09132016 sports by tribune242

SPORTS SECTION E

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2016

NFL MONDAY

Steelers win, Page 5

Olympic team celebrations to be a ‘grand’ Sunday By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ith athletes pouring in their sentiments of gratitude, businessman Tommy Stubbs of Buttons Formal Wear said the celebrations for Team Bahamas for the 2016 Olympic Games is shaping up to be a grand event on Sunday. “You cheered. You screamed. You cried, but most of all you share in the joy of watching them compete on the big stage,” Stubbs said. “On Sunday, September 18, you get to show our Olympic Games athletes just how much you appreciate them when they competed for the glory in Rio, Brazil.”

Stubbs, through Buttons Formal Wear, is organising the Olympic celebrations set for 3pm in the ballroom of the Melia Nassau Beach Hotel for the gold medal performance from Shaunae Miller in the women’s 400 metres, the bronze medal by the men’s 4 x 400m relay team of Alonzo Russell, Michael Mathieu, Steven Gardiner, Chris ‘Fireman’ Brown and Stephen Newbold, Pedrya Seymour’s record breaking performance to make the final of the women’s 100m hurdles as well as Donald Thomas and Trevor Barry in the men’s high jump and the record-breaking feat by Lanece Clarke, Carmiesha Cox, Anthonique Strachan and Christine Amertil in the women’s 4 x 400m relay.

Additionally, Stubbs said the Bahamian public will also get to rub shoulders with Emily Morley, who made history as the first Bahamian to compete in rowing, along with the three-member

swim team led by Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace. Some of the athletes have expressed their gratitude to Stubbs and Buttons Formal Wear for putting on the event that comes more than a month since the games was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August. “It is said that good things come to those that wait and it’s never too late to celebrate,” Clarke said. “Upon finding out that we were going to be honoured and recognised for what we have accomplished at the Olympics, we were all elated and filled with gratitude. “Words can’t express how grateful I am to be home to celebrate my accomplishment with my teammates, family, friends and most importantly with Buttons

Formal Wear. Thank you once again for all that you guys are doing, I am honoured and ready to add this celebration to my memoirs of 2016.” Amertil, her teammate and the ladies’ captain of the team in Rio, joined in the chorus. “I would like to thank Buttons Formal Wear for such a generous gesture in celebrating the 2016 Rio Olympic Team,” she said. “It is very much appreciated by myself.” But one of the greatest compliments came from sprinter Jamial Rolle, who unfortunately didn’t have a good showing at the games as he finished last in his heat and was unsuccessful in getting out of the first round of the men’s 100m.

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JONES AND SUN OUT OF WNBA PLAYOFFS

LAUREN CHARLTON-SZCZYGIEL (second from left), with her mother Laura, sister Devynne and father Dave, in Beijing, China at last year’s IAAF World Championships.

Track athlete Lauren turns mentor, coach By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net SHE had a promising career as a track and field athlete, but after going off to school, Lauren Charlton-Szczygiel has changed her focus and is now giving back to Michigan State University as a mentor and coach. Charlton Szczygiel, the oldest daughter of Dave and Laura Charlton, is a third year PhD student at Michigan State University where she currently works with the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports. She received her bachelor’s degree in sport psychology and biology from Michigan State Univer-

sity and is a certified youth track and field coach with a bachelor’s degree in sport psychology and biology. Although she only competes as a form of recreation, CharltonSzczygiel, whose research interests include coaching, positive youth development, athletic programme development and evaluation, is now working as the YATA’s athletic coordinator for the 2016-2017 year. YATA - Youth Advancement Through Athletics (YATA) - is a multi-faceted youth development programme designed to reduce court-involved youth’s risk for reoffending through their involvement in strength-based, holistic 15-week mentorships, athletics

(e.g., basketball), community engagement (e.g., Greater Lansing Food Bank volunteers), and career-driven activities (e.g., resume building, interview preparation). Additionally, the programme hosts Christmas parties, sports banquets, and team outings to celebrate and acknowledge the participants’ achievements. “I had interviewed to be a mentor in the programme but after seeing my résumé and the experience I’ve had working with kids they invited me to apply for a staff position,” said CharltonSzczygiel. Since taking on her new role, Charlton-Szczygiel said it has been an exciting journey. “It’s been a learning experience for

sure, considering that the team we work with is a basketball team and I don’t really have experience in that sport, I’ve had to do a lot of learning on the go,” she said. “Asking questions, meeting new people. But I feel that I am off to a good start and that I can contribute a lot to the programme.” YATA was founded in 2011 by Michigan State University students Marva Goodson, MS and Jayme Danzig, MSW, under the direction of distinguished professor Dr William Davidson and consultant Sean Hankins, MSW. The programme operates in collaboration with Michigan

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By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JONQUEL Jones and the Connecticut Sun were one of the hottest teams in the WNBA during July and hoped to challenge for the final playoff spot. However, a recent losing streak ended those hopes as the WNBA season winds down. The Sun lost their third consecutive game Sunday afternoon and were officially eliminated from playoff contention with a 96-86 loss to the Chicago Sky at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Jones finished with five points, three rebounds and two assists in just over 16 minutes. The win also clinched a playoff berth for the Sky who surpassed the .500 mark at 16-15 while the Sun went to 11-20. The Sun, Dallas Wings (11-21) and San Antonio Stars (6-25) have all been eliminated from playoff contention. The Phoenix Mercury (14-17) and Washington Mystics (12-19) remain in the hunt for the eighth and final playoff spot. The Seattle Storm currently occupy the No.8 spot at 12-17, just one game ahead of Jones and the Storm and with just five games left to play in the regular season. The Sun posted an 8-4 record from July to early September and was tied for the second best mark in the WNBA during that timespan. Despite being sixth in the Eastern Conference, with the league’s new playoff rules, they remained with a shot at the eight spot. Prior to the losing streak, the Sun were just one half

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Auburn University introduces our Olympians during halftime By RENALDO DORSETT Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JUST ahead of their official recognition and celebrations at home, several members of Team Bahamas were recognised by their university for their participation in the Rio Olympic Games. Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace, Leevan Sands and Teray Smith were introduced at halftime of the Auburn Tigers’ 51-14 win over Arkansas State on Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. They were just three of five current or former Tigers to represent Team Bahamas in Rio, along with Sheniqua Ferguson and Donald Thomas. The Tigers went on to win their first game of the year after a season-opening loss to No.2 ranked

Clemson last week. In her third Olympic appearance, Vanderpool-Wallace competed in the 100m and 50m Free in Rio. In the 50m Free, her signature event, Vanderpool-Wallace, the 26-year-old veteran, clocked 24.60 seconds, but was edged out for the eighth and final spot by Aliksandra Herasimenia of Belarus, who was fifth in the second semis in 24.53. She finished ninth overall in the event. In the 100m Free, she finished seventh in heat six and No.18 overall in 54.56 and two spots shy of a spot in the semi-final. Sands returned from a near career-ending injury at the last Olympics in London, England and completed his inspiring and highly publicised “Road To Recovery.”

Sands, the 34-year-old veteran, could only muster a best leap of 16.53 metres or 54-feet, 2 3/4-inches on his third and final attempt for 10th place in Group A and 18th place overall. The former Beijing 2008 Olympic bronze medallist in the event was also the Bahamas’ flag bearer for the closing ceremonies. Smith, the only current member of the Tigers’ programme, enters his senior season at Auburn following his Olympic debut. It wasn’t what he anticipated, but Smith knew that after a long season at Auburn University, the 200m in Rio would be a challenge. The 21-year-old came through the fourth heat in 20.65 for sixth place, but not fast enough to get a shot in the semis. Smith was left out tied with two others for 52nd overall from of a field of 77 competitors.

Ferguson, 26, also competed in the 200m and was eighth in her heat in 23.62. She ended up 58 out of a field of 72 competitors in her second Olympic appearance. Thomas, the 32-year-old 2007 IAAF World champion, came up with a jump of 2.29m to finish seventh in Rio. He was clear through the first three heights at 2.20m and 2.29m before he knocked down all three attempts at 2.33m. Thomas recently completed his season on the IAAF Diamond League circuit at the AG Insurance Memorial Van Damm in Brussels, Belgium. The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture announced last week that the celebrations for Team Bahamas for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will take place this weekend. The ministry has revealed that

in conjunction with the Bahamas Olympic Committee, Tommy Stubbs and Buttons Formal Wear has been charged with the organisation of Team Bahamas’ celebrations. It is scheduled for 3pm Sunday, September 18, at the Melia Beach Hotel, Cable Beach. “Immediately following the event, the general public is invited to join us in a motorcade from Melia Nassau Beach Hotel through the streets of Nassau ending at the Fish Fry, Arawak Cay, where the athletes and the entire Bahamas Olympic team members will mix and mingle with the Bahamian public,” according to a press release. The celebrations for the entire team will take place almost a month after a celebration was held for Shaunae Miller for winning the gold medal in the 400m.

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THE TRIBUNE

Olympic team celebrations set to be ‘grand’ event FROM PAGE 1 “I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for this unprecedented show of appreciation towards myself and my fellow Olympians,” he said. “As someone who has personally sacrificed and given blood, sweat and tears

to reach the precipice of sport, which is the Olympics, this act of regard is held in very high esteem to me. “I am sure my fellow teammates echo my sentiments and are encouraged that their efforts of athletic patriotism are being celebrated by a well-known member of the business community. Once again I applaud you (Tom-

my Stubbs) for this and I am sure your philanthropic act will pay intangible dividends to each athlete involved and those to come.” Strachan, who also competed in the women’s 200m as she made her return to international competition after coming off surgery in November, added her personal gratitude for the gesture. “I also want to show gratitude for the cel-

ebration that you have put together for all of the athletes that qualified and also represented Team Bahamas,” Strachan said. “So thank you so much for expressing your love toward us all.” For the formal celebrations that will be held inside the ballroom, interested persons are urged to contact Buttons Formal Wear for their event passes.

Following the joint event being staged by Buttons Formal Wear, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Bahamas Olympic Committee in the ballroom, a motorcade will take the athletes through the streets of New Providence, ending up at Arawak Cay and the Fish Fry where the Bahamian public at large can interact with the athletes.

Track athlete Lauren turns mentor, coach FROM PAGE 1 State University and the 30th Judicial Circuit Court, and strives to provide participating youth with access to community resources to fulfil unmet needs and tools for self-advocacy. In its 5 years of operation the programme has designed 75 targeted interventions for court-involved youth and provided a corresponding number of MSU undergraduate students (mentors) with valuable social service field experience. As a Bahamian, CharltonSzczygiel said she intends to get the programme started in the Bahamas to help benefit our local athletes. “One of my main goals is to make sure that everything that I learn while I’m working here in the US can be transferred back home,” she said. “You know, with the crime rate being where it is, I think that there is a huge need for programmes to help kids see that they have so many options in life, to help keep them out of trouble, and to connect them with people that can be positive influences in their lives. “It’s something that my parents have both worked towards as well. Star Trackers is all about giving back to the community and helping kids get an education through their athletic talents.” Charlton-Szczygiel, however, said she has her obligation to complete at Michigan State first. My major plans for this year are to help recruit under-

graduates to be a part of the programme. We’ve already got some top-notch students,” she said. “Later on, once the basketball season starts it will be my job to set up games and to help run the tournaments. “Mainly, its my job to be a positive influence in these kids’ lives so I will be there cheering them on at practice and at every game they go to. Every kid that gets their high school degree, gets a job, or chooses to go to higher education is a huge success.” During her tenure at Michigan State University, Charlton-Szczygiel said she couldn’t ask for a better experience. “It’s been great! MSU has given me such a wonderful opportunity,” she stated. “I met my husband (Ed Szczygiel) here who is also getting his PhD and I am being paid to go to graduate school, grow my expertise, and impact the community in positive ways.” And even though she’s still active at school, Charlton-Szczygiel said she really misses competing in athletics, but she’s excited about giving back as a coach and mentor. “I try to stay involved any way that I can. I went to Barbados a few years ago and got my Level I IAAF Coaching Certification,” she said. “I’ve coached a high school team here in East Lansing. And I am still training and try to compete in amateur competitions when I can. I may not be as fit as I was, but I’ve never lost the love of the sport.” Charlton-Szczygiel, however, is still experiencing the success of the sport through

her younger sisters, Devynne, an Olympic hurdler qualifier and Anthaya, who is charting her own path as a sprinter/ long jumper at St Augustine’s College. “I can’t begin to describe how proud I am of both of them,” she said. “Even though Devynne was unfortunately unable to compete in Rio this year, I still brag about her and her accomplishments, she has so much time left and I’ve already started saving up for my husband and I to go to Tokyo in 2020. “And it is such a joy to watch Anthaya progress in her training. She’s only 13, but you can just see how much she loves the sport and she has so much talent.” Charlton-Szczygiel credits her success to the tremendous success she has received from her parents, Dave and Laura Charlton. “Even though I don’t compete, they are always excited to hear about a paper I may have published on how my students are doing in the classes that I teach,” she explained. “They gave me such a strong start in life, I couldn’t have asked for more. “And they’ve instilled in me a passion to work in the community and be a blessing to those around me. I really have to credit them with my love of working with kids and giving back.” Charlton-Szczygiel, a former athlete at St Augustine’s College and with the Star Trackers Track Club, is certainly making the best of her college experience, even if it’s outside of the realm of competing.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 13, 2016, PAGE 3

In season opener, Cowboys ‘earned a few moral victories’ EVEN though I’m not a huge fan of ‘moral victories,’ especially in sports, I have come to accept the fact that they are a huge part of the sporting landscape. Whether initially designed to reward mediocrity or ‘lovable losers,’ moral victories have taken root in sports. And if they are applicable for certain teams in certain instances, then most certainly my Dallas Cowboys earned a few in their NFL season opener. • Let’s have a closer look. 1. ‘The Dak Knight Rises’: It’s obvious the preseason wasn’t a fluke. Rookie QB Dak Prescott is for real, he was poised and mistake free in his debut as the Cowboys starting QB, and if not for a ‘brain fart’ by WR Terrance Williams, Prescott was poised to garner his first career come-from-behind victory. Prescott was solid and never seemed ruffled or out of place. Yes he probably wants some throws back, and most certainly Dak has to improve his chemistry with mercurial all world WR Dez Bryant- five targets for the whole game is ridiculous. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan needs to address and remedy this situation pronto, or sooner or later Dez is going to explode, hopefully on the field more over than off it. It’s clear with the addition of Prescott the Cowboys have an answer for the QB position presently and long term, a way better option than last year’s back ups Brandon “I smoke too much” Weeden and Matt “Sand” Cassel.

2. ‘New No Name Defence’: Despite being discredited and considered a ‘weak link’ due to zero, one must consider the fact that the Cowboys defence bent but never broke. The unit held the alleged high-powered Giants offence in check allowing only 20 points, intercepting Eli Manning in the process. Considering the Cowboys defence only forced 11 turnovers all of last season, and none until week 4 of last season, the unit is ahead of schedule and closer to suspended starters DeMarcus Lawrence, Rolando McClain and Randy Gregory returning which will only strengthen the group.

SPORTING

MISCHIEF

& MAYHEM BY INIGO ‘NAUGHTY’

ZENICAZELAYA

“SO ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF THE NFL SEASON, I REMAIN CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT MY COWBOYS AND THEIR FUTURE, AND MY NEIGHBOURS DOG IS THANKFUL HE HASN’T BEEN KICKED AS OF YET. MY, WHAT A POSITIVE CHANGE DAK HAS MADE ON THE COWBOYS AND THEIR FANS.”

3. ‘Zeke the Shiek’: Yes rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott got off to a rocky start, but finished strong, scoring his first career NFL touchdown in the process. It was clear to see the penny had dropped in the second half, and as Elliott strode off the field I could see by the look in his eye, he has something special in store for us all. I’m thinking it’s going to be really fun to watch. So on the first Monday of the NFL season, I remain cautiously optimistic about my Cowboys and their future, and my neighbours dog is thankful he hasn’t been kicked as of yet. My, what a positive change Dak has made on the Cowboys and their fans. • Naughty presents ‘Mischief and Mayhem in da AM’ from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday and ‘The Press Box’ sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm, on KISS FM 96.1. Comments and questions to naughty@ tribunemedia.net

ROOKIE QB Dak Prescott is for real, he was poised and mistake ROOKIE RB Ezekiel Elliott got off to a rocky start, but finished free in his debut as the Cowboys starting quarterback. (AP) strong, scoring his first career NFL touchdown in the process.

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THE TRIBUNE

One week left in WNBA season and playoff picture is clearer By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — With one week left in the WNBA season, the playoff picture has become a bit clearer. At least as far as who will be playing in the postseason. Where teams will be seeded, that’s still is a bit blurry after the top three. Chicago, Indiana, Atlanta and Seattle all clinched playoff spots Sunday leaving only one berth undetermined. “It means a great deal especially because we got eliminated in the first round last year and that has been in the back of our heads, and we really want to make an impact this year in the playoffs,” Chicago guard Cappie Pondexter

said. The Sky won without star Elena Delle Donne, who has been sidelined with a thumb injury the past two games. Phoenix holds a two-game lead on Washington for the final spot and the Mercury need just one win or a loss by the Mystics to secure a place in the postseason. Atlanta clinched a spot despite losing to the Mercury on Sunday. “Our season has been one of ups and downs. I thought we started the season off right and then we went on a six-game slide, but I think we’ve done a good job of recuperating and getting into this position,” Dream coach Michael Cooper said. “Our goal right now to finish out the last three games is to get that fourth playoff spot

and kind of stay there, because again, we could use the rest. But whatever the basketball gods have for us, we’re ready, committed, and we’re going to make a good run.” Atlanta, Chicago and Indiana are tied for fourth. Whichever team finishes in that spot will get a first-round bye. The Fever reached the postseason for the 12th straight year. It’s the third longest active streak in American professional sports. While it seems that Indiana is a lock to make the playoffs every year, the Storm qualified for the postseason for the first time since 2013. “It feels good. You can feel in the locker room there already is a bit of a buzz,” Storm guard Sue

Bird said. “It’s not easy at times to make the playoffs in this league and for awhile, I think our franchise even took it for granted because making the playoffs was the expectation. To not get in there the last couple of years and to finally get back feels really good.” While fourth through eighth is still to be determined, the top three seeds are set. Minnesota clinched home-court advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory over San Antonio and a loss by Los Angeles to Seattle. “We are pleased to have finished No. 1 overall in this very tough and balanced league,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. “Our success this season is a testament to our team’s strong leadership as well as the selfless nature of every

single one of our players. Together we have been able to overcome the many challenges of the regular season. Ultimately, while pleased, we also know we have work to do to find success in the playoffs.” Los Angeles will be the No. 2 seed and New York the 3. With the new playoff format, the Lynx and Sparks have byes until the semi-finals.

JONQUEL JONES AND SUN OUT OF PLAYOFFS FROM PAGE 1

CHICAGO Sky’s Courtney Vandersloot, bottom, looks to the basket as Connecticut Sun’s Jonquel Jones, top, defends during the second half of Sunday’s game. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

WNBA STANDINGS

game behind the Seattle Storm who have now clinched the No.7 spot. Just three games remain in the WNBA regular season for Jones and the Sun. They face the Indiana Fever tonight at 7pm, the Dallas Wings at 7pm on September 16 and close out the season at 4pm on September 18 against the Washington Mystics. The top eight teams in the entire league, irrespective of division, qualify for the playoffs and are seeded one to eight. The new format will re-seed after each round and includes byes for the top-ranked teams. According to SBnation: “Under the new format, teams will be seeded 1-8 regardless of conference affiliation. The top two seeds will receive double byes to the semi-finals, while the No. 3 and 4 seeds get single byes. The No. 5 seed will play the No. 8 seed and the No. 6 seed will play the No. 7 seed in a single-elimination first round. The higher-seeded winner then plays the No. 4 seed in the next round, while the lower-seeded winner then plays the No. 3 seed. They, too, would each play a single game. Come November, Jones will prepare to continue her pro career as she ventures into the Korean Basketball League after being drafted No.5 by Woori Bank Hansae Chuncheon for the 2016-2017 on July 10 in Seoul, South Korea. Jones, a 22-year-old six-foot, 6-inch centre, was among 12 WNBA players drafted into the Korean League with six of them having previous experience playing in the WKBL. The first player selected in the draft by Samsung Blue Minx was Alyssa Thomas who currently plays for the Connecticut Sun. Thomas played in the Korean League for the 2014-15 season and led the league in scoring. “I was honoured to hear that I was picked in the first round,” Jones said. “Over 200-300 players enter their names in the draft, so for me to be picked for this team is an honour because my team-mates played for this team and she said they do a really good job with developing the players’ skill level. A lot of players have told me that whenever they go over to any other league to play, they develop a level of confidence. You go over there and you’re one of the big players on the team, so you have to beg to come out of the game. That’s how much the team relies on you they told me.”

Sky star Delle Donne to undergo thumb surgery ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) — Chicago Sky star Elena Delle Donne will undergo surgery today to repair her injured right thumb. The reigning WNBA MVP was injured last Wednesday during the first

half against Washington. The Sky made the announcement yesterday. There is no timetable for her return. Delle Donne, who won the scor-

ing title in 2015, is tied for the scoring lead this season with New York’s Tina Charles at 21.5 points per game. Chicago clinched a playoff spot on Sunday with a 96-86 victory over Connecticut.

ELENA DELLE DONNE, left, and Brittney Griner walk off the court after a quarter-final round basketball game against Japan at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 13, 2016, PAGE 5

Steelers top Redskins, 38-16 By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer

STEELERS wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) scores a touchdown on a pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) as Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland (26) dives toward him during the second half of last night’s game. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger recovered his own fumble at a pivotal moment and didn’t look back, throwing three touchdown passes to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 38-16 victory over the Washington Redskins last night. Roethlisberger completed 27 of 37 passes for 300 yards, including two touchdowns to All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown and another to Eli Rogers. Often playing on the opposite side from Josh Norman and tormenting cornerback Bashaud Breeland, Brown made eight catches for 126 yards. Starting in place of the suspended Le’Veon Bell, DeAngelo Williams ran for 143 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Washington led 6-0 and appeared to have another scoring opportunity late in the first quarter when linebacker Ryan Kerrigan

sacked and stripped Roethlisberger deep in Pittsburgh territory. Steelers centre Maurkice Pouncey knocked the ball out of Kerrigan’s hands, and Roethlisberger dived on it at his own 13yard line. Roethlisberger then guided Pittsburgh 87 yards down the field, finishing the drive with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Brown on a gutsy fourth-and-1 call from the Washington 29. The next time he got the ball, Big Ben took the Steelers 67 yards on 14 plays to make it 14-6. Pittsburgh’s passing attack got clicking, but Kirk Cousins and the Redskins couldn’t keep up. With Matt Jones and the running game grounded and tight end Jordan Reed taken out of the picture, Cousins finished 30 of 43 for 329 yards and two interceptions. Washington got it as close as 24-16 on Chris Thompson’s fourth-quarter touchdown. Then Roethlisberger was at it again, taking the Steelers 77 yards as Wil-

liams put the game away with a 15-yard touchdown run to break the 30-point mark . PRIME TIME READY: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin improved to 11-2 last night, including 6-2 on the road and 2-0 at Washington. Pittsburgh is 4-1 when opening the season on Monday night, and the Steelers’ 44-24 record on MNF is third-best in the NFL behind Seattle (23-6) and San Francisco (47-25). The Redskins have lost 15 of their past 16 Monday Night home games. HOPPING HOPKINS: Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins made all three of his field-goal attempts, connecting from 31, 40 and 34 yards. Hopkins was the Redskins’ entire offensive production until Thompson’s touchdown. PINBALL ROGERS: Rogers’ first career touchdown catch in his NFL debut was a pinball special.

Roethlisberger’s pass from the 3-yard line hit receiver Sammie Coates and then Rogers’ facemask before he finished the grab. SHAZIER, PLAYMAKER: The play after forcing a fumble that the Redskins recovered, Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier picked off Cousins to set up Brown’s 26-yard TD catch in the third quarter. Shazier left the game with a right knee injury. RUNNING ON EMPTY: Jones was in the starting lineup after separating his left shoulder August 19, but he lost 4 yards on his first two carries and finished with 24 yards on seven carries. Washington totalled 55 yards rushing, including just 28 in first half. REED OPTION: Reed caught three passes for 39 yards on the Redskins’ opening drive and was a nonfactor with four catches for 25 yards the rest of the way.

PANTHERS’ COACH: NEWTON’S HEAD IS FINE, HE’LL PLAY AGAINST 49ERS By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he fully expects Cam Newton to play this Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers despite taking at least four helmet-tohelmet hits in a Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos. Rivera said that while Newton’s body is sore, his head is fine. “He’s tough, he’s resilient and he’s moving around pretty good,” Rivera said yesterday, reiterating that his QB has passed a number of concussion tests. Newton made a brief appearance in the locker room, but did not answer questions. He’s expected to address the media on Wednesday. The NFL and the Players Association are both looking into whether more should have been done when Newton took a shot to the head in the final minute of the game from Denver safety Darian Stewart. The NFL released a statement last Friday saying there was communication between medical personnel on the Carolina sideline, including the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, and the two independent certified athletic trainer spotters in the booth. They ultimately concluded there were no indications of a concussion that would require Newton to be removed from the game.

Centre Ryan Kalil said yesterday that Newton did not seem dazed after taking the final blow to the head with 36 seconds left in the game. “If he had any problems I didn’t see it,” Kalil said. “We were talking about one the protections and he reminded me about something we talked about earlier in the week (in practice), so I thought he was fine.” Rivera said he has full confidence that the Panthers medical staff handled the situation properly and understands the concussion protocol. Rivera pointed out that the Panthers held out their top defensive player, middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, for three games last season because of a concussion. “You look at how Luke was taken off last year and I have a tremendous amount of confidence in our doctors and our medical staff,” Rivera said. Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen remains upset that Newton was hit in the head four times and the Panthers were awarded no penalty yardage. Only one roughing the passer penalty was called on the Broncos and that was nullified by an intentional grounding call on Newton. The league told The Associated Press last week that the officiating crew erred on one play and should have called a penalty. “If there is a penalty, then throw a flag — that is very

simple,” Olsen said. Olsen disagrees with the notion that it’s harder to make calls on Newton because he is a big, physical quarterback who runs the ball a lot. “That is what drives me nuts,” Olsen said. “They say, ‘Oh, but he runs the ball so much.’ Well, every single one of those times he was hit he was playing quarterback. ... (I don’t care) if he ran the ball 10 plays in a row as a running back, when he is a passer, he is a passer. Period. We’re not saying Cam should get different rules than anybody else. Call the rules the same for every single person who is the quarterback.” Olsen points to a play on Sunday where he felt New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick got “brushed in the face” with a hand of a defensive player and drew a 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer — nothing compared to the shots that Newton took against Denver. “It’s insulting,” Olsen said. Newton “is treated like a running back. And he’s not. He’s a quarterback, who happens to be big and fast and strong.” The NFL will review all of the Week 1 games and will hand out fines later in the week. Rivera has sent in “a number of plays” into the league for review. “If what they did was illegal, then they should be treated accordingly,” Ri-

BRONCOS free safety Darian Stewart (26) hits Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) late for a penalty during the second half of last Thursday’s NFL opener in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) vera said. “If they are not treated accordingly, then I will be disappointed.” Rivera said the Panthers may have to alter how they use Newton moving forward. “As far as what we do

Indians RHP Salazar to miss 3 to 4 weeks with forearm injury By JAY COHEN AP Sports Writer CHICAGO (AP) — Cleveland manager Terry Francona just wants Danny Salazar to get healthy. A return to the mound would be a bonus for the Indians. Salazar had an MRI yesterday in Cleveland and will miss three to four weeks with a forearm injury, sidelining the right-hander for the rest of the regular season and casting doubt on his availability for the playoffs. Salazar was examined by Dr Mark Schickendantz, the Indians’ head team physician. He was diagnosed with a mild strain to his flexor musculature. “When it’s all said and done, getting the news that we did is probably pretty damn good,” Francona said. “I mean it’s musculature as opposed to something with a ligament.” Cleveland began the day with a seven-game lead in the AL Central over second-place Detroit. If the Indians make it to the playoffs, a healthy Salazar likely would serve as their No. 3 starter behind Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco, but Francona said it was too early to speculate on what he might be able to do in the postseason. “The one thing we want to do is get him healthy, make sure he knows he’s healthy, because that’s important,” Francona said, “and then if it fits somewhere, good. But the biggest

CLEVELAND Indians pitcher Danny Salazar throws against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning of Friday’s game in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) thing is to get him healthy.” Francona said. Salazar will get a platelet-rich plasThe injury ramps up the pressure ma injection today and stop throwing on Trevor Bauer, Josh Tomlin and for approximately 10 days. Salazar Mike Clevinger, three possibilities for had Tommy John surgery in 2010 and the playoff rotation if Salazar is unmissed a couple weeks in August with able to go. right elbow inflammation, but MonBauer goes for his third straight day’s MRI showed his ulnar collateral win today against the White Sox, and ligament was intact. Tomlin and Clevinger start the final The 26-year-old Salazar is 11-6 with two games of the series. a 3.87 ERA in 25 starts. He pitched “I don’t they need to try to do more four innings Friday at Minnesota be- than they can,” Francona said. “Every fore he was pulled because of forearm time they start it’s a big night. Every tightness. time somebody does well it helps eve“I think he felt this on one pitch,” rybody, but it’s always the case.”

and how we do it, there are some things we have to look at,” Rivera said. “A lot of it is him. He’s a competitive guy and we do have to be aware of it too, because he wants to be the guy with the ball.”

Panthers offensive coordinator Mike Shula said he wants to limit Newton’s carries, too. Newton ran 11 times against Denver, but Shula would like that average to be about 7 or 8 per game.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL STANDINGS

PAGE 6, Tuesday, September 13, 2016

11-MINUTE HAT TRICK FOR LUKAKU, EVERTON DEFEATS SUNDERLAND 3-0 SUNDERLAND, England (AP) — Romelu Lukaku fired an 11-minute hat trick to end his 11-game Premier League scoring drought in style as Everton beat Sunderland 3-0 yesterday. The Belgium striker struck with 60th and 68thminute headers and then completed his hat trick with 19 minutes remaining at the Stadium of Light to condemn former Toffees boss David Moyes to a third defeat in four matches this season. Sunderland might have taken a 10th-minute lead when Adnan Januzaj’s shot was blocked and looped perfectly into the path of Jermain Defoe, who sent his first-time volley over the bar. Lukaku broke through for Everton when Idrissa Gueye crossed from the right and he rose unopposed to head past Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The Belgian rattled the crossbar after turning smartly four minutes later, but made sure of victory when summer signing Yannick Bolasie picked him out unmarked at the far post. The home side’s misery was complete in the 71st when Lukaku helped himself to a third after Kevin Mirallas had played him through on Pickford. Revitalised under Ronald Koeman, unbeaten Everton has 10 points, the same as second-placed Chelsea. Sunderland is 19th with a single point.

THE TRIBUNE

Tottenham to face Monaco at the Wembley Stadium By ANDY DATSON Associated Press LONDON (AP) — Tottenham will open its Champions League campaign against Monaco in London, just not at White Hart Lane. Part of Tottenham’s home stadium is currently undergoing construction work, with a section being demolished to make room for a new stadium opening in 2018 adjacent to White Hart Lane. The ground has been deemed unsuitable to

host Champions League matches so, although the team is still playing its Premier League games at home, Tottenham will move to Wembley for European action. “It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere and the lads cannot wait to play (on Wednesday),” Tottenham striker Harry Kane said, who broke a nine-match goal drought in Tottenham’s 4-0 victory over Stoke on Saturday. Wembley has been used as a temporary Champions League stadium in the past. London rival Arsenal was forced to play at Wem-

bley during the 1998-99 and 1999-00 seasons because its former Highbury Stadium did not have a large enough capacity. Arsenal’s record over those two seasons may well worry Spurs fans. Arsenal won only two of its six games at Wembley over the two campaigns, failing to progress from its group on both occasions. Besides Kane, Tottenham teammates Dele Alli and Eric Dier also have Wembley experience as part of the English national team. Tottenham last appeared in the Champions League in the 2010-11 season, reaching the quarter-finals before losing to Real Madrid. During that campaign, Tottenham defeated Inter Milan and AC Milan, but it was Gareth Bale’s hat trick in the away loss to Inter that was one of the highlights of the tournament. Tottenham has played in the Europa League every season since then, but is back in the Champions League after challenging for the Premier League title last season under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

DEFENDERS LEAD EMPOLI TO 2-1 WIN OVER CROTONE IN SERIE A

TOTTENHAM Hotspur’s Vincent Janssen, front, and Stoke City’s Marko Arnautovic battle for the ball in their English Premier League match at The Bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent, England, on Saturday. (Dave Thompson/PA via AP)

ROME (AP) — All three goals were scored by defenders with headers as Tuscan club Empoli beat promoted Crotone 2-1 yesterday to gain its first Serie A points this season. Andrea Costa scored the winner early in the second half by redirecting a free kick from former Italy international Manuel Pasqual. Giuseppe Bellusci had put Empoli ahead in the 31st with his first Serie A goal in his 104th appearance in the top flight, then Mario Sampirisi equalised for Crotone in first-half added time. Visiting Crotone ended with 10 men after Noe Dussenne picked up his second yellow. Also in the final minutes, Alberto Gilardino came on for Empoli for his 500th appearance in Serie A. Crotone, a Calabrian club making its top-division debut, remained without any points through three rounds.

Love chooses Fowler, Holmes and Kuchar for the Ryder Cup By JON KRAWCZYNSKI AP Sports Writer CHASKA, Minn. (AP) — When Davis Love III and the US Ryder Cup team come to Hazeltine at the end of the month, they will be looking to avoid an unprecedented fourth straight defeat to the Europeans. The US has spent two years planning and strategising in hopes of turning the tide, and Love’s first three captain’s picks lean heavily on experience as they try to end the skid. Love chose Rickie Fowler, JB Holmes and Matt Kuchar yesterday. He has one more pick to make, too. The Americans haven’t won since Valhalla in 2008, and they have only one rookie on the current roster while the Europeans will be bringing six newcomers to Minnesota. “Experience is good. We know what to expect. We know how to handle it, how to deal with it,” Love said. “We’ve been there. We’re going to learn from our mistakes in the past and build on it.” Love didn’t surprise many people with his first three picks. Where he goes for the fourth and final spot may be a little more intriguing. Love said there was strong debate and discussion with vice captains Tiger Woods, Tom Lehman, Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk late into the afternoon on Sunday before a consensus was finally reached, and those conversations will only increase before he chooses the final member of the team on September 25 after the Tour Championship. The Ryder Cup begins September 30. Holmes finished 10th in the Ryder Cup standings and called Love last week

to tell him how important it was for him to be on the team. Holmes finished tied for fourth at the BMW Championship on Sunday and is one of the few active Americans to have never lost in the event. He went 2-0-1 at Valhalla. “Some of my greatest memories in golf were at the Ryder Cup at Valhalla,” Holmes said. “So just really excited to get back in the Ryder Cup format and get out there and play.” Fowler started the year with a victory in Abu Dhabi and was rolling at the Phoenix Open before losing a two-shot lead with two holes to play. He also lost the 54-hole lead at Wells Fargo and at Barclays, which prevented him from qualifying for the team on points. Fowler was part of the Ryder Cup Task Force aimed at turning around the Americans’ fortunes in the event, but he is 0-3-5 in two previous Ryder Cups, both on European soil. Kuchar was thought of as a favourite for one of the picks given his ability to play with any partner in a team event where chemistry is crucial. He has just one victory in the last two years at the Fiji International, but made a big impression by winning bronze at the Rio Olympics. He is 4-5-2 in his Ryder Cup career and has played on three previous American teams. “It stinks for me to be sitting on the outside needing a pick,” Kuchar said. “I thought I had a nice year, but not nice enough to qualify on points. Team USA is certainly very strong. To have the picks we’ve had is fantastic.” The three captain’s choices join Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Jimmy

Walker, Brooks Koepka, Brandt Snedeker and Zach Johnson, who qualified in the final standings for the Americans. Left off the initial round of captain’s picks was Bubba Watson, currently ranked No. 7 in the world. He won at Riviera, but hasn’t won a singles match in three Ryder Cups. Furyk was also passed over despite finishing tied for fifth and shooting 58 at the Travelers Championship. He did not make it to the BMW Championship, but he lost four months of the season to wrist surgery and only started playing in May. Other candidates include second-year pros Daniel Berger and Justin Thomas. Berger won at Memphis and Thomas won the CIMB Classic in Malaysia last fall, but the task force decided not to start counting points until 2016. “We’re a sports team and we have to draft the right player for the right position,” Love said. “There’s going to be a lot of stats and a lot of things to look at. But making our pairings, fitting into the team, doing all the little things you’re asked to do, these three guys fill incredible roles and a lot of different roles.” Kuchar said he had heard “rumours” of another candidate. “That last pick is going to be quite amazing. I don’t envy Davis’s position. So it’s a tough job. But gosh, imagine that, Tiger Woods playing for Team USA, being a captain,” Kuchar deadpanned. “That would be incredible.” “I was originally going to go with me and my son Drew and Tiger,” Love quipped. “But none of us have shown any form coming off of injuries.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 13, 2016, PAGE 7

FANTASY PLAYS: Less chaos, but plenty to learn from openers By NANDO DI FINO Fantasy Sports Network RUNNING backs Jalen Richard and Spencer Ware and tight end Jack Doyle highlighted an opening Sunday for fantasy football that had far less chaos and surprise than previous opening weekends. While there’s less to learn long-term from 2016’s opening frame, there’s still plenty for fantasy owners to consider: INJURIES Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen injured a knee in the second quarter Sunday against the Chiefs and was placed on season-ending injured reserve yesterday. It’s a crushing blow for both fantasy owners (Allen was a consensus second-round pick who already had six catches for 63 yards when he went down) and anyone with a sense of humanity (Allen has been sidelined before in his career by a litany of injuries). Fantasy owners may want to consider Allen’s presumed replacement on the waiver wire, Dontrelle Inman. In just eight career starts, Inman has five games of 75 or more receiving yards. Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III also will miss at least

eight games after breaking a bone in his left shoulder. Josh McCown becomes the Cleveland starter while Griffin is out. Other injuries to keep an eye on this week: Russell Wilson, Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu as they deal with ankle injuries. FUN WITH SNAP COUNTS Two quick things to look at when the dust settles on a football week: targets for wide receivers and running backs, and Nathan Jahnke’s Twitter account (@PFF_NateJahnke ). The director of analytics at Pro Football Focus, Jahnke’s feed is brilliant on Sundays, sharing snap counts for nearly every team, revealing to fantasy owners which players were in the game for the most plays. • Interpreting some nuggets from Jahnke this week: — Patriots receiver Chris Hogan had the second-most snaps of all the team’s receivers (56), suggesting his usage is very real. — Seahawks running back Christine Michael saw more snaps (52) than Thomas Rawls (22), which might continue for a couple weeks as Rawls works his way

back from injury.

traditional, and Matthews and Agholor fit right in. Fantasy players expected good things from Ryan Mathews (22 attempts for 77 yards and a touchdown) and Zach Ertz (six catches for 58 yards) and we got our five targets to Darren Sproles. But Matthews and Agholor were a welcome surprise.

— Despite two touchdowns for Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, he was badly outsnapped (50-23) by Danny Woodhead, meaning the big fantasy day may be tougher to replicate if his play is limited. — Tevin Coleman had the bigger numbers, but Devonta Freeman still out-snapped him, 36-32. Still, the pendulum can swing either way for Atlanta.

WILL FULLER GETS HIS OWN SECTION Quickie version: he’s worth adding if you can. The Texans rookie receiver had five receptions on 11 targets for 107 yards and a touchdown. And the numbers would have looked even better had he not dropped a long pass at the end of the first half. Fuller had a sparkling preseason and earned raves from his coaches. But as exciting as the debut was for Fuller, would-be fantasy owners should note two small caveats: the Chicago secondary hasn’t been great in years, and Fuller is a speedy wideout who may only catch half of his targets, including one or two receptions of the 40-60 yard variety. He’s better than the “boom-orbust” label on a week-to-week basis — and could compare favour-

— Victor Cruz played 49 snaps to Odell Beckham’s 55 and Sterling Shepard’s 53, which likely means he’ll continue to be a big part of the Giants’ offence. FLY EAGLES FLY The Eagles may be the team offering the most long-term fantasy impact given standouts the first week. Jordan Matthews (14 targets, seven receptions, 114 yards, and a touchdown) and Nelson Agholor (5/4/57/1) were two of the more overlooked receivers this draft season. But with the Chip Kelly regime gone and a talented rookie quarterback in place in Carson Wentz, the offence looked more

PATRIOTS WR Chris Hogan cheers after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) ably with players like Martavis Bryant or Mike Wallace (nonVikings version). Fuller is worth a fantasy add (and will likely be one of the most-added players across all fantasy leagues), but he may have a few three-point games as the season unfolds.

THe WeaTHer repOrT

5-Day Forecast

TOday

OrlandO

High: 85° F/29° C low: 74° F/23° C

Tampa

TOnIGHT

Wednesday

THursday

FrIday

saTurday

Some sun with a t‑storm in spots

Partly cloudy with a shower

Partly sunny, a t‑storm in spots

Periods of sun, a t‑storm in spots

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm in spots

High: 90°

Low: 77°

High: 90° Low: 77°

High: 90° Low: 80°

High: 89° Low: 77°

AccuWeather RealFeel

106° F

90° F

110°-90° F

109°-91° F

108°-88° F

107°-87° F

High: 88° F/31° C low: 76° F/24° C

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

almanac

aBaCO

High: 85° F/29° C low: 82° F/28° C

8‑16 knots

WesT palm BeaCH High: 87° F/31° C low: 78° F/26° C

6‑12 knots

FT. lauderdale E

FreepOrT

High: 87° F/31° C low: 78° F/26° C

High: 85° F/29° C low: 77° F/25° C

mIamI

High: 88° F/31° C low: 77° F/25° C

6‑12 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 84° F/29° C Low .................................................... 77° F/25° C Normal high ....................................... 88° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 75° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 92° F/33° C Last year’s low ................................... 77° F/25° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.16” Year to date ............................................... 31.44” Normal year to date ................................... 26.72”

eleuTHera

nassau

High: 90° F/32° C low: 77° F/25° C

High: 87° F/31° C low: 82° F/28° C

Key WesT

High: 87° F/31° C low: 79° F/26° C

High: 87° F/31° C low: 81° F/27° C

6‑12 knots

7‑14 knots

andrOs

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

tiDes For nassau High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

5:34 a.m. 6:03 p.m.

2.8 3.4

11:39 a.m. 0.5 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Wednesday 6:25 a.m. 6:51 p.m.

3.1 3.5

12:22 a.m. 0.5 12:31 p.m. 0.3

Thursday

7:13 a.m. 7:38 p.m.

3.3 3.7

1:08 a.m. 1:22 p.m.

0.3 0.2

Friday

8:01 a.m. 8:24 p.m.

3.6 3.7

1:52 a.m. 2:11 p.m.

0.1 0.0

Saturday

8:49 a.m. 9:11 p.m.

3.8 3.7

2:37 a.m. 0.0 3:01 p.m. ‑0.1

Sunday

9:38 a.m. 9:59 p.m.

3.9 3.7

3:22 a.m. ‑0.1 3:52 p.m. ‑0.1

Monday

10:28 a.m. 10:49 p.m.

3.9 3.5

4:09 a.m. ‑0.1 4:44 p.m. 0.0

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:55 a.m. 7:16 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

5:03 p.m. 3:35 a.m.

Full

last

new

First

sep. 16

sep. 23

sep. 30

Oct. 9

san salVadOr

GreaT eXuma

High: 88° F/31° C low: 81° F/27° C

High: 87° F/31° C low: 81° F/27° C

High: 89° F/32° C low: 82° F/28° C

W S

lOnG Island

insurance management tracking map

High: 88° F/31° C low: 82° F/28° C

uV inDex toDay

CaT Island

IS JOE FLACCO A TOP 12 QUARTERBACK? Yes.

7‑14 knots

mayaGuana High: 88° F/31° C low: 82° F/28° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

CrOOKed Island / aCKlIns raGGed Island High: 87° F/31° C low: 82° F/28° C

GreaT InaGua High: 89° F/32° C low: 82° F/28° C

High: 87° F/31° C low: 82° F/28° C

8‑16 knots

marine Forecast aBaCO andrOs CaT Island CrOOKed Island eleuTHera FreepOrT GreaT eXuma GreaT InaGua lOnG Island mayaGuana nassau raGGed Island san salVadOr

Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS SE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 6‑12 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots SE at 4‑8 Knots E at 4‑8 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots

WAVES 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑6 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet

VISIBILITY 5 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 5 Miles 5 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 87° F 87° F 87° F 87° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 84° F 84° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F 86° F 86° F 85° F 85° F

PAGE 8, Tuesday, September 13, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

PSG and Arsenal in search of elusive Champions League title PARIS (AP) — One is a veteran of nearly 20 years at his club, the other started his new job only months ago. Both share the same goal: delivering European glory with teams lacking a Champions League title. Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger are on opposite trajectories when the Champions League resumes for their teams today at the Parc des Princes. It will be Emery’s first Champions League game as PSG’s coach, while Wenger is starting a 19th consecutive campaign in Europe’s most prestigious competition. On the Champions League opening day, fivetime winners Barcelona hosts Celtic — a team it inflicted six goals on the last time they played in the group stage — and Bayern Munich takes on Russian newcomers Rostov. • Here is a look at today’s matches: GROUP A Unlike his former great rival Alex Ferguson, who turned Manchester United into a European powerhouse, Wenger has not tasted Champions League success since he was appointed Arsenal’s manager 20 years ago. Despite qualifying for the lucrative tournament for an English record 19 consecutive seasons, Arsenal has never won Europe’s biggest prize, losing to Barcelona in the 2006 final. The Gunners, who have won their last seven Champions League games in France, are looking to get beyond the last 16 for the first time since 2010. Emery’s record in the Champions League is quite disappointing compared to what he achieved with Sevilla in the Europa League. Emery, who replaced Laurent Blanc this summer, guided Sevilla to a third consecutive Europa League title last season but led his various teams to just eight Champions League wins in 25 games. Arsenal, a team that has long had a heavy French influence, could be spearheaded by a France international for its trip to Paris with striker Olivier Giroud pushing for his first start of the season. Basel hosts Ludogorets in the group’s other game. GROUP B Benfica and Besiktas meet for the first time in European competition with the group looking wide open. Benfica lost to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals last season and Besiktas is looking to make it to the knockout round for the first time. Benfica coach Rui Vitoria will likely be without several important players. Jonas, who led Benfica in scoring last season, has been sidelined with a right

ARSENAL’S OLIVIER GIROUD, centre, heads a ball past Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk, left, and Jose Fonte, right, during Saturday’s English Premier League match at Emirates stadium in London. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) foot injury since August. Fellow strikers Kostas Mitroglou and Raul Jimenez, along with defender Jardel, all missed practice on Monday morning because of physical problems. Besiktas midfielder Talisca joined the Turkish club on loan last month after playing two seasons with Benfica. Hosting Napoli in the group’s other match, Dynamo Kiev has a poor record against Italian sides, having won just twice in 20 matches with Italian opposition. Back in the Champions League after exiting in the group stage two seasons ago, Napoli is attempting to overcome the departure of standout striker Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus. Jose Callejon has been filling in quite nicely, scoring two goals in each of Napoli’s last two Serie A matches. GROUP C Barcelona and Manchester City, two of the top candidates for the European Cup, start their respective campaigns against more accessible opponents before their highly anticipated clash in the group stage. Barcelona hosts Celtic, while City welcomes Borussia Moenchengladbach. The good news for Celtic is that, despite its star power, Barcelona is beatable, as seen when recently promoted Alaves pulled off a 2-1 shocker at Camp Nou on Saturday.

MANCHESTER City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates his team’s victory after the English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, on Saturday. Manchester City won the match 1-2. (Martin Rickett/PA via AP)

BAYERN head coach Carlo Ancelotti watches his team during a training session prior to the Champions League Group D match against FK Rostov in Munich, Germany, yesterday. Bayern will face Rostov today. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

The bad news is that Barcelona was playing without Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Luis Suarez until the last half hour. Expect all three back in the starting lineup. “On Tuesday, we start the Champions League, a short competition that doesn’t permit mistakes,” Barcelona coach Luis Enrique

Sergio Aguero should be recalled amid a domestic suspension, while Guardiola could rotate his fullbacks and wingers for a game against a Moenchengladbach team he’ll know well from his three years in Germany with Bayern Munich.

said. “We have our chance to bounce back.” After a 5-1 win over fierce rival Rangers on Saturday, Celtic can look back to its win over Barcelona in the 2012 group stage. Pep Guardiola goes into his first Champions League campaign as City manager having won all six of his games in charge.

GROUP D Five-time champion Bay-

PSG’s soccer team celebrates the open goal during their French League One soccer match against Saint-Etienne at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Friday. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

ern Munich survived a scare on Friday to maintain coach Carlo Ancelotti’s perfect start before turning attention to Champions League debutant Rostov. Bayern dug deep with two late goals to overcome Schalke 2-0, taking its tally to 15 goals scored and none conceded in four wins in four games thus far. “We’re completely on target,” goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said. Ancelotti was able to call upon substitutes Arturo Vidal, Douglas Costa and rising star Joshua Kimmich to make the difference against Schalke, and his squad is well-equipped for the rigours of Europe’s premier competition. The Champions League is uncharted territory for Russian runner-up Rostov, which has never before played in the group stage of a UEFA competition. Dmitri Kirichenko’s side will be counting on its defence — Rostov conceded only 20 goals in 30 games last season, a Russian league best — to keep the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Mueller and Franck Ribery at bay. In the group’s other game, 2015 runners-up Atletico Madrid and PSV Eindhoven are no strangers. Atletico needed to a penalty shootout to eliminate PSV from the round of 16 last season after both legs ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Both sides are undefeated this season.