Once 11 points behind Arsenal in December, Manchester United has now caught the Gunners with 41 points.

After a disastrous first four months of the season, Manchester United now looks like one of the most dangerous teams in the Premier League.

The Red Devils' renaissance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued at Wembley Stadium Sunday, in a 1-0 win over Tottenham.

Paul Pogba's beautifully played pass into space was blasted home inside the far post by Marcus Rashford just before the break, to give the visitors a lead. After that, the second half was the David De Gea show, as the United keeper made save after save to deny the hosts.

Once 11 points behind Arsenal in December, Manchester United has now caught the Gunners with 41 points. The Red Devils are six points behind Chelsea, which sits in fourth, and seven behind Tottenham in third.

Arsenal and Chelsea play next week, Spurs' attacker Son Heung-min will miss time to play with South Korea, and Harry Kane limped off with an injured ankle suffered in the final minute of the loss to Manchester United.

With its next two Premier League matches at home, against Brighton (10 a.m. EST Saturday NBC Sports and Fubo.tv), Burnley (Tuesday, Jan. 29 3 p.m. EST TBD), followed by Leicester City and Fulham away, can Manchester United jump into the top four?

In the other Sunday contest, Everton overcame a slow first half to beat Bournemouth, and move up to 10th in the table.

RESULTS

Everton 2-0 Bournemouth

Tottenham 0-1 Manchester United

SUNDAY'S THREE STARS

David De Gea, Manchester United

The best keeper in the world had 11 saves, to completely stonewall the Spurs. De Gea also had his second straight clean sheet, and was the Whoscored.com Man of the Match with a 9.08 rating.

Ander Herrera, Manchester United

Does not always get the love the other midfielders in the squad get, but Herrera was immense Sunday.

Ademola Lookman, Everton

The young winger had the assist on the second goal for Everton, and was a terror to deal with on both sides of the pitch.

STAR OF THE WEEKEND

David De Gea, Manchester United

West Ham and Watford make pushes toward Europa League spot

MONDAY PREMIER LEAGUE SCHEDULE

Manchester City vs. Wolverhampton, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

F.A. CUP THIRD ROUND REPLAY SCHEDULE

(All matches on ESPN+)

Tuesday, Jan. 15

Luton Town vs. Sheffield Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. EST

Blackburn vs. Newcastle United, 2:45 p.m. EST

Stole City vs. Shrewsbury Town, 3 p.m EST

Wednesday, Jan. 16

Southampton vs. Derby County, 2:45 p.m. EST

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean His podcast, Box to Box Football, can be found on iTunes here https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/box-to-box-football/id1208561351?mt=2

Consider a shelter dog or cat for your next pet.

Petfinder -- an online, searchable database of adoptable animals -- compiled a list of common misconceptions about pet adoption in the hopes that if myths are debunked, more people will adopt dogs and cats from shelters and rescues.

"I don't know what I'm getting."

There is likely more information available on adoptable animals than pets for purchase in pet stores. Many of the pets from rescue groups are in foster care, living with their fosterer 24/7; information on their personality and habits is typically vast. Even shelters have a very good idea about how the dogs and cats in their care behave with people and other animals.

"I can't find what I want at a shelter."

Not only are their breed-specific rescue groups, but some rescues and shelters maintain waiting lists for specific breeds. There are even means on Petfinder.com to be notified when certain breeds are posted for adoption.

"I can get a pet for free from a friend or acquaintance; why pay an adoption fee?"

The "free pet" from a source other than a shelter or rescue group isn't necessarily free. Adoption fees usually cover a number of services and treatments including spay/neuter and veterinary checkups. Covering these costs on your own would call for spending the following estimated amounts:

"Pets are in shelters because they don't make good pets."

Here are the main reasons animals end up in shelters or with rescue groups:

While no one can say that every pet adopted from a shelter or rescue will work out perfectly, it's important to remember that misinformation about these homeless animals often keeps them from finding loving homes.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Checking out the Garden State from the sky.

Although drones and Google Earth may have taken the novelty out of aerial photos, it wasn't all that long ago when one of the more attention-getting illustrations a business could have for a postcard was a picture of its location captured from an airplane. But it was photography from an even higher vantage point that went from eye-pleasing to humankind-helping.

NASA's earliest satellites in the 1960s provided photos of weather systems allowing meteorologists to more accurately track and predict hurricanes and typhoons. According to nasa.gov, advancements in technology (and its miniaturization) allowed future satellites "to measure the 3-D properties of clouds, smoke and other pollutants in the atmosphere; the speed and direction of wind near the ocean surface; the precise elevation and shape of Earth's surface; and changes in Earth's polar ice sheets."

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

The site goes on to note that "airborne observations conducted by NASA played a critical role in helping scientists understand why the Antarctic ozone depletion was occurring - through a connection between meteorology, aerosol/cloud chemistry, and industrially produced chlorine. These findings dramatized the significance of environmental change." The 1988 Montreal Protocol, an international agreement requiring the signatory nations to employ nondestructive alternatives to CFCs, was one of the important results of this research.

While not taken from quite so high, these vintage photos provide a look at New Jersey from above from years gone by. And, here are links to some other galleries you may enjoy.

Vintage photos of N.J. from above

Vintage aerial photos of N.J.

Vintage N.J. photos that deserve a second look

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Spurs' striker Harry Kane injured his ankle ligaments in the 1-0 loss to Manchester United last weekend, and is set to be out of action until at least March.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done something no other Manchester United manager has managed to do: win his first five Premier League matches in charge of the Red Devils.

The total is six in a row, including the 2-0 win over Reading in the F.A. Cup third round, and he will get a chance to extend that record this Saturday at home, Manchester United will take on Brighton & Hove Albion at 10 a.m EST (CNBC and Fubo.tv). 

The Red Devils have caught Arsenal on points in the Premier League table, and are now just seven points behind a suddenly injury ravaged Tottenham, which sits in third place.

Spurs' striker Harry Kane injured his ankle ligaments in the 1-0 loss to Manchester United last weekend, and is set to be out of action until at least March.

It could not have come at a worse time for Tottenham, which is without Son Heung-min, who has left for three weeks to play in the Asian Cup with South Korea, and Moussa Sissoko, who was also injured in the Manchester United match and could miss up to a month of action.

Kane may miss seven Premier League matches, but he will also miss out on the busiest cup time of the season. Tottenham has the Carabao Cup semifinal second leg match Thursday at Chelsea, which the Spurs lead 1-0 on aggregate. There is also a potential final on Sunday, February 24 against Manchester City, if Tottenham can hold off Chelsea.

The Spurs also have the two-legged UEFA Champions League tie with Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, February 13 and Tuesday, March 5, plus a fourth round F.A. Cup match next Sunday away to Crystal Palace.

What does this all mean for the top four race?

With Tottenham's injuries, Arsenals annual winter swoon in full effect, and Manchester United all of a sudden on fire, it could be all set up for a grandstand finish to the league.

PREMIER LEAGUE WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Saturday, January 19

Wolverhampton vs. Leicester, 7:30 a.m EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace, 10 a.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Manchester United vs. Brighton, 10 a.m. EST (CNBC and Fubo.tv)

Bournemouth vs. West Ham United, 10 a.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Newcastle United vs. Cardiff City, 10 a.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Southampton vs. Everton, 10 a.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Watford vs. Burnley, 10 a.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Arsenal vs. Chelsea, 12:30 p.m. EST (NBC and Fubo.tv)

Sunday, January 20

Huddersfield vs. Manchester City, 8:30 a.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Fulham vs. Tottenham, 11 a.m. EST  (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

CARABAO CUP SEMIFINAL SECOND LEGS

(All games on ESPN+)

Wednesday, January 23

Burton Albion vs. Manchester City, 2:45 p.m. EST 

Thursday, January 24

Chelsea vs. Tottenham, 2:45 p.m. EST 

David De Gea's 11 saves help Manchester United knock off Tottenham

F.A. CUP THIRD ROUND RESULTS

Tuesday

Luton Town 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday 

Blackburn 2-4 Newcastle United, A.E.T.

Stoke City 2-3 Shrewsbury Town

Wednesday 

Southampton 2-2 Derby County, Derby County wins 5-3 on penalty kicks 

F.A. CUP FOURTH ROUND SCHEDULE

(All games on ESPN+)

Friday, January 25

Arsenal v Manchester United, 2:55 p.m. EST 

Saturday, January 26

Shrewsbury Town v Wolverhampton, 10 a.m. EST

Brighton v West Brom, 10 a.m. EST

Newcastle United v Watford, 10 a.m. EST

Manchester City v Burnley, 10 a.m. EST 

Millwall v Everton, 12:30 p.m. EST

Wimbledon v West Ham United, 2:45 p.m. EST

Sunday, January 27

Crystal Palace v Tottenham, 11 a.m. EST

Chelsea v Sheffield Wednesday, 11 a.m. EST

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean His podcast, Box to Box Football, can be found on iTunes here https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/box-to-box-football/id1208561351?mt=2

Those four teams will make up the last two UEFA Champions League spots, and the first two UEFA Europa League positions, come May.

Saturday morning was the perfect advertisement for the popularity of the Premier League.

The weekend kicked off with perhaps the match of the season, as Wolverhampton twice took the lead, then watched Leicester twice draw even, before a stoppage time goal to complete a hat trick gave Wolverhampton all three points. The win moved the newly-promoted side into eighth place in the table, one point ahead of tis vanquished foe.

There are now clearly defined strata in the Premier League table. Liverpool and Manchester City are in the title race. Tottenham (51 points) leads the rest of the top four currently, with Chelsea (47 points), Arsenal (44 points), and Manchester United (44 points) all likely to battle it out as well.

Those four teams will make up the last two UEFA Champions League spots, and the first two UEFA Europa League positions, come May.

Behind them, there is a six-team battle for the final Europa League spot.

At the other end of the table, rudderless Huddersfield, which saw David Wagner quit at the beginning of the week, is 10-points adrift of 17th place Newcastle United. It seems likely that the Terriers will be in the EFL Championship. The teams outside the relegation zone have started to pick up points each week, which is bad news for Fulham and Cardiff City.

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

Saturday

Wolverhampton 4-3 Leicester City

Bournemouth 2-0 West Ham United

Liverpool 4-3 Crystal Palace 

Manchester United 2-1 Brighton 

Newcastle United 3-0 Cardiff City

Southampton 2-1 Everton

Watford 0-0 Burnley 

Arsenal 2-0 Chelsea

Sunday

Huddersfield Town 0-3 Manchester City

Fulham 1-2 Tottenham 

WEEKEND'S THREE STARS

Danilo, Manchester City

Had the opening goal for City, and helped keep a clean sheet at left back. Danilo was the Whoscored.com Man of the Match with an 8.80 rating.

Diogo Jota, Wolverhampton

Hat trick hero for the Wolves, with the game-winner coming in the third minute of injury time. Jota was the Whoscored.com Man of the Match with a 9.12 rating. 

Fabian Schar, Newcastle United

The Magpies needed someone to step up and guarantee them a win, and the center back obliged. Schar had two goals, and helped keep a clean sheet. He was the Whoscored.com Man of the Match with an 8.99 rating.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Diogo Jota, Wolverhampton

David De Gea's 11 saves help Manchester United knock off Tottenham

SOLSKJAER WINS 7TH STRAIGHT; CHELSEA FALLING APART

It was just four weeks ago that Jose Mourinho was telling Manchester United fans that the race for the top four was all but dead. I guess Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is some doctor.

The Red Devils continued their renaissance Saturday, with a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Marcus Rashford scored for the fourth straight league match, as Manchester United won its sixth Premier League game in a row. 

Thanks to Arsenal, Manchester United is now just three points off of the top four. The Gunners blanked Chelsea 2-0, and now the three sides are separated by just three points.

Has the league finally figured out Sarri ball? The Blues have not been able to get much going offensively over the last month, and are now in danger of falling out of the top four. Chelsea has a massive Carabao Cup semifinal with Tottenham Thursday, and the Blues are down 1-0 in the tie.

Which of these teams will finish inside the coveted Champions League spots?

HUDDERSFIELD, FULHAM SET TO HEAD BACK TO CHAMPIONSHIP

The two Sunday games saw the bottom two teams find different ways to lose.

Huddersfield put up no fight against Manchester City, and look certain to be relegated. But it was Fulham, just seconds away from a huge point at home against a top three side, that found a way to drop all three points. Harry Winks header, which should have been collected by keeper Sergio Rico, found the back of the net in the 93rd minute, to keep the Cottagers on 14 points in 19th spot.

Fulham is now seven points behind Newcastle United in 17th.

CARABAO CUP SEMIFINAL SECOND LEGS

(All games on ESPN+)

Wednesday, January 23

Burton Albion vs. Manchester City, 2:45 p.m. EST 

Thursday, January 24

Chelsea vs. Tottenham, 2:45 p.m. EST 

F.A. CUP FOURTH ROUND SCHEDULE

(All games on ESPN+)

Friday, January 25

Arsenal v Manchester United, 2:55 p.m. EST 

Saturday, January 26

Shrewsbury Town v Wolverhampton, 10 a.m. EST

Brighton v West Brom, 10 a.m. EST

Newcastle United v Watford, 10 a.m. EST

Manchester City v Burnley, 10 a.m. EST 

Millwall v Everton, 12:30 p.m. EST

Wimbledon v West Ham United, 2:45 p.m. EST

Sunday, January 27

Crystal Palace v Tottenham, 11 a.m. EST

Chelsea v Sheffield Wednesday, 11 a.m. EST

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean His podcast, Box to Box Football, can be found on iTunes here https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/box-to-box-football/id1208561351?mt=2

Pets throughout New Jersey await adoption.

Here is this week's collection of some of the dogs and cats in need of adoption in New Jersey.

We are now accepting dogs and cats to appear in the gallery from nonprofit shelters and rescues throughout New Jersey. If a group wishes to participate in this weekly gallery on nj.com, please contact Greg Hatala at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Two local women express their love for nature through words and pictures

At D&R Greenway Land Trust, an author and a photographer are exploring trees, miniscule plants and other species from a different perspective.

Author Andrea Fereshteh and Photographer Tasha O'Neill offer unique views of their take on nature. 

Fereshteh will discuss her book, "In the Company of Trees," this Thursday Jan. 24 at D&R Greenway's Johnson Education Center, while O'Neill currently has a display of her close-up photography of oft-overlooked nature called "From a Child's Perspective" at D&R Greenway's Olivia Rainbow Gallery. 

"Practicing being present in nature has been a truly transformative experience for me," Fereshteh says. 

Fereshteh credits the lands preserved by D&R Greenway and other local conservation groups for inspiring her to write a newly published book about the ancient and enduring wisdom of trees. 

"We are so lucky to have so many amazing preserved natural spaces in our area. They are incredible resources for experiencing firsthand the magic of nature, and I am thrilled to encourage others to get outside and take advantage of our local trails by sharing this new book," she says.

Fereshteh has an interest in blending mindful and contemplative practices with nature, which has led her into the woods of central New Jersey where she has practiced forest bathing for the past two years.

Her book is full of short essays, inspirational quotes and color photographs that can be enjoyed piece-by-piece, allowing the reader to savor the experience of trees, healing and nature. 

Tasha O'Neill's blue egg shell, taken with a macro lens.

Likewise, O'Neill's photography focuses macro-lenses on the unusual and the tiniest plants in nature that give the Olivia Rainbow Gallery art lovers the outdoor experiences of the late Artist Olivia Kuenne.

"I seem to be drawn to the unusual. The tiniest plants compel me, as though I were still my child self. I am pleased that D&R Greenway invited me to share these images from the child's perspective for Olivia's Rainbow Gallery," O'Neill explains. 

O'Neill's art regularly appears in the Princeton-area juried exhibitions. 

Recently, D&R Greenway demonstrated her one-person exhibition of her "Forest Bathing" art in their Soul of a Tree display; and is also highlighting her Golden Light art about the apotheosis of winter trees in their Lovely as a Tree display. 

This artist grew up in a diverse countryside of Germany, where her family was dedicated to nature. 

"There we would walk; explore; learn about wild plants and berries; and then nap in the meadow. With our faces so close to the flowers, the gentle buzzing of insects would lull us to sleep," she states. 

Both Fereshteh and O'Neill are sharing their love for nature locally. 

At 7 p.m. Thursday, Fereshteh will discuss the inspiration for her book.

And at 5 p.m. on March 21, she will lead a mediation workshop focused on trees, healing and nature at the Johnson Education Center, where participants will also walk through Greenway Meadows Park. 

During the walk Fereshteh will guide them to pause and ignite their senses at different points so they will experience the benefits of being immersed in nature. 

These Princeton events are free, but require registration at rsvp@drgreenway.org, or by calling 609-924-4646.

The public can see O'Neill's other exhibitions such as Gifts from the Sea at Merwick's Millstone Gallery in Princeton from March 10 to May 9,. And, Princeton's Nassau Club will feature her Shapes of Water artwork in November and December this year.

Follow NJ.com on Twitter @njdotcom. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Osborn was a second round pick in the 2002 Major League Baseball draft by the Cleveland Indians.

When the 2019 Trenton Thunder take the field at Arm & Hammer Park for the first time on Friday, April 12th against Portland, fans of the team will see a new face in charge for the fourth time in five years.

Patrick Osborn was named the 12th manager in club history Wednesday. It is the third year in a row the club will have a new man in charge, and Osborn will be the fifth manager in six seasons for the Thunder, following Tony Franklin (2007-2014), Al Pedrique (2015), Bobby Mitchell (2016-17), and Jay Bell (2018).

His first game in the Eastern League will come in Erie on April 5, as Trenton begins play on the road against the SeaWolves and Akron.

Osborn, who was with Tampa last season, takes over for Bell, who is expected to be named the new manager at Triple A Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Bell will replace Mitchell, who moved to Triple A at the start of the 2018 campaign after his two seasons in Trenton.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Patrick Osborn to the Thunder for the 2019 season," said Thunder GM/COO Jeff Hurley. "There has been a long history of excellence on the field for the Thunder, and I am thrilled to see Patrick continue that tradition."

Thunder swept away Friday night by New Hampshire in ELDS

The 37-year-old Osborn will enter his sixth season in the organization (303-253 career record), after gaining experience at almost every lower level. He started with the Rookie Gulf Coast League Yankees 2 team in 2014, and then moved to the Class A short season New York-Penn League affiliate Staten Island Yankees in 2015. Both made the playoffs.

His next stop was High A Florida State League Tampa in 2016, where he was named as the FSL Manager of the Year, before moving down to the Class A South Atlantic League with Charleston for 2017. Osborn returned to Tampa last season, and will now lead the Double A Trenton team in its search for a fourth straight playoff trip.

Osborn was a second round pick in the 2002 Major League Baseball draft by the Cleveland Indians. He spent seven seasons in the minor leagues with the Indians and Houston Astros, before he was released in 2008. Osborn then spent three seasons playing in the independent Atlantic League with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, before taking over the reigns as manager for the 2011-13 seasons.

***

The other members of the Thunder coaching and clubhouse staff will be pitching coach Tim Norton, hitting coach Ty Hawkins, defensive coach Raul Dominguez, athletic trainer Jimmy Downam, and strength & conditioning coach Anthony Velazquez, who will all return to the fold.

Bullpen coach Jason Phillips, who played seven seasons of Major League Baseball with Mets, Dodgers, and Blue Jays, will join the Thunder for his first season in the organization, as will clubhouse manager Harris Seletsky and video manager Mike Triller. 

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean

"They come runnin' just as fast as they can, 'cause every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man." -- ZZ Top, 1983

What would stylish young gents who graduated from high school in 1977, like me, be wearing that year?

According to thetrendspotter.net, the late '70s saw hippie looks fade and disco styles emerge. "Brought on by a wave of new music and inspired by stylish celebrities who spent their nights at Studio 54, '70s disco fashion was glamorous and exciting."

The site noted that '70s disco fashion "often featured three-piece suits in a range of colours with wide lapels, wide-leg or flared pants, and high-rise waistcoats. Other notable elements included aviator sunglasses and specs, wide and bold neckties, and long, pointed shirt collars."

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

As I recall, for a night at the disco, guys would take unbuttoned shirts to an extreme. And, the patterns and colors of polyester shirts and slacks make some of us cringe to admit we actually wore that stuff back then.

But, I'd say we have all worn an outfit or two that we consider cringe-worthy today.

Here's a gallery of photos of men, women, boys and girls in New Jersey dressed in the styles of the times. And also, some links to similar galleries you'll enjoy.

Vintage photos of what people wore in N.J.

Vintage photos of fashions and styles in N.J.

Vintage photos of styles and fashions in N.J.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

This is the last round there will be replays due to draws, with extra time and penalties deciding which teams advance from the fifth round.

Many football fans will tell you there is no better competition than the F.A. Cup.

The tournament, which is in its 138th edition, allows any team in the top 10 tiers of the English Football pyramid to enter, plus has extra qualifying rounds for teams not in those leagues to play their way into the draw. 

This season, 736 teams tried to make their way into the proper draw, and the competition has been whittled down to the final 32 teams.

The fourth round (which starts Friday and goes through Monday) will kick off with the top match of the weekend, as Alexis Sanchez heads back to the Emirates Friday as part of the newly-prolific Manchester United attack. He will try to keep Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's unbeaten start to his Manchester United career going, as the Red Devils take on Arsenal.

There are three other all-Premier League ties. Manchester City will host Burnley, and Newcastle United will see Watford visit St. James' Park, both at 10 a.m. Saturday.

On Sunday, Crystal Palace will host short-handed Tottenham, which will come in off a Carabao Cup semifinal Thursday with Chelsea. The Spurs attack has been ravaged by injuries to Harry Kane and Dele, while Son Heung-min is with South Korea.

Barnet, the only non-league side left in the competition, will be in the spotlight Monday night. The Bees will host Brentford in the final game of the round, with a chance to move into the final 16.

This is the last round there will be replays due to draws, with extra time and penalties deciding which teams advance from the fifth round until the final on May 19. 

Premier League top 4 race is on, as Manchester United, Arsenal win

F.A. CUP FOURTH ROUND SCHEDULE

(All games on ESPN+)

Friday, January 25

Bristol City vs. Bolton, 2:45 p.m. EST

Arsenal v Manchester United, 2:55 p.m. EST 

Saturday, January 26

Accrington Stanley vs. Derby County, 7:30 a.m. EST

Brighton v West Brom, 10 a.m. EST

Doncaster Rovers vs. Oldham, 10 a.m. EST

Manchester City v Burnley, 10 a.m. EST 

Middlesborough vs. Newport County, 10 a.m. EST

Newcastle United v Watford, 10 a.m. EST

Portsmouth vs. QPR, 10 a.m. EST

Shrewsbury Town v Wolverhampton, 10 a.m. EST

Swansea City vs. Gillingham, 10 a.m. EST

Millwall v Everton, 12:30 p.m. EST

Wimbledon v West Ham United, 2:45 p.m. EST

Sunday, January 27

Crystal Palace v Tottenham, 11 a.m. EST

Chelsea v Sheffield Wednesday, 11 a.m. EST

Monday, January 28

Barnet vs. Brentford, 2:45 p.m. EST (Fifth round draw to follow)

PREMIER LEAGUE MIDWEEK SCHEDULE 

Tuesday

Arsenal vs. Cardiff City, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Fulham vs. Brighton, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Huddersfield Town vs. Everton, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Wolverhampton vs. West Ham United, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Manchester United vs. Burnley, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Newcastle United vs. Manchester City, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Wednesday

Bournemouth vs. Chelsea, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Southampton vs. Crystal Palace, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Liverpool vs. Leicester City, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Tottenham vs. Watford, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean His podcast, Box to Box Football, can be found on iTunes here https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/box-to-box-football/id1208561351?mt=2

Some of the many homeless animals in New Jersey awaiting adoption.

Profile: Karma Cat and Zen Dog Rescue Society

Courtesy of Karma Cat and Zen Dog Rescue 

Karma Cat and Zen Dog Rescue Society in Milltown describes its mission as "providing a safe and peaceful haven for homeless, abandoned or abused animals. We will help decrease the number of cats and dogs being destroyed in kill shelters through the work of our foster, spay/neuter, trap-neuter-return, and education programs."

The rescue group was founded In 2010 by sisters Christie and Michelle Arlotta after, as they put it, "10 years of envisioning helping animals in some way." Christie Arlotta left a career as an engineer to start the rescue while Michelle has continued her professional photography while also working with her sister.

With the support of volunteers and donors, the group maintains an adoption center at 39 S. Main St. in Milltown, hosts adoption events at pet supply stores and educational and support events including spay/neuter and microchip clinics while continuing to rescue cats and dogs.

The nonprofit group will hold a fundraising event, "Paws for Celebration," on April 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Pierre's of South Brunswick, 582 Georges Road in Monmouth Junction. Tickets are $65 per person which includes a vegetarian dinner and silent auction, a gift bag and custom wine glass. For more information and tickets, go to karmacatzendog.org/support/pfc/.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

Four matches will head to a replay on Tuesday, February 5, before the last 16 teams head to the fifth round on the weekend of February 15-18.

Five of the top eight Premier League teams are still alive in the F.A. Cup, after some impressive showings by Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Watford.

But after those teams, the rest of the top flight had a largely awful weekend in the tournament, as the lower league teams rose to the occasion all over England to set up a very interesting fifth round draw Monday afternoon.

There was violence surrounding the Millwall Everton match (won by the EFL Championship side 3-2), along with allegations of racist chanting from the Millwall fans. On the field in the same match, there was controversy over the lack of VAR, which was used for less than half of the matches over the weekend. Millwall's second goal, scored by Jake Cooper, may have been overturned by the video official for a handball if the VAR was in use. But it was not, and Millwall went on to win the contest in the final minute to advance into the fifth round.

Four matches will head to a replay on Tuesday, February 5, before the last 16 teams head to the fifth round, which will take place on the weekend of February 15-18. 

Which of the minnows will continue their runs toward Wembley?

F.A. CUP FOURTH ROUND RESULTS

Friday

Bristol City 2-1 Bolton Wanderers 

Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United

Saturday

Accrington Stanley 0-1 Derby County

Brighton & Hove Albion 0-0 West Bromwich Albion

Doncaster Rovers 2-1 Oldham Athletic

Manchester City 5-0 Burnley

Middlesborough 1-1 Newport County

Newcastle United 0-2 Watford

Portsmouth 1-1 Queens Park Rangers

Shrewsbury Town 2-2 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Swansea City 4-1 Gillingham

Millwall 3-2 Everton

AFC Wimbledon 4-2 West Ham United

Sunday 

Crystal Palace 2-0 Tottenham

Chelsea 3-0 Sheffield Wednesday

Monday

Barnet vs. Brentford, 2:45 p.m. EST (ESPN+)

WEEKEND'S THREE STARS

Oliver McBurnie, Swansea City

A brace inside the first 32 minutes had the Swans flying, on the way to a 4-1 victory. He was the Whoscored.com Man of the Match.

Scott Wagstaff, AFC Wimbledon

His brace helped the League One side shock West Ham 4-2. He was the Whoscored.com Man of the Match with an 8.25 rating.

Willian, Chelsea

Two goals for the winger, who has thrived in Sarri's system. Willian led the Blues into the next round; he was the Whoscored.com Man of the Match with a 9.09 rating.

F.A. Cup 3rd round craziness sets stage for Monday's 4th round draw

TOTTENHAM CRASH OUT OF SECOND CUP IN FOUR DAYS

It has been a terrible week for fans of Tottenham.

The team has been decimated by injuries over the last few weeks, and now, the Hotspurs have seen their campaign for a first piece of silverware in over a decade shattered in a matter of four days.

Tottenham went out of the Carabao Cup on penalties Thursday, and put up a toothless fight Sunday to Crystal Palace, in a 2-0 loss.

Mauricio Pochettino's press conference after the loss Sunday may not have been what Tottenham fans wanted to hear. But now, the Spurs have to focus on what is becoming a much tougher top four battle, and the upcoming UEFA Champions League tie with Bundesliga leader Borussia Dortmund. 

PREMIER LEAGUE MIDWEEK SCHEDULE

Tuesday

Arsenal vs. Cardiff City, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Fulham vs. Brighton, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Huddersfield Town vs. Everton, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Wolverhampton vs. West Ham United, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Manchester United vs. Burnley, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Newcastle United vs. Manchester City, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Wednesday

Bournemouth vs. Chelsea, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Southampton vs. Crystal Palace, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Liverpool vs. Leicester City, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Tottenham vs. Watford, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean His podcast, Box to Box Football, can be found on iTunes here https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/box-to-box-football/id1208561351?mt=2

Of the eight ties, six or seven, depending on the results of next week's replays, will be hosted by Football League sides.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to get opportunities to win make his interim manager job a permanent one.

After the F.A. Cup fifth round draw took place Monday, before the final match of the fourth round, Solskjaer will once again get a chance to win a marquee match with Manchester United.

The Red Devils were paired with Chelsea in the marquee contest of the next round, slated to be played between February 15-18. It is a rematch of the 2018 final, won 1-0 by the Blues.

Tournament favorite Manchester City will visit either Middlesborough or Newport County, while there will be plenty of opportunities for lower league sides to make the quarterfinal draw.

Of the eight ties, six or seven, depending on the results of next week's replays, will be hosted by Football League sides.

F.A. Cup recap: Manchester sides favorites, lower league teams thrill

F.A. CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW RESULTS

(All matches to be played the weekend of February 15-18)

Bristol City vs. Shrewsbury/Wolverhampton

AFC Wimbledon vs. Millwall

Doncaster vs. Crystal Palace

Middlesbrough/Newport County vs. Manchester City

Chelsea vs. Manchester United

Swansea City vs. Barnet/Brentford

Portsmouth/Queens Park Rangers vs. Watford

Brighton & Hove Albion/West Bromwich Albion v Derby County

PREMIER LEAGUE MIDWEEK SCHEDULE

Tuesday

Arsenal vs. Cardiff City, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Fulham vs. Brighton, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Huddersfield Town vs. Everton, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Wolverhampton vs. West Ham United, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Manchester United vs. Burnley, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Newcastle United vs. Manchester City, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Wednesday

Bournemouth vs. Chelsea, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Southampton vs. Crystal Palace, 2:45 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Liverpool vs. Leicester City, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Tottenham vs. Watford, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean His podcast, Box to Box Football, can be found on iTunes here https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/box-to-box-football/id1208561351?mt=2

Going back even further, the number becomes even more staggering; the current squad has cost almost PS800 million to assemble.

Since he came to the Premier League, Pep Guardiola has seen the owner of Manchester City spend more than PS500 million on players.

Going back even further, the number becomes even more staggering; the current squad has cost almost PS800 million to assemble.

So when the Cityzens came into the 2018-19 season as the reigning champions, and as the first team to break the 100-point mark in the Premier League, most people thought that it would be a mere formality that they would cruise to a second title in a row.

Whoops.

Somehow, Manchester City has managed to find itself in a five-point hole, after the Cityzens lost 2-1 to Newcastle United Tuesday and Liverpool drew 1-1 with Leicester City Wednesday. While that gap has been made up in the past (especially with more than a third of the season to play), Liverpool is the favorite to finally break its three-decade long top flight title drought and win its first Premier League crown.

Manchester City is in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea (Sunday, February 24, 11:30 a.m. EST), is in the F.A. Cup fifth round against either Middlesborough or Newport County, and has a favorable tie in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League against Schalke 04.

It is conceivable that the Cityzens win all three of those competitions: they are the current favorites for all three. But with the squad assembled, Manchester City should not have dropped points in six of 24 matches. Guardiola, who won league titles in six of his first seven seasons in charge at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, has found the going tougher in England.

Could this all change over the final 14 matches? Of course, but there is very little margin for error; it now depends on Liverpool dropping points in a few matches, and that is only if City wins every league match until the end of the season.

The big result from Wednesday came from the Vitality Stadium, as Bournemouth routed Chelsea 4-0 to knock the Blues down out of the top four on goal difference. Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri questioned his ability to get the best out of his players after the loss, and it looks like the once-promising start to the campaign is long gone for the Blues. 

The relegation battle is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory, sans Huddersfield Town, which looks likely to be cut adrift in the coming weeks.

Fulham's big win Tuesday has clawed the 19th-place Cottagers closer to Cardiff City. But Fulham needs to keep winning: they are still six points from safety. 

The return of the UEFA competitions in two weeks will continue to test the top six sides, as will the F.A. Cup matches. With plenty of games on the horizon, February is a great month to be a fan of English football.

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS

Tuesday

Arsenal 2-1 Cardiff City

Fulham 4-2 Brighton

Huddersfield Town 0-1 Everton

Wolverhampton 3-0 West Ham United

Manchester United 2-2 Burnley

Newcastle United 2-1 Manchester City

Wednesday

Bournemouth 4-0 Chelsea

Southampton 1-1 Crystal Palace

Liverpool 1-1 Leicester City

Tottenham 2-1 Watford

MIDWEEK'S THREE STARS

Raul Jimenez, Wolverhampton 

Myron Thiessen's favorite Mexican Premier League player struck again Tuesday for the attack-minded Wolves. Jimenez scored twice in six minutes to guarantee all three points; he was the Whoscored.com Man of the Match with a 9.42 rating.

Joshua King, Bournemouth

Two goals and an assist for the striker in the 4-0 demolition of Chelsea. King was the Whoscored.com Man of the Match with a perfect 10 rating.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham

Any escape from the relegation zone is going to start with the striker, and that is exactly what happened Tuesday. Mitrovic's brace pulled the Cottagers even and ahead, in a 4-2 win. He was the Whoscored.com Man of the Match with a 9.14 rating.

PLAYER OF THE ROUND

Joshua King, Bournemouth

F.A. Cup fifth round draw results: Chelsea host Manchester United

RACE FOR FINAL EUROPA LEAGUE SPOT SET TO BE DRAMATIC

With Manchester City and Chelsea set to battle for the Carabao Cup, there is a good possibility that whichever team finishes the season seventh in the table will qualify for the UEFA Europa League qualification stages, like Burnley did last season.

Right now, there are six teams within four points of seventh: Wolverhampton, Everton, Watford, Bournemouth, Leicester City, and West Ham United.

The race should come down to the final weekend in May, but almost every week from now until then, there will be a matchup of the teams involved in the battle. 

Could Wolverhampton, who played in the first UEFA Cup final back in 1972, pull it off in its first season back? Or will it be a team like Watford, with years of experience in the league but a thirst to make it back into Europe for the first time since the 1983-84 season? 

WEEKEND PREMIER LEAGUE SCHEDULE

Saturday

Tottenham vs. Newcastle United, 7:30 a.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Brighton vs. Watford, 10 a.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Burnley vs. Southampton, 10 a.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Chelsea vs. Huddersfield Town, 10 a.m. (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Crystal Palace vs. Fulham, 10 a.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Everton vs. Wolverhampton, 10 a.m. EST (NBC Sports Gold)

Cardiff City vs. Bournemouth, 12:30 p.m. EST (NBC and Fubo.tv)

Sunday

Leicester City vs. Manchester United, 9:05 a.m EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Manchester City vs. Arsenal, 11:30 a.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Monday

West Ham United vs. Liverpool, 3 p.m. EST (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)

Contact Sean Miller at seanmillertrentontimes@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheProdigalSean His podcast, Box to Box Football, can be found on iTunes here https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/box-to-box-football/id1208561351?mt=2

The first brewery in New Jersey was established in what is now Hoboken in the 1640s.

Do you like beer? More specifically, are you a fan of the lesser known varieties? If so, you're in the right state.

According to newjerseycraftbeer.com, as of Jan. 2019 there are 100 microbreweries and 18 brewpubs in a state known more for its tomatoes than its hops.

A microbrewery, for the sake of this list, is a beer producer not marketed on a national or major regional level.

In New Jersey, microbreweries stretch from one end of the state to the other. The beer lover could find a microbrewery in each of the state's 21 counties. They range from Angry Erik Brewing in Sussex County to Cold Spring Brewery in Cape May. The brewpubs - a drinking establishment with its own attached brewery - can also be found from one end of the state to the other.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey.

Beer is foaming over in New Jersey; in addition to these 118 establishments, the site lists 27 "soon-to-be-approved startups" and 19 more in the early stages of development.

Here's a gallery of photos where people from the past could grab a cold one or other adult beverages to wet one's whistle. And here are links to similar galleries you'll enjoy.

Vintage photos of bars and taverns in NJ

Vintage photos of taverns and bars in N.J.

Vintage photos of bars and watering holes in N.J.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

The two New Jersey wrestlers are ranked 1 and 2 in the country. Something has to give. Watch video

Rutgers senior Anthony Ashnault is scoring more frequently then just about anyone in NCAA wrestling this year.

The 149-pounder, ranked No. 2 in the country, is 17-0 with 12 wins by bonus, including seven pins, three technical falls and two major decisions.

So it will be interesting to see how the explosive Ashnault attacks No. 1-ranked Matthew Kolodzik of Princeton in their anticipated No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown of undefeated wrestlers Sunday at the Rutgers Athletic Center.

Kolodzik is one of the stingiest wrestlers in Division I. He has been in real danger of losing only once this year, in a 6-4 overtime win against Arizona State's Jacori Teemer at the Midlands Tournament.

N.J. wrestlers in national rankings

When asked about Kolodzik, Princeton coach Chris Ayres often says "Try scoring on him."

Ashnault will certainly try. Will he be successful?

Ayres doesn't think so. The standouts split a pair of matches two years ago.

"Ashnault can't score on him," said Ayres. "Ashnault is good, don't get me wrong. He's really, really good, but I don't think he can do it.

"We beat him two years ago at 141 pounds, then they beat us. But Ashnault is up a weight this year. Kolodzik's gotten stronger and way more consistent, so I think it could be two takedowns to none."

In his typical under-stated way, Kolodzik is looking forward to the matchup Sunday but isn't putting any extra emphasis on it. He even apologized for downplaying a match that has been on everyone's radar since November.

"Honestly this is going to sound disappointing," said Kolodzik. "This is just another match. It's the mentality I've always maintained.

"In the grand scheme of things, we'll probably meet again at nationals. He's a great competitor. I think I'm most excited for the challenge, to see where I'm at."

Kolodzik admits he is looking forward to the atmosphere at the RAC on Sunday. Over the years, he has become increasingly more comfortable on the big stage.

"Heck yeah, there's no better way to compete," said Kolodzik. "In middle school and high school, I preferred small environments like the Ironman (Tournament in Ohio). But the more and more I've competed, I've found there's nothing better than a big arena with a lot of fans. I enjoy soaking it all up and I try to treasure those moments."

Ayres feels the atmosphere should help Kolodzik on Sunday.

"I hope the place is full, I hope they're booing him and I hope they're calling him for stalling," said Ayres of the crowd.

Princeton will wrestle twice on Saturday before the big dual Sunday. In Kolodzik's last two matches, he knocked off No. 4 Austin O'Connor of North Carolina, 3-2, and Oklahoma State's No. 5 Kaden Gfeller, 8-3.

"Here's Koldzik in a nutshell," said Ayres. "The Monday before the North Carolina and Oklahoma State duals, he said who are we wrestling this weekend? Are the guys I'm wrestling any good?

"I was like 'Yeah, pretty good.' He doesn't watch video (on his opponents). I watch a lot and I run through it with him, give him some talking points. Then the day before, I pat him on his head, say do your thing and you'll win. And he does. He has that clutch gene."

Koldozik is at least aware of Ashnault, particularly because of their history, their close proximity and the rankings.

How will their styles mesh this weekend?

"Ashnault is going to wrestle me the way he's always wrestled me," said Kolodzik. "It's weird to say I don't follow what other guys are doing, but I just control what I can control. My style is consistent.

"As far as how Ashnault's style matches up with mine, I guess we'll find out this weekend."

Ayres is fairly confident he knows how it will all play out.

"If Koldozik is wrestling to a good level, not even his best level, he can't lose this year," said Ayres.

Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @BEvansSports. Like our NJ.com High School Wrestling Facebook Page.

Greg Meehan is the had coach of Stanford's women's swimming team

Greg Meehan's swimming career has come a long way since sophomore year at Rider University. That's when he almost quit.

"It certainly got to that point,'' he said the recently over the phone from California. "I was frustrated with how I was doing. I don't think I had the maturity to process that in a way I did a little bit later.

"I'm really grateful I stuck with it,'' he said, adding a laugh. "I had a great last couple of years at Rider. It was awesome. It was a wonderful experience and I swam fast and enjoyed that team camaraderie. If I had quit after sophomore year I don't think I'd be doing what I'm doing now. And that would be a shame.''

Since leaving the university in Lawrence in 1998 - with a degree in mathematics and secondary education - Meehan's coaching career has essentially reached its zenith.

Last spring as head coach of the Stanford University women's swimming team he led them to the NCAA national championship. This past December he was named head coach of the 2020 U.S. Olympic team.

(For swimming and Olympic fans out there, he's coached medalists Katie Ledecky, Lia Neal, Simone Manuel and Maya DiRado collegiately.)

Greg Meehan during a Stanford women's swim victory at Avery Aquatic Center at Stanford in this 2017 file photo. (John Todd photo)

"I knew I was a candidate, but you never expect that will actually come true,'' said the 42-year-old. "It really was a surprise, so that moment was pretty neat.''

He's had more than a few neat moments in his career.

Last year's national championship was Stanford's second straight. In seven seasons in Palo Alto, Meehan has three times been NCAA Swimming Coach of the Year. Four times he's been Pac-12 Coach of the Year. He has coached swimmers to a combined 232 All-America honors and 23 individual national champions. Under Meehan, Stanford has also won three Pac-12 championships, twice finished runner-up in the NCAA championships and once third.

Meehan, who grew up in Broomall, Pennsylvania, a Philadelphia suburb, has been on the west coast since taking a job as an assistant at UCLA in 2001. In 2005 he was named head coach for both the men's and women's teams at the University of the Pacific, and three years later joined the Cal-Berkeley staff as an assistant. He was eventually promoted to associate head coach.

"I wanted to be a high school teacher and swim coach. That was sort of my big dream,'' he said. "I had done some summer club coaching and I got a little bit of the coaching bug.''

After graduating from Rider in 1998 he dove right into the business as he was hired as an assistant coach at William & Mary. One year later he returned north for two years at Princeton. When he discovered an ad for the position in California, he headed west.

"Princeton sort of put me on the path that I eventually got to here,'' Meehan said. "It was a significant jump in the level of swimming I had coached prior to that. So I jumped at the opportunity to get out there.''

The youngest of five children, most of his family remain in the Delaware County area, and Meehan remains a big Philly sports fan, not succumbing to the dark side of L.A. or San Francisco sports teams.

"My wife and I went to the Super Bowl last year and that was definitely one of the highlights of my life. It was pretty cool,'' he said about the Eagles win. "I raised my kids as Philly sports fans. They really didn't have a choice. So we're still connected to the area.''

As for swimming, as for the Stanford program, "It doesn't really get any better. It's probably the premier job in the country,'' he said. "It's a great institution, the area loves swimming and supports the sport, and I have the opportunity to work with athletes who have things like the Olympics as a goal."

And they have the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches in the country.

"Greg is very hard working and compassionate,'' said Tracy Slusser, associate head coach for women's swimming at Stanford. "Those two things combined are what makes him so successful. His athletes see that he cares a lot about what he does by being thoughtful and organized in his plan as well as in the execution. What makes this so well is that he applies that same approach to each individual.

"There is always a very thought-out plan for each and every athlete, taking into account who they are as people and what is going to bring out the best in them long-term. The time, energy, and effort that he puts into this process is reflected in the results and performances of each athlete over the years. Greg's success is not by chance or luck. It is a very deliberate plan which is executed in a way that always puts the care of the athlete first.''

Those plans for the next year and a half will be expanded to the Olympic team. There is plenty of work to be done before the team trials, scheduled for late June next year in Omaha.

"I have a pretty good handle on it,'' Meehan said about juggling two jobs. "Tracy is a great help; she totally gets this part of it. We're already working on things to kind of help with that balance. Ultimately Stanford is my number one priority.

"There will be a lot of meetings and conversations in terms of planning, but ultimately I have to make sure our Stanford athletes do a good job at the Olympic Trials and get on the team. Then it's more about taking that team and that group of people as Team USA and help them move forward to Tokyo. It's a pretty long haul to get to that point.''

A haul that nearly never began.

The ranked New Jersey schools will meet in a highly anticipated matchup on Sunday.

It has already been a breakthrough season for the Princeton University wrestling program.

The Tigers knocked off No. 7 Lehigh back in November, then doubled up on it with a dominating win over No. 15 North Carolina last month.

But a win on Sunday might take this season to a whole other level and be a major step for one of the country's fastest growing college programs.

No. 18 Rutgers (8-4) meets No. 20 Princeton (4-4) on Sunday at Rutgers Athletic Center in a stellar matchup that goes beyond the national rankings.

Ashnault vs. Kolodzik: Tale of the Tape

If Princeton can beat its Big Ten brother to the North, it will arguably be its biggest win yet.

The Tigers first host Brown and Harvard on Saturday, while Rutgers meets No. 9 Nebraska Friday night.

Rutgers leads the all-time series against Princeton, 43-33-5, and has won the last 22 meetings dating back to 1993.

"(Beating Rutgers) would be huge," said No. 1-ranked 149-pounder Matt Kolodzik, who is set to face No. 2 Anthony Ashnault. "Everybody believes it can happen. It's a tangible feeling in the room. We have a workmanlike atmosphere and we're super excited.

"From the first day we were really ready to go and that's just increased with what we've done, right? Overall I'd say we're excited and hungry, but that's been the case since the beginning of the season."

Ashnault-Kolodzik is the marquee matchup - Princeton coach Chris Ayres said he would consider talking to Rutgers coach Scott Goodale about scheduling it last - but it is far from the only toss-up.

Ayres says he sees up to six matches that could go either way without being considered an upset.

Rutgers will be favored at 133 (Nick Suriano) and 285 (Christian Colucci) and Princeton should have the upper hand at 125 (Pat Glory) and 197 (Patrick Brucki).

Whether Nick Gravina is available for Rutgers at 184 against a greatly improved Kevin Parker could be key. Rutgers senior John VanBrill is probably the favorite at 157, but Ayres feels really good about the development of freshman Qunicy Monday and feels that much could go either way.

"We talk to them all the time about what we want to do," said Ayres. "We had a hard first part of the season, which was really going to show us where we stood. When the dust settles and you look at our team, we took some losses but we came out pretty strong.

"We have to fine-tune a couple things where last year at the end of the year I said we need a lot of work. Now I'm thinking we should be at least a top-10 team at NCAAs."

Giving Ayres a lot of confidence is the Tigers have four true freshmen out of the 10 starters in their lineup. They grew leaps and bounds over the first part of the season and just had three weeks off to rest, concentrate on their studies and correct their mistakes.

"Every day our true freshmen have gotten tougher," said Ayres.

Ayres acknowledged how big this match is Sunday but also knows it would be a continuation of a breakout year if they did win.

"We've shown steady growth," said Ayres. "Every time we go out it seems like we're doing something we haven't done before. At Midlands we broke records. Kolodzik beat the fourth- and fifth-ranked wrestler in the country. We beat Lehigh and North Carolina.

"Sunday will be really interesting when you're talking about six toss-up matches. We've set ourselves up to be really confident. If we perform, I think we should take the dual."

Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @BEvansSports. Like our NJ.com High School Wrestling Facebook Page.

Animals throughout New Jersey await adoption.

Profiles: Kimmy's Safe Haven Rescue

Courtesy of Kimmy's Safe Haven 

Kimmy's Safe Haven Rescue is a nonprofit organization located in Little Egg Harbor Township. Kim Brown started fostering and volunteering with rescues in 2013. She quickly fell in love, adopting her first two fosters and continued to foster others.

In 2015 she lost her younger brother to suicide; Matthew had suffered from bipolar disorder. "I needed something to help me deal with the loss of my brother," she said, and found her calling in helping animals that were suffering locally.

Kimmy's Safe Haven particularly focuses on abused, neglected, abandoned and feral animals. "We currently have roughly 80 animals in our rescue," said Brown. "Some have been with us a short time and others a long time due to health issues and special needs. Many of these animals would not stand a chance without the rescue and they all carry a special place in her heart."

For more information on the nonprofit, go to kimmyssafehavenrescue.com.

Greg Hatala may be reached at greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find Greg Hatala on Facebook.

The two Garden State rivals competed in an epic dual meet.

Wrestling is as Jersey as the Sopranos, listening to Springsteen while driving on the Turnpike and Boardwalk fries at the shore.

Rutgers coach Scott Goodale and Princeton coach Chris Ayres are both Jersey guys too. ...Goodale from Jackson, while Ayres is from Newton.

And so on a day when most sports fans around the country were focused on the Super Bowl, Goodale and Ayres relished Sunday's emotionally-charged 19-18 Rutgers victory at the RAC in front of over 5,200 fans that took in one of the state's favorite sports.

Not only was the match well-attended, it was tremendous theater for those in attendance and wrestling fans who watched on TV or on-line around the country.

Three consecutive matches ended in sudden victory and the bout that broke the string finished 3-2 with a third-period takedown. The result wasn't decided until the final minute of the final bout when Rutgers heavyweight Christian Colucci solidified the major decision that gave his team the one-point win.

"It was dope," said Colucci, a St. Peter's grad and one of 10 Jersey starters for Rutgers Sunday. "You can't beat a crowd like Rutgers. I transferred here (from Lehigh) for moments like that, to put Jersey on my back."

Match-by-match results/photos from Sunday's dual

Of course, many of the fans came in part for the main event, No. 1 Matt Kolodzik vs. No. 2 Anthony Ashnault at 149 pounds, the fifth collegiate installment of a rivalry which on Sunday pitted two undefeated wrestlers.

Ashnault picked up one of the biggest wins of his career when he scored a 10-2 major decision over Kolodzik. When Ashnault took the two-time All-American down in the second period, the building shook and the smoke machines on the sides of the mat went off.

"I haven't heard it that loud since really ever," said Goodale. "Maybe Nebraska three years ago when they were No. 4 and we picked them off."

Goodale took over Rutgers 12 years ago before the program made the leap to the Big Ten.

Ayres has been at Princeton for 13 years. He lost his first 35 duals.

"I talked to Chris earlier," said Goodale. "This is pretty cool. Twelve years ago, we wrestled in front of 25 people. We both had really bad programs.

"There was a lot of wrestling going on today, but a lot of the wrestling world was focused on the RAC, Kolodzik-Ashnault of course, but a great dual meet. Both programs were a part of that. It was fun to be a part of it."

Added Ayres: "We put on a show. I'm disappointed, but not frustrated at all. There was a lot of good stuff today. This is awesome, no one else in the country could have envisioned this match the way it was back then. We envisioned this. It's amazing what he's done, and what we've done, we're proud of what we've done."

Princeton came as close as it possibly could to knocking off Rutgers for the first time since 1991. With four freshmen and no seniors in its starting lineup, it is on the way to establishing itself as a Top-10 program.

"I was excited when I walked in here and saw (5,200) fans cheering," said Princeton freshman 125-pounder Pat Glory, a Delbarton graduate who pinned in Sunday's first match. "This is New Jersey wrestling. This is what I grew up on. You have to love this environment, man.

"We're doing something special. We really are. To have this experience is a little bittersweet, but to have this experience shows we're right there. What Rutgers has done is great, but another half-hour up the road we're doing some fun stuff. We're as much New Jersey wrestling as Rutgers."

There's been a lot of talk about the importance of dual meets - or lack thereof - in college wrestling.

The NCAA team championship is decided in an individual tournament. A few weeks ago, Iowa made the controversial decision to sit several wrestlers, including No. 2 Spencer Lee in a potential matchup against Northwestern's No. 1 Sebastian Rivera, because it was "all in the plans."

Goodale and Ayres scoffed at any notion Ashnault and Kolodzik would duck each other.

"If it's on our schedule we're going to wrestle," said Goodale. "That's why these guys came here, to wrestle in this atmosphere. That's what it's all about.

"I know it's about the last three days of March. I get it. Everybody has a plan. But Feb. 3 is pretty good too. There was a great buildup to it. You have a good time today? That's why we have to keep making these matches."

It's hard to beat the atmosphere at a really good dual meet.

Especially in Jersey.

Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com or by leaving a note in the comments below. Follow him on Twitter @BEvansSports. Like our NJ.com High School Wrestling Facebook Page.