Curtin & Union Clinch MLS Playoffs…Omoruyi & Rutgers Basketball Outlook…Okert Ready for MLB Postseason…Dougherty-Howard Playoff Bound

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Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union Clinch Sixth Consecutive Audi MLS Cup Playoff Appearance + Curtin Featured in Fashion Editorial Hypebeast

Jim Curtin and the Philadelphia Union recently clinched their sixth consecutive trip to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and further solidified their status as one of the best clubs in Major League Soccer. Runners up in the 2022 MLS Cup, Curtin and the Union are looking to bring home their first MLS Cup in 2023. 

Additionally, if you love sneakers, fashion, and streetwear, check out Jim’s recent feature in Hypebeast, a popular daily fashion editorial with tens of millions of followers. Jim discusses his love for the Air Jordan 1 shoe model and how he connects with his players through sneakers and fashion. 

Cliff Omoruyi’s Outlook on the Rutgers Men’s Basketball Season

Cliff Omoruyi, an All-Big Ten Team selection in 2022-23, and his Rutgers teammates kick off the 2023-2024 NCAA Basketball Season on November 6th, for an in-state battle with Ivy League Powerhouse Princeton. Omoruyi, who was recently featured in an nj.com article this past week, shared some insight into why Rutgers Basketball fans should be itching for November 6th to roll around.

“This team is going to be different,” Omoruyi explained and also added, “We’ve got a lot of guys who can attack one-on-one now, who can kick out for the three. We’ve got a lot of guys who can do that.”  

Catch Rutgers and Cliff, a recent addition to the National Collegiate Honor Society, all season long as they look to bring a Big Ten title back to New Jersey!  


Steven Okert and the Miami Marlins Clinch a Spot in the 2023 MLB Playoffs

For the fourth time in franchise history, Steven Okert and the Miami Marlins are headed to the MLB playoffs. The Marlins clinched a playoff spot with a 7-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates last Saturday and will now shift their focus to making a deep run into October. Okert appeared in 64 games out of the bullpen for Miami this season, posting a 4.45 ERA.  

Catch the Marlins this week as they take on last year’s NL Champion Philadelphia Phillies in a 3 game Wild Card series and try to deliver a championship to Miami! 

Meggie Dougherty-Howard and the San Diego Wave FC Clinch a Spot in the 2023 NWSL Post Season

Meggie Dougherty-Howard and San Diego Wave FC have clinched a spot in the 2023 NWSL post season. The NWSL playoffs are scheduled to kick-off on October 22nd. 

San Diego Wave FC will look to finish the season strong, with two regular season games remaining. They travel to North Carolina to face off against the North Carolina Courage on October 7th, before returning home to finish out the regular season against Racing Louisville FC on October 15th.  

Dougherty-Howard, a key contributor to the Waves’ success looks to bring San Diego Wave FC their first NWSL Championship in franchise history.  

Latin American Fashion Designers Show + Party This Sunday…Alexey Oleynik Earns First Professional Boxing Win…Meggie Dougherty Howard 1st in NWSL

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Latin American Fashion Designers Show + Party This Sunday

The Latin American Fashion Designers, which provides visibility for the top established and up-and-coming fashion designers from Latin America (and beyond) will stage its New York Fashion Week show this Sunday, with an “after-party” that evening at New York’s Limelight. 

The fashion show runs from noon – 6:30 p.m. at Canoe Studios, 201 West 26th Street in Manhattan. It will feature 13 Latin American designers and is expected to be attended by celebrities and sports stars. 

For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.fdla.co/access  

Alexey Oleynik Earns First Professional Boxing Win with KO

MMA sensation Alexey Oleynik (a.k.a. “The Boa Constrictor”) stepped into the ring for his first professional boxing match last Saturday night in Kazan, Russia. Hosted by the M-13 Company, the tournament was held in the entertainment complex “Pyramid” and was a dedication to International Boxing Day. The evening featured a total of 13 boxing matches, with Alexey’s fight being the featured event on the card.

Oleynik matched up against Russian Heavyweight fighter, Tagir Dzoblaev, taking him down by “KO” in Round One, moving him to a perfect 1-0 in his professional boxing career. Oleynik is the only fighter to win professional bouts in four different decades.  


Meggie Dougherty Howard and the San Diego WaveFC Take Over 1st Place




Meggie Dougherty Howard and San Diego Wave FC moved into first place in the NWSL standings with a 1-0 win over the Houston Dash this past weekend in front of 25,000 home fans at Snapdragon Stadium.  

Dougherty Howard, a key contributor to the Waves’ success with over 100 NWSL appearances, is enjoying her first season in San Diego as one of the team’s top playmakers. Meggie’s creativity, vision, and passing ability has led to San Diego being one of the highest scoring teams in the NWSL.

San Diego Wave FC will try to remain at the top of the table with just four games to play in the NWSL regular season as they host KC Current at home on Saturday, Sept. 16.



Cliff Omoruyi representing Uproot, Oleg Stars in Upcoming MR-9 movie, Cliff ranks 3rd in most influential people in Rutgers Athletics

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Cliff Omoruyi to represent Uproot Restaurant while traveling to Portugal and Senegal

Uproot, a Warren, NJ, restaurant where casual family dining and a relaxing night out with your friends seamlessly meet, has announced an agreement with Clifford Omoruyi to represent the restaurant while he travels on Rutgers’ trip to Senegal and Portugal. 

Because of restrictions facing F-1 Visa student athletes in the United States, Cliff can only “post” about Uproot from outside the United States. Uproot, however, will be able to discuss its relationship with Cliff and use his photos during the basketball season. 

“I have been a basketball fan my whole life and Cliff is an amazing talent,” said Scott Cutaneo, chef and partner in Uproot. “We are proud to be in his corner and can’t wait for this season, and beyond.” 

Follow Uproot here.

For more information on Cliff click here.

Oleg stars in MR-9: Do or Die Action Movie

Former WWE star Oleg Prudius has a starring role in the upcoming action movie, MR-9: Do or Die, which is set to hit theaters in the United States on August 25th. In the movie Oleg plays the character Yakub, a bodyguard for one of the characters that is a target by MR9 himself.

This movie also stars Frank Grillo as Roman Ross, Michael Jai White as Duke, and Abm Sumon as Masud Rana aka MR-9.  

You can find the link to the movie trailer here.

NJ.com ranks Cliff Omoruyi the Third most important person in Rutgers athletics

NJ.com, New Jersey’s largest state-wide publication, has listed Cliff Omoruyi as Rutgers’ athletics 3rd most influential person, behind football coach Greg Schiano, and basketball coach Steve Pikiell. 

In the article,

which ranks the 25 most influential people in Rutgers Athletics, nj.com says “Omoruyi is the smiling face of the basketball program after returning for a fourth season — and proof that Rutgers can keep some of its star players happy in the NIL Era. After a pair of starting guards bolted this spring in the transfer portal, the Scarlet Knights face a potential slide in the Big Ten standings. It will be up to Big Cliff, one of the league’s best big men, to keep them in contention for a March Madness slot.
For more information on Cliff click here.






Cliff Omoruyi supporting DEVCO iniatives, Stitz makes League Cup Roster, Horton transfers to University of Texas

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Cliff Omoruyi to Support DEVCO’s Initiatives in New Brunswick

Cliff “Big Cliff” Omoruyi has agreed to support the work of DEVCO, a private non-profit urban real estate development company in New Brunswick. 

“A resident on the RU campus, Cliff is well aware of the work DEVCO has done in New Brunswick and on the Rutgers campus. 

“Cliff Omoruyi is a student athlete that exemplifies everything that’s good about Rutgers,” said Chris Paladino, President of DEVCO. “We’re proud to be able to work with him while he travels abroad representing our university and my alma mater.” 

For more information on DEVCO click here.

For more information on Cliff click here.

Ben Stitz Included on FC Cincinnati’s Leagues Cup Roster

Ben Stitz has been included on FC Cincinnati’s tournament roster for the inaugural Leagues Cup, a mid-season tournament for clubs from Liga MX, Mexico’s top league, and Major League Soccer (MLS). The tournament is a first in world soccer, combining two leagues for a chance to win a trophy. Seventy-seven total matches will be played in the Leagues Cup across the United States with the first game kicking off on July 21st and the Championship match scheduled for August 19th.

Stitz has one appearance on the year for FC Cincinnati, while scoring 5 goals in 15 appearances for FC Cincinnati 2.  

Ithiel Horton transfers to The University of Texas

Ithiel Horton, the former UCF standout, has committed to the University of Texas for his final year of college eligibility.

“Ithiel is coming off of a solid season at UCF where he averaged 12.3 PPG, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, as well as being a knockdown free throw shooter at 83%. He will most certainly provide a spark for the UT offense.. 

“I went to UT because of the culture and winning tradition, and because I know that I will be challenged and pushed in every way,” Horton said on why he chose the University of Texas. You can follow Ithiel on Instagram @_ithiell.





Jim Curtin Extended; Okert and Thaiss Shine; Cliff and Rutgers visit Senegal; Stitz makes MLS Debut

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Philadelphia Union extends Coach Curtin through the 2026 season

Philadelphia Union announced Tuesday (July 11th) that the club has signed Head Coach Jim Curtin, two-time MLS Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year, to a multi-year contract extension that it guaranteed through 2026. Currently in his 10th season as head coach, he is the second longest tenured coach in the MLS and also holds the second most regular season wins with a single team at 127. 

“Jim is one of the top coaches in the league and we’re thrilled to have come to an agreement to extend his leadership with Union,” said Jay Sugarman, Principal Owner of the Philadelphia Union. He added that Curtin’s leadership is critical to the team’s success and he looks forward to watching his players and the team continue to hit new milestones under his direction. 

Jim recently finished the 2022 campaign setting numerous records with the club, including most wins (19), most goals scored (72), fewest goals conceded (26), and greatest goal differential (46). 

Steven Okert and Matt Thaiss shine during the first half of the season

Steven Okert is having a breakout season for the Miami Marlins. During the first half of the season, he has posted a career best 2.53 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and has allowed only 9 earned runs in 32 innings pitched. With already 3 wins under his belt, Okert is on pace to beat last year’s total by a wide margin.

Thrust into his first starting role after five seasons in MLB, Matt Thaiss has been a key component to the Los Angeles Angels lineup. Posting a batting average of .256, Matt also has 43 hits, 22 RBI’s and 24 runs scored.  

Both the Marlins and Angels resume play Friday as the second half of the baseball season gets underway. 

Cliff Omoruyi and Rutgers Travel to Senegal and Portugal

Last Starting on Tuesday, August 8th, Cliff Omoruyi and his Rutgers basketball teammates will go on an international tour to Senegal and Portugal. The tour, which concludes on August 19th will have Rutgers face off against local and national basketball clubs at each location.

“This foreign tour will give our team the opportunity to prepare for the challenge of the upcoming season against great international competition, as well as proving an unbelievable cultural experience of three great cities,” head coach Steve Pikiell said. 

For Cliff and other F-1 Visa athletes on the team, it will also provide an opportunity for the players to earn NIL compensation as Ambassadors for brands. United States law allows U.S. college athletes to earn NIL compensation at any time, but athletes attending U.S. colleges on F-1 visas must be “off-shore” to have the same opportunity. To understand more about this issue, please click here.




Ben Stitz makes MLS debut against NY Red Bulls



Rookie Ben Stitz, who was recently called up to FC Cincinnati’s first team on a short-term loan, made his MLS debut against the NY Red Bulls on Wednesday night. Ben’s first MLS action came as a substitute in the 73rd minute with FC Cincinnati trailing 1-0. The offensive substitutions changed the momentum of the game and FC Cincinnati was able to come back for an important 2-1 road victory, taking all 3 points back to Cincinnati. FC Cincinnati is in action again this Saturday evening at home against Nashville SC, a battle of the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.



Jim Curtin Signs, Big Cliff Returns, Steven Okert Dazzles

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Jim Curtin Signs With IPZ

Jim Curtin, Philadelphia Union Head Coach and two-time Major League Soccer Coach of the Year, has signed with IPZ, the company announced today. 

The former 2004 MLS All-Star played more than 170 games in Major League Soccer (MLS) before transitioning into coaching, taking the Head Coaching position of his hometown Philadelphia Union in 2014. Under Curtin’s leadership the Philadelphia Union have become one of the top clubs in Major League Soccer. 

Curtin, in his ninth year with the Union, is currently one of the longest tenured coaches in MLS. Curtin is one of the most respected coaches in North America and was named MLS Coach of the year in 2020 and 2022, becoming the youngest two-time recipient of the honor and fifth coach overall in league history to win the award multiple times. 

“I’m excited to join IPZ”, said Curtin. “IPZ has worked with top brands and businesses across all industries and their experience and reputation is second to none. I’m excited to begin our long-term partnership”.

“Through college and professional soccer as a player…and now as the coach of the Philadelphia Union, Jim has been respected by teammates, players and management,” said Robert Zito, IPZ managing partner.  “He’s an amazing family man who will be an asset for brands, especially in the Philadelphia area.  We’re thrilled to welcome Jim to the IPZ family.”

Cliff Omoruyi Decides To Return To Rutgers

Rutgers star center Cliff Omoruyi announced this week that he withdrew his name from the NBA draft pool and will return to Rutgers for the 2023-24 basketball season. The All-Big Ten center showed his love for Rutgers on social media via his Instagram post, “Last Go Round”.

Cliff’s commitment to family and love for Rutgers shines through in his statement: “I’ve built a legacy at Rutgers. Coach Pikiell has a vision for this program to compete for a national championship next season and I believe in his vision. I plan to fulfill my promise to my mom to finish what I started and graduate with a college degree. I am excited for what’s to come! Rutgers Nation, Are You Ready?!”  

Cliff returns to Rutgers after he posted a career year averaging 13.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and was named to the Associated Press All-Big Ten Second team. His return will make Rutgers a contender for the top 4 of the Big Ten Conference. 

Steven Okert gets Second Win of the Season

Last Wednesday was an enjoyable night in Miami for Steven Okert and the Miami Marlins. The Marlins deployed their star reliever Steven Okert in the top of the 9th as his team trailed 1-0.

Okert struck out the side and his teammates pushed across two runs in the bottom of the 9th for the walk-off win, handing Okert his second win of the season. Okert now, through 21 games played and 18.1 innings pitched holds a steady 1.96 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, and has only allowed 5 hits on his way to a flawless 2-0 record. 

The Marlins and Okert kick off a three-game set against the Oakland Athletics Tuesday as they begin their push into the All-Star break. They currently sit in an NL Wild Card spot with a 29-28 record.

Discrimination in plain sight: College athletes on F-1 visas are missing out, Steven Okert Makes Season Debut, Alexey Oleynik Sets Next Three Fights

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Cliff Omoruyi Declares For 2023 NBA Draft, Meggie Dougherty Howard Makes San Diego Wave Debut, Oleg Prudius Appears On Impact Wrestling

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Cliff Omoruyi Featured On CBS News, Quinn Sullivan Featured In Verizon: Next Level Commercials, Alexey Oleynik Teaches UFC Master Classes

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