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October 19 -- October 25, 2026
Issue No. 664
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Isaac Asimov
January 2, 1920 -- April 2, 1992
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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
Cal Bears 7, West Forest Demon Deacons 41
Cal Bears (WBkB) 53 , UCLA Bruins 87
Features & Commentary
CFP National Championship Carousel, by Robert Moselle
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, from the Autograph Collection
of Rich Yee
Hardly Trivial, by T. Buff
Las Vegas Raiders & Buffalo Bills Fans, by Ed Jay
Logo This!, by Andy Dolich
Newsletter, Image, Likeness, by Darren Heitner, Esq.
Opposing Offensive Strategies & Quandaries, by Carl Macki
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Opposing Offensive Strategies
& Quandaries
Have An Opinion?
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49ers Skipper Kyle Shanahan and Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson make fascinating subjects for a study in contrast and comparison because few coaches better demonstrate how a shared offensive foundation can produce
strikingly different systems.
Both speak much of the same offensive language:
pre-snap motion, play-action deception and a
running game designed to make every call
strengthen the next.
Shanahan favors disciplined outside-zone structure,
bootlegs and clearly defined quarterback reads;
Johnson counters with a broader running menu,
rotating backs, inventive personnel packages
and greater freedom to adapt.
Their methods differ—but both aim to keep defenses
reacting instead of thinking.
-- Afterword --
Chicago Bears 31, Atlanta Falcons 23
The Chicago Bears enjoyed a comfortable cushion through much of Sunday’s ride through Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the final stretch required tightening their seat belts.
Back behind the wheel after missing three games with a hamstring injury, Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams completed his first 12 passes and finished 30 of 36 for 305 yards and a touchdown. The Bears cruised to a 31–7 lead. Then came the potholes: a costly fumble, two Atlanta touchdowns and a pair of two-point conversions. Suddenly, the Falcons were closing fast at 31–23. But Chicago’s defense hit the brakes, forcing a late fumble, and the Bears’ ground game ran out the clock, putting the victory in park.
Conceived and illustrated by Carl Macki. Comments?
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
| | Sports Today's CFP National Championship Carousel | | |
#1 Georgia - LOST: #2 Notre Dame- LOST: #5 Indiana - LOST (finally!): #6 Alabama - LOST: #7 Texas - LOST
In all, five Top Seven teams lost for the first time EVER!
In the contest to be #1, it is likely that first-place votes
will be split between three teams: No. 3 Miami (FL), winner in Double-OT over Florida State. No. 4 Ohio State, with two ranked wins on the road (with a sweet one over Indiana), and No. 8 BYU,
which beat No. 2 Notre Dame.
There are now six undefeated FBS teams:
No. 3 Miami (FL), No. 8 BYU, No. 10 Texas Tech, No. 11 Utah,
No. 12 UCLA and unranked James Madison, (the Rodney Dangerfield of College Football). Among the sports talk newsworthy losses were #1 Georgia to Auburn 27-24, #6 Alabama to Tennessee (26-10), #7 Texas to Florida 27-24, and #13 Missouri to Ole Miss (31-3).
Sports Today's CFP Carousel will return after data software issues have been resolved. In the interim, be safe!
Robert A. Moselle, Esq.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertamoselle/
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Golden State Valkyries 68
Atlanta Dream 64
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, October 17, 2026
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The Fight, The Composure, The Finish — Golden State Valkyries Win Game 1 of the WNBA Finals
LISTEN HERE!
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Cal Bears 7
Wake Forest Demon Deacons 41
Databricks Field at Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
Saturday, October 17, 2026
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Pre-game stretching with the quarterbacks including Jackson Brousseau (#11) smiling with optimism, unaware of what would transpire, as Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (#3), close to a full recovery, will be deployed later in the night.
The University of California Golden Bears lost to the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons, 41-7, in an ACC Conference game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday evening,
October 17, 2026 in Berkeley, CA
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Cal's first drive of the game set the tone for the evening as Mark Hamper (#15) would just come up short on the catch. On the play, the Deacons' Davaughn Patterson (#5)
would be called for targeting.
| | Late in the second quarter, on a fourth and three from the Wake Forest three-yard line, the pass slightly behind Trevor Rogers (#19) allowed the defender to get an arm in and break up the throw. The Deacons took over on downs. | | Early in the third quarter, during a time out and with the offense struggling to gain ground, Cal Offensive Pass Game Coordinator Pat McCann communicates with the booth to strategize what can kick-start the offense as quarterback Jackson Brousseau (#11) listens in. | |
With 8:34 left in the game, Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (#3) was back at the helm and hit Mason Mini
(#85) for a 28-yard touchdown.
To view a photo album, visit www.ultimatesportsguide.net
Photos and captions by Ron Sellers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3L3Zw3Izy0
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Andy Dolich, a well-known American sports executive, has more than five decades of experience in the professional sports industry, including executive positions in the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB. Dolich recently updated his business card to reflect the teams he has assisted during his 56-year career. Andy currently operates
a sports consultancy in Los Altos, CA
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Logo This!!!
by Andy Dolich
In a recent conversation with a colleague at a nationally prominent ad agency, I wanted to get a few business cards from their key clients.
His reaction: “Andy, you are so yesterday. We live in the digital age. Nobody uses paper business cards anymore.”
I glanced up to my office wall to see a framed display of my 21 different business cards from a 56-year career.
I related this interchange with the Ultimate Sports Guide's Brain Trust as they cover the Bay Area sports scene with greater inclusion and depth than any other sporting publication. On a weekly basis: Pro Teams, Colleges, High Schools and events find themselves with readers throughout Northern California.
I could tell they were about to unveil a new type of business card for those who have several logoed sports during their careers -- and they did. See above! (Courtesy Medhavee Upadhyaya.)
Why Business Cards Are Still Useful
- In-Person Networking: Handing over a physical card at trade shows, conferences, or sales meetings creates a tangible, memorable first impression
- Instant Exchange: They provide a quick, low-friction option when digital sharing is inconvenient or technical issues arise
- Brand Credibility: A well-designed, high-quality card signals professional preparedness and acts as a mini-marketing asset
Here Are A Few Easy Steps To Have One Created For You
- Check out Andy's card above
-
Send a note to the Ultimate Sports Guide that you are interested in a customized career card and would like more information
- We will send you the details on how we will create your card
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
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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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Cal Bears 53
UCLA Bruins 87
Haas Pavilion -- Berkeley, CA
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
| The 2026-27 Cal Bears women's basketball team took to the court for the first time to participate in the Jason Kidd Foundation exhibition game against the defending National Champions UCLA Bruins on Wednesday, October 14th at Haas Pavilion. The Bruins emerged with an 87-53 victory. | |
Senior guard Lulu Twidale led the Bears with 13 points
and added four rebounds.
| Freshman point guard Ruby Perkins dished out five assists with 12 points in her first action with the Bears. | California Golden Bears guard Lulu Twidale (10) talks to a referee after a fan touched a ball going out of bounds during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Haas Pavilion | The California Golden Bears bench celebrates after a three-point basket by guard Lulu Twidale (not shown) during the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Haas Pavilion | |
Former California Golden Bears guard Jason Kidd (center) is introduced to the crowd during the third quarter against the UCLA Bruins at Haas Pavilion. To visit a photo album, visit
www.ultimatesportsguide.net
All photos and captions by Darren Yamashita.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJCp51WCUjk
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Las Vegas Raiders &
Buffalo Bills Fans
Las Vegas, NV
Sunday, October 18, 2026
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Buffalo Bills fans were spotted at the Raiders Tailgate before the game on 10/18/26. About 1/3 of the Stadium was
filled with Bills fans. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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Raiders tailgates always bring out the dedicated fans.
Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
| Her aspirations are good. To be a Raiderette, one of Footballs Fabulous Females. The Bills had a cheerleading squad called the Jills until 2014. Photo and caption by Ed Jay. | |
This Bills fan was hedging his bet in case the Raiders won
the game. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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It’s very common for hardcore fans to have tattoos of their
favorite team. Photo and caption by Ed Jay.
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San Francisco Fleet Week
San Francisco, CA
Friday, Saturday, Sunday -- October 9, 10, 11, 2026
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The San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show was held on October 9,
10 and 11 and the heart of the air show was Marina Green in San Francisco. Headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Air Show is also the only show in the United States featuring a commercial airliner, the United 777 which performed a fully choreographed aerial demonstration over the Bay.
Photo by Rich Yee.
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Join Ms. Annie and the ladies on a break. Donate & join them!
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Don't Miss Out!
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over 18,622 guests have visited our remarkable new site for sports updates and outstanding photography.
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San Francisco Giants pitcher Jackson Flora is the Giants'
No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline
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3 Giants prospects to
watch in 2027
This story was excerpted from Maria Guardado’s Giants Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
By Maria Guardado
The Giants badly underperformed at the big league level this year, but the results were far rosier on their farm system.
San Francisco’s Minor League affiliates combined to post the best winning percentage (.577) and run differential (+540) of any organization in the Majors this season, earning Farm System of the Year honors from MLB Pipeline.
Seventeen players made their MLB debuts with the Giants in 2026, and the youth movement could gain even more steam once the next wave of young talent begins to crest in San Francisco.
Here are three promising prospects who could have a chance to make an impact in 2027:
1. Jackson Flora, RHP (Giants’ No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline)
The Giants entered the season with a shortage of impact arms in their farm system, but they started to fill that void by selecting Flora with the fourth overall pick of the 2026 MLB Draft.
Flora, the top-ranked pitcher in his Draft class, is already generating buzz, as he struck out 10 and allowed only one hit over five scoreless innings in his first three pro starts in the Minors, two of which came in the playoffs.
Flora, 21, made his first two outings for Single-A San Jose before getting a late promotion to Double-A Richmond, where he struck out four over two perfect innings in Game 2 of the Eastern League playoffs.
Could that sizzling performance compel the Giants to keep Flora at Double-A Richmond for the start of the 2027 season?
continued...
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"Join us for Great Food,
Great Beer and a Great Time."
We are located one block from the Moscone Convention Center, only a short walk from many of downtown San Francisco's familiar hotels, attractions, and diverse businesses. Open Monday through Thursday 4pm. Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12pm. Come by and raise a glass with us. Sláinte!
www.thechieftain.com
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The Ultimate Sports Guide seeks talented souls to join our growing company in a Sales capacity. Social Media knowledge and skills a Big Plus!
If you like Sports, consider joining the USG Team. Send along your resume and get ready
to Play Ball!
Write: theultimatesportsguide@gmail.com
p.s. -- The handsome gentleman above is a
regular at USG's Central Coast office.
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Which A's prospects could make impact in the Majors in 2027?
by Martín Gallegos
This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos' Athletics Beat
newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe
to get it regularly in your inbox.
| | |
On the surface, the 2026 season was a failure for the Athletics.
Entering Spring Training with serious playoff aspirations as they looked to build off momentum generated at the end of ‘25, the A’s instead went out and finished with a record of 64-98 – 12 fewer wins than the previous year – for yet another year near the bottom of the American League West.
The Athletics have developed a promising young core of players at the Major League level over the past few years, with homegrown talent such as Nick Kurtz, Tyler Soderstrom, Jacob Wilson and Lawrence Butler laying the foundation for what the organization believes will be the group that can lead it back to the playoffs.
The pipeline does not stop there. Here’s a look at some other young players who could soon make an impact:
3 players who forced their way onto the radar this year
OF Henry Bolte
Bolte graduated from his status as a top prospect to a budding star this season. Called up from Triple-A Las Vegas on May 12, Bolte quickly seized an everyday role in center field for the A’s. He finished his rookie campaign slashing .277/.359/.405 with 11 home runs, 16 doubles, 38 RBIs, 57 runs and 21 stolen bases in 119 games, becoming just the third rookie in franchise history with 10 homers and 20 steals in a season and the first since Mitchell Page in 1977.
With his exciting combination of speed and power, Bolte might only just be scratching the surface of the type of player he will develop into. The A’s certainly see superstar potential in the 23-year-old outfielder.
continued....
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The Oakland Ballers are joining the Long Beach Coast In the
2026 Fall League. Ulsan, South Korea.
October 8, 2026
Oakland Ballers contingent to
play in 2026 KBO Fall League
in Ulsan, South Korea
Don Wakamatsu will come out of managerial retirement to lead the team, joined by veteran international coach John McLaren.
The Long Beach Coast have been invited to the 2026 KBO Fall League in Ulsan, South Korea from October 15–31, and they are bringing a contingent of past and present Oakland Ballers greats with them. This will be the first American team ever to play in the KBO Fall League.
The roster will include current and former players from the Pioneer Baseball League. And from the Ballers side, there are a lot of familiar names in the mix.
That Ballers group includes:
Ren Abe-Arias, SP, Oakland Ballers
Tremayne Cobb Jr., SS, Oakland Ballers
Esai Santos, UTIL, Oakland Ballers
Jeter Ybarra, 1B, Oakland Ballers
Logan Johnstone, OF, Oakland Ballers
James Colyer, P, Winnipeg Goldeyes
Luke Short, SP, Cleburne Railroaders
Adam Bogosian, P, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
Conner Richardson, P, Cleburne Railroaders
A full roster and schedule can be found HERE.
continued...
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Mykel Williams Returns to Action After ACL Recovery
Brooke Evans
Digital Editor
Oct 11, 2026 at 01:30 PM
After nearly a year away from the field, San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Mykel Williams is set to make his return. Williams suffered a season-ending ACL injury during his rookie campaign in 2025.
Selected by San Francisco with the 11th-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from Georgia, Williams made an immediate impact during his rookie year. He started all nine games he appeared in, recording a total of 20 tackles and one sack before his season was cut short by his injury.
"I'm ready to go. I'm excited to play ball. I miss playing ball," Williams said Wednesday. "It's been a near year since I've played. I just want to get back on the field."
Williams underwent surgery on November 25, 2025, and spent the offseason working through the challenges of rehabilitation. Throughout the process, he leaned on fellow defensive lineman Nick Bosa, who has experienced ACL injuries of his own.
continued...
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Warriors Wrap Up Preseason With A Win Against Portland
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October 16, 2026 9:36 PM PDT
The Golden State Warriors finished their preseason slate with a 128-118 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night at Chase Center. After a slow start, the Warriors gained the lead down the stretch in the first quarter and did not concede it for the rest of the contest with their largest advantage reaching 25 in the third quarter. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green orchestrated the offense as Curry led the team in scoring with 20 points and seven 3-pointers in 23 minutes while Green tallied a game-high 11 assists. The Warriors had five players record double-digits in scoring.
FINDING A GROOVE IN THE FIRST FRAME
Yaxel Lendeborg opened up the scoring for the Warriors after they shot 0-7 over the first four minutes of the game. Down 10-2, the Dubs came back from a timeout with renewed energy, launching a 13-5 scoring run to tie it up before Portland called for a timeout of their own. Sustaining their offensive pressure, the Warriors took a dominant nine point lead to end the first quarter with Georges Niang pacing the team with 13 points.
HORFORD HOT FROM BEYOND THE ARC
Al Horford ended the opening frame by hitting back-to-back triples with less than a minute left to secure a nine point advantage at the break. The 20-year veteran continued shooting with flare in the second quarter, scoring a pair of 3-pointers just a minute apart. Horford finished the game 5-for-8 from the 3-point line with 15 points.
LENDEBORG CLOSES OUT HIS IMPRESSIVE PRESEASON CAMPAIGN
Yaxel Lendeborg rounded out his strong preseason performances with a 17-point night against the Trail Blazers. The rookie averaged 15.6 PPG across five preseason games played.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
continued...
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DeBrincat ties it late in third, Red Wings defeat Sharks in shootout
Raymond scores only goal in tiebreaker; Celebrini has three points for San Jose
By Dave Hogg
NHL.com Independent Correspondent
October 17, 2026
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DETROIT -- Alex DeBrincat scored the tying goal with 1:33 left in the third period, and the Detroit Red Wings defeated the San Jose Sharks 4-3 in a shootout at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday.
Lucas Raymond scored the only goal in the shootout, after Detroit shooters had missed their first eight attempts of the season.
“That’s obviously a big goal, because it gets us a win and two points before we go on the road,” said Raymond, who hasn’t scored this season. “I’d love to see one go in, but I’ll keep shooting and something will go in.”
Emmitt Finnie had a goal and an assist for Detroit (3-3-2), which has a four-game point streak (2-0-2) and finished a stretch of playing seven of its first eight games at home.
“It impresses me how quickly he has adjusted from playing the wing to playing center,” Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said. “He’s worked very hard on that.”
John Gibson made 31 saves.
“It was great to finish this with two wins,” Gibson said. “We have faced some adversity and been down in games, but we’re staying close and finding ways to win.”
Macklin Celebrini had a goal and two assists, and Ivar Stenberg had a goal and an assist for San Jose (4-3-1), which had been 4-0 in overtime and shootouts. Former Red Wings goalie Alex Nedeljkovic made 24 saves.
continued...
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MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, Nashville SC 1
Saturday, Oct 17, 2026, 10:03 PM
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes drew with league leaders Nashville SC 1-1 Saturday night in front of 16,425 fans at PayPal Park to extend the team’s unbeaten streak to nine league matches and clinch a spot in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2023.
The Earthquakes almost opened the scoring in stunning fashion in minute 19 when Jamar Ricketts fed Preston Judd in the box but the latter’s backheel bounced off the post. Instead the visitors struck first in minute 34 when Hany Mukhtar blasted a shot at edge of the six-yard box from the right half-space. Though Angus Gunn saved it, the rebound rolled right back to Mukhtar who hammered it for the near post by the San Jose goalkeeper for a
1-0 lead.
After intermission, the Earthquakes equalized from a free kick in minute 70. Eduard Löwen sent a deep curling ball from the right channel into the box and a streaking Preston Judd willed a kneeling header past goalkeeper Brian Schwake for the 1-1 score. In minute 91, the visitors had a golden opportunity to pull ahead but Angus Gunn denied Elias Saad’s effort in the box to preserve the point.
With both San Diego FC and the Portland Timbers drawing their respective matches, the Quakes clinched a playoff spot.
The full “Quakes Replay” of tonight’s match is scheduled to air this weekend on KTVU Plus (date/time TBD). For highlights, analysis and features, fans can also watch the new half-hour magazine show “Quakes Exclusive,” which will next air on Friday, Oct. 30, on KTVU Plus at 8 p.m. PT and KTVU FOX 2 at 8:30 p.m. PT.
The Quakes now travel to face FC Dallas on the road Saturday, Oct. 24. Kickoff from Toyota 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 KNBR 680 AM/104.5 FM (English) and La Kaliente 1370 AM (Spanish).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9C9CRTQUvM
continued...
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Roots Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With 4-2 Road Victory Over FC Tulsa
October 17, 2026
Needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, Roots overcame two deficits on the road on Saturday night in Oklahoma, eventually defeating FC Tulsa by a final score of 4-2.
Tulsa opened up the scoring just moments after the initial whistle, when a run up the left side and a cross to the top of the Oakland box led to a shot from Logan Dorsey which took a deflection off a body, nullifying Kendall McIntosh’s save attempt as the ball found the back of the net to make it 0-1 in the third minute.
But Oakland equalized in the 21st minute after a great headed through ball from midfield from Peter Wilson gave Wolfgang Prentice room to run in the final third, weaving his way into the box before tucking a low shot into the bottom left to bring the match level at 1-1.
Like a mirror of the first half, however, Tulsa regained the lead four minutes into the second frame when a string of precision passing in Roots’ defensive third led to a wide open first touch shot from Dorsey which beat McIntosh to the left side once again, this time without the aid of a deflection to bring the score to 1-2 in the 49th minute.
And the reflection continued moments later in the 60th when Wolfgang Prentice leveled the match again, earning his brace when two clinical passes, first a through ball up the left side from David Garcia, and then a perfect low cross through traffic into the box from Bertin Jacquesson found Prentice wide open near the 12-yard dot and making no mistake with the finish to make it 2-2.
But the mirror was shattered in the 83rd minute when Oakland took their first lead of the night late in the game when a rocket from near the top of the box taken by Julian Bravo was initially saved, but the rebound came straight to the feet of Roots’ all-time scoring leader Peter Wilson who rifled the second chance opportunity into the back of the net to give Oakland a crucial 3-2 lead with regulation dwindling.
And it was deja vu just moments later in the 87th when another rebound, this time from an initial shot by Wilson, found Bertin Jacquesson with pace into the box, banging it home to extend their lead to the eventual final score of 4-2.
Roots will play one more regular season game in 2026, next Saturday, October 24th on the road versus NorCal rivals Sacramento Republic FC at 7 PM PT in what, depending on results around the league, could turn out to be the most important match of the entire season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiN5WxobKV8
continued...
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Match Recap: Bay FC earn a point in 2-2 draw vs. Portland Thorns FC
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2026) – Bay FC earned a point from a 2-2 draw Sunday vs. Portland Thorns FC in a back-and-forth contest at PayPal Park. The home side roared back to equalize after conceding an early goal, before pulling ahead near the mid-way point of the second half. Bay FC finishes the day with a point earned, with only a late Portland equalizer keeping the team from claiming all three points.
“I could taste three points if I’m honest,” said Head Coach Emma Coates. “I think I’m really proud of the girls, we dealt with a lot this week in terms of players coming back from international duty, lots of injuries, a real thin squad and you know I think we for the most part played really well. As I say, just disappointing that we let three points slip through our hands.”
Portland earned the game’s first chance shortly after the opening whistle. A ninth minute corner kick was headed on frame by the visitors but missed the target high. Thorns FC earned the ball back shortly after play resumed and capitalized on a transition opportunity. Portland midfielder Morgan Weaver netted the first score of the game, sending one through from the top of the box.
continued...
| | Hardly Trivial by T. Buff | |
After week five of the 2026 NFL season, only three teams remain winless
The Dolphins, Chargers and Titans, all AFC teams,
are 0-5. I'm wondering if one of the teams will go 0-17 for the 2026 season, setting a new record for
losses in a regular season.
Two teams are tied with 16 losses.
Name one, you are pretty smart.
Name both you are a genius...
answer below
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Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders -- from the Autograph Collection of Rich Yee | |
While I was stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan, we were visited by the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders as part of their USO tour of overseas military bases. After their cheer performance they did a meet & greet session and I was there to get autographs from all the girls there.
Rich Yee, Sports Today photographer
| |
A Remarkable Journey to Enjoy --
Simply Click for New Adventures
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Newsletter, Image, Likeness Vol. 206: The Rule The NCAA Wrote And The Rule It Enforces
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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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You may not know the name Owen Walz, but he lost a legal challenge on Wednesday. A San Diego Superior Court judge who granted the University of San Diego soccer player a temporary restraining order in September declined to convert it into a preliminary injunction, and Walz, a member of the high school class of 2022, will not play a fifth season while his case proceeds. As I understand it, the ruling turned on circumstances particular to Walz rather than on the meaning of Bylaw 12.6.
The NCAA won the hearing, but it did not answer the question that has now followed it into courtrooms from West Virginia to California, which is, if the Division I membership intended to exclude the class of 2022 from the new age-based eligibility model, why does the rule the NCAA published not say so?
The 2026-27 Division I Manual, published in mid-August, contains the new Bylaw 12.6. It provides that "an individual's period of eligibility for practice and competition shall be limited to five years," running from the earlier of full-time collegiate enrollment or the start of the academic year after the individual's 19th birthday. For an athlete who enrolled in the fall of 2022, the fifth of those years is 2026-27. The bylaw contains no carve-out for athletes who used a fourth season in 2025-26.
The NCAA does not argue otherwise. Its argument is that the Manual is not where the rule lives. The opening page of its opposition in Walz states that the relevant agreement "is set forth not in the Manual but in Proposal 2026-44," the legislative proposal the Division I Cabinet approved in late June, whose effective-date language limits application to athletes with "eligibility remaining (seasons and period of eligibility)." The supporting declaration from Jennifer Henderson, the NCAA's Managing Director of Academic and Membership Affairs, goes further. She states that NCAA staff "publish the manual as a courtesy to member-institutions" and that it is not her understanding that the Manual is a contract.
continued...
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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.”
continued...
| | Courtois Wins Sixth Consecutive Title at the 2026 World Sailing Women’s Match Racing World Championship | |
San Francisco Bay may have a reputation as a stern teacher, but skipper Pauline Courtois (FRA) and her Match in Pink by Normandy Elite Team proved to be quick studies at the 2026 World Sailing Women’s Match Racing World Championship (30 September to 4 October), hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club. Courtois and crew Maëlenn Lemaitre, Louise Acker and Laurane Mettraux, representing France’s Club de Voile Saint-Aubin Elbeuf, battled 11 teams across a range of conditions to win a historic sixth consecutive world-championship title. The invitation-only regatta was raced in J/22s and brought 12 of the world’s best all-women match-racing teams together to compete in what proved to be a match-racing masterclass.
Impressively, Courtois and crew won 19 of the 20 matches that they sailed.
"St. Francis Yacht Club would like to congratulate Pauline Courtois and her Match in Pink by Normandy Elite Team on their world-championship title,” said Susan Ruhne, StFYC’s 2026 Commodore. “The Bay delivered varied conditions over four days of racing, and StFYC’s Cityfront racecourse gave spectators the best stadium-style viewing experience possible.”
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| | Hardly Trivial Answer by T. Buff | | |
This link will take you to many winless seasons
involving more football leagues and other sports
than I could have imagined.
Go Patriots
Go American League
| | |
Lulu Twidale had four 3-pointers in a game for the
third time this season.
Cal Comeback Falls Short
Against Auburn
Twidale Leads Bears With 18 Points
| | |
By: Cal Athletics
Facing an eight-point deficit early in the fourth quarter, the California women's basketball team got to within two with 2:31 left but was unable to complete the comeback and fell 58-50 to Auburn in its second game of the Hoopfest Women's Challenge in Frisco, Texas on Wednesday evening. The loss was the Golden Bears' (6-2) first to the Tigers (8-0) after winning the previous two matchups each of the last two seasons.
continued...
| |
Pink Match Victory
Stanford defeats NC State, 3-1
STANFORD, Calif. – Behind a career-high 21 kills from Julia Blyashov, No. 16 Stanford defeated NC State, 19-25, 25-11, 25-21, 25-19, Sunday, at Maples Pavilion.
Stanford (12-6, 5-3 ACC) hit .377 as a team, while holding NC State (12-7, 3-5 ACC) to a .221 clip. The Cardinal, which donned white and pink jerseys in honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held an 8.0 to 4.0 advantage in blocks and a 49-44 edge in digs.
Blyashov posted her team-leading sixth double-double of the season by matching her career-high in kills to go with 12 digs. The senior hit .432 (21-2-44) and added three blocks and an assist.
continued...
| |
San José State Takes Down UNLV Behind Two First-Half Goals
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Fernando Duarte and Isac Enriquez both scored first half goals to lead the San José State men’s soccer team (6-6-2, 3-2-1 MW) in a 2-1 victory over UNLV (8-4-2, 4-2-0 MW) on Sunday afternoon from the Spartan Soccer Complex.
continued...
| | Saint Mary's College Gaels | | |
Drew Krystyn, Sam Baumuller and Inigo Izuzquiza (left to right)
MGOLF | Gaels Return to Bayonet for 2026 SMC Invitational
SEASIDE, Calif. - The Saint Mary's men's golf team will continue its fall campaign this week and return to Bayonet Golf Course to host the annual Saint Mary's Invitational starting on Monday, October 19. This is the third consecutive year the Gaels have hosted an event at Bayonet with 2024's edition titled as the Leadership and Golf Collegiate Championship before returning to the Saint Mary's Invitational in 2025.
continued...
| |
Dons Bring Offensive Pressure,
Tie Tigers, 1-1
SAN FRANCISCO - The San Francisco women's soccer team brought relentless offensive pressure all night against Pacific on Saturday night at Negoesco Stadium, and tied the Tigers, 1-1
With the tie, the Dons are now 3-7-2 overall and 0-4-1 in conference play.
continued...
| |
Bluett & FaragCao Advance
to the Doubles Semis at
the ITA Regionals
| | |
SEATTLE – The Santa Clara men's tennis doubles team of Luca Bluett and Adam FaragCao took care of business in the quarterfinals of the ITA Northwest Regional Championships on Sunday to advance to the semifinals. The Broncos also had another doubles tandem as well as a pair of singles players in the quarterfinal rounds but were unable to move on.
continued...
| | University of Pacific Tigers | | Princeton Outlasts Pacific on Sunday | | |
STOCKTON, Calif. – Competing in its third straight contest, No. 11 University of the Pacific men's water polo team (6-8) dropped a narrow 11-10 nonconference decision to No. 7 Princeton (16-2) Sunday afternoon at Chris Kjeldsen Pool at the Douglas E. Eberhardt Aquatics Center.
continued...
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Second Half Surge Lifts Thunderbirds Over Aggies
CEDAR CITY, Utah – No. 14/12 UC Davis (4-3, 2-2 Big Sky) returned to action on Saturday night, but the Aggies were unable to fend off a second half surge from Southern Utah (3-4, 2-2 Big Sky) as the Thunderbirds secured a 38-17 victory at Eccles Coliseum.
Photo: Mick Dunning / UC Davis Athletics / The Wary One
continued...
| | |
Cal State University East
Bay Pioneers
| |
Pioneers Fall to San Francisco State in Four Sets
HAYWARD, Calif. – The Cal State East Bay volleyball team fell to San Francisco State in four sets Saturday afternoon at Pioneer Gymnasium. The Pioneers responded to an opening-set loss with a strong second-set performance but were unable to maintain that momentum, falling 17-25, 25-18, 21-25 and 12-25. East Bay moved to 7-10 overall and 5-4 in CCAA play.
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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/
| | |
Weekly Bay Area
Sports Calendar
Monday, October 19, through
Sunday, October 25, 2026
| | |
Monday, October 19
San Francisco 49ers vs. Washington Commanders, 5:15 p.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Toronto Maple Leafs, 4:30 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20
San Jose Sharks @ Montreal Canadiens, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21
Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers, 7 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries @ Atlanta Dream, 5 p.m.
Sacramento Kings @ Los Angeles Clippers, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 22
San Jose Sharks @ Ottawa Senators, 4 p.m.
Friday, October 23
Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 7 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 7 p.m.
Stanford Cardinal vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday October 24
Golden State Warriors @ Phoenix Suns, 7 p.m.
Golden State Valkyries @ Atlanta Dream, 10 a.m.
San Jose Sharks @ Boston Bruins, 4 p.m.
San Jose Earthquakes @ Dallas FC, 5:30 p.m.
Oakland Roots SC @ Sacramento Republic FC, 7 p.m.
Bay FC @ Angel City FC, 5:45 p.m.
Cal Bears @ SMU Mustangs, 9 a.m.
San Jose State Spartans @ Nevada Wolf Pack, 2 p.m.
Sunday, October 25
San Francisco 49ers @ Atlanta Falcons, 10 a.m.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams, 1:25 p.m.
Sacramento Kings vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 6 p.m.
| | |
Publisher: Christopher Weills
Associate Publisher: Ann Cooke
Marketing Director: Robert Moselle
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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.)
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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
| | |
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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