Soccer:
For the first time in 28 years, the United States will not be competing in the world's biggest soccer competition. Since we are not in it, I will be cheering for England, the underdog, to do well since they haven't won the World Cup since 1966. The teams that will have a better chance to win include Argentina, Brazil, France, and the defending champion, Germany.
The host country, Russia, is supposedly one of the worst teams in the competition. The event starts next week. The fact that the U.S. is not in the tournament will (hopefully) serve as a wake-up call. Getting to be a part of the World Cup isn't automatic and there needs to be some serious improvement for us to qualify for this world class event in the future.
Cape sports:
Congratulations goes out to the Cape Henlopen High School baseball team for winning their first state championship. The games were crazy fun to follow through posts on Facebook by friends who were at the games.
The entire athletic department at Cape deserves a congrats for an overall outstanding and amazing year for Cape sports. As the school year closes, it gives the Cape community a lot to look forward to for next year.
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Several big sporting events could end this weekend. The NBA finals, the Stanley Cup final and the French Open tennis.
Basketball:
In the NBA, Golden State is probably going to sweep the Cleveland Cavaliers. I expect a sweep or a five-game series.
Ice Hockey:
In hockey, the Washington Capitals are also one win away from their first-ever Stanley Cup championship. They are leading the Las Vegas Golden Knights 3-1 in the series and have clearly been the better team.
Tennis:
In the French Open, Rafael Nadal has a chance to win his 11th French Open to add to his record. On the women's side, there is going to be an American in the finals not named Serena Williams. Serena had to withdraw due to an injury that I hope will heal quickly. I really hope she will be able to play at Wimbledon or at least the U.S. Open.
In the meantime, USA's Sloan Stephens will face number 1 ranked Simona Halep in the French Open final. That is significant progress for the future of American tennis.
See you on the sidelines!
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A 2002 Cape grad and 2007 UD grad, Lewes resident Sumner Spence is one of the Cape area's biggest sports fans. Although he’s used a wheelchair his entire life, he has lived vicariously through his sports-playing father, brother, and friends, who gave him his love of sports. He hopes to provide new and interesting perspectives on the sports stories and issues of the day. Email Sumner at sumspence@gmail.com.
