Some prominent names in soccer are in Rochester this weekend to take part in an event designed to build a sustainable, inclusive and equitable youth sports ecosystem in the city.
The “Champions of Change Summit” runs this weekend at the Rochester Community Sports Complex on Oak Street.
It’s being organized by the Rochester City Soccer League, which was founded eight years ago by Nicole Hercules, a former professional player.
Hercules said the league is for city children and young adults, and in conjunction with the city of Rochester, it’s available for free or at a very low cost to families from all different socioeconomic backgrounds.
She wants to make it more accessible for kids who otherwise wouldn’t be able to play the most popular sport in the world.
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Rochester City Soccer League
Children learn about the sport of soccer through the Rochester City Soccer League.
“We have kids who just want to play soccer, and if they could be on that soccer field from morning, noon and night, they will,” she said. “And we want to create a soccer hub in the city of Rochester that allows the kids to have just that.
“If we can give kids the opportunity to play and give them quality training, give them time, give them an investment,” she added, “not only will they enjoy and love the game and create a family dynamic, but they will thrive on and off the field.”
Hercules said she’s created something special with the Rochester City Soccer League, and she wants the city and the state to invest in the effort, because she sees Rochester as a national hub for grassroots soccer.
She said she’s bringing in local and national stakeholders to the summit to challenge them on the way they think about soccer in this country.
This weekend’s event includes representatives from the U.S. Soccer Federation, Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League, and the FIFA World Cup Coach of the Year, Hue Menzies.
For more information, go to rochestercitysoccerleague.org.
The Premier League is finally back! Liverpool begin their quest to repeat as champions at home against Bournemouth, and an entertaining game ended with a 4-2 win for the Reds.
On a night in which a packed Anfield celebrated the life of Diogo Jota and André Silva while also welcoming a new-look Liverpool into the 2025-26 campaign, everything looked to be going the hosts’ way for 50 minutes, with summer arrival Hugo Ekitike notching a goal and setting up Cody Gakpo for a 2-0 lead. Except, some substitutions and sharp counterattacking by Andoni Iraola’s Cherries saw that lead quickly wiped out as Antoine Semenyo scored twice in 12 minutes to level the score and dramatically change the vibe inside Anfield.
However, it wouldn’t be a Liverpool home game without late drama, as substitute Federico Chiesa volleyed home from close range in front of the Kop End to put the Reds 3-2 up in the 88th minute, before Mohamed Salah added a fourth late in stoppage time to cap a winning return to action for Arne Slot & Co. as they look to defend their league crown.
Here’s how all the fun and action played out from the first match of the new season. Also, join us tomorrow morning, 7am ET, for a full-day liveblog of Premier League and European action as we celebrate the return of club soccer on the continent!
“Bear Bets” are real wagers that Chris “The Bear” Fallica is actually making.
Is there anything better in the world than fall sports?
If you know me, you know how much I love football. But there’s another sport I also enjoy laying wagers on: soccer.
Let’s dive into what I’m eyeing at the moment.
Big 12 teams to make College Football Playoff
I just don’t see a path for there to be multiple Big 12 teams in the Playoff.
The conference is so balanced from one to say eight or nine, that the likelihood is we get a glut of 9-3 and 8-4 teams.
It doesn’t mean the league is bad; it just means it’s balanced.
In projecting the Playoff, I’m seeing Clemson and Miami from the ACC, the Big 12 champ, the Group of Five representative and Notre Dame. That’s five spots right there, leaving seven for the Big Ten and SEC, which seems right — and coincidentally, what the math added up to last year.
PICK: Under 1.5 Big 12 teams (-135) to make CFP
Tom Brady analyzes the challenges of today’s college football landscape
UTSA to win AAC, to reach CFP
The Road Runners started slow last year, but QB Owen McCown and RB Robert Henry really got going later in the season.
UTSA opens with Texas A&M and is a three-TD dog there, but if they can just hang in there, it will go a long way to establishing the public opinion of the team. The schedule is helpful as Tulane plays at home and could very easily be favored in every game after the opener at Kyle Field.
UTSA is one of the rare G5 teams that can dominate at the line of scrimmage, especially on the offensive side of the ball. There’s a good chance this team is in the AAC title game, and if you look around the college football landscape, I expect the MWC to take a step back this year, which potentially opens up the G5 berth to the AAC winner.
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PICK: UTSA (+500) to win AAC, to reach CFP (+1400)
Manchester United Under 59.5 points
United is coming off a lost year in Ruben Amorim’s first season at Old Trafford, with 42 points, a -10 goal differential and a 15th-place finish in the table. They were closer to relegation than they were to a Champions League spot.
United managed just 44 goals in 38 games and went hard in the transfer window to address that, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and then Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig.
But the issues are a bit deeper here than just on the field.
There is a lot of off-the-pitch angst from fans and employees. After winning just seven of 19 home games last year, an opener against Arsenal could go a long way in saying things will be different this year — or just more of the same.
The midfield still concerns me, as does the keeper, who has been known to let in a howler now and then.
United won’t be 42 points bad, but asking them to hit 60 seems like a lot.
PICK: Manchester United Under 59.5 points
Chris “The Bear” Fallica has covered sports for nearly three decades. While college football has been his focus, he also enjoys the NFL, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, MLB, NHL and Horse Racing, with an “occasional” wager on such events. Chris recently won the inaugural Circa Football Invitational and finished in the Top 10 of the Golden Nugget Football Contest. He’s a multiple-time qualifier for the NHC Handicapping Championship. Remember, “The less you bet, the more you lose when you win!” Follow him on Twitter @chrisfallica.
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Whether on the rugby pitch or dazzling fans with his soccer skills, Springbok Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is a ball wizard. Take a look…
At just 23, Springbok flyhalf Sacha “Sach” Feinberg-Mngomezulu has captured the rugby world’s attention with his dynamic play and fearless approach to the sport.
The youngster is sure to be a key figure in the Springboks’ Rugby Championship fixture against Australia tomorrow (Saturday, 16 August) at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: Springbok star on the rise
Last year, the versatile young back’s debut Bok season saw him nominated as one of World Rugby’s Breakthrough Players of the Year and win SA Rugby’s Young Player of the Year.
Apart from being the face of Paco Rabanne’s Invictus Victory Absolu fragrance, he was recently featured on the Forbes AFRICA 30 Under 30 list.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is the brand ambassador for Powerade. Picture: Supplied
This week, Sacha – who is also the leading player for the Stormers – was unveiled as the face of Powerade, the official energy drink of the Boks.
A rugby prodigy with soccer flair?
Sacha is more than a rising rugby star – he’s a multi-talented athlete whose soccer skills enhance his on-field brilliance.
Recently, videos circulating on social media platforms revealed the rugby prodigy’s knack for soccer, prompting fans to marvel at his football excellence.
Rising Springbok star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is living life in the fast lane after making his Bok debut against Wales. Picture: Paul Harding/Gallo Images
His silky footwork and quick feet translate seamlessly to rugby, where his agility and vision make him a dangerous playmaker.
As iHarare noted, Sacha’s balance and control left fans in awe, with many dubbing him a “natural baller.”
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: Early days at Bishops Diocesan College
Sacha kicked off his baller journey at Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town, a school renowned for its rugby culture.
Despite his evident soccer talent, the rugby-dominant environment steered him towards a career with the oval ball.
His father, radio broadcaster and sports journalist Nick Feinberg, told The Star that Sacha was “as good, if not better” at soccer than rugby, hinting at a potential career in the “Beautiful Game”.
Commenting on his love for soccer, Sacha previously told Rugby 365: “I definitely did take football seriously as an option.
“I would take the drives to the training sessions and trials, but being surrounded by schoolboys playing rugby at Bishop’s and quite a rugby-dominant culture, that was the side I leaned towards.”
Social media clips, including one from his TikTok account (@sachgome), show Sacha juggling a soccer ball with remarkable control, a testament to his natural athleticism.
@sachgome Therapeutic🤌🏽 #fyp #sports #SAMA28 ♬ original sound – Costa Titch
Boks vs Bafana Bafana? Sacha shows off soccer skills
In a viral Instagram video alongside South African cricketer Tony de Zorzi, Sacha showcased his soccer prowess, effortlessly switching feet and performing dazzling tricks.
What fans say
Fans flooded the comment section, with one (@Bab’Sishi) jokingly calling for a Boks vs Bafana Bafana showdown.
@Bab’Sishi: “Boks back line against Bafana, we want to see something.”
@Johnty Hendricks: “Yes, friendly against Bafana, please.”
@Keenan: “@sachgome10 always looks more happier than a professional footballer when there’s a ball at his feet.”
How soccer enhances Sacha’s rugby game
Sacha’s soccer background is particularly evident in his rugby kicking game, with his ability to execute high bombs, flat “50-22” kicks, and delicate dinks showcasing a versatility that sets him apart.
Springbok flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in action against Georgia. Picture: Johann Meintjes/Gallo Images
Speaking to The Star, Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick praised Sacha’s natural footballing ability.
“He can do things with a ball that I, coming from the township, can’t do!”
This skill was on full display during a United Rugby Championship match against the Lions, where Sacha juggled the ball before scoring.
Composure under pressure
Sacha’s ability to handle pressure is another hallmark of his game. Whether on the rugby pitch or juggling a soccer ball, he displays remarkable composure.
News24 highlighted his maturity, quoting Stick: “Even if he makes mistakes, he can bounce back and still back himself to make decisions.”
Bright future ahead for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: Comparisons to Dan Carter
Sacha’s flair has drawn comparisons to rugby legend Dan Carter, though he remains humble about the praise.
In a recent News24 interview, he commented on this comparison, saying, “I don’t indulge it,” focusing instead on his growth… and with mentors like Handre Pollard, Sacha is poised to become a cornerstone of the Boks’ future.
NOW READ: SA v Australia: 33 years of iconic sporting moments
NYON, Switzerland — UEFA opened a disciplinary case Friday after an Israeli soccer club’s fans displayed a banner targeting Poland that was criticized by the Polish president and diplomats from Israel.
Fallout from the Maccabi Haifa vs. Rakow Czestochowa game Thursday in UEFA’s Conference League adds to current scrutiny around non-sporting issues being aired at international soccer.
The slogan “Murderers since 1939” in English was shown by Maccabi Haifa fans at a qualifying game in UEFA’s Conference League against Polish team Rakow. It was quickly condemned by the president of Poland and Israel’s embassy in the country.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki posted on X the banner was “scandalous” and an insult to Polish victims of World War Two including three million Jews.
Maccabi Haifa and Rakow played the game in neutral Hungary instead of Israel for security reasons — one week after the first leg in Poland. There, Rakow fans showed a banner in Polish saying Israel was murdering people and the world was silent.
UEFA said Friday both clubs have been charged with “transmitting a message not fit for a sports event” in a case that will be judged by its disciplinary panel.
No timetable was given for imposing sanctions which could be fines and closing part of a stadium at a future game. Rakow won 2-0 Thursday and eliminated Maccabi Haifa 2-1 on aggregate score.
The Polish government’s foreign ministry said Friday it had spoken with Israel’s ambassador to the country, Yaakov Finkelstein.
“He expressed his utmost outrage at the scandalous content of a banner displayed by the Israeli fans and thanked for its firm condemnation by the embassy,” the Polish ministry said in a statement.
Poland’s ambassador in Israel also was set to discuss the incident with Israel’s government, the ministry said, adding: “Polish-Israeli relations must not, and will not, be undermined by extremists.”
UEFA does not allow overt political messaging by fans or clubs in stadiums at European competition games it organizes but was itself criticized this week.
On Wednesday, UEFA displayed the message “Stop Killing Children. Stop Killing Civilians” on the field before its showpiece Super Cup game between the Champion League title holder Paris Saint-Germain and Europa League winner Tottenham, played at Udine, Italy.
UEFA said it was part of a campaign with its charitable foundation that has projects helping children affected by conflicts also in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Yemen and Ukraine.
When the PSG and Tottenham players were presented with their medals, the post-game ceremony involved two Palestinian children who are refugees in Italy from Gaza.
At the Champions League final played in Munich in May, PSG fans displayed a banner “Stop Genocide in Gaza” in English. UEFA did not punish the Qatari-owned French club for the display.
Minnesota United on Saturday celebrates Minnesota Soccer Heritage at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota when the team squares off against Seattle Sounders FC in a key Western Conference clash on Saturday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m. CT, presented by Allina Health.
**Minnesota Professional Soccer Legends
As part of MNUFC’s celebration of soccer heritage and history in the state, the Loons have invited a number of professional soccer legends to attend the match. This group will be recognized in various ways throughout the game, including signing autographs and taking photos with fans at the Sun Country Lawn Layover from 5:30-6:30 p.m. CT. Following the meet and greet at the Sun Country Lawn Layover, the group of legends will be recognized on the field during pregame right after warmups end at approximately 7:35 p.m. CT, and each legend will also be gifted a new ‘Heritage Jersey’**, which is an homage to all the Minnesota professional soccer teams of years past.
Below is a list of confirmed Minnesota professional soccer legends (with their team affiliation and position) who will be at the match on Saturday:
Kyle Altman – Minnesota Thunder, Minnesota Stars and Minnesota United NASL (D)
Angie Blaker – Minnesota Thunder, Minnesota Stars, Minnesota United NASL and Minnesota United MLS (Sporting Staff)
Djorn Buchholz – Minnesota Thunder (GM), Minnesota Stars and Minnesota United NASL (CEO)
Carl Craig – Minnesota Stars and Minnesota United NASL (Manager)
Justin Davis – Minnesota Stars, Minnesota United NASL and Minnesota United MLS (D)
Kevin Friedland – Minnesota Thunder, Minnesota Stars and Minnesota United NASL (D)
Don Gramenz – Minnesota Thunder (D; Manager)
Brian Kallman – Minnesota Thunder, Minnesota Stars and Minnesota United NASL (D)
Buzz Lagos – Minnesota Thunder (Manager)
Gerard Lagos – Minnesota Thunder (F)
Manny Lagos – Minnesota Thunder (F), Minnesota Stars and Minnesota United NASL (Manager), Minnesota United MLS (Sporting Staff)
Tino Lettieri – Minnesota Kicks and Minnesota Strikers (GK)
Amos Magee – Minnesota Thunder (F) and Minnesota United MLS (Sporting Staff)
Alan Merrick – Minnesota Kicks (D) and Minnesota Strikers (Manager)
Aaron Paye – Minnesota Thunder (F)
Tony Peszneker – Minnesota Kicks and Minnesota Thunder (D)
Tony Sanneh – Minnesota Thunder (M/D)
John Swallen – Minnesota Thunder (GK)
Melvin Tarley – Minnesota Thunder (F)
Joe Warren – Minnesota Thunder and Minnesota Stars (GK)
Alan Willey – Minnesota Kicks and Minnesota Strikers (F)
Chris Wright – Minnesota Strikers (GM) and Minnesota United MLS (CEO)
Prior to Saturday’s matchday celebrations, the legends were also invited to attend the First Team training session at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota on Friday, where they watched training and interacted with current coaches, players and staff.
Later that evening on Friday, the legends group was also invited to attend the MNUFC2 match at the National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine to watch the Twos take on Tacoma Defiance in MLS NEXT Pro regular-season action at 7:00 p.m. CT.
Sun Country Lawn Layover on the Great Lawn
In addition to the gameday activities inside Allianz Field on Saturday, this weekend’s match will also hold a Sun Country Lawn Layover on the Great Lawn, located outside on the north end of the stadium. Fans can expect to engage in a number of activities around the Sun Country Lawn Layover, including listening to a live performance by Viva Knievel, an energetic cover band that takes audiences on a flight through the past decades of music.
As mentioned above, Minnesota professional soccer legends will be meeting fans, signing autographs and taking photos at the Sun Country Lawn Layover from 5:30-6:30 p.m. CT, weather permitting. Be sure to stop by and meet some true soccer legends o
Chris Fallica FOX Sports Wagering Expert 
