Inspiring

Jordyn Huitema is seeking Champions League glory in her first season with Paris Saint-Germain. The Canadian teen saw her boyfriend Alphonso Davies lift the trophy earlier in August. After Davies defeated Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and the rest of the PSG men, he will now be the club’s biggest fan in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

During the novel coronavirus pandemic, in which having fans in American stadiums is highly irresponsible given the federal government’s complete failure to control the spread of Covid-19, professional sports teams have turned to inventive ways to get fans involved. MLS and the NBA have used live video feeds of fans displayed in the background of the action. Many MLB teams have created cardboard cutouts of fans behind home plate. Some broadcasters have used computer-animated fans to fill the stadiums.

But nothing beats the Philadelphia Union’s plan.

As Alphonso Davies walked off the pitch after helping his team eviscerate Barcelona 8-2, the 19-year-old walked up to his childhood idol and asked for his jersey. He was rebuffed, probably the only time he’s failed to get what he wants in the 20 months since he left Canada for Bavaria.

Leeds United was 90 minutes away from the 2001 Champions League Final. 

A lively first leg in the semifinal ended goalless. Leeds had plenty of opportunities in the second half, but the club was happy to earn a home shutout against Valencia in an evenly contested match.

The task ahead was formidable, though. Valencia was unbeaten in its last 17 European Cup matches at the Estadio Mestalla, and the Spanish side was Champions League runner-up the previous season.