Author: Staff Reports

The U.S. men’s national soccer team is about to embark on one of the rarest privileges in sports — playing a World Cup on native soil.

We’ve written extensively about many of them, particularly the ones with ties to the region. Now, the time has come. The World Cup kicks off today with two Group A games, and the U.S.’s Group D opener is against Paraguay on Friday (9 p.m., Fox29).

We’ve known for a few weeks who was on the team. But now’s your chance to really get to know the 26 players suiting up for their country in our detailed breakdown and analysis of each member of the World Cup roster.

One of the most important members of that squad is Chris Richards, who says he’s good to go after an ankle injury in May — though he knows it’s not fully his call.

Looking for somewhere to keep the World Cup party going into the wee hours in the morning? Your options might be limited — less than 20 bars have been approved to stay open until 4 a.m.

— Maria McIlwain, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓How far do you think the USMNT will go in the World Cup? Why? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Hurtin’ for answers

OK, so remember back in April when ESPN published a report detailing friction between Jalen Hurts and the Eagles? The quarterback felt no need to set the record straight, saying, “so just let it live and go do my job.”

How about that “four verticals” play that sealed the wild-card loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Did he ask for that? Another no.

Hurts is embarking on another season of change as he adjusts to yet another play-caller in Sean Mannion. He’s also adjusting to life without top wide receiver A.J. Brown. That may seem like a lot of change, but Hurts says he’s maintaining focus.

The guys protecting Hurts have been through it, injury-wise, in recent seasons. But his center, Cam Jurgens, finally had a (somewhat) normal offseason and is eagerly learning Mannion’s new offense.

Hurts and the Eagles offense were able to strike back at Vic Fangio’s defense during the final minicamp session. On defense though, Riq Woolen continues to shine this spring, Jeff McLane writes in his practice takeaways.

Next: That’s it from Jefferson Health Training Complex (wow, what a mouthful) until late July, when the Birds report for training camp.

Jumping on Scherzer

Max Scherzer, the Blue Jays’ ace, was making his first start since April 27 on Wednesday, and the Phillies made him pay. Homers from Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm chased Scherzer out of the game after 3⅓ innings in the Phillies’ 7-4 win over Toronto.

Meanwhile, Johan Rojas, who was serving an 80-game PED suspension, won’t play for the season after imaging revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, which will require surgery.

Next: After an off day on Thursday, the Phillies return to the States to open a road series vs. the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers on Friday (7:40 p.m., NBCSP). Phillies rookie Andrew Painter (1-7, 6.21 ERA) will oppose Jacob Misiorowski (7-2, 1.50).

‘I ran the draft’

You’ll have to forgive Mike Gansey for being kind of over his introductory press conference.

You see, the NBA draft is about two weeks away. And it’s kind of his thing.

Gansey, the Sixers’ new president of basketball operations, brings his draft expertise from Cleveland and is working to blend it with the preparations already underway on the Sixers’ end. They’ll draft 22nd, which isn’t nearly as flashy as last season, but there’s still a sense of urgency.

Next: Gansey’s first draft as the Sixers’ top executive is June 23-24.

Center of it all

The NHL draft is fast approaching, and Flyers general manager Danny Brière and Co. It’ll be Brière’s fourth with the team for which he played six seasons, and we had questions.

Brière and our Jackie Spiegel sat down to discuss strategy for the June 26-27 draft, particularly in light of this season’s postseason appearance, the ever-present need at center, and more in Part 2 of our Q&A with the GM.

Next: After the draft, Flyers of the present and future will be back on the ice locally on June 29, when development camp opens.

Sports snapshot

• A “spectacle”: This Philly fighter says he will show off his “dad strength” as he prepares for a bout on the White House lawn.
• Going global: How the Anderson Monarchs punched their ticket to an international soccer tournament.
• Kind of a big deal: Time recently dropped its list of the 100 most influential people in sports, and it had plenty of Philly-area ties.

What you’re saying about the best Birds

We asked: Who is the “best” to ever play for the Eagles in your opinion?

The Bests. Let’s start off with the best player — Reggie White. The best one single game — Nick Foles. The best disrupters — tie between T.O. & A.J. — Ronald R.

26 Eagles in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and of those Reggie White and Brian Dawkins were the two best and absolutely dominant in their performance. And one of the dumbest decisions in Eagles history was letting Reggie White go to the Packers for want of a few bucks. — Everett S.

A.J. really thought highly of himself. Best to ever play here????? NOT … — Bill M.

This will be a generational response. Though I was born in 1959, I would have to nominate Chuck Bedbarik, for leading the Eagles to the 1960 NFL Championship, and Vince Lombardi’s only playoff loss. A 21st century pick would by Donovan McNabb for leading the Eagles to 5 NFC title games and one Super Bowl appearance. He had a sustained Eagles career of excellence. — Bob C.

Chuck Bednarik — Joe R.

Dawkins best ever. Owens best receiver. Bye A.J. You can quit your routes for NE now. — Brian C.

So many players, so many choices but the one player that encompasses everything the “best” Eagle should have — talent, grit, determination, brashness,perseverance,will to win — is Chuck Bednarik. “The Hit” and the stop on Jim Taylor say it all. — Joseph W.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jonathan Tannenwald, Henry Savage, Beatrice Forman, Jeff Neiburg, Olivia Reiner, Jeff McLane, Lochlahn March, Gina Mizell, Jackie Spiegel, Ariel Simpson, Mia Messina, and Ethan Kopelman.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading along! Bella will be back tomorrow to close out the week. — Maria

In the aftermath of his trade to the New England Patriots, A.J. Brown reportedly returned to the Eagles facility to collect a few personal items, bid farewell to a few of the staff, then left his mark on the wall under his Pro Bowl picture.

It’s reported that Brown wrote: “The best to ever play here. Always open.”

Now, before we shrug it off as preposterous, let’s put it in perspective. Brown did finish with over 5,000 receiving yards, 32 touchdowns, was picked for a pair of Pro Bowls, and was an All-Pro three times.

But the best there ever was? No. Not at least statistically, anyway.

We know because Inquirer writer Gabriela Carroll dove into data, taking a look at things like total yards, total receptions, total touchdowns, and more to see where Brown stacked up on the Eagles’ all-time list. You’d be surprised where he landed.

It’s what we’re leading off with on this Wednesday. Speaking of football, by the time you read this know that we are about 24 hours away from the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup. From where to watch to what to know, check out our latest coverage right here.

We’re looking at clouds that might send in some much-needed scattered showers across the region, with temperatures hovering in the mid-80s today.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Who is the “best” to ever play for the Eagles in your opinion? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Spring cleaning in Nicetown

Next month in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s annual All-Star Classic coming to Philadelphia, the Boys & Girls Club in Nicetown is getting a much-needed face-lift. The organization got one in 2011 after former Phillies shortstop Shane Victorino offered a generous gift, but on July 11, MLB Together, a philanthropic arm of the league, is coming in to clean up with more than 100 volunteers.

“We’ll be rolling up our sleeves and painting the teen room, putting together some new furniture, decorating, and doing some internal work, in addition to some external work,” said April Brown, MLB’s senior vice president of social responsibility. “Some planting and some weeding and taking care of the baseball field, which is literally across the street from the Boys & Girls Club.” Inquirer writer Mia Messina has more on the MLB’s plan of attack.

The Phillies dropped a tough one to the Blue Jays in Toronto last night, behind a blown save from closer Jhoan Duran.

⚽ World Cup snapshot

• Goalie wars: With days before the start of the World Cup for the U.S. men’s national team, there’s still no guarantee that Wayne native Matt Freese is the No. 1.
• Bait and switch: The Iranian soccer federation claims FIFA has revoked tickets for its three group stage World Cup matches in the United States.
• Soccer spirit: From city bars burning the midnight oil, to kid-friendly beer gardens, here’s a look at some of the best places to feel World Cup vibes.
• Know before you go: Headed to the FIFA Fan Festival this week? You’ll need this handy guide.

Barkley’s top selling jersey

For the second year in a row, the Eagles running back Saquon Barkley boasts the No. 1 selling jersey on the team and is in the Top 10 in jersey and merchandise sales in the league, along with quarterback Jalen Hurts. Check this out for the complete list of league leaders in the selling swag department.

In more pressing news, Inquirer’s Jeff McLane offered his observations of yesterday’s minicamp practice, which revealed the offense still has some meshing to do.

‘Part of the solution’

Jameer Nelson wanted to remain in the Sixers front office. New president of basketball operations Mike Gansey was determined to keep him. Now, after elevating Nelson as vice president, the two are paired to reinvigorate the Sixers — together.

Nelson’s understanding of the current roster, the city’s passionate fan base, and media scrutiny is invaluable, says Bob Myers, the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Myers added that Nelson “has that equity with our players and the community.”

Inquirer writer Gina Mizell takes a look at what the next steps look like for both Nelson and Gansey.

The wait is over!

Ahead of Thursday’s opening match, join Inquirer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald and host Lisa Carlin for Soccer Extra!, our monthlong Gameday Central weekly pop-up dedicated to all things World Cup. The first episode kicks off tomorrow at 11 a.m. Watch here.

On this date

June 9, 1974: Phillies slugger Mike Schmidt hits a ball off the roof of the Houston Astrodome, hitting the public address speakers. Which is just insane.

Marcus Hayes’ take …

[Donald] Trump always seeks to steal the shine from winners, and the Knicks, fueled by NCAA champs Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges, were winning like nobody’s business … He’d wanted to sit with Spike Lee and Larry David courtside, but the Secret Service (and perhaps his more sane advisers) persuaded him to retreat to a suite. There, in the shadows, he rested as the streak ended, a 115-111 downer in Game 3. — Columnist Marcus Hayes looks at the trouble Donald Trump caused as the first active president to attend an NBA playoff game.

What you’re saying about the Phillies

We asked: The Phillies have several candidates who could make the All-Star team. Who do you hope to see get picked and why?

As the host city, there are four obvious selections: Christopher Sanchez (wins, ERA), Jhoan Duran (saves), Kyle Schwarber (HRs), and Brandon Marsh (batting). Each is among the league leaders in their respective categories. An argument could be made for Bryce Harper, a fan favorite.— Bob C.

Here’s my short list: Don Mattingly as coach, Brandon Marsh, Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper, Christopher Sanchez, Kyle Schwarber, and Jhoan Duran. Can you imagine what his introduction will look like at night when the whole world is watching? Even for one batter. One batter will be enough. — Ronald R.

[Cristopher] Sánchez, [Zack] Wheeler and [Kyle] Schwarber. — Ronald R.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Gabriela Carroll, Lochlahn March, Marcus Hayes, Jeff McLane, Jonathan Tannenwald, Gina Mizell, Lisa Carlin, Conor Smith, Mia Messina, Beatrice Forman, and Henry Savage.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s your Wednesday. Here’s hoping we made you a little more informed or at least provided an ice breaker in your virtual meeting. Catch you soon. — Kerith