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RIO DE JANEIRO -- Before they took the court and won bronze, they gathered in the locker room one final time. Each player on the U.S. womens volleyball took a turn to speak.Jordan Larson told her teammates she loved them and would fight for every one of them.Alisha Glass made sure they all knew there was nowhere shed rather be now than right here in Rio.Captain Christa Dietzen? She didnt need an Olympic medal. She already understood what this tight-knit team was all about, and she also knew it sure would be nice to wear one home as she heads into retirement and prepares to start a family. They thanked one another for the time and effort over four hard years.Beach star Kerri Walsh Jennings sent a note of her own: Go get a bronze. Just as Walsh Jennings and April Ross did.Im just really proud to be a part of this program, Larson said. Its come a long way. Im just really happy because there are a lot of good people who deserve this. A lot of people just gave their hearts and soul to this.Player-turned-coach Karch Kiraly, the only person to win Olympic volleyball gold as a beach and indoor player, addressed each woman. He spoke of his admiration and acknowledged those players back home who didnt make the cut.Just by stepping on the court Saturday, Foluke Akinradewo showed how this squad stuck together. She returned from an injury to her left leg that forced her out early in the semifinal loss to Serbia. The star middle blocker took charge as the top-ranked Americans bounced back two days later to beat the Netherlands 25-23, 25-27, 25-22, 25-19.After Kim Hills ace on match point, the U.S. women fell into an embrace. Kiraly hugged his coaches and brought the women into a huddle for one last cheer.In a way, selfishly, I wanted a gold medal to almost prove the way this culture is, or the way the culture has grown and the foundation that weve built, almost to prove it right -- that the way we did it was right, Dietzen said. A medals not going to prove that. A medal doesnt define this team. It will never define this team.Reserve setter Courtney Thompson, the Americans inspirational motivator, joined Dietzen in announcing immediately after the match that her volleyball days are done. Then they joked about meeting for a crack-of-dawn spin class later in the week.I have a whole new respect for everyone that wins a bronze medal, Thompson said. Its not easy, 48 hours later.This group leaves the Olympics again without the big prize. The last three games went this way: Beijing 2008, silver; London 2012, silver; and Rio de Janeiro 2016, bronze.Our team dealt with some real pain and heartache, heartbreak, a couple of days ago, said Kiraly, who thanked Walsh Jennings for her gesture. Im incredibly proud of how within hours they were preparing, carrying that heartbreak, but preparing to be good and to finish strong. I also never had any understanding of how good a bronze medal could feel, and it feels incredible right now. Were so happy to finish this tournament on this note.The Netherlands shined, playing in its first Olympics since the 1996 Atlanta Games. The Dutch pushed the U.S. to five sets in pool play on Aug. 8 and put womens volleyball on the map at home with a gutsy, never-give-up style.Now, the Americans are left to try again in Tokyo 2020 for the programs first gold, with certain new leaders emerging to guide that run: Hill, Kelsey Robinson, Kayla Banwarth.Thompson and Carli Lloyd wrapped themselves together with an American flag. Banwarth lifted the Stars and Stripes above her head.These women will look to build on this even if it wasnt the result they planned for all along. Still, it was far better than departing South America empty-handed.Theres been a lot of tears the past couple days, Hill said. And not just tears of sadness before this match, tears of gratitude and just joy at this experience these past four years, in this tournament and being with this group of people, this special group. Its been such an amazing ride. DJ LeMahieu Jersey . -- Gus Malzahn finally had his day in Fayetteville. Albert Abreu Jersey . Thousands of Southern California fans enveloped the Trojans to celebrate an improbable win secured by an interim coach, an inconsistent kicker and a thin defence that wouldnt break. https://www.cheapyankees.com/1051g-gio-urshela-jersey-yankees.html . The 43-year-old closer, in his 19th and final big league season, has said hed like to play the outfield. Yankees manager Joe Girardi says hes thinking about allowing Rivera to do it this weekend, when the Yankees finish their season with a three-game series at the Houston Astros. Kyle Higashioka Yankees Jersey . Andrew Luck lost his favourite target and the Indianapolis locker room lost one of its most revered leaders when Reggie Wayne was diagnosed Monday with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that will cost him the rest of the season. Adonis Rosa Yankees Jersey . -- The Missouri Tigers might not have a roster full of superstars.Real Madrid are “thinking twice” about selling star man Cristiano Ronaldo this summer and may offer the forward a new deal, according to Sky Sports Spanish football expert Guillem Balague. Madrid have been trying to find a buyer for the Portugal international, whose contract at the Bernabeu runs until the end of June 2018.Ronaldo, 31, has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain and his agent, Jorge Mendes, has an agreement in place for his client to join the Ligue 1 champions next season, according to Balague. However, Real are believed to be having second thoughts about offloading a player who has just finished the season with 50 goals in all competitions for the sixth campaign in a row. Cristiano Ronaldos current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu runs until the end of June 2018 And Los Blancos could opt to hand Ronaldo a contract extension.There is a situation in the transfer market, Balague told Revista Bitesizes 2015/16 season review.Man City have to renew their squad, Man Utd have to renew their squad, Chelsea have to renew their squad, Barcelona have to make changes, Real Madrid have to bring in new blood.And theres not enough players. Theres money, but not enough players. All of a sudden, they may probably think twice about getting rid of Cristiano.There is [Robert] Lewandowski, who they could replace him with, but who else is there out there?Nobody out there has risen to that level that you think they will be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo soon. Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is one of the few players who could replace Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid next season Real have gone from putting a price for Ronaldo to now thinking that there is no clear replacement in the market.Cristiano has been thinking all season this is his last at Madrid and even his house was put up for rent. As a consequence of the lack of alternatives in the market, Real might offer Ronaldo a new contract.Sky Sports Spanish football expert Terry Gibson, meanwhile, believes it is vital Madrid keep Ronaldo at the Bernabeu next season after his impressive campaign in front of goal. Watch the best goals from Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo this season Gibson, though, also recognises it is a tricky choice for Real to make given the Portugueses age and desire now to play solely as a frontman.ddddddddddddNo player should be allowed to leave a club if he is scoring over 50 goals a season, said Gibson.The issue for [Real head coach Zinedine] Zidane is where you play him, if you build a team around him.I hate to say it, but he is now just a goalscorer. He is now almost a full centre forward. I think its important they keep him, but I do understand the business perspective of it. Hes in his 30s now, there is probably one last chance to get another club on his CV for a massive transfer fee. Thats the huge decision for Real Madrid. Terry Gibson Hes in his 30s now, there is probably one last chance to get another club on his CV for a massive transfer fee. Thats the huge decision for Real Madrid.They are running out of time if they want to achieve a big transfer fee for him, but at the same time they will be looking around thinking hes got 50 goals again.Its a big decision for Real. There arent many about where Real can just get the money for Ronaldo and replace him. Also See: Balague: Could Real sell Ronaldo? Ronaldo to PSG? Ronaldo hits 50 goals Revista Bitesize ' ' '