Sports
Early derby will test Charlotte FC, Atlanta United
Feb 22, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Charlotte FC midfielder Ashley Westwood (8) controls the ball against Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Obed Vargas (18) in the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images Members of Charlotte FC acknowledge this season could become something special, so putting some of that on display in front of the home crowd is a much-anticipated opportunity Saturday afternoon in Charlotte.
The opponent will be rival Atlanta United FC.
“You feel this is an important game,” Charlotte goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina said. “More important than some other games.”
Players for Charlotte (0-0-1), ready to establish a new standard, were disappointed when they returned from Seattle with a season-opening 2-2 draw.
“Any good team wants to strive for greatness,” defender Nathan Byrne said. “Especially here at home with the fans behind us.”
Atlanta (1-0-0) thrived in its opener at home by defeating CF Montreal 3-2. Emmanuel Latte Lath scored two goals in his first MLS match. He became the first player in franchise history with two goals in his regular-season debut.
With the first win out of the way, a more consistent performance would be preferred by first-year Atlanta coach Ronny Deila after the opener had big swings.
“A little bit too much for a coach’s heart,” Deila said. “We need everybody.”
The intensity is only likely to grow for this Atlanta-Charlotte match.
“Of course it’s a derby,” Atlanta defender Stian Gregersen said. “Of course, it’s a little bit extra for us also to play against them. That kind of game, I love it.”
Kahlina, the 2024 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, said these early games are vital in setting a tone for a Charlotte team that appears well-stocked.
“Now it’s a chance this Saturday to show where we are,” Kahlina said. “… Then everybody will take us serious. It’s not just an (home) opening game, it’s between Atlanta and us. They won first game and they have positivity with their game.”
For Charlotte, it will be critical to contain Atlanta’s penchant from last season to apply pressure on offense. Atlanta looks more formidable now.
“They have big quality in front,” Kahlina said. “They brought (in) a few great players. We had to be more compact, maybe more aggressive outside the box.”
It has been bumpy for Charlotte in terms of roster stability. Wilfried Zaha missed the opener because he returned to Europe as his wife gave birth to their daughter, Zuri. Charlotte FC coach Dean Smith said Zaha has returned and will be available Saturday. Midfielder Eryk Williamson missed a practice this week because of illness.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Cards extend manager Oliver Marmol through '28 season
Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) looks on from inside the dugout against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol received a two-year contract extension through the 2028 season, the team announced Sunday.
Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, which holds an option for the 2029 season.
“As I’ve gotten to know Oli, I’ve seen someone who cares about this organization and knows what has made the Cardinals special over time — and who understands that for us to get where we need to go, we must compete relentlessly to set new standards in everything that we do,” president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said.
“He is invested in the progress of our young core and is unafraid to challenge himself and to help those around him grow. I am energized to continue working with him towards the on-field success that we expect and that our fans deserve.”
Marmol, 39, has guided the Cardinals to a 325-323 record during his four seasons as the skipper. He led St. Louis to the National League Central title in 2022 before the team fell in the wild-card series to the Philadelphia Phillies.
Last season, the Cardinals posted a 78-84 record to finish in fourth place in the NL Central.
Marmol was a coach with St. Louis from 2017-21 under previous managers Mike Shildt and Mike Matheny.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Tyler Reif treated for heat exhaustion after Trucks race
Oct 31, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Truck Series driver Tyler Reif (41) during the NASCAR Truck Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rookie Tyler Reif was treated for heat exhaustion after Saturday night’s street race in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Reif, 18, was transported to an area medical facility after finishing 16th in the race in the No. 42 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet. He was later released.
“Tyler and his family would like to express their gratitude to the NASCAR officials, track medical workers and the local medical facility staff for their care,” Niece Motorsports said in a release.
Reif made his debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Series in 2025. Saturday’s race was just his third on the circuit, including a 17th-place finish at Atlanta on Feb. 21.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Report: RB David Montgomery 'wants out' of Detroit
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images Lions running back David Montgomery “wants out” of Detroit after three seasons, ESPN reported on Sunday.
Montgomery, however, immediately appeared to refute the report on X, posting: “Damn, Dmo told you that?”
The ESPN report claims the Lions would want “a decent Day 3 pick (possibly a fifth-rounder)” in the 2026 NFL Draft in return for Montgomery, who turns 29 in June and is owed $6 million next season.
The report follows general manager Brad Holmes’ remarks after the season about Montgomery being unhappy with his playing time in 2025. Sharing a backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery rushed for a career-low 716 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games (no starts).
“Those are conversations that we’re going to have to have because I’ve got a lot of respect for that player,” Holmes said of Montgomery in January. “He deserves to be in a situation where his skillset can be utilized, and so yeah would love for it to be here, but if it can’t be here then you’d just love to see where could work out best for him.”
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Holmes said the situation with Montgomery is “fluid.” He signed a two-year extension during the 2024 season that runs through the end of the 2027 campaign.
“Yeah, I have been in touch with David’s agent, and his representation,” Holmes revealed. “Obviously, we love David, he’s a great player, we love to have him, you know, kind of want to put last year in the rear view, and just move forward. But, obviously, a player has to want to be at a certain place as well. The conversations are still fluid, but we’ll see how it goes.”
Montgomery has rushed for 2,506 yards and 33 touchdowns in 45 games (28 starts) in three seasons with Detroit (2023-25). He has 76 catches for 650 yards in that span.
He began his career with the NFC North rival Chicago Bears, who drafted him in the third round in 2019. Montgomery rushed for 3,609 yards and 26 scores in 60 games (51 starts) with the Bears (2019-22).
–Field Level Media
Cards extend manager Oliver Marmol through '28 season
Tyler Reif treated for heat exhaustion after Trucks race
