Los Angeles Football Club forward Gareth Bale has retired from professional soccer after a fruitful 18-year career. Bale announced this decision on Monday.
Gareth Bale joined LAFC last June after leaving La Liga’s Real Madrid. He scored one of the most memorable goals in MLS history, an extra-time header that sent the Black & Gold into Penalty kicks for their MLS Cup 2022 victory.
“We want to thank Gareth for everything he brought to our club,” John Torrington LAFC co-president and general manager said in a press release. “He arrived here with a goal to win championships in LA, and, like he has done everywhere else in his career – he succeeded.
“It was an honor to have one of the most talented, dynamic and exciting players of his generation finish his career with a title for LAFC, and we wish Gareth, his wife Emma, and their family nothing but the best in their future endeavors.”
Bale graced the list of the highest-profile players in MLS history, scoring three goals in 13 total appearances for the LAFC. He also helped the club win the Supporters’ Shield, making them the eighth MLS team to complete that single-season double.
Bale was once the most-expensive player transfer in the world when traded from Tottenham to Real Madrid. He won 21 trophies throughout a club career that began at Southampton. Five UEFA Champions League titles also grace his silverware cabinet.
This winter, Gareth captained Wales to their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 64 years and he retires as the Dragons’ all-time leader in appearances (111), and goals (40). After Wales’ Group B exit in Qatar, Bale said he wanted to participate in the 2024 Euros. But that plan changed.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have realized my dream of playing the sport I love,” Bale announced on his official channels. “It has truly given me some of the best moments of my life. The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me.”
Following Bale’s departure, the LAFC will now have an open spot for Designated Player to use for the 2023 season alongside forwards Carlos Vela and Denis Bouanga. Bale was on a guaranteed deal through the summer, then he reportedly became DP if a contract option was exercised.
Los Angeles Football Club are entering their second season under Steve Cherundolo the head coach and starting its title defense on February 25th against the LA Galaxy in a season-opening EL Trafico at the Rose Bowl (9:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
Winger secures 13th career hatty as Boston cruised 7-1 win over Ducks.
Hampus Lindholm may have seen David Pastrnak only twice a year during his time with the Anaheim Ducks, but there was one noteworthy performance by the Winger which is hard to forget:
Pastrnak’s only career four-game goal was scored against Anaheim on October 14th, 2019 at TD Garden.
“He’s a special player,” Lindholm said. “The way he can move the puck and put it in the back of the net, it’s really special. It’s fun to have him on my side finally.”
Lindholm delighted in the fact that on Sunday night when Pastrnak potted his 13th career hat trick in the Boston Bruins’ 7-1 drubbing of the Ducks at Honda Center. Pastrnak bolted past Johnny Bucyk for sole possession of third place on the B’s all-time hat tricks list and is now just one back of tying Cam Neely for second.
“It will never get old,” Pastrnak said when talking about his hat trick haul, which does not include two others in the postseason. “You’re scoring goals in the best league in the world. It’s not easy. I will never take it for granted. It’s my job to score goals. It still makes you happy.”
David Pastrnak
Boston was over the moon with Pastrnak’s performance as it secured a flawless 3-0 swing through California while extending their point streak to 14 games (11-0-3) and improving their overall record to an astounding 32-44 on the season.
The Black & Gold’s 68 points are the second-most through 40 games in NHL history (Boston, 71 in 1929-30), while their 32 wins also equal the second-most through 40 games in league legend with the 1944-45 Canadiens (the 1929-30 B’s has 35 wins).
David Pastrnak’s first goal of the night opened the scoring (his 62nd career game-opening goal) and secured his sixth career 30-goal season, making him just the seventh player in Bruins history to achieve that feat.
Phil Esposito and Rick Middleton, Johnny Bucyk -7, Peter McNab, Cam Neely, and Patrice Bergeon 6; were all players who attained this honour. The winger is also the third player this season to hit the 30-goal plateau, joining Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid (33) and Buffalo Sabers’ Tage Thompson (31).
“You can’t teach Krejci finding, buying time and Pasta just stopping there,” head coach Jim Montogomery said regarding the center’s feed from behind the net and Pastrnak’s one-timer finish from the right-wing circle to put Boston on top, 1-0, at 3:49 of the first. “Goal scorers know how to get open, that’s why they continue to score goals. That shot was amazing.”
Further, into the game, Pastrnak also assisted on David Krejci’s first-period maker to double the Bruins’ lead, before burying two goals in the middle frame – just 17 seconds apart; including a gorgeous breakaway finish that had Boston ahead, 4-1, after 40 minutes.
“Elite, creative – he’s like an artist the different ways he scores,” Montgomery said. “Everyone talks about the one-timers, but he scores off his front foot, his back foot, his backhand, fakes. I would have broke my ankle if I was the goalie in the nets on that breakaway one.”
Pastrnak’s 30th goal of the season was scored in his 40th game, which set a new personal best after doing it in 42 games during the 2019-20 campaign. He is now the seventh different Bruin to score 30 or more goals in 40 games or fewer. Pastrnak joins the likes of Esposito (four times), Neely (1993-94), Dit Clapper (1929-30), Herb Cain (1943 -44), Bill Cowley (1943-44) and Cooney Weiland (1929-30).
“The puck went in, obviously, I had some good looks,” said Pastrnak. “I was able to capitalize. Games like this sometimes, it’s good. Overall, unbelievable trip for us. Let’s go home now.”
Lindholm Hampus’ Homecoming
Lindholm Hampus
For Lindholm Hampus, the Sunday night game vs Anaheim Ducks was a sort of homecoming for him, as he came back to Honda Center as a visitor. Hampus spent the first nine seasons of his career as an Anaheim player before he was traded to Bruins last March for Urho Vaakanainen, John Moore, a 2022 first-round pick, and two other draft picks.
“It was weird,” Lindholm recounted. “Walking in, I got lost walking around the locker room and didn’t really know where to go. It was a different feeling, but happy with the two points and the process. We’ve been playing good here on this road trip, so nice to be able to go back home after a big win.”
In the first period, the Ducks paid homage to Lindholm with a video tribute highlighting his play on the ice, personality, and community work away from the rink.
“It kind of shaped me in my first couple years in the NHL, being here,” said Lindholm. “The organization has been so good to me. I’ve had so many family and friends here. Great memories. I’m obviously super happy about all that, but it’s a new chapter for me now which I’m really excited about as well.”
Lindholm rounded off the night with his fifth goal of the season when he pinched down the wall all the way into the corner and fired a shot from a bad angle that sneaked past John Gibson Anaheim’s goalie, to extend the Bruins’ lead to 6-1 with 8:34 to go.
“I was shooting to score,” said Lindholm. “I’ve tried to get in my head to shoot a little bit more. Good things happen when you shoot, I feel like. It was nice to see it go in.”
Boston Bruins Displeasure
James Montgomery
The Boston Bruins acknowledged that they were displeased with a scrum following Anaheim’s only goal late in the first period when Trevor Zegras seemingly barked something at Trent Frederic in front of the Boston Bench.
“Yeah, for sure. You can’t do that after a goal,” said Pastrnak. “You have to have some certain respect. You can’t score a goal and then yell at the opponent no matter what happened in the sequence before…it hypes everybody else up.”
Montogomery felt that the Bruins let emotion get the best of them in the second, although they put this behind them following Pastrnak’s back-to-back tallies.
“Well, it had an effect in injecting emotion into the game, right?” Montgomery said. “I think that’s why that scrum happened, but after the first period, I thought we got away from our game because of all that and we talked about our culture and how we want to represent ourselves and get back to playing real good hockey. I think we got back to our game.”
Boston Love
Boston Bruins was impressed by the wide number of fans that poured into the Honda Center on Sunday night and hyped up the team with pro-Bruins chants throughout the night.
“It was outstanding,” Pastrnak recalled. “I think the whole bench in the third period took a second. It was pretty loud there cheering by Bruins fans. Respect for them to coming and support us. They were pretty loud.”
Montogomery stated that he was surprised by the amount of support the Bruins received this season outside Boston, especially during their matches in California, Colorado, and Florida.
“You know what’s been amazing, having not played for an Original Six or a team that has great fans like the Bruins and travels so well is how well we’re represented everywhere,” he said. “It makes you feel very lucky to be a part of the Bruins.”
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By assisting Pastrnak’s second goal, Patrice Bergeron notched his 600th career helper, becoming the fourth player in Bruins history to reach this mark. He joined the likes of Ray Bourque (1,111), Johnny Bucyk (794), and Bobby Orr (624).
David Krejci (goal, two assists) recorded his 188th career multi-point game, trying Ken Hodge for ninth most Bruins history, per NHL Stats.
Jeremy Swayman made 28 saves for his fourth win in six games (4-0-2), including victories in both of his starts during the West Coast swing. “Really solid,” said Montgomery. “They had a lot of dangerous chances in the first 25-30 minutes. I thought we really took over once we got those two Pastrnak goals. The air in the balloon came out, I think.”
Belt coming off a rough 2022 season that ended with a knee surgery
The Toronto Blue Jays have expanded their team, by adding one more left-handed bat, Brandon Belt as they work toward mixing up their right-heavy lineup.
Toronto has a one-year contract on the table with San Francisco Giants first baseman Brandon Belt, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The Athletic says the deal is worth $9.3 million. The Blue Jays will be announcing the signing today.
Belt in April had already passed his physicals, which is remarkable considering he had season-ending surgery on his right knee in September. It is the third surgery Belt has had on the knee since 2018.
Last season, Brandon Belt witnessed what could be referred to as the worst of his 12-year career. He slashed .213/.326/.350 with eight home runs in 78 games, including .223/.319/.383 against righties. In 2021 he hit a robust .274/.378/.597 with 29 homers in only 97 games.
Multiple injuries have stunted Belt’s play to only 598 of 870 possible regular-season games since 2017, a not-very-nice 69 percent.
“Belt, who did not play after Aug. 20 because of knee woes, has conceded he may retire this winter if his ailment doesn’t improve. (Count Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper among those who believe he’s finished.) Even if Belt returns, it’s unclear how much he has left to offer. He had the worst season of his career by OPS+, and he’s a complete nonfactor against velocity. Indeed, Belt ranked in the second percentile in exit velocity against pitches 95 mph or greater, putting him in company with the likes of light-hitting (to be kind) infielders Nick Allen and Vidal Bruján. If this is the end — and it may be, one way or another — Belt deserves his flowers for a good career.”
Considering his knee trouble and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.s’ appearance at first base, Belt intends to step in as Toronto’s DH against righties. The Blue Jays have included Daulton Varsho, Kevin Kiermaier, and now Belt, who are all left-handed hitters to a lineup that was almost entirely right-handed at times last season.
Toronto BlueJays desperately needed lineup balance this offseason and have created it with Brandon Belt’s signing.
The team went 92-70 last season and was swept in the best-of-three Wild Card Series by the Seattle Mariners.
Lebron James is out for the Lakers Vs Nuggets due to ankle soreness
Although there is no specific timeline for his return, Lakers power forward Anthony Davis is reportedly set to return from his foot injury, and may not be sidelined much longer. Davis plans to start the “ramp-up process” to return to play later this week, according to Dave McMenamin from ESPN. While no time has been given for his return, the Los Angeles Lakers have announced that Davis is indefinitely out with his right foot injury; his foot is on the mend. He will begin pool workouts, running on an altered-gravity treadmill and start increasing his basketball workouts in the coming weeks. The Lakers will play without Davis for the foreseeable future, but the report on Monday indicates a glimmer of progress. Anthony Davis hasn’t played a game since he injured his right foot against Denver Nuggets on December 16. His right leg collided with Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic while in the paint, and he started hopping in pain. Davis was later diagnosed with a bone spur fracture and a stress reaction in his right foot. Davis will sit out his 13th consecutive game on Monday when the Lakers go against the Nuggets in Denver. Davis averaged 27.4 points and a career-high 12.1 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 60% from the field before he went down. Thomas Bryant has been picked as a replacement for Davis for the time being. Bryant, who signed a one-year deal with the LA Lakers this offseason, has averaged 17.1 points and 11.2 rebounds over the past 10 games. He had 29 points and 14 rebounds in the Lakers win over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
Anthony Davis sitting courtside for the Sunday Night game
LeBron James is out for the Lakers VS Nuggets with ankle soreness “I’ve already kind of had visions of what that could possibly look like with the frontcourt of myself, AD and Thomas on the floor together,” Lebron Jame said on Saturday, on ESPN. “I think it could be extremely beneficial for our ballclub … We’re just trying to hold it down until our big guy comes back. And Thomas has definitely done his part, and we’re all trying to chip in.” James did not play Monday’s game against the Nuggets because his left ankle was sore, the team announced this on Monday afternoon. The Los Angeles Lakers entered Monday’s game on a five-game win streak, which is the best they’ve had this season. James played in four of those games, sitting out only last week’s win over the Miami Heat due to a non-COVID-related illness. He put up a near triple-double of 47 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in the Lakers’ win over the Atalanta Hawks, and then backed it up with a 43-point outing against the Charlotte Hornets days later. This season, Lebron James has averaged 29.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season. After their two-game road trip, the Lakers will be going home. On Thursday, they will host the Dallas Mavericks. There is no telling if James will miss more than one game.
The Chicago Bears have become the No.1 overall pick in the National Football League’s 2023 draft after the Houston Texans pulled off a wild, last-minute upset over Colts. Bears in spite of the odds stacked against them became the first pick in the 2023 NFL draft. This team advanced to Week 18 even with their chances of securing the top pick being slim. They had to lose to the Minnesota Vikings and watch Houston Texans defeat Indianapolis Colts on the road. That is how it all played out last Sunday. Chicago sans quarterback Justin Fields, lost 29-13 to the Vikings. While Houston’s quarterback Davis Mills rallied his team and threw for three touchdowns; including one with 50 seconds remaining, in a riveting 32-31 win over Indianapolis. The word “riveting” doesn’t begin to describe the concluding minutes of the Texans VS Colts game. When Houston was down by 7, Mills spear-headed a 14-play drive that ended with a touchdown pass on 4th and 20 to cut the deficit to one point. That play signified the first time a team in the NFL converted on 4th and 20+ all season.
Tweet By Rodger Sherman
Rather than ending in a tie and moving into overtime, (the teams tied 20-20 in Week 1 in Houston), Lovie Smith the Texans’ head coach, chose to go for two. Mills found Jordan Akins in the end zone to put the Texans up by one point with 50 seconds to play. Indianapolis Colts could not rally in the final minute, giving Houston Texans the upset win and knocking the Texans off the No.1 spot in the draft. In other news, the Bears didn’t make things as exciting. They made their intentions of getting into Week 18 obvious in the days leading to their game with the Minnesota Vikings. Chicago sat fields on the bench due to his hip injury and started Nathan Peterman at quarterback. Peterman lasted only a few drives before the Chicago Bears turned to back newcomer Tim Boyle. Peterman eventually returned to the game. Chicago ended behind early in the game against Minnesota. And in spite of Peterman’s touchdown and Velus Jones Jr.’s rushing touchdown, the upset was not threatened. The Houston Texans for their own game, made things intriguing the minute the match began. They pulled a fast 10-0 lead after scoring on their first two drives. The Colts managed a touchdown for 10-7, but quarterback Sam Ehlinger threw a pick-six in the second quarter to give the Texans another 10-point lead. In the second half, the Colts dug their way back into the game and trailed by only 3 points before Mills threw an interception at the end of the third quarter. Colts mustered a touchdown and a field goal in the fourth quarter to get up by seven points, making Mills the hero.
Shocked Chicago Bears Fan
Chicago Bears will pick first in the NFL draft for the first since 1947. For the past 70 years, the Chicago Bears have not held the No.1 pick in the NFL draft in over 70 years. The team was the last top pick in the draft in 1947, when they chose Bob Fenimore, who played only one season in the NFL. However, while the Bears presently hold the top pick in the draft, they might not keep this title. Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is eyed for the No.1 overall player on many draft boards and Chicago does not need a quarterback. Justin Fields has proven his electrifying play-making skills in his second season and might become a franchise player. If that is what is on the Bears’ mind, then the team might entertain offers for the top pick in the April draft. Teams will probably part with multiple first-round picks to move up and select Chase Young. They have plenty of holes to plug, and acquiring multiple early-round picks will go a long way in rebuilding the team quickly. Fields was not drafted by the current Bears management. If he cannot convince the team that he can be a star passer, it could draft Young and try trading Fields. Either way, the Bears will fish a lot of picks and still have a young, promising quarterback. Chicago could keep their spot as the No.1 overall pick and choose a player who is not Chase Young. Some of the names at the top of mock drafts are Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jalen Carter and Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. Given everything the Bears need and potential packages for Chase, this route will be a surprising one for them. The Bears could use the extra draft picks they got in 2023, especially after forfeiting the No.32 overall selection in a midseason trade for Chase Claypool.
Brook Pryor’s Tweets
After the trade, Claypool played six games with Chicago. He intercepted 11 balls for 111 yards and no touchdowns. Claypool’s contract is valid throughout the 2023 season and the receiver is expected to play a huge role in the Bears’ offense next year. As the No.2 pick, the Houston Texans are in quite an interesting position. They could trade up one spot to take Young or take the next available quarterback who is the No.2 pick. If the Texans do not get Young and think they should wait until a quarterback later, they could trade down and get more picks. While Houston is assumed to take a quarterback early in the 2023 NFL draft, the team can address multiple needs if it trades down, although it might lose out on a potential franchise quarterback if this happens. The Chicago Bears and Houston Texans have lots of work to do if they do not want to return to contention, especially after a horrible 2022 season. Texans should be next in line to pick a potential franchise quarterback in the 2023 NFL draft, although it may not be the best draw on the board. Bears, on the other hand, have lots of options to choose from. They not only own the No.1 overall pick, but they have the most salary cap space available in the NFL too. These two factors should speed up their rebuild and get Justin Fields the help he needs.
