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Usa Win Shebelieves Cup Reds on the Brink Old Firm

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MAR 12TH, 2020 • VOL 26 • ISSUE 33 PAGE 2 www.firsttouchonline.com

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Open 30 minutes before ONE BLOCK FROM TRAIN all early morning games! Fri 13-Mar Sun 15-Mar Tue 17-Mar La Liga EPL Champions League 4PM Real Madrid v Eibar 10AM West Ham Utd v Wolves 4PM Man City v Real Madrid Serie A 12:30PM Spurs v Man Utd 4PM Juventus v Lyon 3:45PM Bologna v Juventus Serie A Championship Championship 1PM Inter v Sassuolo 3:45PM Brentford v WBA 3:45PM Fulham v Brentford Sat 14-Mar 3:45PM Roma v Sampdoria Wed 18-Mar Sat 14-Mar MLS MLS 12:30PM NYCFC v Dallas 7PM Minnesota U v Red Bulls Champions League EPL 4PM Bayern Munich v Chelsea , L 8:30AM Watford v Leicester C La LIga La Liga 4PM Barcelona v Napoli 11AM Bournemouth v C Palace 11AM v Levante 11AM Athletic Club v A Madrid 11AM Brighton & HA v Arsenal 1:30PM Mallorca v Barcelona 4PM Sevilla v Real Betis Championship 11AM Man City v Burnley 4PM Celta Vigo v Villarreal 3:45PM Leeds Utd v Fulham 11AM Newcastle U v Sheff Utd 11AM Norwich v Southampton Bundesliga Mon 16-Mar Thu 19-Mar 1:30PM Aston Villa v Chelsea 10:30AM Dortmund v Schalke 10:30AM RB Leipzig v Freiburg EPL Europa League Championship 1:30PM U Berlin v B Munich 4PM Everton v Liverpool 1:55AM Wolves v Olympiakos 11AM Wed v N Forest 4PM Man Utd v LASK Linz ONE STOP FROM MANHATTAN

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The U.S. Women’s National Team beat curled the ensuing free kick over the Japan wall Japan 3-1 to claim the 2020 SheBelieves into the top left corner to put the USA up 1-0 in Cup title - and third SheBelieves cham- the 7th minute. pionship overall - in front of a sellout 43 West 26th Street crowd of 19,096 fans. Megan Rapinoe and In the 26th minute, Rapinoe intercepted a pass Btwn (6th & Bway) from Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita and Christen Press scored magnificent first 212-532-2643 quickly played the ball to Press at the top of the half goals that were followed by a late box. She sent magical chip over Yamashita and www.greybarnyc.com insurance strike to give into the net for joint team-leading seventh goal of /greybarnyc.com @GreyBarNYC the USWNT the victory. 2020 to put the WNT firmly in the driver’s seat.

The USA (3-0-0, 9 points) finished atop the tour- After Press’ goal, the USA has scored on both of nament standings while Spain (2-1-0, 6 points), its shots so far, and at that point, Japan needed welcoming refreshing vibrant which was making its debut in the competition, four goals to knock the USA out of first place. defeated England (1-2-0, 3 points) 1-0 on a late While the perennial Asian power came out with goal in the 84 th minute to finish second. England renewed energy in the second half after the USA Sunday Mar 15th finished third and Japan (0-3-0, 0 points) rounded had the better of the play in the opening stanza, out the standings. Spain attacker that was too big a mountain to climb. Serie A was named the Visa SheBelieves Cup MVP after Roma v Sampdoria scoring twice in the tournament. Franch, playing in just her fourth cap, made a fine double save in the 50 th minute, first knocking 3:45pm U.S. head coach shook up down a long-range drive from his starting XI with six changes to the lineup and then making a point-blank stop on the follow- Sat 14-Mar that began against Spain, bringing in goalkeeper up. Iwabuchi would not be denied on her next at- and defender tempt in the 58th minute when she snapped a shot EPL 1:30PM Aston Villa v Chelsea for their first action of the tournament as well as through traffic to haul Japan within a goal at 2-1. handing starts to outside back Kelley O’Hara, MLS Lindsey Horan and forwards Christen With the visitors ascendant and the USA trying to 12:30PM NYCFC v Dallas Press and Tobin Heath. find its shape after a slew of subs, Japan threat- ened again minutes later, but a sharp angled shot La Liga The new lineup wasted little time carving out the hit the inside of the left post and deflected away 1:30PM Mallorca v Barcelona lead as Horan was fouled on the edge of the pen- from the U.S. goal and with it went Japan’s last alty area as she dribbled toward goal. Rapinoe quality opportunity to tie 15-Mar match. EPL 12:30PM Spurs v Man Utd In the 83rd minute, substi- tute picked out Mon 16-Mar Upcoming Fixtures Horan with a that the WNT’s joint-leading scor- EPL KITCHEN OPEN UNTIL 11PM 7 DAYS Monday March 16th er powered inside the left post 4PM Everton v Liverpool v Everton to put the USA up 3-1 and on the path to claiming its third 4pm SheBelieves crown. 47-22 30th Ave. Astoria www.shillelaghtavern.com HOME OF @ROMACLUBNYC PAGE 4 www.firsttouchonline.com

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EPL GAMES ON TV SAT 14-MAR THIS WEEK... 8:30AM WATFORD V LEICESTER CITY Fri 13-Mar Sun 15-Mar (cont.) 11AM BOURNEMOUTH V CRYSTAL PALACE La Liga La Liga 11AM BRIGHTON & HA V ARSENAL 4:00 PM Real Madrid v Eibar beINsport 9:00 AM R Sociedad v Osasuna beINsport 11:00 AM Athletic Club v Atletico Madrid beINsport 11AM MAN CITY V BURNLEY Bundesliga 1:30 PM Granada v Getafe beINesp 11AM NEWCASTLE UTD V SHEFFIELD UTD 3:30 PM F Dusseldorf v Paderborn FS2 4:00 PM Sevilla v Real Betis beINsport 11AM NORWICH CITY V SOUTHAMPTON Championship Bundesliga 3:45 PM Fulham v Brentford ESPN+ 10:30 AM E Frankfurt v B Mgladbach FS1 1:30PM ASTON VILLA V CHELSEA 1:00 PM Augsburg v Wolfsburg FS2 Sat 14-Mar SUN 15-MAR EPL Mon 16-Mar 8:30 AM Watford v Leicester City NBCSN 10AM WEST HAM UTD V WOLVES 11:00 AM Bournemouth v Crystal Palace NBCgold EPL 11:00 AM Brighton & HA v Arsenal NBCgold 4:00 PM Everton v Liverpool NBCSN 12:30PM SPURS V MAN UTD 11:00 AM Man City v Burnley NBCSN 11:00 AM Newcastle Utd v Sheffield Utd NBCgold Bundesliga 11:00 AM Norwich City v Southampton NBCgold 3:30 PM W Bremen v B Leverkusen FS2 1:30 PM Aston Villa v Chelsea NBCSN MON 16-MAR Tue 17-Mar 4PM EVERTON V LIVERPOOL MLS 12:30 PM NYCFC v Dallas YES Champions League 2:30 PM Inter Miami v LA Galaxy FOX 4:00 PM Man City v Real Madrid TNT 4:00 PM Juventus v Lyon tbd La LIga 11:00 AM Valencia v Levante beINsport Championship CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1:30 PM Mallorca v Barcelona beINsport 3:45 PM Brentford v WBA ESPN+ 4:00 PM Celta Vigo v Villarreal beINsport Championship TUE 17-MAR Bundesliga 3:45 PM Brentford v WBA ESPN+ 10:30 AM B Dortmund v Schalke 04 FSplus 4PM MAN CITY V REAL MADRID 10:30 AM RB Leipzig v Freiburg TUDN Wed 18-Mar 1:30 PM Union Berlin v Bayern Munich FSplus Champions League Championship 4:00 PM Bayern Munich v Chelsea tbd WED 18-MAR 8:30 AM WBA v Birmingham City ESPN+ 4:00 PM Barcelona v Napoli TNT 11:00 AM Sheffield Wed v N Forest ESPN+ 4PM BAYERN MUNICH V CHELSEA Championship Wed 27-Feb Sun 15-Mar 3:45 PM Leeds Utd v Fulham ESPN+

EPL Copa Libertadores 10:00 AM West Ham Utd v Wolves NBCSN 6:15 PM Racing Club v Nacional beINsport 12:30 PM Spurs v Man Utd NBCSN 6:15 PM Internacional v America de Cali beINesp 8:30 PM Libertad v Boca Juniors beINesp 151 BLEECKER ST Scottish Premier 8:30 PM Bolivar v Palmeiras beINsport 8:00 AM Rangers v Celtic BRLive 212 - 260 - 9797 11:00 AM Livingston v Hearts BRLive DON’T SEE YOUR GAME HERE? CHECK OUR WEBSITE OR APP FOR A LIST OF GAMES REDLIONNYC.COM MLS LIVE STREAMING ON THE INTERNET 7:00 PM Minnesota Utd v NY Red Bulls FS1 This week’s cover: Liverpool’s Sadio Mane (left) and Atletico Madrid’s Augusto Felipe Download our FREE mobile app LIVE MUSIC EVERY NIGHT! for daily updates SEE SCHEDULE ON PAGE 21

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LIVE FOOTBALL FEATURING: IRISH BREAKFAST, FISH & CHIPS Sat 14-Mar EPL ALL YEAR ROUND! CHICKEN MADRAS SOCCER PIES 8:30AM Watford v Leicester City 11AM Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 11AM Brighton & HA v Arsenal 11AM Man City v Burnley 11AM Newcastle Utd v Sheffield Utd 11AM Norwich City v Southampton 1:30PM Aston Villa v Chelsea Championship MULLIGANS - 11AM Sheffield Wed v N Forest MLS 12:30PM NYCFC v Dallas NEW JERSEY’S 2:30PM Inter Miami v LA Galaxy La Liga 11AM Valencia v Levante PREMIER 1:30PM Mallorca v Barcelona Bundesliga FOOTBALL 10:30AM B Dortmund v Schalke 04 10:30AM RB Leipzig v Freiburg 1:30PM Union Berlin v Bayern Munich VENUE Sun 15-Mar EPL 10AM West Ham Utd v Wolves 12:30PM Spurs v Man Utd Serie A 1PM Inter v Sassuolo 3:45PM Roma v Sampdoria MLS SEE OUR FULL MENU AT WWW.MULLIGANSONFIRST.COM 7PM Minnesota Utd v NY Red Bulls 159 FIRST STREET, HOBOKEN 201.876.4101 RED BULLS EARN HARD FOUGHT POINT IN SALT LAKE

“I think it’s just amazing to have a solid backline and a solid goal- keeper,” said Tarek. “Some games are going to be like today’s, where you have to step up and make the big saves. We could have won because of them, but as I said, it’s a great team effort. We’re happy with the point.”

In the 62nd minute, captain and Kaku tracked back to stop a breakaway that could have ended in a RSL goal.

Goalkeeper David Jensen made a stupendous save in the 11th minute, which will likely be one of the best Week 2 saves.

Photo: Melissa Majchrzak-USA TODAY Sports “Nothing but respect, that’s what’s all about,” said Jensen after the The were close on capturing match as he talked about Duncan and their first ever win at Rio Tinto Stadium in their Davis’ key clearances off the line. “As I said before, it’s a team effort. We came here to this difficult game under dif- visit to but fell short as Damir ficult conditions, and we just fought. They got my back, and Kreilach scored in stoppage time to finish the that’s what’s all about. This was a team effort.” game in a 1-1 draw. Florian Valot and Kaku couldn’t find the spaces and passing Once again the Red Bulls got on the scoresheet first, thanks options they were able to spot in the home opener, allowing to a Cristian Cásseres Jr. golazo in the 13th minute. Salt Lake to reduce the Red Bulls’ dangerous plays.

Cásseres Jr.’s goal meant that to start the 2020 season, the One of the big takeaways from the game was that the to- Red Bulls have had four different goal scorers. Last season, getherness the team has talked a lot about they ended with a league-high of 18. since the preseason was reflected on the fi- nal score. Their game plan almost resulted However, the match turned out to be complicated after scor- with a hard-fought 1-0 win, which should ing the first goal of the game. Real Salt Lake ended the match leave them with plenty of confidence head- with 21 shots, six of them on target, requiring New York’s ing into their Week 3 visit to Minnesota defensive unit to step up big on multiple occasions. FC.

Right back Kyle Duncan, who was coming off a one-goal, “As a coach to see a team that is together, two-assist performance against FC Cincinnati, gave an im- that sticks together and suffers together, I’m WATCH LIVE FOOTBALL ON OUR 9 HD TVS pressive defensive performance in Utah, where he finished proud of them for that,” said Head Coach the day with two clearances off the line. Meanwhile, center- . “So, hard-fought point, really back Amro Tarek got five clearances, two interceptions and proud of them, and it’s a shame we didn’t won three of his four ground duels. get all three because we scraped till the end and had it in our grasp. You can credit Salt Lake for a good push that they made; it’s 208 EAST 58TH ST. (BTWN 2ND & 3RD) 212 308 9400 tough to play here at altitude and happy to leave here with a point.” WWW.BLOOMSNYC.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BLOOMSTAVERN PAGE 7 www.firsttouchonline.com

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Wed 13-SepFIXTURES Champions LeagueEPL MONDAY MARCH 16TH Everton v Liverpool 4pm

Sat 14-Mar EPL 8:30AM Watford v Leicester City 11AM Man City v Burnley 1:30PM Aston Villa v Chelsea Championship 11AM Sheffield Wed v N Forest MLS 12:30PM NYCFC v Dallas La Liga 11AM Valencia v Levante 1:30PM Mallorca v Barcelona 4PM Celta Vigo v Villarreal Bundesliga 10:30AM B Dortmund v Schalke 04 1:30PM Union Berlin v Bayern Munich Sun 15-Mar EPL 10AM West Ham Utd v Wolves 12:30PM Spurs v Man Utd Serie A 1PM Inter v Sassuolo 3:45PM Roma v Sampdoria MLS 7PM Minnesota Utd v NY Red Bulls La Liga 11AM Athletic Club v Atletico Madrid 4PM Sevilla v Real Betis SHOWING ALL GAMES LIVE Mon 16-Mar EPL 4PM Everton v Liverpool ON 20 PLASMA TVs

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Manchester United hold the record in terms of date - April 14 in 2001 - while that season they also posted the record for fewest games needed, 33, a record since equalled by City in Open 11am - showing all games 2017/18. Both of those landmarks look home and in Europe, making it all ally, things began to align themselves 2 East 36th St. NYC again, on and off the pitch. As Liver- set to be obliterated by Jurgen Klopp seem so effortless and automatic. (212) 300 4091 and his side who, at the time of writ- pool celebrate the title, whenever it www.peterdillons.com ing, need just two more wins to finish Who knows how long Liverpool comes, one toast should be addressed the job. would have stayed on their perch had to , for he did much it not been for the two traumas of Hey- to put the team back on the right path, The postponement of Manchester sel and Hillsborough? Yes, Manches- even if ultimate victory was just out of City’s game against Arsenal because of ter United under were his grasp. But he did crucial work that health concerns on Wednesday could always going to prove a bigger and should not be underestimated, clearing make for mathematical delay, but if more sustained threat through the ‘90s the way for Klopp. City lose to Burnley at the weekend, and beyond than any other opponent Liverpool would turn up at Goodison prior to that, but had Hillsborough in However much longer his reign at An- Park on Monday knowing that victory particular not ripped through the club, field, whatever else he achieves there, LIVE FOOTBALL DAILY would seal the title there and then, in exhausting fans, players, staff, Liv- Klopp has already done enough to en- game 30. Evertonians will rarely have erpool would surely have been better sure he can be rightly mentioned in the HAPPY HOUR prayed so hard for Manchester City to equipped to compete. same breath as Shankly and Paisley. MON - FRI 1PM - 8PM do well. It’s not simply a matter of trophies, not It wasn’t simply that they lost Dalg- just that he has delivered the title that Perhaps Liverpool might have to take it lish, shattered by carrying the burden, long seemed unwinnable, even cursed, to game 31 or 32, for not even Klopp’s it was that they also lost the manic fo- although that’s crucial. It’s also be- team are invincible - that’s a tag still cus they’d had in the glory years. They cause Klopp understands the football Brooklyn's Favorite Soccer Bar had other, more important battles to club, the city, the support in the same reserved for Arsenal alone in the mod- 51 Kent Avenue Williamsburg, BK ern era after the Reds succumbed to fight, a fight for the truth, for justice. way they did. 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How even more pace and athleticism, made ing every bit of history on offer while could it be any other way, when 96 them more irresistible yet on their best kentalehouse www.kentalehouse.com the going was good, but ultimately members of your family were taken days, a Red Sea that engulfs rather that will be a minor irritation for them away in such horrific circumstances, in than divides. full view of the public, images which once they end a 30 year title drought, Football’s strength is its unpre- the mountain again, staying at the were then systematically distorted by Ferociously competitive though they reclaiming a supremacy that seemed dictability and doubtless, the peak, that is the biggest test, that the establishment for its own ends? unquestionably are, there’s also a all but automatic through the 1970s teams below will steel them- is what defines greatness, that is and 1980s. Fake news isn’t new. smile about this Liverpool, a team of Salah, Milner, Alexander-Arnold more selves to strengthen in the sum- why Paisley and Ferguson are at mer, ready to mount a better the managerial pinnacle. That is Those were the golden times of Shank- Recovery takes time and the Liverpool likeable, for the neutral anyway, than challenge next time around. the examination that awaits. ly, Paisley, Dalglish, Rush, Keegan, cause was not helped over the years the snarling rage of Souness, Thomp- Hughes and Hansen, when Liverpool by changes in ownership, question- son and Aldridge. Though if they keep Liverpool must do likewise and redefined the way English teams could able managerial appointments, poor winning titles, the attraction for the remember the Shankly maxim transfer dealings. But great institutions neutrals will perhaps fall away. That’s that the best time to strengthen Read more Dave Bowler at: play and what they could win. They www.firsttouchonline.com were a supremely efficient machine, at rarely stay down forever and, eventu- how it goes in England - nothing fails is when you’re on top. Climbing to impress like sustained success. PAGE 9 www.firsttouchonline.com Sports in the heart of Times Square

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MANCHESTER DERBY EXPOSES DEFENSIVE FRAILTIES

jury remains out on whether Harry next season. After a string of good Maguire is a player capable of an- results early in the campaign, the choring a title contending back line. Blues have slowed in recent months While a capable defender and ade- but still have the pieces in place to quate passer, Maguire hasn’t shown mount a serious challenge next sea- the ability to dominate in the same son. way as some of the best at the posi- tion. First, Chelsea have the best and most balanced central midfield out- Manchester City also face serious side of Liverpool when Kante, Ko- questions in midfield. Without Silva vacic and Jorginho are in the side. pulling the strings, the team is en- Kante provides the energy and de- tirely reliant on de Bruyne, and his fensive cover with Jorginho always questionable fitness record, to run the eager outlet. Kovacic is under- the show. When he is out of the rated but fits the mold of the modern squad, as he was Sunday, the team midfielder able to play box-to-box lack direction and imagination go- on both sides of the ball at a world ing forward. class level.

Manchester United, on the other In addition, a host of young attack- hand, look to have gotten a gem in ing talent looked incredibly danger- but have a host ous before succumbing to injuries of attacking options yet to show early in the season. Tammy Abra- they can produce on anything ap- ham was bagging goals on a regu- Manchestershford proaching a consistent manner. At lar basis, while Mason Mount and this stage in their careers, Martial look to have the BY GREG McKAY The twenty-five point gap between ‘Sunday’s match featured and Rashford should be coming into ability to play the creative force for Liverpool and Manchester City their own as regularly striking fear seasons to come. As Liverpool look all but cer- does not even scratch the surface in two teams that looked into opposing defenses. Instead, tain to wrap up their first Eng- showing how far behind their one- they are exceptional talents yet to Importantly, Chelsea have not been lish Premier League title in the time rivals the Manchester clubs decidedly mediocre.’ become world class professionals particularly active for the past sev- have fallen. coming weeks, attention has able to perform week-in, week-out. eral transfer windows, aside from the high-priced acquisition of Pulis- turned to who are the likely Where once there were exciting tac- In the offseason, Guardiola must contenders for winning the Fortunately for both clubs, there are ic. This will leave club with a large tical battles and end-to-end football, come to terms with the fact that it wildcards like Pogba and Laporte stash of “dry powder” with which to title next season. ESPN FC Se- Sunday’s match featured two teams is near impossible to compete for which if healthy and performing address Lampard’s needs in defense nior Writer Mark Ogden ar- that looked decidedly mediocre. For a Premier League crown without a next season could change the equa- or finding a true talisman to replace gued recently that Liverpool’s both Manchester clubs, their frail- spine of the team featuring at least tion. But, even with squads fully the departed . Even biggest rivals for the title next ties start in defense. Manchester one world class center back. Unfor- healthy there are serious needs on without further signings, however, season will be Manchester City have yet to find a real replace- tunately for the Spanish manager, both ends of Manchester to return to Lampard’s team are well positioned United and Manchester City. ment for the solidity and leadership the Kompany’s and van Dijk’s of the title contention. to mount a serious challenge on the provided by former captain Vincent world do no grow on trees. title next season. If last weekend’s derby match was Kompany or a real solution at left Rather than the two Manchester anything to go by, however, Ogden back. For Manchester United, clubs, Chelsea look even better Read more Greg Mckay at: couldn’t be further from the mark. is a liability at left back and the positioned to compete for a title www.firsttouchonline.com KELLY’S SPORTS BAR

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49-18 30TH AVE ASTORIA NYCFC midfielder Valentin Castellanos (11) &UANL Tigres defender Francisco Meza (21) during 718 777 8007 the CONCACAF Champions League first leg clash at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night. WWW.THEBREWERY.NYC Tigres won the match 1-0. The second leg takes place next Tuesday. [email protected] Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports PAGE 13 www.firsttouchonline.com FOOTY QUIZ

MANCHESTER UNITED 1 – Which former Arsenal manager played for Man U in the 1970’s

2 – Which Italian club did leave to join Your home for all NYCFC away matches! Man United? 3 – Bob Bishop discovered in the Watch every game on our state of the art mega screen! 1960s. Which Man Utd star did he also find in the 1980’s?

4 – Which Carlisle United chairman tried to buy Manchester United in 1988?

5 – Who scored Man Uniteds third round and FA Cup semi-final winner in 1990 saving Fergie’s job in the process? 350 E85th St. NYC (212) 628-2613 ryansdaughter.nyc ANSWERS ON PAGE 17

NYCFC SUFFER TOUGH DEFEAT IN SHOWING ALL EPL, LA LIGA & TORONTO AHEAD OF HOME OPENER CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

a point out of their City’s Playoff dreams in 2019, but despite a LIVE MATCHES! second road trip. ton of effort, Deila’s men fell just short.

It wasn’t to be, but NYCFC vs. TFC is quickly turning into a was grudge match, with a series of bruising en- not too downcast counters going both ways in the brief history and will hope to re- of this fixture. cord his first MLS points as Head While the Boys in Blue couldn’t throw it Coach vs. FC Dal- back to ’s men on this occasion, las next time out a regular season win doesn’t equal a couple of in front of our sup- Playoff defeats anyway, so let’s get ‘em next porters. time… and then again in the postseason if it lines up that way again… Second Half Toronto FC forward (17) &New York midfielder Improvement Bright Spots Photo: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports For Ronny, it was Despite the result, there were some strong 336 THIRD AVE. (25TH ST) FC fell to a 1-0 defeat at the first half performance which was most dis- individual performances in the match, espe- the hands of Toronto FC on Saturday appointing, but he was pleased with the reac- cially from a defensive point of view as City 212-679-6931 night. tion after the interval. stood up stoutly through a couple of periods www.fitzgeraldspub.nyc of intense pressure. No Panic The Norwegian told reporters: “They played through us and got pressure on us, but I think Goalkeeper was one of those Homecoming Week Two games, two 0-1 defeats, but no one is when we went out in the second half, we were who emerged with credit after making eight It’s a busy week with plenty on the line but reaching for the panic button on the NYC side. much better in a 20 minutes period there. saves on his 101st MLS appearance for NYC, “We created a big chance with Jesus and then while James Sands, who dropped into the back Ronny wouldn’t have it any other way. City were unfortunate to fall again on Satur- the game was very even but, in the end, they four in place of the suspended Maxime Cha- He said: “[Two games this week] is no prob- day as Toronto were able to find the only goal had a couple more chances.” not, battled manfully vs. one of the league’s lem, that’s good. We want to get out and late in a tight and often feisty encounter at most physical and wily strikers, Jozy Altidore. get winning. It’s going to be a big game on BMO Field. Grudge Match Wednesday and I’m looking forward to it.” That resilience will likely hold NYC in good Ifunanyachi Achara scored the night’s only Players spoke of a desire for revenge in the stead in the challenges ahead, especially in the Homecoming Week climaxes with the 2020 goal with 10’ remaining, just when it looked buildup to the match after Toronto ended Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. Home Opener vs. FC Dallas on Saturday. as though the Boys in Blue would get at least nycfc.com

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THE FANTASY FOOTBALL CULT By Paul Kay Best FPL picks for GW30

The global coronavirus panic spilled over As such, I’m turning to Southampton’s Mc- from the real world to the fantasy world Carthy (4.5m) to build on his 12-point haul this week as the postponement of Wednes- and penalty save in GW29 with a clean sheet day’s already-rescheduled Man City v away to the league’s joint-lowest scorers, Arsenal game turned the DGW into a Norwich. plain old GW, emphasising just how se- riously we all need to take this outbreak. Defenders And while this weekend’s Premier League With Liverpool closing in on their first top games were still scheduled to go ahead at league title in 30 years, it would be remiss the time of writing, it looks inevitable that not to include one of their most consistent the newly-declared pandemic will wreak performers, and the top-scoring defender havoc with the remainder of the football in FPL, Alexander-Arnold (7.8m) away to season. Everton, where you’d fancy him to add to his tally of 14 assists, 11 clean sheets and 2 However, in the spirit of keeping calm and goals. carrying on, here are my picks for GW30… Wolves’ defensive record in recent weeks (4 Goalkeeper clean sheets in 5) has been superb, but ma- Given Arsenal’s newfound defensive resil- rauding full-back Doherty’s returns have ience (3 clean sheets in the last 4), it would been even better, with 40 points in the last be tempting to go with Leno (5m) in goal, 5 gameweeks courtesy of those aforemen- but given the quarantining of an unspecified tioned clean sheets plus a goal, 2 assists and portion of the Gunners squad, it seems like 3 bonus points. No doubt the Irishman will Arsenal players are best avoided right now, be licking his lips at the prospect of facing up in more ways than one. to West Ham’s obliging defence. Leicester’s Harvery Barnes scored in three games in a row.

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Newcastle have managed an impressive 9 Fernandes (8.5m) OPEN EVERY DAY FOR BRUNCH, LUNCH & DINNER clean sheets so far this season, one of the big has been a revela- reasons they currently sit 8 points above the tion since his Janu- relegation zone. While the loss of goalkeeper ary move to Unit- Dubravka (5m) is significant, they should still ed, injecting vision be hard to break down when Sheffield United and intent into the come calling to St James’ Park, where the Red Devils’ incon- Magpies have recorded 6 of their clean sheets. sistent midfield With 2 goals and 2 assists so far, Fernández while helping him- (4.5m) looks the best pick from their tena- self to 2 goals, 3 assists and 6 bonus points Fri 13-Mar Sun 15-Mar cious backline. in 5 games. Spurs, meanwhile, look in disar- ray, which should be good news for the Portu- La Liga EPL guese playmaker. 4PM Real Madrid v Eibar 12:30PM Spurs v Man Utd (12.4m) has arguably been Liv- erpool’s player of the season, and his away Forwards Serie A Serie A 1PM Inter v Sassuolo performances (where he’s bagged 5 goals and Jota (6.4m) has been in spectacular form 3:45PM Bologna v Juventus 3:45PM Roma v Sampdoria 3 assists in 10 full appearances) have been for Wolves lately, with 6 goals in his last 4 particularly crucial, and you wouldn’t bet games (including the Europa League), but as Championship Mon 16-Mar against him putting the Reds in touching dis- the league’s 6th-highest scorers meet the di- 3:45PM Fulham v Brentford tance of the holy grail with a decisive perfor- vision’s 4th-worst defence, I’m backing his EPL mance away to their Merseyside rivals. strike partner Jiménez (8m), who has 13 goals 4PM Everton v Liverpool and 6 assists so far, to be the main man. Leicester’s (6.1m) had been Sat 14-Mar Tue 17-Mar turning heads even before his 19-point re- For those of us who’ve held turn in GW29, having scored in 3 consecu- (9.6m) through his 10-week goal drought, EPL Champions League tive matches from GW23-25. He’ll fancy his there was arguably as much catharsis as there 11AM Man City v Burnley 4PM Man City v Real Madrid chances of adding to his 6 goals and 8 assists was for the Foxes’ frontman himself when 1:30PM Aston Villa v Chelsea 4PM Juventus v Lyon against Watford. he came off the bench to bang in 2 goals in 30 minutes against Villa in GW29. Watford, MLS Championship Picking Man City players, as we all know, can watch out. 12:30PM NYCFC v Dallas 3:45PM Brentford v WBA be an intensely frustrating experience, with 2:30PM Inter Miami v LAGalaxy not even the team’s superstars safe from Pep Callum Wilson (7.4m) has been quietly eas- Wed 18-Mar Roulette, but if you’re in the mood to roll the ing back into form lately, with 3 goals in his La Liga dice, you could do worse than pick Mahrez last 6. And while Palace have refound their 11AM Valencia v Levante Champions League (8.4m) for City’s home encounter with Burn- defensive imperiosity with 3 clean sheets in 1:30PM Mallorca v Barcelona 4PM Bayern Munich v Chelsea ley. With 7 goals and 10 assists in just 1,382 a row, I feel that Bournemouth’s greater need 4PM Barcelona v Napoli minutes of football (equivalent to approx. for points will see them come out on top with Bundesliga Championship 15.5 x 90mins), the Algerian has been pretty Wilson leading the way. 1:30PM U Berlin v B Munich 3:45PM Leeds Utd v Fulham consistent when he’s been given the chance.

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Sunday March 15th Saturday March 21st SCOTTISH PREMIER SCOTTISH PREMIER Rangers v Celtic Celtic v St. Johnstone 8am 11am

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One of these numbers will re- flect the gap between Celtic and Rangers following Sun- day’s derby. And, as usual with these two “old” foes, the numbers tell the sto- ry.

Those of you who have watched the two most recent encounters between these two sides—on December 29th, just before the winter break, It might be his only chance THE FULL and earlier in that same month in of staying in the job come SCOTTISH BRIAN P. DUNLEAVY the final—will summer. know that the side have been on the front foot in both, carrying A draw, though, and the de- drama as the season winds down. play and possession for much of cision becomes a bit hard. That would reduce Celtic’s lead at both matches. Indeed, 13 points with seven/ the top of the table to 10 points—but eight matches to play is still really seven, assuming Rangers can In fact, ’s side effec- significant, but it could be defeat St. Johnstone in that match argued that that match at at hand. Perhaps even four if, as tively went into the aforementioned Celtic’s (centre) celebrates scoring against St. Mirren three-week winter break in pole po- hand—which is against St. above, ’Gers can win again at Celtic sition, given that they had, and still Johnstone, by the way—for Park later this spring. have, a match at hand on rivals Celt- So, should Celtic win on Sunday, meager return, even so. This isman- Rangers renders it a 10-point ic. Their problem has been since the they will have a 16-point lead in the ager ’s first time at the difference. Make that seven if Rang- Under that scenario, even the expe- re-start, at least domestically. table, with seven matches to play. dance, after all. ers are able to defeat Celtic again in rienced Lennon and his battle-tested the post-split match at , squad would feel the heat. Since late January, the Hoops have Rangers would need to win out, in Given that, should his side lose, likely sometime in April. been on a 12-match unbeaten run. their eight remaining fixtures, and expanding the gap to 16, Gerrard 16. 13. 10. Over the same period, ’Gers have hope their rivals win just two and would be expected—and would do Rangers tipping Celtic for the Pre- Come Sunday, we’ll know which dropped points to Kilmarnock, Ab- draw one of their last seven. well—to focus his attentions on the miership title in this scenario would number will likely govern the short- erdeen, Hearts and Hamilton, the Europa League, where ’Gers have a still entail a monumental collapse term future of the Premiership title last at home no less. Five of those matches for both sides chance to advance, at least as of this by the Hoops, but it would be, or at race. won’t be set until after the uniquely writing, and help the ex-Liverpool least could be, interesting. All of which means the gap stands Scottish “split” in early April— legend earn his first piece of hard- at 13 points, though Gerrard and meaning: the opponents will be in ware as a bench boss. Should Gerrard’s side win at Ibrox Follow Brian on Twitter: his charges still have that important the top half of the table—but it’s on Sunday, though, the title race @bpdunleavy match at hand. unlikely Celtic would get such a would most definitely have some live music at 11th st lfcny 2019-2020 upcoming games... SUNDAY MAR 15TH 8PM: AUGUST WELLS / SUSAN MCKEOWN 10PM: IRISH SEISIUN MONDAY MARCH 16TH WITH TONY DEMARCO AND EAMON O’LEARY EPL MONDAY MAR 16TH 8PM: JAZZ NIGHT EVERTON V LIVERPOOL 4PM TUESDAY MAR 17TH 8:30PM: 50 SHADES OF GREEN SATURDAY MARCH 21ST WEDNESDAY MAR 18TH 8PM: VIOLET EPL 9:30PM: PAUL SFORZA LIVERPOOL V CR PALACE 1:30PM THURSDAY MAR 19TH 9PM: THE HUGH POOL BAND All games live at 11th St bar 510 e 11th St. www.11thstbar.com under 21’s welcome with adult PAGE 17 www.firsttouchonline.com

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ROISIN MURPHY DEDICATES BBC 6 MUSIC COACHELLA CONFIRMS FESTIVAL WILL MOVE FESTIVAL SET TO ANDREW WEATHERALL TO OCTOBER AMID CORONAVIRUS FEARS Roisin Murphy dedicated her set at the Coachella has officially announced that it BBC 6 Music Festival in last will be postponed until October, in direct re- night to the late Andrew Weatherall. sponse to the coronavirus outbreak. The singer was playing the Roundhouse as On March 10, festival organisers Golden- part of the festival, and took time during voice issued a statement announcing that closing song ‘Flash Of Light’ to pay tribute the Indio, California festival will now take to the DJ and producer. place on the consecutive weekends of Oc- tober 9-11 and October 16-18. “I’d like to dedicate this set to Andrew sadly confirm the rescheduling of Coach- Weatherall,” she said. “He really was Coachella was initially scheduled to be- ella and Stagecoach due to COVID-19 something very very special and I wish I gin the weekend of April 10, with Travis concerns,” Goldenvoice’s statement read. could tell him, because I never really told Scott, Rage Against The Machine and him… big cheer for Andy Weatherall!” Frank Ocean due to headline. “While this decision comes at a time of Weatherall passed away last month after universal uncertainty, we take the safety Speaking on 6 Music after the show, suffering a pulmonary embolism. Upon Goldenvoice also confirmed that its and health of our guests, staff and com- Murphy added: “It’s always nice that last news of his death, a host of musicians in- country music festival Stagecoach – also munity very seriously. We urge everyone song, ‘Flash of Light’. Even though hardly cluding Primal Scream and The Charlatans staged in Indio, and headlined this year to follow the guidelines and protocols put anyone knows it, it’s just got such a very paid tribute to the lauded DJ and producer. by Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and forth by public health officials.” emotional groove, it’s always nice to end Eric Church – will move from April 24-26 on that one. In the wake of the legendary DJ’s death, to October 23-25. All tickets for Coachella and Stagecoach a massive 900 hours of mixes by Andrew April dates will be honoured for the re- “And of course I dedicated it, as I dedi- Weatherall have been shared by a group “At the direction of the County of River- scheduled October dates, though ticketh- cated the whole set, to Andrew Weatherall. of fans. side and local health authorities, we must olders will be notified on how to secure a Yes, that felt right.” refund by this Friday, March 13.

NO FUTURE: PAUL COOK RULES OUT BIFFY CLYRO CONFIRM NEW ALBUM A CELEBRATION ANOTHER SEX PISTOLS RE-UNION OF ENDINGS FOR RELEASE IN MAY Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook has ruled out any future reunion for the Biffy Clyro have confirmed band. their eighth studio album is entitled A Celebration Of End- The iconic punk outfit originally split in ings and will be released on 1978 following the departure of frontman May 15th. Johnny Rotten. Bassist Sid Vicious died the year after, but the Sex Pistols have “This is a very forward-looking since reformed on three separate occa- album from a personal perspec- sions: 1996-2001, 2002-2003 and most tive and a societal perspective,” recently from 2007-8. Cook added that Glen Matlock still “feels says frontman Simon Neil. aggrieved at being kicked out”, with the “I can’t see it happening again for the Pis- musician having been fired ahead of ‘Nev- “The title is about seeing the tols and I don’t think anyone wants it to.” er Mind the Bollocks…’ being recorded. joy in things changing, rath- said Cook. Matlock is, however, credited on 10 of its er than the sadness. Change nalled the band’s return last week. tracks. means progression and evolution. You can “I’m still close to Steve [Jones, guitarist] retain everything you loved before, but “This time around we wanted to lead with but that’s as far as it goes. It’s not just Back in 2017, Steve Jones said that let’s lose the bad shit. It’s about trying to something that was the most out there Steve and Johnny. There’s so much water the likelihood of any Sex Pistols return take back control.” thing which we’ve got on the record,” Neil under the bridge and so much history, I seemed slim – especially as he and Rot- said of it. “Instant History is the biggest, don’t think it would work out.” ten no longer speak, despite both living in Another track from the record, End Of, most slammest pop moment we’ve ever Los Angeles. is available now after Instant History sig- worked on.”

BOB DYLAN The Never Ending Tour will take in another EAST COAST DATES round of US dates during the spring. REVEALS SPRING JULY Bob Dylan starts his latest trip around the US TOUR DETAILS States on June 4th, and begins July in Nash- 7 – Wilkes-Barre, PA, Mohegan Sun Arena ville at the Bridgestone Arena. 8 – Forest Hills, NY, Forest Hills Stadium 9 – Saratoga Springs, NY, Performing Arts Center There’s a show in New York state at the Forest 11 – Essex Junction, VT, Champlain Valley Hills Stadium on July 8th, and he’s back there Exposition – Coca Cola Grandstand for the final concert on July 12th at the Bethel 12 – Bethel Woods, NY, Center for the Arts Woods Center For The Arts.

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