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Today is Monday, Nov. 11, the 316th day of 2024. There are 50 days left in the year. Today is Veterans Day.

Today in history:

On Nov. 11, 1918, fighting in World War I ended as the Allies and Germany signed an armistice aboard a railroad car in the Forest of Compiègne (kohm-PYEHN’-yeh) in northern France.

Also on this date:

In 1620, 41 Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower, anchored off Massachusetts, signed the Mayflower Compact, calling for a “civil body politick, for our better ordering and preservation.”

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In 1921, the remains of an unidentified American service member were interred in a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in a ceremony presided over by President Warren G. Harding.

In 1938, Irish-born cook Mary Mallon, who’d gained notoriety as the disease-carrying “Typhoid Mary” blamed for the deaths of three people, died on North Brother Island in New York’s East River at age 69 after 23 years of mandatory quarantine.

In 1966, Gemini 12 blasted off on a four-day mission with astronauts James A. Lovell and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin Jr. aboard; it was the tenth and final crewed flight of NASA’s Gemini program.

In 1987, following the failure of two Supreme Court nominations, President Ronald Reagan announced his choice of Judge Anthony M. Kennedy, who went on to win confirmation.

In 2020, Georgia’s secretary of state announced an audit of presidential election results that he said would be done with a full hand tally of ballots because the margin was so tight; President-elect Joe Biden led President Donald Trump by about 14,000 votes out of nearly 5 million votes counted in the state. (The audit would affirm Biden’s win.)

Today’s Birthdays:

• Music producer Mutt Lange is 76.
• Actor Stanley Tucci is 64.
• Actor Demi Moore is 62.
• Actor Calista Flockhart is 60.
• TV personality Carson Kressley is 55.
• Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is 50.
• Musician Jon Batiste is 38.
• Actor Tye Sheridan is 28.

General Daily Insight for November 11, 2024

Tension could demand release today. The vital Sun tangles with inflated Jupiter, making dramas seem bigger than they really need to be. When harmony-craving Venus enters stern Capricorn at 1:26 pm EST, we might try to keep a lid on things. As the Sun goes on to provoke tender Chiron, however, that effort may be futile. As the sensitive Pisces Moon conjoins oceanic Neptune, emotional restraint will probably be scarce. What comes out doesn’t have to be the end of the world!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

Public prominence could have its complications for you now. As the potent Sun in your intimacy zone attempts to hide from overbearing Jupiter in your communication sector, you may feel pressured to discuss a sensitive issue that you’d rather keep private. While you’re not likely to receive a negative reaction from your audience, you might still have reasons for reticence that aren’t really about them. If there’s a way you can make any truly necessary disclosure on your terms, try to do that.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Following your curiosity could be fruitful at the moment. With pleasure planet Venus moving into your 9th House of Expansion, you’re likely drawn to more adventure than typical, whether you’re craving physical travel or a learning experience closer to home. Shaking up from your routine gives you the opportunity to meet a significant person you wouldn’t ordinarily cross paths with. The stimulation and companionship you crave are within reach, but you might want to give the universe the impression that you’re open to them.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Caring about your community can drive you to work hard. Perhaps you’re engaged in a service project that primarily benefits someone else for the time being. That said, with balanced Venus passing into your 8th House of Shared Resources, you have the ability to see the long game. Maybe the person you’re helping now is in a situation like one you experienced long ago — or maybe you can imagine yourself needing similar assistance in the future. Things are likely to even out eventually!

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Improving a close relationship of yours could be a high priority at the moment. Although it might initially sound selfish, you could need to reveal more of your personal preferences to your companion. Those desires are there whether or not you admit to them, so having them out in the open reduces the risk of passive aggression. You may have learned to hide certain things due to judgment from authority figures in the past, but consider the possibility that times have changed!

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Relaxing your attitude toward today’s responsibilities could be rewarding. Yes, things can still get done, but having the right mindset is key. As sensual Venus slides into your dutiful 6th house, efficiency isn’t the only thing that matters — you’ll probably want to experience comfort and beauty as well. This is your chance to throw yourself into creating a domestic environment that truly feels nourishing for you. Learn by researching how others have handled similar situations, but tailor your eventual solutions to yourself.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Embracing pleasure could currently be necessary. Deciding how to discuss it might be the hard part. While the bold Sun in your communication zone agitates touchy Chiron in your sharing sector, you may feel obligated to get permission from another person you’re closely entangled with before you do something fun. Alas, the sense that you have to ask is likely to stir resentment in you before you even start talking. Take note of anything you can do before their involvement would become necessary.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Achieving the home environment of your dreams may currently seem urgent. Even when you feel like another person is blocking you from this goal, the truth of the matter is that you can only have what you’re willing and able to pay for. If they’re solely telling you that, don’t punish the messenger. Nevertheless, there could be more to the story than an initial rejection suggests. Take a moment to consider the differences between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Attempting to define yourself could presently feel frustrating. Your responsibilities and commitments to other people may seem to block you from being the person you believe you should be. On the other hand, those anchors have potentially shaped the person you actually are in a positive way — it’s just a struggle to see that through the filter of your disappointment. You are allowed to want certain things to change, but you can also talk to yourself with more kindness in the meantime.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Feeling more financially comfortable than usual could have a surprising effect today. You might not rush out and buy a fun new item, even though abundant Venus is moving into your 2nd House of Resources. Instead, you may finally get the idea that you have permission to relax! Go ahead and take a generous amount of time to rest and be alone with your thoughts. If you eventually do make any purchases, it’s likely that they’ll at least be things you truly need.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Putting yourself out there could be worth it right now. As attractive Venus sashays into your sign, you’re ready to look and feel your best. Still, historic fears might reassert themselves as you attempt to connect with modern acquaintances. You don’t have to pretend that a difficult formative experience didn’t happen to you, but try to keep it in a realistic perspective — you’ve probably been through a lot of personal growth since then. Things can unfold differently this time around.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Silence could be a good option for you at present. As the straightforward Sun in your ambitious 10th house conflicts with contentious Chiron in your communication sector, there’s probably something you want to do, and you want to get someone else’s approval before you do it. However, you’re likely to leave any interaction with this person feeling misunderstood — and maybe their assent isn’t definitively necessary. You can claim your authority to move forward for the time being and explain what you did later.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Your social life could become more active at this time. As bubbly Venus pops into your 11th House of Friendship, your pals might nudge you to go on an adventure you wouldn’t otherwise pursue. Perhaps it’s hard for you to tear yourself away from the comforts of your usual environment — and you may also be worried about spending too much money. Then again, taking in novel sights can shift your perspective. Don’t discount the potential benefits of getting out of a rut.

Observations and other notes of interest from Sunday night’s 95-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves:

– Part of the equation was Jimmy Butler being out and having to be replaced in the starting lineup.

– But part of it felt like Erik Spoelstra saying enough was enough.

– So Haywood Highsmith started in place of Butler.

– And Kevin Love in place of Nikola Jovic.

– With Jovic very much available. (More on him later.)

– Obviously not all of this will stick, with Butler to get back in that initial mix.

– But either Love or Highsmith might.

– Because Jovic off the bench might just prove preferable, based on how this played out.

– Especially at the end.

– Tying basket.

– Winning free throw.

– As for the lineup change, no, not a panic move by Spoelstra.

– But an acceptance of the reality the Heat carried into the night.

– Something had to change.

– With perhaps more needed.

– Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier remained the Heat’s other starters.

– With so many mix-and-match parts, a bit of mixing and matching only makes sense.

– Particularly with Love and Jaime Jaquez Jr. back in the mix.

– Spoelstra said it was never a matter of being pre-determined to go with the same starting lineup as long as possible from the start of the season.

– “I didn’t go into the season with a Plan B, C, D. You put together the plan that you think is best for that time and then we’ll adjust accordingly,” he said pregame.

– Love made his season debut after attending to a personal matter.

– “The good thing about Kevin is he’s been around long enough, he’s experienced enough,” Spoelstra said of Love jumping back in. “He knows how to fit in. He knows how to complement or do more as necessary. We need it.”

– Of Love being back, Spoelstra said, “I think it will help our rebounding, the offensive IQ that he brings and the spacing certainly will help, as well, and his competitive spirit.”

– Also, Jaquez was back after being sidelined by gastroenteritis, missing the previous three games.

– “I mean I’m confident where my wind is,” Jaquez said. “You know, I was down for a couple of days. As I was slowly getting back I was doing conditioning. I will say it is kind of hard to replicate that, especially missing games. But I feel like I’m good to go. I’m ready. I wouldn’t say I feel too far behind.”

– Of having Jaquez back, Spoelstra said, “What we need more than anything is consistency throughout the game, throughout the rotation. There’s a familiarity with Jaime. The last game that he played in, there were actually a lot of really good things in that game in Mexico City and he played well in his minutes on both ends of the court.”

– Spoelstra said the Heat are monitoring Jaquez’s minutes amid this return.

– Out again for the Heat were Josh Christopher (G League) and Keshad Johnson (G League).

– With Rozier called for two early fouls, Josh Richardson was the Heat’s first reserve.

– Kel’el Ware remained the first big man off the Heat bench.

– Entering with Jaquez in Spoelstra’s second substitutions.

– Duncan Robinson then made it nine deep.

– With Jovic remaining in the rotation, this time as 10th man.

– Jovic was solid in that role, including a pair of 3-pointers.

– Adebayo is now one start from tying Rony Seikaly for fifth on the Heat all-time list.

– Herro extended his run of games scoring in double figures to 39, establishing a new best career streak. He had done it in 38 consecutive games in the 2021-22 season.

– Herro also extended his streak of games with at least one 3-pointer to 48, five games off his career high.

– Highsmith’s second steal was the 100th of his career.

– Spoelstra spoke pregame of coaching with Team USA during two cycles that included Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, including as an assistant coach with Team USA’s run to Olympic gold at this summer’s Paris Games.

– “He was sensational in the World Cup,” Spoelstra said of the 2023 event where he also was an assistant coach. “He had a lot of great performances, not only offensively but he was our best defender and really worked that side of the floor. He has such an engaging personality. He’s really a fun team guy and he’s continuing to get better every single year. What he’s doing this year really is impressive.”

MINNEAPOLIS — The good teams find a way. The Miami Heat found a way to be just that on Sunday night.

Again competitive against a quality Western Conference opponent, the Heat this time found a way to finish, pushing past the Minnesota Timberwolves 95-94 at Target Center.

“That,” center Bam Adebayo said, “was a signature win for us.”

On a night when the Heat lacked much in the way of offense, they found points when needed most, with forward Nikola Jovic, in a game he was moved to the bench by coach Erik Spoelstra — closing the scoring on a driving layup that turned into a three-point play with 7.8 seconds to play.

“As the youngest guy,” Jovic, 21, said, “I have to be the guy who brings the intensity. I just had to show them that I can do it and that I can help this team win.”

After compelling competitive losses to the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns last week, the Heat this time, in the injury absence of Jimmy Butler, appeared headed to a similar fate when Minnesota forward Jaden McDaniels converted a putback basket with nine seconds to play to put the Timberwolves up two.

Instead, Spoelstra crafted a play during the ensuing timeout that crafted the victory.

“Everyone kind of figured the shot was coming from me, I think,” said guard Tyler Herro, who led the Heat with 26 points. “And Spo drew up a great ATO sideline out of bounds. So we had options. Niko was open. We also had a couple more options that were in the play after that. It was a great play that Spo drew up.”

The winning assist on the winning play came from guard Duncan Robinson.

“Duncan made a great pass,” Spoelstra said. “Niko made a great cut.”

Up 12 early and ahead at halftime, the Heat eventually again appeared to be caught up in a talent deficit.

Instead, they found a way back from down eight with 4:59 to play, on a night they got Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kevin Love back in the mix.

Jovic closed with 15 points, with the Heat also getting  nine points, seven rebounds and seven assists from center Bam Adebayo, who struggled to a 3-of-11 night from the field.

The Timberwolves got 22 points from Anthony Edwards and 17 from Julius Randle.

The Heat’s six-game trip continues with a Tuesday night game against the Detroit Pistons, before concluding with a pair of games against the Indiana Pacers.

Five Degrees of Heat from Sunday night’s game:

1. Closing time: Through all of the uneven play in the second half, the Heat stood within 78-77 with 7:14 to play after a Terry Rozier three-point play.

But after three Timberwolves 3-pointers, including two by Edwards, the Timberwolves moved to an eight-point lead midway through the final period.

A Herro 3-pointer, his fourth of the night, got the Heat back within 88-83 with 4:15 to play, with a clear-path foul on Minnesota then leading to a four-point Heat possession capped by three Herro throws while fouled on a 3-point attempt.

From there, the Heat eventually got to the line down 92-90 with 30 seconds to play, with Rozier making both free throws to tie it.

That’s when McDaniels scored his putback for a 94-92 lead with nine seconds left.

But that also is when the Heat broke Jovic free for a layup. Fouled on the play, Jovic converted the ensuing free throw to close the scoring with 7.8 seconds to play.

With a foul to give, the Heat caused a reset with 3.7 seconds to play. And with that, Timberwolves guard Mike Conley was off with a jumper, as the Heat found a way.

2. Game flow: The Heat led 27-20 at the end of the first quarter and 52-51 at halftime, after earlier going up 12 in the second period.

But that’s when, like so many of the Heat’s games this young season, the game changed, this time a 15-0 run helping push the Timberwolves to a 71-68 lead going into the fourth. The Heat went 6:32 without a point during that Minnesota surge.

The third-quarter struggle was a moment that cried out for Butler’s ability to get to the foul line to stem the tide. Instead, he remained sidelined by the ankle sprain that put him out in the first quarter of Friday night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets.

This time the Heat’s third quarter added up to 16 points on 6-of-20 shooting that included 2 of 11 on 3-pointers.

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3. Lineup revision: With Butler sidelined, the Heat had to alter their starting lineup.

But Spoelstra did not stop there, in addition to starting Haywood Highsmith in place of Butler, Spoelstra also made a change at power forward, inserting Love into the starting lineup in his first appearance of the season, and moving Jovic out of the first five for the first time since last season’s playoffs.

“I wanted a little bit more veteran presence going into a tough building and coming off three losses,” Spoelstra said of starting Love.

The rest of the starting lineup again was rounded out by Herro, Adebayo and Rozier, but Rozier was forced to the bench with two fouls just 3:22 into the game.

Love proved helpful on the boards, while Highsmith did his part with active hands and steals.

4. Rotation revision: With Rozier’s early foul trouble, Josh Richardson played as sixth man, perhaps opening a window into Spoelstra’s perspective at backup point guard.

From there, first-round pick Kel’el Ware got the call for the third game in a row as the first big man off the bench, immediately recording a dunk and blocked shot upon entering.

Jaquez and Duncan Robinson followed, as did Jovic, who this time played as 10th man.

By the early stages of the second period, the Heat already were 11 deep, with second-round pick Pelle Larsson entering.

It was the first action in over a week for Jaquez, who had battled gastroenteritis.

“It felt great to be out there,” Jaquez said. “I’ve been itching to get back. I’ve been feeling good. I had to get my wind in the first half a little bit. But I definitely found it in the second.”

Love had been away from the team due to a personal matter.

5. Butler’s status: As for Butler, he remains on the trip.

“Right now, he’s just focused on treatment and doing whatever he has to do to get back out there,” Spoelstra said. “We don’t have a timeline right now, but he’s with us.”

Spoelstra would not commit to Butler returning on the trip that runs through next Sunday’s game in Indiana.

But he also did not rule it out.

“I don’t want to say one way or another,” Spoelstra said. “I know he’s not playing tonight and then we’ll just continue to gauge his progress. But he’s able to work around the clock, so that helps.”

The Miami Marlins are hiring former Los Angeles Dodgers first-base coach Clayton McCullough as their next manager, a person with knowledge of the hiring told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement hadn’t been announced. ESPN first reported the hiring.

McCullough, 44, was hired by the Dodgers in 2015 as their minor league field coordinator and had been the first-base coach on Dave Roberts’ staff since the 2021 season. The Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in five games last month to win their eighth World Series title.

A former minor league catcher, McCullough was a manager in the Blue Jays’ minor league system for seven seasons.

He takes the job previously held by 2023 NL Manager of the Year Skip Schumaker, who parted ways with the team in September after just two season. The Marlins went 146-178 under Schumaker, who was hired in 2022.

McCullough, a Greenville, North Carolina, native, spent one season at Vanderbilt before transferring to East Carolina University. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 22nd round in 2002 and played in their minor league system from 2002-2005.

The Marlins also considered former Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz and Will Venable, a former associate manager for Texas. Venable was hired by the Chicago White Sox as their manager on Oct. 30, and Albernaz reportedly withdrew from Marlins’ managerial consideration.

GAINESVILLE — UF men’s basketball coach Todd Golden will be on the sidelines when the Gators host Grambling State Monday night at the O’Connell Center.

The school released a statement Sunday evening amid allegations Golden stalked and sexually harassed multiple women, including UF students. Golden, 39, a day earlier acknowledged an ongoing Title IX inquiry by the school and said he’s considering “defamation claims” as he consults with attorney Ken Turkel of Tampa.

Earlier Saturday, he ran practice after the No. 21 Gators (2-0) took a day off following Thursday night’s 81-60 home win against Jacksonville.

Florida coach Todd Golden will coach the Gators when they host Grambling State Nov. 11 in Gainesville. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

The school’s Independent Florida Alligator newspaper reported Friday that UF’s Title IX office filed a formal complaint on Sept. 27 alleging violations of the university’s Gender Equity Policy.

Golden’s accusers allege he made unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, requested sexual favors and sent photos, imaging videos, of his genitalia while traveling in his duties for the university.

On multiple occasions, the complaint stated, he allegedly took pictures of women walking or driving, photographed their cars and showed up to locations where he knew the women would be.

The Alligator interviewed two women about Golden’s behavior.

Golden, 39 and in his third season at UF, agreed to a two-year contract extension with a $1 million raise in March after he led the Gators to their first NCAA tournament berth since 2021.

Following the complaint, he coached the Gators during the fall and during wins against USF Nov. 4 and Jacksonville Nov. 7. He is 42-29 at UF.

Golden, a native of Phoenix, is married Megan York, his college sweetheart from St. Mary’s (Calif.). The couple has two children, a son born in 2016 and daughter in 2018.

The investigation into Golden is the third time since 2021 a Gators coach has been under scrutiny for unacceptable behavior.

Accusations of abuse and racial insensitivity by former Florida women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer in March 2021 led to resignation for personal reasons in July, and just six weeks after he’d agreed to a three-year contract extension.

During the ensuing fallout, UF athletic director Scott Stricklin told a small group of reporters, “We failed in this situation.”

In April 2022, Stricklin then fired women’s soccer coach Tony Amato after just one season for reportedly pressuring players about their eating habits and weight.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

A 15-year-old boy died in the Atlantic Ocean and is presumed to have drowned Sunday near Gulfstream Park in Boynton Beach Sunday. His body was recovered around noon.

Though officials have not confirmed the cause of death, he likely drowned, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Teri Barbera told the Sun Sentinel.

WPTV reported that Boynton Beach Fire Rescue responded to a call at 7:20 a.m. Sunday that two children were struggling in the ocean.

Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue lifeguards rescued one of the children before Fire Rescue arrived, but a mother and the second child were still in the water.

A Boynton Beach Fire and Rescue captain and firefighter assisted a Gulfstream police officer in rescuing the mother, but the teen could not be saved.

Palm Beach County officials recovered the teen’s body at around 12:20 p.m. Sunday.

According to WPTV, a Boynton Beach Fire Rescue officer was injured during the rescue and hospitalized. He has since been discharged.

It’s not yet clear what caused the incident, but the National Weather Service’s Miami Office stated on its morning hazardous condition outlook that there was a high risk of rip currents for Atlantic coast beaches on Sunday. “There is a significant/high risk of hazardous/life threatening rip currents. Swimming is not recommended,” the report said.

This is a developing story. Please check back in for updates.

By EVENS SANON

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A transitionary council created to reestablish democratic order in Haiti signed a decree Sunday firing interim Prime Minister Garry Conille and replacing him with Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, a businessman who was previously considered for the job.

The decree, set to be published on Monday, was provided to The Associated Press by a government source. It marks even more turmoil in an already rocky democratic transition process for Haiti, which hasn’t held democratic elections in years in a large part due to the soaring levels of gang violence plaguing the Caribbean nation.

Fils-Aimé is the former president of Haiti’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and in 2015 ran an unsuccessful campaign for Senate. The businessman studied at Boston University and was previously considered for the position as a private sector candidate for the post before Conille took the seat.

Conille, a longtime civil servant who has worked with the United Nations, served as prime minister for only six months.

The AP on Sunday couldn’t reach Conille or a spokesperson for him.

The transitional presidential council was established in April, tasked with choosing Haiti’s next prime minister and Cabinet with the hope that it would help quell turmoil Haiti. But the council has been plagued with politics and infighting, and has long been at odds with Conille. Organizations like the Organization of American States tried and failed last week to mediate disagreements in an attempt to save the fragile transition, according to The Miami Herald.

The process suffered another blow in October when three members on the council faced corruption accusations, from anti-corruption investigators alleging that they demanded $750,000 in bribes from a government bank director to secure his job.

The report was a significant blow to the nine-member council and is expected to further erode people’s trust in it.

Those same members accused of bribery, Smith Augustin, Emmanuel Vertilaire and Louis Gérald Gilles, were among those to sign the decree. Only one member, Edgard Leblanc Fils, did not sign the order.

The move by the transitional council came under fire by some in Haiti like former Justice Minister Bernard Gousse, who told local media that Conille’s dismissal was “illegal” because the council was over-extending its powers and because of the corruption allegations levered against them.

___

Associated Press reporter Megan Janetsky contributed to this report from Mexico City.

CORAL GABLES — Jalen Blackmon and Nijel Pack scored 17 points apiece and Miami breezed to an 88-64 victory over Binghamton on Sunday.

Blackmon, who played the past two seasons at Stetson, made 5 of 9 shots with three 3-pointers and 4 of 5 free throws for the Hurricanes (2-0). Pack hit six of his 13 shots with a pair of 3-pointers and added six assists.

Jalil Bethea came off the bench to score 13 for Miami. Fellow reserve Matt Cleveland contributed nine points and 11 rebounds.

Gavin Walsh led the Bearcats (1-2) with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Walsh made 7 of 13 shots — 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. Nehemia Benson added 12 points off the bench.

Tymu Chenery and Walsh both scored five points as Binghamton jumped out to a 10-4 lead. Pack hit two 3-pointers and a jumper as Miami scored the next 12 points and never trailed again.

Blackmon hit all three of his 3-point attempts and scored nine to lead a balanced attack as the Hurricanes built a 46-25 advantage at halftime.

Pack hit a 3-pointer and A.J. Staton-McCray followed with two free throws to give the Hurricanes their biggest lead at 83-54 with 4:35 left to play.

Miami will host Coppin State on Sunday.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

MIAMI GARDENS — The Miami Dolphins, mired in a three-game losing streak and desperately searching for something positive amid their disappointing 2-6 start, venture to Los Angeles in hopes of a revival, a spark.

Players say their spirits remain high heading into their nationally-televised Monday night game against the Rams (4-4).

But their playoff hopes remain low.

And that’s what this is about at this point, igniting playoff hopes, breathing life, optimism and excitement into a season on life support.

The Dolphins, who started 8-3 and 9-3 the previous two seasons and had Super Bowl hopes for this season, would, for all practical purposes, be out of the playoff race with a loss Monday.

Granted, they’re probably not really out of the race until they get their ninth loss, which would ensure a losing record.

But to think the Dolphins could absorb a loss Monday and then win seven of their last eight games, finishing with nine wins, is pure folly.

The Dolphins badly need a victory against the Rams.

“I think we have that urgency, like we understand the situation,” left tackle Terron Armstead said.

Right tackle Austin Jackson will miss the game with a knee injury. Most likely veteran Kendall Lamm will start in his place. That could disrupt the unexpected success of the offensive line, which has cleared the way for the team’s five consecutive 100-yard rushing performances and kept quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (five touchdowns, three interceptions, 96.7 passer rating) upright since his return from a concussion.

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The bigger problem with the offense, of course, is unlocking the deep passing combination of Tagovailoa to wide receivers Tyreek Hill (34 receptions, 446 yards, one touchdown) and Jaylen Waddle (28 receptions, 310 yards, one touchdown).

Defenses are playing two-deep safety schemes on the back end and press coverage on the front end. The combination has shut down Miami’s explosive plays.

Offensive coordinator Frank Smith said explosive plays aren’t a necessity.

“I think it’s about your overall efficiency as an offense,” he said. “So if you’re not having 40- and 20-(yard) massively explosive plays, then you’re looking at your overall efficiency of how you’re moving the football.”

That hasn’t gone well.

The Dolphins, who are 31st in scoring at 15.5 points per game, have scored 27 points in each of their past two games, losses that came on late field goals — 28-27 against Arizona, and 30-27 at Buffalo.

But clearly it hasn’t been enough.

Fumbles have been instrumental in both losses.

The Dolphins defense, which ranks No. 7 overall (303.1 yards allowed per game) and 17th in points allowed (23.4 points per game), gets a boost with the return of lineman Zach Sieler and nickel/slot cornerback Kader Kohou.

Its challenge remains eliminating the types of mental errors that allow big plays such as Buffalo’s 63-yard touchdown catch and run by running back Ray Davis last week.

“We’ve had some lapses there,” defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said.

The Dolphins have longshot playoff hopes as things stand.

Lose to the Rams, however, and the season moves much closer to failure than success.

And it’s not even Thanksgiving.

The Dolphins will marshal all of their forces for this game.

Last week, for instance, the Dolphins offense reduced the shifts and pre-snap motion that used to be its calling card. Coaches discovered crowd noise on the road caused penalties and miscommunication.

Most likely they’ll again use Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey as a chess piece, snuffing out the Rams’ biggest threat in each particular situation according to down and distance.

Most likely they’ll again use their running game to (hopefully) set up the deep passing game, utilize the blitz to get a pass rush on Rams quarterback Matt Stafford (nine touchdowns, six interceptions, 88.6 passer rating), and hope that they’re sound in special teams.

These are the things that have brought the Dolphins to the brink of victory in recent weeks.

On Monday, they need those things to carry them across the threshold to a victory.

A loss, and their playoff hopes are pretty much done.

“We control our destiny,” edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah said. “The world’s watching now.

“You’ve got to go out there and prove that you can do it.”  

Dolphins Deep Dive: Perkins, Furones discuss if offense is ready for Rams | VIDEO

General Daily Insight for November 10, 2024

Guarding our sensitivity may be necessary for now. As the delicate Pisces Moon tangles with brash Mars, we’re likely to step on a few toes, even if we don’t mean to. Trying to talk things out might just drive any conflicts deeper while Luna agitates rationalizing Mercury. When the Moon meets restrained Saturn at 8:39 pm EST, sitting with our discomfort could be our best bet. This will give us a chance to separate the feelings that will pass from those that require action.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

You may currently benefit from prioritizing rest, peace, and quiet. Although you might have an opportunity to indulge in a more boisterous activity, you aren’t likely to enjoy it as the sensitive Moon in your contemplative 12th house disagrees with energetic Mars in your pleasure sector. Remind yourself that you don’t have to prove anything to anyone else. Realistically, the idea that you aren’t living up to your lofty expectations for yourself is probably your biggest challenge. Just do what you need to do.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

A family conflict could have you wound up at this moment. Perhaps some of your relatives don’t share a particular hope you passionately hold for the future, and they’re being really harsh about it. While the emotional Moon meets stable Saturn in your 11th House of Community, airing your grievances to your friends might soothe your ruffled feathers. At least a few of your pals have probably dealt with similar disputes, so you can take comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Unfortunately, you probably can’t make everybody happy today. While the perceptive Moon conjoins gloomy Saturn in your 10th House of Authority, you may need to announce a decision that won’t be universally liked. You might think that discussing it with whoever’s most upset will get them to see your side of the story and understand why you’re right. The more you talk to them, though, the more opportunities they’ll have to argue with you. Live with their disappointment if it’s really worth it.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Making extra money is possible now — if you’re willing to take a risk and follow your instincts, that is. Still, while the anxious Moon unites with uptight Saturn in your dogmatic 9th house, the path you’re drawn to might contradict your established beliefs concerning what you need to feel secure. Maybe your worldview is indeed due for a few adjustments. Maintain compassion for yourself as you go about making any changes, and avoid pushing for too much, too soon.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Figuring out your boundaries with someone else could be urgent! As the sentimental Moon in your intimacy zone agitates spicy Mars in your sign, you might impulsively assert yourself because you’re feeling suffocated. Although you may then be embarrassed about losing your temper, consider the possibility that a necessary adjustment wasn’t realistically going to happen any other way. It’s often hard to disrupt the status quo, especially when its replacement is uncertain. Try to clearly identify what would make you feel more comfortable.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Proving your commitment to a significant relationship could seem like too much trouble at the moment. You probably don’t intend to go anywhere. However, as the connection-craving Moon in your partnership zone conflicts with pushy Mars in your 12th House of Privacy, you may feel like your companion is pressuring you to share something you don’t want to tell them. Is your reluctance based on the requested content itself or their demanding attitude? Either way, feel free to let them know what they’re dealing with.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

Keeping your nose to the grindstone could actually be gratifying for you today. Tedious tasks can bring you genuine pleasure when you really get into them. Others won’t necessarily understand why you’re embracing that experience, though, and trying to explain yourself would probably be frustrating for all involved. More than that, engaging in this type of conversation could abruptly knock you out of your peaceful flow state. If everyone else thinks you should be doing something cooler with your time, let them.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Taking center stage probably won’t be fun today. While the individualistic Moon in your expressive 5th house provokes articulate Mercury in your 2nd House of Values, you may feel called to make a decision — and potentially take a public stand — on an issue that matters to you. Even if you’re right, you won’t automatically be liked by everyone. Having the opportunity to see your perspective more clearly might be worth the trouble, but be aware of exactly what that will cost you.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Internal conflict could frustrate you at every opportunity. As the tender Moon conjoins worrywart Saturn in your 4th House of Roots, you may feel a pull toward security. Even so, you might believe that you’re obligated to be more adventurous. You’ve got a bold and intrepid image to uphold! Slow your roll — defining yourself in a specific way probably isn’t as urgent as it seems. It’s normal to have a mix of desires, so try to enjoy getting to know different sides of yourself.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Being reserved in what you say could seem like a reasonable strategy at the moment. Although you probably have a lot on your mind, it’s okay to admit it when your thoughts aren’t quite ready to be aired to others. Sometimes it just takes time to process things! As the vulnerable Moon in your communication sector struggles with demanding Mars in your intimacy zone, others might still push to get your perspective quickly. That may understandably make you all the more inclined to hold back.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Saving money could seem to be the key to your emotional comfort at this moment. Unfortunately, as the nervous Moon in your finance sector conflicts with busy Mercury in your social 11th house, your friends may try to convince you to bend on your budget for some activity or event with them. The truth might be that your priorities are simply different from theirs at this point in your lives. Acknowledge that honestly instead of getting sucked into a destructive battle of wills.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Swimming upstream might be worth it right now, Pisces. Still, as the soft Moon meets stern Saturn in your sign, you might be aware that you’re suppressing some of your personal desires as you throw yourself into your big push. It’s not wrong to make this type of commitment, but you’re better off doing so consciously and thoughtfully. Keep an eye on whether the gains you’re achieving are enough to justify any sacrifices — be realistic about whether delayed gratification is actually likely to come.

Fort Lauderdale senior James Boardman won his third straight state championship by capturing the Class 3A 1-meter diving competition with 576.75 points at the FHSAA swimming and diving competition at the FAST (Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training) facility in Ocala on Friday night.

He finished 13 points ahead of runner-up Fletcher senior and FSU-bound Maxwell Shaver (563.70) and Lake Buena Vista senior Nathan Frette (513.75).

“The difference between me and my competition is that I have been diving a lot longer than they have,” Boardman said by phone. After placing fourth at state in his freshman year, he’s been undefeated the past three years. He even added a national championship in the Junior Olympics on the platform during the summer.

“Success comes from the hard work I have put in over the years,” Boardman added. “Having the former 2A and 4A diving champions in the same region as me, made winning states that much more special.”

Boardman trailed Shaver in the competition heading into his final two dives.

“It kind of put some pressure on me,” Boardman said. “I just went into a corner and figured out what I had to do the last two dives, and I did it. I did the math.”

They were the only three to break 500 points at the meet. Shaver was a two-time Class 4A champion, while Frette was a two-time defending Class 2A champion. Because of enrollment, Fletcher dropped down to 3A from 4A, and Lake Buena Vista moved up a classification.

Boardman captured his third straight diving title, tying Cardinal Gibbons’ Zach Allen (2014-16) with three. South Plantation’s Logan Downey (2013-16) won four straight, while Pine Crest’s Kevin Mendez leads the state with the most repeat titles (in any sport) as he won five straight diving championships from 2016-20.

“I am so happy for him,” said Fort Lauderdale swim coach Adam Drucker. “James is amazing. He had that level of maturity to find a way to win and I think this was his best effort because he beat two, two-time defending champions and good competition to do it.

“He has a wealth of experience being the national champion in the platform and representing the United States in the Worlds in Brazil in October.”

St. Thomas Aquinas senior Gabriel Tortola took fourth in the 3A boys’ 100 fly (49.45) and eighth in the 200 free (1:42.04) while fellow Raiders’ senior Alex Mansur was fifth in the 100 free with a  (46.25).

St. Thomas Aquinas 400 free relay was fifth (3:09.97), while the 200 free relay (1:28.03) placed seventh.

St. Thomas Aquinas finished seventh in the boys’ competition with 80 points. Nease won the competition with 281 points.

“All of our guys swam best times,” said Raiders coach Duffy Dillon, who spent nearly two decades at Cardinal Gibbons before moving to Colorado in 2017. He returned in August to coach the Raiders. “The meet was fast and even though they swam better times than last year, their placings were lower. I am still proud of their effort. It was a lot of fun.”

Herek takes fifth in state 50 free at Class 4A swim meet

Stoneman Douglas senior Lorenzo Herek logged a season-best 20.73 to place fifth in the 50 free, just one spot ahead of Wellington sophomore Julian Granison (20.84) at the Class 4A state meet on Saturday night. Granison was fifth in the 100 free (45.42) as he dropped 1.24 seconds off his previous best time.

Cypress Bay sophomore Jacob Drysdale was sixth in the 1-meter diving competition with a score of 342.45.

Jupiter sophomore Charles Howard was eighth in both the boys’ 200 free (1:42.15) and 100 butterfly (49.76).

Wellington junior Andreas Da Silva was fourth in the 100 back (49.39), as the Wellington boys placed seventh at the state meet with 117 points. Braddock won the state title with 306 points and Boca Raton was 17th with 29 points.

The Wellington boys 200 free relay was third with a clocking of 1:25.63, while Western was third in the 400 free relay (3:18.67).

The Class 1A and Class 2A swimming competitions will be held next week.

 

 

On her way to the Class 3A state swimming and diving championships in Ocala, Fort Lauderdale junior Sophia Cavaretta had to make a stop Friday morning at the Florida Grand Opera to prepare for the upcoming production of The Magic Flute.

Cavaretta and her parents then made the four-hour trip from Fort Lauderdale and arrived about an hour before the diving competition was scheduled to start at the FAST (Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training) facility in Ocala on Friday night.

“I was definitely nervous because most of my team came up on Thursday night,” said Cavaretta, who led a 3-4-5 finish for the L’s in the diving competition with a 423.75 score and helped Fort Lauderdale to a third-place finish in the meet. “I have a pretty significant role this year and I am really excited. It is pretty important to me. I didn’t get here until (Friday) morning, but I think I did pretty well.”

Cavaretta was 30 points behind top finisher Fleming Island senior Ava Brinkman (453.85), and ahead of L’s juniors Hayden Ferenc (385.10) and Ginger Boardman (365.25).

“I am really excited,” said Cavaretta, who also won district and regional championships this year. “I have been working really hard for this. I got sixth at state last year, so this is huge for me. I put all of my heart into it. I am proud of my whole team and Hayden and Ginger. We have been diving together for a long time and we are happy for each other regardless of who wins.”

The trio helped For Lauderdale’s girls finish third overall with 216 points. Ponte Vedra won the girls’ Class 3A team title with 312 points and Nease was second with 216 points. St. Thomas Aquinas placed sixth (106 points).

The St. Thomas Aquinas girls finished third in the 200 medley (1:49.80), while Fort Lauderdale was fifth (1:51.38). Fort Lauderdale’s girls were also fifth in both the girls 200 free relay (1:39.28) and the 400 free relay (3:37.57).

In the 200 girls freestyle event, Fort Lauderdale sophomore Da’Jah German trimmed nearly two full seconds off her county-leading previous best time this season and placed sixth at state with a 1:50.82 clocking.

Fort Lauderdale senior Sydney Cronin also turned in her best performance of the season with a time of 2:09.72 to finish sixth in the 200 IM. Cronin took fifth in the 100 breast (1:06.83).

St. Thomas Aquinas junior Carolyn Levy Powell was third in the 100 back (56.92) and fourth in 50 free (24.09). Both were her best times this year. It was a nice bounce-back for Powell who came back from tendinitis in her rotator cuff about 18 months ago.

“I think my performance was pretty good,” said Powell, who was injured at the regional meet last year and finished eighth in the 100 back. “I am proud of the overall outcome of both events. This year was way better.

“I had a lot of motivation because I trained my hardest this past year,” Powell added. “I went through a lot of physical therapy to get my shoulder right, so I was definitely prepared for this. I was more confident that I would swim better. I want to go 55 (seconds) in the  100 back next year and win the state championship.”

St. Thomas junior Lena Lajko was fourth in the 100 butterfly (57.36) and fifth in the 100 back (57.59), while Fort Lauderdale freshman Zoe Schnoeller was seventh in the 100 fly (58.57) and ninth in the 200 IM (2:10.41).

“The girls performed well and finishing third was icing on the cake,” said Fort Lauderdale coach Adam Drucker, who has been the L’s coach since 2018. “This is the best finish since I have been here. I just wanted them to perform well and that’s what they did.

“Sydney is one of our two seniors, and she did exactly what we hoped she would,” Drucker added. “The three divers are very competitive, and it is fun to watch them work. Sophia won districts and regionals, and it carried over. Hayden was solid and I thought Ginger had one of her better meets.”

Said St. Thomas Aquinas swim coach Duffy Dillon of his team’s performance: “We had a great day. The Top (Class) 4A girls moved down because of enrollment numbers and it was a fast meet. We had swimmers go their fastest times and they dropped a couple of spots in placing. The Top 8 were faster.”

Dillon spent 19 years at Cardinal Gibbons and moved to Colorado in 2017 to coach Fountain Fort Carson High School and then founded the Colorado Dolphins club program. He returned to South Florida in August.

In the Class 4A competition on Saturday, there were several solid performances.

West Broward freshman Laila Harran took third in the 50 free (23.67) and fifth in the 100 free (51.50), while Boca Raton junior Gabia Gelumbickas (23.79) was fifth in the 50 free. She also took third in the 100 back (56.06).

“It was really good,” Gelumbickas said of her performance. “I was excited coming into the meet. I had a PB (personal best) in the 50, so I was very hyped about that. I felt it was a really good atmosphere with all of the swimmers there.”

Last year Gelumbickas swam in the B Final for the 50 free at state, yet wound up with the sixth fastest time of the night. She swam on one of the relays in her freshman year.

“I had goals of finishing in the top 3 in both events and I almost got that,” added Gelumbickas, who scored all 30 of her team’s points as the Bobcats’ girls placed 20th. “This was kind of a breakout year for me.”

West Boca freshman Ava Sedlacek finished fourth in the 1-meter diving (409.60) and Wellington freshman Veronica Metz took seventh in the 500 free (5:03.18). Cypress Bay freshman Naiyla Di Sarno (1:05.47) was eighth in the 100 breast.

West Broward junior Carley Kaplan was ninth in the 200 free (1:52.09), while the West Broward 400 free relay was second with a 3:37.24 clocking to help the Bobcats tie for 10th with Plant High School with 62 points each. Sarasota Riverview captured the state championship with 378 points.

The Class 1A and Class 2A swimming competitions will be held next week.

 

 

 

TEMPE, Arizona — With his young quarterback struggling, UCF running back RJ Harvey did what he’s done so many times this season — he ran and ran and ran.

Harvey rushed for 127 yards, his fourth straight 100-yard game and seventh overall, but it wasn’t enough as Arizona State rallied from a double-digit first-half deficit to beat the Knights 35-31 Saturday night.

The Knights have lost four of their last five road contests and seven of the last 10 since 2023.

“Our guys fought hard, but we didn’t play good enough to win,” said coach Gus Malzahn. “That’s what I told our guys. The penalties made me sick, which was a tough deal. … The bottom line is we didn’t do what it took to win the game. Another disappointing loss for us.”

Dylan Rizk started the game by completing his first eight passes and 12 of his first 14 throws, but a pick-six at the end of the first half changed the whole dynamic of the game.

Harvey helped the Knights get on the scoreboard early with an 8-yard touchdown run on the team’s opening possession.

After being held scoreless on its first two drives, Arizona State (7-2, 4-2 Big 12) took advantage of a special teams mistake.

ASU linebacker Martell Hughes partially blocked punter Mitch McCarthy’s kick, sending the ball spiraling on the ground before safety Montana Warren picked it up, returning it 46 yards for a touchdown to tie the game.

It was the first blocked punt for a touchdown against the Knights since Oct. 2, 2021, against Navy.

Kicker Grant Reddick connected on a career-long 45-yard field goal early in the second quarter to push the UCF lead to 10-7.

Jacurri Brown’s 6-yard quarterback scramble pushed the advantage to 17-7 with 4:56 left in the first half.

But then everything turned rough for the Knights.

UCF defensive end Nyjalik Kelly was flagged for a facemask penalty on a sack of quarterback Sam Leavitt, which gave Arizona State’s offense new life. Leavitt found tight end Chamon Metayer in the back of the end zone for a touchdown to cut the lead to 17-14 with 1:00 left.

“Our guy, he was trying to get him and grab his face mask. That was a tough one,” Malzahn said.

On the ensuing kickoff, freshman Christian Peterson decided to take the ball out of the end zone but changed his mind and was downed at the 1-yard line.

“To be honest with you, we were talking, and I had my back turned, knowing we were going to fair catch it. Then, I heard the crowd and looked up,” Malzahn explained. “It looked like he bobbled it and then we got the ball on the one-foot line. That’s really all I saw.”

On the next play, Rizk’s pass was intercepted by ASU cornerback Laterrence Welch, who returned it 9 yards for a score.

“We had a motion and it was man-to-man [defense] and the guy flew out with the motion and just got right in the way of the throw,” said Rizk. “Give a lot of credit to them; it was a hell of a play by the defensive back.”

When asked why the Knights chose to throw the football rather than run it, particularly with Arizona State out of timeouts, Malzahn did not answer.

“That’s a great question,” he said. “That was part of the play call, but obviously, it didn’t work.”

The Sun Devils scored 14 points in the last 2 minutes to take a 21-17 halftime advantage.

Harvey added another 8-yard touchdown halfway through the third quarter to help UCF retake the lead at 24-21.

ASU regained the lead late in the third quarter when Leavitt found receiver Jordyn Tyson on a 9-yard fade into the end zone to give the Sun Devils a 28-24 lead.

Harvey scored his third touchdown in the fourth quarter, helping the Knights get back in front at 31-28.

Leavitt responded again, finding Tyson on a 13-yard touchdown strike for the go-ahead score.

UCF totaled 406 yards of offense while holding ASU to 260.

Rizk finished 23 of 33 for 218 yards with an interception.

The loss leaves UCF (4-6, 2-5 Big 12) with no margin for error for a possible bowl bid. The Knights need to win the remainder of their games — at West Virginia (Nov. 23) and Utah (Nov. 29) — to qualify for the postseason for the ninth consecutive season.

The team has a bye week before preparing to face the Mountaineers.

“We’ve got to find a way to win two games to reach a bowl,” said Malzahn. “That’s just where we’re at.”

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com

By TIM REYNOLDS

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi walked off the field and into the tunnel leading to the Inter Miami locker room a few seconds after the final whistle blew, hardly any emotion on his face.

He didn’t want to see the celebration.

Atlanta United ousted Messi and Major League Soccer’s biggest-spending team earlier than anyone imagined from the MLS Cup playoffs. Jamal Thiaré scored twice, Bartosz Slisz’s header in the 76th minute was the winner, and Atlanta United stunned Inter Miami 3-2 on Saturday night to win their best-of-three first round playoff series in three games.

“There’s some fairy dust in our locker room, man,” Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan said after stopping seven shots, some of them in spectacular fashion, and giving Slisz a big hug in response to his goal. “I couldn’t be more proud of our guys.”

Two free kicks by Messi in the final minutes hit the wall of Atlanta defenders, and time eventually ran out on soccer’s most decorated player and his team. Messi’s header — yes, header — in the 65th minute tied the match at 2-2, but the hosts never reclaimed the lead. Atlanta took the lead with an Inter Miami player down and the hosts lobbying for play to be halted, but the whistle never came and Slisz became one of many heroes for the winners.

“It’s everybody. It’s a joint effort,” Atlanta United interim coach Rob Valentino said. “We talked about it before the game, we talked about it all year long that it’s not going to be just one player. It’s a collective effort and that’s what happened tonight.

It was the fifth win-or-else victory for Atlanta United this season — starting with two must-win matches to keep hope alive at the end of the regular season against the New York Red Bulls and Orlando City, then a wild-card match at Montreal, Game 2 of this series at home and then Saturday’s stunner.

And the East is suddenly wide open.

Ninth-seeded Atlanta United will play No. 4 Orlando City in the Eastern Conference semifinal, while sixth-seeded New York City FC will face the seventh-seeded New York Red Bulls in the other East semifinal.

No. 2 Columbus was already gone. No. 3 Cincinnati was ousted Saturday. And then came the biggest surprise of all — No. 1 Inter Miami’s season is over.

“Once you get in, this league is like this,” Valentino said. “You’ve got to have that belief in yourself because nobody on the outside is going to believe in you.”

The team with the best record won the MLS Cup four times in the league’s first seven seasons. In the 22 seasons since, the top overall seed has gone on to win the title only four more times.

And on paper, there may never have been a bigger upset than this one — a No. 9 seed vs. a No. 1 seed, and not just that, a No. 1 seed with Messi in the lineup. Messi’s $20,446,667 in total compensation from Inter Miami this season was about $5 million more than the entire Atlanta payroll, and Inter Miami spent a record $41.7 million on payroll this season.

It got Inter Miami the Supporters’ Shield, the best regular-season record in MLS history and an invitation to next year’s Club World Cup, which came as no surprise. But it didn’t even get the club into Round 2 of the playoffs, which will be remembered as a massive flop.

“Our biggest objective, we didn’t manage,” Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said.

Atlanta United fully believed it was going to pull this off.

For whatever reason, Atlanta was a matchup nightmare for Inter Miami this season. It beat Inter Miami three times, all of them with Messi in the lineup; every other MLS team combined to get three wins over Inter Miami.

A five-minute, three-goal barrage in the first half set the tone. Inter Miami opened the scoring and Atlanta United punched right back — twice.

Thiaré was denied by the goalpost 14 minutes into the contest, when his deflection of a flick into the box narrowly missed. And Inter Miami grabbed a 1-0 lead about two minutes later — Messi was stopped by a diving Guzan, but Matías Rojas was there to lift the rebound into the net from a tight angle near the right post.

The lead didn’t last long. Thiaré saw to that.

He took a pass and was completely unmarked, firing into the upper right corner to beat Inter Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender — who had no chance — to tie the match in the 19th minute. And not even two minutes later, Alexey Miranchuk tapped a pass to Thiaré who went over Callender for a 2-1 Atlanta lead.

Just like that, the best team in MLS regular-season history — and the best player in the sport’s history — was in big, big trouble. Inter Miami thought it tied the match in the 25th minute, only for Diego Gómez to be called offside. And the hosts argued wildly for a penalty kick later in the half, arguing that there was a handball in the box (replay suggested they had a case), but they still went into the half down 2-1.

“A very clear penalty,” Martino said. “The ref didn’t even check it.”

Messi tied it midway through the second half, no one knowing at the time that it would be the final hurrah for Inter Miami’s season. For some reason, Inter Miami’s pyrotechnics crew shot fireworks off as time expired, as if the team was celebrating something.

On this night, it was Atlanta United that sent Inter Miami’s season up in smoke.

“I hope we’re not done now,” Valentino said.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

By COLBY GUY

SUNRISE — Evan Rodrigues scored the deciding goal in the fifth round of the shootout, Sergei Bobrovsky stopped five shots in overtime and the Florida Panthers beat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-3 on Saturday night for their seventh consecutive victory.

Sam Bennett, Dmitry Kulikov and Nate Schmidt had goals in regulation for Florida, while Rodrigues had a pair of assists before delivering the shootout winner. Bobrovsky got his 404th career win, breaking a tie with Grant Fuhr for 12th on the all-time list.

Anthony Richard, Joel Farabee and Garnet Hathaway scored for Philadelphia, and Scott Laughton had two assists for the Flyers.

Aleksander Barkov also scored in the tiebreaker for Florida, and Owen Tippett tallied for Philadelphia.

Takeaways

Flyers: Philadelphia is now 1-9-1 this season when allowing three or more goals. Samuel Ersson had 28 saves for the Flyers.

Panthers: Florida had a three-goal second period for the second straight game. The Panthers are now 6-0-0 this season when they have at least three goals in any period.

Key moment

The robes returned to Florida as the team’s choice of pregame arrival apparel. The Panthers wore the robes — a gift for their trip to Finland earlier this month — for a fourth consecutive game, and evidently intend to keep doing it until this winning streak ends.

Key stat

The game was the 2,000th as an NHL coach for Florida’s Paul Maurice, including postseason contests. He’s the second coach to reach that milestone, joining Hockey Hall of Famer Scotty Bowman (2,494 games).

Up next

Flyers host San Jose on Monday to start a stretch of six of seven at home. and Panthers host New Jersey on Tuesday to open a two-game series.

___

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

GAINESVILLE — Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden released a statement late Saturday afternoon acknowledging an ongoing school inquiry a day after a report of accusations he stalked and sexually harassed multiple women, including students.

The Gators’ third-year coach also said he’s considering “defamation claims” as he consults with attorney Ken Turkel of Tampa.

“For the last month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school inquiry,” Golden wrote on X. “I have recently engaged Ken Turkel to advise me on my ability to bring defamation claims while this confidential investigation is ongoing.

“My family and I appreciate the support we have received and remain confident the university will continue its efforts to finish its review promptly.”

Earlier in Saturday, Golden ran practice after the No. 21 Gators (2-0) took a day off following Thursday night’s 81-60 home win against Jacksonville. He is expected to be on the sidelines when Grambling State visits at the O’Connell Center Monday night.

Golden’s statement comes a day after the school’s Independent Florida Alligator newspaper reported UF’s Title IX office filed a formal complaint on Sept. 27 alleging violations of the university’s Gender Equity Policy.

Florida head coach Todd Golden has been accused of stalking, cyberstalking, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation by multiple women, including UF students. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

Golden’s accusers allege he made unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, requested sexual favors and sent photos, imaging videos, of his genitalia while traveling in his duties for the university.

On multiple occasions, the complaint stated, he allegedly took pictures of women walking or driving, photographed their cars and showed up to locations where he knew the women would be.

The Alligator interviewed two women about Golden’s behavior.

Golden, 39 and in his third season at UF, agreed to a two-year contract extension with a $1 million raise in March after he led the Gators to their first NCAA tournament berth since 2021.

Following the complaint, he coached the Gators during the fall and during wins against USF Nov. 4 and Jacksonville Nov. 7. He is 42-29 at UF.

Golden, a native of Phoenix, is married Megan York, his college sweetheart from St. Mary’s (Calif.). The couple has two children, a son born in 2016 and daughter in 2018.

Florida head coach Todd Golden, left, and Florida guard Will Richard (5) protest a call during the second half of the Gators’ 83-74 win against Missouri Feb. 28, 2024 in Gainesville. (AP Photo/Alan Youngblood, File)

The investigation into Golden is the third time since 2021 a Gators coach has been under scrutiny for unacceptable behavior.

Accusations of abuse and racial insensitivity by former Florida women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer in March 2021 led to resignation for personal reasons in July, and just six weeks after he’d agreed to a three-year contract extension.

During the ensuing fallout, UF athletic director Scott Stricklin told a small group of reporters, “We failed in this situation.”

In April 2022, Stricklin then fired women’s soccer coach Tony Amato after just one season for reportedly pressuring players about their eating habits and weight.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

The St. Thomas Aquinas girls volleyball team captured the FHSAA Class 6A state championship for the second consecutive year as the Raiders won in dramatic fashion in a thriller against Gulf Breeze in five sets (25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 21-25, 16-14) at Polk State College in Winter Haven on Saturday.

St. Thomas Aquinas won its eighth state title in school history. The Raiders won the state championship in four sets against Viera last year.

The Raiders were locked in an 8-8 tie in the fifth set before scoring two points to jump ahead 10-8. The Raiders led 14-13, but the Dolphins (30-2) responded to tie the score. The Raiders took the lead after a service error and scored the final point on a kill.

St. Thomas Aquinas (22-7) won 11 consecutive matches entering the state championship and had swept opponents in three sets in six straight matches. The Raiders rolled by Sunlake (25-21, 25-17, 25-23) in the state semifinal. The Raiders also cruised to victories in straight sets against Braddock in the regional quarterfinal, West Boca Raton in the regional semifinal and South Plantation in the regional final.

The teams were locked in a 14-14 tie in the first set before the Raiders scored three straight to force the Dolphins to call timeout. The Dolphins trailed 23-20 and had a 3-0 run to tie the score. The Raiders bounced back with the final two points to win the set.

St. Thomas Aquinas trailed 15-14 in the second set and responded with four consecutive points. Gulf Breeze answered back with a 7-0 run to jump ahead 22-18 and held on to win the second set by four points.

After a 13-13 tie in the third set, the Raiders had a 6-2 run to take a 19-15 advantage. The Dolphins had cut the deficit to 20-17, but the Raiders pulled away to win the third set with a 5-0 run.

Gulf Breeze led 17-16 in the fourth set before a 3-1 spurt made it 20-17. The Dolphins were able to hold on to win by four points.

The Raiders won the tightly contested fifth set after a 14-14 tie with the final two points.

St. Thomas Aquinas senior outside hitter Zori Brown, who had the championship-winning kill, and junior outside hitter Emmi Merhi were among the team leaders in kills during the season. Senior Mikayla Porter, senior setter Malia Brooks, and junior Sydney Guerrier were all key contributors. Senior Tameary Wardlaw led the team in digs and service aces. Senior middle hitter Kendall Evans and senior Riley Gulla were among the team leaders in total blocks.

“We played a challenging schedule and we were prepared,” St. Thomas Aquinas coach Lisa Zielinski said. “We knew it was going to be a very tough match and they have good hitters and play a similar style as us. We have a lot of experience and that helped us at the end. Zori Brown and Mikayla Porter have been important leaders and it’s been a team effort.  I am proud of our kids.”

Dwyer falls in Class 6A state final four

The Dwyer girls volleyball team reached the Class 6A state semifinal before a loss to Gulf Breeze in three sets (10-25, 16-25, 14-25) on Friday.

Dwyer (14-11) had won six consecutive matches entering the state final four.  The Panthers defeated Wharton in three sets in the regional quarterfinal and had victories on the road in four sets against Bayside in the regional semifinal and against Viera in the regional final.

Sophomore outside hitter Alexia Marchese led the Panthers in kills during the season. Sophomore middle blocker Bella Levitt led the squad in total blocks. Senior libero Samantha Homberger led the team in digs and senior setter Mylee Lemons led in assists.

Boca Raton eliminated in Class 7A state semifinal

The Boca Raton girls volleyball team fell to Tampa Plant in three sets (17-25, 18-25, 15-25) in a Class 7A state semifinal on Friday.

Boca Raton (15-7) rallied to win a thrilling five-set match in the regional final on the road against Cypress Bay. The Bobcats had victories in four sets against Western in the regional quarterfinal and Coral Reef in the regional semifinal.

Boca Raton senior outside hitter Mija Bendziute, a UCLA commit, led the team in kills. Senior middle blocker Sophia Oliveira and senior outside hitter Bella Troncale were both team leaders. Sophomore Alex Toman, freshman Lia Ray and freshman Meya Cooper were among the key contributors during the playoff run.

 

 

 

 

Two days after Billy Napier received a vote of confidence to remain Florida’s coach, his team suffered the worst beating of his tenure.

The Gators’ 49-17 loss at No. 5 Texas was not entirely unexpected.

UF athletic director Scott Stricklin publicly backed his embattled coach — once again — before his vastly undermanned team entered a difficult closing stretch that could further amplify calls to replace the Gators’ third-year coach. Even so, Napier’s Gators (4-5, 2-4 SEC) were overwhelmed by the Longhorns, an SEC newcomer quickly establishing itself in the nation’s top football conference.

“It got out of hand in the first half,” Napier said. “You looked up and the game was over.”

With true freshman phenom quarterback DJ Lagway unable to play because of a hamstring injury, third-string walk-on Aidan Warner of Winter Park was overmatched against the nation’s top defense. Meanwhile, UF’s hard-charging run game could not shoulder the offensive load with Ja’Kobi Jackson and Jadan Baugh, who combined for 204 yards and 2 scores.

A 23-yard field goal by Trey Smack, who missed a 30-yarder earlier in the game, extended the Gators’ NCAA record scoring streak to 457 games. Baugh and Jackson each then scored to touchdowns as UF continued to put up a fight.

Florida head coach Billy Napier encourages his players during a 49-17 loss at No. 5 Texas Nov. 9 in Austin. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

“The kids continue to play with fortitude in the second half,” Napier said. “But not good enough.”

The Gators’ depleted defense reverted to September form and could not slow the Longhorns’ litany of playmakers, led by red-hot quarterback Quinn Ewers facing a secondary missing it top three cornerbacks. Texas staked a 42-0 lead as Ewers threw 5 touchdowns, the final one a 34-yarder early in the third quarter to former UF commit and Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond.

Ewers finished 19 of 27 for 333 yards before Arch Manning replaced him with the Longhorns leading 42-3.

“I didn’t think we covered well, and the rush was not landing,” Napier said. “When you don’t affect the quarterback and he’s able to work his way all the way through the progressions and throw completions, that’s when they cause problems for you.”

Texas’ 562 yards were the most allowed by UF this season, eclipsing the 529 by Miami during a season-opening 41-17 home loss. The Gators allowed an average of just 337.3 yards the past four games, but injuries have continued to mount.

UF’s 329 total yards marked the first time Texas allowed an opponent to crack 300 in 2024, but the Gators’ attack clearly missed Lagway. The 19-year-old was a game-time decision despite a Grade 2 strain to his left hamstring sustained during the second quarter of last weekend’s 34-20 loss to Georgia.

Lagway — a native of Willis, Texas, located three hours east of Austin — tried to warm up but spent the game on the sideline wearing his No. 2 jersey.

Warner, a Yale transfer and making his first career start, finished 12 of 25 for 132 and 2 interceptions, each in Florida territory leading to Longhorns touchdowns.

“Aidan fought has tail off out there,” Napier said. “Some good things for a guy making his first start against a really good defense. We rushed the ball, but in general we had no continuity.”

A Texas-size beat-down during their first trip to Austin since 1939 leaves the Gators in need of two wins in the final three games, beginning with a Nov. 16 visit from LSU, to earn a bowl bid. Otherwise, UF will suffer its third straight losing season under Napier, who fell to 15-19 overall, 2-14 against ranked foes and 3-14 away from Gainesville.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

MIAMI GARDENS — The South Florida Sun Sentinel’s Miami Dolphins writers are picking out a pair of prop bets each week in the 2024 season.

Dolphins columnist Chris Perkins and Dolphins reporter David Furones, neither of whom condone gambling, will make predictions on player or team props they believe will occur for every Dolphins matchup.

Each writer will offer their “Best Bet,” a near 50-50 proposition they believe will occur, and a “Longshot,” which has to be given betting odds of at least +300, or 3-to-1 probability.

Odds are according to the Hard Rock Bet app. Also make sure to check out the Sun Sentinel’s game predictions for Sunday.

Perk’s Best Bet: Tyreek Hill anytime TD (+110)

I think I might have attempted this once previously. Regardless, this is guaranteed on Monday. It’s my stone-cold, iron-lock bet of the year — of the week (as I’m sure to have another one next week). Tyreek gets a touchdown against the Rams. He only has one, it’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s third game back, and it’s prime time. I’m betting on Tyreek.

Furones’ Best Bet: Dolphins over 23.5 points (-125)

I have Miami scoring 27 points in our predictions, so this seems like good value. Even if the Dolphins end up with 24, you’re covered. With Tua coming off a strong outing at Buffalo, along with the surging run game, I expect the Dolphins to hit this over in prime time.

Furones is rolling at 5-3 in his best bets. Perk is proving you should probably fade his predictions. He has a 2-6 best bets record after the Dolphins game against Buffalo.

Perk’s Longshot: First half winner/game winner parlay: Tie/Rams (+1,600)

I could see this game being tied at, say, 7-7 or 14-14 at halftime and the Rams pulling away in the second half and winning, 24-21, which was my prediction. Actually, I could see a higher-scoring game but I’ll stick with my prop bet.

Furones’ Longshot: Tua Tagovailoa over 300 passing yards (+325)

Tua is playing sharp football since his return. Let’s bank on that continuing against a Rams defense that ranks 23rd. I’m saying it looks like last year’s passing offense in this one, with Tagovailoa hitting Tyreek HIll and Jaylen Waddle for big plays and also distributing some passes to others when it’s what the defense gives Miami.

Perk is 1-7 on his longshots, but can still hold on to that +2,500 win against Indianapolis. Furones, earning the esteemed double victory last week, is finally in the longshots win column, also at 1-7.