Silver Stars in serious trouble with 87-81 loss to Phoenix Mercury

Despite an incredible performance from guard Becky Hammon, the San Antonio Silver Stars lost their third straight regular season game, losing 87-81 to the Phoenix Mercury. It's hard to believe, the Silver Stars led the WNBA at the beginning of the 2011 regular season, and are now in the bottom half of the league.

The Silver Stars looked good early against the Mercury, quickly taking control of the game. San Antonio finished the first half of the game leading the Mercury by 3 points. Things quickly changed in the third quarter, as Phoenix fought back from behind and started pulling away.

For the Silver Stars, the loss was even more embarrassing, given the fact the Mercury were without their team's focal point Diana Taurasi.

Hammon did everything she could have done in order to give the Silver Stars the win, finishing with 22 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. The Silver Stars also got good performances from Ruth Riley, Scholanda Robinson, and Sophia Young who finished the game with 16, 15, and 11 points respectively.

Unfortunately for San Antonio, they didn't get any support from their bench against the Mercury. Jia Perkins and Danielle Robinson struggled against Phoenix, shooting a combined 22 percent from the field.

The Mercury on the other hand, got incredible performances from Penny Taylor and Candice Dupree who finished the game with a combined 48 points. DeWanna Bonner pulled in a double-double for the Mercury, finishing with 13 points and 11 rebounds. With such big performances from their players, it really isn't a surprise the Mercury walked away with the win.

With their loss to the Mercury, the Silver Stars have now lost seven of their last nine games. The Silver Stars next game will be against the Seattle Storm on August 23. The Storm are currently third in the WNBA Western Conference, and the Silver Stars will have a chance to retake the spot when the two teams meet.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Associated Press, "Penny Taylor scores 28 to help Mercury by Silver Stars"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Top five guards in the WNBA right now

The WNBA definitely has its share of entertaining guards that can handle the ball and put up points with the best basketball players in the world. Here are the five best guards in the WNBA right now.

5. Lindsay Whalen
A floor general that any team in the league would like to have, Whalen has been solid for the Minnesota Lynx all season long. Whalen is averaging 14.4 points and 6 assists per game in the 2011 WNBA regular season, tag-teaming with Seimone Augustus to give the Lynx the best back-court in the league.

4. Cappie Pondexter
The New York Liberty aren't exactly one of the best teams in the WNBA, but Pondexter still brings her A-game every outing. Pondexter is averaging 18.3 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game in the 2011 WNBA regular season.

3. Becky Hammon
Hammon has been a big part of the San Antonio Silver Stars' success over the years, always finding ways to get her teammates the ball. Hammon has been productive for the Silver Stars during the 2011 WNBA regular season, averaging 16.4 points and 5.4 assists per game. The Silver Stars have started fading away in the second half of the 2011 WNBA season, and they'll need all the help they can get from Hammon.

2. Seimone Augustus
Capable of playing the guard or forward position, Augustus has showed over the years that she's one of the best guards in the WNBA. Leading the west with their 18-5 record, Augustus might just lead the Minnesota Lynx to their first WNBA finals appearance.

1. Diana Taurasi
Most basketball fans will agree that Taurasi is the best guard in the WNBA right now. Averaging 21 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in the 2011 WNBA regular season, Taurasi is the biggest part of the Phoenix Mercury's success. The Mercury already have won two championship titles in the last four years, and Taurasi is clearly trying to win her third.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Player and game information from ESPN.com and WNBA.com

Seattle Sounders FC ready to avenge 1-0 loss to FC Dallas

The Seattle Sounders FC will have an opportunity to take the second spot in the MLS Western Conference table when they face Dallas FC on Aug. 20. Dallas currently holds the second spot in the West, leading Seattle by only a point.

Both teams successfully opened up the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League earlier on in the week, and Seattle soccer fans should be in for a treat when these two powerhouses meet.

Seattle's offense looked unstoppable against Guatemala's Comunicacion, forcing an own-goal and scoring three of its own. Dallas FC made MLS history in its last outing against Pumas, becoming the first MLS team to defeat a Mexican team on its home soil with a 1-0 victory. The Sounders will try to become the second MLS team to defeat a Mexican team at home when they face defending CONCACAF champion Monterrey on Aug. 23.

Dallas FC won the first encounter between the two teams on May 25, walking away with the 1-0 victory. Seattle's offense has made significant improvements since then, and it should be able to get a better result this time around. Both teams have played two games each in the last week, and fatigue will definitely be a factor during the game. Luckily, for the Sounders FC, Brad Evans and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado are back with the team. Evans didn't need any readjusting period in the game against Comunicacion. Evans scored the Sounders' first goal in the 35th minute, nodding the ball into the net.

"I thought they were successful," Seattle Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid told reporters about his returning players. "I thought Kennedy played well. I think it took him 10 or 15 minutes to get into the game, but after that I thought he was solid. Brad Evans shows what he helps provides us by getting that goal off the corner kick and getting an assist. I thought both of their returns were good."

Seattle will need all the help it can get from the fresh legs of Kennedy and Evans when it faces Dallas FC on Aug. 20.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Joshua Mayers, "Sounders FC 4, Comunicaciones 1, quotes and stats" Seattletimes.com
MLSSoccer.com, "Dallas FC vs. Seattle Sounders preview"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Silver Stars desperately need win against Phoenix Mercury

The San Antonio Silver Stars will have a tough game on their hands when they face the Phoenix Mercury on August 20. The Silver Stars are about to begin a tough stretch that won't end until the last few games of the 2011 WNBA regular season. The last thing the Silver Stars want to do is start their stretch off with a loss against the Mercury.

In the beginning of the 2011 WNBA regular season, the Silver Stars seemed to be the team to beat in the league. San Antonio dominated the WNBA standings for a majority of the first half of the season, before losing rookie Danielle Adams to injury. Before her unfortunate foot injury, Adams was having a remarkable rookie season, averaging 14.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.

The Silver Stars have struggled in Adams absence, losing six of their last eight games. Adams isn't expected to be back for another 2-4 weeks, making things look bad for the Silver Stars.

"Right now, we kinda put ourselves in a position where we have to win these next few games on the road," Silver Stars guard Sophia Young said after practice on August 18. "I think we have a pretty good matchup with the Mercury altogether whether we're at home or on the road, and so we just have to go in there and buckle down."

Even with their recent struggles, the Silver Stars still hold the third spot in the WNBA's Western Conference, leading the Seattle Storm by half a game.

San Antonio currently leads the season series between the two teams 2-1. The Silver Stars won the last encounter between the two teams 102-91 without the aid of Adams. The Silver Stars will try to duplicate their July 28 effort against the Mercury when the two teams meet again.

The Mercury have had problems of their own, losing six of their last ten games. As long as San Antonio contains Mercury guard Diana Taurasi who dropped 27 points on them last time around, they should be able to walk away with the win.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
WNBA.com, "Sophia Young-Practice 8/18/11"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Sounders kick off CONCACAF group stage with 4-1 thrashing of Comunicaciones

The Seattle Sounders FC started the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League on a positive note, defeating Guatemala's Comunicaciones 4-1 on August 16.

Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid's decision to rest veteran goalkeeper Kasey Keller against Comunicaciones came as a surprise to many fans. Terry Boss, who replaced Keller as the Sounders FC's starting goalkeeper, quickly lost the faith of Seattle soccer fans, when he let one in two minutes into the game. The Sounders FC managed to score a goal in the 35 minute, when Brad Evans headed the ball into the post.

Things started looking bad for the Sounders FC early in the second half, when Lamar Neagle was ejected from the game for a hard tackle.

Surprisingly, Seattle played even better down a man, taking the lead shortly after Neagle's ejection. Mike Fucito corralled a pass from Freddy Montero, and finished it off with a well placed shot.

Fucito struck again six minutes later, scoring his second goal of the game. The Sounders FC also got some help from Comunicaciones defender Rigoberto Gomez who knocked in an own-goal in the 87^th minute.

"We're pleased with the victory." Schmid told reporters after the game. "In this tournament you have to win home games. It was nice to be able to start off the tournament at home. I thought our team showed a lot of character to come back again from 1-0. Being 1-1 and having a player ejected and playing a man down and being able to score two goals showed a little bit more."

The Sounders FC couldn't have asked for a better start to the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League, and they'll hope to build on their performance when they face the defending champions, Mexico's Monterrey on August 23. Seattle won't have the luxury of playing at home next time around, and they'll be going against considerably tougher competition.

For now, Seattle will need to focus on Dallas FC who they'll face on August 20. With only a point separating the two teams apart in the MLS Western Conference table, the Sounders can regain the second spot in the west with a win on Saturday.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Joshua Mayers, "Sounders FC 4, Comunicaciones 1, quotes and stats" SeattleTimes.com
MLSSoccer.com, "Seattle Sounders vs. Comunicaciones recap"

Silver Stars lose close encounter with Indiana Fever

Despite a valiant comeback attempt, the San Antonio Silver Stars lost 65-63 to the Indiana Fever on August 16. The Silver Stars were hoping to even out the season series between the two teams, but a poor fourth quarter performance led to the Fever win.

The Silver Stars struggled earlier in the game, down ten points by the end of the first half. The Silver Stars came out strong in the third quarter, outscoring the Fever by 14 points. Unfortunately for the Silver Stars, they gave it all back in the final quarter, only putting up a shameful nine points.

The Silver Stars played some solid defense against the Indiana Fever, holding them to 39 percent shooting from the field. Unfortunately for the Silver Stars, they struggled offensively throughout the game, shooting 35.5 percent from the field.

Forward Danielle Robinson was the only San Antonio starter to finish the game with double-digit scoring, finishing with 10 points and 3 rebounds. Robinson had a chance to push the game into overtime in the finals seconds of the fourth, but wasn't able to convert the jumper.

"I think we really fought, and we really competed down the stretch," Robinson told reporters after the game. "That's all the coach can ask of us."

Sophia Young had problems shooting the ball, but still finished the game with 7 points and 13 rebounds.

Becky Hammon had a rough night against the Fever, shooting 12.4 percent from the field. Hammon also had problems getting the ball to her teammates, finishing with only one assist and four turnovers.

For the Fever, it was all about Tamika Catchings who dropped 26 points and 5 rebounds on the Silver Stars.

With the loss, San Antonio slides down to the third spot in the WNBA's Western Conference standings. Things aren't about to get better for the Silver Stars either, they'll be going on a three game road trip against the Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, and Minnesota Lynx. The Silver Stars will need to figure out ways to win against these powerhouses if they want to remain relevant in the west.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Associated Press, "Fever hold off Silver Stars for third straight win"
WNBA.com, "Danielle Robinson - Postgame 8/16/11"
Player and game information form ESPN.com

Sounders hope to kick off CONCACAF group stage with win against Comunicaciones

The Seattle Sounders FC will have their work cut out for them when they face Guatemala's Comunicaciones on Aug. 16. The Sounders haven't had much success in the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League, but they're hoping to change that statistic this time around.

"It's better because a lot of our players have not really played internationally or in Central America very often with the exception of a guy like Leo [Gonzalez]," Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid said in an interview with Matt Gaschk. "These guys now in year two, they have an idea what the travel is like, they have an idea what the field is like, they have an idea what the accommodations will be like, and that's a big part of things when you play in the CONCACAF region."

The Sounders FC were unable to score any goals in their last outing, drawing Chivas USA 0-0 on Aug. 13. The Sounders FC tested Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy many times during the game but couldn't get a single goal past the veteran on Saturday. Seattle will hope for a better offensive outing when it hosts Comunicaciones at CenturyLink Field.

"You don't really know what to expect," Sounders forward Nate Jaqua said. "We've gone through it last year, so we have a little bit of a better idea. Some of these games, there a lot of kinda gamesmanship to them, and it's always kinda difficult, but if we come out there and play the way we can especially at home, we should be able to get a good result."

Seattle soccer fans were expecting forward O'Brian White's return to the Sounders FC lineup, but the 25-year-old's recovery ran into some problems over the weekend. The timetable of White's return is no longer certain, and the Sounders FC will have to explore their other options. With the summer transfer window coming towards its end, Seattle will have to make its move soon.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Matt Gaschk, "Match Preview: vs Comunicaciones" SoundersFC.com
Player and game information from ESPN.com and MLSSoccer.com

Silver Stars brace for tough night against Indiana Fever

The San Antonio Silver Stars will try to get their season back on track, when they face the Indiana Fever on August 16. The Silver Stars have struggled in the past few weeks, losing five of their last seven games. The Fever on the other hand are currently on an impressive streak, winning seven of their last five games.

The Fever won the first encounter between the two powerhouse teams on August 9, blowing out San Antonio 81-68. The Fever haven't won a game in San Antonio for the past three years, and the Silver Stars will try to keep their streak alive.

The Silver Stars will need to figure out a way to contain Tamika Catchings, Erin Phillips, and Katie Douglas who finished with a combined 52 points last time around. San Antonio got some good performances from some of their stars during the August 9 encounter between the two teams, but a 2^nd quarter meltdown sealed their fate.

"We didn't come out aggressive," Silver Stars forward Sophia Young told reporters after losing to the Fever. "You can't expect to win when you don't come out hard. We got down by 15 and the clock ran out on us. I have to get in the gym and work on my free throws. I'm taking personal responsibility to work on my free throws. If we would have had a better free throw percentage, we might have been in the game."

The Silver Stars will need to pull things together against the Fever if they want to save their 2011 WNBA season. The Silver Stars are about to start a crucial stretch that will involve only the very best teams in the WNBA right now. The Silver Stars won't get any easy games until they play the struggling Los Angeles Sparks on September 6, and at this stage the playoffs isn't a guarantee for any team in the west.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Stats LLC, "Fever-Silver Stars Preview"
WNBA.com, "Quotes: Silver Stars @ Fever: 8/9/11"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Silver Stars struggle in 85-73 loss to Chicago Fire

The San Antonio Silver Stars suffered another tough loss on August 14, losing 85-73 to the Chicago Fire. For the Silver Stars, it was their fifth loss in seven games, a disappointing statistic for a team that was considered the best in the league for the first half of the season.

The Silver Stars struggled badly earlier in the game, unable to keep up with the Fire. By halftime, the Fire had already built up an eighteen point lead, leaving the Silver Stars behind in their dust. The Silver Stars played better in the second half, but by then it was already too late. Even a 27 point fourth quarter performance wasn't enough to bring the Silver Stars back into the game.

San Antonio was unable to get anything going on the defensive end, allowing Chicago to shoot 49 percent from the field. The Silver Stars were also atrocious on the boards, getting outrebounded 45-20. Chicago's Sylvia Fowles had a lot to do with that embarrassing statistic, finishing with a game high 28 points and 17 rebounds.

"This is the first year I can be myself," Fowles told reporters after the incredible performance. "My first two years I got hurt, last year was an off year for me. But this season, I feel like I can broaden my horizons and get better."

Coming off the bench, Jia Perkins led the Silver Stars against Chicago, finishing with 18 points and 3 rebounds. Sophia Young, Becky Hammon, and Scholanda Robinson were all productive on the offensive end, finishing with 16, 14, and 10 points respectively.

Luckily for the Silver Stars, they are still tied with the Phoenix Mercury for the second spot in the WNBA's Western Conference standings. The Silver Stars next game will be against the Indiana Fever on August 16. The Silver Stars lost the first encounter between the two teams 81-68 on August 9, and they'll try to even out the season series at home.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Associated Press, "Sylvia Fowles' 28 points help Sky trounce Silver Stars"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Dan Kennedy comes up big for Chivas USA in 0-0 draw against Sounders FC

The Seattle Sounders FC were forced to settle to draw against Chivas USA on Aug. 13. The Sounders were hoping to follow their electrifying comeback victory over Sporting Kansas City with a win, but Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy wasn't having any part of it.

Chivas struggled offensively against the Sounders FC, testing veteran goalkeeper Kasey Keller only two times in the game. On the other hand, Seattle had no problems moving the ball up the field, testing Kennedy many times during the match.

Seattle had a chance to take the lead in the 19th minute when Chivas USA defender Michael Umana was called for a hand ball inside the box. Sounders FC midfielder Alvaro Fernandez hit the post on the ensuing penalty kick, missing out on the opportunity to take the lead.

The Sounders pressed on in the second half but couldn't get anything into the post. Sounders FC fans were excited in the 89th minute when Chivas defender David Junior Lopes fouled Lamar Neagle inside the box. Unfortunately, for the Sounders FC, the referee didn't award them the penalty, and they were forced to settle for the draw.

"I thought in the first half they were a little bit the better team between us and them," Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid told reporters after the game. "I thought they had a little more of the game in the first half. Obviously we had a penalty kick that we hit the post on, so that didn't help us, and I guess penalties are like mulligans, you only get one per round. So once we used up our mulligan we weren't allowed another one."

Even with the draw, the Sounders still trail Dallas FC by one point for the second spot in the MLS Western Conference table. Seattle's next game will be against Guatemala's Comunicacion on Aug. 16. It will be Seattle's first game in the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League, and it will want to kick things off with a win.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Joshua Mayers, "Sounders FC 0, Chivas USA 0, postgame quotes and stats" SeattleTimes.com
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Silver Stars smother Sun in 72-59 win

The San Antonio Silver Stars were able to prevent their third losing streak of the season, defeating the Connecticut Sun 73-59 on August 11. The Silver Stars were in danger of sliding down to the bottom half of the WNBA's Western Conference, but are now back at the second spot in the west.

The Silver Stars came out strong against the Sun, building up a thirteen point lead by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, the Silver Stars had stretched their lead to 16 points against the Sun, who have one of the best home records in the WNBA. The Silver Stars continued their domination of the Sun in the second half, earning themselves the blowout win.

"We've been on the road so much and this last swing, we've played good teams," Silver Stars head coach Dan Hughes told reporters after the game. "Our goal is to be a winning road team and we're 7-5. We've got a shot. Getting out to a good start was so important for us. I thought it set a tone. Defensively, it was one of those games. Connecticut had a tough shooting night."

Guard Beck Hammon led the Silver Stars against the Sun, shooting 64 percent from the field. Hammon finished with a game-high 18 points, while dishing out five assists. Sophia Young also had a big game for the Silver Stars, finishing with 15 points and 8 rebounds.

Another big part of the Silver Stars success against the Sun was the productivity of their bench. Jia Perkins and Danielle Robinson both had solid showings for San Antonio, finishing the game with 12 points apiece.

After playing four of their last five games on the road, the Silver Stars will play their next two at home. San Antonio's next encounter will be against the struggling Chicago Fire on August 14. With the way the WNBA's Western Conference standings look right now, the Silver Stars cannot afford to lose any easy games.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Associated Press, "Becky Hammon, Sophia Young lead Silver Stars past Sun"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

O'Brian White set to rejoin lineup for Sounders FC

The Seattle Sounders FC might get a much-needed boost to their roster by the time they play Chivas USA on Aug. 13.

The Sounders FC have had to play a large part of the season without one of their main scorers, O'Brian White. After scoring two goals in his first seven matches with the Sounders FC, White was sidelined with a leg injury.

On Aug. 9, White started in a match between Sounders FC and Vancouver Whitecaps reserves. The 25-year-old's skills looked on par against the Vancouver reserves, moving around the field with ease.

"I think I kept possession of the ball and made a few good moves," White told reporters after the game. "As time progresses I want to keep doing more and keep getting back to myself. I was moving and I was active. That's the most important thing, to be active. You just have to keep monitoring. My leg is doing good, but I still have to check with the doctors and make sure everything is functioning right. I'll just keep taking the steps to make sure everything is good."

With White's performance against the Whitecaps' reserves, Seattle soccer fans can expect his return to follow shortly.

Brad Evans and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, who have also missed their share of Sounders FC games, both had decent showings against the Whitecaps' reserves. Seattle Soccer fans will be pleased to have all three players back in the lineup in time for the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League.

Hurtado seemed confident he would be back even sooner while speaking with reporters about his recovery.

"I felt great," he said. "I'm very happy because a month ago I couldn't play and now I'm doing great. The recuperation has been excellent. I just work hard every day and hopefully on Saturday I can play."

With White, Evans, and Hurtado back with the main squad, the Sounders FC shouldn't have any problems closing out the 2011 MLS regular season on good note.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Matt Gaschk, "Restocking The Roster" SoundersFC.com
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Top five guards in Miami Heat history

The Miami Heat have had many excellent players in their backcourt that have given fans many memorable performances over the years. Here are the five best guards in the history of the Heat.

5. Kevin Edwards
An original member of the Miami Heat, Edwards averaged 12.3 points per game in his first five years. Edwards was never the complete superstar, but definitely played a role in the Heat's early success.

4. Steve Smith
In his first four years with the Heat, Smith averaged 16.5 points per game. Smith was a major scoring option for Miami during the '90s, helping them make several post-season runs. After leaving Miami in 1995, Smith made an unsuccessful comeback to the Heat in 2004, averaging a career worst 1.8 points a game.

3. Eddie Jones
Hardcore NBA fans remember when Kobe Bryant came off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers because of Eddie Jones. Jones slowed down a bit after being traded to Miami, but the soft-spoken player was still productive for the Heat. Jones played an integral part during the Heat's 2006 championship run as Miami's third scoring option (not to mention locking opponents down with his solid defense).

2. Tim Hardaway
Hardaway was a big part of the Heat's emergence in the 90's, thanks to his mesmerizing crossovers, and ability to spread the ball around. With center Alonzo Mourning guarding the paint for the Heat, Hardaway led his team to multiple playoff runs. Even though Hardaway only spent six seasons in Miami, he is undoubtedly the best point guard to ever play for the Heat.

1. Dwyane Wade
No surprise here, not only has Wade averaged 25.4 points per game for the Heat in his eight years in the NBA, he also led Miami to their first NBA championship in 2006. With a 50 percent field goal average in the 2010/11 NBA season, Wade will continue being an integral part of what looks like a bright future for Miami.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Silver Stars in for another tough battle against Sun

The San Antonio Silver Stars will be in for another tough game when they face the Connecticut Sun on August 11. The Silver Stars came back strong after the All-Star break, winning their first two games. Since then, the Silver Stars have fallen back into a slump, losing four of their last five games.

The Sun are the exact opposites of the Silver Stars, winning four of their last five games. In fairness to the Silver Stars, they've played some of the best teams in the WNBA during their recent slump.

Guard Becky Hammon led the Silver Stars in their last encounter against the Indiana Fever, finishing the game with 19 points and 5 assists. The Silver Stars also got decent performance from Scholanda Robinson, Sophia Young, and Danielle Robinson, who all finished with double-digit scoring totals.

Unfortunately for the Silver Stars, their efforts weren't enough to overcome an embarrassing second quarter performance that only yielded five points.

"We didn't come out aggressive." Young said about the loss and her 30 percent free throw shooting. "You can't expect to win when you don't come out hard. We got down by 15 and the clock ran out on us. I have to get in the gym and work on my free throws. I'm taking personal responsibility to work on my free throws. If we would have had a better free throw percentage, we might have been in the game. We have to get ready for Connecticut. Indy is coming off of a loss and we have to get one of the two on the road."

The Silver Stars are currently tied with the Phoenix Mercury for the third spot in the WNBA's Western Conference. With the Seattle Storm right behind them by ½ a game, another loss can send the Silver Stars to the bottom half of the conference. With rookie Danielle Adams still sidelined due to a sprained right foot, the Silver Stars will need to bring their very best against the Sun.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Stats LLC, "Silver Stars-Sun Preview"
WNBA.com, "Quotes: Silver Stars @ Fever: 8/9/11"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Horrific second quarter costs Silver Stars against Fever

The San Antonio Silver Stars didn't have much luck against the Indiana Fever on August 9, losing 81-68. With the loss, the Silver Stars have now dropped four of their last four games, and are barely holding on to the second spot in the WNBA's Western Conference.

The Silver Stars held their own against the Fever in the first quarter, but quickly ran into trouble in the second. San Antonio struggled offensively in the second quarter, going 1-14 from the field. The Silver Stars tried to pick things up in the fourth quarter, but by then it was already too late. The two teams will meet again on August 14 for the second game of their 2011 regular season series.

Guard Becky Hammon led the Silver Stars against the Fever, shooting 50 percent from the field. Hammon led San Antonio with her 19 points, while dishing out five assists. Sophia Young, Scholanda Robinson, and Danielle Robinson all had solid performances for the Silver Stars, finishing with 13, 12, and 11 points respectively. Unfortunately for the Silver Stars, all their efforts weren't enough to overcome their season-worst second quarter performance.

"We dug ourselves into a hole," Hammon told reporters after the game. "It's hard to come back on the road."

Forward Tamika Catchings led Indiana against the Silver Stars, finishing with a game-high 21 points. Catchings also brought the Silver Stars fourth quarter comeback attempt to an end, fueled by a technical foul call.

The Indiana Fever also got big performances from their back-court, with Katie Douglas and Erin Phillips finishing the game with a combined 31 points. Defensively, the Fever were just as good, holding the Silver Stars to 43 percent shooting from the field.

"We did a good job on Becky [Hammon] and Sophia [Young]," Indiana Fever coach Lin Dunn told reporters. "Our defense is more effective as the game goes on, because we are more aware of the opponent's offense. By the second quarter, we have gotten into a rhythm."

The Silver Stars next game will be against the Connecticut Sun on August 11. The Sun are currently second place in the east, and San Antonio will be in for another tough game.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Associated Press, "Fever build early lead, hold off Silver Stars"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Sounders in for tough match against Chivas USA

The Seattle Sounders FC will go for their third straight win when they face Chivas USA on Aug. 13. After suffering an embarrassing 3-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo on July 30, the Sounders came back strong, winning the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League series against Panama's San Francisco FC (advancing to the group stage for the first time in team history), and then pulling off the miraculous comeback-victory over Sporting Kansas City on Aug. 6.

"You can tell that our effort is always there," Sounders midfielder Lamar Neagle told reporters. "At the end of the game we're still striving to get that win no matter what the score is, even though we're down one or whatever it is, we still come back."

Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid couldn't have been happier with his team's amazing comeback, which gave him his 150th career win.

"It just means that I've coached a lot of good players," Schmid told reporters after the game. "I've had the good fortune of having a lot of good players play for me. They work hard and they put forth the effort together. It's been successful more times than it hasn't, so I'm very proud of that fact that I've won that amount of games, but it's a tribute to the players I've coached."

The Sounders have been solid at CenturyLink Field all season long, losing only two of their 13 home games. Chivas USA, on the other hand, have struggled on the road, going 3-4-4. With the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League kicking off Aug. 16, the Sounders will try to build some momentum with Chivas USA.

Even though Chivas USA has struggled at times during the 2011 MLS season, the sixth-ranked team in the Western Conference looked better in their past several performances, losing only one match in their past seven outings.

With the Sounders FC currently trailing Dallas FC by a point for the second spot in the MLS Western Conference table, a win over Chivas USA can get the Sounders back where they were.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Matt Gaschk, "Sigi Schmid reached the landmark 150th win in his MLS coaching -- " MLSSoccer.com
Joshua Mayers, "Sounders FC 2, Sporting Kansas City 1, quotes and stats" SeattleTimes.com
Player and game information from ESPN.com

LeBron James confident players and owners will reach agreement

Despite the growing number of NBA players considering their overseas options, Miami Heat superstar LeBron James has no intentions of following his peers. Given how much criticism James received for his decision to play for the Heat during the previous NBA off-season, it isn't really surprising the 26 year old doesn't want to create any waves.

LeBron's only focus right now is getting better for the Heat's next season, as they make another run at an NBA championship. Even though the current NBA lockout seems to be getting uglier as time passes by, LeBron James remains hopeful both sides will eventually reach an agreement, telling reporters he was "very optimistic" about the 2011/12 regular season.

"I'm preparing for an NBA season," LeBron said in an interview with ESPN's Rachel Nichols. "I'm preparing for there to be a training camp in the next month. I'm very optimistic that Billy Hunter and the owners and David Stern will figure out a way to come together and for us to have a season, and I'll be ready for it. We all love the game of basketball so much, and the love of the game is always going to be there. Guys love the game."

For now, all LeBron can do is work on his game and watch what happens with the 2011/12 NBA regular season. Like many NBA superstars have done out in the past, James is working hard during the off-season to improve his game. James seems to be particularly focused on his inside game, holding training sessions with 2-time NBA champion Hakeem Olajuwon.

"I'm doing whatever it takes to just become a better basketball player," James said. "Just everyday.. just trying to critique my game -- seeing ways that I can get better so I can be more of a complete basketball player on the court, a better leader on and off the court and continue to work towards my goal of winning an NBA championship."

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
ESPN.com, "LeBron James: There will be a season"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Silver Stars looking for second straight win against Indiana Fever

The San Antonio Silver Stars will have their work cut out for them when they face the Indiana Fever on August 9. After going through a tough stretch against some of the best teams in the WNBA's Western Conference, the Silver Stars finally got a break against the struggling Tulsa Shock.

While the Silver Stars managed to regain some of their offensive rhythm against the Shock, their defense didn't look any better. The Silver Stars will need to do better at the defensive end, when they face the eastern conference leading Fever.

After going on an impressive five game winning streak, the Fever lost their last game against the Chicago Sky 88-69, their worst loss of the season.

"They outworked us, outhustled us, they beat us up and down the floor and I am very disappointed in our effort, very disappointed in our energy," Indiana Fever coach Lin Dunn told reporters after the embarrassing loss. "They played like a team they wants a playoff spot and we played like a team that is resting waiting for the playoffs."

When the 2011 WNBA regular season started, few San Antonio fans thought rookie Danielle Adams would be such a major part of their team's identity. Adams' 14.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game have definitely been missed by the Silver Stars who have struggled ever since she sprained her right foot. Adams isn't expected back until the end of the month.

The Silver Stars will need another big performance, if they want to defeat the Fever on August 9. Hammon played well in her last performance, finishing with 17 points, and five assists. Sophia Young also had a solid game for the Silver Stars, scoring a game-high 20 points. Scholanda Robinson was the most efficient player for the Silver Stars in their last encounter, shooting 80 percent from the field for 12 points.

Jayne Appel, Jia Perkins and Danielle Robinson all struggled against the Shock, shooting a combined 33 percent from the field. San Antonio will need big performances from all their stars if they want to beat the Fever.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Associated Press, "Silver Stars regroup with 72-64 win over Shock"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Sounders end Sporting KC's 14-game unbeaten streak

A few days after making it to the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time in franchise history, the Seattle Sounders FC carried their momentum over to the MLS, defeating Sporting Kansas City 2-1.

Kansas City struck first in the Aug. 6 encounter between the two teams, scoring its first goal in the 20th minute off a Kei Kamara header. The Sounders had a few chances in the first half, but were unable to find the equalizing goal. The second half was a defensive affair, as Sporting Kansas City bogged down, trying to preserve their lead. The Sounders did have the advantage for a majority of the half, when Sporting Kansas City forward Omar Bravo was sent off the field for a vicious foul.

The Sounders weren't able to score their first goal until the 90th minute of the match, when Mauro Rosales put one past Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen.

"We played against a very tough team." Rosales said after the game. "They have very good players, and the heat also was very important, but we won and we are very happy about that. This is three points for us and that is very important because we cannot be far behind LA and Dallas and we are very happy about that."

Lamar Neagle scored the game-winning goal shortly after, silencing Sporting Kansas City fans.

"You can tell that our effort is always there," Neagle told reporters after the game "At the end of the game we're still striving to get that win no matter what the score is even though we're down one or whatever it is, we still come back. We've gone down a goal many times, but we always seen to fight back and win the game, and that's what happened."

The Sounders deserve a lot of credit for bouncing right back from their previous losing streak, winning their second straight match. The Sounders' next game will be against Chivas USA on Aug. 13. With their win over Sporting Kansas City, the Sounders now trail Dallas FC by only a point, and a win against Chivas USA might get them back to the second spot in the MLS Western Conference.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Associated Press, "Sounders get 2 late goals to beat Sporting KC 2-1"
Joshua Mayers, "Sounders FC 2, Sporting Kansas City 1, quotes and stats" SeattleTimes.com
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Silver Stars regroup with 72-64 win over Shock

The San Antonio Silver Stars were able to bring their losing streak to an end when they faced the Tulsa Shock on August 6. With San Antonio's 72-64 victory over the Shock, the Silver Stars are once again alone at the second spot in the WNBA's Western Conference standings.

The Silver Stars wasted no time against the Shock, building up a seven point lead by halftime. The Shock put on a better performance in the second half, but were unable to make up for their poor first half performance.

Sophia Young led the Silver Stars against the Shock, finishing with a team high 20 points. Guard Becky Hammon also had a big game for the Silver Stars, finishing the game with 19 points and 5 assists.

"I'm trying to be more aggressive inside," Young told reporters after the game. "Coach (Dan Hughes) has been getting on me to take more shots, so that's what I'm trying to do."

Scholanda Robinson and Jayne Appel also played a role in the Silver Stars' win, finishing with a combined 19 points.

While the Silver Stars looked better offensively against the Shock, their defense didn't look much better, allowing their opponents to shoot 46.4 percent from the field.

The Shock got a huge performance from Tiffany Jackson, who shot 77 percent from the field against San Antonio. Jackson finished the game with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Kayla Pederson had a perfect game for the Shock, going 6-6 from the field. Pederson finished the game with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Unfortunately for Jackson and Perkins, their big performances weren't enough against the Silver Stars.

The Silver Stars' next encounter will be against the Indiana Fever on August 9. With a record of 15-6, the Fever lead the WNBA's Eastern Conference and the Silver Stars will be in for a much tougher contest. With the Seattle Storm and Phoenix Mercury right behind their heels, the Silver Stars need every win they can get.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Associated Press, "Silver Stars hand Shock franchise-record 14th straight loss"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Lynx hand Silver Stars third straight loss

The San Antonio Silver Stars suffered another tough loss to the Minnesota Lynx, losing 62-60 on August 4. Coming into the game, the Silver Stars already had their backs against the wall. Now with three straight losses, things seem to be spiraling out of control for San Antonio.

Both teams struggled on the offensive side of things, with neither side shooting over 40 percent. The Silver Stars took control of the game early, taking a six point lead into halftime.

The third quarter was all about Minnesota, as they took over the game, dropping 26 points on the Silver Stars. Both teams battled intensely in the fourth quarter, and it would take a clutch three pointer by Minnesota forward Taj McWilliams-Franklin to secure the victory.

"They've gotten us with one second left on the clock both times and that's the way the game goes sometimes," Silver Star guard Becky Hammon told reporters after the game. "But we've got to shake these off because we competed well. Down the stretch, we don't know. We've got more games to come and playoffs in the future, so some of these little heartbreakers you've got to let go and do better next time."

Forward Sophia Young led the Silver Stars in scoring, finishing the game with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Hammon also had a decent performance for the Silver Stars, finishing with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Jayne Appel and Jia Perkins also gave the Silver Stars some much needed help coming off the bench, adding a combined 19 points and 10 rebounds to the scoreboard.

With the loss against the Lynx, the Silver Stars are now tied with the Seattle Storm and the Phoenix Mercury for the third spot in the WNBA's Western Conference. Luckily for the Silver Stars, their next game will be against the worst team in the WNBA's Western Conference, the Tulsa Shock. The Silver Stars should be able to get things back on track against the Shock, as they fight to keep their spot in the west.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Associated Press, "Taj McWilliams-Franklin hits winning jumper for Lynx"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Win against Lynx can save Silver Stars' season

The San Antonio Silver Stars will desperately need a win when they face the Minnesota Lynx on August 4. The Silver Stars looked reinvigorated after the all-star break, winning their first two games. The Silver Stars success came to an end when they faced the Minnesota Lynx on July 31^st.

The Minnesota Lynx on the other hand established themselves as the best team in the WNBA, winning nine of their last ten games. The Lynx are currently on a seven game winning streak (franchise record), and the Sounders will be in for a long night.

To make matters worse for the Silver Stars, the Seattle Storm and the Phoenix Mercury are right behind them in the WNBA's Western Conference, trailing behind by half a game.

The Silver Stars struggled offensively in their last outing against the Storm, shooting 39 percent from the field. Their defense has also been on the sloppy side lately, allowing opponents to score at will.

"We've got to look at these road trips and grab hold of the opportunities when we can," Siver Star coach Dan Hughes told reporters. "We didn't get it [Tuesday], but we'll move on and get ready for Minnesota."

The Silver Stars cannot afford to lose their August 4 encounter against the Lynx given the current situation in the WNBA Western Conference rankings. A loss to the Lynx could send the Silver Stars all the way to the fourth spot in the west.

The Silver Stars made franchise history with their impressive start in the 2011 WNBA regular season, and it will be sad to see it all go to waste. There is still a little light at the end of the tunnel for the Silver Stars, and a win over the best team in the WNBA will point them in the right direction.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Stats LLC, "Silver Stars-Lynx Preview"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Seattle Sounders advance to CONCACAF group stage with win over San Francisco

Coming into the Aug. 3 encounter against Panama's San Francisco FC, the Seattle Sounders FC were spiraling out of control, conceding 17 goals in their last six games. With their backs against the wall, the Seattle Sounders brought their very best when it mattered the most, defeating San Francisco FC 2-0 in extra time.

The Sounders needed an impressive performance in order to make team history, and they did just that, dominating the game and controlling the ball. With the win, the Sounders now advance to the CONCACAF Champions League group stage.

Alvaro Fernandez was very instrumental for the Sounders, giving them their first goal in the 41st minute. The Sounders continued testing San Francisco goalkeeper Miguel Torres in the second half, forcing the veteran to make several spectacular saves. Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller also earned his keep, making a few nice saves of his own.

Despite their many shots on San Francisco's goal, the Sounders were unable to score the equalizing goal, forcing the tied series into extra time.

The Sounders' luck quickly changed in the 98th minute when Fernandez set Nate Jaqua up nicely for the series-winning goal.

Given how tough the past week has been for the Sounders, they deserve a lot of credit for getting the job done against San Francisco. The Sounders will have some solid competition in Group D, going up against the Comunicaciones of Guatemala and defending champion Mexico's Monterrey. The final spot in Group D will go to the winner of the preliminary round series between Herediano and Alpha United. The group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League will kick off Aug. 16.

For now, it's back to MLS play for the Sounders, who'll face Sporting Kansas City on Aug. 6.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Andrew Winner, "CCL Recap: Jaqua nets winner in ET, Sounders advance" MLSSoccer.com
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Seattle Storm hand Silver Stars second straight loss

The San Antonio Silver Stars suffered their second straight loss on August 2, losing 78-64 to the Seattle Storm. The Silver Stars were hoping to avenge their earlier loss against Seattle, but the Storm weren't having any part of it.

The Seattle Storm started off the August 2 encounter between the two teams with a strong statement, putting up 31 points in the first quarter. The Silver Stars made a valiant comeback attempt in the second half, cutting the Storm's lead down to a point late in the third quarter. Unfortunately for the Silver Stars, the Storm ended the game just like they started, outscoring San Antonio in the final quarter.

Once again, the Silver Stars struggled offensively, shooting 39.1 percent from the field. The Silver Stars also struggled on the defensive end, allowing the Storm to convert on 53.6 percent of their field goal attempts.

Scholanda Robinson led the Silver Stars against the Storm, finishing with 12 points and 2 rebounds. Sophia Young, Becky Hammon, and Jia Perkins all had decent performances for San Antonio, finishing the game with 10, 11, and 10 points respectively. In the end, their performances weren't enough to keep up with the Storms' duo of Sue Bird and Swin Cash who finished the game with a combined 33 points.

"They came out and shot the lights out," Hammon told reporters after the game. "I thought we did a good job to fight and pull back within one, but at that point I think we had just expended so much energy to get ourselves back in the game that we didn't finish well."

Things won't get any easier for the Silver Stars who will face the league leading Minnesota Lynx on August 4. With the Storm and Phoenix Mercury now trailing the Silver Stars by only half a game, a third straight loss might send them to the bottom of the WNBA's Western Conference.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Associated Press, "Storm top Silver Stars 78-64"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

NBA owners playing hardball with players

NBA owners seem to have their minds set on playing hardball with the players, filing claims against the league's players association, accusing them off uncooperative behavior and making threats to dissolve the union. The NBA is also trying to get a head start on reforming wages if the players go ahead and dissolve the union.

The move itself probably won't have any effect on the current dispute between the owners and players, coming off as nothing more than posturing.

"The NBA Players Association has made no decision to decertify." NBA players' attorney Jeffrey Kessler told the Associated Press. "They talk about the fact that this is something the players have considered for 30 years, and that's true. And they haven't done it for 30 years, so there's no decision made. There may be no decision made. We view this as an example of their bad-faith bargaining. They don't want to be at the table."

The players have also flexed their muscles during the current lockout, with players like New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams exercising their rights to play overseas. Other like Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant, and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade have also indicated they would consider playing abroad if the lockout is not resolved in a timely fashion. FIBA has already declared that NBA players do have the right to play in other basketball leagues around the world, as long as those under contracts return when the lockout is over.

With NFL owners and players finally getting to an agreement, many were hoping the NBA would try to do the same. The owners' move to sue the players association is another reminder basketball fans should be prepared for a long ugly process. Like NBA Commissioner David Stern said regarding the lockout, "Let the festivities begin."

It's had to sympathize with either side, given how financially rewarding their industry is. I've never met a person who wouldn't want the type of checks that NBA players and owners draw.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Dave Campbell, "NBA takes legal action against locked-out players" Associated Press

Seattle Sounders gear up for second leg against San Francisco FC

Earlier in the 2011 MLS regular season when the Seattle Sounders struggled offensively, their defense was the one bright spot fans were proud off. Unfortunately, for the Sounders, the defense has struggled in their last six games, conceding a total of 17 goals.

To make matters worse for the Sounders, their defensive problems couldn't have come at a worse time. The Sounders, who were hoping to get past the first round of the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time in team history, will need to win their second leg match against Panama's San Francisco FC by at least two goals. The Sounders can force the Aug. 3 game between the two teams into overtime with a 1-0 lead at the end of regulation, but a single goal scored by San Francisco FC will give it the tiebreaker advantage.

"At the end of the day, the game's the same," Seattle coach Sigi Schmid told reporters about their upcoming match against San Francisco FC. "We [have] to win by two goals. You can't have players losing the ball 30 percent of the time on the dribble. That means that they are going at some body and guys are pushing forward into space. They're turning the ball over and now you are in a bad defensive position because you thought the guy was going to play the ball and instead he lost it."

Weather and field conditions played a large role between the two teams in the last encounter, which the Sounders lost 1-0 in Panama. Both offenses struggled during the game, and the lone goal of the match came via penalty kick.

The Seattle Sounders definitely have enough talent to hand San Francisco FC a serious beatdown at CenturyLink Field, but they'll need all the help they can get from their defense. It would be sad to see the Sounders leave the CONCACAF Champions League in the preliminary stages after all they have done this season.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Andrew Winner, "CCL Preview: Defensive effort key for Sounders in 2nd leg"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

Silver Stars prepare to pay Storm back for embarrassing defeat

The San Antonio Silver Stars will be in for another tough game, when they face the Seattle Storm on August 2. The last contest between the two WNBA Western Conference power teams, ended in a humiliating 73-55 loss for the Silver Stars.

To make matters worse for the Silver Stars, they'll coming off a devastating 70-69 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on July 31^st.

The Silver Stars struggled shooting the ball in their last outing against the Lynx, shooting 39 percent from the field. Jia Perkins led the Silver Stars in the loss to the Lynx, finishing the game with 18 points.

"This game doesn't make or break us. There's still a lot of basketball left to be played," Perkins told reporters regarding Minnesota's second half comeback against the Silver Stars. "We still have the whole second half. ... We have a chance to redeem ourselves."

The Storm on the other hand, are currently on a five game home winning streak, coming off a 89-72 road win over the Tulsa Shock in their last outing.

"We're really glad to get the win." Seattle guard Sue Bird told reporters after the game. "Any road win, especially against a Western Conference team is big, but coming off [Friday's 92-67 loss at Minnesota] was important for us to go 2-1 on this road trip,"

The Storm's single home loss came at the hands of the Minnesota Lynx (currently leading the WNBA with their 13-4 record), and the Silver Stars will have their work cut out for them. The Phoenix Mercury are only half a game behind the Silver Stars in the WNBA Western Conference standings, keeping the pressure on San Antonio.

The Silver Stars have already lost the first game in what should be their toughest week in the 2011 WNBA regular season, and I expect a solid performance against the Storm.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:

Associated Press, "Silver Stars-Storm Preview"

Player and game information from ESPN.com

Silver Stars blow 12-point halftime lead in loss against Lynx

The San Antonio Silver Stars suffered a heart-breaking defeat to the Minnesota Lynx on July 31^st, losing 70-69 on their home court.

The Silver Stars looked good in the first two quarters of the game, taking a 12 point lead into the half time break. The Silver Stars dropped their guard in the third quarter, letting the Lynx right back in the game. The final quarter was a showdown between the two best teams in the WNBA right now. Minnesota guard Lindsay Whalen put the Silver Stars away, making a clutch fade-away jumper with 1.5 seconds left.

"[Silver Stars coach Dan] Hughes was yelling to foul, so I wanted to get the shot off because I knew there wouldn't be enough time to run another set play after a foul," Whalen told reporters after the game. "I just tried to get a shot up and over the defender and it went in."

Coming off the bench, Jia Perkins led the Silver Stars in scoring, finishing the game with 18 points and three rebounds.

Silver Star team leader Becky Hammon, who had her best performance of the season in her last outing against the Phoenix Mercury, wasn't as impressive against the Lynx. Offensively, Hammon did a good job shooting 50 percent from the field (converting on four of her five three point attempts), and finishing with 15 points. However, Hammon had problems running San Antonio's offense, turning the ball over 7 times during the game.

Sophia Young and Danielle Robinson also had decent performances for the Silver Stars, finishing the game with ten points apiece. Even with the loss, the Silver Stars will remain at the second spot in the WNBA's Western Conference standings, trailing the Lynx by two games. Both teams will meet again on August 4, in what should be another tightly contested game.

The Silver Stars next game will be on August 2, when they face the Seattle Storm. The last encounter between the two teams was an embarrassing 73-55 loss for the Silver Stars, and they'll be hungry for some payback.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:

Associated Press, "Lindsay Whalen's fadeaway with 1.5 seconds left boosts Lynx"

Player and game information from ESPN.com

Sounders FC spiraling out of control with 3-1 loss to Dynamo

The Seattle Sounders FC were unable to get their act together against the Houston Dynamo on July 30, losing 3-1 at Robertson Stadium. With the way things have been going for Seattle in its last few outings, many were hoping for a better performance by the Sounders.

The Dynamo wasted no time finding the back of the post against the Sounders, scoring their first goal at the six-minute mark. Houston midfielder Colin Clark opened the scoreboard for the Dynamo, making the best out of a failed cross, and getting it past Sounders goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

The Dynamo increased their lead midway in the first half, when forward Brian Ching nodded a beautiful cross from Geoff Cameron.

The Sounders finally caught a break late in the first half, thanks to a hard tackle from Houston midfielder Corey Ashe inside the box. Seattle midfielder Alvaro Fernandez capitalized on the ensuing penalty kick, bringing the Sounders back in the game. Unfortunately, for Seattle, Fernandez's goal would be the only one in the game as the Sounders were unable to get their offense going.

Ching killed any hopes of a Sounders comeback in the 70th minute, tapping in a well-timed pass from Clark.

"I thought Houston was better, " Sounders coach Sigi Schmid told reporters after the game. "I thought Brian Ching showed his leadership abilities. I think he carried that team and was the Man of the Match without a doubt. We looked mentally tired, made some mistakes, and you can't make those kinds of mistakes. We talked about in the locker room before the game, that they were going to come out with intensity, and we had to match it. We had a chance to score a goal early, and we missed it."

The Sounders will need to win their next game against Panama's San Francisco FC on Aug. 3 by at least two goals, or risk elimination in the CONCACAF Champions League.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 2 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:

Joshua Mayers, "Houston Dynamo 3, Sounders FC 1, quotes and stats" Seattle Times

Player and game information from ESPN.com

Silver Stars Getting Ready for Showdown Against Lynx

The San Antonio Silver Stars will be in for a serious test, when they face the Minnesota Lynx on July 31. It will be the first encounter between the two powerhouse teams in the 2011 WNBA regular season.

The Silver Stars started the 2011 WNBA regular season playing solid basketball, quickly emerging as the best team in the league. Unfortunately for the Silver Stars, the New York liberty stole their momentum, sending them into a three game losing streak.

The Silver Stars finally got themselves back in order, winning four of their last five games. San Antonio's July 31^st encounter against the Lynx will be equally important for both ball clubs, given the winner of the matchup will emerge as the top team in the WNBA's Western Conference.

The Minnesota Lynx have been playing solid basketball as well, currently riding a four game winning streak. The Silver Stars will once again look to team leader Becky Hammon, who had her best performance of the season in her last outing. Hammon shot an amazing 70 percent from three point range against the Phoenix Mercury on July 28, finishing the game with 33 points and 7 assists.

"I thought we really played well as a team today," Hammon told reporters after the game. "Sophia [Young] did a great job finding open people. We did a great job of moving the ball around, and we shot better because of it. It's just a great team win."

Rookie Danielle Adams, who has been a bright spot for the Silver Stars all season, wasn't able to suit up against the Mercury due to a sprained right toe. The Silver Stars will need all the help they can get, and they'll hope to have Adams back when they face the Minnesota Lynx.

Given the implications of the July 31 encounter between the Silver Stars and the Lynx, we can expect both teams to bring their very best.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:

Associated Press, "Hammon scores 33, Silver Stars top Mercury 102-91"

Player and game information from ESPN.com

Silver Stars back on track with win over Mercury

Things are starting to look good once again for the San Antonio Silver Stars, thanks to their 102-91 win over the Phoenix Mercury on July 28. The win was particularly satisfying for the Silver Stars; given the fact the Mercury are one of the best teams in the WNBA right now. With the win, the Silver Stars trail the Minnesota Lynx by half a game for the top spot in the WNBA's Western Conference.

The Silver Stars came out hot in the first quarter, taking a nine point lead into the second quarter. The Silver Stars had no problems keeping their lead for the remainder of the game, thanks to their 54.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

Guard Becky Hammon, had a monstrous game for the Silver Stars, shooting 66 percent from the field. Hammon was also lights-out from three point range, making seven of her ten total three point attempts. Hammon finished with a game high 33 points, while dishing out seven assists to her teammates.

Danielle Robinson, Jia Perkins, and Scholanda Robinson also had decent performance for the Silver Stars, finishing with 11, 14, and 11 points respectively. Center Jayne Appel had another solid showing for the Silver Stars, leading the team with her 8 rebounds.

Diana Taurasi and Candice Dupree both had solid performance for the Mercury, finishing with 27 and 17 points respectively. Unfortunately for the Mercury, it wasn't enough against the re-emerging Siver Stars.

For the Silver Stars, the offensive outburst they had against the Mercury couldn't have come at a better time, given the tough games they have coming up. Their next game will be a battle for the top spot in the WNBA's Western Conference, when they face the Minnesota Lynx on July 31. Luckily for the Silver Stars, they will have the advantage of playing at home, and should be able to regain their spot as the best team in the league.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:

Player and game information from ESPN.com