Toronto FC rallies to tie New York City FC 2-2 by @CANADA VIETNAM NEWS TODAY - Post Details
Toronto FC rallies to tie New York City FC 2-2
messi, cfl, jays, psg, mississauga weather, man city, yankees, ligue 1, tfc, boston red sox, leicester city, argos, man city vs leicester, tfc schedule, new york city vs toronto, bmo field, ufc 265 predictions Toronto FC rallies to tie New York City FC 2-2 Richie Laryea and Alejandro Pozuelo scored early in the second half as Toronto FC responded to interim manager Javier Perez's daring double-substitution and rallied to a 2-2 draw against New York City FC on Saturday night at BMO Field. Toronto's early second-half surge came after Perez removed both Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley at halftime following a dominant first half from the visitors. Bradley's exit marked the first time the TFC captain had failed to complete 90 minutes in a start since July 2018. Ifunayachi Achara and Ralph Priso-Mbongue came on and both players helped set up Pozuelo's equalizer. NYCFC's new arrival Santiago Rodriguez opened the scoring with his second goal in as many appearances, and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi added an early second for the visitors, who extended their unbeaten run to five matches. Toronto had the better chances to win it late, the best coming when Sean Johnson somehow denied Nick DeLeon's first-time redirection from close range. But the Reds settled for a fourth consecutive draw in as many home matches since Perez relieved former manager Chris Armas. Goals 12' - NYC - Santiago Rodriguez | WATCH 21' - NYC - Ismael Tajouri-Shradi | WATCH 49' - TOR - Richie Laryea | WATCH 55' - TOR - Alejandro Pozuelo | WATCH Three Things THE BIG PICTURE: Saturday had the feel of symbolic transition for Toronto. In addition to Perez removing TFC's captain and second-leading all-time scorer in Bradley and Altidore, his insertion of Achara resulted in the 23-year-old's first career MLS assist. The 45-minute shift marked just his second appearance since suffering a torn ACL and LCL in training last summer after scoring on his MLS debut in March 2020. As for NYCFC, they're now five games unbeaten but have drawn two straight on the road – letting points slip away with their weekend trip to Canada. MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Toronto scored a pair of stylish goals after the break, but as far as pure aesthetics, it's hard to compete with the exceptional and intricate passing that led to Rodriguez's opener after 12 minutes. It was also the young Uruguayan's second goal in just his second attempt on target in MLS. MAN OF THE MATCH: Alejandro Pozuelo. Injuries have limited the 2020 Landon Donovan MLS MVP this year, but when he's on the field he's still one of the league's elite playmakers. After missing two games with a lower-body injury, he returned Saturday to provide the through-ball for Laryea's opener (below) and then made the run to give Achara a sure option for his tap-in six minutes later. He now has a goal and three assists in nine appearances this season. Up Next TOR: Saturday, Aug. 14 vs. New England Revolution | 8 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+) NYC: Wednesday, Aug. 11 vs. Pumas UNAM | 8 pm ET (TUDN, ESPN+) | Leagues Cup Quarterfinals
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Highlight Brentford beats Arsenal in Premier League debut 1
Highlight Brentford beats Arsenal in Premier League debut 1 How to TOP 1 Game Mobile More: https://youtu.be/feX5HLvj0PM arsenal, brentford vs arsenal, Brentford, fantasy premier league, premier league table, premier league 2021, english premier league, premier league schedule, canada premier league, canadian premier league, premier league news, kashmir premier league, premier league fixtures, scottish premier league, premier league teams, brentford premier league, brentford, balogun, folarin balogun, albert sambi lokonga, sergi canos, christian nørgaard, gabriel martinelli, mönchengladbach vs bayern, david raya, frank onyeka, arsenal vs brentford prediction, calum chambers, josip staniÅ¡ić, thomas frank brentford, pontus jansson, valencia fc, brentford vs arsenal, ethan pinnock, plymouth shooting, dayot upamecano, karen carney, pablo marÃ, kristoffer ajer, emile smith rowe, bryan mbeumo, lacazette, Preamble It’s back. It’s only back. Here’s to nine months of intriguing tactical battles, of must-win fixtures, of VAR controversies that lead usually even-tempered grown men to ask for their game back, references to this being the ruddy, bloody best league in the whole ruddy, bloody world and pub bores referring to their fantasy team when a goal has gone in. Yes, it’s the Premier League, and it’s again chosen to have its curtain raised on a Friday night, to the delight of those asked to actually work on a Friday night. So then, Arsenal in crisis. We may as well call it now as it will be along any minute. No Aubameyang, no Lacazette, no hope? Arteta out, let’s get the ball rolling on that one, too. It’s what the fans want. Or some of them, at least. That’s coming to a YouTube channel near you. Could Joe Willock have played? No matter, he’s just been sold to Newcastle on a permanent basis in any case. Here are the teams Brentford: Raya, Henry, Pinnock, Jansson, Ajer, Norgaard, Canos, Janelt, Onyeka, Mbeumo, Toney. Subs: Gunnarrson, Goode, Forss, Wissa, Ghoddos, Dervisoglu, Bidstrup, Sorensen, Rasmussen Arsenal: Leno, Tierney, White, Chambers, Mari, Xhaka, Lokonga, Smith Rowe, Pepe, Martinelli, Balogun. Subs: Hein, Bellerin, Saka, Maitland-Niles, Holding, Soares, Tavares, Nelson, Elneny Confirmed, no Lacazette and Aubameyang, meaning Arsenal’s strike force features the callow pair of Folarin Balogun, the American, and Gabriel Martinelli, who won a gold medal at the Olympics for Brazil just last weekend. There’s a Brentford debut for Kristoffer Ajer, formerly of Celtic, and he will form part of a back three. Frank Onyeka also starts in midfield. And, as expected, Ivan Toney is fit to lead the line. The interactions are in: Mark Heywood opens up with some sub-editing: “Re 19.12 Thomas Frank on Ivan Toney,”I am convinced he is the best penalty talker on the world.” Certainly it’s an innovative strategy, but is it likely to be a successful one?” Godvar: “I’m a Gooner writing in for the first time to the MBM, wondering if my fellow gooners are already whiffing on soma and chanting orgy-porgy as Arsenal step into a brave new world - and season. What’s the hope for a soul-settling 1-0 to the Arsenal?” Peter Oh: “Here is what I picture happening in this match. One team will float like a butterfly, and the other will sting like a bee.” Zach Neeley: “Huge opportunity for Smith Rowe and Balogun to show they’re the answer for Arsenal’s needs at numbers 10 and 9. Will either be a very hopeful sign for the future or cause to keep refreshing for Odegaard and Tammy Abraham rumors.” Luke Jones: “To me these look like the two teams with the least certain prospects in the Premier League this season. Arsenal will probably finish the season between 12th and 6th, and Brentford between 20th and 12th. Every other team has a range of 2-4 spots. What do you think?” JR in Illinois: “Here in the U.S. the season has gotten off to a bad start already. The TV channel that carries Premier League games, NBC Sports, just showed an ad for a pillow company that’s owned by an insane lunatic who tried, and is still trying, to overthrow the United States government. I am not a happy camper.” Charles Antaki might be being sarcastic here: “Marvellous! Just the augury that all Arsenal fans would want: captain and chief striker both out ,leaving a collection of new boys, and old boys who can’t be shifted, to play against a hyped-up, pumped-up bunch of hungry footballers and their equally hyped-up etc supporters. At least the pressure of expectation is now off.” You will be hearing this type of thing an awful lot in the next few weeks, until hopefully, it doesn’t get taken away again but Brentford’s Community Stadium is absolutely bouncing. It feels like a welcome novelty, something never to be taken for granted again, by fans and TV viewers alike. It’s almost a full house already. And will be by kick
Game Day Lions at Stampeders
Game Day Lions at Stampeders How to TOP 1 Game Mobile More: https://youtu.be/feX5HLvj0PM lions vs stampeders, bc lions vs calgary stampeders, malik henry, choler, soccer trophy in canada, 1976 joni mitchell album, commonplace crossword clue, choler crossword clue, calgary cfl team, submergence, stamps game tonight, bc vs calgary, stampeders vs lions, cfl betting odds, bilasport streams, calgary stampeders vs bc lions FIVE THINGS TO WATCH 1. ROURKE TAKES REINS After getting an emergency start in Week 1, Nathan Rourke’s prepared to be the Lions’ starting quarterback all week. He’s the 10th Canadian quarterback to start a game in the CFL since 1970, but he’ll have his hands full against an imposing Stampeders defence. Rourke threw for 194 yards and two touchdowns against the Saskatchewan Roughriders last week and really settled in nicely after a tough start. 2. CUT OUT MISTAKES The Stampeders had a weird Week 1. With the exception of the very beginning and very end of the game, they were generally better than the Argos. A Ka’Deem Carey fumble and a penalty by the running back allowed the Argos the opening they needed to get back in the game and walk away from McMahon Stadium with a win. It was Week 1, but the Stampeders want to clean things up and fast. 3. IN THE TRENCHES The Lions offensive line is no joke. The Stamps have loaded up their defensive line this week and they’ll need to be terrific if they’re going to put real pressure on Rourke. If they can do that, you’ve got to assume the Stamps will have a decent night. But even if he’s light on experience, Rourke has shown he can find his receivers downfield. They won’t want to give him much time. 4. FIND HERGY Hergy Mayala only had two catches for the Stamps against the Argos, and head coach Dave Dickenson said it was a priority to get him more involved. He’s got the potential to have a massive season, so expect Bo Levi Mitchell to look for him early and try to get him a lot of the ball. 5. GET THE GROUND GAME GOING It’s probably best not to read too much into the Lions’ Week 1 rushing numbers. They fell behind early by a big margin, and you’re not going to run the ball that often when you’re in that situation. Still, they’re going to want more than 34 rushing yards against the Stampeders, so getting James Butler going sure feels like it ought to be a priority.
Live update Chelsea-Villarreal score Blues win UEFA Super Cup as substitute keeper Kepa shines in pe
Live update Chelsea-Villarreal score Blues win UEFA Super Cup as substitute keeper Kepa shines in penalty shootout How to TOP 1 Game Mobile More: https://youtu.be/feX5HLvj0PM super cup, chelsea vs villarreal prediction, chelsea fc, villarreal fc, chelsea vs villarreal live stream, sports, windsor park, chelsea news, uefa super cup, chelsea vs villareal, trevoh chalobah, premier league, hakim ziyech, supercup, lukaku, hesgoal, livescore, chelsea vs villarreal prediction, chelsea vs villarreal live stream, sports, uefa super cup, chelsea vs villareal, trevoh chalobah, hakim ziyech, supercup, lukaku, hesgoal, livescore, uefa super cup 2021, windsor park stadium, chelsea vs sevilla, boulaye dia, kepa arrizabalaga, brentford vs arsenal, alberto moreno, yalla shoot, Ziyech and Moreno traded goals before the game went to penalties Chelsea FC won the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday with a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Villarreal CF at Windsor Park in Belfast to get the 2021-22 European season underway. The two sides were tied, 1-1, at the end of 90 minutes and the end of extra time. Hakim Ziyech gave the Blues the lead in the first half, scoring in the 27th minute. Ziyech was substituted with a shoulder injury later in the first half, however, as American Christian Pulisic took his place. After some crossbar and post-rattling misses for the La Liga side, Gerard Moreno equalized for Villarreal in the 73rd minute. Check out the goal and the back-heel assist from Boulaye Dia: Thomas Tuchel's men ultimately triumphed on penalties with a 6-5 success to their names, but the Chelsea manager made a surprise move before the end of the second period of extra time. Tuchel inserted backup goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for starter Edouard Mendy. The move, like most of Tuchel's in 2021, worked out. Kepa denied a pair of kicks, including stopping Raul Albiol's to clinch the victory. Pulisic, Mason Mount and Antonio Rudiger were among the successful penalty takers for the Blues, who scored six straight PKs after Kai Havertz missed the opener. Unai Emery, a four-time UEFA Europa League winner, continues his curious inability to claim a Super Cup title after losing all three times with Sevilla. The focus now shifts to the UEFA Champions League as both teams await the Aug. 26 draw in Turkey where they will learn which teams are in their respective groups. Before that, there's Champions League play-off round matches next week -- you can stream all things UCL on Paramount+. Chelsea 1, Villarreal 1 (Chelsea win, 6-5, on penalties) ⚽Chelsea: Ziyech - 27' ⚽Villarreal: Gerard Moreno - 73'
Blue Jays travel to West Coast looking to capitalize on tailwind of momentum
Blue Jays travel to West Coast looking to capitalize on tailwind of momentum How to TOP 1 Game Mobile More: https://youtu.be/feX5HLvj0PM blue jays, blue jays score, jays, blue jays 50/50, red sox vs blue jays, jays score, bluejays, george springer, bluejays 50/50, blue jays standings, blue jays game today, jays 50/50, blue jays vs angels, angels vs blue jays, toronto blue jays score, blue jays score today, jordan romano, bluejays score, mlb standings , ildcard, mlb standings wildcard 2021, blue jays today, marcus semien, mike trout, ohtani, blue jays schedule 2021 TORONTO — You probably don’t even remember that there was a time when the West Coast road trip was a real "thing" for teams in the east. Or at least seemed that way. Firing a manager? Do it on the coast and use the time difference to control headlines. Worried about the wheels falling off your division lead? Multiply that by a thousand once the chartered flight cleared the desert. Heck: I’ve worked at two newspapers where one of the biggest issues in taking a hatchet to the travel budge was the fear that you’d "miss out on something" by not going to the coast with the ball club. This was before the internet and 24-hour sports channels – you know, way the hell back in the late '80s when that trip to Cali was important for the well-being of your beat reporter. The beautiful thing was that once your newspaper went to print – again, before the internet – there was nothing you could do if the whole team went to hell. The team bus could crash. Didn’t matter. You weren’t going to get scooped; you didn’t even have to write it until the morning because it wouldn’t see the light of day until the next day's fish-wrap was published. Sunset Strip? Frolic Room? Viper Club? Here we come, straight through to breakfast followed by a trip to the beach and then a snooze. God, I loved West Coast trips. Now, I’m not writing this to scare anybody ahead of Tuesday’s first game of the Blue Jays' West Coast trip. Far from it. I mean, stuff can change pretty quickly but the manner in which the Blue Jays won three of four games against the Boston Red Sox – to recap: a 12-4 win in which they had a nine-run fifth inning to come back from a 2-0 deficit with Nathan Eovaldi on the mound; a 1-0 walk-off win against Matt Barnes after being held to one hit in the first game of a double-header; and Sunday’s 9-8 comeback with five runs in the seventh and eighth innings. George Springer’s three-run home run, again off Barnes, felt like some kind of moment we’ll be re-visiting in the fall. I don’t know if I’ve been around a team with as much of a tailwind as this one. Making me feel even better was this snippet of information from MLB.com’s Mike Petriello, a frequent contributor to Blue Jays Central: since July 1, Blue Jays relievers have had the fewest high-leverage plate appearances in the majors, which is nice when it’s the shakiest part of your team. Who knew when general manager Ross Atkins was talking about run prevention that he meant bullpen appearance prevention? As for Springer? I don’t know if the Dog Days of August is a thing anymore – yeah, that’s kind of an old newspaper narrative, too – but it sure seemed to me this weekend as if Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., and Bo Bichette needed a little respite. Bichette was beaten up in the doubleheader; appearing to hurt his wrist diving for a grounder and fouling pitches off each shin. Vladdy had already been given a day off by manager Charlie Montoyo after playing every game since the pandemic began, but there was still a raggedness to some of his at-bats. This isn’t a 60-game sprint like it was in 2020; this is 162 games, with all the extra travel and fouled-off pitches and pressure points. Enter Springer, American League Player of the Week for the past two weeks at precisely the time his team needed him. At the Letters Ben Nicholson-Smith is Sportsnet’s baseball editor. Arden Zwelling is a senior writer. Together, they bring you the most in-depth Blue Jays podcast in the league, covering off all the latest news with opinion and analysis, as well as interviews with other insiders and team members. Look, there is stuff we can’t worry about and can’t foresee. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox provided evidence this weekend with players such as Anthony Rizzo, Gary Sanchez and J.D. Martinez missing time on the COVID-19 injured list. Martinez missed both games of the doubleheader before being activated for Sunday’s game. Unlike the Red Sox, the Yankees – and, in the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers – have had players miss significant chunks of time due to COVID-19 issues. Mercifully or, at least, luckily, the Blue Jays have as far as we know had just one player go on the COVID-19 IL for 10 days: Teoscar Hernandez, in mid-April. They had two players, Ryan Borucki and Lourdes Gurriel, Jr., go on the
Column Why keep watching the Chicago Cubs The reasons may be hard to find, but young players can be
red sox vs blue jays, olympic marathon, field of dreams game, donda tracklist, bobby bowden, nba season start 2022, springer blue jays, field of dreams game 2021, white sox vs cubs, standings mlb, tim anderson Column Why keep watching the Chicago Cubs? The reasons may be hard to find, but young players can be worth keeping an eye on. Searching for reasons to continue watching the Chicago Cubs in this post-sell-off stretch may be difficult, but they’re there if you look hard enough. Kyle Hendricks’ starts are always worthwhile viewing. The maturation of Willson Contreras into the centerpiece of the team figures to be an interesting storyline. And the development of young pitchers Justin Steele, who will be called up from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday for his first start, and reliever Codi Heuer, who has excelled since coming over from the South Side last week in the Craig Kimbrel trade, deserves our undivided attention. If you’re watching solely to see the Cubs win ballgames, you’ve come to the wrong place, as evidenced by the results of the City Series against the White Sox. But unless you became a Cubs fan in 2015 or later, you certainly know the drill. Trying to develop the young talent on the roster, or the players coming up soon from Iowa, might take precedence over the need to actually win the game. [Most read in Sports] 10 things to know about tonight’s closing ceremony for the Tokyo Olympics — even if you don’t plan to watch it » “I think you can do both,” pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said Sunday before the finale of the City Series. “If this were solely a development time for us, then we’d tell Codi, ‘You’re going to pitch this day. Then you’re going to have a day off, then a bullpen, and work on the side.’ But that’s not the case. “We’re like, ‘You’re available to pitch, (Heuer). Manny Rodríguez, you’re going to be available to pitch and pitch high-leverage innings.’ … We’ll be smart about it, but we wouldn’t come out here if we didn’t want to win the games. I know what you mean. Guys are working on things in spring training and taking them into games. We’re doing a lot of those things here.” Cubs fans already have seen some of that with the ongoing development of Adbert Alzolay, who has had ups and downs but showed Saturday what it can be like when he has everything working. The addition of Steele, as well as Iowa’s Keegan Thompson in a few weeks, will give the Cubs three young starters in the rotation. That could spell the end for Zach Davies, who served up three home runs in a five-run first inning Sunday, or Jake Arrieta, who has struggled since May. So be it. Ask some old-timer what it was like in 1987, when the bloom of the ‘84 success had worn off and young starters Greg Maddux and Jamie Moyer lost a combined 29 games and had ERAs over 5.00. Both enjoyed long, successful careers. Everyone has to go through a learning process. Nothing is ever easy. It might behoove Cubs fans to move past the anger stage of this grieving process over the Big 3 and accept the fact some of your favorite players are gone. It’s obvious ownership underestimated how upset the fan base would be to lose Kris Bryant, Javier Báez and Anthony Rizzo, which Chairman Tom Ricketts alluded to in a recent interview on his TV network. “I have the same emotional reaction that a lot of the fans did,” Ricketts told Marquee Sports Network of the sell-off. “Frankly, if I didn’t see the big picture, I probably would have sent myself a nasty email.” Nasty emails are cathartic, so by all means continue to send one to Ricketts if you can locate his email address. He might even answer, though he has yet to answer our longstanding request for an interview. Either way, once you’ve hit send, it’s time to move on. Thanks to modern technology, you can check the box scores on your smartphones in real time and catch up on all the ex-Cubs in your life. It should be noted, however, that Sunday was a particularly bad day to be an ex-Cub. Rizzo tested positive for COVID-19 after one week with the New York Yankees and will be out at least 10 days, including the “Field of Dreams” game with the White Sox on Thursday in Dyersville, Iowa. Báez, now a New York Met, exited Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies with a hip injury. The San Francisco Giants’ Bryant and the Atlanta Braves’ Joc Peterson were hitless, and Boston Red Sox first baseman Kyle Schwarber suffered a setback in his rehab from a hamstring injury, further delaying his return. St. Louis Cardinals starter Jon Lester, who allowed the first seven baserunners to reach in his Cardinals debut Tuesday, allowed five runs in 5⅓ innings against the Kansas City Royals. And those are just the ex-Cubs that team President Jed Hoyer dumped. There will be better days for all concerned, perhaps even in October. The New Era Cubs will surely tak
![[Tokyo Olympics] After journey ends in defeat, volleyball players believe foundation laid for future](/img/aHR0cHM6Ly9pLnl0aW1nLmNvbS92aS9PNlcwT2stSHhQdy9tcWRlZmF1bHQuanBn/)
[Tokyo Olympics] After journey ends in defeat, volleyball players believe foundation laid for future
athletics olympics, soccer olympics, olympic basketball, basketball olympics, women's soccer olympics, canada soccer olympics, olympic women's soccer, olympics basketball, volleyball olympics, wrestling olympics, artistic swimming olympics, women soccer olympics, javelin throw olympics, boxing olympics, canoe sprint olympics, gold medal soccer game, men's basketball olympics, track cycling olympics, football olympics, water polo olympics, soccer olympics 2021, canada women's soccer olympics, men's soccer olympics, baseball olympics, marathon olympics [Tokyo Olympics] After journey ends in defeat, volleyball players believe foundation laid for future TOKYO -- All good things must come to an end, and a feel-good story of South Korea's improbable run to the final four at the Tokyo Olympic women's volleyball tournament was no exception. South Korea lost to Serbia in straight sets in the bronze medal match Sunday at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Ranked 12th, South Korea wasn't expected to beat the sixth-ranked Serbia. In fact, few had predicted South Korea would even get this deep into the tournament. South Korea made it out of the group stage thanks to a pair of five-set victories, including a thriller over the host Japan in which South Korea rallied from a 14-12 deficit in the deciding fifth set. South Korea then took down No. 4 Turkey in another five-set win in the quarterfinals, ensuring at least two more matches for the underdog team determined to prove it belonged among the top countries. But South Korea was overmatched against the second-ranked Brazil in the semifinals, losing in straight sets to drop into the bronze medal match. It set up a second meeting against Serbia in Tokyo. Serbia had beaten South Korean in the group stage, though it was played after both countries had already secured knockout spots and benched some regulars in the third set. They went full strength vs. full strength Sunday, and South Korea proved no match. South Korea coach Stefano Lavarini acknowledged that the difference in qualities between his team and its last two opponents was "pretty clear." "They were totally focused, and they didn't give us any chance to be competitive for the medals," Lavarini said. Captain Kim Yeon-koung, who led the team with 11 points Sunday, agreed with her coach that Serbia made life too difficult for South Korea. Tijana Boskovic led all players with 33 points. "We've done some great things here, and I think we all deserved to smile," Kim said. "And from this loss today, I think we were able to identify areas that we need to work on to get better in the future." Outside hitter Park Jeong-ah said the team's initial goal was to reach the quarterfinals. She was left with mixed emotions Sunday, when South Korea's loss to Serbia still meant the team had exceeded expectations. "We wanted to enjoy ourselves as much as possible, since there wouldn't be another match," Park said. "I wish I would have played better today. I think this tournament will stay with me for a long time." Middle blocker Kim Su-ji said she cherished every point Sunday, knowing this would be her last Olympics at age 34. "It's been a wild ride, and it almost felt like a dream," Kim said. "We've enjoyed such great support from fans back home, and it would have been great to give them a victory. Hopefully, our younger players will do better in the future." Opposite spiker Kim Hee-jin said what will be an end of an era for some players could also be a new beginning for others. "I think the Olympic Games here laid strong foundation for up-and-coming players," the 30-year-old said. "By getting to the semifinals here, I think we were able to give young players some hope."
JONES Edmonton superfan renews her connection with rebranded team
cfl, cfl scores, nfl, cfl schedule, winnipeg blue bombers, saskatchewan roughriders, edmonton elks, bc lions, cfl schedule 2021, calgary stampeders, crackstreams, hamilton tiger cats, stampeders, ,toronto argonauts, tsn cfl, edmonton elks schedule, elks, edmonton elks tickets, mike reilly cfl, ottawa redblacks, edmonton eskimos, nathan rourke, commonwealth stadium, elks schedule, argos JONES Edmonton superfan renews her connection with rebranded team Before anything, for the fans sitting in Commonwealth Stadium Saturday night, it was personal, Like Chantelle Miller up in Section E Row 3 Seat 1. “I was up at 6:30 a.m. I was so excited,” said Miller, one of Edmonton’s many super fans who had her own traditions like running a team flag up on game day. “Six hundred and twenty-three days have come and gone but the EE flag is up proudly,” she said of the ritual that was conducted during a morning thunderstorm. “When I first became an official season ticket holder in 1995, I thought it would be wonderful to go the whole season without missing a game. So 24 years later, no home games missed, this ironman was going strong and looking forward to celebrating The Big 25. “And then came COVID. “I had started to count down to my 25th anniversary season, a goal I’d set. I would crest an anniversary jersey with my Section E. My name would forever be etched in Commonwealth Stadium on that special giant bronze display they created to honour long-time season ticket holders. I would celebrate with my entire football family. And in one swoop the entire football season was gone.” Nobody writes about fans. But is there anybody in sports that hasn’t missed them, especially in Edmonton where we became the world capital of hub city bubble hockey with 81 Stanley Cup playoff games, the entire IIHF world junior and an entire Edmonton Oilers season schedule without fans? Whether you were a player, coach or even a media member in the press box we missed them more than most of us would ever have expected or imagined. And they missed each other. “Since then I have had good days and bad days. I tried to stay hopeful that one day I would sit in my seat again, see my football family and watch ‘my boys,’ ” said Miller. “I so missed doing my pregame ritual and seeing my friends down the road at the legion before the game, watching the players come running out and feeling the excitement, singing the Canadian anthem loud and proud, ringing my bell for the defence and jumping up and down for all those touchdowns. “During COVID everything changed. I decided that once the CFL announced it was returning that I wouldn’t allow myself to get excited until I was sitting in MY seat. “I knew the tears would come as soon as I hung up the flag this morning and boy did they ever. I think it was a release of everything lost and everything that is about to be gained.” The other opening week CFL games, Thursday before 29,376 in Winnipeg, Friday before 33,350 in Regina and in the first game of the doubleheader Saturday in Calgary that drew 23,921 involved fans experiencing all those same emotions. But Saturday night in Edmonton, while all of that was in play with the CFL’s long-time flagship franchise, it was also dealing with cheering for a team that was no longer named the Edmonton Eskimos. It was instead the inaugural game of the Edmonton Elks. The team lost more than few long-time fans because of it, to be sure. But they didn’t lose Miller, who actually holds eight season tickets she uses to invite friends to join her at games. “It was truly heartbreaking for me because I associated it with the good football memories tied to it. I’ve listened. I’ve accepted that it is painful for some others. “My true love is this football team. I have embraced the new name. I feel excited and exhilarated to move forward in this next chapter, ready to leave a new footprint behind.” Last night she drove to the game with “ELKS” license plates. The freshly rebranded franchise had 35,000 ‘Antler Up’ new logo t-shirts created for the occasion and with empty seats outnumbering occupied seats at kickoff, obviously didn’t need them all. Chantelle couldn’t see the special logo the Elks wore on the back of their helmets from Sec. E. But they showed it on the scoreboard as the team said goodbye to the legendary locker room attendant Joey Moss, by having him sing the national anthem again via their video vault. The helmet decal: JOEY 1963-2020. Once. Always. The new logo on the field wasn’t the same giant-sized version that was out there for the launch but it was visible. “It was very emotional seeing everyone. Lots of hugs. Tears. I am so happy to be home,” said Miller after kickoff. They’re not the ever-lovin’ Esks anymore but they’re still Edmonton.