Breaking
The Insightful Investing
Author

admin

Browsing
Stock

The Best Five Sectors, #19

Stock 4 Mins Read

Sector Rotation Shakeup: Industrials Take the Lead

Another week of significant movement in the sector landscape has reshaped the playing field. The Relative Rotation Graph (RRG) paints a picture of shifting dynamics, with some surprising developments in sector leadership. Let’s dive into the details and see what’s happening under the hood.

  1. (6) Industrials – (XLI)*
  2. (4) Financials – (XLF)*
  3. (1) Utilities – (XLU)*
  4. (2) Communication Services – (XLC)*
  5. (3) Consumer Staples – (XLP)*
  6. (8) Technology – (XLK)*
  7. (5) Real-Estate – (XLRE)*
  8. (9) Materials – (XLB)*
  9. (11) Energy – (XLE)*
  10. (10) Consumer Discretionary – (XLY)
  11. (7) Healthcare – (XLV)*

Weekly RRG

On the weekly RRG, Utilities and Consumer Staples maintain their high positions on the RS-Ratio scale. However, there are signs of waning momentum. Staples has rolled over within the leading quadrant and is now showing a negative heading. Utilities, while still strong, are losing some of their relative momentum.

Financials and Communication Services are hanging on in the weakening quadrant, but their tails are relatively short — indicating potential for a quick turnaround.

The show’s star, Industrials, has made a beeline for the leading quadrant, climbing on the RS-Ratio scale while maintaining a positive RRG heading.

Daily RRG

Switching to the daily RRG, we get a more granular view. Utilities, Staples, and Financials are found in the lagging quadrant, but Staples and Utilities are showing signs of life, turning back up towards the improving quadrant.

Financials, meanwhile, are hugging the benchmark.

The daily chart confirms Industrials’ strength, mirroring its weekly performance.

Communication Services, however, is showing some worrying signs — it’s dropped into the weakening quadrant on the daily RRG, confirming its vulnerable position on the weekly chart.

Industrials

XLI flexes its muscles, pushing against overhead resistance around the $144 mark.

A break above this level could trigger a further acceleration in price.

The relative strength line has already broken out of its consolidation pattern, propelling both RRG lines above 100 and driving the XLI tail deeper into the leading quadrant.

Financials

The financial sector continues its upward trajectory, trading above its previous high and closing in on the all-time high of around $53.

Like Industrials, a break above this resistance could spark a new leg up.

The RS line is moving sideways within its rising channel, causing the RRG lines to flatten—something to watch.

Utilities

XLU has finally broken through its overhead resistance, approaching its all-time high around $83.

After months of pushing against the $80 level, this breakout is a clear sign of strength.

The RS line is still grappling with its own resistance, but the RS-Ratio line continues its gradual ascent.

Communication Services

While XLC is moving higher on the price chart, its relative strength is lagging.

The sideways movement in the RS line is causing both RRG lines to move lower, with the RS-Momentum line already below 100.

This sector is rapidly approaching the lagging quadrant on the daily RRG—definitely one to watch for potential risks.

Consumer Staples

XLP is approaching the upper boundary of its trading range ($83-$85), where it is running into resistance. The inability to push higher while the market is moving up is causing relative strength to falter.

The recent strength has pushed both RRG lines well above 100, but the current loss of relative strength is now causing the RRG-Lines to roll over.

The tail is still comfortably within the leading quadrant, but this loss of momentum could signal a potential setback.

Portfolio Performance

The model portfolio’s defensive positioning has led to some underperformance relative to SPY, with the gap now just under 6%.

However, the model is sticking to its guns, maintaining a defensive stance with Staples and Utilities firmly in the top five.

It’s worth noting that Healthcare has now definitively dropped out of the top ranks. Nevertheless, with Staples and Utilities holding firm, and Technology and Consumer Discretionary still in the bottom half, the overall positioning remains cautious.

These are the periods when patience is key. We need to let the model do its work and wait for new, meaningful relative trends to emerge. It’s not always comfortable to endure underperformance, but it’s often necessary to capture longer-term outperformance.

#StayAlert, –Julius

Keep Reading
Investing

Uvre to Acquire Highly Prospective Gold Exploration Projects in New Zealand

Investing 4 Mins Read

Uvre Limited (ASX: UVA) (the Company or Uvre) is pleased to announce that highly regarded mining entrepreneurs Norman Seckold and Peter Nightingale will be appointed non-executive directors of Uvre with effect from settlement of the acquisition by the Company of 100% of the issued share capital of MEL (Acquisition). Norman Seckold and Peter Nightingale will emerge with 16.5% and 1.3% respective stakes in the Company upon settlement of the Acquisition and Equity Raise.

Highlights

  • Uvre has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of the fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of Minerals Exploration Limited (MEL) from the shareholders of MEL (Vendors). MEL’s wholly owned subsidiary is New Zealand gold explorer Otagold Limited (Otagold).
  • Highly regarded mining executives Norman Seckold and Peter Nightingale, who are major shareholders of MEL, will join Uvre as Non-executive Directors.
  • Norman Seckold was previously Chairman of the New Zealand gold developer Santana Minerals (ASX:SMI) and is currently Chairman of Alpha HPA (ASX:A4N), Nickel Industries (ASX:NIC), Fulcrum Lithium (ASX:FUL) and Sky Metals (ASX:SKY).
  • Subject to receipt of Shareholder approval, Uvre will issue 75 million fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of Uvre (Shares) at a deemed issue price of 8c per Share for a total of $6.0 million as the full consideration to the Vendors, including Mr Seckold who is the largest shareholder of MEL.
  • The acquisition of MEL is subject to completion of several conditions precedent, including due diligence on MEL, Otagold and the permits held by Otagold. The acquisition is also contingent on Uvre raising at least $4.0 million in a single tranche share placement at 8c per Share, to be lead managed by Bell Potter Securities Ltd (Equity Raise). The Equity Raise will be subject to shareholder approval.
  • Firm commitments have been secured for the $4.0m Equity Raise following a well-supported bookbuild, including incoming directors Norman Seckold ($500,000) and Peter Nightingale ($100,000) subject to shareholder approval.
  • Otagold holds a 100% interest in three exploration permits, one prospecting permit and one prospecting permit application in New Zealand covering 332sqkm of highly prospective ground (the Permits).
  • Otagold’s flagship asset is the Waitekauri Gold Project located 8km west of OceanaGold Corporation’s Waihi gold mine (10Moz) on New Zealand’s North Island; Waitekauri also sits adjacent to three other +1Moz Au deposits.
  • Extensive gold mineralisation and numerous drilling targets already identified at Waitekauri, which had historical production grade of 48g/t Au+Ag.
  • Uvre has executed a binding Share Sale Agreement (SSA) with the Vendors, MEL and Otagold with due diligence well advanced; Uvre will shortly call a shareholder meeting to approve the transaction, expected to be around the end of June 2025.

Uvre Executive Chairman Brett Mitchell said:

“This transaction is an exceptional opportunity for Uvre on several levels.

“Norm and Peter will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the resources business, along with a track record of creating substantial shareholder value through resource asset exploration and proįect development.

“The Otagold proįects led by Waitekauri have compelling gold exploration upside in a tier-one įurisdiction, as shown by the extensive mineralisation and drilling targets already identified.

“The combination of Norman’s well-known record in building successful mining proįects combined with the talented Uvre team, the immense exploration upside at these proįects and the strong financial position which will follow the placement will leave Uvre very well-placed to create significant value”.

Norman Seckold said:

“This transaction will enable Uvre to unlock what we believe is the substantial value of these proįects.

“We will have the assets, the team, the experience and the financial strength to conduct the immediate exploration programs which will maximise our ability to create value.

“The work we have already done on the proįects shows they are highly prospective and with the support of the Uvre team and access to capital, we can take them to the next level with the aim of building substantial gold inventories in a tier one location”.

Otagold Projects Summary

Otagold holds a 100% interest in three exploration permits, one prospecting permit and one prospecting permit application on New Zealand’s North and South Islands, covering 332km2 of highly prospective ground.

Click here for the full ASX Release

This article includes content from Uvre Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
Investing

WCN Raises A$14.4M at an Average 29% Premium to Market Close

Investing 4 Mins Read

White Cliff Minerals Limited (“WCN” or the “Company”) (ASX: WCN; OTCQB: WCMLF) is pleased to announce it has received firm commitments to raise approximately A$14.4m (before costs) through the issue of 384,615,398 new, fully paid ordinary shares in the Company. Utilising the “flow-through shares” provisions under Canadian tax law 307,692,321 shares will be issued at an issue price of A$0.0403 per share representing a 38.9% premium to WCN’s last trading price of A$0.029 (14 May 2025) for a total of A$12.40m (Flow-Through). Additionally, the Company has received firm commitments to raise $2 million (before costs) through a share placement to new and existing sophisticated and professional investors (Placement). 76,923,077 shares will be issued under the Placement at $0.026 per share, being a 10.3% discount to the Company’s last closing price before trading halt.

  • Capital raise cornerstoned by the Company’s Strategic Advisor, John Hancock and his private family office, Astrotricha Capital SEZC.
  • The capital raise was significantly oversubscribed and the Company received investment from a number of new Australian, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Singaporean financial institutions as well as existing institutional and sophisticated shareholders
  • Funds will be used to expand and accelerate drilling and exploration activities at the Company’s Rae Copper Project with drilling set to recommence from mid-July
  • Drilling activities will include both reverse circulation and diamond drilling, providing the Company flexibility in its targeting approach
  • Aerial and downhole geophysics are to be undertaken to further refine drill targets across the Rae Copper Project
  • Following encouraging visual results, the Company expects to update shareholders on further assays results for holes 5, 6 and 7 at Danvers, expected to be received over the coming weeks

”The successful completion of this capital raise is a testament to the quality of our Rae Copper Project and the confidence that investors have in our exploration strategy. The ability to access the less dilutive flow through funds at a circa 40% premium is a huge advantage and value accretive for shareholders. Further, John Hancock and his Astrotricha Capital Family Office cornerstone position in the raise, along with the support of other high net worth investors introduced by Astrotricha, reflects their shared vison for the future of WCN and underpins the Company’s development plans for the Rae Copper Project.

The outlook for copper prices remains robust and the Company is poised to ramp up exploration efforts as we capitalise on its strong financial position following this raise, in addition to the ongoing conversion of WCNO options. Following recent high-grade results, this upcoming drilling at Danvers will lay the foundation for a maiden exploration target at the project over the coming period. We are very excited about the potential to delineate a material resource around the immediate drilling area at Danvers and to potentially encompass additional deposits along the regional 7km + strike.

In parallel, drilling will commence at the major sedimentary hosted copper target at Hulk. The pre collars that we have completed at Hulk sit only about 50mtrs above the target horizon and with diamond rigs planned to arrive in the coming months at which time we plan to drill all project areas and deliver on the potential for an additional major copper discovery at our Rae Project.”

Troy Whittaker – Managing Director

“Starting out as a Strategic Advisor to WCN with an initial invested stake, I have now become the Company’s largest shareholder and am pleased to see another well executed and strongly supported capital raise at a premium to the share price. The WCN focus has been on minimising existing shareholder dilution whilst attracting strategic investor capital to accelerate exploration and at the same time, securing the Company’s financial position for the longer term. There is now global investor interest in WCN’s prospects and I look forward to further upcoming drill results.”

John Hancock – Strategic Advisor to WCN

Click here for the full ASX Release

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
Investing

Exceptional Lithium Intercept Extends Red Mountain Discovery Further to the North

Investing 5 Mins Read

Astute Metals NL (ASX: ASE) (“ASE”, “Astute” or “the Company”) is pleased to report assay results from the first of six holes completed as part of its highly successful April 2025 diamond drilling campaign at the 100%-owned Red Mountain Lithium Project in Nevada, USA. Drill-hole RMDD003 has returned three high- grade intersections of lithium mineralisation:

  • 32.4m @ 3,260ppm Li / 1.74% Lithium Carbonate Equivalent1 (LCE) from 57.2m, including an internal high-grade zone grading 8.6m @ 5,060ppm Li / 2.69% LCE from 67.7m;
  • 13.8m @ 1,330ppm Li / 0.71% LCE from 39.6m; and
  • 23.3m @ 1,610ppm Li / 0.86% LCE from 94.4m to End-of-hole.

Key Highlights

  • Outstanding lithium mineralisation returned in assays for diamond drill-hole RMDD003, which intersected:
    • 32.4m @ 3,260ppm Li from 57.2m, including 8.6m of ultra high-grade mineralisation @ 5,060ppm Li from 67.7m;
    • 13.8m @ 1,330ppm Li from 39.6m; and
    • 23.3m @ 1,610ppm Li from 94.4m to end-of-hole
  • RMDD003 marks the highest-grade lithium intercept recorded to date at Red Mountain.
  • Mineralisation successfully extended 630m north of previous northernmost intersection in hole RMDD002.
  • Hole ends in lithium, with mineralisation remaining open down-dip to the east and along strike to the north.
  • Assays pending from five other recently completed drill- holes.

To hear CEO Matt Healy discuss this ASX Release click here

The thick zones of lithium mineralisation encountered in the northernmost drill-hole at Red Mountain highlight the increasing scale of the project, with strong lithium mineralisation now intersected in all drill- holes spanning a north-south strike extent of over 5.6km and surface sample geochemistry indicating further potential to the north, south and west of the current drilled extents7, 9 (Figure 3).

Of particular significance in hole RMDD003 is the high-grade nature of the mineralisation. The nearest drill-hole is RMDD002, which intersected 32.1m @ 2,050ppm within a broader 86.9m intersection at 1,470ppm Li from 18.3m. The high-grade zone in RMDD002 has persisted north to RMDD003, and increased in grade significantly to over 3,000ppm lithium.

Assays are pending for the other five holes drilled as part of the April diamond drilling campaign.

Astute Chairman, Tony Leibowitz, said:

“Our 2025 exploration campaign is off to a fantastic start, with exceptional assays returned for the first step-out diamond hole, RMDD003. We are impressed by the thickness and grade of the mineralisation, with the high-grade intercept returned from this hole showing that the previously identified high-grade zone extends for a considerable distance to the north.

“This provides further indication that Red Mountain is unfolding as a lithium discovery of significance in North America. With mineralisation now defined by drilling over a strike length of almost 6 kilometres, we are looking forward to seeing what the remaining drill-holes will deliver. The information obtained from this round of drilling should put us on a clear trajectory to advance Red Mountain towards a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate later this year.”

Background

Located in central-eastern Nevada (Figure 4) adjacent to the Grand Army of the Republic Highway (Route 6), which links the regional mining towns of Ely and Tonopah, the Red Mountain Project was staked by Astute in August 2023.

The Project area has broad mapped tertiary lacustrine (lake) sedimentary rocks known locally as the Horse Camp Formation2. Elsewhere in the state of Nevada, equivalent rocks host large lithium deposits (see Figure 4) such as Lithium Americas’ (NYSE: LAC) 62.1Mt LCE Thacker Pass Project3, American Battery Technology Corporation’s (OTCMKTS: ABML) 15.8Mt LCE Tonopah Flats deposit4 and American Lithium (TSX.V: LI) 9.79Mt LCE TLC Lithium Project5.

Astute has completed substantial surface sampling campaigns at Red Mountain, which indicate widespread lithium anomalism in soils and confirmed lithium mineralisation in bedrock with some exceptional grades of up to 4,150ppm Li2,8 (Figure 3).

A total of 13 RC and diamond drill holes have been drilled at the project for a combined 1,944m, prior to this current drilling program. These campaigns were highly successful, intersecting strong lithium mineralisation in every hole9.

Scoping leachability testwork on mineralised material from Red Mountain indicates high leachability of lithium of up to 98%, varying with temperature, acid strength and leaching duration, and proof of concept beneficiation test-work has indicated the potential to upgrade the Red Mountain mineralisation10,11.

Results

Hole RMDD003 successfully intersected three zones of lithium mineralised clay-bearing mudstones and sandstone, separated by narrow zones of unmineralised rocks (Figure 1). The intersections are as follows:

  • 13.8m @ 1,330ppm Li / 0.71% LCE from 39.6m to 53.4m;
  • 32.4m @ 3,260ppm Li / 1.74% LCE from 57.2m to 89.6m; and
  • 23.3m @ 1,610ppm Li / 0.86% LCE from 94.4m to End-of-hole (117.7m).

The best grades were developed in the most clay-rich zones (Figure 2). An internal very high-grade zone of 8.6m returned a grade of 5,060ppm Li, with a maximum single sample grade of 5,660ppm Li from 69.2-70.7m (227-232ft), which is the drill sample with the highest lithium grade achieved to date at the project.

Click here for the full ASX Release

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
Sport

IndyCar stunner: Rookie wins Indy 500 pole for first time since 1983

Sport 3 Mins Read

Robert Shwartzman made history Sunday at Indianapolis Speedway becoming the first rookie in more than 40 years to win the pole for the Indy 500.

Shwartzman posted the fastest four-lap average in the Indy 500 Fast Six on the final day of qualifying for the 2025 Indianapolis 500, outdueling a two-time Indy 500 winner, the reigning IndyCar champion and one of the best drivers in series history in the process.

Driving for Prema Racing, which is in its first year of IndyCar Series racing, Shwartzman averaged 232.790 mph in his No. 83 Chevrolet over his four qualifying laps to become the first rookie to qualify for the pole position since Teo Fabi in 1983.

‘Honestly, it feels like I’m dreaming,’ the 25-year-old Israeli native said after his history-making performance sunk in. ‘The car felt amazing, so fast.’

Takuma Sato, who won the Indy 500 in 2017, posted the second-fastest time and two-time runner-up Pato O’Ward took third to join Shwartzman on the front row for next Sunday’s race. Six-time series champion Scott Dixon, whose 58 IndyCar wins rank second in history, will start fourth. He will be joined on the second row by Felix Rosenqvist, who finished fifth, and two-tine reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou, who finished sixth.

Tony Stewart started first in the 1996 Indy 500 after pole-winning driver Scott Brayton died in post-qualifying practice.

INDY 500 STARTING GRID: Complete guide to 33-car lineup for 2025 race

Indy 500 Fast Six qualifying

Six drivers get one attempt each. The fastest earns pole position for the 2025 Indy 500. Takuma Sato went first and Felix Rosenqvist last.

  1. (83) Robert Shwartzman, Prema, Chevrolet, 232.790
  2. (75) Takuma Sato, Rahal Letterman Lanigan, Honda, 232.478
  3. (5) Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet, 232.098
  4. (9) Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda, 232.052
  5. (60) Felix Rosenqvist, Meyer Shank, Honda, 231.987
  6. (10) Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing, Honda, 231.378

Who is Indy 500 pole winner Robert Shwartzman?

Robert Shwartzman was born in Tel Aviv, Israel and grew up in Italy. An endurance racing veteran and a former Formula 1 test driver, Shwartzman made his NTT IndyCar Series debut in March and has never raced on an oval before.

Driver profile

  • Age: 25
  • Nationality: Israel
  • Hometown: Tel Aviv, Israel
  • Car number: 90
  • Race team: Prema Racing
  • Engine: Chevrolet
  • Best 2024 finishes: Shwartzman competed in the World Endurance Championship, winning the Lone Star Le Mans event in Austin, Texas.

Robert Shwartzman 2025 IndyCar results

Schwartzman, in his rookie season, has made five starts in the NTT IndyCar Series in 2025. Here are his results:

  • St. Petersburg (street race): 20th
  • Thermal (road course): 22nd
  • Long Beach (street race): 18th
  • Barber (road course): 25th
  • Indianapolis road course: 18th

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Keep Reading
Sport

Thunder unleash running game as Nuggets wilt under defensive pressure

Sport 4 Mins Read

This was a categorical Oklahoma City demolition.

The Thunder blitzed the Denver Nuggets in a 125-93 victory Sunday evening to take Game 7 of their Western Conference semifinal, setting up a showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference finals.

Oklahoma City guard and Most Valuable Player candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all players with 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting (63.2%). His competition for the award, Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, scored 17 of his 20 points in the first half. (MVP voting concluded before the playoffs began).e Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder:

WINNERS

Thunder’s balance and depth

Known for being one of the more cohesive teams in the NBA, the Thunder lived up to their reputation Sunday. Through their first 35 points, all eight players who had entered had scored, with no player recording more than six points.

Oklahoma City’s eight-man rotation shot 51.6% from the field and recorded 26 assists on 44 field goals.

Alex Caruso’s defense

Nuggets center Nikola Jokić is listed at 6-foot-11 and 284 pounds. Thunder guard Alex Caruso, acquired this offseason, is listed at 6-foot-5 and 186 pounds. Yet, Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault opted to deploy Caruso as the primary defender on Jokić and Caruso responded, not backing down, using his physicality and strength to pester Jokić until help arrived. In the first half, Jokić shot just 1-of-6 from the floor when Caruso was the primary defender.

Overall, Caruso forced four turnovers and was key in another, with a timely double team that forced a 24-second shot clock violation in the fourth.

Christian Braun

One of the few bright spots for the Nuggets, third-year guard Christian Braun posted a very efficient 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting. Braun scored nine in the first quarter and looked to rush out in transition throughout the game.

OKC runs in 2nd quarter

Behind swarming defense and forced turnovers, the Thunder went on a pair of debilitating runs during opposite ends of the second quarter. Going back to the one-minute mark at the end of the first quarter, the Thunder went on a 16-3 run. Then, Oklahoma City closed the first half on an 18-5 run.

LOSERS

Nuggets’ second quarter

Denver, for the most part, held its own in the first quarter, taking a five-point lead into the second period. But cold shooting, carelessness with the ball and no answer for Oklahoma City’s swarming defense and transition offense led to a massive turnaround. The Nuggets were outscored in the period by 19 points, shooting just 6-of-20 (30%) from the field.

Jamal Murray

With Aaron Gordon hobbled, gutting it out and playing just three days after suffering a left hamstring strain, the Nuggets needed a big day from point guard Jamal Murray. Unfortunately for Denver, he did not deliver.

Murray, who has been battling flu, started slowly, making just one of his first five shots. Although he did end up with 13 points, much of that came when the game was already out of hand. He finished 6-of-16 from the field, including an abysmal 1-of-8 (12.5%) from 3-point range.

The Nuggets from beyond the arc

Speaking of poor shooting from deep, the Nuggets struggled from 3 throughout the game, with the eight-man rotation shooting just 18.9% (7-of-37) from beyond the arc. The Thunder — with their length, size and athleticism — excel at perimeter defense, and it showed Sunday evening.

Denver’s ball security

The Thunder are the top defensive team in the NBA, and led the league in steals with 10.3 per game. The one thing the Nuggets absolutely could not afford to do, turn the ball over, was exactly what they did in Game 7. Denver gave the ball away 23 times, leading to 37 Thunder points.

By comparison, the Thunder committed just 10 turnovers, leading to only seven Nuggets points.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Keep Reading
Sport

NCAA Softball Tournament scores: Who prevailed in regional finals?

Sport 3 Mins Read

We have reached the regional championship portion of the 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament.

The field has dwindled from 64 teams to 32 entering play on Sunday, with 16 more teams facing the end of their seasons today. The 16 winners from today will advance to the super regional and continue on the road to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The 2025 tournament has featured a lot of parity, as a number of ranked teams are on the ropes entering the championship. No. 1 seed Texas A&M needs to win twice to advance to a regional, while one loss could derail its season. No. 10 LSU has already been eliminated and will watch its home regional championship game from the stands.

No. 13 Arizona, No. 14 Duke and No. 16 Oregon also enter similar situations as the Aggies. The Wildcats, Blue Devils and Ducks all need two wins to continue their seasons. Will their seasons continue to the super regionals, or will they all face disappointment with an early ending to their seasons?

Here’s a look at scores and highlights from the second day of the 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament regional round on Sunday, May 18:

NCAA Softball Tournament scores today

Sunday, May 18

  • Tallahassee Regional: Auburn 8, No. 5 Florida State 3
  • Knoxville Regional: No. 7 Tennessee 5, Ohio State 0 | Ohio State eliminated
  • Gainesville Regional: No. 3 Florida 8, Mercer 0, 5 innings | Mercer eliminated
  • Columbia Regional: No. 8 South Carolina 8, North Florida 0, 5 innings | North Florida eliminated
  • Clemson Regional: No. 11 Clemson 5, Kentucky 1 | Kentucky eliminated
  • Austin Regional: No. 6 Texas 9, UCF 0 | UCF eliminated
  • Norman Regional: No. 2 Oklahoma 12, Cal 1, 5 innings | Cal eliminated
  • Durham Regional: No. 14 Duke 8, Georgia 1
  • Tuscaloosa Regional: No. 15 Alabama 3, Virginia Tech 2 | Virginia Tech eliminated
  • Lubbock Regional: No. 12 Texas Tech 9, Mississippi State 6 | Mississippi State eliminated
  • Baton Rouge Regional: Nebraska 8, Southeastern Louisiana 0 | Southeastern Louisiana eliminated
  • Fayetteville Regional: No. 4 Arkansas 12, Oklahoma State 0 (6 innings) | Oklahoma State eliminated
  • Bryan-College Station Regional: No. 1 Texas A&M 14, Liberty 11 (8 innings)
  • Eugene Regional: No. 16 Oregon 15, Stanford 5 (6 innings)
  • Los Angeles Regional: No. 9 UCLA 12, UC Santa Barbara 1 (5 innings) | UC Santa Barbara eliminated
  • Tucson Regional: No. 13 Arizona 10, Ole Miss 1 (5 innings)

If necessary games:

  • Tallahassee Regional: No. 5 Florida State 4, Auburn 0 | Auburn eliminated
  • Durham Regional: Georgia 5, No. 14 Duke 2 (8 innings) | Duke eliminated
  • Bryan-College Station Regional: Liberty 6, No. 1 Texas A&M 5 | Texas A&M eliminated
  • Tucson Regional: Ole Miss 7, No. 13 Arizona 3 | Arizona eliminated
  • Eugene Regional: No. 16 Oregon 10, Stanford 7 | Stanford eliminated
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Keep Reading
Sport

Inter Miami’s worse stretch of Messi’s MLS era continues with loss

Sport 7 Mins Read

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Lionel Messi held his arms up in the air in disbelief. The rest of his Inter Miami teammates joined him in complaint, and waited to see what would come from their contest with a referee.

No one was watching Orlando City’s Luis Muriel, who scored a goal just before halftime that kept the Inter Miami players fuming as they walked onto the pitch for the second half.

Orlando City’s Marco Pašalić doubled the lead (53’), Dagur Thorhallsson scored before the final whistle (90’+4’), and Inter Miami lost 3-0 at Chase Stadium on MLS Sunday Night Soccer.

“There’s always something going on with the referees, some isolated plays. I think MLS needs to look a little more closely to the referees,” Messi said during a post-match interview with Apple TV.

It’s easily the most difficult stretch Inter Miami has experienced in the Messi era – even more for first-year coach Javier Mascherano, whose lineup changes are not sparking enough fire offensively to keep up.

Inter Miami has won just one match in its last seven games – conceding 20 goals, while scoring just 12. They have lost five matches during the stretch, including their elimination in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup tournament by MLS Western Conference leaders Vancouver late last month. 

Messi and his squad are a club in disarray, about to be exposed on the world stage during the FIFA Club World Cup next month.

“It’s a difficult time, but we’re going to come through this together,” Messi said. “Now we’ll really see if we’re a team in difficult times because when everything is going well, it’s very easy. But when difficult times come, like now, that’s when we have to be more united than ever, be a real team and get through it.”

“We as a coaching staff are failing, and we have to try to turn things around,” Mascherano added.

Inter Miami’s frustration boiled over as Messi, Luis Suarez and others contested with referees before their first goal allowed.

Messi contested an Orlando player made a pass backward to his goalkeeper, who then picked the ball up with his hands – leading to the transition goal. However, there was another Orlando player in front of the goalkeeper who did not touch the ball – making it permissible for the goalkeeper to pick it up.

“There was a strange play where one of their players passed the ball to goalkeepers and the referee told me that he didn’t know the rule, that he didn’t think it was a foul or that he didn’t understand it,” Messi said. “And well, from there came a long ball, and the goal.”

Messi and Luis Suarez each received yellow cards within minutes of each other midway through the second half as tensions remained raised. A season ago, they both scored twice in a 5-0 win over their in-state rivals as part of a record-setting season where Inter Miami won the MLS Supporters’ Shield.

After losing the Florida Derby during MLS Rivalry Week, Inter Miami fell to sixth place (21 points) in the MLS Eastern Conference, jumped by Orlando City (24 points) in the standings.

They dropped from fourth to fifth earlier this week behind Philadelphia Union (29 points), FC Cincinnati (29 points), Columbus Crew (27 points) and Nashville (24 points) after a 3-3 draw in San Jose on Wednesday night.

Inter Miami’s last win was a 4-1 victory against the New York Red Bulls on May 3.

Inter Miami has three MLS regular-season matches remaining, and Messi is expected to join Argentina for two World Cup qualifying matches – Argentina will visit Chile on June 5, and host Colombia on June 10 –before the Club World Cup.

They will play in the tournament opener on June 14 against Egyptian side Al Alhy at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the first of three group-stage matches during the summer tournament between 32 of the best teams in the world.

They’re barely a Top 15 team in MLS, amid their difficult stretch. And time isn’t on their side for much-needed improvement.

“It has been a period of poor results, but we must continue working and think about what lies ahead,” Messi said. “We have four games left to finish the month on a high note ahead of the Club World Cup.” “If we all start pulling in different directions, it’s going to be impossible to get out of it. It’s clear that we have to get out of this together,” Mascherano added.

Marco Pašalić scores goal: Orlando City 2, Inter Miami 0

Inter Miami allowed a goal before halftime, and one to begin the second half. Marco Pašalić has scored in the 53rd minute to double Orlando City’s lead.

Luis Muriel scores goal: Orlando City 1, Inter Miami 0

Orlando City is on the board just before halftime as Luis Muriel scored a breakaway goal in the 43rd minute of the match.

Iván Angulo shot saved by Oscar Ustari: Inter Miami 0, Orlando City 0

Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari saved this attempt by Orlando City’s Iván Angulo in the 24th minute. Ustari has been on the opposite end of 17 goals allowed in the last six games.

Messi misses shot with right boot: Inter Miami 0, Orlando City 0

Lionel Messi lined up this opportunity with his right foot instead of his legendary left, but was unable to score past Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese in the 22nd minute.

Messi contract talks: When will he re-sign with Inter Miami?

Lionel Messi is under contract this season, but Inter Miami wants to extend the World Cup champion.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said of a possible extension for Messi: “Hopefully in a few weeks, we can have some news about Leo because I think it will be very, very good for the club, for the fans, and for MLS.”

Is Messi playing vs. Orlando City? Inter Miami lineup today

Yes, Messi was announced as a starter by Inter Miami before the match. Here are the starting lineups for both clubs:

How to watch Inter Miami vs. Orlando City match on TV, live stream?

The match is available on the Apple TV+ channel, and MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

What time is Inter Miami vs. Orlando City match?

The match begins at 7 p.m. ET (8 p.m. in Argentina).

Is Luis Suarez playing tonight vs. Orlando City?

Suarez is also listed in the starting lineup, and returns after missing the last two Inter Miami matches due to personal reasons.

Inter Miami vs. Orlando City prediction

Inter Miami 2, Orlando City 1: Messi scores a goal and has an assist in a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami against Orlando City. — Safid Deen, Lionel Messi reporter.

Inter Miami vs. Orlando City betting odds

Inter Miami enters the match as the favorite (-130), while a draw (+290) has slightly lower odds than a win by Orlando City (+300), according to BETMGM.

Messi to join Argentina before Club World Cup

Messi has been called up by the defending World Cup champions for qualifying matches for the 2026 tournament. Argentina will visit Chile on June 5, and host Colombia on June 10.

Messi, Inter Miami upcoming schedule

  • May 24: Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m. ET
  • May 28: Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m. ET
  • May 31: Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m. ET

Messi, Inter Miami schedule for Club World Cup

  • June 14: Inter Miami vs. Al Alhy, 8 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)
  • June 19: Inter Miami vs FC Porto, 3 p.m. ET (Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta)
  • June 23: Inter Miami vs. Palmerias, 9 p.m. ET (Hard Rock Stadium in Miami)
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

Keep Reading