Sports
NWSL Power Rankings: Orlando Pride are officially in a slump
It’s Monday, and another week of NWSL action is in the books, which means it’s time for ESPN’s Power Rankings.
Who’s climbing the table? Who’s in free fall? Our writers studied the action from across Matchday 17 to come up with this week’s order of all 14 teams in the league. Let’s dive in.
Previous ranking: 1
Next match: Saturday, Aug. 30 vs. NC Courage, 7.30 p.m. ET
The Current continue to take care of business as far and away the league’s hottest team, scoring in the first minute of a 2-0 victory over the Portland Thorns. Temwa Chawinga got free to add a second goal in the 71st minute to tie a bow on the victory, the 10th in a row without a loss for the league leaders — and undisputed No. 1.
Previous ranking: 2
Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Seattle Reign, 10.30 p.m. ET
The Wave arrived and arrived but couldn’t beat Racing Louisville goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer and ended the night with a 1-0 home loss. It ended the Wave’s five match unbeaten run, but manager Jonas Eidevall likely will be happy enough with the performance. San Diego registered an xG over 2 and put eight shots on goal to Racing’s two. The scoreboard doesn’t lie, but after a number of good performances, the Wave will look to bounce back Friday against the Seattle Reign.
Previous ranking: 4
Next match: Sunday, Aug. 31 vs. Chicago Stars, 4 p.m. ET
The Spirit scored the first three goals at Oracle Park and held on for a 3-2 victory over Bay FC. Not only was it a strong showing from the Spirit attack, it would’ve been an easy game to allow distractions to set in — taking place days after an away Champions Cup match in El Salvador and being played in front of an NWSL record crowd of 40,091 at the typical home of the San Francisco Giants. Instead, the Spirit made the most of their opportunities to extend their streak to six matches undefeated across all competitions.
Previous ranking: 3
Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Gotham FC, 8 p.m. ET
Orlando kicked off the weekend with a trip to Angel City but fell 1-0 to the host side. With Barbra Banda put on the season-ending injury list before the game, the attention was always going to be on how Orlando’s attack would be able to respond. While Ally Watt forced Angel City goalkeeper Hannah Seabert to make a sensational stop early, Banda’s absence showed as the match went on and Orlando was blanked. It’s now five matches in a row without the Pride tasting victory, meaning the mini-slide is starting to look like a slump. Luckily, Lizbeth Ovalle arrives soon after her record-setting move from Tigres.
Previous ranking: 6
Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Houston Dash, 7.30 p.m. ET
Maybe they should just stay out of Kentucky? Racing Louisville’s road trip looked brutal, but this weekend Bev Yanez’s squad achieved the most impressive result yet with a 1-0 victory over the San Diego Wave thanks to a header from Emma Sears on the hour mark and eight saves from goalkeeper Bloomer. It comes after road draws with the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit, meaning that Racing took five points from three road matches against likely title contenders. Next up? A home date against Houston. They’ll need to replicate the form they showed away from Lynn Family Stadium to keep climbing the rankings.
1:10
San Diego Wave FC vs. Racing Louisville FC – Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from San Diego Wave FC vs. Racing Louisville FC, 08/25/2025
Previous ranking: 5
Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Utah Royals, 10.30 p.m. ET
The Thorns fell asleep at the wheel out of the locker room, conceding on a back-post run in the first minute, and were playing from behind the rest of the night in a 2-0 loss to the KC Current. While a loss to the league leaders may not be a surprise, the dominance from a visitor to Providence Park was. The defeat snapped a 10-match undefeated run at home.
Previous ranking: 7
Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. San Diego Wave, 10.30 p.m. ET
Sofia Huerta became the NWSL’s record assist provider (in the regular season), putting in a ball that Jordyn Huitema headed in to equalize in a 1-1 draw with the Houston Dash on Sunday. It was a rocky ride for the Reign, however, with Houston creating more and nearly pulling out the home win. The Reign still end the weekend in sixth but haven’t won any of their last three.
Previous ranking: 8
Next match: Saturday, Aug. 30 vs. KC Current, 7.30 p.m. ET
The Courage’s winless run continues another week after a 3-3 draw with the Chicago Stars. Things looked promising, with a Manaka Matsukubo chip and a second high shot — scored by Tyler Lussi after being set up by Matsukubo — beat Alyssa Naeher to go up 2-0. But a record-setting Ludmila hat trick meant the Courage needed a goal from Jaedyn Shaw to leave SeatGeek Stadium with a point.
Previous ranking: 9
Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Orlando Pride, 8 p.m. ET
From minute four to minute 93, Gotham tried to find the back of the net, registering 18 total shots and seven on target, but the team had to settle for a scoreless draw with the last-place Utah Royals. While Royals’ shot-stopper Mandy McGlynn certainly was a factor, Gotham also struggled to create high-danger opportunities even with two late headers from corner kicks. The midweek win over Rayadas in CCC will make it easier for fans to get over any weekend frustration.
Previous ranking: 10
Next match: Monday, Sept. 1 vs. Bay FC, 9 p.m. ET
Just when it appeared Angel City was headed for another draw, Alyssa Thompson’s deflected shot in the 86th minute made the difference and handed ACFC a first win since May 9. Could things be coming together at the right time? Icelandic winger Sveindis Jonsdottir looked sharp as she finally made her home debut, defender Ali Riley made the bench after a long stretch on the injury list dating back to 2024, and just one result would put them back in the playoff places.
Previous ranking: 11
Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Racing Louisville, 7.30 p.m. ET
The Dash put in an impressive performance Sunday night against the Seattle Reign but were unable to run their streak to three wins in a row, settling for a 1-1 draw. Yazmeen Ryan had the opener in the 48th minute, and the Dash tried 14 shots, far more than in last week’s two-shot win over Gotham. But Jordyn Huitema’s equalizer meant they had to settle for just one point instead of three — though it’s now four matches undefeated as Houston’s summer uptick continues.
1:09
Houston Dash vs. Seattle Reign FC – Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from Houston Dash vs. Seattle Reign FC, 08/25/2025
Previous ranking: 12
Next match: Monday, Sept. 1 vs. Angel City FC, 9 p.m. ET
Credit to Bay FC for not giving up, scoring twice in an effort to rally past the Washington Spirit at Oracle Park. But that effort fell short, with Bay losing 3-2 in front of more than 40,000 fans. That last victory on June 7 is feeling further and further away for fans in the Bay, even if Saturday produced a celebratory atmosphere.
Previous ranking: 13
Next match: Sunday, Aug. 31 vs. Washington Spirit, 4 p.m. ET
Take a bow, Ludmila. The half-time substitute scored a hat trick over the course of 10 minutes (and nine seconds) to help the Stars to a point in a 3-3 draw with the North Carolina Courage. It’s the fastest-ever hat trick in NWSL history when it comes to how quickly all three goals were scored — and it rescued a draw for the Stars, who struggled to stop the Courage from scoring in the second half. The Stars continue to get points. Friday’s result was their fourth consecutive draw. But they just haven’t been able to find that second win of the season.
Previous ranking: 14
Next match: Friday, Aug. 29 vs. Portland Thorns, 10.30 p.m. ET
A standout performance from goalkeeper McGlynn helped the Royals earn a scoreless draw with Gotham — and their eighth point of the season in the process. Going forward, the Royals weren’t able to generate much, putting only one shot on target, but consecutive scoreless draws feels like subtle progress?
Read more
Source link
Sports
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: Micah Parsons trade gives team ‘chance to be better’ than recent years
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones sat in front of reporters Thursday addressing the stunning Micah Parsons trade to the Green Bay Packers.Â
The main question on everyone’s mind was why make the trade?
“This gives us a chance to be a better team than we’ve had the last several years,” Jones said with his son, CEO and director of player personnel Stephen Jones, sitting to his right.Â
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones at training camp at the River Ridge Fields July 27, 2025. (Kirby Lee/ Imagn Images)
“We did think it was in the best interest of our organization, not only the future, but right now in this season as well.”
It’s hard for Cowboys fans to fathom the deal was made to benefit the team’s win total in 2025 and the future, but Jones offered some specifics to the contrary, starting with the acquisition of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark as part of the deal.Â
“We’ve gained a Pro Bowl player in an area that we had big concerns in — in the inside of our defense,” Jones said.Â
“The facts are we need to stop the run. We haven’t been able to stop the run for several years.”
Jones added trade talks for Parsons went on throughout the spring, though he said he offered Parsons a deal in April. He has previously said he offered Parsons the highest contract for a non-quarterback in NFL history, and he doubled down Thursday night that he offered him more guaranteed money than the reported $136 million he got in the four-year, $188 million Packers extension he received after being traded.Â
“I will say this: It was important that we did get, if we could get it, the kind of interest that we got in making a trade for Micah,” Jones said. “He was an asset we got four good years out of. But when you’re talking about making the contract that he got and for the future, that’s quite a commitment. None of that counts about what he did the first four years. It goes against what he can do for you in the future.”
The Cowboys also received the Packers’ 2026 and 2027 first-round picks, which Jones said he wouldn’t rule out trading for another established player.Â
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons at training camp at the River Ridge Fields July 26, 2025. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
“Not only do we immediately get a player, but those draft picks could get us … I’m talking top Pro Bowl-type players — could. I’m not necessarily going to say you’ll get those players. You gotta draft them or acquire them,” Jones explained.Â
“But they could get us as few as three or as many as five outstanding players. Now, not only do they contribute to a game that needs a lot of players on the field, but they also give you better odds that a high percentage of those are going to be available.”
Jones said that it was a consensus decision, both in the front office and by the coaching staff, to make the trade with the Packers. He added that it was still up in the air Thursday morning, as Clark went to Packers practice as usual.
Jones was also asked about an NFL Network report that said Parsons returned to the Cowboys out of “empathy” when the trade interest was leaked earlier this week. Parsons claims he was told by the team to “play on the 5th year or leave.”
“It was not in any way out of the order or anything like that,” Jones replied when asked about that report. “I think I’ve read where they said I replied, ‘We’re playing under the contract as it exists right now. Get ready to play Philadelphia.’ Correct, that was correct.”
With the trade finalized, the Cowboys are looking toward their future while also being of the belief they can win right now, starting with Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.Â
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium Aug. 16, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I want to be sure that our fans understand I think a lot of Micah, and I wish him so much success,” Jones said. “I don’t want him to have success when he plays the Cowboys as much as I do want him to have overall success. Micah Parsons did an outstanding job for us for four years.
“There’s no question that I could have signed him in April. We all know that, to have agreements, all parties have to agree. This was by design. I did make Micah an offer. It wasn’t acceptable, and I honored the fact that it wasn’t done in the way he wanted to do it through an agent.Â
“So, he was made an offer. … There’s not an ounce of vindictiveness. There’s no bad feelings on my part on the fact that we didn’t come together on an agreement.”
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee wants to make sure Rick Barnes stays with the Volunteers as long as he wants to coach the men’s basketball team.
Athletic director Danny White announced Thursday that Barnes has signed essentially a lifetime contract with Tennessee.
“Rick has taken our program to unprecedented heights, and we are absolutely thrilled to have him continue coaching on Rocky Top for the rest of his career,” White said. “He has constructed this program the right way, achieving elite-level success on the court while also ensuring that all our players excel off the court.”
Barnes, who turned 71 in July, last signed an extension in September 2023 that took him through the 2027-28 season. The contract announced Thursday automatically extends Barnes’ deal for a year every April 15 starting in 2028.
Kansas gave men’s coach Bill Self a lifetime contract in 2021 and added to that in 2023. UConn women’s coach Geno Auriemma, now 71, got a five-year extension through 2029 in June 2024.
Barnes said it’s an honor and blessing to serve as Tennessee’s men’s basketball coach. He thanked university officials for their continued belief in the program.
“Tennessee basketball would not be where it is today without the consistent efforts of so many players, coaches and staff members whom I am forever indebted to,” Barnes said. “Their relentless dedication and the unrivaled support of Vol Nation are truly why we have been so successful.”
Barnes is 232-109 (66.4%) in 10 seasons with Tennessee, including 112-67 in Southeastern Conference play. He has won at least 25 games in six seasons with four Sweet 16s, four top-10 finishes, three SEC championships and two Elite Eight berths.
The Vols have made seven straight NCAA tournaments, the fourth-longest active streak in the country recognized by the NCAA. They also are one of two teams to reach the past three Sweet 16s and past two Elite Eights.
Tennessee has been ranked in the Associated Press’ Top 25 the past four years with 80 straight appearances, the second-longest active streak in the nation.
Barnes also currently is the active Division I leader with 836 wins over 38 seasons as a head coach.
Barmag to showcase sustainable yarn innovations at ITMA Asia+CITME
1st ‘Made In India’ chip to be rolled out soon: Vaishnaw – The Times of India
Cowboys trade Micah Parsons to Packers in NFL blockbuster
-
Business1 week agoRSS Feed Generator, Create RSS feeds from URL
-
Tech1 week agoKorea develops core radar components for stealth technology
-
Fashion1 week agoTariff pressure casts shadow on Gujarat’s textile landscape
-
Fashion1 week agoRent the Runway to swap debt for equity in revival effort
-
Fashion1 week agoUS retailers split on holiday prospects amid consumer caution
-
Tech1 week agoQi2’s Magnetic Wireless Charging Finally Arrives on Android
-
Sports1 week ago
Dan Quinn says Terry McLaurin is healthy, ‘closer’ to Commanders return
-
Tech2 days agoReview: Google Pixel 10 Series