Recent content from Megan Ryan
U.S. men's soccer team looking to reverse course at Allianz Field
A new coach and fresh talent will be trying to exorcise an epic World Cup failure in 2017 in a CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament game against Guyana in St. Paul.
Quintero backs up his words as Loons advance in U.S. Open Cup
With a break in the MLS schedule for the U.S. Open Cup, Loons' playmaker Darwin Quintero wasn't ready to relax. He scored twice and had an assist in Wednesday's 4-1 victory over Sporting KC.
Loons seek payback vs. nemesis Sporting KC in U.S. Open Cup
In nine MLS and Open Cup games against Sporting Kansas City since 2014, Minnesota United has won just once.
Gophers athletics department juggles mix of debt vs. revenue
Declining attendance at sporting events on campus and loan repayments have offset profits the Gophers made from Big Ten TV contracts. "Athletics, like all units of the university, is under budget pressure," outgoing President Eric Kaler said.
Gophers' Fiser ready for more after going the distance in super regional
Gophers ace Amber Fiser has pitched every inning of the NCAA tournament so far, leading them to Thursday's start of the College World Series against UCLA.
OKC bound: Gophers softball clinches first College World Series berth
Amber Fiser was again dominant in the circle, and Allie Arneson's solo home run in the top of the fifth inning provided an offensive spark to send the Gophers to Oklahoma City.
Houlihan's homer helps Gophers settle into NCAA super regional win
Maddie Houlihan's solo homer off the first pitch in the bottom of the third inning nullified LSU's lead en route to the No. 7 seed Gophers' 5-3 victory Friday.
Gophers softball coach taking team to new heights
When Jamie Trachsel took the job as Gophers softball coach, she inherited a No.?1-ranked program that the NCAA had just controversially passed on for playing host to a regional.
'Why not us?' Trachsel took Gophers softball to new heights quickly
In just her second season, Jamie Trachsel led the Gophers softball team to its first super regional at home.
Gophers knock out Georgia, ready for LSU in softball super regional
The No. 7 seed Gophers will be a super regional host for the first time, when 10th-seeded Louisiana State visits for a besto-f-3 series and a spot in the College World Series.
Gophers shut out North Dakota State in NCAA softball regional
Behind Amber Fiser's three-hitter and 12 strikeouts, the Gophers beat the Bison and will face Georgia (41-17), who beat Drake 6-4 in eight innings earlier Friday, at 3 p.m. Saturday.
U softball ace Fiser finds strengths during father's cancer battle
Junior pitcher Amber Fiser credits teammates' support for her standout season heading into the NCAA tournament, which begins tonight with Minnesota playing North Dakota State.
Gophers NCAA softball regional preview
Gophers coach Jamie Trachsel is no stranger to her opponent on Friday night.
Big Ten softball title scenarios, with Gophers in pursuit
The Gophers are in a tight three-way race for the Big Ten title.
College hockey alters recruiting landscape with new rules
Earlier this month, the NCAA's Division I Council approved changes to men's hockey recruiting timelines as a way to keep early commitments in check.
Cashman one of three Twin Cities prep stars taken in fourth, fifth rounds
Two of them — U's Cashman, Wisconsin's Connelly — went to Eden Prairie
Super regional to under .500: U baseball struggling to find success
The 2018 team was historically good. This 2019 one — at least so far — isn't. While the Gophers have a nucleus of key players returning, some haven't played as well as they did last season.
Gophers' quarterback battle will last into training camp
Neither Zack Annexstad nor Tanner Morgan gained an advantage during Saturday's spring game. "We're going to need both guys at some point," coach P.J. Fleck said.
Fleck hopes Gophers' framework continues to sprout during spring game
This spring game will have a slightly different feel, with this week's snow forcing the Gophers to move it from TCF Bank Stadium to their indoor practice facility.
Gophers hold practice at Vikings facility in Eagan
Coach P.J. Fleck moved practice from Athletes Village on campus to TCO Performance Center to reinvigorate his squad after several weeks of spring practice.
Cavaliers dismiss karma, revel in redemption
"We just keep going after it. We don't give up," Mamadi Diakite said.
Skills of foreign players for Texas Tech, Virginia translate well
Texas Tech and Virginia players born outside of the U.S. overcome language contrasts to blend in.
![Rem Pitlick played against the Wild last month. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • cgonzalez@startribune.com – St. Paul, MN – March 25, 2019, Xcel Energy Cente](http://stmedia.stimg.co/08_1008201189_23WILD032619_54451943+(1).JPG?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Ex-Gophers star Pitlick adjusting on the fly to life as a pro
Since signing with Nashville in late March, the former Gopher is getting a crash course on the NHL life. "I just feel like a rookie all the time,'' he says.
Video games in locker room let players relax on Final Four weekend
The machines will stay in place Friday and Sunday but disappear Saturday and Monday — game days.
Receiver Johnson glad to be back with Gophers
He's close to graduating, becoming the first of his parents and four younger siblings to earn a college diploma, and that's one of the main factors keeping Tyler Johnson with the Gophers for another season.
Why Auburn can win the national championship
Kentucky. Kansas. North Carolina. What do those three schools have in common? They rank as the top-three winningest teams in the college basketball. What else?…
Auburn finds inspiration, works OT to top Kentucky for first Final Four
Auburn soared after injured teammate Chuma Okeke showed up on the sideline Sunday. After the win, the Tigers join Texas Tech as Final Four first-timers next week at U.S. Bank Stadium.
SEC rivals Kentucky, Auburn overcome adversity to reach Midwest final
Auburn readies for Kentucky's challenge on Sunday without fallen teammate Chuma Okeke, who tore the ACL in his left knee and will undergo surgery Tuesday.
North Carolina vs. Auburn prediction: Our NCAA tournament game breakdown
The Tar Heels and Tigers could be a track meet.
Cashman's never-ending job interview continues on U's 'pro day'
For NFL prospect Blake Cashman, "pro day" at the U was another examination after a series of tests from the NFL combine, to phone and FaceTime interviews, to team workouts.
Gophers' Ibrahim says he can still learn from Brooks, Smith
The sophomore rushed for 1,160 yards and nine touchdowns last season when Smith and Brooks were out because of knee injuries.
Gophers top scorer Pitlick leaves early for deal with NHL's Predators
Pitlick's 21 goals and 24 assists as a junior ranked him as one of the most prolific scorers in college hockey this season.
Departures leave Gophers hockey with younger squad next season
The Gophers are losing nine seniors plus goalie Mat Robson, which could leave them without a huge leadership group. Leading scorer Rem Pitlick could depart, too.
Gophers goalie Robson leaves school to sign deal with Wild
The move leaves the Gophers without a starting goaltender for next season. Mat Robson will report to the Wild, which is back in action Tuesday vs. Colorado.
Controversial ending to U season has hockey world buzzing
Gophers hockey coach Bob Motzko called it after his team's 2-1 overtime loss in the Big Ten semifinals. "It's going to blow up everywhere, how this thing ended."
Louisville succeeding again in a scandal's wake
Coach Chris Mack told the Louisville Courier-Journal that this season was like starting with a blank slate.
NHL bolsters its diversity efforts, though change is slow
The National Hockey League has taken steps to reach minority groups and get rid of homophobic language.
Gophers football notes: Winfield Jr. a big presence in first contact drill
Antoine Winfield Jr., who had surgery on his foot last season, and the Gophers wrapped up their first week of spring ball Friday.
Fleck brimming with confidence as U opens spring football practice
Fleck's goal this spring is to master the Gophers' offense and defense. In essence, he laid the foundation in year one, he cemented that knowledge in year two and now it's all about perfecting.
Three first-period goals starts Gophers' rout of Michigan
The victory moved Minnesota into the Big Ten tournament's single-elimination semifinals.
Sparse crowd sees Gophers men's hockey score OT victory over Michigan
A crowd announced at 1,835 witnessed the home team rally from a two-goal deficit in the first game of a best-of-three series.
Fleck: 2019 U football should be aided by 'experienced' youth
Coach P.J. Fleck said the Gophers have more experienced underclassmen than most teams in the nation, citing Tennessee and Utah as other examples.
Seniors step up, Gophers hockey sweeps Arizona State
The Gophers skated toward next week's Big Ten tournament in style, completing a home sweep over the No. 12 Sun Devils to finish out the regular season.
Gophers hockey continues hot stretch, winning 5-1 over Arizona State
Friday night's home victory over the 12th-ranked Sun Devils is the Gophers' fourth in the past five games.
Personal chef: Gophers' Pitlick takes healthy eating into his own hands
Gophers' leading scorer Rem Pitlick finds cooking is a way for the NHL hopeful to control what he eats and thus optimize his performance on the ice.
Novak points Gophers to sudden power-play success
Coach Bob Motzko ignited the Gophers' recent power-play success by moving senior Tommy Novak to the blue line.
Sheehy's big game gives Gophers hockey a split with Michigan
Senior captain Tyler Sheehy was in the mix for every goal, scoring one and assisting three to give him points in 17 of the past 18 games.
Little to like in Gophers' loss to Michigan to open weekend series
The Wolverines scored twice in the second period, and outshot the Gophers 45-26 on Friday night.
Gophers' Brinkman thriving after skipping senior year at Edina
Defenseman Ben Brinkman's size and calm nerves have smoothed the transition. Coach Bob Motzko said he has "far exceeded" expectations.
Crazy third period ends with Gophers hockey beating Wisconsin 9-4
The Gophers and Badgers combined for nine goals in the final 20 minutes of action, but the Gophers never relinquished their lead Friday at 3M Arena at Mariucci
Gophers looking at switching to smaller ice sheet - eventually
Varying sizes of ice sheets around college hockey venues have the Gophers adjusting as they travel and when they get home.
Olympic gold medalist Pannek has unfinished business as a Gopher
Kelly Pannek, now a senior, will lead the No. 2 Gophers women's hockey team in a showdown against No. 1 Wisconsin this weekend, with a potential regular-season WCHA title on the line.
No. 4 Iowa wrestlers beat No. 7 Gophers in front of sold-out crowd
Iowa sophomore Austin DeSanto bounced on the mat, waving his arms up and down before putting his hands to his ear to encourage the Maturi Pavilion crowd's boos.
Winger Gates keeps even keel amid Gophers' hockey struggles
Brent Gates Jr., whose father played major league baseball, is candid about his struggling team early in the year while doing his best to lead by example.
Life after the 'C.' Staal, others can thrive without being team captain
When former captains, such as the Wild's Eric Staal, come into their new team's locker room, they have to recalibrate from being the main voice to becoming part of the ensemble.
Gophers finally break through to beat Penn State, winning 4-1
Brent Gates Jr. scored the go-ahead goal for the Gophers, his fifth consecutive game with a score.
Penn State again gets the better of Gophers hockey, winning 4-2
The Nittany Lions scored three consecutive goals to take the opening game of the weekend series.
Wild's missed second chances adding up, causing players to tighten up
Wild coach Bruce Boudreau on Wednesday noted the pressure players felt as the Wild racked up misfires Tuesday's shutout home loss to the Sharks.
Gophers recruit Logan Richter finally joining the fold
Former Perham lineman "grayshirted" last season.
Déjà vu: Gophers hockey again ties Ohio State, again loses point in OT
The Gophers rallied from a two-goal deficit but the Buckeyes took the extra point for conference purposes thanks to freshman winger Quinn Preston's 3-on-3 overtime score.
Dubnyk says he's unfazed by bad stretches in Wild goal
Devan Dubnyk has lost four of his past six; in Thursday night's loss at Columbus, he gave up four goals on the first 14 shots but said "I'm comfortable with myself and my game."
Wild hopes to shore up leaky third periods
A letdown against Arizona on Tuesday was the third happenstance in four games.
Parise over illness, feels ready to play Saturday for Wild
Zach Parise, who missed Thursday's game, said he felt OK at practice Friday and anticipated feeling even closer to full health for the game Saturday.
Gophers hockey opens six-game homestand with overtime loss to St. Lawrence
The Gophers rallied for two goals in the third period to tie, but St. Lawence's Michael Ederer spoiled the effort.
Gophers hockey concentrating on improving, not on Big Ten opponents
Gophers first-year coach Bob Motzko says it will take time to know league foes.
Cutesy Gophers hockey routed by Mavericks in series opener
The Gophers allowed goals in the first minute of the second and third periods of a 5-1 loss to MSU Mankato. "There's just a lot of cuteness to our team that doesn't belong in hockey," coach Bob Motzko said.
Gophers goalie situation is a good problem to have
Head coach Bob Motzko says Mat Robson and Eric Schierhorn both have been outstanding.
Loons face an unwelcome repeat vs. Columbus in regular-season finale
The Loons, already eliminated from playoff contention, face Columbus at Mapfre Stadium on Sunday in the final regular-season game with a dubious distinction possible.
In Year 2, Loons' fortunes were better off the field than in games
Minnesota United's business side is, in many ways, thriving, with a new soccer-specific stadium set to open. But the on-field product has lagged as its second MLS season draws to a close Sunday.
Loons close out TCF Bank Stadium rental with '50k to Midway'
Minnesota United officials expect 52,000 fans Sunday afternoon for the Loons' match with L.A. Galaxy, the final game at TCF Bank Stadium before Allianz Field opens next spring.
Wild's veterans leading push through team's sluggish start
Young players have been reveling in watching the big-name players on the roster work.
Dubnyk bright spot in Wild's slow start while offense seeks answers
A four-day stretch between an overtime loss to Vegas and Thursday's match with Chicago has the team reconfiguring forward lines.
Gophers hockey finds its way, tops No. 1 Duluth 7-4 in home opener
Bob Motzko picked up his first win as Gophers coach, even if he went to the wrong bench to start. Meanwhile, the top-ranked Bulldogs outshot No. 13 Minnesota 46-22 but had trouble finding the back of the net.
Iowa freshman cornerback Moss passes exam vs. Gophers
Hawkeyes fill-in Riley Moss had two of Iowa's four interceptions Saturday vs. the Gophers.
Bob Motzko on a mission to transfer winning formula to U hockey
New coach may not know everyone's name yet, but he's seeking to build a family atmosphere with the Gophers like the one that worked so well for him in St. Cloud.
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