Jon Becker

2 weeks ago | mercurynews.com | Jon Becker

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Max Arfsten scored in the 61st minute, Sean Zawadzki added his first goal of the season and Patrick Schulte had five saves Saturday night to help the Columbus Crew beat the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1. San Jose (3-6-1) has lost three consecutive games following a 6-1 win over D.C. United on April 6. The Earthquakes are 1-6-1 following back-to-back wins to open the season.

3 weeks ago | mercurynews.com | Jon Becker

Midfielder Kiki Pickett scored the lone goal of the match in the 33rd minute, and it was a special one. Her long-distance half-volley rattled off the crossbar and into the back of the net. The goal from the top of the box was the second score of the season for the former Stanford standout. Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz had a save on the Courage’s lone shot on goal.

1 month ago | mercurynews.com | Jon Becker

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Defending national champion South Carolina left no doubt it would return to the title game, getting 14 points from Te-Hina Paopao and overwhelming Texas 74-57 on Friday night in the Final Four of the women’s NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks are a win away from becoming the first team to secure consecutive titles since UConn won four straight from 2013-16.

1 month ago | mercurynews.com | Jon Becker

The scoring was lower than usual at Champions Retreat, where the opening two rounds are held before the top 30 who make the cut play the final round at Augusta National, which hosts the Masters next week. The weather was warm and turf was still relatively soft, and Ganne took advantage with a bogey-free round. Playing early and starting on the back, the Stanford junior ran off three straight birdies early and saved par with an 18-foot putt on the fifth hole, her 14th of the day.

1 month ago | mercurynews.com | Jon Becker

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Pep Biel had a goal and two assists to propel Charlotte FC to a 4-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night. After starting the season with back-to-back wins, San Jose has now lost three consecutive matches in new coach Bruce Arena’s first season. Charlotte (3-1-1) jumped in front in the 11th minute when Biel scored unassisted.