This isn’t the obituary for the UNLV soccer season. 

The Rebels’ 44-41 loss in time beyond regulation Friday at house towards Syracuse might have squashed hopes of reaching the School Soccer Playoff, nevertheless it doesn’t diminish what this system has completed and the route it’s headed.

If something, the style through which the Rebels fought again from a pair of double-digit deficits to narrowly lose in a heartbreaker reaffirms simply how particular the upcoming weeks — and seasons — of UNLV soccer might probably be.

UNLV had Syracuse stopped in time beyond regulation, however a late hit name on the Rebels prolonged the drive and Orange working again LeQuint Allen scored the game-winner a couple of performs later.

Sure, this one hurts. Actual unhealthy. They need to have received.

It’s vital to have a look at the massive image: Jockeying for a spot within the playoff indicators a brand new period for UNLV. Bear in mind, this system’s commonplace for many years had been beating UNR and making an attempt to muster six wins to grow to be bowl eligible.

“We perceive this recreation received’t outline us,” coach Barry Odom mentioned. “It’s how we reply that can. The gamers are gutted as a result of they invested a lot and got here up brief.”

The nonleague loss drops UNLV’s total report to 4-1, however it’s nonetheless undefeated in league and one of many favorites to win the Mountain West title. The Rebels will make a bowl recreation this season for the second straight 12 months — the primary time that’s occurred in program historical past.

Being upset as a result of the crew got here up a hair brief means the bar of success has been raised and the expectations altered. This crew scratched and clawed its approach again into the sport and deserves reward for not backing down.

“We obtained punched, and we responded,” Odom mentioned. “I used to be not shocked by the response our crew had. Now we have a troublesome, robust crew — each mentally and bodily.”

One other silver lining: UNLV followers packed Allegiant Stadium to point out their help. The attendance of 31,329 was the third largest for a UNLV recreation in Allegiant historical past. One of the best was 35,193 for Iowa State in 2021 — however that was largely Iowa State backers.

The roar of the group was so profound it felt like these glory days rooting for Jerry Tarkanian’s Rebels on the basketball court docket. It’s so refreshing to see the help for the hometown college.

And it’s nicely deserved.

For the primary time in program historical past, the Rebels performed with a quantity subsequent to their title on the scorecard, ranked No. 25 by the Related Press.

And No. 25 UNLV seemed the half, battling forwards and backwards towards a decent Syracuse squad with a notable quarterback, and arguably giving the sport away.

It was a outstanding comeback.

Not solely did the Rebels path 14-0 after the primary quarter, they seemed terrible in permitting Syracuse to push them round. Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord accomplished 11 straight passes to open the sport, certainly aided by UNLV’s struggles to hurry the quarterback or acquire traction within the secondary.

Then, the Rebels made changes. They confirmed battle. They confirmed that very same grit they’d a couple of weeks in the past on the street towards Kansas, the place they one way or the other received regardless of being outplayed early and never with the ability to full passes.

It began with Jai’Den Thomas’ 42-yard run within the second quarter all the way down to the Syracuse 10-yard line, an electrical, bodily run that introduced the group to its ft. The run modified the tone of the sport in exhibiting UNLV wouldn’t be a pushover.

Hajj-Malik Williams connected with Kaleo Ballungay for a landing go a couple of performs later, and UNLV would rating 21 unanswered factors for a 21-17 halftime lead.

That wasn’t essentially the most spectacular comeback of the night time.

Syracuse scored a pair of touchdowns 36 seconds aside early within the third quarter for a 31-21 lead, and UNLV once more seemed prefer it was going to lose. 

However Ricky White blocked a punt and true freshman Charles Correa, a neighborhood product from Bishop Gorman, scooped up the ball in the long run zone to even the rating at 31-all. Once more, the electrical energy within the stadium was not like something I’ve seen for this program in practically 5 many years of residing right here.

“Town of Las Vegas has been great to us,” mentioned Odom, this system’s second-year coach. “The vitality helped us, and I used to be very grateful for what we’ve performed in 21 months to show this into that. We’ll solely develop (the fan help) from right here.”

Syracuse responded by bringing the ball deep into UNLV territory within the fourth quarter, however Jackson Woodard intercepted a go on the Insurgent 6-yard line to arrange a 94-yard scoring drive. 

Williams’ third landing go of the sport went to White for 9 yards with 2:58 to play — which left an excessive amount of time on the clock for Syracuse. The Orange pressured time beyond regulation with a McCord landing go to Jackson Meeks with 23 seconds remaining.

There’s loads of alternatives to nitpick about how the top of the sport went. The Rebels didn’t use any of their timeouts within the second half, dropped at the least one interception, and had that premature penalty.

However, like Odom says, the best way UNLV responds to the teachings from a troublesome loss will outline the season. Buckle up, everybody, the following three months of Insurgent soccer could possibly be as thrilling as Friday night time.

LAS VEGAS — — LeQuint Allen instructed Syracuse coach Fran Brown within the first half that the ache in his decrease left leg was an eight out of 10. He additionally mentioned he wasn’t popping out of the sport.

Good factor for the Orange, as Allen powered into the top zone from a yard out in time beyond regulation to offer Syracuse a 44-41 victory over No. 25 UNLV on Friday night time, 4 days after the Rebels broke into the AP High 25 for the primary time in program historical past.

“Simply placing all of it on the road for my staff,” Allen mentioned. “On the finish of the day, if I can run and I can jog, I nonetheless wish to go on the market for my staff. No one’s greater than ‘The S.’”

After Caden Chittenden made a 41-yard subject objective to offer the Rebels (4-1) a 41-38 lead in time beyond regulation, the Orange (4-1) used eight performs and walked it off with Allen’s fourth landing of the sport, because the 200-pound working again dragged UNLV’s 230-pound linebacker Jackson Woodard for roughly 4 seconds earlier than plunging into the top zone.

Allen rushed 19 occasions for 71 yards and two touchdowns, and had 9 catches for 58 yards and two extra scores.

“He’s been doing that, that’s simply what he does — that’s LeQuint,” Brown mentioned. “By no means stops speaking, by no means stops simply wanting the soccer. He’s by no means not open. He’s a aggressive man.”

Kyle McCord, who transferred in from Ohio State in the course of the offseason, was 40 of 63 for 355 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception for Syracuse. Oronde Gadsen II hauled in 10 passes for 142 yards for the Orange — each profession highs.

UNLV’s Hajj-Malik Williams accomplished 21 of 25 passes for 227 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

Ricky White III had 10 catches for 135 yards and a landing. The receiving star additionally compelled Syracuse punter Jack Stonehouse to abort an merchandise after which later blocked a punt, his second of the season.

“Taking a look at what this staff did, we actually didn’t begin properly and stayed within the battle,” UNLV coach Barry Odom mentioned. “I hate it as a result of we acquired a troublesome staff, acquired nice younger males. We’re shut, however this may get us nearer. I’ve little question about that.”

With 31,329 in attendance — the third-highest since UNLV started enjoying at Allegiant Stadium in 2020 — the back-and-forth marathon featured 4 lead adjustments and three ties.

Syracuse struck first after McCord accomplished all seven makes an attempt throughout a nine-play drive, capped by a shovel cross Allen, who darted in from 8 yards out to place the Orange forward 7-0 halfway by means of the primary quarter. The Orange pushed the result in 14-0 on Allen’s second landing of the sport.

UNLV had outscored its earlier 4 opponents by a mixed rating of 52-14 within the first quarter, main in three of the video games after the primary. However the Rebels discovered their groove within the second quarter and outscored Syracuse 21-3 to take a 21-17 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Syracuse went proper to work within the third quarter, because it took the opening drive of the second half and drove 75 yards in 12 performs, capped off by McCord’s 6-yard strike to Allen, because the Orange regained the lead, 24-21.

One play after Syracuse security Duce Chestnut picked off Williams on the UNLV 20, it was Orange working again Yasin Willis racing unbothered for 21 yards to increase the result in 10, at 31-21.

UNLV would tie it due to Chittenden’s subject objective and a blocked punt returned for a landing — its second in two weeks — after which took a 38-31 lead on White’s 9-yard TD reception.

Trailing by seven with lower than three minutes left, the Orange drove 75 yards in 11 performs to tie it, with Jackson Meeks catching a 6-yard TD cross with 23 seconds left.

The Rebels selected to kneel on their first play of the ultimate drive in regulation, sending UNLV to its first time beyond regulation sport since 2021, a triple-overtime loss to Jap Washington.

The takeaway

White got here into the season billed as an All-America candidate at large receiver however continues to make performs on particular groups. He is the primary Insurgent to dam two punts in a season since Ronnie Smith had two in 2006.

Ballot implications

UNLV will probably lose its spot within the rankings after struggling its first lack of the season.

Up subsequent

Syracuse: At N.C. State on Oct. 12

UNLV: At Utah State on Oct. 11.

——

AP faculty soccer: Get ballot alerts and updates on the AP High 25 all through the season. Enroll right here. AP faculty soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

CNN
 — 

Because the WNBA season hurtles in the direction of its conclusion and 4 groups compete for a spot within the finals, the Las Vegas Aces staved off elimination with a win towards the New York Liberty, whereas Napheesa Collier made franchise historical past for the Minnesota Lynx as they took a 2-1 collection lead over the Connecticut Solar.

Dealing with elimination and the prospect of being swept within the WNBA semifinals, the two-time defending champions romped to a 95-81 victory over the Liberty in Sport 3 of the best-of-five collection on Friday.

Victory retains Las Vegas’ three-peat hopes alive for now, however the franchise will nonetheless must make WNBA historical past to advance, since no group has ever overcome a 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five playoff collection.

“Every part was simply on level with everyone,” Aces coach Becky Hammon instructed reporters afterward. “I believe that was in all probability our most full sport of the season, the sport I’ve been ready for and believing in that they’d.”

The sport was nonetheless hanging within the steadiness on the half with the Aces main 52-49. However after the break, the defending champions went on a 16-point run within the third quarter and led by 24 factors at one level within the fourth to grab management of the sport.

Jackie Younger scored 24 factors and Kelsey Plum scored 20 factors, whereas league MVP A’ja Wilson tallied 19 factors and 14 rebounds.

In the meantime, the Aces’ protection successfully shut down Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, holding her scoreless till the fourth quarter, not giving her “the sunshine of day,” as she stated afterward, per ESPN.

“They misplaced two video games permitting me to come back off screens and choose them aside offensively,” she stated. “So I believe this sport you had been capable of see the changes they made – sending two or three to the ball at one time and never letting me get something simple. There have been often three individuals in my face, it doesn’t matter what.”

Till Friday, the Aces hadn’t defeated the Liberty all season, dropping their three common season video games in addition to the primary two video games on this playoff collection. The win additionally marked Las Vegas’ twelfth consecutive house playoff victory, breaking the WNBA document beforehand shared by the Los Angeles Sparks (2001-04) and Sacramento Monarchs (2003-06).

Vegas will as soon as once more have house courtroom benefit when the groups subsequent play on the Michelob Extremely Area on Sunday at 3pm ET in Sport 4 of the collection.

Elsewhere on Friday, Collier led the Minnesota Lynx to a 90-81 victory over the Connecticut Solar, scoring 26 factors as she bounced again after struggling in Sport 2.

The Lynx now maintain a 2-1 lead within the collection and may advance to the WNBA Finals for the primary time since 2017 in the event that they win Sport 4 on Sunday.

Collier made franchise historical past along with her efficiency as she contributed 26 factors and 11 rebounds, changing into the primary Lynx participant to tally a number of 25-point, 10-rebound video games within the playoffs.

“It’s the regulation of averages. Typically you’ve got an off night time,” she instructed ESPN, afterward, referring to her Sport 2 efficiency the place she scored 9 factors. “However I knew I needed to are available – it’s the playoffs. It’s a must to play with an aggressive mindset, not remembering what occurred the sport earlier than, however staying within the current second.”

Sport 4 is in Connecticut on Sunday at 5pm ET.

SANTA CLARA — Trent Williams is one oldest gamers within the NFL and one of many best gamers of all time. That means he has the best requirements.

So on Friday, I requested him of whom operating again Jordan Mason reminds him. I figured Williams has seen a ton of operating backs since he entered the NFL in 2010.

“He jogs my memory of Marshawn Lynch a bit bit,” Williams mentioned. “He has a bit Beast Mode in him. I feel the quantity and the dreads put him in thoughts, however whenever you have a look at how arduous he runs and his cuts. As a result of as huge as Marshawn was, he had the toes of a ballerina. You watch him on the market within the open subject making folks miss or operating folks over. I feel it is the identical factor type of with Mason.”

“What’s it like blocking for Mason,” I requested one of many best left tackles ever.

“It is a pleasure,” Williams mentioned, “as a result of he can run by arm tackles. He runs arduous, man. He runs arduous. You realize it will take a committee to deliver him down. You simply take into consideration getting a man like that to the second degree to the place the smaller guys are, you are usually going to have loads of success with a man that runs like he does.”

When Williams completed answering my query, I circled and mentioned to Jordan Mason, whose locker was instantly behind me, “Trent Williams simply in contrast you to Marshawn Lynch unprompted.”

Mason blushed.

Obtain and comply with The Finest 49ers Podcast.

A brand new storm, which grew to become Tropical Storm Milton on Saturday, is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane earlier than taking goal on Florida this week.

Milton is predicted to strengthen to a hurricane on Monday morning after which make landfall alongside the Florida Peninsula on Wednesday.

The storm may make landfall as a Class 3 hurricane or stronger.

The Nationwide Hurricane Middle is urging residents alongside the west coast of Florida to have a hurricane plan in place and to remain up to date on the forecast because it evolves.

A separate system is already saturating Florida with 2 to five inches of rain this weekend, so by the point Milton reaches Florida, the flood risk might be elevated considerably.

5-day rain totals might attain 10 inches or extra in Florida by the point Milton leaves the state.

Storm surge and wind injury is also harmful alongside Florida’s west coast.

There seems to be hassle in paradise between the Inexperienced Bay Packers and Romeo Doubs. The veteran receiver was a non-participant in observe each Thursday and Friday, which has led to Doubs being suspended one recreation by the group for “negatively” impacting the group along with his “selections and actions.”

Doubs was beforehand listed as uncertain for the membership’s Week 5 matchup towards the Los Angeles Rams because of private causes. Since that closing damage report was launched, there’s been extra info that is introduced some readability — albeit ominous readability — to the scenario. 

Doubs reportedly is upset along with his position throughout the Packers offense and determined to skip out on these practices to finish the week due to that dissatisfaction. That call has since led to the Inexperienced Bay entrance workplace suspending Doubs for one recreation, which means he can be out for Week 5. By means of the primary month of the season, the 24-year-old has 20 targets, which is second on the group behind Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks, who each have 22 targets. 

Doubs was drafted within the fourth spherical of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Nevada and has been a gentle move catcher since coming into the league. To date, he has tallied 113 receptions for 1,268 yards and 11 touchdowns in 34 regular-season video games in his profession. He’s presently signed by way of the 2025 season, the place he’ll make a base wage of simply $1.1 million.

Given how cost-effective and productive Doubs has been all through his younger profession and paired with this report about his unhappiness with how the Packers are using him, it is sensible to contemplate the opportunity of a commerce. 

Nonetheless, it is price mentioning that CBS Sports activities NFL insider Jonathan Jones reviews that groups have referred to as the Packers about Doubs’ potential availability by way of commerce, and have been shut down. That mentioned, if this example devolves to a degree the place Inexperienced Bay does resolve to maneuver him, listed below are a handful of intriguing locations. 

You needed to see this coming, proper? Each time a participant of Doubs’ caliber or larger may very well be available on the market, it will not be lengthy earlier than the Chiefs are talked about as a doable touchdown spot. The membership definitely may use one other move catcher within the aftermath of wideout Rashee Rice struggling a knee damage that has now landed him on injured reserve and probably may sideline him for the complete season. Doubs may shortly turn into a high goal for Patrick Mahomes in a large receiver room that presently is headlined by rookie Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson and JuJu Smith-Schuster. 

Pittsburgh has been out there for a large receiver for some time now. TheSteelers had been within the thick of the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes earlier than he in the end determined to stick with the San Francisco 49ers and have additionally reportedly been sniffing round Raiders star receiver Davante Adams as he appears to be traded. Doubs would not increase the ceiling as excessive as Adams, however would give them a strong choice to pair with George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. 

Dallas may use one other large receiver injected into its offense. Whereas CeeDee Lamb already has 20 receptions for 316 yards and two touchdowns by way of the primary month, there isn’t any bona fide No. 2 behind him. Jalen Tolbert has been strong, averaging 40 yards receiving per recreation, however Doubs can be an improve in comparison with Brandin Cooks, who’s presently sidelined with a knee damage. For an offense that desperately wants further playmakers, Doubs is an inexpensive and efficient possibility. 

Cease me in case you’ve heard this earlier than — A former Inexperienced Bay Packer reuniting with Aaron Rodgers in New York. Rodgers performed with Doubs in his closing season with the Packers in 2022 and was productive because the then-rookie caught 42 of his 67 targets for 435 yards and three touchdowns that common season. Whereas the Jets are the obvious frontrunners to finally land Davante Adams, if that deal had been to fall by way of with Adams touchdown on one other group, Doubs would not be a nasty comfort prize to spice up the receiver room for New York.  

Probably an under-the-radar possibility right here. The Patriots offense is dangerous and desperately want some juice, significantly on the large receiver place. Popping out of the primary month, not one wideout has registered a complete of 100 receiving yards. Doubs may command a big goal share and is a younger piece so as to add to a rebuilding offense as he turned 24 in April. It is also price noting the connection that New England’s entrance workplace has with Inexperienced Bay as govt vice chairman of participant personnel Eliot Wolf labored within the Packers entrance workplace from 2004-2017. 

Terry McLaurin is the highest canine within the Washington receiver room, however the Commanders may definitely use one other participant of Doubs’ caliber. Past McLaurin, the membership has receivers Luke McCaffrey, Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown and Noah Brown (out Week 5 with a groin damage). With Jayden Daniels bursting onto the scene as a rookie sensation, it may propel the Commanders to speculate on this group straight away by giving them a lift on offense as they presently sit atop the NFC East coming into Week 5. 

GREEN BAY — The Inexperienced Bay Packers will probably be with out considered one of their high extensive receivers for Sunday’s sport in opposition to Rams in Los Angeles.

Romeo Doubs has been suspended by the group for conduct detrimental to the workforce. Doubs was at observe on Wednesday, however didn’t take part in observe on Thursday or Friday resulting from ‘private causes’.

Here’s a assertion from Inexperienced Bay GM Brian Gutekunst:

“Sadly, we needed to make the troublesome determination to droop Romeo for this week’s sport,” stated Gutekunst. “His choices and actions throughout the week negatively impacted the workforce and required us to take this motion. Whereas we’re actually dissatisfied, we’re assured that we will transfer ahead in a optimistic method. Romeo is a priceless member of our workforce and we sit up for welcoming him again subsequent week.”

Doubs has the second-most receiving yards and receptions on the workforce, solely trailing Jayden Reed in each classes.