Dein erstes Forum » a frustrating season at an underperforming Columbus

KITCHENER, Ont. -- The Olympic curling dream is still alive for the two dozen rinks set to compete at this weeks Capital One Road to the Roar competition. However, the road to the Sochi Games remains a long one. Only four teams will advance to the final qualification stage and it wont be easy to get there given the quality of competition at the Nov. 5-10 tournament. Champions from every major level will be in the field for the triple-knockout event at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex. Gold medallists from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and the 2006 Turin Games are on hand along with former world champions and the reigning Tim Hortons Brier champ. The goal is to reach next months Canadian Olympic curling trials in Winnipeg, an event that already has 12 of the 16 available spots booked. The four remaining openings -- two for the men and two for the women -- will be filled by the end of play Sunday. "It is a unique event -- 12 teams for two spots," national champion Brad Jacobs said of the mens draw in a recent interview. "If you dont bring your A game (this) week, forget about your Olympic dreams. Really thats what it comes down to." Jacobs guided his Northern Ontario rink to victory at the Brier this year and followed it up with a silver medal at the world championships. Hell be challenged this week by seasoned veterans like 2010 Olympic champion John Morris, 2006 Olympic champion Brad Gushue of St. Johns, N.L., and 2006 world silver medallist Jean-Michel Menard of St-Romuald, Que. Morris, who teamed with skip Kevin Martin to win a world title in 2008 and Olympic gold in Vancouver, split from Martins rink last spring. He later joined Jim Cotters Kelowna, B.C., team and will handle skip duties while Cotter throws last stones. The womens field also boasts plenty of star power. There is 2007 world champion Kelly Scott of Kelowna, 2010 Olympic silver medallist Cheryl Bernard and 2006 Olympic bronze medallist Shannon Kleibrink, both of Calgary. "The field in Canada is amazing and its really deep," Bernard said. "I think any team at the pre-trials or trials could represent our country well at the Olympics. "So that being said, Im proud that we have that depth of field but it also makes it a lot of work for all the teams to be able to rise to the top." The womens field is rounded out by Barb Spencer of Winnipeg, Tracy Horgan of Sudbury, Ont., Krista McCarville of Thunder Bay, Ont., Crystal Webster of Calgary, Val Sweeting of Edmonton, Amber Holland of Regina, Laura Crocker of Edmonton, Renee Sonnenberg of Grande Prairie, Alta., and Cathy Auld of Mississauga, Ont. Other mens rinks include Toronto skips Mark Kean and Greg Balsdon, Ottawas Bryan Cochrane, Jake Higgs of Glencoe, Ont., Steve Laycock of Saskatoon, Rob Fowler of Brandon, Man., Rob Rumfeldt of Guelph, Ont., and Joe Frans of Bradford, Ont. The Olympic curling trials -- the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings -- begin Dec. 1 in Winnipeg. The mens skips that have already qualified include Kevin Martin and Kevin Koe, both from Edmonton, Glenn Howard of Coldwater, Ont., John Epping of Toronto and Mike McEwen and Jeff Stoughton, both from Winnipeg. Edmontons Heather Nedohin, Saskatoons Stefanie Lawton, Sherry Middaugh of Coldwater, Ont., Ottawas Rachel Homan of Ottawa and Jennifer Jones and Chelsea Carey, both from Winnipeg, have already qualified on the womens side. NBA Jerseys For Sale . -- Max Domi scored twice and set up two more as the London Knights toppled the visiting Kingston Frontenacs 6-4 on Sunday in Ontario Hockey League action. Fake NBA Jerseys . -- Sonny Grays fastball wasnt as sharp as it usually is, and the Oakland Athletics young pitcher even had a quirky replay go against him. https://www.cheapnbajerseysjustwholesale.com/ .C. United have acquired midfielder Alex Caskey from the Seattle Sounders for a third-round pick in the 2016 MLS draft. Authentic NBA Jerseys . Inter Milan ended its five-match winless streak in all competitions by beating 10-man Bologna 3-1 on new manager Claudio Ranieris debut, while injury-plagued AC Milan edged Cesena 1-0 with an early goal from Clarence Seedorf. Nike NBA Jerseys . So far, so good: Gonzalez has allowed one run through 12 innings this season. His second start came Tuesday night, when he gave up only three singles over six innings to lead the Nationals to a 5-0 victory over the Miami Marlins.Major League Soccer is bursting with household names such as Didier Drogba, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard but beyond the star faces theres a crop of young, hungry players looking to make their name in America. MLS journalists and experts have ranked the divisions best 24 players under the age of 24, taking into account technical ability, physical attributes and soccer IQ to draw up a hot-list of talent previously headed by Newcastles DeAndre Yedlin.From a prodigious English forward whos been receiving plenty of praise from Frank Lampard to the midfielder likened to Stokes Joe Allen, we give you the lowdown on the youngsters to watch... Frank Lampard is Chelseas all-time leading goalscorer and has won club footballs top honours - but which young team-mate has caught his eye? 24. Cristian Roldan - Seattle SoundersA combative central midfielder who excels in both boxes, USA U20 international Roldan has drawn praise for his tidy passing play, endurance and tough tackling. Aged 21 and into just the second season of his professional career, hes accumulated 30 appearances in 2016.23. Tommy Redding - Orlando CityLabelled by Orlando Citys former coach Adrian Heath as a potential top, top defender in MLS in July, the 19-year-old centre-back has shown to be more than capable of matching the physicality of the league and is comfortable with passing out from the back. 22. Sean Davis - New York Red BullsThe 23-year-old box-to-box midfielder ranks third in the pecking order of New York Red Bulls midfielders. But recent performances, including an impressive August with two goals and two assists, has put the pressure on Dax McCarty and Felipe to perform. Davis real breakthrough may happen during the play-offs, which start later this month. New York Red Bulls midfielder Sean Davis (R) scored against Chelsea in a 2015 International Champions Cup match 21. Cristian Higuita - Orlando CityConsidered one of best holding midfielders - and ball winners - in Major League Soccer, Higuita is one of the reasons why Kaka can have a free attacking role for Orlando. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with AC Milan in recent months and is on the fringes of Colombias national team. Orlando Citys tough-tackling Cristian Higuita - seen battling with Chicago Fires Michael de Leeuw - has helped Kaka thrive 20. Matt Polster - Chicago FirePolster was drafted by Chicago in 2015 and finished the season third in the MLS Rookie of the Year award rankings. Despite an injury-hit 2016 campaign and a season where the Fire are struggling, Polster has still shown his strong passing ability and tireless work ethic across midfield.19. Fatai Alashe - San Jose EarthquakesA key central midfielder for San Jose, 22-year-old Alashe has a versatile skillset, which earned him a call up to Jurgen Klinsmanns USA squad in January before withdrawing due to injury. His athletic ability, intelligent passing play and eye for goal makes him a player held in high regard across the league. San Joses Fatai Alashe has caught the eye of USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann 18. Tim Parker - Vancouver WhitecapsJust this season, Parker has worked his way up to becoming a starting centre-back for Vancouver and a member of USA U23s. The imposing defender made 15 appearances in his rookie season in 2015 but this term already has 26 matches under his belt.17. Juan Agudelo - New England RevolutionA former Stoke City striker who didnt make an appearance for the club due to work permit reasons, Agudelo never reached the once expected level as the next big thing in US soccer, but he has still forged an impressive MLS career. Now with seven years of professional experience behind him, Agudelo has enjoyed an end-of-season burst of form, scoring three goals in the last five matches. Juan Agudelo joined Stoke in 2014 but was sent straight out on loan to Utrecht, before moving to MLS. Pic: MLSsoccer.com 16. Jordan Allen - Real Salt LakeA versatile midfielder adept at playing on either wing or centrally, Allen has struggled with injury throughout his short career. But the USA U20 winger has shown glimpses of quality during his time in the league, and could become one of MLSs brightest prospects should he find consistency.15. Justen Glad - Real Salt LakeGlad has started in every position across the defensive line with the only question mark over his physical presence. The 19-year-old currently weights 145 pounds but if he can bulk up, could develop his game yet further.14. Luciano Acosta - D.C. UnitedA loanee from Boca Juniors, Acosta is one of Major League Soccers most technically gifted players. The 22-year-old has three goals and ten assists in 30 appearances from a withdrawn forward position. Little surprise, then, that DC United are reportedly looking to sign the diminutive playmaker permanently. Nigel de Jong of Los Angeles Galaxy pays close attention of D.C. Uniteds Luciano Acosta 13. Ronald Matarrita - New York City FCThe 22-year-old Costa Rica international has slotted nicely into Patrick Vieiras side at left-back, or occasionally on the left wing. His attacking runs from deep makes him a real threat in the final third of the pitch and is proven by his five assists.12. Diego Fagundez - New England RevolutionFagundez has already made 150 appearances in Major League Soccer aged just 21. The Uruguay youth international lacks consistency but has shoown over the years his skill, pace and trickery from different attacking positions.dddddddddddd Despite his tender age, Fagundez has still been able to score 32 goals and accumulate 23 assists through six professional seasons.11. Walker Zimmerman - FC DallasFC Dallas have been the best team in Major League Soccer so far this season and Zimmerman has starred at centre-back. The 6ft 3 defender is one of the strongest aerial presences in the league, with Whoscored.com ranking him fourth in MLS for aerial duels won this season. Walker Zimmerman of FC Dallas beats Colorado Rapids Kevin Doyle - once of Wolves and Reading - to the ball 10. Lucas Melano - Portland TimbersSpeed and athleticism make Melano a dangerous winger for the MLS Cup champions. His end product can be questionable, but his intelligence on the ball and the timing of his runs make him a frequent threat.9. Jesse Gonzalez - FC DallasGonzalez started the season as the first choice goalkeeper for high fliers Dallas, and is in weekly direct competition for the starters spot with the vastly more experienced Chris Seitz. Aged just 21, Gonzalez is comfortably one of the best young goalkeepers in the league FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez denies Jozy Altidore 8. Carlos Gruezo - FC DallasThe Ecuador international traded Stuttgart for Dallas in January and has shown excellent technical and defensive ability to be considered one of the leagues best young players. The fourth-youngest footballer at the 2014 World Cup, Gruezo looks to be one who slipped under the radar of numerous European clubs.7. Wil Trapp - Columbus CrewA homegrown American holding midfielder with a playing style similar to that of Joe Allen, Trapp has experienced a frustrating season at an underperforming Columbus, but has still shown his eye for a pass and ability to create from deep positions. Highly-rated Columbus Crew midfielder Wil Trapp made his international debut against Chile in January 2015. Pic: MLSsoccer.com 6. Keegan Rosenberry - Philadelphia UnionRosenberry is already an MLS All-Star and was only drafted into the league this year. At right-back, hes played every minute of the season and has impressed in his defensive duties as well as going forward.5. Kekuta Manneh - Vancouver WhitecapsOne of the fastest players in the league and a consistent winner of one-on-one duels, Mannehs finishing ability and decision-making in attacking areas has been criticised at times in the past but when on form, his quality is undeniable. Kekuta Manneh of the Vancouver Whitecaps takes on Montreal Impacts Donny Toia 4. Kellyn Acosta - FC DallasAcosta stands out most from MLSs all-round central midfielders under the age of 24. As well as his shooting, passing and tackling ability, his pace makes him adept at playing out wide if needs be and he always covers plenty of ground. Acosta is already a US international and looks set to have a bright future with the national team.3. Jordan Morris - Seattle SoundersBefore Morris had even set foot in Seattle before the start of this season, the hype in American soccer circles surrounding the 21-year-old was clear to see. The US national team forward was capped while still at college and now leads the Sounders with 12 goals in 30 appearances in just his first professional season. His conversion rate in front of goal could still be improved, but he is undoubtedly one of USA soccers great hopes for the future.2. Jack Harrison - New York CityA former Manchester United academy product who moved to USA aged 14, Harrison has made an instant impact entering MLS as a rookie this season. Notably, he was the first ever player to be drafted into MLS from college in just his freshman year. NYCFC midfielder Jack Harrison just misses out on top spot. Pic: MLSsoccer.com After strings of impressive performances, the winger has been tipped for a bright future by team-mate Lampard. Hes given us an edge on that right wing, Lampard told Empire of Soccer in July. Hes a huge part of the last few performances and hes got a great future because hes so young. Hes got a good head on him so hell go a long way.1. Cyle Larin - Orlando CityThe undisputed No 1 Larin was MLSs Rookie of the Year in 2015 after scoring 17 goals. This season, hes already on 14 goals in 30 appearances. The Canada international is an all-action striker standing tall at 6ft 2in. Top-ranked Cyle Larin in action for Orlando City against Real Salt Lake Larin has reportedly attracted strong interest from Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Lazio as well as a host of Championship clubs. His link up play with Kaka has been a regular method to goals at Orlando and even Patrick Vieira has spoken of his admiration of the strikers qualities.I like him a lot, Vieira said of Larin. Hes a really mobile, athletic player who can play his back against the goal, who can score goals, hes a really interesting player.Watch MLS on Sky Sports and find the latest news at skysports.com/mlsWatch Englands tour of Bangladesh, plus Premier League football and the Japan Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price! Also See: MLS news MLS features MLS on Sky MLS video MLS fixtures MLS results ' ' '