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September 14 -- September 20, 2026
Issue No. 659
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Dan Marino -- from the
Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
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On July 14, 2014, the "Legends of Candlestick” was the final football game played at Candlestick Park. It was a flag football match up between 49er Legends led by Joe Montana and the NFL All-Stars led by Dan Marino. This was by far my favorite moment as a sports photographer shooting on the field with Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Drew Bledsoe, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Jeff Garcia, Steve Bono, Roger Craig, Dwight Clark, Ronnie Lott, Charles Haley, Brent Jones, Jesse Sapolu, Keena Turner, Tom Rathman and many more. In the final seconds of the game, Joe Montana threw a pass to team owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr who ran it in, giving the
49er Legends a 45-40 victory
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Prior to the game, I was in the locker room with all the players as they were greeting each other, telling stories, taking photos and laughing up a storm. At one point Dan Marino handed me his camera phone to take photos of him and other players.
To thank me, he reached into his bag and pulled out this photo and signed it for me. He also took this photo with me in the tunnel leading to the field. He was a super nice guy.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
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George Eliot (pen name)
Mary Ann Evans
November 22, 1819 -- November 22, 1880
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Note: Most photos in each issue are linked to Facebook albums produced by our talented photographers. To enjoy additional photos, simply click on a photograph or on the link provided at the end of each report. New albums, contributor essays and Sports Today issues are continually posted to: www.ultimatesportsguide.net
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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Contents
Games
Athletics 8, Seattle Mariners 7
Athletics 6, Toronto Blue Jays 5
San Jose Earthquakes 1, Houston Dynamo FC 0
Features & Commentary
Dan Marino, from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee
"I Knew That!," by Andy Dolich
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium, by Rich Yee
Photo of the Week, by Rich Yee
Out With Crackerjacks, by Steve Chain
San Francisco 49ers & Melbourne Snapshots, by Lydia Chain
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San Francisco 49ers 27, Los Angeles Rams 7
Melbourne, Australia
Thursday, September 10, 2026
It was a Good Day, Mates!
The 49ers' strategy of a weeklong pre-game acclimation to changes in time, general surroundings and the need for physical adjustments proved to be wise.
Tim Ryan's call of the game on radio was objective and descriptive of the action. For me, I saw no need to subscribe to Netflix when this game would have been the only show I would have watched on it all year. The NFL Channel is part of my cable package, so, between Tim's radio and the two-hour delay to the NFL channel, I had full coverage.
However, leverage tactics which deny loyal fans live game action have been discussed by Sports Today readers in most acerbic terms, and rightfully so.
The Niners' Defense was back with gusto, and Brock Purdy masterfully took control of the offense and finished with three TDs and 25/304. Kudos to Mike Evans, whose name was frequently mentioned by Tim on key pass plays. CB Renardo Green made a big play to thwart the momentum of a Rams' drive.
As forecast here, Kaelon Black was an excellent complement to CMC. Names like Bosa and Warner were music to my ears.
A quick note: To Stephen A. and First Take, (which I actually enjoy), and all the other sports talk shows, you proved Silence is indeed Golden, as in "Brock Who?" Not a word about #13, and mere breadcrumbs for the 49ers.
As to the San Francisco 49ers: Welcome back to the hood! And thank you Australia for your hospitality!
San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams
Game Highlights
Attn: Sports Talk Television Experts:
The L.A. Rams' travel arrangements are not responsible for this loss.
Watch the power and severity of the 49ers as they crunch one Ram player after another. Watch the passion and zeal of the entire Niners team, on offense, defense and special teams, from veterans just returned from injuries to savvy professionals like Trent Williams and the O-Line who denied pressure on 49er QB Brock Purdy and held the celebrated Myles Garrett sackless, to rookies and fresh-helmeted faces whose fervor, power and skills were on full display. Watch this YouTube and enjoy the action!
| 2026 Week 1 Melbourne Game
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9sL5j_iUiE&t=426s (14:59)
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/
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September 9, 2020, when Bay Area skies turned orange from wild fire debris and the Oakland Coliseum played host to an Oakland A’s versus Houston Astros game. (Notice the cardboard cutouts in the seats, as COVID had eliminated real fans.)
Photo: Rich Yee.
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San Francisco Giants 6
San Diego Padres 7
Oracle Park, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, September 12, 2026
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San Francisco Giants designated hitter Rafael Devers continued his hot hitting streak, hitting his 37th home run of the season during the Giants' 7-6 loss to the San Diego Padres on
Saturday, September 12th at Oracle Park.
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Giants fans cheer after Drew Gilbert (foreground right) rounds the bases after hitting a home run to cut the Padres lead to
one in the eighth inning.
| Catcher Drew Cavanaugh is congratulated by teammates after hitting his first major league baseball home run | |
San Francisco Giants third baseman Shay Whitcomb (13) fields a ground ball against the San Diego Padres during the
sixth inning at Oracle Park.
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San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello (left) and special advisor to baseball operations Dusty Baker (right) talk before the game against the San Diego Padres at Oracle Park.
All photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOQmgDneW0I
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by Andy Dolich
I’m a sports trivialist having gone through many seasons of trivial pursuits with teams and leagues I’ve worked in. Please send in your 100% correct answers.
Winner receives a handshake from the heaviest San Francisco 49er. (Answers follow below.)
1. How many players have stepped on the fields/courts in
Oakland playing for the Raiders, A’s and Golden State
Warriors?
2. How many Hall of Famers from the three teams during their
time in Oakland?
3. How many Golden State Warriors players have been over 7
feet tall?
4. How many Golden State Warriors players have been under 6
feet tall?
5. Name the only team in NHL history to wear white skates?
6. Most consecutive made free throws in an NBA season?
7. Most consecutive missed free throws in an NBA season?
8. Most consecutive 3 pointers in a game?
9. Average number of dimples on a golf ball?
10. How many people were at Stanford Stadium for the 100th
Big Game?
11. What is the heaviest implement used in any sport?
12. Which Bay Area athlete has won the most Olympic Gold
Medals?
13. Who came up with the team name Valkyries?
14. The fastest thrown speed of any ball used in sports?
15. Longest name in MLB history?
16. Shortest name in MLB history?
Anyone using AI will be disqualified by the Judging Panel.
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Manute Bol measured 7 feet, 7 inches tall and is one of the tallest players in NBA history. Bol played for the Golden State Warriors in 1988–1990 and returned for a second
stint in 1994-1995.
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1. 11,759 players have stepped on the fields/courts in Oakland
playing for the Raiders, A’s and Warriors.
2. 74 Hall of Famers are on the three teams during their time
in Oakland.
3. Six Golden State players have been over seven feet tall --
Manute Bol, Quinton Post, James Wiseman, Zaza Pachulia,
Domain Jones, JaVale McGee.
4. Two Golden State players have been under six feet tall --
Earl Boykins, 5 ft. 5 ins., Muggsy Bogues, 5 ft. 3 ins.
5. In the 1970s the California Golden Seals wore white skates.
6. Most consecutive made free throws in an NBA season,
Michael Williams, with 97.
7. Most consecutive missed free throws in an NBA season,
Chris Dudley with 13.
8. Most consecutive 3 pointers in a game, Ty Lawson with 10.
9. Average number of dimples on a golf ball -- 336.
10. The number of people who were at Stanford Stadium for
the 100th Big Game on 11/22/2097 was 85,000.
11. The heaviest implement used in any sport is the Caber in
the traditional Scottish game, weighing between 90-180
pounds.
12. San Francisco-born freestyle skier Eileen Gu has won three
career Olympic Gold Medals.
13. The Cartwright Creative agency and fan input sent to the
company came up with the Valkyries team name.
14. The fastest thrown speed of any ball used in sports is 190
mph by a Jai Alai ball.
15. Longest name in MLB history is Christian Encarnacion-
Strand.
16. The shortest name in MLB history is Ed Ott.
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Muggsy Bogues, at 5 feet, 3 inches, played for the Golden State Warriors in 1997-1999. Bogues played 61 games in two seasons, averaging 5.5 points and 4.9 assists per
game and wore number 1.
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# # #
Andy Dolich operates Dolich & Associates, a sports consultancy, in Los Altos. A local resident, Dolich has more than 50 years of experience as an executive in professional sports, working with the Oakland A's, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors, and hockey and soccer teams. Dolich is also the co-author of Goodbye, Oakland, is available in bookstores and from Triumph Books. For earlier articles by Andy Dolich published in Sports Today! click HERE.
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Athletics 8
Seattle Mariners 7
Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento, CA
Sunday, September 13, 2026
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Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler hit a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to defeat the Seattle Mariners, 8-7, at Sutter Health Park on Sunday, September 13th. Butler had two homers on the day,
driving in four.
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In his second game back from injury, Shea Langeliers drove in two with a pinch-hit single in the eighth inning to
tie the game at six.
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Third baseman Zack Gelof put the A's on the board in the
first inning with a solo home run.
| First baseman Jeff McNeil falls into the protective netting after a running catch of a foul ball. | |
Athletics right fielder Lawrence Butler (4) slides for a fly ball during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners
at Sutter Health Park.
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Athletics mascot Stomper waits to run onto the field before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Sutter Health Park.
To view a photo album, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
All photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XLX_y_uSQ8
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San Jose Earthquake 1
Houston Dynamo FC 0
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Saturday, September 12, 2026
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Right centre back Agustin Resch (34) of the Houston
Dynamo FC knocks the ball from centre forward Ousseni
Bouda (7) of the San Jose Earthquakes in the first half.
The San José Earthquakes defeated Houston Dynamo FC
1–0 in a MLS Matchday 26 game at PayPal Park on
Saturday, September 12, 2026 in San Jose, California.
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Right centre back Jack Jasinski (17) of the San Jose
Earthquakes fouls left striker Guilherme (20) of the
Houston Dynamo FC in the first half.
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Goalkeeper Angus Gunn (1) of the San Jose Earthquakes watches as Benji Kikanovic (28) heads a ball that Agustin Resch (34) of the Houston Dynamo FC is
attempting to bicycle kick.
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Captain Ronaldo Vieira (14) of the San Jose Earthquakes and goalkeeper Angus Gunn (1) celebrate consecutive blocks
shots by Gunn in the second half.
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Goalkeeper Angus Gunn (1) of the San Jose Earthquakes makes a save in the second half. To view a photo album,
visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
All photos and captions by Alex Ho.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUdKML1NBm0
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Athletics 6
Toronto Blue Jays 5
Sutter Health Park, West Sacramento, CA
Monday, September 7, 2026
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Athletics first baseman Jeff McNeil (center) is mobbed by teammates after beating out a bases-loaded infield single in the bottom of the ninth inning to walk off the Toronto Blue Jays,
6-5, at Sutter Health Park on Monday, September 7th.
| Starting pitcher Jacob Lopez gave up one run over six innings before a three-run Blue Jays seventh. | Batting leadoff, center fielder Henry Bolte hit a solo home run and stole three bases off of American League Cy Young candidate Dylan Cease. | Athletics center fielder Henry Bolte (right) slides past the tag of Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (left) to score a run during the third inning at Sutter Health Park. | |
Athletics mascot Stomper cheers from on top of the dugout during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Sutter Health Park. To view a photo album, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net.
All photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zsboTU7kaQ
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| | Rafael Devers has been named the National League Player of the Week. Devers earned his fifth career award and second with the Giants. The 29-year-old hit .385 (10-for-26) with six homers, 13 RBI, two doubles, seven walks, eight runs scored, a 1.154 slugging percentage and a .515 on-base percentage across seven contests last week. | | |
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| | A's top prospect De Vries needs shoulder surgery; LHP Arnold has facial fractures | | |
by Martín Gallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
The Athletics' farm system has been dealt a double blow.
Three weeks after Leo De Vries -- rated the A’s No. 1 prospect and No. 2 overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline -- was shut down for the season with what the club described as right shoulder soreness, the A's on Wednesday announced that the 19-year-old shortstop will undergo surgery to repair right shoulder instability. The procedure is scheduled for Sept. 14, and a full recovery could take up to eight months.
COMPLETE ATHLETICS PROSPECT COVERAGE
On Tuesday, A’s No. 3 (MLB No. 57) prospect Jamie Arnold -- recently promoted from Double-A Midland to Triple-A Las Vegas -- was pulled from his second start at the new level during the first inning after he was hit by a comebacker on the left side of his face. The A’s announced Wednesday that the 22-year-old left-hander suffered intra-orbital and maxillary sinus fractures. While it was determined by Dr. Brendan G. Johnson that surgery isn't required, there is no timetable for Arnold's return.
continued....
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|
Ballers Fam,
2027 season tickets are officially on sale.
Lock in your seat at Raimondi Park for the entire season, with more flexibility when life gets in the way.
Your seat stays yours. Your tickets stay flexible.
Can’t make a game? Give us 72-hour notice and bank your ticket for later. Then use those banked tickets to bring friends and family to another game.
Same seat. More flexibility. More ways to experience Ballers baseball.
| |
Raimondi Park is home. Lock in your spot for 2027.
Let’s Go Oakland!
-- Ballers
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San Francisco 49ers --
Melbourne Snapshots
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49ers Faithful gather with former 49er quarterback Steve Young (center) at SFO prior to their departure to Melbourne, Australia, ahead of their season-opening game for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams.
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49er Faithful received a welcoming greeting once arriving
at Melbourne airport
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Signage outside Melbourne Airport left no question that
there was an upcoming NFL battle.
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49ers Faithful were recognized
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The NFL presence was everywhere...
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ESPN and Disney were also seen in downtown Melbourne
| A treasured souvenir for the ages | |
USG reporter/photographer Lydia Chain traveled to Melbourne with the 49ers Faithful and filed this report from the city:
"It is crazy because I’ve seen very little support for the Rams unless it’s in a different area but I’m in the main touristy downtown area and have seen very little support. As a Los Angeles Inna, I am a little gutted but as a child raised by someone from San Francisco and have most of my memories there, I guess
I’m not as bothered."
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If you were one of the lucky enough Bay Area “Faithful” to
be greeted and bid farewell by former 49ers quarterback Steve Young on your way to enjoy the 49ers slaughter of the Rams, you would have been able to enjoy one of Australia’s
favorite snacks and meals.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where the match was held, offers gourmet and elevated dining options ranging from premium stadium concessions to fine dining. But the gourmet item most associated with Australia is the meat pie.
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This national dish has been perfected by the country’s chefs and comes in many different styles, from the more savory, like curry, to the more tradition burgundy stew version.
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The souvenir cap and Australian candy (Tim Tam) which
Steve Young gifted the San Francisco fans who flew
in the day before the game.
-- Steve Chain / Innovative Food Fanatic
|
Warriors Announce 2026 Hawaii Training Camp, Presented By Gatorade, Along With Complete 2026 Preseason Schedule
Golden State To Tip-Off Preseason In Honolulu Against The Los Angeles Clippers On October 4
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August 31, 2026 1 PM PDT
The Golden State Warriors will hold their 2026 Training Camp, presented by Gatorade, on the campus of BYU-Hawaii from Tuesday, September 29, through Saturday, October 3, it was announced today. This will mark the team’s second trip to Oahu for Training Camp in the last three years (2024) and the sixth time visiting the North Shore to begin practice overall. The Warriors will practice at the George Q. Cannon Activities Center in Laie, Hawaii, for five (5) days before traveling to Honolulu to open their six-game preseason slate against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, October 4 at 4 p.m. PDT.
Golden State’s initial trip to BYU-Hawaii for Training Camp was in 2001, and was followed by subsequent visits in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2024. The Cannon Activities Center is a 4,500-seat gymnasium that has served as the home of several of the Seasiders’ sports teams since being built in 1981.
Tickets for the October 4 preseason game, which will be played at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center on the campus of the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, will go on sale at a later date. The Warriors defeated the Clippers, 91-90, on October 5, 2024, to conclude their most recent preseason visit to Oahu. The Warriors have played 14 preseason games in Hawaii since 1974, compiling a 10-4 record. Golden State has played the Kansas City-Omaha Kings (three times), the Los Angeles Lakers (10 times) and the Clippers (once) in preseason games in Hawaii.
Prior to leaving for Hawaii, the Warriors will hold their annual Media Day on Monday, September 28, at Chase Center in San Francisco. The team’s training camp roster and practice schedule will be announced at a later date.
continued...
| San Jose Sharks announce broadcast schedule for 2026-27 season | |
September 9, 2026
The San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) today announced their complete broadcast schedule for the 2026-27 NHL season, which can be found here.
For the seventh consecutive season, all preseason, regular season and Stanley Cup Playoff games will be carried live on the Sharks Audio Network. The Sharks Audio Network is an unmatched resource for consistent and exclusive Sharks and San Jose Barracuda-related audio programming, content, game broadcasts and special features. The 24-hour, seven days a week audio feed is available via the Sharks + SAP Center App, and online at sjsharks.com/listen. Simply launch the app and click “Listen” in the top right corner for continuous Sharks coverage regardless of your location.
Additionally, for the fourth consecutive season, all of the team’s preseason games will be available via video stream on the Sharks digital platforms, as well as the Sharks + SAP Center mobile app. Due to NHL blackout restrictions, the video stream of preseason games will only be available in the San Jose broadcast market. However, all preseason games can be heard on Sharks + SAP Center mobile app and sjsharks.com/listen from wherever you are tuning in to hear the exciting action.
continued...
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The Nucleus of Valkatraz: The WNBA’s Most Dominant Defense
Thu, Sep 10, 2026, 1:38 PM
Kalyb Champion
Tiffany Hayes had a visit to Alcatraz, a historic landmark and federal penitentiary in San Francisco, on her bucket list since she arrived in the Bay Area in 2025. In August, Hayes finally made that trip to Alcatraz with her Valkyries teammates. She was able to observe how the island once held prisoners captive and the difficulty it posed to break free from the isolated isle. In a similar vein, the Valkyries have imposed their will on WNBA opponents with suffocating defense, making them the toughest team in the league to score on. The Valkyries are allowing just 75.4 points per game, the fewest of any opponent, and have a league-best defensive rating of 99.8. They have held their opponent below 70 points a league-high 14 times this season. Opponents are shooting a league-worst 41.8% from the field against Golden State. After her trip to Alcatraz and upon noting the parallels, Hayes gave her team’s defensive prowess a new nickname: “Valkatraz.”
“If anyone starts using the term ‘Valkatraz,’ know where it came from,” Hayes said via Threads.
continued...
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MATCH RECAP:
Earthquakes 1, Austin FC 1
San Jose dominates match but concedes in stoppage time; Black and Blue complete three-game road trip Wednesday in San Diego
Saturday, Sep 5, 2026. 08:40 PM
AUSTIN, Texas — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with Austin FC 1-1 on Saturday night at Q2 Stadium in Major League Soccer regular-season play.
The Earthquakes opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Niko Tsakiris took a pass in the left half-space from Beau Leroux at the edge of the box, then laid it off for Leroux, who sauntered a few steps and slid a low shot for the far post. The ball rolled by Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver to give San Jose a 1-0 lead. The hosts quickly answered when Besard Sabović connected with Facundo Torres in the opposing box two minutes later, but the goal was eventually called back as the VAR review ruled handball on the latter before he netted. The Black and Blue defense immediately clamped down the remaining 35 minutes and did not concede a single shot on goal for the third straight half.
After intermission, Austin searched for the equalizer in minute 77 when Torres found himself alone in the box, but Quakes goalkeeper Angus Gunn denied him with a kick save to preserve the lead. However, in the waning moments of stoppage time, Brandon Vazquez headed a ball toward Christian Ramirez, who passed to his left in the box to an open Guilherme Biro for the finish and the final 1-1 margin.
The Quakes move to fifth place in the Western Conference (10-8-5, 35 points), while Austin remains in 14th (6-10-7, 25 points).
The full “Quakes Replay” of tonight’s match is scheduled to air Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 8 p.m. PT on KTVU Plus. For highlights, analysis and features, fans can also watch the new half-hour magazine show “Quakes Exclusive” on Friday, Sept. 11, on KTVU Plus at 8 p.m. PT.
The Black and Blue will complete their three-game road trip against San Diego FC on Wednesday, Sept. 9. Kickoff from Snapdragon Stadium is slated for 7:30 p.m. PT with the match to be broadcast on Apple TV (English/Spanish), as well as via local radio on KSFO 810 AM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pZwg79gJJM
continued...
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|
Roots Fall 1-4 at Home to Lexington SC
Watch!
Date: September 12, 2026
Despite a second half push that saw Roots control the attacking pressure for large stretches as they looked for a crucial win, Oakland fell 1-4 at the Oakland Coliseum on Saturday night to visiting Lexington SC.
Both teams were clearly aware of the stakes of the match in terms of playoff positioning, as the game began with quick and aggressive play on both sides of the ball in the early phases.
Phillip Goodrum opened the scoring for Lexington in the 22nd minute on a tough angle shot from the right side of the 6-yard box that was rifled into the top net after a quick counterattack to make it 0-1.
Roots nearly equalized immediately following the halftime break via a chaotic loose ball scrum in the goalmouth, but Lexington cleared it from danger before Oakland could poke it home.
Oakland did eventually find a leveler, and did so in historic fashion in the 52nd minute when an inch perfect cross into the box from Tommy McCabe after a stretch of wonderful ball movement within the attacking third found a leaping Peter Wilson who headed it home for his 12th goal of 2026 and his 31st in a Roots kit, tying Johnny Rodriguez as the club’s all-time leading scorer.
Following the goal Roots began to dominate attacking momentum, and paired with a few stellar saves from Kendall McIntosh, started knocking on the door of a potential game winner.
Well against the run of play however, it was Lexington who would regain their lead in the 78th minute when Goodrum found himself in the right place at the right time once again, tapping in his second of the match to make it 1-2 Lexington with time dwindling.
Just moments later, Lexington found a dagger in the 83rd minute when Marcus Epps streaked down the right side at full pace, beating the last defender before placing a low shot towards the far post and past McIntosh to make it 1-3.
Lexington added a fourth in the 87th minute when Goodrum made it a hat trick with a late header to bring the final score to 1-4.
Roots will now head out on the road for their next match as their playoff push intensifies, readying to face Indy Eleven in Kentucky next Sunday, September 20th at 2 PM PT.
continued...
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Match Recap: Bay FC Falls 2-0 at Seattle to Open Busy Three-Match Stretch
SEATTLE (Sept. 12, 2026) – Bay FC fell 2-0 Saturday at Seattle Reign FC from Lumen Field. After a scoreless first half, Seattle broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 51st minute and would double its advantage in second half stoppage time. Bay FC will look to reverse its fortunes with a quick turnaround to its next match Wednesday from the Rockies at Denver Summit FC.
“Just a little bit off the mark tonight,” said Bay FC head coach Emma Coates. “Different day, Claire’s chance hits the post and goes in, Karlie sneaks around the back of the defender and gets in that 1v1 situation. We’ve got a big focus on the final third. As always, never too high, never too low. Things to celebrate, things we can improve.”
The contest started back and forth as each club put the other under pressure early. The pace settled down after a Seattle shot missed the target wide near the 10-minute mark, with the hosts beginning to earn more of the ball. Reign FC nearly pulled ahead from a set play six minutes later, but a header by forward Maddie Mercado missed the target high.
Forward Racheal Kundananji found an opening between Seattle’s center backs near the mid-way point of the first half for Bay FC, putting her foes backline under duress. She made a move to charge at goal, but a good defensive play blocked her shot. Reign FC took possession and got out in transition to its attacking end and putting the ball at the feet of Mercado, but her first-touch effort went inches outside of the left post.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NraZCUcxfQo
continued...
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|
Muay Thai at
Rajadamnern Stadium
| |
What an incredible night of Muay Thai at the legendary Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok! Tonight’s Rajadamnern World Series featured a packed card of international fighters and exciting matchups, with the action highlighted by the main event between Mungkornlek Plenakorn and
Nolisson Phuket Fight Club.
The evening included seven bouts, with fighters from Thailand and around the world battling it out under the bright lights of one of Muay Thai’s most historic venues. It was an exciting night of powerful kicks, knees, elbows and nonstop action—a fantastic experience watching authentic Muay Thai live at Rajadamnern Stadium.
Rich Yee, USG's photographer extraordinaire, filed this report while on his current trip to Thailand
| Sarina Islamova (black trunks) and Nur Garbi (white trucks) stepped into the legendary Rajademnern Stadium ring and put on an exciting, hard-fought Muay Thai battle. In the end, Nur Garbi earned the victory by decision after a competitive fight. | |
In the main event, Mungkornlek Plenakorn (black trunks) and Nolisson (white trucks) went toe-to-toe in a hard-fought Muay Thai battle at the legendary Rajadamneern Stadium in Bangkok. Ather three rounds of nonstop competition, Mungkornlek Plenakorn earned the victory by decision.
All photos copyright and courtesy Rich Yee.
| |
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Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
Who was the first MLB player to win
MVP at two different positions
during his career?
Hint: An AL player that did it in 1935 and 1940
answer below...
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 201: A Federal NIL Bill Worth Actually Passing,
In Six Parts
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by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Founder of Heitnerlegal -- Sports, Entertainment, Trademarks, Copyrights, Business, Litigation, Arbitration
The Weekly Longer NIL Thought
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The Senate plans a cloture vote on the motion to proceed to the Protect College Sports Act sometime within the next few weeks. The bill everyone has spent the summer arguing about, and Nick Saban and Deion Sanders have recently promoted in TV ads, is finally going to get a real floor test, assuming cloture even succeeds.
I have used this column many times to explain what is wrong with the bill as written. I could write another version of that column this week, but I don't think it will accomplish much at this point.
I would rather spend this week doing something more useful than pointing at that mess. If a member of the Senate is going to keep trying to legislate in this space no matter what I or anyone else thinks about the wisdom of it, the least I can do is describe what a bill that actually progresses college would look like. Not the PCSA. A different one, and a much shorter one, built around a discipline the current draft never had and probably never will have.
Let's start with scope, because it is the single biggest thing wrong with the Protect College Sports Act and the easiest thing to fix. A real NIL bill covers name, image, and likeness compensation paid by a third party for the commercial use of an athlete's identity, full stop. It says nothing about revenue sharing, nothing about employment classification, and nothing about antitrust immunity for eligibility rules, transfer restrictions, or recruiting standards. Those are each serious questions that maybe (and not necessarily) deserve their own bill, their own hearings, and their own vote count, and cramming all of them into one piece of legislation is precisely why the PCSA has spent all summer losing votes from the Congressional Black Caucus on one side and Republican senators filing their own amendments on the other. A bill that tries to be an antitrust exemption, a labor law, and a consumer protection statute all at once ends up being none of them particularly well. Narrow the bill to NIL, and you shrink the coalition that has reasons to vote against it.
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Uncork The Fun: NASCAR Returns to Wine Country July 10-11, 2027
SONOMA, Calif. (August 26, 2026) – NASCAR racing returns to Sonoma Raceway July 10-11, 2027, bringing the roar of the NASCAR Cup Series to Northern California for a summer weekend of high-speed action, spectacular scenery and the unmistakable flavor of wine country.
Set among the rolling hills and vineyards of Sonoma Valley, the NASCAR weekend will feature two days of racing and entertainment, highlighted by the 38th running of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 11 and the 5th running of the Pit Boss/FoodMaxx 250 NASCAR O’Reilly Series race on Saturday, July 10.
Coming just one week after the Fourth of July, the 2027 NASCAR weekend offers fans the perfect opportunity to extend their summer holiday with a getaway to Sonoma. With long summer days, great weather, world-class wineries, outstanding restaurants and some of the most picturesque scenery in motorsports, there’s no better time to experience NASCAR in wine country.
“There’s simply nothing like NASCAR in Sonoma, and moving our weekend into the heart of summer makes the experience even more special,” said Brian Flynn, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sonoma Raceway. “Fans can spend the Fourth of July with family and friends, then make their way to Wine Country for an incredible weekend of racing, food, wine and everything that makes Sonoma such a special destination.”
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30 September-4 October at St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, California
World Sailing is pleased to announce the 12 skippers and teams who will be competing at the 2026 World Sailing Women’s Match Racing World Championship (30 September 2026 to 4 October 2026), hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club. This invitation-only event will see the world’s best women’s match-racing teams—representing seven nations and ten yacht clubs—compete in San Francisco Bay’s natural sailing amphitheater.
“St. Francis Yacht Club has been fortunate to have hosted other recent high-profile women’s match-racing events, including stops on the 2023 and 2025 Women’s World Match Racing Tour and last year’s U.S. Women’s Match Racing Championship,” said Susan Ruhne, StFYC’s 2026 Commodore. “Fall is a prime time to race on San Francisco Bay, and we believe this year’s world championship will deliver top-level competition at our incredible, spectator-friendly venue.”
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StFYC's Race Director Felix Weidling agreed, noting that all 12 competing teams are in the Top 18 on World Sailing’s Women's Match Racing Rankings.
“When you bring together sailors of this caliber, you can expect extremely competitive racing and very few easy matches,” said Weidling. “Women’s sailing deserves top visibility, recognition and support across our sport, and hosting the 2026 World Sailing Women’s Match Racing World Championship is St. Francis Yacht Club’s way of contributing to that mission while showcasing some of the sport’s most talented sailors.”
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| | Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | | |
Hank Greenberg
The Hebrew Hammer, Hank Greenberg, was the first MLB player to win two MVP awards at different
fielding positions.
Greenberg won his first MVP award in 1935 playing
first base and his second, in 1940, playing the outfield, both while playing for the Detroit Tigers.
His wiki page will impress you with the number
of first's during his career.
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Travers Family Head Football Coach Tosh Lupoi celebrated his
first career win on Saturday.
| | Lupoi Records First Career Win After Gritty Performance | | |
Lopa's 3 Interceptions Fuels 21-18 Victory At Syracuse
By: Steve Kroner
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The California football team assuredly will have prettier wins under Travis Family Head Football Coach Tosh Lupoi, but the Golden Bears might not have many grittier victories than the one they earned at Syracuse on Saturday.
Though Syracuse outgained the Bears by nearly 200 yards and ran 26 more plays, the Bears – especially defensive back Kingston Lopa – made the plays when they mattered most.
Lupoi earned his first win as a college head coach and Cal opened ACC play 1-0 as the Bears outlasted the Orange 21-18.
"No matter what occurred in that game, our guys had that belief," Lupoi said in his postgame news conference. "I'm really proud of our guys' resiliency throughout this game. (It was) a great team win."
photo credit: Max Wood
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tr-x09lKjEs
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Season Begins in Frisco
Title defense officially begins at Jackson T. Stephens Cup
- The defending national champions, Stanford women’s golf, begins its season at the Jackson T. Stephens Cup on Sept. 14-16. This year’s event takes place at PGA Frisco in Fields Ranch East, playing as a par 72.
- The first two rounds of stroke play take place on Sept. 14, with the third round on Sept. 15. The field will then be seeded for match play, with the top two seeds playing in the championship on Sept. 16.
- Stanford will compete against five of the best teams in the country at this year’s Jackson T. Stephens Cup: No. 3 Texas, No. 7 Wake Forest, No. 8 Florida State, No. 10 South Carolina, and No. 11 Oregon. All rankings are based on Golf Channel’s preseason rankings.
- The only tournament Stanford did not win during the 2025-26 season was the Jackson T. Stephens Cup. The Cardinal finished second in stroke play and lost to Wake Forest in match play.
- Stanford last won the Jackson T. Stephens Cup in 2022. Stanford has never had an individual medalist since the event began in 2021.
Photo by: Ellen Levy
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Keightley Brothers Lead No. 11 Spartans to Close Out Princeton Invitational
PRINCETON, N.J. — Across two games, Sam Keightley recorded six goals and five steals, while Mitchell Keightley dished out one goal, nine assists and six steals to lead the No. 11 San José State men's water polo team (4-2, 0-0 WCC) to a 13-9 win over No. 18 Harvard (2-6, 0-0 NWPC) and a 15-11 loss to No. 12 Princeton (6-0, 0-0 CWPI) on Saturday.
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| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | | |
MWP | Gaels Take Down Wagner and Mount St. Mary’s, Improve To
2-1 at Princeton Invitational
PRINCETON, N.J. - Saint Mary's men's water polo took down Wagner this morning by a score of 19-11 in a thrilling victory highlighted by a six-goal performance from graduate transfer Mason Black, before defeating Mount St. Mary's 16-6 this afternoon to improve to 2-1 at the Princeton Invitational and 5-5 on the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED VS. WAGNER
The Gaels started the game strong, as they've done so often this season, with Noah Bigara scoring within the first two minutes of action to get Saint Mary's going
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San Francisco Shuts Out UC Davis 6-0
DAVIS, Calif. -- The University of San Francisco men's soccer team turned in a dominant road performance Saturday evening, shutting out UC Davis, 6-0, at Aggie Soccer Field. With the victory, the Dons improved to 3-3-1 on the season.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
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San Francisco wasted little time creating pressure as Oscar Harris put an early shot on frame in the seventh minute before breaking through moments later. Harris finished a chance off an assist from Rylan Smith at 7:36 to give the Dons a 1-0 advantage.
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The Dons doubled their lead in the 20th minute when Ben Norris found the top-left corner for his first goal of the season, pushing San Francisco ahead, 2-0.
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| | Cate Shanahan had 23 kills and 10 digs Saturday versus CSU Bakersfield for her second double-double of the year. | | |
Volleyball Beats CSU Bakersfield
in Five
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SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Santa Clara University women's volleyball team defeated CSU Bakersfield, 3-2 (25-18, 23-25, 25-18, 21-25, 16-14) Saturday on day two of the Santa Clara Mission Classic at Leavey Center, evening its record on the weekend.
Cate Shanahan was named the "Player of the Match" after notching her second double-double of the year with 10 digs and a season-high 23 kills while hitting .372. Macy Hinshaw finished with 46 assists, 13 digs and two service aces for her fourth double-double of the season. Morgan Hayes notched her first double-double of 2026 with 13 kills, 11 digs and six total blocks. Lexi Trapani put up her second 20-digs performance of the season with 20 digs Saturday to go with seven assists.
Photo by: AJ Tino, Santa Clara Athletics
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| | University of Pacific Tigers | |
Rosa’s Game Winner Seals
Senior Day Victory
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STOCKTON, Calif. – The Pacific women's soccer program put together a spirited effort on Senior Day with senior Kaya Rosa notching the game-winning goal in the second half to secure a 1-0 victory over Cal State Bakersfield on Sunday afternoon from Knoles Field.
With a celebratory mood all day across the pitch thanks to Senior Day festivities, the Tigers (1-7) muscled out their first victory of the 2026 campaign with an aggressive, offensive-minded approach in defeating the Roadrunners (1-6).
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Field Hockey Begins
East Coast Road Trip at
Northeastern and Yale
DAVIS, Calif. — Following a four-game homestand to open the 2026 season, UC Davis field hockey begins its road slate this weekend as the Aggies travel East to face Northeastern on Friday, Sept. 11, at 2:00 p.m. PT, before heading to New Haven to match up against Yale on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 9:00 a.m. PT.
HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN/FOLLOW
Sep. 11 — at Northeastern | Live Stats | Live Stream | @ucdavisfh (X/Instagram)
Sep. 13 — at Yale | Live Stats | Live Stream | @ucdavisfh (X/Instagram)
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Cal State University East
Bay Pioneers
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Pioneers Close CCAA Road Weekend at Cal State San Bernardino
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Cal State East Bay closed out its first weekend of CCAA play Saturday evening with a three-set loss to unbeaten Cal State San Bernardino, 25-20, 25-15, 25-21, at Coussoulis Arena.
Coming off Friday's conference-opening victory at Cal State San Marcos, the Pioneers faced a San Bernardino team that entered the match unbeaten on the season.
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Watch any program on CCE's YouTube channel, or, for attorneys, earn MCLE credits online, economically, with "The Best in Topics and Talent."
Center for Continuing Education, Monterey, CA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved Provider, #8450
https://www.cce-mcle.com/
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Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, September 14, through
Sunday, September 20, 2026
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Monday, September 14
San Francisco Giants @ St. Louis Cardinals, 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15
San Francisco Giants @ St. Louis Cardinals, 4:45 p.m.
Athletics @ Tampa Bay Rays, 3:40 p.m.
Wednesday, September 16
San Francisco Giants @ St. Louis Cardinals, 10:15 a.m.
Athletics @ Tampa Bay Rays, 3:40 p.m.
Bay FC @ Denver Summit FC, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 17
Athletics @ Tampa Bay Rays, 10:10 a.m.
Friday, September 18
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:15 p.m.
Athletics @ Cleveland Guardians, 4:10 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Portland, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday,September 19
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 6:10 p.m.
Athletics @ Cleveland Guardians, 3:10 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LAFC, 4:30 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm, 6 p.m.
Cal Bears vs. Wagner Seahawks, 12:30 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal @ Duke Blue Devils, 1 p.m.
San Jose State Spartans vs. Fresno State Bulldogs, 8 p.m.
Sunday, September 20
San Francisco 49ers vs. Miami Dolphins, 1:25 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders @ Las Angeles Chargers, 1:05 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ Los Angeles Dodgers, 1:10 p.m.
Athletics @ Cleveland Guardians, 12:05 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Indy Eleven, 2 p.m.
Bay FC vs. Racing Louisville FC, 4:10 p.m.
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Publisher: Christopher Weills
Associate Publisher: Ann Cooke
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
Sales: Ayiko Konopaski
Contributors: Lydia Chain, Steve Chain, Harvey Cohen, Andy Dolich, Pete Elman, Rob Flammia, Bruce Macgowan, Robert Moselle, Howard Pearlstein, Amaury Pi-Gonzalez, T. Buff, Shelia Young. Dave Newhouse (dec.)
Software Engineer / Sports Today! Editor: Medhavee Upadhyaya
Technology Advisors: Silas Everett, Gaurav Chaulagain
Staff Photographers: Jeff Bayer, Alex Ho, Ed Jay, Ron Sellers, Darren Yamashita, Rich Yee, Kenny Karst (retired), Elliott Smith (dec.)
Advisor: Arif Khatib
Artist: Carl Macki
Website: www.UltimateSportsGuide.net
Contact us at: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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FIELD OF PLAY
For the past 60 years, Michael Zagaris has taken his camera behind the scenes of the NFL, capturing the moments that define America’s game.
To order: https://www.zagarisbook.com/
| | LOL, Loss of Logo: What’s Your Next Move? was written for sports professionals by Andy Dolich and Jack Hirschman and offers valuable takeaways for everyone chasing the fancy logo and corner office. | | The Emerald Mile: The epic and award-winning story of the fastest ride in history through the heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko. A thrilling true tale during the legendary flood of 1983. | | |
The Ultimate Sports Guide is very appreciative to the ongoing contributions made by former staff photographer Kenny Karst and Robert Moselle. Mr. Karst, now retired, continues to contribute helpful ideas and his archives.
Mr. Moselle, Esq., is now lending his extensive editorial experience and marketing savvy to the publication.
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