Bittersweet ending for the Sixers

Sixers' players look dejected after a game seven loss to the Boston Celtics.  Photo Courtesy of csnphilly.com.

As the seconds wound down to zero in game seven against the Celtics, the Sixers realized that their season was slowly coming to a close.  The Boston Celtics' experience was too much for the Sixers to handle as they won, sending themselves to the Eastern Conference Finals in Miami.

Many of the Sixers knew this was an opportunity that had slipped from their grasp.  With Paul Pierce fouling out in the final two minutes and the momentum in their favor, the Sixers had a chance to take the lead as well as the series. However, Rajon Rondo envisioned something different, taking over the game with two clutch shots that put the nail in the coffin for the Sixers.

Sixers' head coach Doug Collins never let his team stop fighting. 

Although many Sixers' fans were disappointed with the result, they were proud that their team never stopped fighting, similarly resembling the blue collar city of Philadelphia.  No one expected this team to beat a number one-seeded team, and then send a perennial team like the Celtics to a seventh game.  

All season long, Sixers' head coach Doug Collins embedded the words "Don't stop fighting; we're still in this," into his team's mindset from their struggles during the second half of the All-Star break to the final minutes of the Eastern Conference semifinals.  The fighting attitude the Sixers possessed just goes to show how great of a job Collins had done with a team that had no definite scorer or game-changing player. 

The Sixers are looking to be a championship bound team next year.

With all that said, it is great to be an underachiever or the underdogs who no one expected to do so well. Yet, not wanting to be an underachiever, Collins made it clear to the media that he wanted to add talent to the team, enabling them to be labeled as championship bound.

Now that the season has ended, Collins as well as the owners of the Sixers are able to blueprint their possible blockbuster moves or ideas for the off-season.  Playing in the playoffs not only helped the Sixers with their experience, but for the attractiveness in the trade market.    

Sixers seek to swing momentum back in their direction

The Philadelphia 76ers look to take a 3-2 series lead in Monday night's game against the Boston Celtics.  Photo courtesy of the700level.com

Seize an opportunity that is staring you directly in the face.  That, Sixers' fans, is exactly what the Philadelphia 76ers are attempting to do Monday night as they take on the Boston Celtics in a pivotal game five, where they could take a 3-2 series lead, heading into Philadelphia for the clincher.

After an incredible come-from-behind game four victory, the Sixers have the momentum back in their favor.  However, momentum has not particularly worked in this series; no team has had continuous wins.

Photo Courtesy of phillybubrs.com

So, when momentum doesn't work, every player has to avoid panicking before their team ends up in a deep hole.

Sixers rookie power forward Lavoy Allen is a prime example.  Although he is 23-years-old, Allen, the Temple product, has showed his maturity during the playoffs, keeping calm in pressure situations as well as closely defending the Celtics' Kevin Garnett, a 14-time All Star.  Allen, Elton Brand's alternate, has been dominant on the boards, being in the right position at the right time.

Doug Collins has praised Allen's play, his efforts and his peaceful demeanor.  The Sixers head coach believes that there should be a "Lavoy Allen Day" for everyone.  What Collins meant by that was that Allen never shows his emotions and could careless what's going on around him.  He doesn't talk much nor does he let the words of Garnett induce his mindset.

Photo Courtesy of zimbio.com

With the Sixers going into Boston Monday night, they look to get more late-game production from Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young.  Those players ignited the miracle comeback in game four, giving their team a heck of a lot more confidence than in the regular season where they didn't have anyone to go to in the final minutes of regulation.

Iguodala and Brand have taken the role as leaders of their youthful team.  Now, let's see if this youth can break the momentum trend in this series, and give the Sixers a better view of the Eastern Conference Finals.

One for the Ages: Man City's title victory

Manchester City celebrate their first title victory in 44 years.  Photo courtesy of  ibnlive.in.com

"Who is writing this stuff," said ESPN soccer announcer Ian Darke in the closing seconds of the miracle finale between Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City.

Both teams had tremendous pressure on them coming into Sunday's match-up.  Manchester City had to win in order to wrap up the English Premier League title, and for Queens Park Rangers, they had to win in order to stay in the EPL for another year.

Down 2-1 with about five minutes to play in the game, Manchester City hurried, putting their offense together for a desperate tying goal.  Manchester City's head coach Roberto Mancini decided to make a change, substituting forward Carlos Tevez for the tall, Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko.  That decision will forever be remembered.

Midfielder David Silva hit his precise corner kick onto Dzeko's head, finishing it powerfully past the outstretched arms of Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Paddy Kenny into the back of the net.  Manchester City had tied the game at 2-2.  However, there was one more goal in City's way of capturing the EPL title, which they hadn't won in 44 years.

Forward Mario Balotelli, the troubled young Italian who is known for his immature decision making on-and-off the field, was also put into the game a bit earlier than Dzeko.  In the 93rd minute, Balotelli received a pass from Maradona's son-in-law Sergio Aguero.  Losing his balance, Balotelli managed to toe poke a quick give-and-go to Aguero, who dribbled past two defenders, finishing it with his right foot.

A dramatic finish that ended with Aguero running around the field with his shirt off, flailing it around like a rally towel.  Even the crowd, who were crying earlier, ran onto the field in excitement, cherishing the once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Now that the suffering has ended, City fans are finally able to brag about being a title winner towards their most hated rivals and next door neighbors, Manchester United.

Frank Tweneboa: Chasing a Goal

A mini-documentary by myself, Domenick Candelieri, on my friend Frank Tweneboa striving to become a professional soccer player. The documentary begins with his upbringing, and then continues into what he is currently doing now. Tweneboa has an unbelievable story.

I'll let the video do the talking.  Check it out.  It's a must see for all those avid seekers out there looking to accomplish their ultimate dream.