SOCCER
US edge host Panama
Graham Zusi scored his first goal for the US in the eighth minute to give the 10-man US side a 1-0 victory in a friendly match in Panama on Wednesday. It was the third victory in a row for the US squad, which moved to 4-4 with one drawn under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who replaced the fired Bob Bradley six months ago. The US, who beat Venezuela 1-0 at home on Saturday, won despite playing a man down after Geoff Cameron received a red card in the 51st minute for shoving Blas Perez from behind.
SOCCER
Mexico beat Venezuela 3-1
Rafael Marquez Lugo and Oribe Peralta scored late in the second half to give Mexico a 3-1 victory against Venezuela in a friendly in the US on Wednesday. Marquez Lugo tapped the go-ahead goal into an empty net in the 88th minute, and Peralta stumbled into a turnover and converted about about a minute later. Venezuela jumped to lead in the 52nd minute, when forward Edgar Greco headed in a corner by captain Micky Mea Vitali, squeezing the low shot past Mexico ’keeper Jesus Corona. It took Mexico, playing without any of its Europe-based players, more than 15 minutes and a couple of offensive-minded substitutions to react. Experienced defender Carlos Salcido collected a pass from the left flank and, given space, he sent a blast past Venezuela goalkeeper Leonardo Morales to equalize in the 68th minute.
ICE HOCKEY
Leafs sign Liles to extension
The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenseman John-Michael Liles to a four-year contract extension, the NHL team said on Wednesday. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed, but media reports in Toronto said the deal was worth US$15.5 million. Liles, second among Toronto defensemen with 21 points in 34 games this season, has missed the team’s past 15 games because of a concussion. The Maple Leafs acquired Liles, 31, from the Colorado Avalanche last June for a second-round draft pick in 2012. He was originally drafted in the fifth round of the 2000 NHL Draft by Colorado, where he played seven seasons.
FOOTBALL
Colts name Pagano coach
The Indianapolis Colts named former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano as their new head coach, the NFL team said on Wednesday. The Colts fired head coach Jim Caldwell last week after finishing tied with the NFL’s worst record for last year’s season. Pagano, 51, joined the Ravens in 2008 and spent his first three seasons as the team’s defensive secondary coach before being named defensive coordinator for last year’s season. Under Pagano, the Ravens had the NFL’s third-best defense in terms of fewest yards allowed last year after finishing 10th in that category the previous season.
SOCCER
Wigan sign Beausejour
Premier League tailenders Wigan signed Chilean international midfielder Jean Beausejour from Championship outfit Birmingham City on Wednesday. The 27-year-old — capped 43 times — signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the transfer fee not being revealed as he sealed a move to what is his 10th club in his career and after barely two years with Birmingham. Beausejour, who has played for, among others, Swiss side Servette and Belgian outfit Ghent, played 39 times for Birmingham, scoring three times, and came on as a substitute in their shock 2-1 win over Arsenal in last season’s League Cup final.
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