The Modern Musketeers
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08.09.2019 04:37
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VANCOUVER -- When Andy OBrien went down with a hamstring injury in Seattle, he did not expect to miss much time. But the recovery took two months. "Its certainly been a bit longer than I wanted it to," said OBrien. "As the weeks went by, I stopped putting a target on what game I would be actually back for." OBrien, who felt like the had been "shot in the leg" when hurt in early June, is expected to make his return to the Vancouver lineup Saturday when the Whitecaps host the San Jose Earthquakes. The 34-year-old Harrogate, England native has missed nine games after he expected to miss just one. "Its good now being able to talk to you about, maybe, being available for the first team," said OBrien following a practice Friday. OBriens return is timely because fellow central defender Brad Rusin is slated to miss the game with an ankle injury. Rusin, injured last weekend in a 1-1 tie at Portland, is out for the third time this season. The 26-year-old Crown Point, Ind., natives absence adds to the ongoing woes of a back line that has battled injuries all season long. OBrien, who signed a one-year contract extension this week, appears unlikely to start. But he could see some minutes off the bench as he eases his way back into action while the Whitecaps prepare for the stretch drive of the season. "Hes been out for longer than we thought, and hes a very important player for us," said Vancouver coach Martin Rennie. "He brings a lot of experience and leadership, so its nice to have him back." Prior to joining the Whitecaps, OBrien, who has overcome a public battle with depression, made nearly 500 appearances with English clubs including Premier League sides Bradford, Newcastle, Portsmouth and Bolton. The dual British-Irish citizen also played in the UEFA Champions League with Newcastle United and was a member of the Republic of Irelands 2002 FIFA World Cup squad. He will provide a calming presence to a club that has seen its string of success start to unravel lately. The Whitecaps have only one point -- from the key draw against Portland -- in the last three games after going unbeaten in six. Heading into this weekends play, the Whitecaps (9-7-6) sit tied for fourth place in the Western Conference but the Earthquakes (8-9-6) can pull even with Vancouver with a victory. Despite their low position, the Earthquakes are not languishing. San Jose has won three games in a row, posting two clean sheets in the process, and finds itself only three points back of the Whitecaps. The Earthquakes have turned their season around since Vancouver native Mark Watson, a former Canadian national team player with 78 international caps, was appointed interim coach. Watson was elevated from his assistants post, a position he has also held with Canadas national mens team. He replaced former coach Frank Yallop, another Vancouverite and former Canadian coach, who parted ways with San Jose in June. Rennie is not putting emphasis on the games significance in the standings. "Looking at the table isnt that important," said Rennie. "Whats really important is how we play and how we go about our job. a You could win three in a row and still be in the same position if other teams win." Meanwhile, Whitecaps goalkeeper David Ousted will make his second consecutive start after seeing his first action with the club last weekend in Portland. "Im looking forward to coming into B.C. Place and meeting the fans and having my first home game," he said. Ousted, a former Danish Superliga star who signed with the Whitecaps in late June, will be counted on to help the Whitecaps maintain their strong record at home, where they are 7-1-3 this season. One opponent who could test him is striker Chris Wondolowski, who has seven goals in six career games against the Whitecaps. Wondolowski, the leagues most valuable player in 2012, scored two goals for San Jose last week against Chivas USA after missing a month while he was away playing for the American side that won the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The 31-year-old Danville, Calif., native led the U.S. with five goals. While he attempts to maintain his good form, Ousted hopes a strong home effort will help him earn more starts. "Its important to get into a run of games and get in there and be comfortable with the back four and with the team," said the 28-year-old native of Greve, Denmark. "Its been good for me getting to know the guys, and I hope to play a lot of games from now on." Notes: Whitecaps midfielder Jun Marques Davidson is eligible to return after serving a one-game suspension for head-butting a Philadelphia player July 27, while fellow Caps midfielder Gershon Koffie will return after serving a one-game ban for yellow-card accumulation. a Vancouvers Nigel Reo-Coker and San Joses Steven Lenhart face an automatic one-game suspension for their next yellow cards. a Vancouvers Darren Mattocks continues to recuperate from arthroscopic knee surgery, but has yet to resume training with the team. Fellow striker Kenny Miller will return after missing last weekends game with a groin injury. ... San Jose defender Ty Harden (hip) and Peter McGlynn (undisclosed) are out with injuries.Nvapormax Plus Deutschland . -- Charlie Graham stopped 67 shots as the Belleville Bulls edged the visiting Guelph Storm 6-5 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Vapormax Weiß Herren . The veteran safety was a starter for the Bengals from 2008-2012. He totaled 41 tackles and three interceptions while starting all but four of the 13 games he played last season. http://www.vapormaxschuhe.de/vapormax-schwarz-deutschland.html . - The Oakland Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes on Friday. Vapormax Herren Sale . Duchene scored two goals and had an assist, helping the Colorado Avalanche beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-2 on Friday night to match the best 10-game start in team history. Vapormax Weiß Deutsch . PETERSBURG, Fla.New Delhi -- Indias Olympic bronze medal-winning boxer MC Mary Kom will receive the Legends Award from the International Boxing Association (AIBA) on the occasion of its 70th anniversary, on December 20.I would like to thank the AIBA President and officials for this prestigious award. This recognition from AIBA will encourage young boxers in our country to work hard. It is a very emotional as well as a motivating day for me, Kom, a five-time world champion and now a Rajya Sabha MMP, said.dddddddddddd.Even after so many years, if people remember you and your achievements it shows their generosity and love towards me. Thank you once again for this award, its a memory I would cherish for my lifetime.Kom is also a multiple-time Asian champion and was named an AIBA brand ambassador during the World Championships earlier this year. ' ' ' |
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