Here is this week's dose of “5-Point Friday”. A weekly round-up of the sports news and stories that I find most interesting and enjoyable.
Soccer team I will be following -
The Los Angeles-based NWSL franchise officially announced that it will go by the name Angel City Football Club. ACFC also announced new investors, including former tennis stars Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing)and Ilana Kloss (@KlossIlana), the WNBA’s Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker), former Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn (@lindseyvonn) and her husband, NHL star P.K. Subban (@PKSubban1). ACFC will be the first major U.S. professional sports team operated by a majority women ownership group when it enters the NWSL in 2022.
Goal I have been watching on repeat -
It has been a pretty good week to be a Rangers supporter. First of all Rangers defeated city rivals Celtic 2-0, in the Old Firm. Rangers then this up by defeating Belgian side Standard Liège 2-0, in the Europa League,, thanks to a penalty from captain James Tavernier and striker Kemar Roofe's wonder-strike from his own half (5:50 for the goal).
Sports rivalry I am looking forward to seeing renewed -
Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) is launching his own Extreme E racing team ahead of the all-electric off-road SUV racing series’ inaugural season, becoming the ninth to sign up to next year’s championship.
Rosberg Xtreme Racing (RXR) will line up alongside former F1 rival Lewis Hamilton’s own X44 team, which launched in September and marks Rosberg’s latest investment in sustainable mobility since retiring from professional racing in 2016
“We are thrilled to unveil Rosberg Xtreme Racing as the latest addition to Extreme E,” Rosberg said. “The series represents an amazing opportunity to not only drive awareness but also inspire action in the fight against climate change – the single biggest threat to our planet today. “Since retiring from Formula One, I have dedicated my career to sustainable technologies so to be able to combine these endeavors with my passion for racing is incredibly fulfilling.”
New league I am excited for -
Professional women’s sports organization Athletes Unlimited (AU) announced that it will be adding a lacrosse league to its offerings.
The first season of the new league is planned to run from July 19 to Aug. 22, 2021, at a yet-to-be-determined site, beginning two days after the end of the 2021 World Lacrosse Women’s World Championship.
The AU Lacrosse format will feature games with eight-minute quarters, 9v9 gameplay, and a 60-second shot clock on an 80-yard by 50-yard field. The league will have 56 players divided into four teams of 14.
“Women’s lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States and incredibly popular among young players and fans,” AU CEO and co-founder Jon Patricof (@jpatricof) said in an announcement. “Our leagues are all about excitement, storytelling and fan engagement so lacrosse is the perfect addition to our network of pro sports leagues which already includes softball and indoor volleyball.”
So far, 21 athletes are confirmed to play, including U.S. National Team members Kayla Treanor (@unKayTrain_able), Michelle Tumolo (@MTumolo35), Meg Douty (@MegDouty), Emily Parros (@egarritweet), Caylee Waters (@seawaters7), and Amanda Johansen (@amandajohansen7).
“We are thrilled lacrosse has been selected as the third pro sports league for Athletes Unlimited,” Tumolo said. “We look forward to competing and showcasing our skills for fans of Athletes Unlimited around the world.”
What I've been watching -
“The Playbook: A Coach’s Rules for Life,” the docuseries from Netflix provides a new perspective with behind-the-scenes views from five of the biggest coaching names in sports. Including Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou), Jill Ellis, Dawn Staley (@dawnstaley), José Mourinho and Doc Rivers (@DocRivers).
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Jonathan
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