civics & Sciences to help Lincoln Park claim the PIAA Class A title … As a senior in 2013-14 averaged 15.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 5.0 blocks per contest … A 2014 Pennsylvania All-State First Team selection.

Rodney Pryor (G) – (YouTube Highlights) – Signed a National Letter of Intent with RMU in April of 2014 … Underwent season-ending knee surgery prior to the 2013-14 season at Cloud County Community College … Prior to his freshman season at Cloud County in 2012-13 suffered a season-ending foot injury … Played his prep career in Niles, Ill., at Notre Dame Prep.

Marcquise Reed (G) – (YouTube Highlights) – Signed a National Letter of Intent with Robert Morris in April of 2014 … Averaged 31.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as a senior in 2013-14 at Capitol Christian … Earned 2014 All-Met Honorable Mention accolades … Eclipsed the 40-point plateau on five occasions, including a career-high 52 points in his final prep game, a 117-66 victory over Upper Room Christian (3/15/14) … Scored 45 points in an 82-69 win over Bull City Prep (11/30/13) … Converted 20 field goals and went 8-for-11 at the free-throw line for 48 points in a 130-100 win over Upper Room Christian (12/22/13) … In a 115-51 victory over Queen Anne’s County (12/28/13) finished with 41 points … Contributed 40 points in a 105-74 win over MATHS (2/15/14).

#ColonialPride

Posted in College Sports

 

22 May

Power winning streak

published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Thursday, May 22nd, 2014 – 9:32 am


Posted in Sports Talk Radio

 



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