After main his crew to a 3-0 begin, UNLV beginning quarterback Matthew Sluka introduced late Tuesday night time that he was completed taking part in for the Rebels due to guarantees made round his NIL compensation that weren’t fulfilled.

Sluka, a Holy Cross switch, plans to take a seat out the remainder of the season as a redshirt and reenter the switch portal in December. His sudden resolution raises questions in regards to the nature of his monetary settlement with UNLV, how the deal fell aside and who finally bears accountability for an undefeated crew dropping its high quarterback.

Here is what that you must know as this story continues to develop:

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Who’s Matthew Sluka?

Sluka joined UNLV this summer season after a embellished profession on the FCS stage at Holy Cross. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound senior was a three-year starter and two-time finalist for the Walter Payton Award, which fits to the highest offensive participant in FCS. Sluka earned Patriot League Offensive Participant of the Yr honors in 2023 after producing 1,728 passing yards and 1,247 speeding yards with 29 whole touchdowns.

On the finish of the season, Holy Cross coach Bob Chesney and his workers left to take over James Madison and Sluka opted to check his choices within the switch portal. UNLV introduced him in after dropping beginning quarterback Jayden Maiava, the Mountain West Freshman of the Yr, to USC.

After three video games, Sluka led all Mountain West quarterbacks in speeding yards per recreation and had 253 whole speeding yards. He threw for 318 yards with seven whole touchdowns and one turnover whereas main a Rebels offense that ranks fifth in FBS in speeding.

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How is UNLV doing this season?

Following a formidable 9-5 debut season, coach Barry Odom has the Rebels within the hunt for a bid within the expanded 12-team School Soccer Playoff. UNLV is off to a 3-0 begin with upset wins on the street towards Huge 12 packages Houston and Kansas. Sluka powered the crew’s win over the Jayhawks on Sept. 13 with a team-high 124 speeding yards on 19 carries plus 86 passing yards and a landing.

The Rebels rose to No. 23 within the coaches ballot this week after their idle week. UNLV and Boise State have emerged as in style picks to earn a spot within the inaugural expanded playoff. If the Rebels win the Mountain West, they will have a powerful likelihood of incomes the bid.

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What we learn about Sluka’s departure

Sluka’s NIL consultant, Marcus Cromartie of Fairness Sports activities, informed ESPN that Sluka is leaving this system after he was verbally promised a minimal of $100,000 from a UNLV coach and solely acquired $3,000.

His father, Bob Sluka, informed ESPN they’d a verbal settlement with UNLV offensive coordinator Brennan Marion for what they believed was a “cheap, honest quantity,” even when it was a lot lower than what Energy 4 packages supplied, however funds have been repeatedly delayed and no effort was made to formalize a contract with their collective for that quantity.

After UNLV’s win over Kansas, Bob Sluka stated Odom and Cromartie spoke on Sept. 19 and the top coach refused to uphold the settlement, as an alternative providing $3,000 for relocation prices and asserting that the supply wasn’t legitimate as a result of it did not come from him. Sluka’s camp contends they by no means went to Odom looking for extra money, solely what they have been promised up entrance. Marion declined to remark to ESPN.

Rob Sine of Blueprint Sports activities, the corporate that manages UNLV’s collective, confirmed to ESPN that Sluka had no deal in writing with the collective and stated the collective wasn’t conscious of any guarantees to pay Sluka $100,000. Sine additionally confirmed that Sluka acquired one $3,000 fee.

In a press release, UNLV stated Sluka’s representatives made monetary calls for with the intention to proceed taking part in that its athletic division interpreted as a violation of the NCAA pay-for-play guidelines and Nevada state legislation. “UNLV doesn’t interact in such actions, nor does it reply to implied threats,” the varsity stated within the assertion.

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How can Sluka go away in the course of the season?

School soccer gamers can not enter the switch portal right now, however they will go away a program at any time when they need. The NCAA’s switch portal window doesn’t open till Dec. 9, which is the Monday after convention championship video games. Sluka will be unable to enter his identify into the portal till then and can’t be a part of one other crew to maintain taking part in in 2024.

The choice Sluka made isn’t unusual on the planet of switch recruiting. Yearly, many gamers determine to switch due to disagreements over NIL worth and funds, and there have been a number of cases of gamers reentering the switch portal this spring to hunt extra money from one other faculty.

Monetary points apart, his motivation for leaving now could be to reap the benefits of the four-game redshirt rule and play yet another school season in 2025.

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What’s the redshirt rule?

School soccer gamers can acquire one extra season of eligibility in the event that they play in 4 video games or fewer in a 12 months and take a redshirt season. The rule was carried out in 2018 and is historically meant for youthful gamers who play restricted snaps as backups. The NCAA is at present contemplating extending that four-game most to exempt convention title, bowl and School Soccer Playoff video games. Sluka performed 4 seasons at Holy Cross and didn’t make the most of a redshirt 12 months. As a result of he started his profession in 2020 throughout COVID-19, he may reap the benefits of an additional season of eligibility in 2024. By redshirting, he’ll have the ability to play in 2025.

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Are NIL disputes like this frequent?

Points like these happen on a regular basis however not often spill out into the general public. Quarterback Jaden Rashada suing Florida coach Billy Napier and others over a failed $13.85 million deal is by far essentially the most distinguished instance of a participant trying to carry a college accountable for unfulfilled guarantees, however these points happen steadily in a market the place NIL alternatives can usually be exaggerated in the course of the recruiting course of.

The offers that gamers strike with faculty NIL collectives should not binding employment contracts. Gamers and their households or representatives looking for extra money from a collective than was initially agreed upon is commonplace, particularly in the event that they obtain higher gives from different packages. However simply as commonplace are cases of gamers incomes much less cash than they anticipated or have been promised, both verbally or in writing.

“We’re a hardworking household,” Bob Sluka informed ESPN. “To have the ability to have an athlete like Matt, we do not even actually care that a lot in regards to the cash. However there’s a precept to it. He isn’t the primary athlete to have this occur. We have heard it from 1,000,000 youngsters that they do not get their cash. So possibly Matt must be the poster boy, however we do not need him to. However we’re not going to have Barry Odom simply arise and say, ‘F you, I am not paying you, get your ass out on the sphere.'”

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What does this say in regards to the state and way forward for NIL?

Sluka’s departure from UNLV highlights a troubling difficulty for all events at a time when the foundations round participant compensation are about to dramatically change.

If authorized, the Home v. NCAA antitrust settlement will carry on a brand new period of income sharing in school athletics starting in 2025-26. Colleges will have the ability to instantly pay their athletes through NIL offers as much as a restrict, anticipated to be between $20 and $23 million per faculty subsequent 12 months with annual will increase.

That settlement is at present on maintain after Choose Claudia Wilken declined to grant preliminary approval on Sept. 5 and ordered attorneys to “return to the drafting board” relating to restrictions round third-party NIL funds from collectives.

On this strategy of modernizing school athletics, the NCAA has lengthy opposed shifting towards a mannequin that deems its athletes staff of their faculty and has spent a number of years lobbying Congress for assist with federal legislature to forestall athletes from being thought of staff.

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What’s subsequent for UNLV?

The Rebels will transfer ahead with seniors Hajj-Malik Williams and Cameron Friel as their high choices at quarterback as they enter Mountain West convention play on Saturday towards Fresno State.

Williams, an FCS switch from Campbell, has appeared in two video games this season and rushed for 88 yards on 10 carries throughout UNLV’s 72-14 blowout win over Utah Tech. He turned Campbell’s all-time main passer with 8,236 yards and 58 touchdowns over his 5 seasons in this system. Friel has earned 10 begins for the Rebels over the previous two seasons.

Adam Rittenberg contributed to this report.

Le Néo-Zélandais Liam Lawson remplacera dès le prochain Grand Prix de Formule 1 et jusqu’à la fin de la saison l’Australien Daniel Ricciardo, qui paie son manque de résultats chez Racings Bull, a annoncé jeudi l’écurie-sœur de Pink Bull. 

Lawson, 22 ans, «pilotera au côté de Yuki Tsunoda à compter du Grand Prix des États-Unis sur le Circuit des Amériques» le week-end du 20 octobre, a indiqué l’équipe italienne dans un communiqué.

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Pilote de réserve de Pink Bull et Racing Bulls depuis 2022, le jeune Néo-Zélandais a fait ses débuts dans l’élite lors du GP des Pays-Bas en 2023, pour remplacer durant cinq programs Ricciardo, blessé à la principal.

En dépit de ses bonnes performances – dont une neuvième place synonyme de factors à Singapour – Lawson était resté cantonné cette saison au rôle de pilote de réserve dans le giron Pink Bull.

«Liam connaît déjà bien l’équipe, il a piloté pour nous la saison dernière et s’est bien débrouillé dans des circonstances difficiles», a salué jeudi le patron français de Racing Bulls, Laurent Mekies.

Lawson récupère donc le baquet du très populaire Ricciardo, qui avait fait son retour dans le paddock en juillet 2023 en remplacement du Néerlandais Nyck de Vries, écarté lui aussi par manque de résultats à l’époque.

Ancien pilote titulaire chez Toro Rosso (devenue AlphaTauri puis Racing Bulls) en 2012 et 2013 – et chez Pink Bull entre 2014 et 2018, l’Australien de 35 ans a remporté huit GP de F1. Outre Pink Bull et Toro Rosso, il a aussi couru pour HRT en 2011, pour sa première année en F1, Renault (2019-2020) et McLaren (2021-2022).

«J’ai aimé ce sport toute ma vie», a réagi l’intéressé dans un message posté sur les réseaux sociaux.

«C’est un sport sauvage et merveilleux, un véritable voyage. Aux équipes et aux individus qui ont joué leur rôle, merci, aux amateurs qui aiment ce sport parfois plus que moi, merci. Il y aura toujours des hauts et des bas, mais on s’est bien amusé et, à vrai dire, je ne changerais rien. Jusqu’à la prochaine aventure», a-t-il aussi écrit.

Après 18 GP sur 24 cette saison, l’Australien pointe à la 14e place du championnat derrière son coéquipier japonais Tsunoda, 12e. Racings Bull, elle, est actuellement sixième au classement des constructeurs avec 34 factors, dont 12 récoltés par Ricciardo.

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UNLV beginning quarterback Matthew Sluka introduced late Tuesday night time on social media he won’t play in any extra video games this season.

Sluka, a senior, mentioned Wednesday he’ll as an alternative use his redshirt 12 months. He spent the primary 4 seasons of his school profession at Holy Cross.

“I dedicated to UNLV based mostly on sure representations that had been made to me, which weren’t upheld after I enrolled,” Sluka posted on X, previously Twitter. “Regardless of discussions, it turned clear that these commitments wouldn’t be fulfilled sooner or later. I want my teammates the most effective of luck this season and hope for the continued success of this system.”

Later Wednesday, operating again Michael Allen additionally introduced his resolution to depart the workforce, citing unmet “expectations for alternatives.” Allen was additionally in his first 12 months at UNLV.

In interviews with ESPN on Wednesday, Sluka’s consultant and father acquired particular, saying UNLV had didn’t pay promised NIL cash.

Marcus Cromartie of Fairness Sports activities informed ESPN that Sluka had a verbal dedication for $100,000, promised by an assistant coach, however Sluka by no means acquired any of it. After a number of inquiries, Cromartie mentioned UNLV and its collective made a suggestion of $3,000 month-to-month for 4 months — $88,000 wanting the preliminary settlement, based on the consultant.

Bob Sluka mentioned his son was informed when he arrived at UNLV that he can be placed on a fee plan however didn’t obtain pay. The elder Sluka mentioned Cromartie ultimately was informed the quarterback would obtain solely $3,000 to cowl the transfer to Nevada, including his dwelling bills weren’t coated.

“They preserve deferring, ‘We don’t know. It’s important to wait,’” Bob Sluka informed ESPN. “Then it was like, ‘We’re going to offer him sport checks.’ So we’re like, ‘OK, nice.’ We didn’t ask for a single greenback [more].”

In a press release launched Wednesday, UNLV mentioned Sluka’s “consultant made monetary calls for upon the College and its NIL collective to be able to proceed taking part in.”

“UNLV Athletics interpreted these calls for as a violation of the NCAA pay-for-play guidelines, in addition to Nevada state legislation,” the college mentioned. “UNLV doesn’t have interaction in such exercise, nor does it reply to implied threats. UNLV has honored all beforehand agreed-upon scholarships for Matthew Sluka.”

Allen additionally took to social media to announce his resolution to depart the workforce and redshirt.

“After 3 video games, I’ve determined to make the most of my redshirt &enter the portal on the finish of the season as a RS JR. I’m grateful for UNLV &want them nothing however success. Expectations for alternatives sadly weren’t met &I’m excited to proceed my soccer profession,” Allen mentioned within the put up.

Allen was UNLV’s fourth-leading rusher, gaining 108 yards on 19 carries. He had been splitting touches with Greg Burrell and Kylin James. Allen transferred in from North Carolina State.

Matthew Sluka accomplished 21 of 48 passes for 318 yards and 6 touchdowns with one interception in three video games this season.

The twin menace additionally had 39 carries for 253 yards and a rating for the Rebels (3-0), who host Fresno State (3-1, 1-0) of their Mountain West Convention opener on Saturday.

Both Hajj-Malik Williams or Cameron Friel will begin at quarterback for UNLV in that sport.

Daniel Ricciardo, l’un des pilotes les plus populaires et les plus sympathiques du plateau de Formule 1, a été libéré par Crimson Bull Racing jeudi et sera immédiatement remplacé par Liam Lawson.

Lors du Grand Prix de Singapour, dimanche, Ricciardo, 35 ans, savait qu’il s’agissait probablement de sa dernière course en F1. Ce pressentiment a été confirmé lorsque son équipe RB l’a fait rentrer aux stands avant le dernier tour pour donner l’event à l’Australien de réaliser le meilleur tour de la course.

Ricciardo a atteint la marque – il a enlevé un level de boni à Lando Norris, principal aspirant pour le titre, et a indirectement aidé Max Verstappen dans sa quête d’un quatrième championnat des pilotes consécutif – puis est resté assis à l’intérieur de sa voiture pendant un temps inhabituellement lengthy après la course, savourant ses derniers instants.

Lorsqu’il a finalement commencé à regagner le paddock, l’Australien a dû traverser une sorte de garde d’honneur composée de supporters alignés pour l’applaudir.

Ricciardo a reconnu dimanche qu’il s’agissait probablement de sa dernière course, expliquant qu’il avait espéré utiliser son temps chez RB pour plaider en faveur d’un retour dans l’équipe principale de Crimson Bull, mais qu’il n’avait pas eu la « fin digne d’un conte de fées » qu’il souhaitait.

« Tout le monde ici à VCARB souhaite remercier Daniel pour son travail acharné au cours des deux dernières saisons », a déclaré Laurent Mekies, directeur de l’équipe RB.

« Il a apporté beaucoup d’expérience et de expertise à l’équipe, avec une angle fantastique, ce qui a aidé tout le monde à se développer et à favoriser un esprit d’équipe soudé.

« Daniel a été un véritable gentleman, tant sur la piste qu’en dehors, et il n’a jamais perdu son sourire. Il nous manquera, mais il occupera toujours une place spéciale au sein de la famille Crimson Bull. »

Ricciardo a remporté huit programs en 14 saisons, sa dernière victoire ayant eu lieu à Monza en 2021 lorsqu’il s’est imposé au volant de McLaren. Il a été racheté par McLaren après la saison 2022 et a été engagé pour revenir chez Crimson Bull en tant qu’ambassadeur de l’équipe.

Cela l’a conduit à participer à sept programs en 2023 avec l’équipe sœur de Crimson Bull. Ricciardo s’est vu confier le siège à temps plein pour 2024, mais en 18 programs, il n’a terminé que trois fois dans les factors.

Ses meilleurs résultats au championnat ont été des troisièmes locations en 2014 et 2016 — deux années où Mercedes a dominé la saison et où Ricciardo, alors chez Crimson Bull, était effectivement le meilleur des autres.

L’arrivée de Verstappen chez Crimson Bull au milieu de la saison 2016 a progressivement vu Ricciardo passer à un rôle de soutien. Sa carrière a stagné après un passage chez Renault en 2019, et après être passé chez McLaren en 2021, il a été largement surclassé par Norris.

Ricciardo a eu un affect sturdy sur la F1 en étant l’un des visages de l’essor du sport aux États-Unis, porté par la série « Drive To Survive » de Netflix. Mais il n’a jamais manifesté d’intérêt pour le sport car américain et a déclaré à Singapour le week-end dernier que les programs d’IndyCar sur circuit ovale lui faisaient « peur ».

Il ne sait pas ce qui l’attend.

« Quand je suis arrivé en F1, tout le monde me connaissait comme le gars heureux et le gars gentil, mais j’ai un intuition de tueur », a-t-il déclaré dans le premier épisode filmé pendant la saison 2018. « Je crois vraiment que je peux être champion du monde et pour moi, c’est comme si je me demandais : “Pourquoi ferais-je cela sinon ?” ».

Lawson, originaire de la Nouvelle-Zélande, terminera la saison chez RB aux côtés de Yuki Tsunoda. Lawson a participé à cinq programs de F1 l’année dernière et son meilleur résultat a été une neuvième place en tant que remplaçant lorsque Ricciardo s’est cassé une foremost dans un accident.

Lawson est pilote de réserve de Crimson Bull depuis 2022 et a fait ses débuts en Grand Prix à Zandvoort l’an dernier, lorsque Ricciardo était blessé. Au cours de ses cinq programs, il a marqué des factors pour l’équipe et a terminé neuvième au Grand Prix de Singapour.

Le journaliste sportif James Ellingworth, de l’Related Press, a collaboré à cet article

A primary-half strike by top-scorer Robert Lewandowski earned a below-strength Barcelona a 1-0 LaLiga win over lowly Getafe on Wednesday to keep up their 100% report after seven video games.

Barcelona, who rested Pedri and had been with out the injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo, Fermin Lopez and Andreas Christensen, went forward via Lewandowski’s close-range strike within the nineteenth minute after a poor mistake by Getafe goalkeeper David Soria.

“For me, [Lewandowski is] the most effective No.9 of the final 10 years,” Hansi Flick mentioned after the win. “His job is in entrance of the objective, within the field and he is doing nice. The gamers round give the final go and this occurs. Additionally at present, once you take a look at the objective it is unbelievable. It was the primary time within the first half after we performed quick, with three passes and rating a objective. That is what we need to see.”

The hosts dominated proceedings with nearly 80% of possession and 16 objective makes an attempt, however wasted quite a few alternatives to win by a wider margin.

The triumph provides Barcelona their second-best league begin ever, equaling the seven victories they earned in the beginning of the 2017-18 season. The Catalan membership received eight straight to start out the 2013-14 season.

Barcelona have outscored opponents 23-5 of their first seven video games this season and have a four-point lead over defending champion Actual Madrid, who on Tuesday beat Alaves 3-2.

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Lewandowski bought his league-leading seventh objective from shut vary within the nineteenth minute. He picked up a free ball inside the world after Getafe goalkeeper David Soria could not maintain on to a excessive cross into the world.

The Poland striker, who had scored twice in a 5-1 rout of Villarreal on Sunday, was changed by Pedri within the 77th.

Iñaki Peña began in objective rather than Marc-André ter Stegen, who sustained a severe knee damage within the staff’s earlier league match.

Barcelona gamers entered the sector with a T-shirt with phrases of help for Ter Stegen, who is without doubt one of the staff’s captains.

Getafe, who practically equalized in stoppage time, stays winless and in second-to-last place.

“We knew earlier than so much from the membership mentioned that usually all the time so tight in opposition to Getafe,” Flick mentioned. “Within the first half, we did not have the pace in our mixture. That is why they had been in a position to shut the areas. It is essential that we battle 95, 96 minutes, and I’m happy with that. Workforce [was] not solely in a position to play soccer, however to battle with unbelievable mentality.

Info from Reuters and The Related Press was used on this recap.

Final night time when the Jets had been taking over the Oilers in an exhibition recreation in Winnipeg there was a notable absence on the blueline from what we had seen within the morning skate as defenceman Logan Stanley wasn’t out on the ice. As a substitute it was 2019 2nd rounder Simon Lundmark assuming his spot on the left facet alongside Colin Miller on the third pair.

Stanley was not listed for both group on day 8 of camp and as soon as skate concluded head coach Scott Arniel was requested for an replace. He indicated:

“Stan tweaked one thing there. So we’re going to get a little bit extra of a take a look at him. So he gained’t be accessible to us for the following few days right here. We’ll kinda see the place we’re at right here. We’ll discuss tomorrow and I’ll allow you to guys know the place it’s going.”

He added to media within the room that the worry is it “isn’t good”.

Unlucky information given he appeared to be a lock for the left facet given his major competitors in Ville Heinola is at present coping with an an infection in his ankle, required surgical procedure and can stay out for an unknown time frame, giving Stanley the leg up on the sixth spot for the D roster.

Barcelona stored up their excellent La Liga begin with a 1-0 win towards Getafe on the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys to make it seven victories from seven video games in Spain this season.

Hansi Flick’s facet are actually on 21 factors on the prime of the desk, 4 above arch-rivals Actual Madrid, who’ve a troublesome journey to neighbours Atletico on Sunday. Robert Lewandowski was the difference-maker along with his Nineteenth-minute effort towards Getafe however Barca have been far superior to their guests from Madrid — it will have been a snug margin of victory have been it not for some erratic ending.

However this was an encouraging end result after the information of first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s season-ending knee damage. Let’s take you thru the important thing speaking factors.

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Constructive night time for Pena — however Szczesny within the wings

Earlier than kick-off at Barca’s short-term dwelling stadium within the Montjuic district of the town, their followers made themselves heard by chanting the identify of Ter Stegen’s stand-in, Inaki Pena.

It was a daring present of assist for 25-year-old Pena, the previous Barcelona Atletic (Barca’s B group, largely made up of academy gamers, who play in Spain’s third tier) goalkeeper who had additionally stepped up when Ter Stegen was injured final season. This was a confidence-boosting efficiency as he claimed a clear sheet — the one actual hazard coming within the final minute, when Borja Mayoral miscued a superb probability.

Pena had extra touches (45) than any Getafe participant. He solely wanted to make one save however he accomplished 30 passes with an 86 per cent accuracy. He was assured in his distribution and in sweeping up behind his defence, an space of his sport which brought on doubts when he got here on for Ter Stegen towards Villarreal on the weekend.

It’s unlikely to be the final we hear about Barcelona goalkeepers this week. As The Athletic has reported, they’ve approached the recently-retired former Arsenal, Roma and Juventus No 1 Wojciech Szczesny to reverse his summer season exit from the sport and be a part of them as Ter Stegen’s substitute. A gathering occurred between Flick and sporting director Deco this week wherein the membership determined to search for an skilled ’keeper who might add competitors and management.

Szczesny, the 84-cap former Poland worldwide, introduced his retirement from soccer after taking part in twice for his nation at Euro 2024 and terminated his contract with Juventus, however Barcelona’s curiosity has made him rethink.

Membership sources (who, like all these on this article, requested to stay nameless to guard relationships) say Szczesny, 34, has agreed to affix the Catalan membership and is ready to journey there on Thursday. He’s anticipated to talk with Juventus relating to a clause within the termination of his contract, however Barcelona and the participant’s camp don’t anticipate this to be an issue. As soon as it’s sorted, Szczesny can have his medical and signal.

It was agreed Szczesny would obtain a sum of cash from Juventus as a part of this mutual termination. The quantity could be lowered if he determined to return out of retirement to play for an additional membership earlier than the tip of June 2025.

Flick was coy when requested about the potential of Szczesny being signed. “I solely converse in regards to the gamers we’ve got within the membership,” Flick stated. “Inaki is our No 1 and he acquired a clear sheet. We’re so glad for him and that’s what counts proper now.

“Inaki is 25, and the opposite guys are actually younger. If one thing occurs, we want expertise. Deco and I spoke about that.”

Seven in seven for Lewandowski

Lewandowski has gone from being undesirable by Barca’s teaching workers final season to registering his greatest begin to a marketing campaign for the membership, at 36, with seven targets in as many La Liga video games.

Supervisor Xavi requested the membership to promote the striker earlier than he was sacked however the Polish striker is rejuvenated below successor Flick.

His team-mates might observe his lead. Lamine Yamal was in superb type once more however simply couldn’t discover a purpose whereas Raphinha and Eric Garcia missed good probabilities. However that is what Lewandowski was introduced in to do in summer season 2022.

“He’s the most effective No 9 within the final 10 years,” Flick stated. “His job is in entrance of purpose, within the field. There are gamers round him who may give him the final move, and that occurred. His purpose was the primary time we performed actually quick up entrance, you would see the impression.”

The sequence talked about by Flick was began by Garcia as he sped up play and handed to Yamal. The 17-year-old noticed right-back Jules Kounde overlapping and offloaded to the Frenchman. His cross was misjudged by goalkeeper David Soria and Lewandowski made no mistake.

“What has modified this season? We discover extra crosses and passes into the field and, as a striker, that is the world of the pitch the place I really feel like I can do great things for the group,” Lewandowski informed broadcaster DAZN after the weekend’s win towards Villarreal.

Garcia making progress in midfield

Garcia deserves a point out after finishing 90 minutes as a holding midfielder for the second sport in a row and placing in his greatest efficiency but in that function.

Flick has been compelled to belief the previous Manchester Metropolis centre-back in midfield after an extended checklist of accidents — to Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal and one other defender who can play there, Andreas Christensen. Academy graduate Marc Casado was left as the one pure holding midfielder, so Flick wanted to search out options.

Garcia skilled an unlucky first begin within the Champions League opener towards Monaco — he was despatched off after Ter Stegen’s poor move to him within the tenth minute. However since then, he has made progress.

He accomplished 59 passes with an 87 per cent accuracy towards Getafe, learn gamers’ motion between the traces and confirmed his defensive nous in profitable 5 of his seven aerial duels.

“Eric has been bettering,” Flick stated. “He was unfortunate within the Monaco sport, however he’s been working actually exhausting in coaching and he did a superb job. I’m happy with him.”

Garcia isn’t the most effective match for the holding midfield function, however he’s proving vital for Flick as he offers with an absence of gamers each in that place and at centre-back.

What’s subsequent for Barcelona?

Saturday, September 28: Osasuna (A), La Liga, 9pm CET (8pm BST, 3pm ET).

(High picture: David Ramos/Getty Photographs)

Hyperlink’s obtained 20 hearts and a full arsenal — I steer him by way of the dungeon and tear into Ganon. Minutes into the newest Legend of Zelda recreation, I’m already slashing by way of to the traditional conclusion I’ve performed extra occasions than I might rely.

However this time, after beating the acquainted archenemy, a purple rift begins to swallow Hyperlink complete. He fires his bow as he sinks, the arrow cracking the crystal trapping Zelda. Inside seconds, he’s subsumed completely, however the digicam doesn’t go along with him — it lingers. Experimentally, I faucet a button. Zelda bashes her crystal jail, breaking it additional. I faucet time and again till she’s freed herself. Hyperlink — the hero of the collection for almost 40 years — has left the image. Zelda’s destiny is in her fingers and mine.

Variations on a theme

It’s a bravura opening for Nintendo’s most shocking title in years — the primary in the primary Zelda collection to star the titular princess. Whereas the sport’s at its most tantalizing earlier than the plot slides right into a well-worn groove, it’s nonetheless a triumph of iterative, experimental design.

Zelda herself is one thing of a clean slate — a beloved royal on the run after imposters take over her kingdom. Along with the mysterious Tri (the newest in a protracted line of fun-sized companions), you’ll copy enemies and monsters to beat devious puzzles and enemies.

The place Tears of the Kingdom permits you to assemble stupendous equipment, Echoes of Knowledge provides you a stunning menagerie to let unfastened. I’ve fought Moblins, Keese, and Darknuts for many years — by no means earlier than have I collected them like Pokémon to battle on my behalf. See an ice enemy? Summon a hearth critter to soften it. A homicide of crows? Strive a Peahat — a helicopter-plant with razor-sharp thorns. Regardless of the sport’s cozy vibes, it’ll make you are feeling like a discipline commander who can immediately summon troops.

Equally, puzzles don’t demand one answer. That far-off chest? Magically bind your self to a flying monster to achieve it. Or conjure trampolines to bounce to it. Or maybe use the dependable methodology of stacking mattresses to type a makeshift bridge (almost each time I did so I squawked “Time for mattress!” — as a result of, sure, I’m unbearable).

The sport doles out these distinctive “echoes” proper till the tip — so many who they shortly turn into tedious to scroll by way of — however I got here to depend on a mere handful. I by no means stopped experimenting, however I’d incessantly fall into acquainted habits. So, too, does the broader recreation.

The Legend of Hyperlink

Tears of the Kingdom scored emotional heights by specializing in Zelda and Hyperlink’s shared historical past. In distinction, these new variations of the characters don’t know one another in any respect. At first this works to the sport’s profit. Zelda’s unburdened from expectation and free to discover — from the brackish waters contested by the Sea and River Zora to the deserts the exclusively-female Gerudo name house (which Zelda, blessedly, doesn’t must sneak into, as Hyperlink normally should!).

But the sport regularly reveals its dedication to precedent. You’ll purchase Hyperlink’s sword, bow, and bombs, which you have to spend a restricted power meter to make use of. I’d all the time summon my favourite allies to assist in fights — however this “Swordfighter” mode more and more grew to become my most well-liked fight tactic.

That’s partially as a result of I might simply provide energy-boosting drinks. Somewhat than allow you to pluck apples from timber or wheat from fields, Echoes of Knowledge shares cooking substances in outlets and chests you’ll discover scattered all through the world, which you’ll whip into nutritious smoothies for a small price.

These mechanics echo previous titles, however Hyperlink haunts the sport most of all. Zelda has to avoid wasting him to satisfy their mutually destined roles, which fall alongside predictably gendered strains. I might settle for Hyperlink as an equal companion in Hyrule’s salvation if the sport gave me extra causes to care about him. As an alternative, he stays a lore-mandated presence and a stranger to Zelda, who spent your complete recreation proving that she actually can have all of it. The place the opening minutes felt like Hyperlink passing the baton, the final felt like him refusing to let go.

Nonetheless, Echoes of Knowledge stands as a quietly revisionist work regardless of this dissonance. Whereas the sport’s experiments aren’t fairly as profitable as Tears of Kingdom’s, Zelda has confirmed to be able to shouldering the collection that bears her title. As Nintendo plans a new gaming console, I can solely hope it has the knowledge to construct on this promising new Legend.

Copyright 2024 NPR

AP PHOTO – Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, left, shoots as Connecticut Solar guard Veronica Burton defends throughout their first-round WNBA basketball playoff recreation Wednesday in Uncasville, Conn.

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Alyssa Thomas had 19 factors and 13 assists to assist the Connecticut Solar sweep Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever out of the playoffs with an 87-81 win Wednesday night time.

The third-seeded Solar will now face both Minnesota or Phoenix within the semifinals which start Sunday.

Clark performed significantly better in Recreation 2 than she did in her postseason debut Sunday. The AP Rookie of the Yr completed with 25 factors and 9 assists, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient. Aliyah Boston added 16 factors and 19 rebounds.

Boston’s layup with 2:05 left gave Indiana a 77-75 benefit however DeWanna Bonner, who was taking part in in her WNBA report matching 82nd playoff recreation to match Lindsay Whalen, answered with a 3-pointer 14 seconds later.

Neither workforce scored on their subsequent few possessions till Marina Mabrey hit a 3-pointer from the wing with 45.5 seconds left to offer the Solar an 81-77 lead.

Kelsey Mitchell missed a 3 on the Fever’s subsequent possession and the Solar sealed the sport from the foul line.

Trailing by seven on the half, the Fever scored the primary seven factors of the third quarter to tie the sport up. The groups traded baskets till Lexie Hull’s layup gave the Fever a 48-47 lead halfway via the interval.

It was brief lived as Thomas took over, scoring 10 factors throughout a 14-4 run to shut the quarter.

Clark introduced the Fever again along with her 3-pointer giving the workforce a 71-70 lead with 3:59 left and the groups traded baskets till Bonner’s 3.

Indiana bought off to a quick begin and was up 14-6 earlier than the Solar scored the ultimate 11 factors of the primary quarter to go up by three. With 1:29 left within the quarter after a foul, Clark identified a fan sitting within the second row to an official, who known as safety over and had the person escorted to the again. The fan returned later and there have been no additional incidents.

The run continued to begin the second as Connecticut went up 26-16 on Carrington’s layup with 7:32 left within the half. The Solar led 41-34 on the half. Carrington was honored earlier than the sport because the league’s Most Improved Participant.

On the final play of the half, Erica Wheeler went in for a layup making an attempt to beat the buzzer and went flying into the courtside photographers. She was down for a couple of minutes earlier than getting up and strolling again to the locker room. She had her left thumb checked out and didn’t return within the second half.

Clark completed the half with 14 factors, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

The Solar have been lacking beginning guard Tyasha Harris, who injured her ankle in Sunday’s win. Mabrey began in her place.

When Nintendo launched “The Legend of Zelda” in 1986, the title character was barely an afterthought.

The legend was actually concerning the swordsman Hyperlink, who crossed the land battling monsters and braving treacherous dungeons earlier than lastly rescuing Princess Zelda from the clutches of the evil Ganon.

“The Legend of Zelda” grew to become a traditional and spawned some of the profitable franchises in gaming historical past. Hyperlink, Zelda and Ganon have seen their characters evolve via quite a few sequels and spinoffs. But till this week’s launch of “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Knowledge” for the Nintendo Swap, Zelda had but to take a starring function within the sequence.

Zelda’s debut because the playable hero in “Echoes of Knowledge” is a pleasant, prolonged and at occasions modern journey, although one which misses a chance to offer the protagonist an opportunity to really shine.

Regardless of the sport’s draw being the long-awaited likelihood to play as Zelda, “Echoes of Knowledge” opens with the participant accountable for Hyperlink. The hero quickly confronts Ganon, who has imprisoned Zelda inside a gem.

Hyperlink emerges victorious within the ensuing battle, however in the meanwhile of his triumph he’s swallowed up by a rising rift. Earlier than falling into the chasm, he shatters Zelda’s jail with an arrow.

With Hyperlink out of the image, it is as much as Zelda to shut the rifts which might be rising everywhere in the world and save her kingdom.

Zelda has demonstrated martial prowess in different video games, however regardless of being tasked with saving the realm, she does not get to point out them off right here. As an alternative, she has the power to summon “echoes” to assist her in her quest. Echoes vary from on a regular basis gadgets like tables and chairs that she makes use of to traverse the setting, to monsters that may maintain the sport’s fight.

The usage of echoes is a brand new mechanic to the sequence, and it typically works effectively as gamers use them to resolve puzzles in their very own approach. For instance, to slide unseen previous enemies, a participant could assemble a staircase from containers and chairs to get to greater floor or might as a substitute conjure a pot to cover in till the coast is evident.

It is also enjoyable to gather the sport’s myriad creatures, then summon them to do Zelda’s bidding in fight. Lots of the foes shall be acquainted to followers of the Zelda franchise, and getting the prospect to make use of them in a combat brings a novel gameplay ingredient to “Echoes of Knowledge.”

The sport shares an esthetic with 2019’s remake of “Hyperlink’s Awakening,” with cute, cartoonish characters and a whimsical tone. However it’s a surprisingly meaty expertise, particularly after the midway level when the puzzles change into tougher to resolve and fascinating mechanics are thrown the participant’s approach.

And but, even with Zelda’s distinctive skills, “Echoes of Knowledge” performs it secure by typically presenting the protagonist as a stand-in for Hyperlink. She has the identical quiet willpower and even the same bodily look, particularly over the primary a part of the sport. “Echoes of Knowledge” might simply as simply have been a recreation by which Hyperlink is the principle character.

Zelda’s lack of preventing abilities means fight depth is dialed down, particularly when in comparison with current entries within the sequence like final yr’s “Tears of the Kingdom.” Zelda will spend quite a lot of the time merely staying out of hurt’s approach whereas summoning monsters to do the preventing.

She does finally get the ability to channel Hyperlink and use his sword-fighting abilities, however is just ready to take action in restricted bursts. And it is one other instance of the sequence leaning on Hyperlink’s skills, quite than giving Zelda her personal technique of straight coping with hazard. Whereas she has much more company in the way it occurs, Zelda continues to be getting others to combat her battles.

Hyperlink’s presence hangs over “Echoes of Knowledge,” and he performs an important function within the occasions of the sport. Whereas that’s comprehensible given the character’s recognition, it could have been fascinating to see Nintendo take an opportunity and craft an journey for Zelda that did not contain Hyperlink in any respect.

That Zelda’s time within the highlight is serviceable quite than spectacular doesn’t detract from “Echoes of Knowledge” as an gratifying expertise and a strong entry into the franchise. However after many years of ready for her to take a starring function within the iconic sequence that bears her title, her hero flip falls a bit flat. Hopefully there shall be additional adventures to flesh her out as a hero in her personal proper.

“Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Knowledge” is rated E10+, which means typically appropriate for gamers 10 and older, by the Leisure Software program Score Board and retails for round $80. A digital copy of the sport was offered for overview functions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Sept. 26, 2024.

Curtis Withers, The Canadian Press