Jared Borgetti and Nery Castillo both scored and prohibitive favorite Mexico survived an early scare from Cuba to win 2-1 on Friday in the opening Gold Cup match for both sides.
Playing with about half of his usual regulars, Hugo Sanchez won his first competitive match since taking the job of manager of El Tri in November.
Sanchez complained bitterly about the natural grass field at Giants Stadium -- which was installed over the artificial surface just under three weeks ago for a friendly between Ecuador and Ireland.
The New York Red Bulls played May 24 against Chicago on the field, and said it was slow.
"It's torture. You can't play like this," said Sanchez, who added he would ask to have today's game against Honduras moved from the stadium. "It kills the players legs. It's like playing on sand. I have played in this country. This country has many beautiful fields. This is not one of them. I'd rather play on an artificial field."
CONCACAF spokesman Steve Torres said the confederation would have to wait for any request from Mexico to be made formally, but as of Friday night, the games scheduled between Mexico and Honduras to be followed by Panama against Cuba were still set for today at the Giants Stadium.
In the other match played on Friday Panama converted their only two shots on goal in the first half, capitalizing on a man advantage after the 24th minute, and beat Honduras 3-2.
Panama, returning to the Giants Stadium where they lost to the US on penalties in the final two years ago, scored all of their goals after Honduran midfielder Wilson Palacios was ejected in the 24th minute for a reckless studs-up tackle on Carlos Rivera in the Panamanian half of the field.
Rivera gave Panama the lead in the 33rd minute. After former New York Red Bulls midfielder Amado Guevara equalized seven minutes later, Blas Perez headed Panama ahead again three minutes before halftime. With Honduras pressing for a second equalizer, Jose Luis Garces added the insurance for Panama in the 82nd.
The extra goal proved vital when second-half substitute Carlos Costly scored in the second minute of injury time for Honduras.
It was only the second win in group play in three trips to the Gold Cup finals for Panama.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely