Syracuse, N.Y. — Marcellus girls soccer coach Laurie Updike’s cardinal rule for parents communicating with coaches was pretty simple: don’t talk to the coach directly after the game.

Throughout Updike’s 26 years of coaching, parents have broken her rule just a handful of times. A few years ago, a parent was unsatisfied with the playing time their daughter received on senior night, even though she started the game.

Dylan Lopez can kick it with the pros.

Long Island’s newest soccer team, the Fighting Tomcats, has signed the 16-year-old, a soon-to-be Connetquot High School senior varsity star, as the start-up squad’s youngest player.

“They’re obviously much older than me,” Lopez told The Post minutes after inking his deal with the National Premier Soccer League squad that calls Hofstra University home.

“I think just playing with them in this environment is really going to push me and just get used to a higher level,” added the midfielder, who dreams of taking his talents to Spain one day.

The Ronkonkoma native’s deep desire is exactly what the club’s owner — Massapequa soccer legend Jim Kilmeade, the brother of Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, who is also an investor — is shooting for with the new team of 30 that’s almost entirely local.

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“We believe that we can identify and launch players into European careers,” Jim said, adding that the Tomcats are also developing a free youth academy on Long Island.

Lopez gets the best of both worlds with his deal that has no compensation.

Playing with the Tomcats, formally called the American Soccer Club, won’t prohibit him from playing with his competitive Atlantic United travel team, or Connetquot next fall.

Long Island’s newest soccer team, the Fighting Tomcats, has signed 16-year-old Dylan Lopez. Photo courtesy of Dylan Lopez

“When you live on Long Island, you don’t really get opportunities like these,” Lopez said. “It’s usually those people in Europe that get these chances.”

Now, the teen being recruited by Sacred Heart University has the chance to show what he’s made of on a grander stage.

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The moment is a dream come true for his mom and twin brother, Brandon, with whom Lopez has played his entire life.

“He’s always been there,” Lopez said of his sibling, who is one minute younger. “Every time we’re on the field, it’s always a competition between us. And we just keep pushing each other — going back and forth. It’s really helped me … and he’s super excited for me.”

Bragging rights among family — and friends — are full-time for the food runner at Stella Trattoria in Blue Point, who had to call out of work when he got the good news.

“They’re all going to be shocked,” Lopez said. “It’s going to be a good senior year.”

Put your best foot forward as the sun is finally expected to shine this weekend, with two 5K runs that go for great causes.

The “Hope Is Here” run, which raises money for parental mental health awareness, kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday at First Responders Memorial Park and Ball Field in Islandia, with a registration fee of $45.

The Sayville Fire Department is also hosting its annual 5K at the same time, with a registration fee of $40, starting at the town’s firehouse.

Decatur, IN

(46733)

Today

Partly cloudy skies during the morning hours will become overcast in the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.

Updated: June 20, 2025 @ 2:20 am

Stephanie McMahon and Triple H’s relationship with Vince McMahon has been a matter of discussion lately.

The Billion Dollar Princess had a close relationship with her father during their time in the Stamford-based company.

However, she resigned from the company after her dad came out of retirement in 2023 to become the Executive Chairman. It was also reported that Stephanie and Triple H voted against Vince’s comeback.

The former chairman’s on-screen executive assistant, Jonathan Coachman, recently claimed sources have informed him Vince has not spoken with his daughter and son-in-law for over two years.

During his WWE Hall of Fame speech earlier this year, The Game mentioned his father-in-law. Although he expressed his love for him, he admitted that their relationship was complicated.

Stephanie McMahon has seemingly confirmed the same during her recent interview with WWE President Nick Khan on her What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon podcast.

When Khan referenced Triple H’s Hall of Fame comments about Vince after praising the latter for creating an empire, she was quick to shut down the subject. She stated that she was not going to “get deep” into the matter but admitted that “family’s complicated.”

“So, all credit to him [Vince]. I only have admiration for him. I know, as Paul said, Triple H said, at the Hall of Fame speech, family’s complicated. And, obviously, we don’t need to get into any of that,” Nick Khan said. “Yeah, we’re not going any deeper on that. But yes,” Stephanie replied. [1:10:42 onwards]

Ex-WWE Writer Says Triple H And Stephanie McMahon Scr*wed Vince McMahon

On a previous episode of his Vince Russo’s Brand podcast, the former WWE head writer addressed Triple H’s comments about having a complicated relationship with his father-in-law.

The wrestling veteran claimed The Game and The Billion Dollar Princess “scr*wed over” Vince McMahon, referencing their reported voting against his comeback in 2023. He added that such actions would surely cause the complications the Chief Content Officer talked about.

Yeah, Triple H, it’s complicated. It’s complicated because you and the Mrs. scr*wed over the father-in-law and the father. Yes! That would make things complicated. I agree with you. And, it’s probably, extremely, complicated. Now, when I talk about them scr*wing him over, that is factual. That is not allegation. That is not speculation. That is actual.

If you use any quotes from this article please credit original source and then h/t with a link back to TJR Wrestling for the transcription.

Following another day of camp, South Carolina football offered a scholarship to class of 2028 EDGE Kylen Pope. Pope, a 6-3, 230-pound native of Cartersville, Georgia, had a good day working out in front of Gamecock coaches. His newest offer is far from his first. In fact, Pope holds power conference offers from Oregon, LSU, Auburn, Miami, Michigan, Utah, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, Georgia Tech, Purdue, West Virginia, and Wake Forest.

With his extensive offer list, it should come as no surprise that Pope made On3’s class of 2028 watch list earlier this spring. The Cartersville High School product was one of 11 overall EDGE players to make the cut.

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As a player, Pope has lined up both at defensive end and outside linebacker. However, he has spent most of his time with his hand in the dirt. Pope has showcased explosive get-off, but he plays under control, a rare combination for a young player. His speed around the edge allows him to chase down plays from behind that were designed to run away from him.

Pope is better against the run than most freshman EDGEs, as he can read ballcarriers’ eyes and toss aside blockers to make plays. In passing situations, he can pin his ears back and go, but he is not a one-move-and-quit type of rusher. Instead, he continues to fight until the whistle, earning himself many extra sacks and tackles with his motor.

Pope has the potential to develop into an impact player at the collegiate level.