http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 09 Jul 2026 09:33:01 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/07/09/2026-state-of-the-position-bgsu-running-backs/stories/20260709073 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/07/09/2026-state-of-the-position-bgsu-running-backs/stories/20260709073#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 12:52:13 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/bgsu/2026/07/09/2026-state-of-the-position-bgsu-running-backs/stories/20260709073 This is the sixth story of a multi-part series breaking down position groups on Bowling Green State University’s roster entering the 2026 season. BOWLING GREEN — The running backs played a large role for the Bowling Green State University football team in 2025, both on the ground and in the air. With lead rusher Austyn Dendy returning, the unit provides some promise for the upcoming season.  In Greg Nosal’s first year as sole offensive coordinator, the running game is expected to be the driving force for the Falcons’ offense. That responsibility is expected to fall on a trio of running backs.  While roster turnover generated some notable departures, the Falcons also made a promising addition to the room. Four transfers left the group with two returners and a veteran newcomer expected to fill the void.  Here’s a look at the state of BGSU’s running backs.  2025 in review  Leading the Falcons' ground attack last year, Dendy finished with 493 rushing yards, averaging 98.6 per game and 4.6 per carry. The redshirt sophomore had five rushing touchdowns and another through the air.  Dendy appeared in a five-game stretch from Oct. 25-Nov. 25, emerging as a starter in four of those. He had two different performances with over 100 yards and at least two touchdowns, coming against Eastern Michigan and Massachusetts.  The Falcons will be without running back Cameron Pettaway, who was the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year for his performances in the backfield and as a kick returner. At BG, he led the nation in kick return average with 33 yards per attempt.  On the ground, Pettaway rushed for 365 yards and averaged 5.1 per carry. Pettaway has since transferred to Iowa State for his redshirt sophomore season.  Other departures include outgoing transfers Chris McMillan (North Alabama), Mar’Kel Porter (Northwestern), and Kaderris Roberts (Delaware).  McMillian finished with 342 rushing yards and had the second-most rushing touchdowns on the team with three. Roberts had 48 carries for 215 yards and a touchdown, while also returning nine kicks for 251 yards. Porter had 31 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns.  Three of the running backs also featured heavily in the passing game. Roberts (22 receptions, 141 receiving yards, and one touchdown), Pettaway (eight receptions, 139 receiving yards, and two touchdowns), and Porter (seven receptions for 70 yards) each found success through the air.  A year ago, the Falcons rushed for 1,866 total yards, averaging four per carry and 155.5 per game. Each of those numbers ranks in the middle of the conference. The group also rushed for 13 touchdowns, placing ninth in the MAC.  Position coaches Josh Crawford will enter his second season as the running backs coach at BGSU. He previously held that same role under Falcons head coach Eddie George at Tennessee State (2023-24) and was a running back at Vanderbilt during his playing days.  Other coaching experience for Crawford includes time as an offensive graduate assistant at Utah (2022) and as a defensive graduate assistant at Tennessee State (2021).  Brian White retains his role as a senior analyst/running backs coach. Since starting coaching in 1986, White has been a mainstay in college football, with many of his roles revolving around the position group.  White’s first season in Bowling Green came in 2022. Previous experience includes an interim head coach role at Colorado State (2021), along with time coaching running backs at Boston College, Florida, Wisconsin, and UNLV.  Probable starter Dendy is the frontrunner for the bulk of the snaps. His late-season emergence in 2025 has him primed for an increased workload this season, as the top returning rusher and one of the top returning receiving leaders for the Falcons.  At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Dendy has the most size of the three running backs. He previously spent one season at Missouri before breaking out for Bowling Green a year ago. Dendy now enters his second season at BGSU.   Incoming transfer Ke’Marion Baldwin joins the group from Charleston Southern. The redshirt junior appeared in 11 games with 778 rushing yards and six touchdowns for the Buccaneers. Prior to that, Baldwin spent two seasons at James Madison, finishing with nine carries for 24 yards over two seasons.  Nakai Amachree has had limited chances so far. It remains to be seen what the redshirt sophomore’s role will be after seven attempts for 22 yards last year. His biggest performance came at Louisville, where he had a season-best rush for 11 yards on one of his two carries.  Most intriguing newcomer Baldwin brings big play potential. In 2025, he had three games with runs reaching 39 yards or more. His longest of the season was 89 yards against Gardner-Webb. In that game, he had 175 yards and three touchdowns.  At Charleston Southern, the former Buccaneer had three games over 100 yards and handled the ball on 159 rushing attempts.  Prior to college, Baldwin rushed for 5,600 yards and 78 touchdowns at St. Paul’s High School in North Carolina.  Storyline to watch How involved will the unit be in the passing game? In 2025, BGSU targeted the running backs fairly often. Roberts, Pettaway, Porter, and Dendy combined for 414 of BGSU’s 1,815 receiving yards and four of the Falcons' 13 passing touchdowns.  With Nosal prioritizing running back involvement in his offense, a sizable workload may fall on the group. However, only Dendy returned from the previously mentioned options, and Baldwin had just eight receptions for 38 yards in 2025.  What to expect this fall  Dendy and Baldwin are both coming off their best seasons in their respective college football careers. Both have shown a capability to be a primary back, and should help the running game reload nicely for the Falcons this season. Amachree should see an extended role as well.  With questions about the passing and receiving games, the running backs should be heavily involved.  Expect the Falcons to test their quality early on, and if results follow, the trio of backs could be a big reason for a bounce-back year on offense. Bowling Green's Austyn Dendy runs with the ball during a matchup between the Falcons and the Eagles of Eastern Michigan at Rynearson Stadium on Nov. 8, 2025. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/08/former-bgsu-forward-jaden-grant-signs-with-walleye/stories/20260708094 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/08/former-bgsu-forward-jaden-grant-signs-with-walleye/stories/20260708094#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:49:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/walleye/2026/07/08/former-bgsu-forward-jaden-grant-signs-with-walleye/stories/20260708094 Jaden Grant, who wrapped up his collegiate career at Bowling Green State University in the spring, has agreed to terms with the Toledo Walleye for the 2026-27 season. Bowling Green’s Jaden Grant keeps the puck away from Minnesota State’s Mason Wheeler during a college hockey game at BGSU’s Slater Family Ice Arena in Bowling Green, on Feb. 21. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/08/tigers-pitcher-verlander-plans-to-retire-after-this-season/stories/20260708099 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/08/tigers-pitcher-verlander-plans-to-retire-after-this-season/stories/20260708099#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:59:48 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/08/tigers-pitcher-verlander-plans-to-retire-after-this-season/stories/20260708099 DETROIT — Justin Verlander plans to call it a career later this year. Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander works against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of an opening-day baseball game March 30 in Phoenix. Detroit's Justin Verlander hugs his daughter Genevieve for Father's Day before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, June 21 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/08/mud-hens-pitching-shuts-down-indianapolis-in-2-0-win/stories/20260708119 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/08/mud-hens-pitching-shuts-down-indianapolis-in-2-0-win/stories/20260708119#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 02:10:19 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/08/mud-hens-pitching-shuts-down-indianapolis-in-2-0-win/stories/20260708119 INDIANAPOLIS — One night after giving up nine runs, the Toledo Mud Hens blanked the Indianapolis Indians in a 2-0 victory on Wednesday. Toledo’s Eduardo Valencia looks to the sky while jogging to home base after hitting a home run during an International League baseball game between the Toledo Mud Hens and Memphis Redbirds at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on May 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/08/jake-rogers-spencer-torkelson-homer-tigers-beat-athletics/stories/20260708118 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/08/jake-rogers-spencer-torkelson-homer-tigers-beat-athletics/stories/20260708118#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2026 01:53:35 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/tigers/2026/07/08/jake-rogers-spencer-torkelson-homer-tigers-beat-athletics/stories/20260708118 DETROIT — Jake Rogers and Spencer Torkelson homered and the Detroit Tigers won their fourth straight game, beating the Athletics 6-1 on Wednesday night. Detroit Tigers' Spencer Torkelson, right, celebrates with Jake Rogers, left, and Kevin McGonigle (7) after hitting a three-run home run against the Athletics during the fifth inning of a baseball game on July 8 in Detroit. Detroit Tigers' Spencer Torkelson watches his three-run home run against the Athletics during the fifth inning of a baseball game on July 8 in Detroit. Athletics second baseman Joshua Kuroda-Grauer (44) makes a diving tag to get the force out on Detroit Tigers' Zach McKinstry during the sixth inning of a baseball game on July 8 in Detroit. Athletics' Mason Barnett (63) pitching against the Detroit Tigers during the sixth inning of a baseball game on July 8 in Detroit. Athletics' Jeff McNeil tosses his bat after striking out against the Detroit Tigers during the fifth inning of a baseball game on July 8 in Detroit. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/08/ferytale-wimbledon-british-wild-card-fery-semifinals/stories/20260708112 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/08/ferytale-wimbledon-british-wild-card-fery-semifinals/stories/20260708112#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:18:08 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/08/ferytale-wimbledon-british-wild-card-fery-semifinals/stories/20260708112 LONDON — The “Ferytale” continues at Wimbledon. Arthur Fery of Britain reacts to winning against Flavio Cobolli of Italy in their quarterfinal men's singles match July 8 at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London. Arthur Fery of Britain reacts to winning against Flavio Cobolli of Italy in their quarterfinal men's singles match July 8 at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London. Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine dances to celebrate her victory against Jasmine Paolini of Italy in their quarterfinal women's singles match July 8 at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London. Alexander Zverev of Germany returns the ball to Taylor Fritz of the United States in their quarterfinal men's singles match July 8 at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/08/world-cup-quarterfinals-messi-morocco-6-teams-from-europe/stories/20260708110 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/08/world-cup-quarterfinals-messi-morocco-6-teams-from-europe/stories/20260708110#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:15:34 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/08/world-cup-quarterfinals-messi-morocco-6-teams-from-europe/stories/20260708110 MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — More World Cup teams. Same World Cup story. Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Egypt on July 7 in Atlanta. Norway's Erling Haaland (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Brazil on July 5 in East Rutherford, N.J. Players of Morocco react after the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Canada on July 4 in Houston. France's Kylian Mbappe (10) celebrates his team's victory at the end of the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Paraguay on July 4 in Philadelphia. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/07/08/scottish-open-look-major-tour-liv-players/stories/20260708108 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/07/08/scottish-open-look-major-tour-liv-players/stories/20260708108#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:04:09 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/golf/2026/07/08/scottish-open-look-major-tour-liv-players/stories/20260708108 NORTH BERWICK, Scotland — The Scottish Open has the look of a major championship week, not so much because of the strength of the field or the heritage of the golf course. Jon Rahm, of Spain, watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., on June 19. Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, watches his tee shot on the ninth hole during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., on June 21. Brooks Koepka waves after his putt on the 10th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y., on June 19. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/08/briggs-forget-social-media-toledo-native-joyce-is-right-mlb-umps-are-better-than/stories/20260708101 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/08/briggs-forget-social-media-toledo-native-joyce-is-right-mlb-umps-are-better-than/stories/20260708101#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:45:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/08/briggs-forget-social-media-toledo-native-joyce-is-right-mlb-umps-are-better-than/stories/20260708101 Robots have a funny way of making you appreciate humans. Toledo native and former MLB umpire Jim Joyce stands at third base during the first inning of a baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Miami Marlins in 2012 in Phoenix. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/08/mud-hens-callahan-ready-to-continue-career-uptick-in-triple-a/stories/20260708077 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/08/mud-hens-callahan-ready-to-continue-career-uptick-in-triple-a/stories/20260708077#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:12:41 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/08/mud-hens-callahan-ready-to-continue-career-uptick-in-triple-a/stories/20260708077 Joining the Toledo Mud Hens marked another high point for outfielder Brett Callahan’s journey through the Detroit farm system, continuing an upward career trajectory throughout the 2026 season.  Through 12 games in his first stint at Triple-A, the Tigers’ No. 28 prospect already has a signature performance, producing a home run and walk-off hit while going 4-for-5 in a Fourth of July win over Iowa. Big moments with the bat could be commonplace with Callahan at the plate. After a pair of injury-shortened seasons, he has already accounted for his highest total of hits (78) and home runs (13) in split time between Erie (Double-A) and Toledo.  “My first couple years, I only played half-years, so to be able to get up here to Triple-A at this time, it just lets me know that the Tigers have faith in me,” Callahan said. “They’ve put me into positions and know I can handle it. It means a lot.”   The trust from organizational higher-ups has resulted in a confidence boost for Callahan, who recently played his first home series for the Mud Hens from June 30-July 5, going 8-for-20 (.400) against Iowa.  Callahan’s arrival in Toledo followed 60 games with Erie to start the season. Up to that point, it was his highest assignment in the Tigers organization.  In his fourth year of professional baseball, the 24-year-old had a noticeable power output with the SeaWolves, slugging 13 doubles, 2 triples, and 12 home runs with 39 RBIs. A threat on the basepaths, Callahan also added 20 stolen bases.  “At the beginning of the year, I didn't even know if I was going to start out in Double-A,” Callahan said. “I was able to start out there and make this jump. This is the thing you think about all off-season.  You go take all your swings and do all your reps to move up and get to the next level.” Having to overcome a dislocated finger and a right lower-leg injury in 2024 and a pulled quad in 2025, Callahan has already surpassed his previous highest games-played total in a season (71).  With his availability increasing, so too is his development. Callahan has emerged as a promising offensive threat after being drafted out of St. Joseph’s in the 13th round of the 2023 draft.  “He’s playing good baseball,” Mud Hens manager Gary Jones said. “He’s working to get better every day… that’s what you want to see. You want to see that improvement. I think he’s feeling more comfortable here at this level. You want to see the progression and development of a guy who just came from a lower level and is now making a major jump to this level. You want to see him get better as the months move on. That’s what he’s done since he’s gotten here. We just look forward to that progression.”  Callahan joined the Mud Hens at the beginning of the International League’s second half. Since then, Toledo has posted a run differential of plus-21 and an 8-5 record, thanks in part to his contributions at the plate.  During the recent home series against Iowa, fellow 2023 draft selection Max Anderson pointed to efficient offensive output as something that has helped the team find a rhythm.  “I think there’s a lot of team chemistry right now. We’re just kind of gelling together and playing good baseball,” Anderson said. “A lot of that has been getting big hits when you need them. Baseball is going to give and take in that way, but right now, the guys are coming through.”  A noticeable improvement for Callahan has been his plate discipline. He has already posted 36 walks this season, which surpasses last year’s total of 17 and his previous career-best of 26.  As the left-handed hitter continues his time in Toledo, he’s focusing on furthering his development while establishing himself as a reliable, quality presence on the field.  “The mindset here in Toledo is to be a professional, play like a professional, and do the little things right,” Callahan said. “You’re one step away from the big leagues, so you know they’re looking at all the small things — that’s what goes into being a good baseball player. It’s not just the numbers that you put on the stat sheet, but it’s all the small things defensively, while base running, and just having your head in the game. “Whether it’s hitting, base running, or fielding, I want to do everything at a high level.” Brett Callahan, right fielder for the Toledo Mud Hens, jogs to the dugout during a game against the Iowa Cubs at Fifth Third Field on June 30. Toledo Mud Hens right fielder Brett Callahan runs home during a game against the Iowa Cubs at Fifth Third Field in Toledo on June 30. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/ruben-vargas-sends-switzerland-world-cup-quarterfinals-shootout/stories/20260707117 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/ruben-vargas-sends-switzerland-world-cup-quarterfinals-shootout/stories/20260707117#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 02:54:10 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/ruben-vargas-sends-switzerland-world-cup-quarterfinals-shootout/stories/20260707117 VANCOUVER, British Columbia — In a match with few fireworks, the Swiss were patient against the Colombians and their enthusiastic fans. Switzerland players celebrate after defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/07/mud-hens-drop-series-opener-against-indianapolis/stories/20260707118 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/07/mud-hens-drop-series-opener-against-indianapolis/stories/20260707118#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2026 02:50:01 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/mud-hens/2026/07/07/mud-hens-drop-series-opener-against-indianapolis/stories/20260707118 INDIANAPOLIS — The Toledo Mud Hens began their six-game road trip against the Indianapolis Indians with a 9-3 loss on Tuesday night. Gage Workman swings at a pitch during a game against the Iowa Cubs at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on July 5. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/coco-gauff-beats-jessica-pegula-wimbledon-semifinals-jannik-sinner-advances/stories/20260707113 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/coco-gauff-beats-jessica-pegula-wimbledon-semifinals-jannik-sinner-advances/stories/20260707113#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2026 22:10:27 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/coco-gauff-beats-jessica-pegula-wimbledon-semifinals-jannik-sinner-advances/stories/20260707113 LONDON — Side to side. Corner to corner. Novak Djokovic kept pushing Felix Auger-Aliassime back and forth along the Centre Court baseline at Wimbledon to retrieve one shot after another. Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates winning the women's singles quarter-final match against Jessica Pegula of the United States at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on July 7. Coco Gauff of the United States plays a return during the women's singles quarter-final match against Jessica Pegula of the United States at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on July 7. Jessica Pegula of the United States returns the ball during the women's singles quarter-final match against Coco Gauff of the United States at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on July 7. Jannik Sinner of Italy wraps an ice towel around his neck as he rests after winning the first set against Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in their quarter-final men's singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on July 7. Naomi Osaka of Japan walks in the court to play against Karolina Muchova of Czech Republic in their quarter-final women's singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on July 7. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/us-men-soccer-team-has-been-stagnant-quarter-century/stories/20260707112 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/us-men-soccer-team-has-been-stagnant-quarter-century/stories/20260707112#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:22:02 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/us-men-soccer-team-has-been-stagnant-quarter-century/stories/20260707112 SEATTLE — For all the growth in American soccer over the past quarter-century, the U.S. men’s national team remains stagnant. United States' Weston McKennie (8) reacts during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle on July 6. United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium in their World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Seattle on July 6. United States' Tyler Adams celebrates after Malik Tillman scored their first goal from a free kick during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle on July 6. United States' Christian Pulisic (10) reacts after Belgium scored a goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium in Seattle on July 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/cavaliers/2026/07/07/donovan-mitchell-agrees-4-year-273-million-extension-cavaliers/stories/20260707111 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/cavaliers/2026/07/07/donovan-mitchell-agrees-4-year-273-million-extension-cavaliers/stories/20260707111#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:12:47 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/cavaliers/2026/07/07/donovan-mitchell-agrees-4-year-273-million-extension-cavaliers/stories/20260707111 CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell has agreed to a four-year, $273 million contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Cleveland Cavaliers' Donovan Mitchell (45) gestures after hitting a three-point basket in the second half of Game 4 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Detroit Pistons on May 11 in Cleveland. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/two-us-soccer-team-staff-members-suspended-fifa-belgium-world-cup-game/stories/20260707110 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/two-us-soccer-team-staff-members-suspended-fifa-belgium-world-cup-game/stories/20260707110#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:07:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/two-us-soccer-team-staff-members-suspended-fifa-belgium-world-cup-game/stories/20260707110 MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Two staff members of the U.S. soccer team were suspended by FIFA from Monday's round of 16 game against Belgium. United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Belgium in Seattle on July 6. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/lionel-messi-argentina-comeback-victory-egypt-world-cup-quarterfinals/stories/20260707099 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/lionel-messi-argentina-comeback-victory-egypt-world-cup-quarterfinals/stories/20260707099#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:53:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/07/lionel-messi-argentina-comeback-victory-egypt-world-cup-quarterfinals/stories/20260707099 ATLANTA — Lionel Messi did it yet again at this year’s World Cup. Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Egypt on July 4 in Atlanta. Egypt's Mostafa Zico (11) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match against Argentina. Egypt's Yasser Ibrahim (2) celebrates after scoring the opening goal as Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) looks on. Argentina's Lionel Messi takes a free kick. Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir (23) saves a penalty kick from Argentina's Lionel Messi (10). https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/07/briggs-prayers-being-answered-former-ut-star-ingersoll-making-progress/stories/20260707097 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/07/briggs-prayers-being-answered-former-ut-star-ingersoll-making-progress/stories/20260707097#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2026 19:40:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/ut/2026/07/07/briggs-prayers-being-answered-former-ut-star-ingersoll-making-progress/stories/20260707097 Some stories — and some people — just don’t let go of a community. Former Toledo women's basketball standout Courtney Ingersoll runs in a marathon last year. Former Toledo women's basketball standout Courtney Ingersoll. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/06/cobolli-performs-ronaldo-celebration-paolini-wins-before-federer/stories/20260706089 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/06/cobolli-performs-ronaldo-celebration-paolini-wins-before-federer/stories/20260706089#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:40:15 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/06/cobolli-performs-ronaldo-celebration-paolini-wins-before-federer/stories/20260706089 LONDON — On his first match point, Flavio Cobolli stepped up and unleashed a 135 mph first serve down the T that landed on the line and sent a puff of chalk into the air on No. 1 Court at Wimbledon. Flavio Cobolli of Italy celebrates winning against Alex de Minaur of Australia. Flavio Cobolli of Italy celebrates winning against Alex de Minaur of Australia. Jasmine Paolini of Italy celebrates winning the women's singles fourth round match against Alexandra Eala of the Philippines. https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/06/belgium-beats-us-4-1-reach-world-cup-quarterfinals/stories/20260706088 https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/06/belgium-beats-us-4-1-reach-world-cup-quarterfinals/stories/20260706088#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:13:17 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/sports/pro/2026/07/06/belgium-beats-us-4-1-reach-world-cup-quarterfinals/stories/20260706088 SEATTLE — The United States’ hopes for a deep World Cup run at home ended when Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and assisted on another goal, helping Belgium expose the Americans’ defensive liabilities in a 4-1 win Monday night that earned a quarterfinal berth. Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal. United States' Christian Pulisic (10) reacts during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between the United States and Belgium. United States' Matt Freese, left, and Antonee Robinson react after Belgium scored their third goal.