Sparks say bye-bye to Becky and Silver Stars

After a draining battle in Game 1 in Los Angeles, the Sparks pulled out the win and have their eyes set on an WNBA championship. But in order for the task to be accomplished they must close out the Silver Stars in San Antonio.

Having the reminder of the 2008 debacle in San Antonio where Sophia Young's jumper with .6 seconds left in the game gave the Silver Stars the win and its only appearance in the WNBA Finals. Candace Parker, Nneka Oguwmike, and company were determined to not allow that to happen this year.

The Sparks came out clicking on all cylinders going on a 12-0 run early on in the first quarter. However as the quarter progressed, the Silver Star went on a quiet 6-0 run to trail the Sparks 23-16. The Sparks maintained their poise behind a sharp Kristi Toliver, who extended the lead with a huge three pointer over Danielle Adams to end the first quarter up 26-16.

The second quarter for the Sparks and Silver Stars continued to be a tight battle. Near the end of the quarter, Parker lost the handle, but gained it back and launches a shot from half court right at the buzzer for three, and makes it for the 44-40 halftime lead.

Delisha Milton-Jones continued to shoot well as she knocked a three pointer that capped off a 15-2 run by the Sparks. They led the Silver Stars 73-51 with just under four minutes to go in the third quarter. Alana Beard scored an amazing lay up that extended the lead 75-57.

The Silver Stars trailed by as much as 22 points to begin the fourth quarter. By opting to go with a smaller line up, the Silver Stars completed a 13-0 run thanks to back to back three pointers by Perkins and Christon to trail the Sparks 82-74. Later on in the quarter Christon scored five straight point to even up the score at 90. Becky Hammond attempted to take the lead on a three pointer that bounced in and out, then Danielle Robinson tried to connect on a jumped that went in and out.

As the Sparks watched their lead slip away, the final two minutes belonged to them. They went 7 for 8 at the free throw line along with playing the aggressive style they played in the beginning by snatching rebounds. Rookie Nneka Oguwmike hit a huge jumper that gave the Sparks the 92-90 lead. Once the Silver Stars were forced to foul Parker connected at the line for two free throws for the 94-90 lead. Then Parker who was double teamed in the line made a sweet turn left hand jumper in the lane for the bucket.
Several trips to the free throw line later by Parker, sealed the deal as the Sparks held on for the 101-94 victory and swept the Silver Star out of the playoffs.

Sparks Candace Parker finished with 32 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assist, along with Kristi Toliver who added 23 points. Alana Beard finished with 17 points, and DeLisha Milton-Jones finished with 10 points for the Sparks.

Silver Stars Sophia Young finished with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Jia Perkins added 16 points, Becky Hammon finished with 15 points and 3 assist. Coming off the bench Danielle Adams scored 12 points and Shameka Christon finished with 11 points.

"I will never forget that. Today, it wasn't necessarily a shot, but it was going through my head as they made their run. This would be a historic comeback for them if they beat us and we had to go back to L.A. to play. It came down to a couple of possessions and we were able to capitalize," said Candace Parker on the team's execution.

Kristi Toliver talked about the Sparks shot selection down the stretch, "we got stops and we tried to win the battle of the boards and get out and run to get those easy possessions. We didn't want to settle for jump shots, we wanted to be aggressive and get good shots."

ChivasUSA tied up with the Whitecaps - by Nick Hamilton

CARSON, CA - ChivasUSA and the Vancover Whitecaps ended in a classic scoreless tie that saw goalie Joe Cannon made four spectacular saves.
This battle was a heavily contest fight between the two team where six yellow cards were handed out as a result by head official Juan Guzman.

After an extensive 10 day layoff since their last match, ChivasUSA  and the Whitecaps began the game very slow and lethargic. However both teams played exception defense that neutralized each other from scoring. The two team continued their physical play until the 30th minute where a serious injury took place. Whitecaps defender Martín Bonjour slid and tackled Chivas forward José Erik Correa which forced him on the ground for minutes.

In the 71st minute of play Bonjour received a yellow for an unnecessary foul on Paolo Cardozo, which allowed a free kick to take place at the right of the box. Chivas took advantage of the free kick as Juan Pablo Ángel blasted a kick that almost went past Cannon who experience trouble handling the ball, but was cleared out after the chaos ensued at the net. Cannon stepped up again as he made a spectacular save on Cordozo from the right side of the box.

The Whitecaps decided to captialize on their opportunity around the 78th minute when Bryan Robson attempted to cut a shot just wide of the net as the home crowd collectively held their breath on the shot attempt.
Chivas decided to create an opportunity near the 88th minute, James Riley passed a cross for Zemanski who blasted a shot just right of the goal.

Cannon would defend and save two more shots by Chivas that ended in a scoreless tie at Home Depot Center.


*Chivas USA made a move toward alleviating its depth problem in central defense Friday, acquiring the rights to Bobby Burling while waiving fellow defender Scott Gordon.

SuperClasico 3: Winner Takes All... -by Nick Hamilton

Carson, CA - Once again SuperClasico round three and in the absence of David Beckham, the L.A. Galaxy capitalized and dominated on offense to win the series against their arena rivals Chivas USA 4-0. Even the debut of Shalrie Joseph didn't charge Chivas USA's offense, as they struggled to get any kind of offensive rhythm going throughout the game.
After the pounding the Galaxy took at the hands of the Seattle Sounders, one could expect to the team to be short on confidence, and Chivas high on hope.

Galaxy  Robbie Keane tested the Chivas USA defense early in this match and in the 27th minute of play, Landon Donovan drew away goalie Dan Kennedy to clear an open space for Keane to score as the Galaxy took the lead 1-0.
Chivas USA Nick DeLaGarza attempted a goal that just cleared off the line. The Galaxy were again on the attack with Donovan leading the charge, found an open Juninho who scored just outside the box for the 2-0 Galaxy lead.

In the second half didn't proved to be any better for Chivas as they continued to struggle offensively and search for their rhythm. However the Galaxy continued  behind the leadership of mid fielder Donovan who set up Juninho again with a far post cross score that increased the Galaxy lead 3-0. Chivas goalie Dan Kennedy didn't have much offensive or defensive help on this night.

Fresh off of injury Omar Gonzales made his return in a big way in the 82nd minute scored on an assist from Donovan that put the game away for good.
The Galaxy went on to defeat ChivasUSA 4-0, and took two out of three matches in this SuperClasico event.

Despite a record low crowd turnout at Home Depot Center, Landon Donovan had a record setting night completing 4 assist.

Chivas USA Shalrie Joseph had a few spectacular plays in the game, but obviously still getting adjusted to the Chivas offense. Despite the score ChivasUSA goalie Dan Kennedy played his best game of the season, causing the Galaxy offense to alter their shot selection at various times.

Sparks sweep season series over Mercury

                                                           (Photo by Andrew Bernstein)

The Los Angeles Sparks have swept the season series with the Phoenix Mercury for the first time since 2003.
With alot on the line, not only would the Sparks increase their lead over San Antonio in the west, but also clinch a playoff berth.

In the second quarter Candace Parker played like the MVP we've seen majority of the season, as Marrissa Coleman missed a free throw, an aggressive Parker made a spectacular turn around jumper. Then managed to get a block on the other end of the basket, and scored a timely jumper to push the Sparks lead back to 18 points over the Mercury.
Just before the buzzer Parker hit a big three pointer that erupted the crowd right before halftime. The Sparks led 55-40, playing immaculate defense on the Mercury causing 13 turnovers in the first half. Phoenix' DeWanna Bonner who the Sparks really had no answer for scored 19 points in the first half.

The Sparks came out a little flat to begin the third quarter and Phoenix capitalize by going on a 7-0 run early, that pulled them to 60-53. The Sparks once again were the aggressor as the begin a 16-2 run capped off by an amazing 5 point performance by guard Alana Beard. Parker reached her 17th WNBA double-double by the end of the third quarter. Her double-double ties Tina Charles for most in a season this year.

The Sparks weren't done as they begin a 13-6 run lead by Parker and guard Kristi Toliver that began the fourth quarter. Parker knocked down a three pointer and Toliver knocked down a pair of three pointers that extended the lead 94-70. The Sparks held to for the 101-76 victory over the Phoenix Mercury.

Candace Parker finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds, Alana Beard finished with 22 points and 6 steals and Kristi Toliver added 17 points.

DeWanna Bonner finished with a monster game despite the loss scoring 23 points and 6 rebounds.
Mercury coach Corey Gaines said Candace Dupree is limited to three minutes per quarter in her return from knee surgery back on July 24. Dupree who started, finished with 6 points on 3-4 shooting. Coach Gaines also said he shut down Olympic guard Diana Taurasi for the rest of the season for unspecified reasons.

Sparks who are now 23-10 also secured second place in the Western Conference, have won nine straight at home and clinched a playoff spot.

"I don't think you can ever breathe easy in the playoffs. I think it's like a win-or-go home, especially with the playoff format. You can't have any real time to stumble. So it just puts the pressure on us to win that first game at home," said Candace Parker regarding the playoff picture.

Sparks make sure the Sun don't rise in the west

                                                       (Photo by Eric Wade/ EWGems)


The Sparks continued their tough test against the Eastern Conference leading Connecticut Sun, whom the team defeated earlier this season.

Candace Parker who had battled fatigue, had alot of spring back in her step with no rest from the Olympic break. Parker finished with a monster game scoring another double-double 23 points and 10 rebounds. Kristi Toliver finished with 18 points, and Nneka Ogwumike finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds for their eight straight victory at Staples Center.

The Sun maintained the pace with the Sparks, as the Los Angeles ended the first quarter only leading 20-18.

In the third quarter the Sun had no answer for Ogwumike in the paint as she scored two straight baskets that pushed the Sparks lead 70-51. While the Sparks went on an 18-0 run, the Sun called timeout twice and turned the ball over both possessions coming on to the court.
A few times in the third quarter that Parker guarded Tina Charles who only scored two points thanks to Parker's superb defense. Renee Montgomery kept Connecticut in it with a 10-point third quarter which included three 3-pointers.

The Sun opened the fourth quarter on a 17-4 run which stunned the Sparks. White made two 3-pointers during that span along with McCray who also had a three pointer.
The Sparks continued to maintain their even though they saw it slipping. But with 2:38 left, the Sparks still led 83-80 they caught a break due to Tan White's traveling violation.
Then the Sun missed a shot on their possession and Ogwumike banked in a shot. The speedy sharp Alana Beard got a huge steal with less than a minute left that captured the victory for the Sparks. Los Angeles held on to defeat the Sun 93-82 and continued their two game lead over the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Sun Tina Charles finished with her 17th WNBA leading double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Kara Lawson finished with a low 7 points, and Renee Montgomery finished with 15 points.

"We just want to continue to get better going into the playoffs. I know I myself haven't played so well since the break, and my teammates have done a good job of supporting me and continuing to believe in me and continue to give me motivation," said Candace Parker.

Sparks continue to raise above the Sky

                                                           (Photo by Andrew Bernstein)


The Los Angeles Sparks are on course to make a significant playoff run, coming off a 1-4 road trip will make things difficult but not impossible for them to enter the playoff picture.
The Chicago Sky who are also in a heated playoff in the Eastern Conference have a must win tonight in Los Angeles.
Coming off a 1-4 trip, the Sparks improved to 13-1 at Staples Center with a 21-10 overall record. They moved two games ahead of San Antonio for second place in the Western Conference with four games remaining.

The Sky and Sparks traded baskets in the early first quarter and thanks to the balanced attack of rookie Nneka Ogwumike, the Sparks ended the first quarter leading 27-18. Ogwumike and Delisha Milton-Jones combined for 17 of the Sparks' 27 first-quarter points.
Sparks pulled away in the second quarter with the help of Candace Parker, Milton-Jones, and Oguwmike who dominate offensively as well as defensively. Ogwumike scored 14 and Milton-Jones added 11 to lead the Sparks a 44-35 halftime lead.

The Chicago Sky shot 35 percent in the first half, including 0 for 8 from 3-point range. Sky's Swin Cash was held to only four points that included a buzzer beater before the first half ended.

The Sky emerged from their slumber in the third quarter behind Swin Cash's 14 points as the Sky began to close in 61-57. Epiphanny Prince hit six clutch points in the third quarter along with being perfect in the quarter from the free throw line.

Ogwumike scored 16 points in the second half and helped turn away a late Chicago rally in the fourth quarter. Ogwumike extended the Sparks 12-point lead when she put back a missed shot with 3:20 remaining. However the Sky would claw back and go on a 10-2 run to cut the Sparks' lead to 81-77 due to Cash's huge 3-pointer with 51 seconds left.
The two teams exchanged turnovers as the Sky committed two key fouls. Kristi Toliver made a one out of two free throws, and Ogwumike took an inbound pass from Milton-Jones for an uncontested layup with 28.9 seconds left.

The Sparks held on for their seventh straight win, despite a struggling Kristi Toliver, who was 0 for 5 from the field and finished with six points.

Swin Cash scored 23 points and Epiphanny Prince had 19. The Sky (12-18) fell one game behind the New York Liberty for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East.

Nneka Ogwumike finished with a double-double 30 points, 11 rebounds. Delisha Milton-Jones finished with 11 points, and Candace Parker finished with 11 points, and 5 rebounds.

"We just came off a 1-4 road trip. We knew this game was essential, and also learning from the win was really important, too" said Ogwumike said.

Seattle Storm & Olympic Gold Medalist SUE BIRD, TINA THOMPSON vs. LA Sparks

2012 Game Interview w/ LA Sparks CANDACE PARKER & Kristi Toliver

BECKY HAMMON (San Antonio Silver Stars) vs. LA Sparks

NY Liberty's Cappie Pondexter vs. LA Sparks

Norbonne QB Troy Williams

Lynx Maya Moore & Seimone Augustus on the Road to Repeat

LA Sparks Get Ready for Playoffs

Battle of the Olympians & WNBA MVP's - Tina Charles & Candace Parker

NICK HAMILTON covering the world of Sports

Weaver looks like Cy Young material against A's

After missing one start due to an biceps tendinitis, Jered Weaver looked to avoid his team getting swept by their AL West rival Oakland A's.

Weaver and A's starter Brett Anderson entered a pitchers duel where neither pitcher gave up runs for several inning in the 90 degree plus heat at Angel Stadium.

The Angels made their attempt to score in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Howie Kendrick hit a missile of a double deep to right field. Erick Aybar ground out to second base which advanced Kendrick to third base. With a runner in scoring position, Mark Trumbo struck out swinging and Vernon Wells grounded out to shortstop which prevented the Angels from scoring.

Weaver continued to dominate as he sat down Josh Reddick for the final out in the top of the sixth inning.

Once again the Angels made another attempt to score, as Mike Trout smacked a double deep to right field. Alberto Callaspo hit a timely sacrifice fly to right that advanced Trout to third base.With two outs and a runner in scoring position, Albet Pujols hit a grounder to third base for the third out.

However in the seventh inning, the Angels exploded as Torii Hunter led off with his 15th home run that gave the Angels the 1-0 lead. After Aybar doubled to deep left, Trumbo hit an RBI single that scored Aybar which made it 2-0 Angels. The bats continued to be as hot as the California weather as Vernon Wells connecte don an infield single which moved Trout to second base. Later Mike Trout walked, which loaded the bases for the Angels and A's starter Anderson was relieved by Jonny Chavez.
Chavez proved to be no match for the Angel bats as Callaspo belted a clutch single to right that scored both Trumbo and Wells.
Trout scored from third and Callaspo flew into second base thanks to a poorly thrown ball by George Kottaras. With both Callaspo and Pujols on base Hunter connected on an RBI single that scored Callaspo and increased the Angels lead over the A's 6-0.

After phenomenal pitching fest by Weaver, Angels manager Mike Scioscia decided to bring in reliever Kevin Jepsen in the inning. The bullpen has had moments where its blown lead but not today as Jepsen was solid. With Coco Crisp and Jemile Weeks on second and third base, Jepsen remained focused and struck out Seth Smith to end the eight inning.
"Obviously we didn't want to get swept. Things didn't go the way we wanted them to the first three games, but those guys are playing good baseball and you can't take them lightly. These guys are always scrappy, so it's going to be interesting down the stretch," said Jered Weaver.

In the ninth inning Angels closer Nick Maronde did a fantastic job as he struck out Chris Carter and Gomes for the last two outs of the game. The Angels held on to shut out the A's 6-0 and avoided the series sweep.

Jered Weaver (17-4) pitched seven strong innings, on nine strikeouts, on two hits. "It was disappointing to miss a start, but luckily it was only one and I was able to get healthy again. It was nice to be able to throw up some zeros."

A's starter Brett Anderson (4-1) was charged with five runs and nine hits over six innings in his fifth start since returning from Tommy John surgery back in July 2011.

"My whole career I've been a strong second-half hitter because I make adjustments. That's what baseball is all about, and that's what I've been able to do it with the Twins and with the Angels," Torii Hunter said.