left flank as a free runway for opposing wingers and fullba

MILAN, Italy -- Fernando Llorente scored a stoppage-time winner to help Juventus snatch a 1-0 win over Udinese and stretch its lead at the top of the Italian league to three points after Roma drew 1-1 at Atalanta. Roma also needed a late goal as Kevin Strootman scored in the final minute to preserve the teams unbeaten record. Mario Balotellis free kick helped AC Milan beat Catania 3-1 for its first win in six league matches, while a last-minute equalizer saw Sampdoria earn a 1-1 draw at Inter Milan, in front of new Nerazzurri President Erick Thohir. Elsewhere, Cagliari came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Sassuolo and Chievo Verona beat Livorno 3-0. Juventus dominated possession, but it was Udinese which had the best opportunities and home goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon pulled off a three stunning saves to deny Antonio di Natale twice and Andrea Lazzari once. Defender Stephan Lichtsteiner returned after almost two months out with an injury and he was instrumental in the Juventus goal flicking on a cross for Llorente to head past the motionless Zeljko Brkic. Llorente had almost scored moments earlier but saw his header cleared off the line by Udinese defender Allan. Kickoff had been brought forward to allow more than 12,000 children to fill the stands behind each goal, replacing the ultras which had been banned for insulting territorial chants against Napoli. It was Juves sixth successive league victory without conceding a goal. "We have to continue like this," Juventus coach Antonio Conte said. "We have 12 wins, a draw and a defeat. Thats very important but we mustnt sit back on our successes. "We were good today and lucky. We played well and showed that we are doing well physically, despite playing three games in a week. Buffon was good today, but Brkick was exceptional." Key playmaker Andrea Pirlo limped off after 13 minutes with a knee injury. Earlier, Roma was held to its fourth successive draw. Atalanta, which had hit the post in the first half, took the lead seven minutes after halftime when Davide Brivio sent a free kick under the wall and into the bottom right corner, although Roma goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis was partly at fault as he misjudged the ball. United States forward Michael Bradley thought he had levelled in the 76th but his header was harshly ruled out for offside. Atalanta goalkeeper Andrea Consigli made several good saves, but could do nothing when Adem Ljajic crossed for Kevin Strootman to tap in from six yards. There was also a last-gasp leveler at San Siro, where Thohir was watching his first match since being elected president last month. Inter captain Javier Zanetti made his first start since snapping his Achilles tendon in April. Inter took the lead in the 18th when Ricardo Alvarez worked his way through on the left of the area before rolling across for Fredy Guarin to lash in under the bar. Guarin almost doubled his tally seven minutes after the interval but his effort crashed off the post. Shortly afterwards Sampdoria striker Nicola Pozzis effort was ruled out for offside. Substitute Renan levelled in the final minute, with a powerful shot from distance, just three minutes after coming off the bench. "This was our worst performance of the season," Inter coach Walter Mazzarri said. "We went too deep after going 1-0 up and we didnt even start well. Too many were under par and Sampdoria deserved the draw. "I didnt like this Inter. We should never let our guard down." In the lunchtime kickoff, Milan dominated possession but it was Catania that took the lead in the 13th against the run of play as poor defending eventually saw Lucas Castros effort deflected over stand-in goalkeeper Gabriel. The visitors levelled six minutes later when Riccardo Montolivo volleyed Urby Emanuelsons cross into the back of the net. Balotelli had gone six matches in all competitions without a goal before Tuesdays 3-0 win at Celtic, but he was involved in most Milan moves and fired his side in front shortly after the hour mark with a low free kick. Moments later Catania were down to 10 men when Panagiotis Tachtsidis was harshly shown a straight red for a challenge on Balotelli. Kaka sealed the match nine minutes from time, bursting into the box and firing into the roof of the net from a tight angle to score for the third successive match. It was his 99th Milan goal. Milan moved provisionally level with eighth-placed Lazio. Catania remains at the bottom of the league. There was another positive for Milan as Stephan El Shaarawy made his return from injury, coming on in the 74th for his first appearance in three months. Balotelli was replaced seven minutes from time after getting into a heated argument with Catania defender Nicolas Spolli, whom he accused of racism. "I didnt hear anything, so I cant judge," Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said. "I took Mario off only because I saw he was a bit tired and had taken some knocks. There are so many skirmishes on the pitch, in any match, whats important is to stay calm." Michael Strahan Youth Jersey . General manager David Poile called signing Ribeiro a great opportunity to add a talented, experienced and creative centre Tuesday when he introduced the veteran at a news conference. Ribeiros contract is worth $1.05 million after being bought out of the final three years of a $22 million contract by the Coyotes recently. Julian Love Youth Jersey . The Montreal Alouettes announced Tuesday that they have acquired the return specialist from Calgary, as well as the Stampeders fifth-round draft pick in the 2014 CFL Canadian Draft. http://www.authenticnygiantspro.com/Dari...ants-jersey/.ca. Hi Kerry, Thursday nights Bruins-Blackhawks game had a goal by Patrice Bergeron initially waved off by the referee, but video review clarified it was a good goal. Julian Love Giants Jersey . Paul, MN (SportsNetwork. Dalvin Tomlinson Youth Jersey . Hamilton signed offensive linemen Mike Filer, Joel Reinders, Landon Rice and Carson Rockhill.The Formations Missing five players who would ordinarily be in the starting lineup, Toronto FCs squad depth was tested against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. No Jermain Defoe and no Michael Bradley meant that two of the leagues premier players were unavailable for Toronto, providing Dwayne De Rosario and Kyle Bekker with opportunities to fill in. Tactically, head coach Ryan Nelsen again chose to employ his favoured 4-4-2 formation. The Colorado Rapids lined up with two changes to their 4-4-2 diamond midfield lineup that was successful against the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend; Kamani Hill was replaced by former TFC midfielder, Nick LaBrocca, and Edson Buddle replaced Deshorn Brown up top. The Game This game was a big test for Toronto FC, given the quality and quantity of players that were unavailable. But despite losing the game 1-0 to an Edson Buddle goal, TFC acquitted themselves quite well. Defensively, the back four looked as solid as it ever has. Bradley Orr slotted into Doneil Henrys position and looked comfortable and composed alongside Steven Caldwell, who was excellent. Mark Bloom had another very solid game at right fullback, reaffirming Ryan Nelsens belief that he can be the solution for that position. With the signings of Defoe and Bradley getting all of the headlines this offseason, the acquisition of Justin Morrow flew under the radar. However, one could argue that his performances have been a big factor in TFCs solid start to the season. No longer do opponents view Torontos left flank as a free runway for opposing wingers and fullbacks to cross the ball at will. Morrow is shutting things down nicely, and while he doesnt have the same desire to get forward as his predecessor, Ashtone Morgan, Morrow does what all good defenders should do first - defend. In midfield, there were concerns that the absence of Bradley - who has been behind everything good that TFC has done to start the season - would have a dramatic impact on Torontos ability to compete against a slick Colorado side. Those concerns were alleviated by the performance of Canadian international, Kyle Bekker. Drafted third overall last season, Bekkers rookie year was not what he would have hoped. He struggled to find playing time, and in Ryan Nelsens opinion, had a tough time making the transition from college soccer star to reliable professional. Bekkers performances over the last two games (he started alongside Bradley in TFCs 2-0 win over Columbus the previous week) will go some way towards convincing Nelsen that Bekkers professional career is ready to take off. The midfielders passing was crisp and precise, and his positional awareness and defensive work - while not his strongest assets - were much improved over last season. One of Bekkers strengths is his set piece delivery, and on two occasions he rattled the woodwork with direct free kicks. Bekkers first effort in the 76th minute struck the base of the right post, and was just inches away from opening the scoring. The game turned little more than a minute later, as Colorado scored the only goal of the game. Toronto was solid defensively throughout the game, but got caught by a well-delivered ball to the back post for Dillon Serna. The youngster mis-hit a strike across goal, and the ensuing scramble saw the ball land at the feet of 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year, Dillon Powers, just inside the penalty area. At this stage, Toronto was well positioned to deal with Powers. There was lateral pressure coming from both Bekker and Issey Nakajima-Farran, with Mark Bloom directly in front. But Powers bumbled the ball past the challenge of Bloom, clearing room for a shot on goal.dddddddddddd As a defender, one must prioritize threats on goal. The nearest defender must close down anyone with time and space to shoot inside the penalty area. The other defenders must then adjust to cover the next immediate threats. Steven Caldwell read the situation well, and as his momentum was in the direction of Powers, Caldwell left Edson Buddle to block the shot from Powers. It was a calculated risk from Caldwell, but it was the correct decision. Edson Buddle did what all good strikers do - he created space for himself in the penalty area by simply holding his run outside the six-yard box. The covering defender, Bradley Orr, is in the correct defensive position, as he also had to be able to intercept a ball across the six-yard box to Deshorn Brown, who was lurking at the far post. Buddle knew that if Powers could cut the ball back, he would have a shot on goal. When Powers cut back was successful, Orr immediately attempted to block Buddles shot - as did TFC goalkeeper, Julio Cesar - but Buddles effort slid under the keeper and into the back of the net. Apart from Bloom getting beaten by Powers just inside the penalty area, TFC defended this situation exactly as they should have. Unfortunately on this occasion, Colorados quality inside the penalty area was simply too good. I have been impressed with Colorado over the last two games, including a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps last week. José Mari looks like a fantastic addition to their midfield, and they move the ball around very well. They can over-narrow their midfield diamond at times, and exploiting the resulting space in wide areas will certainly be a key feature to focus on for any future opponents. The Positives Kyle Bekker put in a very solid performance, which will do his confidence a world of good. If he can continue to improve his positional awareness and general defensive responsibility, he will be a very valuable asset in Nelsens rejuvenated squad. The back four looked comfortable for most of the game - no mean feat, as Buddle and Gabriel Torres (as well as substitute, Deshorn Brown) offer a stern test. There were concerns going into the season about TFCs depth at centre back, but Bradley Orr proved that, while not his preferred position, he is more than capable of providing a solid alternative if the situation arises. The Negatives Perhaps it can be put down to unfamiliarity, but the partnership of Dwayne De Rosario and Gilberto didnt click. De Rosario is usually very tidy in possession, but far too often conceded the ball or gave it away through miscommunication with teammates. With options up front currently few and far between, this is a partnership that Nelsen will need to work if TFC is to be competitive in the absence of Jermain Defoe. The playing surface was infinitely better than it was back in March, when TFC defeated DC United in their home opener. (Credit to the BMO Field ground staff for working miracles during Torontos harsh weather.) But it still didnt lend itself to a slick, free-flowing passing game - something that both teams will prefer when the surface undoubtedly improves. The Star Man Few would argue that Bekker is deserving of a mention (which he is), but for me, Steven Cald