Author Archives: Anoop Uppal

Whitecaps gear up for their game against Austin FC

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(Photo: Concacaf)

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC will face Austin FC at Q2 Stadium on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in a pivotal Western Conference battle. Kickoff is 5:30 p.m. PT, and the game is available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV Under the stewardship of head coach Jesper Sørensen, the Whitecaps

are a feared team in the current season. They are currently leading the MLS Supporters’ Shield as well as the Western Conference with a respectable 8-1-3 record and 27 points. In their recent 2-2 tie with LAFC, they extended their run of games without a loss to 11 across all competitions, an all-time club record.

Key players like Ryan Gauld and Brian White have been major driving forces behind the team’s success. White particularly did an outstanding job in their recent match against Austin FC, scoring four goals in a comprehensive 5-1 victory at BC Place.


Austin FC enters this match seeking to rebound from a tough stretch. They took a 1-1 draw from Atlanta United recently, with Brandon Vazquez scoring his fourth goal in three matches. The club has not won in their last four MLS games, losing three and one since their April 19 victory against LA Galaxy. 
Goalkeeper Brad S. confirmed his eagerness to turn around the last heavy loss to Vancouver citing the team’s determination to perform better at home.
The Whitecaps have enjoyed the upper hand in recent matches against Austin FC remaining unbeaten in their last six matches, with four wins and two draws. Austin defeated Vancouver for the last time in April 2022. 

Considering the Whitecaps’ current performance and historical dominance, they are most likely to win. Predictions point towards a 2-0 victory for Vancouver with hopes of an organized game with fewer than five cautions and less than 11 corner kicks. 

Austin game-day weather should be hot and muggy at 85°F (29°C) with the likelihood of evening thunderstorms. Players and fans should prepare accordingly. Just incase you are somehow reading this and going there.

Knicks advance to East Finals

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(Photo: Sports Illustrated, NBA)

The New York Knicks advanced to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years with a dominant 119–81 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 6 at Madison Square Garden. The convincing victory not only knocked out the defending champions but also brought about a milestone achievement for the Knicks who had not reached a Conference Finals in 25 years.

After losing Game 5 by 25 points the team came back in stride by producing an unbelievable performance at home. The Knicks established a 27-point lead at the half and kept their lead to as much as 41 points showing relentless defence and offence. The standout performers were OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson who had 23 points each, and to this OG Anunoby added 10 rebounds for a double-double. Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 12 rebounds while Mikal Bridges had 22 points. Josh Hart recorded an historic triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists—the first for a Knicks player in the playoffs since 1972. All of the Knicks starters knew this was a must win and thats why they all ended up in double figures in this close out game.  https://x.com/EnjoyBBall/status/1923558774184271889

The Celtics came into this game and they could not get anything going at all. Without Star Jayson Tatum this Offence just looks incomplete. The Celtics only had 81 points the entire game. Jaylen brown in a post game presser said,  “Losing to the Knicks feels like death”. Brown had 20 points in the game he would eventually foul out of the game. A tough end to the season for the defending champs, but if i am the Celtics front office im not looking too into this as yea its a tough loss but you did not have your best player with you. I am sure the Celtics will be a threat next year in the East like they usually are.

This win is a resurrection for the Knicks and the city of New York who have transitioned from a team swept by the Celtics during the regular season to Eastern Conference finalists. The questionable signings to the crazy trades the New York front office has made a team that could genuinely make it to the NBA final, and with a home crowd like that they might even mess around and win the whole thing. The Knicks will get a couple days off, then they get right back to it Wednesday night where they will take on the Indiana Pacers.

Leafs force a Game 7

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(Photo: CBC, NHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs have extended their playoff existence by blanking the Florida Panthers 2–0 in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series Friday evening in Sunrise, Florida. The victory ties the series at 3–3 and pushes a deciding Game 7 in Toronto on Sunday. The Maple leafs most recent game 7 triumph comes in 2004 against the Ottawa Senators. Most Leafs fans that have grown up in this era have never seen them win a game 7.

Auston Matthews, who had been goalless for the series, netted his first goal early in the third period to break the deadlock and provide the Leafs with the crucial lead. I said that if the Leafs wanted to win this series Matthews and Marner would have to play much better and they did tonight linking up on the eventual game winning goal. https://x.com/BR_OpenIce/status/1923560491231719700 

Max Pacioretty added an insurance marker halfway through the period to close out the win, Bobby Mcmann assisted a much needed point for him as he breaks a drought in these playoffs. 

Goaltender Joseph Woll had an outstanding game between the pipes, stopping 22 of 22 shots to record his first career playoff shutout. Woll has played in 3 elimination games now and he has a save percentage of above .930 in all of them he has played in now. Toronto’s defense was quite strong limiting Florida to just two shots on goal in the first period and none in the final 14 minutes of the period. The Panthers could not gain offensive momentum even with two power plays in the first period. The Panthers did have some chances with the goalie pulled but the Leafs were stubborn putting bodies in front of the net the leafs tonight played like a team who was fighting to keep there season alive. 

The victory is a massive turnaround for the Maple Leafs, who lost 6–1 in Game 5. The series is now tied, and both teams will fight it out in an elimination Game 7 in Toronto. The Maple Leafs aim to reach their first conference final since 2002, while the defending champion Panthers hope to advance to their third consecutive Eastern Conference Final.

Game 7 is scheduled for Sunday, with the winner advancing to the Eastern Conference Final.

Chelsea pick up a huge win against rival Man U

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(Photo: BBC)

Chelsea FC secured a massive victory in there season to keep there Champions league qualification dreams alive. Chelsea are 4th in the Premier League as the top 5 teams qualify for the Champions league. Marc Cucurella the Spanish Left Back gave chelsea there game winning goal. The goal was set up by Chelsea captain Reece James as he did a beautiful spin move and crossed the ball into the box as Cucurella was wide open he headed it into the bottom right side of the goal. Heres the link to watch this beautiful wonder goal it also shows the build up to the goal. https://x.com/healingPrcs/status/1923490248039809336

In a game where both teams were off to a sluggish start Man U Centre Back Harry Maguire put United up 1-0 late in the first half or so we thought. VAR would review the goal and it would reveal that Maguire was offside so the goal was called back. Chelsea seemed to wake up a little bit more after that Reece James had a chance as he hit a half volley off the post and that was it for the first half. 

In the 2nd half it was more of the same thing teams exchanging possession and nothing much happening. Up until minute number 70 where Cucurella scored the header off of a beautiful assist by Reece James. Chelsea had totally flipped the momentum as right after the goal Chelsea would get another chance as Cole Plamer would find Noni Madeuke in space but he would mis hit the ball and put it wide. Man United tried to get themselves back into the game but they just could not by pass the Chelsea defence. Chelsea used some cheeky tactics to waste time as 7 minutes of added time was added on to the 90. Reece James whos fingerprints were all over the game drove the ball to the corner and kept hitting the ball off of united players to waste time it was brilliant and the crowd at Stamford Bridge was loving it. Man United’s tough season continues and this will mark there worst ever season in the Premier League finishing 17th one spot above relegation. 

Chelsea will head into there final game of the season away at Nottingham Forrest. Forrest are in the 6th spot in the Premier League and they are also fighting for Champions League qualification. This will be no easy task for the Blues but this Win has given them a little bit more confidence heading into this all important game. 

Jets Vs. Stars Game 6 preview and predictions

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(Photo: Global News, NHL)

The Winnipeg Jets take on the Dallas Stars tomorrow night in a do or die game 6 in there best of 7 series. The Jets saved there season Thursday night after a decisive home win 4-0 at the Bell MTS centre in downtown Winnipeg. 

Despite Winning the Presidents Trophy the Jets have not looked like that same team this post season, after a hard fought 7 game series where they were down to there final seconds before being saved in the dying seconds of the period the Jets will need to force another Game 7 too keep there season alive. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has been very inconsitant in these playoffs at home he has been amazing, but on the road he has looked very beatable. Hellebuyck actually has a 2 game shut out streak at home going on right now which makes it so important that the Jets get the series back to Winnipeg for a Game 7. Jets Mark Scheifele and defence man Josh Morrisey are in danger of missing Game 6 but i think they will play. https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1923186731114774773

Another problem the President Trophy winners face is there abysmal away record this playoffs. The Jets are 0-5 on the road this playoffs and if they want to keep there season alive they are going  to need to figure out a way to get it done on the road. The Stars on the other hand have been great at home hosting a 5-1 record at home, there only loss at home was game 1 against the Colorado Avalanche. Both teams this Saturday will also need to be much more disciplined as in this series the Jets and the Stars have been great on the power play. 

Game 6 presents a turning point for the Winnipeg Jets as they attempt to extend their playoff series and keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive. Dallas Stars powered by strong home action and individual effort will look to close out the series at home. The outcome will rely on goaltending brilliance and which stars come to play for which team. 

I think the Stars poked the bear last game as Jamie Benn sucker punched Mark Scheifele. The Jets will be hungry and determined to win this game 6. Connor Hellenuyck will have a great game proving why he is in Vezina and Art Ross talks and the Jets will Win Game 6 swinging the momentum in there favour and putting the pressure on the Dallas Stars. 

OKC Vs. Denver Game 7 preview and predictions

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(Photo: ESPN)

Here we go we got a Game 7 between Denver and Oklahoma City. Everything is on the line Championship aspirations and even maybe the NBA’s MVP trophy. Game 7 will take place Sunday Afternoon In Oklahoma City.  https://x.com/big_business_/status/1923214586460672372

The Thunder, who posted a incredible 68-14 regular-season record are in win or go home mode after the Nuggets avoided elimination and set up a winner take all Game 7 with a 119-107 victory in Game 6. Denver’s win was led by Jamal Murray’s 25 points while experiencing flu-like symptoms and a coming-out game for rookie Julian Strawther, who contributed 15 points off the bench and went crazy in the 3rd quarter scoring 8 points in a 10-0 run.

The Nuggets’ two-time MVP Nikola Jokić has been a constant force to deal with throughout the series, averaging almost a triple double numbers. His leadership and versatility will come in handy as Denver tries to defeat the top-seeded Thunder on their home court. 

But Denver is uncertain about forward Aaron Gordon, who might have hurt his hamstring late in Game 6. Gordon has been a key contributor, with 14.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game in the series. His availability for Game 7 is in doubt but i think he will play through this injury Gordon has been so clutch this Postseason there is no way he would miss this Game 7.

In the meantime, the Thunder will look to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to lead the way.  The Thunder will also need WAYYY more contributions from their supporting cast, including Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren who gave really struggled this series.

Historically, teams that win Game 5 in a tied series go on to win the series 84% of the time, a statistic that was in the Thunder’s favor after their Game 5 victory. However, the Nuggets’ resilience in Game 6 has shifted the momentum, and the scene is now set for a Game 7 classic. All the games this series have been close and i think that trend will continue come Sunday. 

The winner of this showdown advances to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals. Game 7 promises to be a back-and-forth battle that could go down to the wire. For my Prediction I have OKC winning this game 7. It is hard to bet against the Nuggets and 2 time MVP Nikola Jokic, but this time im going to have too. All the games in the series have been very close and this is without the Thunders 2nd best player Jalen Williams playing up to standards. I think SGA and Williams will play great as OKC will advance to the Western Conference Finals. 

The Celtics take on the Knicks in Game 6 in MSG

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(Photo:BBC, NBA)

Tonight The New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics in a pivotal game 6 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Knicks will be trying to get to an Eastern Conference Final for the first time in 25 plus years. The Celtics on the other hand will try to stave off elimination and keep defending there NBA Championship. 

The Knicks last time out lost a tough game Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns were in foul trouble and the Celtics took full advantage. Derrick White hit 7 3 point shots and Jaylen Brown had a cool 26 points as the Celtics were in cruise control entering the 4th quarter. Luke Kornet also had a big game last time out as he had a near double double getting 10 points and 9 rebounds not to mention his insane 7 blocks which was a season high for him and any Celtic on the roster. Porzingus who was out in the 2nd half of game 5 will be available in game 6. 

This game is a must win for both teams as the Knicks do not want to go play in Boston for a game 7. Espn’s game predictor gives the Knicks a 58% chance of winning this game and i would say lower it to 55% and we got a deal. The Celtics have a lot of fight left in them even without there best player this Celtics team is constructed great and can shoot the lights out on any given night. If the Celtics want to get it done they are going too need big games out of Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingus. Porzingus has not lived up to expectations this series so if he can get that motor going we could be heading for a game 7 Sunday night. 

MSG is one of the hardest arenas to play in on the road this year in the NBA. The Knicks are the 9th best team at home this season as for the Celtics they are the 7th best team on the road showcasing why it is so important to close this series at home for the Knicks. As for my Prediction on the game tonight, The Knicks get it done. Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns will have huge games the Celtics will keep it close but the Home energy will be enough to see it through for the Knicks. Heres. a funny clip of Knicks fans outside of Madison Square Garden. 

https://x.com/KnicksMuse/status/1923293261470286160

Leafs Vs. Panthers game 6 preview and predictions

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(Photo: CityNews Toronto, NHL)

In 15 minutes time by the time this is published the Toronto Maple leafs will be facing elimination in Game 6 against the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Florida. In must win situations the Leafs have been awful in elimination game scenarios in there last 14 elimination games they have only managed to win 1 game. 

After dropping the first two games on the road the Panthers came back to Florida and took care of business and then won there first road game of the series which has now put them on the edge of a third straight Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The Panthers adjustments to there D and Adjustments to there for check has really put the pressure on the Leafs and so far they have shown no fight in dealing with these changes. Another change has been Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky has been lights out in his last 2 games only giving up 1 goal in that span. On the offence side of things the Panthers have been lead by there big boys in Sam Reinhart, Alexander Barkov, and Carter Verhaeghe those three have been putting constant pressure on the Leafs this series throughout all 5 games. The Panthers also got some help from there D on the offence side of things as Aaron Ekblad, Nikko Mikkola, and Dmitry Kulikovall scored in the Game 5 win on Wednesday night. 

This could be it for Torontos “Core 4”, as John Tavares and Mitch Marner are both free agents this summer and if the Leafs do get eliminated tonight it will be a disappointing end of an era in which so many Leafs fans were so excited see. The pressure is on for all of these players but especially, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. Marner and Matthews have not lived up to standards this series and Matthews has yet to score a goal in this series. 

I think this series is over. When Toronto in any series lose a game they get very down on themselves and the energy just shifts as a outsider you can see it. I fear this time i can see it again. The Leafs might get your hopes up tonight might even take a lead or 2 but i just do not see them coming out of Florida with a W. So Leafs fans enjoy this core for as long as you can tonight because this is the end of an era. 

Barca Win La Liga in a Derby Match

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(Photo: SuperSport)

FC Barcelona claimed their 28th La Liga crown on Thursday, beating city rivals Espanyol 2-0, to cap a stunning season for first time manager Hansi Flick. The win was not only a symbol of their dominance of Spanish football but one that also ended a domestic treble, after they had previously captured the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana earlier in the season. The only Trophy Barca could not get there hands on this season was the Champions league trophy.

The last match was played at RCDE Stadium of Espanyol, where 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal scored the first goal in the 53rd minute with a spectacular curler from the outside of the box.A 17 year old kid scoring this type of goal is just un real, heres the clip of the STUNNING goal. https://x.com/tekkersfoot/status/1923116832246071323

Fermín López scored a second in the stoppage time, and guess who assisted the goal? yea it was Lamine Yamal. This kid is going to get Ball an Dor shouts at the age of 17 that is insane. Lamine Yamal’s performance has been the standout of Barcelona’s season. Even if his teammate Raphinha might win the Ball an Dor Barca fans would still say he has been the stand out in Barcas season. 

Hansi Flick’s inaugural season with the Bavarian behemoth has been anything if not revolutionary. Under his leadership Barcelona have shown a combination of defensive solidity and attacking ruthlessness. Flick’s method, specifically the emphasis on The Barca players playing a high line and pressing all game, and in Flicks first season a domestic treble and a Champions League semi finals appearance i think under Flick this Barca team will only continue to get better.  


Barcelona’s path to the title was marked by record-breaking wins, of which a 4-3 win over Real Madrid in El Clásico stands out. Barcalona had some huge comeback wins also against Athetico Madrid as well. Them sweeping there season Series with Real Madrid and getting those Comeback wins is what made them Champions of Spain this year.

There were a lot of firsts this year for Flicks Barca and next year I am expecting the same domination they had this year, but with one 2 more added trophies. First the Club World Cup in the summer i think Barca have a great opportunity to win that and then the Champions League. The Champions League heartbreak this year is exactly what they needed. It happened in 2008 with a young Messi and in 2009 they won the Champions League. It happened in 2025 with a young Yamal will they win in 2026?

Jays lose in a rough one in Toronto

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(Photo: MLB)

The Toronto Blue Jays completed their three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays with an 8-3 defeat Thursday afternoon at Rogers Centre. The loss awarded the Rays a 2-1 series win and highlighted some of the same problems that have plagued the Blue Jays.

Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman had trouble on the mound, allowing six runs on ten hits in 5 2/3 innings. His split-finger fastball, which is usually a gem of a pitch was not as sharp today and Rays hitters continued to make good contact on it. Gausman was hit in the third by a line drive off of his left ear but remained in the game but was unable to regain his rhythm, another up-and-down performance this season. I think that pitch that hit him really had an effect on him this game and hopefully its just a one game thing for Gausman.

Brandon Lowe carried the Rays’ offense with two, two-run home runs one in the first inning and one in the ninth, to go along with four RBIs. Josh Lowe, who was returning from injury, contributed a solo homer to his three hits while Kameron Misner homered as well. The Rays who are near the bottom of the league with the Blue Jays in Home Runs hit showed that they do have some pop in there bats from time to time.

Toronto managed to hit out three runs each solo home runs from Addison Barger, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Nathan Lukes. Heres the Guerrero Homer. https://x.com/MLB/status/1923106813932646609

Bo Bichette contributed a three hit game, but the team was unable to create any offense beyond the top of the order.
The Blue Jays then turn their attention to an upcoming series with the Detroit Tigers looking to bounce back from this series loss. The Tigers are read hot as they just swept the Red Soxs and scored a crazy 30 runs in 3 games averaging 10 runs per game in that short span. The Tigers have also won there last 11 out of 14 games the Jays are in tough against this top tier offence.

The Jays fail to get over the .500 mark again. The problem with the Jays is when the pitching is hot there hitting is not and when there hitting is hot the pitching is not they are never on the same page. Today though they were on the same page the hitting was not hot and the pitching was not hot.