Fresh off the first playoff berth of his career, Tyson Foerster locked in his future with the Flyers and signed an eight-year extension with $7.1 million average annual value last week.
Foerster was leading the team in goals before he missed 49 games last season with an upper-body injury and returned just in time for the playoffs. But instead of waiting a year to potentially increase his value with a healthy season, Foerster chose to extend now.
“For me, I love Philadelphia, and I love playing with these guys,” he said. “They asked me if I would look to extend this year, and it was a no-brainer for me. I mean, I don’t play hockey for the money, so it’s all fun, and just happy to be here, hopefully, for the next nine years.”
Even with wing prospects pushing up the lineup for spots, Foerster projects to be a top-six fixture for much of his contract’s duration. The Flyers’ 2020 first-round pick scored 20 goals in 2023-24 and 25 goals in 2024-25 and was on pace to set a career high before his injury.
Tyson Foerster has solidified himself as a major part of the Flyers’ future.
Foerster didn’t have the playoff run he may have wanted, netting just one goal in 10 games. With a mostly healthy offseason ahead, he has plenty to work on as the Flyers continue to build.
“Keep working on my skating, everything overall, but hopefully work on my hands a little bit,” he said. “I think my shot’s pretty good, and I can score from a decent ways out. But I think if I can get in tight around the net, get it upstairs quick enough, little things like that, maybe try and beat a guy one-on- one with a skill play, just something along those lines. That’s what I’m starting to work on here.”
The Flyers hope signing Foerster is just the beginning of an offseason of upgrades. General manager Danny Brière tendered an offer sheet to Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson in an effort to land the top-line center the Flyers have been missing.
Regardless of whether the Ducks match, the move provides evidence to the fan base and players that Brière is ready to be creative and aggressive to improve the team.
“Danny, that’s one of the reasons I signed a long-term here, because he’s going to try and push to make us better,” Foerster said.
The 76ers’ blockbuster trade for All-NBA forward Jaylen Brown, along with the free-agency signings of defensive forward Dean Wade, scoring guard Anfernee Simons, and reserve big man Ariel Hukporti became official Monday when the NBA’s moratorium period was lifted.
Brown was acquired in exchange for Paul George and four draft picks. Here is how the Sixers described the complicated draft compensation going back to the Celtics, in a news release:
A 2028 first-round pick (the LA Clippers’ own) that, if it is top 16, instead becomes the unprotected right for Boston to swap its currently held 2028 first-round pick (the worst of Boston’s and San Antonio’s) with the better of the LA Clippers’ or (if the Sixers’ is top eight) Sixers’ 2028 first-round pick.
The Sixers’ 2031 unprotected first-round pick.
The most favorable 2028 second-round pick among Golden State’s, Milwaukee’s, or Oklahoma City’s.
The more favorable 2030 second-round pick among Phoenix’s, Portland’s, or Washington’s.
Brown is coming off the best individual season of his career, in which he averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists and finished sixth in MVP award voting. He propelled the Celtics to 56 regular-season wins — before they were upset by the Sixers in the playoffs’ first round — while playing the bulk of the season without fellow star Jayson Tatum, who was recovering from Achilles surgery.
Brown, new president of basketball operations Mike Gansey, and owner Josh Harris also provided statements about the deal:
Brown: “I’m excited to begin this next chapter in Philly. From every conversation I’ve had, it’s clear this is a group that’s hungry, competitive, and committed to winning; and that’s the kind of environment I’ve always embraced. I’ve always believed that success comes from sacrifice, accountability, and putting the team above yourself. I’m looking forward to building with this group, earning the trust of my teammates, and chasing something special together.
“Off the court, I’m just as excited to become part of the Philly community. Throughout my career, I’ve believed basketball can be a catalyst for creating real impact, and I’m eager to continue expanding the work of the 7uice Foundation, investing in youth, education, and opportunities that leave a lasting difference. I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I’m ready to get to work. #Throwtheballup”
Jaylen Brown averaged 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists and finished sixth in voting for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award.
Gansey: “Jaylen has proven himself as one of the league’s top players year after year. He is a dynamic playmaker with a versatile skill set that positively impacts the game on both ends of the floor. His wealth of experience, high basketball IQ, poise, and leadership will benefit this franchise for years to come.
“A perennial All-Star and All-NBA talent, Jaylen also has a special ability to elevate his game on the brightest of stages, as evidenced by his world championship and Finals MVP selection. We couldn’t be happier to officially welcome him as a 76er.”
Harris: “I am incredibly excited to welcome five-time NBA All-Star and 2024 Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. Throughout his career, Jaylen has proven to be one of the best two-way players in the league. He knows what it takes to win at the highest levels and I can’t wait to see him alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe.
“I also want to thank Paul for his contributions during his time in Philadelphia. Paul and his family were active in our community, and we’re appreciative of their time and impact here.”
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens held a news conference to address the trade Monday afternoon, saying moving Brown provides future financial “optionality” under the new collective bargaining agreement because he and Tatum are on supermax contracts. Though Brown ($57 million) and George ($54 million) will make similar salaries in 2026-27, Brown’s current contract runs three more seasons to George’s two (including a player option for 2027-28). Brown also will become eligible to sign a two-year, $142 million extension on July 26.
“We have to make really hard decisions with every piece of information that we have,” Stevens said. “And, ultimately, this is the decision that we came to. Obviously, in many circles, that’s not popular, and we understood that coming into it.
“That’s just something that you have to really consider and weigh, but, ultimately, the reasons that we’ve made the decisions are the ones I’ve shared.”
Wade’s contract is for four years and roughly $39 million, The Inquirer confirmed via a league source. Simons’ deal is for two years and $12.3 million with a player option on the second year, while Hukporti’s is for one year and $3.4 million, The Inquirer confirmed.
Wade, who is projected to slide into the starting power forward spot next to Brown, is known as a stout defender, and averaged 5.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists in 59 games last season. He developed from an undrafted player in 2019 to rotation contributor while Gansey was in his previous job as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ general manager.
Simons will be tasked with providing needed scoring punch to the Sixers’ bench. He averaged 14.3 points and shot 38.5% on 6.9 three-point attempts per game in a season split between the Celtics and Chicago Bulls. He also averaged 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists.
Hukporti is expected to compete with Adem Bona for the Sixers’ backup center spot. Hukporti was the third-string center behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson on the NBA champion New York Knicks, and averaged 2.1 points and 2.7 rebounds in 9.1 minutes in 79 games across his first two NBA seasons.
In all likelihood, Schwarber will swing away in the Home Run Derby next Monday night on the eve of the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. But the Phillies slugger hasn’t committed yet to the event and figures he’ll have to decide imminently.
“I’m sure they’ll want an answer from me here in the next day or so,” Schwarber said Monday. “I just want to make sure I’m not putting myself in a risky position.”
Schwarber, who leads the majors with 30 home runs, is dealing with a sore lower back that kept him out of the lineup for two games on June 23-24 in Washington. He has started every game since.
But before Schwarber enters the Derby for the third time in his career, he wants to consult with the Phillies’ athletic training staff.
“You want to feel comfortable that you’re going to be able to do it,” he said.
In 2018, Schwarber was runner-up to future teammate Bryce Harper, who won the Derby in Washington in his last year with the Nationals. Four years later, Schwarber didn’t advance beyond the first round of the Derby at Dodger Stadium.
Kyle Schwarber was named All-Star Game MVP last season after winning the first-ever swing-off for the National League.
Last year, Schwarber starred in the first-ever swing-off to decide an All-Star Game that was tied after nine innings. He hit three homers in three swings to lead the National League to a victory and take home MVP honors.
Schwarber is a preeminent power hitter in the sport. He has 217 homers since 2022, second-most behind only Aaron Judge (227), and has 370 for his career.
All of that aside, Schwarber and Harper are box-office draws for a Derby in their home ballpark. Harper said his biggest obstacle is finding someone to throw to him. His dad, Ron, pitched to him in 2018 but hasn’t thrown in nearly five years, Harper said.
Schwarber chose a friend, former college baseball player Mike Sinicola, to throw to him in 2018 and 2022. This time, he said he plans to ask a member of the Phillies staff.
The Derby’s new format might influence Schwarber’s decision. Rather than taking as many swings as possible within a time frame, hitters will be limited to 20 swings in the first round and 15 in both the semifinals and final.
“I don’t know how many swings you’d get before, but it felt like a lot,” Schwarber said. “Twenty swings will make it feel not as exhausting.”
The eight-hitter field will take shape over the next few days. Entering the week, Rays third baseman Junior Caminero was the only entry.
Phillies reliever Brad Keller is expected to be reinstated from the injured list Tuesday.
Keller ready to roll
A sight for the bullpen’s sore eyes: Brad Keller rejoined the Phillies here and is expected to be reinstated from the injured list before Tuesday night’s game.
Keller, who made two appearances in triple A, has been sidelined since June 16 with right forearm tendinitis.
In time, Keller figures to reclaim his spot as the primary eighth-inning reliever, the role for which he was signed to a two-year, $22 million contract in the offseason. But Orion Kerkering has pitched well in that role and will continue to see setup opportunities.
“I’m definitely comfortable with Kerk anywhere back there,” interim manager Don Mattingly said. “One thing I’ve tried to do in the past, when you get a guy coming off the IL, you’re probably not firing him into a bases-loaded, no-out situation. You try to give him somewhat of a clean inning, a little bit of a softer landing so to speak.”
But Mattingly also won’t hesitate to bring Keller into high-leverage situations.
“I feel like he’s ready to go,” Mattingly said.
Phillies rookie right fielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. has swung the bat better over the last two weeks.
Extra bases
Rookie right fielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. is 6-for-15 with two doubles and a homer over his last five games after going 4-for-36 with 11 strikeouts to begin his major league career. “I think we’re seeing the aggressiveness that we’ve been looking for,” Mattingly said. “He’s a guy that can impact the ball, and when he’s aggressive, he controls the zone for the most part. He’s still going to have bumps and bruises as a young player, but we’re liking the way it looks.” … Zack Wheeler (8-1, 2.36 ERA) is scheduled to face Reds lefty Andrew Abbott (5-4, 3.88) at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday in Cincinnati.
Editor’s note: This article was updated to reflect a statement made by FIFA president Gianni Infantino
President Donald Trump on Monday took credit for getting FIFA to review a red card issued against the United States’ star forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup but said he did not demand an outcome.
“All I did was ask for a review,” Trump said when asked about it during an unrelated Oval Office event. “I didn’t say, ‘You have to do this.’”
Trump confirmed that he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for a second look at the punishment against Balogun in the United States’ 2-0 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina last week. But he said FIFA made the final call to lift Balogun’s mandatory one-game ban for a foul tackle, allowing him to play in Monday’s round of 16 match with Belgium in Seattle.
Hours later, Infantino released a statement coming off of Trump’s remarks, which read, in part:
“Yes, I regularly discuss matters related to the FIFA World Cup with the President of the United States, and on this matter, I did receive a call from President Donald Trump, just as I receive calls from heads of state, government officials, football stakeholders, and business executives from around the world on many different issues.
“During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by those competent bodies. That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle I will always uphold. I read the decisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee when they are issued. Sometimes, I am surprised by them. Sometimes I agree with them, and sometimes I disagree.”
FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-game ban was celebrated by many in the United States but brought condemnation in the international sports world, where some called it an improper intrusion.
In remarks on Monday, Trump called the referee’s decision a “horrible” call. He added that it would have been a stain on the tournament if Balogun, the U.S.’s leading scorer at this year’s World Cup with three goals, was held out against Belgium and the U.S. lost. He praised FIFA for making what he described as a brilliant decision in suspending the punishment.
“I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump said. “I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled.”
The president, who said he understands sports “really well,” acknowledged that he did not initially know what a red card is or the consequences it brings. When he learned it would lead to a one-game suspension for Balogun, he said, he decided to step in. He also took issue with the use of video review to issue the red card, arguing that slowed-down reviews can make plays look aggressive.
Among those joining Trump for the Oval Office event was Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who thanked Trump for stepping in.
“On behalf of all Americans, thank you for getting rid of that ridiculous red card,” Cruz said. “It was spectacular. There was a reason the FIFA trophy sat here for as long as it did.”
Cruz appeared to be referring to a White House event last year at which Infantino visited and brought the World Cup trophy.
The 76ers on Monday announced their Las Vegas Summer League roster, headlined by first-round draft pick Labaron Philon Jr.
Johni Broome, a 2025 second-round draft pick whose rookie season was interrupted by knee surgery, also is on the roster. Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert, who have either signed or agreed to a two-way contract with the Sixers, are not part of the team.
The team will be coached by Sixers player development associate coach TJ DiLeo, who held the same role last year. DiLeo, the son of former Sixers coach and executive Tony DiLeo, played at Temple and has worked his way up the Sixers’ staff since 2021.
The Sixers play their first game in Las Vegas Thursday against the Detroit Pistons. Their other set games are Saturday against the Indiana Pacers, July 14 against the Houston Rockets, and July 15 against the Orlando Magic.
Ring of Honor, a wrestling promotion under the AEW banner that was founded in Philadelphia, will return to the city on Aug. 21 to host its pay-per-view event, Death Before Dishonor, at the 2300 Arena for a second consecutive year.
“There’s a great tradition of Ring of Honor wrestling in Philadelphia,” said Tony Khan, the president and CEO of All Elite Wrestling. “It’s very fitting that one of the most important shows every year in the Ring of Honor calendar, the great Death Before Dishonor event, is coming to Philadelphia.”
Ring of Honor got its start in Philly over 20 years ago, filming shows at the 2300 Arena for most of its run in the 2000s, before Khan purchased the promotion in 2022.
“I went to see wrestling there when I was very young, around 13 years old,” Khan said. “ … It means a lot to go back there. There’s tremendous history at the 2300 Arena for Ring of Honor. It’s just a great tradition of wrestling there.”
Athena has been the ROH Women’s World champion for more than 1,300 days.
Khan says fans can expect another star-studded event, featuring wrestlers like Dalton Castle, The Outrunners, and more.
“I really loved the Death Before Dishonor show we had there last year,” Khan said. “It was tremendous. So much has happened in ROH in the past year. Bandido and Athena have maintained dominant reigns and have wrestled all over the world and have shown fans why they are two of the greatest champions in the sport.
“We’ve seen a number of great women and men emerging in ROH and I think the shows recently have been tremendous wrestling shows. So there’s a lot to be excited about in ROH as we approach Death Before Dishonor next month.”
Fans can get tickets online starting July 16 at 10 a.m. through Etix.com. Presale tickets will be available starting July 14. And fans interested in early access presale opportunities can register on AEW’s website.
It was more than seven years ago that Major League Baseball announced the All-Star Game would come to Philadelphia for the nation’s 250th birthday. The game is the bookend to a season of big events following March Madness, the PGA Championship, and the FIFA World Cup.
Baseball’s midsummer classic, which returns to Philly for the first time since 1996, will be more than just a game, as the city will be the center of the baseball world for nearly a week.
Here’s a look at what to expect:
HBCU Swingman Classic
When: 7 p.m.,Friday
TV: MLB Network
Location: Citizens Bank Park
What you need to know: The fourth annual game is a showcase of the best players from historically Black colleges and universities. The classic was founded by Ken Griffey Jr. as a way to give a platform to players who often are overlooked.
The local connection: Jimmy Rollins will manage one of the teams, and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker will throw out the first pitch. The teams will visit City Hall before the game to honor Octavius Catto, a civil rights activist who cofounded one of America’s first organized Black baseball teams in 1865. There is a statue of Catto outside City Hall. Mayfair’s Santino Harwood will play in the game. The Roman Catholic grad is a shortstop at Delaware State.
Pitcher Gage Wood was the Phillies’ top pick in last year’s MLB draft.
The MLB draft
When: 1:30 p.m., Saturday; TBD Sunday.
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center Grand Hall
What to know: The event is free to attend, but ticket registration has closed. The draft used to be held at MLB Network’s studio in Secaucus, N.J., before the league moved it to All-Star Week starting in 2021. The White Sox have the first pick, and the Phillies have to wait until No. 36 for their first selection.
All-Star Village
When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center
What to know: The event is similar to Fan Fest that came with the 1996 game, but it’s much bigger now. The village will feature big league mascots and appearances by a cast of Phillies legends including Steve Carlton, Cole Hamels, John Kruk, Larry Bowa, Dave Cash, and Carlos Ruiz. Fans can make their own strikeout call, test food from around the majors, throw a pitch, take batting practice, see the World’s Largest Baseball, and even strap on a Velcro suit, jump, and stick on a wall for a home run-robbing photo op.
Former Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels is scheduled to make an appearance at MLB’s All-Star Village.
Futures Game
When: Noon Sunday
Location: Citizens Bank Park
TV: NBC10
What to know: The game is a collection of baseball’s best prospects as each team sends two players from its farm system. The players are split into American League and National League squads. The game will feature nine of MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 prospects including top-ranked Jesús Made, a shortstop in the Milwaukee Brewers’ system.
Local connection: The teams will be managed by Larry Bowa and Shane Victorino. Gage Wood, who may have a shot to reach the majors this year, will represent the Phillies a year after they drafted the hard-throwing right-hander 26th overall. Wen-Hui Pan, a right-handed reliever, also was selected for the Futures Game. Both pitchers are with double-A Reading.
What to know: New this year, MLBx replaces the Celebrity Softball Game. The fast-paced event is a modified home-run hitting challenge in which players are awarded points for their hitting and the catches they make in the field.
Local connection: Ryan Howard, Rollins, and Victorino will captain teams, with Atlanta Braves legend Andruw Jones leading the fourth squad. Howard has Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith on his team while Rollins is teamed up with Terrell Owens. Each team includes an MLB legend, a professional softball player, and a nonbaseball celebrity.
Bryce Harper was the last slugger to win the home run derby in his home ballpark. However, that was in 2018 while he was with the Nationals.
Home Run Derby
When: 8 p.m. Monday, July 13
TV: Netflix
Location: Citizens Bank Park
What to know: It’s been 20 years since Howard won the Home Run Derby. The Phillies are due. Bryce Harper is the last player to win the derby in his home ballpark, which he did with the Nationals in 2018 by beating … Kyle Schwarber in the final round.
The competitors: There will be eight participants, but could two of them be Phillies? Perhaps we’ll see a rematch of the 2018 final.
The format: The league is ditching the clock that governed the derby since 2015, as players now will be given a finite number of swings per round. A batter gets 20 swings in Round 1, 15 in Round 2, and 15 in the final. If a batter homers on their final swing, they keep swinging until they come up empty. The top four players from the first round move to Round 2, and the top two then move to the final round. The tiebreaker in Round 1 is home run distance, and Rounds 2 and 3 use a three-swing swing-off.
The red carpet
When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 14
TV: MLB Network
Location: Independence Hall
What to know: The players will showcase their fashion just steps from the Liberty Bell before walking all the way to South Philly. Just kidding. They’ll board a bus and head to the game after walking the red carpet. This event is free for fans to attend, but ticket registration has closed.
All-Star Game
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 14
TV: Fox29
Location: Citizens Bank Park
What to know: Only one player has won back-to-back All-Star Game MVP awards, Mike Trout in 2014-15. Could Schwarber be the next? It’ll be hard to match last year’s heroics, when Schwarber won the game for the NL in a dramatic swing-off at the Atlanta Braves’ stadium. Expect the game to have a star-studded lineup for pregame ceremonies and something special during the game. Last year’s tribute to Hank Aaron set the bar.
Phillies in the game: Brandon Marsh will start after receiving the most votes on the fan ballots. He will be joined by Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Jhoan Duran, and Cristopher Sánchez.
Auston Trusty plays centerback for the U.S. men’s national team, a position that doesn’t lend itself to scoring. But when he fired a goal against Turkey in the group stage finale of the World Cup, William Hall wasn’t surprised.
The University of Richmond junior was well-acquainted with Trusty’s shot. He’d seen it dozens, if not hundreds, of times, standing in the net at Chester Park in Wallingford, Pa.
It was the spring of2020. Hall was 14 years old, an incoming freshman at Strath Haven High School, and Trusty was 21, a starting defender on the Colorado Rapids. COVID-19 had, pushed back the MLS season, and Trusty was at home in his native Media, Pa.
He still needed to train, but there were few options available. So, the professional athlete decided to return to where it all began: Chester Park, home of youth soccer club Nether United, now 1776 United FC.
Trusty had played under coach John Waraksa for six seasons, two years above his age group, before going to the Philadelphia Union Academy in 2013. Hall was on Nether United’s U-15 team when the pandemic hit.
The teenager would often train with his teammates at Chester Park, and one day in late April or early May, Trusty showed up. They ran through warm-ups, then L-shape passing drills, then finishing drills, then shooting drills.
Hall was the only goaltender present, which put him in the unenviable spot of having to defend against a world-class athlete. It didn’t go well for the teenager.
Unlike players Hall’s his age, Trusty moved with a quicker pace and a harder strike. The ball would curl into the corner rather than launching straight ahead.
Auston Trusty (center) made his return to the Philly area in November as part of the U.S. men’s national team group that faced Paraguay at Subaru Park.
“He would just pound them into the net, over and over,” Hall said. “I would say if he shot 20 shots, he’d probably make 18. Maybe hit the post on one of them. And I could scrape a hand on the last one.”
Trusty continued coming back to Chester Park, training with Hall and a group of local players five or six times that spring. It was a thrill for the teenager then, but now, those moments mean even more.
The “Delco-head,” as national team goalie and Wayne, Pa. native Matt Freese calls him, has made an imprint on the sport’s biggest stage. His goal against Turkey on June 25, which came in the third minute, was the second fastest in U.S. World Cup history.
It was not only Trusty’s first international goal, but the first men’s World Cup goal scored by a player born in the Philadelphia region.
“The group chats were going crazy,” said Hall. “But I think my first thought was, ‘I played with a player who just scored in the World Cup. That is insane. I saved his shot as a young kid.’”
Others throughout the Delaware Valley soccer community felt similarly. Paul Norris, who coached Trusty as a freshman at Penncrest High School, said he became emotional just hearing his name and hometown during the roster reveal.
As was the case with Nether United, Trusty was playing far above his weight at Penncrest. Even as a 14-year-old, he was starting alongside players who were much older and bigger than he was.
Auston Trusty (center) celebrates scoring his first-ever U.S. goal in the final match of Group D for the Americans against Turkey.
“What people laugh at now is he plays professionally as a defender,” Norris said. “But at the time, he had obviously a lot of skill, and we had him as a striker. And he was our second leading goal scorer that year.”
For the last 25 years, Norris has worked both at Penncrest and at Springton Lake Middle School, where he taught Trusty physical education. He still sees that lanky kid when he’s roaming the defensive line for Team USA (even though that kid now stands at 6-foot-3, 172 pounds).
So does Waraksa. The 1776 United coach has known Trusty since he was 8 and was at his World Cup debut in Seattle against Australia on June 19. He was down the shore, in Ocean City, N.J., watching with friends and family when the Media native scored his first goal.
U.S. men’s soccer defender and Media native Auston Trusty (left), poses for an image with his former youth soccer coaches and his former club head coach John Waraksa (center).
It brought Waraksa back to 2013, when Trusty scored in Nether United’s state cup final against Lehigh Valley.
“Lehigh had won the last five state championships at our age group,” the coach said, “so he stepped up, even two years young, in a state cup final. I mean, who does that?”
Trusty found himself in some challenging situations with Nether United. Waraksa put him on a high back line, but even from an early age, he took to it. Once the centerback realized he could compete amid a more advanced style of play, his confidence only grew.
And as he continues to represent his country, that confidence is as high as ever. Norris is still coaching varsity soccer at Penncrest, and for the past few years, he’s shown his players clips of Trusty back when he was playing for the Philadelphia Union.
In addition to his time with Nether United, Trusty was also groomed in the Philadelphia Union’s academy and played for its first team.
A lot has happened since then. In 2022, Trusty signed with Arsenal. He returned to Europe in 2023, signing with Sheffield United, and in 2024, he penned a five-year-deal with Celtic.
But Norris now has the best Auston Trusty highlight reel of all, one that is “slightly updated” from his Union days. And with Penncrest’s preseason rapidly approaching, the coach can’t wait to show it off.
“We try to remind the kids that this was somebody who was local,” Norris said. “This was not that many years ago. These are things that somebody who was in this school, and in the seat that you may be sitting in, has done.
“You’re all capable of it. It’s just a matter of, do you want to put the work in for it?”
The storylines behind this game are numerous, and on Sunday, the biggest got heaped on with the news that Folarin Balogun, America’s top striker, had his red-card suspension pardoned and is available for selection.
When the U.S. men’s national team kicks off against Belgium on Monday, the group will look to get into the quarterfinal rounds for the first time since 2002. Standing in the way is a reinvigorated Belgian side, coming off a come-from-behind win against Senegal in the round of 32.
Folarin Balogun is back for selection to Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man U.S. roster after his red card suspension was overturned by FIFA.
But standing firm is the return of Balogun, whose red card suspension was overturned on Sunday, with FIFA deciding to lift his one-game match ban to much shock and awe.
Rumors continue to circulate about why FIFA lifted the ban, considering U.S. Soccer was unable to initially appeal it, but American fans will take the bonus of head coach Mauricio Pochettino having his full 26-man roster to choose from against a Belgian team entering undefeated in this World Cup.
Still, Belgium’s winning ways haven’t always been the most spectacular, which gives many the idea that the U.S. has a very good chance of knocking off the Belgians, particularly on home soil, in front of what’s expected to be a raucous crowd in Seattle on Monday night (8 p.m., Fox29). It’s particularly why oddsmakers have the United States as a slight favorite, and why we gave this one some serious thought before offering our predictions.
Decisions have consequences, and not always the ones you want.
Yes, the U.S. now has its top striker available to play in the biggest game in team history. But FIFA’s shocking decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s suspension will have also given Belgium all the motivation it needs to finally play up to its talent.
Belgium might be the most maddeningly inconsistent of all the major European national teams. The Red Devils are loaded with stars, as they showed off in routing the U.S. 5-2 in Atlanta in March; but they’re just as capable of the lifeless ties they played against Iran and Egypt in the group stage.
I thought the 5-1 rout of New Zealand in the group stage would wake them up, but then they were awful against Senegal until that late rally. Rudi Garcia might not be a great manager, but any coach should be able to fire up a team in a situation like this.
Until FIFA’s decision, much of the world was enjoying this U.S. team’s run. Now they’ll turn against the co-hosts, and not even the crowd in Seattle will be able to stop that. Nor will it be able to stop Belgium from knocking the Americans out of another World Cup.
Having Folarin Balogun back is a huge plus for the United States, but let’s keep focus on Belgium here for a bit. For all the people who suggest that this Belgium team might not be as good as advertised, it’s undeniable that this team hasn’t lost in international play since the first leg of a UEFA Nations League match against Ukraine in March 2025.
Against Senegal, despite being down 2-0 for much of the match, the Belgians came in waves with midfielder Youri Tielemans being the catalyst behind relentless runs that culminated in two goals, one of which was the game-winner in overtime. When the U.S. hosted Belgium in a tune-up match before the World Cup, it was the Americans who got tuned up behind a 5-2 defeat.
Is there a belief that the final score will be that bad again? No way. But even with Balogun, given the results Belgium amassed, it’s hard to see the road continuing for the U.S. past Monday night.
The U.S. should like its chances against Belgium a lot better after FIFA put Folarin Balogun’s one-match red card suspension on hold Sunday afternoon, making the Americans’ top striker available for Monday’s round of 16 match.
Without Balogun, who leads the U.S. with three goals in the tournament, the situation against the Belgians looked dire. With him in the lineup, the States could challenge a Belgian side ranked No. 9 in the FIFA rankings.
Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne is one part of a three-headed Belgian monster who knows this American group all too well.
Still, it will matter which version of an inconsistent Belgian team shows up on Monday. The Belgians looked lifeless through 85 minutes of their round of 32 match against Senegal before producing two goals in the game’s final five minutes to force extra time, where they found a winner from the penalty spot.
Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, and Kevin De Bruyne know what it takes to beat the U.S. in the knockouts, having done so in the 2014 edition of the tournament. Belgium’s aging stars will be desperate to keep their final attempt at World Cup glory alive. Will they be able to do so against a confident U.S. team buoyed by the return of their star striker? It should be close.
And for the first time in the history of the U.S. men at the World Cup, it might come down to penalties. If it gets there, I think the Belgians will have the advantage.
Prediction: Belgium 1, United States 1 (Belgium wins, 4-2, on penalties)
As a child, the Telford native played every sport he could — from soccer, to baseball, basketball, wrestling, and football.
Even after a life-altering injury during his sophomore year at Downingtown West High School resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee, de Garavilla never questioned whether he would compete again.
“Sports were always something that I had done, so I wanted to continue doing it,” said de Garavilla, 43. “I’m going to do it if I’m able, so I was going to try everything and figure out a way to make it work.”
With his competitive nature pushing him through, de Garavilla will be teeing off today in the USGA’s U.S. Adaptive Open, which runs through Wednesday at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md. It marks the third consecutive year he has qualified for the championship, and de Garavilla is among 96 players to earn a spot in this year’s field.
The USGA received 250 entries for the 2026 Adaptive Open and hosted eight 18-hole qualifying events across the country.
“It’s no easy feat qualifying for a USGA event,” said Matt Hensel, his friend and caddie. “It’s hard to do that once, but three times in a row just shows his passion and love for the game, and his motivation to win.”
In 1998, de Garavilla was playing in a junior varsity football game for Downington West when he broke his left leg. Doctors tried to fix his leg, but three weeks later, after several complications, his leg was amputated below his knee. Immediately following his surgery, he was fitted for a prosthetic and endured months of strenuous rehab.
Soon after, he was back competing. He padded his prosthetic and by the start of his junior year in 1999, he returned to the football field, playing offensive line on junior varsity and long snapper for the varsity team.
After his injury his sophomore year, the Eastern Amputee Golf Association in Bethlehem, Pa., learned of his amputation and reached out to de Garavilla with information about adaptive golf opportunities. The EAGA’s main goal is to organize and host amputee golf events for physically impaired individuals and teach them about the sport. At the time, he had little interest because he had never played golf.
It wasn’t until after wrestling at Johns Hopkins University that de Garavilla bought his first set of clubs, looking for another opportunity to compete.
“Sports dried up after college, and I didn’t have anything to do competitively,” de Garavilla said. “At that point I was just working, but there was a nine-hole work golf league, so I went out and tried that.”
David de Garavilla has developed into one of the area’s top adaptive golfers.
Golf quickly became his primary competitive outlet, he said. He never had any formal lessons, so he taught himself by studying the game.
“I watch a lot of golf, read about golf, watch videos about people talking about the mechanics of golf,” he said. “I’m a nerd in that sense.”
Over the past 15 years, he has developed into one of the area’s top adaptive golfers. He won the second Golf Association of Philadelphia Adaptive Open at his home course, Indian Valley Country Club, in 2025, and competes often against able-bodied golfers.
However, competing in an USGA event is the biggest honor, he said. The growth of adaptive sports de Garavilla has seen since his injury has been significant.
“It’s really cool that these organizations are creating an event like this,” he said. “It isn’t a charity event to celebrate people with disabilities, it’s really run just like a real U.S. Open. You truly feel like you’re a part of a professional event as a participant.”
Hensel met de Garavilla at Indian Valley Country Club when they started playing golf around the same time and has caddied for him at the Adaptive Open since 2024. Hensel, who works with people with intellectual disabilities daily, said he’s grateful to be de Garavilla’s caddie and be surrounded by hardworking athletes at a USGA event.
“Adaptive athletes’ stories are really inspiring, but at the end of the day, they’re competitors and they’re good golfers, and I think that’s the real story behind it,” Hensel said. “They’re out there to win, and David is definitely like that. From my perspective, it’s just cool to see all the different types of folks out there competing and grinding, and it is definitely inspiring to see.”
