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    MLS side offer free tickets to every fan because Lionel Messi didn’t play against them

    HOUSTON DYNAMO are giving their fans free tickets – after Lionel Messi wasn’t selected to play against them.The MLS side welcomed Inter Miami to Texas for an early-season fixture on Sunday night.Lionel Messi didn’t play in Inter Miami’s 4-1 win over Houston DynamoCredit: ReutersHouston fans have been offered a refund because the Argentinian star was not involvedCredit: GettyDespite no Messi, Miami cruised to a comfortable victoryCredit: GettyMessi, 37, was left out of the Inter starting XI by boss Javier Mascherano. The Argentinian legend didn’t travel with the squad and was rested following a packed schedule to begin the new season. That decision came as a huge disappointment to the thousands who packed out the Shell Energy Stadium.Ahead of the game, Houston took the unusual step of offering free tickets to all home fans after it was revealed Messi would not feature. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe club wrote on X: “The Houston Dynamo are excited to host Inter Miami CF at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday evening.”The recently shared player status report for the match did not include forward Lionel Messi, but it has been reported he did not make the trip to Houston. “Unfortunately, we have no control over who plays for our opponent.”We look forward to hosting everyone tomorrow for what will be an incredible atmosphere and celebration of soccer for the city of Houston. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”To show our appreciation, fans who attend tomorrow night’s match can claim a complimentary ticket to a future Dynamo match this season. Additional details will be provided early next week.”One grateful fan responded: “Disappointing children (my nephews included). But it teaches them a lesson. Team before individuals.”Lionel Messi finally puts ‘cold Tuesday night in Stoke’ theory to bed by running the show in -17 degrees temperatures Another said: “Why were tickets so expensive? Y’all could have sold out the stadium and made more money.”But a third countered: “This parody? You’re apologizing for someone in the opposing team not showing up?”And a fourth added: “Is the @MLS completely dependent on Messi? If so, it’s not a serious league.”While a fifth joked: “Messi ducking the Houston test? Could never be my GOAT.Mascherano made the decision to rest his fellow Argentine after Miami’s busy start to the new campaign. The reigning Eastern Conference winners have played three times over the past 10 days. Mascerano explained: “Leo is fine, he is normal and he will train normally like all his teammates.”The World Cup winner is expected to feature this weekend as Miami host Charlotte.Despite not having the 37-year-old in the lineup, Mascerano’s side breezed past a tepid Dynamo on Sunday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende.And they eventually ran out 4-1 winners, with Luis Suarez completing the rout in the second half. More

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    Lyon manager Paulo Fonseca faces SEVEN-MONTH ban after squaring up to referee in incredible meltdown

    LYON manager Paulo Fonseca faces a SEVEN-MONTH ban after squaring up to referee Benoit Millot. The French side actually beat Brest 2-1 in Ligue 1 but drama unfolded in the dying moments of the game. Paulo Fonseca faces a seven-month ban after squaring up to referee Benoit MillotCredit: AFPFonseca went head to head with ref MillotCredit: AFPFonseca was previously shown yellow earlier in the game but he was sent off after Millot went over to the VAR screen to check for a Brest penalty. The ex-Porto defender was livid with Millot, who then brandished the red card to send Fonseca off. Fonseca squared up to the official in wild scenes and now faces a suspension over seven months, per the league’s rules. His outburst falls under LFP’s Article 8 regarding “intimidating or threatening behaviour.”READ MORE IN footballThe rulebook states his behaviour was “intimidating, all words, gesture and/or attitude that could inspire fear. “Is threatening, all words, gesture and/or attitude expressing the idea of ​​prejudice to the physical integrity of a person.” Any head coach or club executive found guilty of this towards an official during a game faces a seven-match ban, as per the ruleset.Fonseca, who joined Lyon in January after being sacked by AC Milan, apologised for his outburst. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I apologise for this gesture. I shouldn’t do that. Football makes us do bad gestures. The match was very difficult.”Playing against Brest is always difficult, they are a physical team, they defended a lot. These are very important points.”‘That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier LeagueLyon captain Alexandre Lacazette added: “It’s part of football. “I think he’ll regret this gesture but we’ll see what the disciplinary committee says.”It’s tension. There are a lot of questionable choices. When you live the match, sometimes you can do things. We’re all behind the coach.”Lyon are now sixth in the table with PSG leading second-place Marseille by 13 points. Fonseca had to apologise for his outburstCredit: Getty More

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    ‘That’s why I’m the manager’ – Ruben Amorim hits back at Wayne Rooney as Man Utd boss aims to win Premier League

    RUBEN AMORIM hit back at Wayne Rooney for branding his Prem title ambitions as ‘naive’.Fulham dumped out FA Cup holders Manchester United as keeper Bernd Leno saved penalties from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee in a shootout.Ruben Amorim believes it’s never too early to mention his title dreamCredit: PAEx-Man Utd striker Wayne Rooney fears stars might be reluctant to join Man Utd because they want Champions League footballCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BBCMOTDFulham relished their FA Cup shootout victory over the Red Devils at Old Trafford, with a quarter-final against Crystal Palace the rewardCredit: PABut United boss Amorim says his real goal is to become league champions.The Red Devils’ 253-goal top scorer Rooney, who turns 40 in October, claims that will not happen until top players want to sign for the club.In a dig at Rooney, who was axed as Plymouth boss in December, Amorim blasted: “I’m not naive. We know we are in a difficult time.” I knew that before I came and I know that now – maybe that’s why I am the manager of Manchester United at 40 years of age.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“It’s really easy to be a pundit. I was a pundit for a time in Portugal and I know it’s easy and everybody knows everything.“Winning the league again at this club is the goal.“Being ‘naive’ is thinking we are going to do it this season or being the best contender next season.”Amorim’s blast at Rooney is the second time in three days that he has called out a club icon.Most read in FootballThe next three matches might be especially crucial to the mood around the clubBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Portuguese bit back at Roy Keane on Friday over the former Red Devils skipper’s criticism of current captain Bruno Fernandes, saying “my opinion is more important”.TV pundit Rooney took aim at Amorim for earlier saying in a post-match ITV interview that “the goal is to win the Premier League”.Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missRooney said: “It’s a little naive to say they’re looking to win the Premier League because from where they are now, they’re a long way off that.“If I’m a player at a different club and Manchester United try to sign me, I’m thinking ‘I’m not sure’. The top players want Champions League.“United were in transition when I signed and a big reason I signed was Sir Alex Ferguson because you knew he’d get it right and build that team again. It’s hard to see that now.”Amorim was appointed United boss on November 1 after Erik ten Hag was sacked — five months after the Dutchman won the FA Cup.The former Sporting Lisbon manager has lost ten of 24 matches across all competitions since taking over. Ten Hag took 55 matches to lose ten games.This defeat — earning Fulham a home quarter-final with Crystal Palace — came in a shootout after Fernandes levelled Calvin Bassey’s opener.Rooney added: “He’ll get time but it’s not a free hit and managers aren’t getting that time over the last ten to 15 years.“You have to be selfish as a manager and say ‘okay, if I don’t do it now I might not get that time’.Amorim says he always knew bossing the Red Devils would be ‘difficult’Credit: Rex“There has been a slow decline of the club. They need to get some consistency and then they will move forward.”Fernandes suggested his team were not fit enough to see off Fulham in extra-time.He said: “We were out of legs and we couldn’t keep the ball. It’s just tiredness.“It’s very disappointing. We’ve been struggling in the Premier League so this was one of our aims, getting to Wembley again like last season and two seasons before.“Fulham were more relaxed on the ball with more patience.”Fulham have never won a major trophy but qualified for the quarter-finals for the second season in three.Boss Marco Silva said: “We were brave and we were the better team.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was a moment for Bernd Leno to show that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.“We really want to get to Wembley this time – this competition is so important to this club.”Amorim must lift Joshua Zirkzee & Co after penalties woeCredit: PA More

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    ‘Excited’ Pep Guardiola reveals potential Rodri injury return date with Man City star progressing quicker than expected

    PEP GUARDIOLA is ‘excited’ by Rodri’s progress — and now believes the Ballon d’Or winner could return THIS season.And that means Manchester City may have their man for the big  occasion back if they secure a return to Wembley in May’s FA Cup final.Man City midfielder Rodri is now tipped to play this seasonCredit: ReutersBoss Pep Guardiola knows how much City have missed RodriCredit: GettyThe Spaniard has been sidelined since he ruptured a cruciate ligament in September  against Arsenal in his first Prem game of the season.Guardiola initially ruled the midfielder out for the rest of the campaign — and suggested he would struggle to make the expanded Club World Cup in June and July. But City posted footage of Rodri going through individual training on Friday. And he was in the dressing room for Saturday’s win over Plymouth.READ MORE MAN CITY NEWSThat had supporters anticipating the ex-Atletico Madrid man’s return, and Guardiola admitted his progress has been quicker than expected.He said: “The fans must know they are not the only ones excited.It’s been 5½ months, six months, so after the international break it could be. But one step at a time — we don’t have to make stupid decisions for him to come back weeks earlier.“It’s good — although he’s not close to coming back, I’d say. But he’s been touching the ball, he’s been in the locker room. He feels confident, he’s more happy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“I could not expect before for him to return before even the Club World Cup.“But now in the Premier League season, maybe it’s going to happen.”Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldRodri has made a habit of scoring key goals for City, none more than the winner in the 2023 Champions League final.He has a month before the international break and after that there will be nine games left of City’s Prem campaign.Their only hope of domestic silverware this term is the FA Cup — with the  semi-finals on the weekend of April 28 and the final three weeks after that.That gives midfield linchpin Rodri, 28,  something to aim for  in his recovery.The Prem ends on May 25 but City’s stars will  be back  around June 12 to head to the US for the Club World Cup. More

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    Darren Fletcher’s touchline antics before Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee’s penalty vs Fulham speak volumes

    MANCHESTER UNITED first team coach Darren Fletcher headed for the tunnel before Joshua Zirkzee had even missed his crucial penalty against Fulham.The Red Devils contested a penalty shoot-out with Marco Silva’s side following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was devastated after squandering his penaltyCredit: GettyDarren Fletcher is a first team coach at Man UtdCredit: GettyWith Fulham having scored their first four spot kicks, Zirkzee needed to convert in order to keep the tie alive, as Victor Lindelof had squandered United’s previous penalty.Zirkzee’s tame shot was saved by Bernd Leno, thus confirming Fulham’s victory.The tearful Dutchman was consoled by his team-mates following his unfortunate moment.Per the MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst, Fletcher hadn’t appeared to have much faith in United rescuing the shoot-out.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe wrote on X: “Darren Fletcher headed for the exit before Joshua Zirkzee took his penalty kick. Everyone knows the score with the team that barely score.”Zirkzee, 23, has scored just three Premier League goals since completing his £36.5million move from Bologna last summer.Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, has netted just twice in the league this term.He had already been replaced by 17-year-old Chido Obi prior to the shoot-out.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter the game, Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney admitted that he would rather have Danny Welbeck still at the club than their current options.Working as a pundit for the BBC, he said: “Danny’s great to play alongside.Wayne Rooney puffs out cheeks after ‘easy’ question live on BBC ahead of Man Utd’s FA Cup clash vs Fulham”If I’m completely honest I’d probably like to still see him here, playing for Manchester United.”He’s scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries in the early part of his career but he seems to have got over them and he’s having a fantastic season.”The 39-year-old had more encouraging words for teenager Obi.He added: “What I’ve really liked about him is he’s put himself in some really good positions — I’ve been really impressed by him.”He looked like the one who could go on and nick it.”Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. More

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    Wayne Rooney says he would like to see former striker, 34, at Man Utd as Zirkzee and Hojlund misfire again

    WAYNE ROONEY has admitted that he’d like to see Danny Welbeck still playing for Manchester United.The Red Devils academy graduate, 34, played alongside Rooney at Old Trafford between 2008 and 2014.Wayne Rooney appeared as a pundit on the BBCCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BBCMOTDDanny Welbeck scored for Brighton at NewcastleCredit: GettyRooney played alongside Welbeck for Man Utd and EnglandCredit: Lee Thompson – The SunHaving been well thought of by Sir Alex Ferguson, Welbeck fell down the pecking order following the legendary Scot’s departure and was subsequently sold by Louis van Gaal.Following stints with Arsenal and Watford, the former England international has thrived at Brighton.The veteran netted the winning goal for the Seagulls at Newcastle earlier today and Rooney gushed over his ability.Sitting at Old Trafford working as a BBC pundit for United’s FA Cup clash with Fulham, the former Man Utd captain said: “Danny’s great to play alongside.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”If I’m completely honest I’d probably like to still see him here, playing for Manchester United.”He’s scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries in the early part of his career but he seems to have got over them and he’s having a fantastic season.”Welbeck has scored seven goals in 25 Premier League appearances this season.That is more than Rasmus Hojlund (two) and Joshua Zirkzee (three) have managed combined this term.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBoth of United’s misfiring forwards failed to find the net today as their side crashed out of the FA Cup.Hojlund, 22, was replaced by Chido Obi on 68 minutes following an ineffective display.Wayne Rooney starts new job in Middle East as Man Utd legend touches down for first day after leaving Plymouth While Zirkzee played the full 120 minutes before missing a crucial penalty in the shoot-out.Rooney, 39, was encouraged by Obi’s latest cameo.He said: “What I’ve really liked about him is he’s put himself in some really good positions — I’ve been really impressed by him.”He looked like the one who could go on and nick it.” More

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    Man Utd ratings: Hojlund couldn’t hit a barn, never mind a door, but Bruno Fernandes is Captain Commitment vs Fulham

    MANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee scuffed his crucial penaltyCredit: AFPRasmus Hojlund had another poor game up frontCredit: GettyFulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno. United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.But the visitors were always dangerous, forcing a good save from Andre Onana after an Emile Smith Rowe strike.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHere is how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the performances.ANDRE ONANA – 6Another cock-up for Ipswich’s first goal last Wednesday, so, had Altay Bayinder been fit, Onana would surely have paid for the blunder that also involved Patrick Dorgu.Today he dropped what should have been a dolly catch in the 32nd minute, but then soon after came for an Andreas Periera corner and took it perfectly.Wayne Rooney puffs out cheeks after ‘easy’ question live on BBC ahead of Man Utd’s FA Cup clash vs FulhamYou never know what you’re going to get from him but he produced a great, late save low to deny sub Smith Rowe.However, the Cameroonian did not get near any of Fulham’s penalties.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7Not the quickest in the world and after his £42m arrival from Bayern Munich, he looked to be struggling to acclimatise.But he’s slowly starting to settle in and one huge difference could be seen in a series of sweeping long balls directed towards the left and Dalot.That’s clearly an attribute he’s improved in training and speaks to the demands that have been made of United’s defenders under the new regime.HARRY MAGUIRE – 5Amorim reckons he should be an automatic choice for Thomas Tuchel and his first England squad when World Cup qualifying which kicks off against Albania later this month.The Stretford End might disagree about the man who remains the world’s most expensive centre-half and gets caught under too many high crosses.LENY YORO -7The 19-year-old was making only his 18th appearance in English football following his £52m summer move from Lille and he’s growing into it.This was the French international’s most assured performance yet, playing as a right-footer on the left of Amorim’s three-man rearguard.There are positive signs that he could become value for money in the long-term. Being hooked in favour of Victor Lindelof early in the second half was a big surprise. NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6The Moroccan international signed from Bayern for a mere £12.6m has looked a bargain. One of the few Erik ten Hag signings who looked like he belonged as a United player, but is hardly Mr. Exciting as a right wing back.He struggled to cope with the threat posed by Alex Iwobi and Robinson, rarely venturing forward with any real conviction.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Will have been mystified that it was him who was withdrawn for Garnacho, even though the winger’s pace was badly needed.Admittedly, he hasn’t looked like he was worth a fee of up to £50m, but he dug in against well-organised, hardly sensational, opponents.What he lacks is goals. He did score a howitzer to complete United’s comeback in the 2-2 draw with Everton eight days earlier but that’s still his only strike in 32 appearances… not a good return at all.BRUNO FERNANDES – 9Not exactly a Captain Fantastic – but he is Captain Commitment and his work rate in this one was phenomenal, popping up all over the pitch – in defence as well as attack, delivering plenty of decent balls to boot.There was also the sweetest of equalisers, a low right footer on the half volley from Dalot’s cut-back that arrowed into Leno’s left-hand corner.DIOGO DALOT – 5The Portuguese is naturally right-sided but filled in for suspended left wing-back Dorgu and was just average.United fans can never say he doesn’t give his all but out of position, as he was against the Cottagers, he never looks that comfortable.De Ligt delivered some marvellous cross-field balls to him and he failed with all of them.However, he did produce a fine low cut-back for Fernandes to equalise.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Made his first start in over a month and at the age of 33, Amorim continues to speak highly off him, insisting he still has a long future ahead of him as a top player.But that is not likely to be at Old Trafford, with his contract up in the summer and the chance to get more weight off the imbalanced wage bill.Starting to look his age, sadly. He still has a great eye for a pass, but delivering them as he once did so imperiously is becoming a major problem for him.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 3Was famously reduced to tears when hauled off after 33 minutes in the 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United two days short of the new year.And tonight he cried again, this time at his scuffed penalty.The Dutch “attacker”, for want of a less polite description, played like he was in a fog, always in the wrong place at the wrong time and basically just getting in the way.RASMUS HOJLUND – 2His first touch is horrendous but then again his third isn’t that much better – of all Amorim’s changes the Dane’s was the most obvious.Only Antony, and only because of his £85m price tag, can be considered a worse signing than that striker who cost £72m.Harsh, brutal even? Not when you consider that after 78 games he’s got only 23 goals.Hasn’t hit the net for 18 in a row – and couldn’t hit a barn, never mind a door.SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO (for Ugarte, 53 minutes) – 6Lunch is going to be on him for his strop-walk down the tunnel after being subbed in last week’s win over Ipswich Town, but almost gobbled up a late, late chance to prevent extra time.VICTOR LINDELOF (for Yoro, 53 minutes) – 5The Swede had become the forgotten man under Amorim. But it will be impossible to forget his poor penalty in the shootout. CASEMIRO (for Eriksen, 68 minutes) – 6Maybe not quite as gone at the game as some of his performances have suggested in recent times – very solid as midfield enforcer and took a great penalty.CHIDO OBI (for Hojlund, 68 minutes) – 6Got one of the biggest cheers of a darkening Old Trafford night when he took to the pitch – and this giant Bambi of a 17-year-old almost claimed the winner in time added on.AYDEN HEAVEN (for Maguire, 90 minutes) – 6The January arrival from Arsenal came on suddenly found himself in the middle of FA Cup drama. More

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    ‘Agonising and lonely’ – Man Utd women’s star slams club’s ‘environment’ in emotional post

    MAN UTD Women star Geyse has revealed her unhappiness at the club.The Brazilian, who is currently struggling for minutes, took to social media to vent her frustrations.Man Utd Women star Geyse has voiced her displeasure over her game timeCredit: GettyShe revealed her “agonising and lonely” feeling, while slamming the “environment” at the club.Geyse wrote on Instagram: “Staying in a place where we don’t feel happy is an agonising and lonely feeling. Every day seems heavier, and the simple fact of being there becomes a burden.”The environment, which should be welcoming, becomes a field of discomfort, where inner peace is difficult to find. When we are not in tune with what surrounds us, the world around us loses its colour and energy.”Sometimes, the desire for change arises as an urgent need, but the fear of the unknown or insecurity about the future can paralyse us.Read more on Man Utd “However, it is essential to remember that we deserve to be in places and situations that bring us happiness and fulfilment.”That’s the only way we can grow.”The forward came on as a 84th minute sub at the Leigh Sports Village in Man Utd’s 2-0 win over Leicester City in the WSL on Sunday.Before she came on, she was given a pat on the shoulders from veteran Rachel Williams who whispered something in her ear.Most read in FootballHer sixth minute cameo was her ninth appearance of the season, and her first in the WSL since December 15.Ruben Amorim blames results on the pitch for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal Man Utd cuts Geyse returned to Manchester in February, following the death of her brother in a car accident in her homeland on January 16.She was given a leave of absence by the club, after the tragic incident.Man Utd boss Marc Skinner is understanding of her current situation.He said: “Geyse wants to play. She wants to start, but we all know the difficult time she’s going through.”Her mood will be up and down at times and that’s okay. We’re working with humans, it’s not robots.“Naturally Rachel [Williams] is a motivator, she’s like a big sister to a lot of them.”Geyse and Rachel have a really good relationship and sometimes you need that and hopefully we can see Geyse start to feel herself again in the coming months.” More