1.   The team has struggled since the departure of its head coach.

2.   Both teams have struggled since the defections.

3.   Brown has struggled since coming out of Notre Dame as one of the most highly touted tight ends in years.

4.   Buffalo has struggled since quarterback Jim Kelly retired last year.

5.   Burns has struggled since undergoing arthroscopic surgery in January, after helping the US to a third-place finish in the Gold Cup continental championship tournament.

6.   But Bonilla continues to struggle since his first weekend with the club.

7.   But Bumpers and his fellow conferees struggled since June to forge an agreement on a new mining tax with no success.

8.   But there is no doubt that Griffey is frustrated with the way he has struggled since straining his right hamstring almost a month ago.

9.   But they have struggled since his departure, finishing in last place the past two seasons.

10.   But Thompson, who has struggled since his activation from the disabled list last Tuesday, could not bring in the run.