USMNT tops Group D
Every time the FIFA World Cup rolls around, it feels like the same song and dance with the U.S. men’s national team: Grind out results in a challenging group. Barely make it out of the group stage. Lose convincingly to a superior opponent. At least, that’s been the case for the last three World Cups the U.S. has appeared in. But when the group stage draw came out for this World Cup, the U.S. was handed a “easier” group, albeit they were only slightly favored to win Group D ahead of Türkiye. There was cautious optimism that they could get the job done, emphasis on the word “cautious.”
As it turns out, the U.S. only needed two games to seal up top spot.
With Friday afternoon’s 2-0 win over Australia combined with Türkiye’s 1-0 loss to Paraguay later that night, that ensured the Americans would finish first place in Group D and get a much more favorable matchup in the Round of 32. With the U.S. on six points and Australia and Paraguay each of three points, in previous editions of the World Cup, the U.S. would not have already been confirmed to win the group stage due to the goal difference tiebreaker. But this year, one of the many changes was that head-to-head results would be the first tiebreaker ahead of goal difference. With the U.S. already taking down Paraguay and Australia, they have the advantage over both teams just in case the U.S. loses their final group stage game against Türkiye and either Paraguay or Australia wins.
The victory over Australia felt like a carbon copy of their 4-1 win over Paraguay. The Americans got another early own goal to ease any sort of nerves, which allowed them to play more freely and dynamic throughout the rest of a dominant first half. They got a crucial second goal late on in the half from Alex Freeman as the U.S. seized full control both on the pitch and on the actual scoreline.
The second was a tad lackluster as Australia asked a bit more questions of the U.S. back line than Paraguay ever did. But the U.S. was able to shut things down and secure another impressive World Cup victory. Given the concerns defensively entering the World Cup, getting a clean sheet under their belts will hopefully give them confidence moving forward.
It was also notable that they did not need their most notable name on the pitch in Christian Pulisic as he was ruled out due to a calf injury. If this were previous iterations of the USMNT, they could have easily crumbled knowing that they couldn’t lean on his experience. But this is a much deeper and talented squad than ever before. When you have someone like Folarin Balogan being their lightning rod in attack with the two goals against Paraguay and his low cross being turned into Australia’s own net, the mantra “no Pulisic, no problem” rings true for once.
The U.S. has already matched their biggest win total at single World Cup, as both the 1930 and 2002 teams also notched a pair of wins. While that goes to show the men’s national team’s history in the biggest sporting event in the world has been very underwhelming, it also shows how promising this run can be.
That has led to the inevitable question that’s been running circles throughout the media: Can the U.S. actually win the whole darn thing?
While it is awe-inspiring seeing the belief and hope that the country has for a team that has historically not had much of at the World Cup, let’s slow our roll down for just a second. Yes, the way they are playing right now with such intensity and confidence is something we haven’t really seen out of the USMNT at the World Cup. But it’s not like their victories came against the upper echelon of global soccer. Then again, the likes of Spain and Portugal—two of the top five favorites to win the competition—drew their opening games against inferior opponents.
My expectation for the USMNT remains the same as it did before the World Cup began: Get to the Round of 16. If they can get to a quarterfinal, even better. It all depends on the matchup. As it stands, the U.S. will likely face either Bosnia and Herzegovina or Qatar in the Round of 32, both of whom are very beatable.
But the focus will be on Türkiye on Thursday night in Los Angeles to close out group stage play. Although the game could be seen as a glorified friendly knowing that neither team has anything to play for, it will be interesting to see how much manager Mauricio Pochettino rotates the team to not risk injury or suspension. Specifically, one has to wonder if Pulisic gets any playing time just so he’s not totally rusty for the knockout stage?
Either way, the USMNT has been entertaining to watch, as has this entire tournament. Maybe adding in hydration breaks during each half to essentially divvy up the game into four quarters was the recipe for success after all for the Americans. It’s not like they aren’t used to it in football, basketball and lacrosse.
Cornell women’s hockey sends strong contingent to the pros
It’s no secret that the NHL pipeline has been well-fortified throughout the years for Cornell men’s hockey. But the women’s program has also built up a great reputation for sending their players to the pros.
Part of the reason why that’s gone more under the radar is because professional women’s hockey in North America has had its ups and downs. The Canadian Women’s Hockey League lasted from 2007 until its collapse in 2019, which saw 10 Cornellians compete in. There was also the National Women’s Hockey League, though only two Big Red alums took part, and that too was relatively short-lived, lasting from 2015 to 2023.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) seems to have struck gold, continuing to increase in popularity ever since its inception in 2024. The league is made up of 12 teams, more than the CWHL or NWHL ever had. That means there are more opportunities for players to play professionally, and Wednesday’s PWHL Draft saw six Cornellians selected.
Grace Dwyer was the first Big Red player taken, as the former captain and defender went 10th overall to the Boston Fleet. Forward Avi Adam went 14 picks later to the Montreal Victoire, followed by fellow forward and 2026 graduate Mckenna Van Gelder to PWHL San Jose with the 52nd pick. The lone 2025 Cornell grad taken was Ashley Messier, with the defender going 61st overall to the Seattle Torrent. Two picks later, forward Georgia Schiff was selected by PWHL Detroit. Alyssa Regalado rounded out the Big Red selections with by 68th pick by the Toronto Sceptres.
Not only does the number of the Cornellians taken stand out, what’s even more fascinating is that they were all taken by different teams. While it’s unfortunate that none of them will suit up alongside each other, it does go to show just how much women’s hockey has grown in such a short time, including the four expansions that will hit the ice this upcoming season.
That brings the Big Red’s PWHL total to 17 players, with the six players selected this year the most in any draft for the Big Red. It’s a testament to head coach Doug Derraugh’s ability to cultivate talent and prepare them for the next stage of their careers. Don’t be surprised if there’s a bigger draft class of Big Red women’s hockey players in the near future.
Can the Knicks repeat?
A little over a week from the Knicks ending a 53-year-long drought, New York (both the city and the entire state) is still in a wildly celebratory mood. That was on full display on Thursday with the parade, where over 2 million fans flooded the streets to witness something that hasn’t been done for many decades.
As the Knicks continue to party like it’s 1973, the focus for some has already turned to next season. Since the first time was so nice, why not do it twice?
In the current landscape of the NBA, it is incredibly difficult to a team to repeat. You’ve probably the ESPN graphic going around showcasing the last eight NBA champions have been unique winners, from the Toronto Raptors in 2019 up until this year’s Knicks squad. It’s a stark contrast from almost the entire history of the league being bookmarked by dynasties seemingly every decade: The 1960s Celtics, the 1980s Lakers, the 1990s Bulls, the 2000s Lakers and Spurs, and of course the 2010s Heat and Warriors.
The biggest reason why we’ve seen a reverse in the trend is that roster-building stipulations have gotten even stricter. In 2023, the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) introduced the second apron, which punishes teams for spending too much on their roster. For this offseason, if a team spends over $222,372,000, they’ll face significant penalties that include not being able to trade first-round picks seven years out, not being able to acquire a player in a sign-and-trade deal, among other things. That’s why the Celtics had to trade Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday just one year after they helped them win an NBA title.
The Knicks are currently projected to be $13 million below the second apron. However, Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet are set to be free agents, and bringing back both players would almost certainly put them above the second apron. Robinson came up big on the boards, including the championship-sealing offensive rebound in Game 5, while Shamet added a key spark off the bench as a three-point specialist.
Although it’s unlikely they likely won’t be able to run it back with the exact same squad, the fact that their starting five is locked down for next season gives them a strong shot at a repeat. With that being said, how will they now deal with a target on their back? They’ve embraced the underdog mentality all playoff run long, especially in the playoffs. But the hunter will now become the hunted.
In the Eastern Conference, the Celtics will have a fully healthy Jayson Tatum and are eager to bounce back from blowing a 3-1 lead in the first round to the 76ers. The Pistons and Cavaliers will have one more year of playoff experience under their belt. The Pacers should be back as contenders with Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam healthy. That’s not to mention an ultra-talented Western Conference.
It will no doubt be a challenge to replicate what they did this season. But Knicks fans don’t have to worry about that until October. For now, the party will rage on in the Big Apple and throughout the state.
Other things that caught my eye
- While the ECAC schedule is out for Cornell men’s hockey, the non-conference slate has yet to be released. But that hasn’t stopped the Big Red faithful from starting to piece it together using other teams’ schedules. One notable game has been confirmed: Boston University is coming to town December 4. It’s a change of pace for the Terriers and Big Red as they’re used to playing against each other on neutral ice. In fact, 13 of the last 14 meetings have been at neutral sites. The last time BU played at Lynah Rink? 2002. That was before every player that will feature on the ice was born. If that doesn’t make you feel old, I don’t know what will.
- The Mets seem to have a penchant for getting their fans’ hopes up ever so slightly, only to immediately let them down. Win two of out three games against the best team in baseball in the Braves? Follow that up by losing two out of three to a mediocre Reds team. Begin their three-game set against the Phillies with a 6-4 win? Follow that up by a Freddy Peralta disasterclass on the mound and get walloped 15-3. Those aren’t very encouraging signs if they want to make a miraculous comeback and make the postseason. That 2024 magic can’t come any sooner.
- In high school news, the STAC made a notable change to their playoff format for all sports beginning next year. Instead of the usual STAC semifinals and championship game, they’re going the route of the IAC by holding Small School and Large School championships. The winners of the West and Metro schools will compete for the Large School title while the Central and East Divisions will vie for the Small School title. This coincides with Johnson City’s move from the Metro to the Central, ensuring that the Large School and Small School divisions each have the same amount of teams (four for the the West/Metro, five for the Central/East). This doesn’t impact Ithaca much, as their division remains the same but will have one or two fewer league games with Johnson City no longer counting as a league game. While there is something to be said about being the best team in the STAC regardless of size, the new format gives teams more opportunities to win a championship.
