Sports
In Premier League classic, Ngumoha becomes talk of the town ahead of Isak
NEWCASTLE, England — There is perhaps some irony in the fact that, on an evening when Alexander Isak‘s conspicuous absence dominated the prematch buildup, it was a 16-year-old debutant who stole the headlines.
Before Monday night, few people outside of Merseyside will have heard of Liverpool starlet Rio Ngumoha. Now, after his match-winning goal in the Reds’ dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United, his name has been marked out as one to remember.
Having joined Liverpool’s academy from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, Ngumoha’s recent emergence has been so impressive the view in some quarters is that he is Liverpool’s most promising young talent since Raheem Sterling, who joined the club from Queens Park Rangers in 2010 and has since gone on to enjoy a stellar career on both the domestic and international stage.
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– Why everyone is talking about Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha, 16
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It is for that reason that head coach Arne Slot decided to promote him to the first team squad this season, and why he was handed his Premier League debut against the Magpies, just four days shy of his 17th birthday. There can, however, be no escaping the fact that Slot’s need to turn to the teenager with his side in need of a goal may not have been necessary had he had more attacking firepower at his disposal.
It has been a summer of change at Anfield, with more than £300 million spent to bolster a squad that last season won the league title at a canter. However, when you factor in the departures of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez — to Bayern Munich and Al Hilal, respectively — coupled with the tragic passing of beloved striker Diogo Jota, it is clear Liverpool are still in need of reinforcements up front.
Step forward, Isak, who has in recent weeks found himself at the center of the summer’s most protracted transfer saga. It has been known for days that the Sweden international — the subject of a rejected £110m bid from Liverpool earlier this month — would play no part in this game as he continues to agitate for a move away from Tyneside.
And yet, his presence was inescapable in the North East as tensions between the two sides simmered and even, on occasion, boiled over in a game that lived up to its billing as this weekend’s marquee fixture. Even before the Liverpool players had set foot inside the stadium, they were jeered by Newcastle supporters keen to ensure the champions were not greeted with a royal reception.
Slot simply smiled as he soaked up the boos and whistles, and perhaps the Dutchman was fully aware of the fact that his team have been widely cast as the villains in this transfer soap opera. At St James’ Park, the perception is that Liverpool’s interest in Isak has destabilized a player who was, until a few weeks ago, revered as a hero for his efforts in a black and white shirt.
Isak’s sensational statement last week — in which he claimed promises had been “broken” by the Newcastle hierarchy and insisted change was in the interests of all parties — only served to add further fuel to the fire. Despite Newcastle’s subsequent assertion that the conditions for a potential Isak transfer are unlikely to be met before next week’s deadline, it seemed on Monday night like there was far more at stake than just the three points.
The home crowd succeeded in turning St James’ Park into a febrile bear pit, cheering every tackle made and throw in won with the same fervency usually reserved for a goal. Before kickoff, a flag in the Gallowgate End proclaimed: “Nothing is achieved alone”, a thinly veiled jibe at the wantaway Isak that served as a mission statement for Newcastle’s unified first-half display.
However, things started to unravel for the hosts 10 minutes out from halftime when Ryan Gravenberch fired Liverpool in front against the run of play, curling home from the edge of the penalty area. Newcastle’s predicament quickly went from bad to worse when Anthony Gordon — Newcastle’s auxiliary center forward in Isak’s absence — inexplicably lunged in on Virgil van Dijk and, after a VAR review, was handed a red card for his troubles.
Liverpool further compounded Newcastle’s misery just a minute into the second half when Hugo Ekitike — a player the Tyneside club tried to sign on three separate occasions before he moved to Anfield this summer — doubled their lead and became the first Reds player since Daniel Sturridge in January 2013 to score in each of his first three games for the club.
But, under Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s intensity and fighting spirit has been their calling card, and the hosts rallied impressively, halving the deficit through a Bruno Guimarães header in the 58th minute before substitute William Osula looked to have snatched his team a point with his prodded finish two minutes from time.
It was at this point that Slot rolled the dice by introducing Ngumoha, a gamble that was rewarded when the teenager struck to become the fourth-youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
“It’s of course special for him to score a goal in a moment like this,” Slot said after the game.
“We know how it feels. Last season we conceded after 89 minutes here and now we were the lucky ones. That’s what we were, lucky to get a winner over the line.”
After the Liverpool supporters had paid tribute to Ngumoha and his teammates after the final whistle, they then cheekily began to clamour for Isak, chanting: “Hand him over, Newcastle.”
Of course, if Liverpool are to land the center forward’s signature this summer, it will not be quite that simple. But, while the dust settles on a thrilling Premier League encounter, it appears the drama off the pitch could continue until deadline day.
After a massive night of high-flying moments and title changes on Night 1, the WrestleMania 42 action continues on Night 2 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Two of the biggest superstars on the roster, literally, square off in the first match of the night, as “The Ruler” Oba Femi attempts to slay “The Beast” Brock Lesnar. Also on the card is a six-man ladder match for the men’s Intercontinental Championship, and a pair of singles matches for the United States Championship and the WWE Women’s Championship.
In the main event, CM Punk puts the World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Roman Reigns.
Follow along with every moment of WrestleMania Night 2.
Sports
Chuck Schumer calls on FIFA to cover $150 NJ Transit fares for World Cup fans heading to MetLife Stadium
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Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has called for FIFA to cover the full rail cost for New Yorkers attending the World Cup, as NJ Transit train ticket prices are set for $150 to get to MetLife Stadium for matches.
Schumer released a statement on Sunday, calling on FIFA to pay the full fair, which is astronomically higher than the regular cost to travel from Penn Station to the Meadowlands, while understanding that “FIFA is set to rake in approximately $11 billion in revenue off the tournament while New York fans are being hit with $150 NJ Transit round-trip tickets to get to the game.”
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host eight matches during the World Cup, including the final on July 19. The usual price is $12.90 for the Meadowlands train from Penn Station, but it will rise to $150 beginning June 13 and ending July 19. There will also be shuttles available worth $80.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, during a news conference following the weekly Senate Democrat policy luncheon at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
NJ Transit CEO Kirs Kolluri defended the fare hikes on Friday, saying the ultimate cost to the company shouldn’t burden New Jersey commuters.
“It is an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey’s diversity as well as its economic standing in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Gov. Mikie Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair,” Kolluri said, reiterating that the tournament will cost NJ Transit $48 million.
Penn Station is also scheduled to be partially closed for up to four hours before each World Cup match, which will obviously disrupt regular commuters and travelers eight times during the tournament.
Schumer argues it’s unfair for New Yorkers to have to deal with the price hike, especially considering FIFA is eliminating parking at MetLife Stadium. Also, parking at nearby American Dream mall is approximately $225, while walking access is being prohibited as well.
In turn, mass transit is “effectively the only way in or out of the stadium on match days,” Schumer’s statement read. But Schumer isn’t lambasting NJ Transit — he understands the financials the company has to deal with.
It’s FIFA he’s pointing the finger at for not helping with the cost.
“The total NJ Transit operation to move fans to and from MetLife is projected to cost $62 million, with approximately $11 million dedicated to security alone. The federal government is contributing $10.6 million and the NY/NJ Host Committee is contributing just over $3 million, leaving NJ Transit to foot a $48 million bill with zero financial contribution from FIFA.
“Meanwhile, FIFA has told other host cities they can offer fans mass rail for as little as $2.50 round trip, a fraction of what New York fans are being charged.”
A general view of MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Train Station is seen from a NJ Transit train before the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 9, 2025. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Schumer added that, “Charging more than eleven times the normal fare for a train ride is a ripoff, plain and simple.”
FIFA’s budgeted revenue for the 2023 to 2026 cycle is approximately $11 billion, which marks a 71% increase over the previous cycle. It also marks the most lucrative World Cup in the tournament’s history.
Schumer’s statement also pointed out ticket prices for match-goers are around $700 for the group stage, and the final at MetLife Stadium is as high as $10,000 to get into the door under FIFA’s dynamic pricing model.
“We are carrying more fans, more riders, and more disruption than any other region in this tournament,” Schumer added. “FIFA needs to step up accordingly. Past practice does not cut it when you are eliminating parking, shutting down Penn Station, and forcing every fan onto one transit system. FIFA should cover the ride, not stick New York fans with the bill.”
FIFA may not have historically contributed to public transportation costs in previous tournaments, but Schumer argues New York and New Jersey isn’t every other host region. It’s the most densely populated area in the country, and it will be host to eight matches.
Kolluri also noted that, if the regular $12.90 fare were to stay in place, the $48 million bill for NJ Transit would be subsidized for commuters by 92%.
“No one that I have spoken to thinks that’s fair or reasonable. Commuters in New Jersey should not carry the cost years into the future for a wonderful event, no doubt. But the fans going to the games should burden the cost. That’s all we’re trying to say,” Kolluri said.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri and Alex Lasry, CEO of the 2026 FIFA World Cup New York New Jersey Host Committee, speak during a press briefing on the regional mobility plan for the World Cup in Newark, New Jersey, on April 17, 2026. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)
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With the plan now officially in place, FIFA World Cup COO Heimo Schirgi issued the following statement to Fox News Digital:
“Ever since the host city agreements were signed in 2018, FIFA has worked in collaboration with the Host Committees and their partners to develop a transportation plan that provides efficient and accessible mass transit options for ticketed fans attending the eight matches at NY NJ Stadium. The goal is to minimize congestion, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and ensure the fan experience is positive and memorable, defined by the action on pitch, not delays on the roads.
“The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options. This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.”
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
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Stanford emerged victorious in the 2026 NCAA men’s gymnastics championships, taking home their tenth program title.
Penn State and Oklahoma share the record for the most NCAA men’s gymnastics championships, with 12 apiece.
Here’s a look at every national champion in NCAA men’s gymnastics:
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2015: Oklahoma
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2014: Michigan
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2013: Michigan
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2012: Illinois
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2011: Stanford
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2010: Michigan
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2009: Stanford
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2008: Oklahoma
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2007: Penn State
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2006: Oklahoma
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2005: Oklahoma
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2004: Penn State
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2003: Oklahoma
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2002: Oklahoma
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2001: Ohio State
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2000: Penn State
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1999: Michigan
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1998: California
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1997: California
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1996: Ohio State
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1995: Stanford
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1994: Nebraska
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1993: Stanford
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1992: Stanford
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1991: Oklahoma
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1990: Nebraska
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1989: Illinois
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1988: Nebraska
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1987: UCLA
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1986: Arizona State
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1985: Ohio State
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1984: UCLA
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1983: Nebraska
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1982: Nebraska
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1981: Nebraska
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1980: Nebraska
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1979: Nebraska
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1978: Oklahoma
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1977: Indiana State/Oklahoma
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1976: Penn State
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1975: California
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1974: Iowa State
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1973: Iowa State
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1972: Southern Illinois
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1971: Iowa State
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1970: Michigan
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1969: Iowa
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1968: California
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1967: Southern Illinois
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1966: Southern Illinois
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1965: Penn State
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1964: Southern Illinois
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1963: Michigan
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1962: Southern California
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1961: Penn State
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1960: Penn State
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1959: Penn State
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1958: Michigan State/Illinois
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1957: Penn State
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1956: Illinois
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1955: Illinois
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1954: Penn State
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1953: Penn State
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1952: Florida State
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1951: Florida State
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1950: Illinois
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1949: Temple
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1948: Penn State
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1942: Illinois
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1941: Illinois
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1940: Illinois
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1939: Illinois
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1938: Chicago
Check out the ESPN college sports page for the latest news on your favorite NCAA athletes and events.
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