Curtin to be L.E.A.D.’s Ambassador…Dougherty Howard Shines in Return to Orlando…Big Decision for Big Cliff…Curtin Featured in Verizon Commercial
Curtin to be L.E.A.D.’s Ambassador
Jim Curtin, the head coach of the Philadelphia Union, will be the National Sports Ambassador for L.E.A.D, Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence, the organization announced today.
Curtin, a recognized leader in soccer in the United States and in youth development, will help L.E.A.D. advance its mission of teaching school age children about the dangers of drugs and violence.
“Jim’s track record speaks for itself as both a leader and role model,” said Nick De Mauro, chief executive of L.E.A.D. “An amazing family man, Jim’s children are exactly the ages of the students we reach and his ability to both work with children and his respect for law enforcement make him the perfect person to lend support to our program. We look forward to hitting the ground running with Jim.”
“When I learned about the L.E.A.D. program I was thrilled to lend my support,” said Curtin. “You can’t argue with the benefits of teaching young children about the dangers of drugs and violence, and I look forward to using my platform in the MLS to spread the word. Every team in our league works with young students, and we can all learn from the curriculum L.E.A.D. employs.”
Read the entire announcement here: L.E.A.D PRESS RELEASE
Dougherty Howard Shines in Return to Orlando
Meggie Dougherty Howard, midfielder for Angel City FC, produced an outstanding performance in her return to her home state and former club Orlando Pride, as Angel City FC was able to pick up a valuable road point with a 1-1 draw.
Angel City FC controlled the game from the opening whistle, with Dougherty Howard’s incredible distribution throughout the match. Angel City FC finally broke through in the 53rd minute after Dougherty Howard drew a foul in the box resulting in a penalty kick for Angel City FC. Angel City FC converted the penalty to take a much deserved 1–0 lead.
A late Orlando goal spoiled the chance for an Angel City FC road victory, but it was a hard earned and important point on the road for Dougherty Howard and the club.
Angel City FC and Dougherty Howard are back in action this Saturday, March 30, at 3:30 PM EST, away against the Kansas City Current. That match will be available on ESPN and ESPN+.
Big Decision for Big Cliff
When, after four years at Rutgers University, Clifford “Big Cliff” Omoruyi entered college basketball’s “transfer portal,” both the accolades and concerns started appearing on social media from Scarlet Knight fans.
The great majority wished him well and felt he deserved the opportunity. Others expressed concern about Rutgers having two big time recruits coming to the school next year, but losing its defensive standout in the middle.
In the new world of NIL, Cliff deserves the opportunity every other college athlete has. ESPN immediately published a story saying Cliff was the 2nd most attractive player in the transfer portal:
“2. Clifford Omoruyi, 6-11, C, Sr., Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Among the truly elite post defenders in college basketball. Omoruyi was named to the Big Ten’s All-Defensive team after averaging 10.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks for one of the best defenses in the country.”
Dozens of schools – all major programs – have reached out about Cliff, a guy who has raised nearly $100,000 for the Salvation Army Books & Basketball program in Newark, has put together a 3.8 GPA while earning a degree in Information Technology, and been a model student and teammate on campus.
NIL is a good thing…and great guys like Big Cliff deserve to reap its rewards. It would be better if Clifford and other F-1 Visa students had the opportunity to earn money just like other college athletes, as we have written in the past (Link) . Our only hope is that we don’t have to travel “too far” to watch our friend on a new campus next year.
Jim Curtin Featured in Verizon: Next Level Commercial Series
The Philadelphia Union head coach first showed off his tactical insight in the Verizon: Next Level- Tactics. In the commercial, Curtin gives the fans a look into the importance of tactical preparation for a match.
Curtin most recently was featured in Verizon: Next Level- Technology in the Game. In this segment, Curtin discusses how the Philadelphia Union use innovations in technology and sports science to try and create a competitive edge over their opponents.
Curtin and the Philadelphia Union are coming off a strong road win against the Portland Timbers in MLS action and now begin preparation for their home match up against Minnesota United on March 30th, with kickoff set for 2:00 PM EST at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa.