GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Wilfried Nancy left his role as coach of Columbus Crew in Major League S...

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Wilfried Nancy left his role as coach of Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer to take charge of Scottish giant Celtic on Wednesday.The 48-year-old Frenchman coached Crew for three years, leading the team to the MLS Cup and the Leagues Cup and being named coach of the year in MLS in 2024.Celtic is defending its title in the Scottish Premiership and, after a slow start to the season, is in second place — two points behind Hearts.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The team has won the last four top-flight titles and is on 55 overall, the same as fierce Glasgow rival Rangers.Nancy described Celtic as "one of the world's proper football clubs" because of its "real atmosphere and heart and soul, real high standards and real demands, which I am ready for.""I know the history, I know the values of Celtic and I know what is expected of me on this journey," he said. "I know what Celtic means to so many people and my No. 1 aim will be simple — to give our fans a strong, exciting, attacking, winning football team they can be so proud of."Nancy will begin his tenure on Thursday.Since the departure of Brendan Rodgers on Oct. 27, Martin O'Neill has been in temporary charge of the team.Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond said O'Neill had done a "wonderful job" to "bring us through these last few weeks positively.""I will always hold Martin in such high regard for what he has done for Celtic and for what he is as a man — a man of such professionalism and integrity and someone who undoubtedly will always have the best interests of Celtic in his heart."___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Wilfried Nancy of Columbus Crew reacts during the first half of the MLS match against the New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 2025 in New York City.

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Wilfried Nancy leaves Columbus Crew to take charge of Celtic

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Mohamed Salah was left out of Liverpool's starting lineup for the secon...

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Mohamed Salah was left out of Liverpool's starting lineup for the second straight Premier League match by manager Arne Slot.Salah was named on the bench for the home game against Sunderland on Wednesday.On Sunday, the Egypt winger was an unused substitute in Liverpool's 2-0 win at West Ham. That marked the first time Salah hadn't started a league game under Slot, who took charge in the offseason of 2024 and won the title in his first season — chiefly thanks to the goals of Salah.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Slot acknowledged Salah was unhappy at being dropped last weekend but that he "handled himself really well" and was a "top professional."___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks on from the side of the pitch during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield on December 03, 2025 in Liverpool, England.

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Salah left out of Liverpool lineup for another Premier League game

NEW YORK (AP) — A record 64 nations will be in Friday’s World Cup draw, more than 30% of FIFA’s m...

NEW YORK (AP) — A record 64 nations will be in Friday’s World Cup draw, more than 30% of FIFA’s members, as soccer’s leaders insist a bigger tournament is better.FIFA expanded the field from 32 teams to 48, and just 42 spots have been determined going into the convoluted ceremony in which balls representing nations are plucked from bowls and assigned to groups per rules that restrict who goes where. Twenty-two teams in Friday’s draw are headed to playoffs that determine the final six berths on March 31.There will be 104 games instead of 64 in the World Cup running from June 11 through July 19 at 16 venues throughout North America. Seventy-eight games will be at 11 NFL stadiums, including all from the quarterfinals on, and 13 each in Mexico and Canada. The final is at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where there will be a halftime show for the first time.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>In addition to 12 group winners and second-place nations, eight third-place teams advance to a new round of 32. The World Cup winner will play eight games.“I’ve always thought that what FIFA should do is do it like the Final Four and do 64 teams with no groups, just a knockout,” said Alan Rothenberg, the head organizer of the 1994 World Cup in the U.S., comparing soccer with the NCAA basketball tournament.Led by captain Lionel Messi, who turns 39 during the tournament, Argentina seeks to become the first nation to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Messi and Portugal’s 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo are expected to play in a record sixth World Cup.<h3>At least 4 countries have qualified for the first time</h3>Cape Verde (ranked No. 68), Curaçao (82), Jordan (66) and Uzbekistan (50) have qualified for the first time and four playoff teams could become debutantes: Albania (63), Kosovo (80), New Caledonia (149) and Suriname (123).Curaçao, an autonomous territory of about 156,000 people within the Netherlands kingdom, is the smallest nation by population to qualify,Haiti is in for the first time since 1974 and Austria, Norway and Scotland for the first time since 1998.“I’m a little bit worried,” said former U.S. goalkeeper Kasey Keller, now an ESPN analyst. “We talked about it when they expanded from 24 that it was going to leave some teams that got into the World Cup that weren’t quite at the level, and now expanding it to 48 I think you’re looking at some teams that are going to really struggle.”<h3>World Cup ticket prices are setting records</h3>FIFA has set record initial prices of up to $6,730 for a ticket along with as much as $175 for a parking place and $73,200 for a hospitality package — up from $25 to $475 for the 1994 tournament in the U.S.Almost 2 million tickets among what is expected to be more than 6 million have been sold, the governing body said.“I’m not sure that FIFA’s number one goal is to grow the sport in America,” former U.S. goalkeeper Tony Meola said. “I always hate that people miss out on this because they get priced out of it.”Ticket holders who require visas to enter the U.S. have been promised priority appointment scheduling by the U.S. government.<h3>High temperatures could be an issue at some venues</h3>A key could be whether teams are drawn to play in open-air stadiums where summer heat could be a factor. Only four of the 11 U.S. World Cup venues have roofs, including one that isn’t temperature controlled.At this year’s Club World Cup in the U.S., six games were delayed by weather for a total of 8 hours, 29 minutes.“I will be interested when we find out the teams, as to who is playing in indoor climate-controlled venues more as opposed to outdoor, because I do think that there is a significant difference and obviously a potential competitive advantage,” said former American defender Alexi Lalas, Fox’s lead analyst.Kickoff times will be announced Saturday. The average noon temperature over the past 30 years in East Rutherford on July 19 is 84 degrees with a RealFeel index of 91, according to AccuWeather.<h3>Political element</h3>The 1994 World Cup draw in Las Vegas featured performances by Stevie Wonder, Barry Manilow, James Brown and Vanessa Williams plus comedian Robin Williams, who called the draw screen “the world’s largest keno board” and yelled “Bingo!” when Greece was pulled out of a bowl.This draw figures to be more akin to the December 2017 ceremony in Moscow, opened by Russian President Vladimir Putin.After negotiating to hold this month’s event in Las Vegas, FIFA placed it to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, taken over this year by President Donald Trump and his supporters. Trump, who mingled among Chelsea players on the awards stand after the Club World Cup final last summer, is expected to be at the draw along with Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney.Model Heidi Klum co-hosts Friday along with actors Kevin Hart and Danny Ramirez, and entertainment includes Tony Award and Olivier Award winner Nicole Scherzinger, Andrea Bocelli and Robbie Williams. The Village People will perform Trump favorite “Y.M.C.A.” and FIFA will award its own peace prize, likely to Trump.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) and US President Donald Trump pose during a summit on Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh on October 13, 2025. Trump landed in Egypt on October 13 for a summit on Gaza, following a lightning visit to Israel after a ceasefire he brokered entered into force

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FIFA's supersized World Cup is here - but does bigger mean better?

BERGAMO, Italy (AP) — Atalanta set up an Italian Cup quarterfinal match against Juventus with a c...

BERGAMO, Italy (AP) — Atalanta set up an Italian Cup quarterfinal match against Juventus with a comfortable 4-0 win over 10-man Genoa on Wednesday.It was Daniele De Rossi's first defeat as Genoa coach after taking charge at the beginning of last month.Berat Djimsiti headed in a cross to give Atalanta the lead in the 19th minute and Genoa's task became more difficult when teenager Seydou Fini was sent off in the 36th for bringing down Raoul Bellanova when he was through on goal.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Marten de Roon doubled Atalanta's lead early in the second half with a powerful, swerving shot from outside the area and Mario Pasalic slid in to fire home the third late on.The 17-year-old Honest Ahanor — who joined Atalanta from Genoa in July — scored his first senior goal in stoppage time.Juventus beat Udinese in their round of 16 match on Tuesday.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

BERGAMO, ITALY - DECEMBER 03: Marten de Roon of Atalanta celebrates his goal during the Italy Cup match between Atalanta and Genoa at New Balance Arena on December 03, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy.

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Atalanta thrash Genoa to set up Coppa Italia quarterfinal vs. Juventus

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Solo Ball scored 17 points, Braylon Mullins also had 17 in a breakout perfo...

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Solo Ball scored 17 points, Braylon Mullins also had 17 in a breakout performance by the freshman guard, and fifth-ranked UConn overcame a seven-point deficit in the second half to beat No. 21 Kansas 61-56 on Tuesday night in Allen Fieldhouse.Eric Reibe added 12 points and Alex Karaban scored 11 for the Huskies (7-1), who defeated the Jayhawks (6-3) for the first time in five tries while picking up their fourth — and arguably most impressive — win over a ranked opponent already this season.Kansas had a chance to tie the game late after Silas Demary Jr. missed a short jumper. But rather than attempt a tying 3-pointer, the Jayhawks’ Jamari McDowell drove to the rim and had his shot blocked by Mullins with just under 10 seconds to go.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Mullins was fouled and made a pair of free throws to put away the game.Flory Bidunga had 11 points and 12 rebounds to lead Kansas. Melvin Council Jr. added 12 points and Elmark Jackson scored 11.Both <a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-darryn-peterson-442e30890932697161787fbe8c8e6ade">teams were missing stars</a>: Kansas was without five-star prospect Darryn Peterson for the seventh time because of a lingering hamstring injury, and UConn played without big man Tarris Reed Jr. because of his own ankle injury.Still, the showdown between storied programs that each claim six national championships lived up to the hype.The Jayhawks, coming off three wins without Peterson at the Players Era Festival, leaned into the same formula of tough defense and aggressive rebounding, while the Huskies tried to get into the open court and run. And through the first 20 minutes, Kansas was able to set the tone, threatening a double-digit lead on a couple of occasions and leading 33-28 at the break.The Huskies clawed their way back into the game behind some defense of their own. They held the Jayhawks to two field goals over the first 12-plus minutes of the second half, and Mullins finally helped UConn regain the lead with 10 minutes to go.Ball helped stretch it to 55-49 before back-to-back baskets by Bidunga and Council tightened it up again.Eventually, the Huskies had enough to hold on down the stretch.Up nextUConn plays East Texas A&amp;M on Friday night.Kansas plays Missouri on Sunday in Kansas City, Missouri.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up <a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/ap-newsletters">here</a> (AP mobile app). AP college basketball: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball">https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball</a>

LAWRENCE, KANSAS - DECEMBER 02: Solo Ball #1, Eric Reibe #12 and Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies celebrate during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse on December 02, 2025 in Lawrence, Kansas.

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Ball, Mullins score 17 each to help No. 5 UConn rally past No. 21 Kansas

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored a season-high 42 points, sealing the game with a breakaway dunk...

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored a season-high 42 points, sealing the game with a breakaway dunk in the final seconds Tuesday night as the Boston Celtics beat the New York Knicks 123-117 in a rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinal.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JAYLEN BROWN WITH SOME AUTHORITY 😤 He gives the Celtics their first lead of the night on this THUNDEROUS slam! NYK-BOS on NBC &amp; Peacock: <a href="https://t.co/6rgoaHjEhr">https://t.co/6rgoaHjEhr</a> <a href="https://t.co/QimaBTn4Wb">pic.twitter.com/QimaBTn4Wb</a>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1996038629324718476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Derrick White scored seven of his 22 points in the last four minutes, after the Celtics turned back a New York charge that cut a 15-point deficit to 102-99. Jordan Walsh had six points and five rebounds in the fourth quarter for Boston.Mikal Bridges scored 17 of his 35 points in the fourth and went 8 for 12 from 3-point range overall. Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 for the Knicks, who had won four in a row.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Boston has won four of its last five games, beating four of the top six teams in the Eastern Conference.The Knicks took off to a 17-4 lead and led 39-25 before Boston scored the next 12 points and later scored seven in a row, taking a 47-46 lead on Brown’s dunk that woke up the crowd. Brown scored 18 points in the second quarter and 15 in the third.Boston led by 18 after three and had a 102-87 advantage with eight minutes left before Bridges hit a 3-pointer and followed it with three free throws, then made another 3 to make it 102-99 and finish off a 12-0 run.But Boston came out of a timeout with Josh Minott’s 3-pointer, then Walsh scored on back-to-back putbacks to give the Celtics an eight-point lead. Bridges hit a 3 to make it a four-point game with 46 seconds left, but he missed one on New York’s next possession with a chance to cut the deficit to one.Up nextThe Knicks host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.The Celtics visit Washington on Thursday night.___AP NBA: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nba">https://apnews.com/hub/NBA</a>

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 2: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on December 2, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Brown's 42 points help Celtics beat Knicks in rematch of East semifinal

TORONTO (AP) — Scottie Barnes scored 28 points to help the Toronto Raptors edge the Portland Trai...

TORONTO (AP) — Scottie Barnes scored 28 points to help the Toronto Raptors edge the Portland Trail Blazers 121-118 on Tuesday night.Barnes was 10 for 18 from the field. He also had seven rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.Immanuel Quickley had 23 points with eight assists for Toronto, which had lost two in a row. Brandon Ingram scored 21 points, and reserve Gradey Dick finished with 14.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Portland wasted a solid performance by Deni Avdija, who had 25 points, 14 assists and eight boards. Toumani Camara added 21 points and seven rebounds, and reserve Shaedon Sharpe — a London, Ontario, native — scored 23 points.Toronto’s RJ Barrett remained out because of a sprained right knee. The swingman landed awkwardly after a dunk in Toronto’s 119-109 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Nov. 23.Quickley drilled a tying 3 early in the second quarter, sparking a 16-3 run that lifted the Raptors to a 53-43 lead with 8:09 left in the first half.Sharpe made two foul shots to trim Toronto’s lead to 117-115 with 1:18 to go. But Ingram had a jam and two foul shots in the final seconds for the Raptors.Up nextThe Trail Blazers visit Cleveland on Wednesday night. The Raptors host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.___AP NBA: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nba">https://apnews.com/hub/NBA</a>

TORONTO, CANADA - DECEMBER 2: Jamal Shead #23 and Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors high five during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 2, 2025 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE

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Barnes scores 28 points as Raptors knock off Trail Blazers

While some of the more veteran U.S. stars stepped away to start families or rest nagging injuries...

While some of the more veteran U.S. stars stepped away to start families or rest nagging injuries this year, coach Emma Hayes got a good look at the future of the national team and developed depth with an eye toward the 2027 Women’s World Cup.The young players, meanwhile, made the most of the opportunity.The United States played its final two matches of 2025 against Italy, wrapping up on Monday night with a 2-0 victory. It was a solid test to end the year: The Italians are ranked No. 12 in the world and played in the Women’s European Championship semifinals this summer.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The United States closed out the year ranked No. 2 in the world with a 12-3-0 record, scoring 41 total goals and allowing just eight. The national team lost 2-1 to Japan in the She Believes Cup, 2-1 to Brazil in April and fell to No. 23-ranked Portugal in late October.Those losses were mostly inconsequential to Hayes, who is focused on loftier goals. Qualifying for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil is set for late 2026.“I’ve been very clear on the process to develop players and what we have to go through, so I’m not zoomed in on three losses,” Hayes said. “If I was, I wouldn’t make changes.”The first full year under Hayes started with a new “Futures Camp” attached to the team’s usual January training camp, reflecting Hayes’ holistic approach to all of the national teams. That jumpstarted the youth movement into the senior team with invitees including Lilly Reale, Avery Patterson and Claire Hutton.Other young players who emerged over the year included Olivia Moultrie, Emma Sears and Croix Bethune, who is back with the team after a knee injury in 2024, as well as 18-year-old Lily Yohannes and Ally Sentnor, last year’s USSF young player of the year.“The depth of this team is growing so much, and I think that is the most important thing with the U.S. national team. It’s the most competitive environment that I’ve ever been a part of, and that’s been through years and years and years,” said captain Lindsey Heaps. “That’s what makes it one of the best teams in the world for so long. To have that gap, to have these new young players coming through and absolutely killing it ... and with the balance of experienced players and new players, it’s really important.”The younger players were given a greater role while some of the team’s regulars were absent. In a year without an Olympics or a Women’s World Cup, Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson both took advantage of the break to have children. More recently, Lynn Biyendolo also announced she is expecting.Trinity Rodman missed parts of the year with a nagging back injury and then an MCL sprain in her right knee that kept her out of the two games against Italy. Defender Naomi Girma was bothered by calf injuries suffered while playing for Chelsea. Midfielder Rose Lavelle missed the first part of the year after ankle surgery.Cat Macario returned to form this year after struggling with injuries, including a torn ACL in 2022 that forced her to miss the World Cup in 2023. She led the United States with eight goals in 2025, including goals in the last three matches of the year.“Just finally finding some consistency and being able to represent my club and country,” Macario said when asked what she was most proud of this year. “I think every athlete wants to perform at the highest level, but at the same time, I think it starts at the basic level, and that’s just being available, being there to make an impact. And considering everything that I’ve been through for the past three years, that is definitely the thing I’m most proud of this year.”The national team will next meet Jan. 17-27 for camp in Carson, California. The team will play matches against Paraguay and another opponent to be named later.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: United States head coach Emma Hayes hugs Olivia Moultrie #13 of the United States during the second half against Italy during an international friendly at Chase Stadium on December 01, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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USWNT's 2025 in review: Hayes looks ahead to Women's World Cup

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Azteca Stadium will reopen in March when Mexico hosts Portugal and Cristiano R...

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Azteca Stadium will reopen in March when Mexico hosts Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo in a friendly match ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the Mexican soccer federation confirmed Tuesday.The iconic stadium, closed since May of last year for renovations, will host five World Cup matches, including the opener on June 11.Azteca, recently renamed Banorte Stadium, will become the first venue in history to host a third World Cup opening match. Mexico, which staged the World Cup in 1970 and 1986, is co-hosting next summer’s tournament with the United States and Canada.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The match against Portugal will take place on March 28. Mexico also announced a warmup game against Belgium to be played three days later at Soldier Field in Chicago.Coach Javier Aguirre said after a 2-1 loss to Paraguay in November that he wanted to play two matches with players from the local league in Central America in January, but the Mexican federation has yet confirmed them.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

A general view of the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico, on July 26, 2025. Less than a year before the start of the 2026 World Cup, renovation work on the Estadio Azteca continues to advance. This iconic venue, which hosts the World Cup for the third time, prepares to once again host the world's premier tournament.

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Azteca to reopen with Mexico facing Portugal in March friendly

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — The United States will play Belgium, Portugal and Germany among its fina...

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — The United States will play Belgium, Portugal and Germany among its final four friendlies ahead of the World Cup.The 14th-ranked U.S. faces No. 8 Belgium on March 28 and meets sixth-ranked Portugal three days later, both in Atlanta, the U.S. Soccer Federation said Tuesday.Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo could play in the U.S. for the first time since Aug. 2, 2014, when he was with Real Madrid for a preseason friendly against Manchester United at Ann Arbor, Michigan.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>After Pochettino's selects his World Cup roster, the Americans play a team still to be determined on May 31 at Charlotte, North Carolina, and then face No. 9 Germany on June 6 in Chicago.The U.S. opens the World Cup on June 12 at Inglewood, California, and then plays in Seattle seven days later and closes the group stage on June 25 in Inglewood. Opponents will be determined in Friday's draw, which also impacts which team the U.S. faces in the Charlotte friendly.The U.S. is unbeaten in five friendlies, including four wins.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

DUBLIN, IRELAND: NOVEMBER 13: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal during the Republic of Ireland V Portugal, 2026 World Cup Qualifying - UEFA, Group Stage match at Aviva Stadium on November 13th, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland.

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USMNT sets up friendlies with international heavyweights ahead of World Cup

MADRID (AP) — Clàudia Pina scored twice and Germany crumbled as Spain won the Women’s Nations Lea...

MADRID (AP) — Clàudia Pina scored twice and Germany crumbled as Spain won the Women’s Nations League final with a 3-0 victory in the second leg Tuesday.Vicky López also scored after Pina finally broke the deadlock after an hour played with Germany stubbornly hanging on as Spain had done in the first leg, a 0-0 draw in Kaiserslautern on Friday.Spain was without three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, who broke her leg in training on Sunday and will be out for five months.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>López took Bonmatí’s place and Spain dominated from the start. Esther González swept the ball just past the post and Mariona Caldentey forced a save from Ann-Katrin Berger early on as the fans roared encouragement.Nearly 56,000 flag-waving supporters attended the match at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium, easily a record for the Spanish team at home. Many children were also present on a cold night in the Spanish capital. None of the supporters seemed to mind the cold with most staying in their seats long after the final whistle.González tried her luck with an acrobatic scissors kick as Spain maintained its dominance. Mariona, López, and Mariona again all had good chances before the break, with Berger doing well to deny the latter.Nicole Anyomi had a rare chance for Germany in a one-on-one with Cata Coll before the halftime whistle, only to drag her shot wide of the right post.“That has to go in, and she had another one in the box in the second half,” Germany coach Christian Wuck said. “That’s the difference between us and the technically gifted Spanish players.”Pina got the party underway in the 61st when she breezed past a German defender and played a one-two with Mariona before beating Berger with a low shot. Berger got her hand to the ball but couldn’t stop its progress inside the right post.The 19-year-old López scored seven minutes later when she cut in from the right and unleashed a curling shot inside the far post.Pina sealed the win in the 74th after getting a gift of the ball from Germany’s Janina Minge. The Barcelona forward set off for goal and let fly from around 20 meters (yards) past the despairing Berger.It was only Spain’s second win over old foe Germany. The previous came at the European Championship last summer when Bonmatí scored in extra time for a 1-0 win in the semifinals. Spain went on to lose to England on penalties in the final.That was the only disappointment after reaching the finals of the last four major tournaments. Spain beat England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup and bettered France in the 2024 Women’s Nations League. Tuesday’s win over Germany makes it three wins from four finals.___AP Sports Writer Ciarán Fahey contributed from Berlin.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

MADRID, SPAIN - DECEMBER 02: Irene Paredes of Spain lifts the trophy and celebrates with teammates their victory following the UEFA Women's Nations League 2025 final second leg match between Spain and Germany at Estadio Metropolitano on December 02, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

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Spain beats Germany to retain Women's Nations League title

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Lindsay Davenport signed a two-year contract renewal to remain the Billie Je...

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Lindsay Davenport signed a two-year contract renewal to remain the Billie Jean King Cup captain for the United States, the U.S. Tennis Association announced Tuesday.Davenport led the Americans to the team competition's final this year, their first appearance in that round since 2018. The U.S. lost to Italy.Davenport became captain in 2024. As a player, she helped the U.S. win the event three times, in 1996, 1999 and 2000.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>She won three Grand Slam singles titles, reached No. 1 in the WTA rankings and was elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2014."It's an incredible honor to serve as U.S. Billie Jean Cup Captain, and I'm thrilled and humbled to continue doing it, especially during such an amazing time for women's tennis in America," Davenport said.With Coco Gauff at No. 3, Amanda Anisimova at No. 4, Jessica Pegula at No. 6 and Madison Keys at No. 7, this season was the first since 2004 with four American women in the year-end top 10 rankings.Back then, Davenport finished at No. 1, and was joined by Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Jennifer Capriati.The United States will play Billie Jean King Cup qualifying matches in April.___AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

SHENZHEN, CHINA - SEPTEMBER 20: Lindsay Davenport, captain of United States reacts during match 1in the Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals 2025, Semi-Final match between USA and Great Britain at Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre Arena on September 20, 2025 in Shenzhen, China.

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Davenport commits to 2 more years as United States captain at BJK Cup

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Between being eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualifying and opening the ...

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (AP) — Between being eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualifying and opening the Africa Cup of Nations in three weeks' time, Cameroon fired its coach and hired a replacement.New coach David Pagou immediately dropped captain Vincent Aboubakar and goalkeeper Andre Onana from his squad announced late Monday for the AFCON that opens on Dec. 21 in Morocco.Pagou replaced Marc Brys, the veteran Belgian coach whose appointment last year seemed to be the sports ministry's choice against the wishes of the soccer federation led by Cameroon great Samuel Eto'o.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The federation on Monday published a list of grievances with Brys including claims of subterfuge and insubordination.The last game for Brys was losing in the African qualifying playoffs for the World Cup last month, 1-0 against Congo.Pagou is an experienced coach in the Cameroon league and picked a 28-player squad for AFCON missing Onana, playing on loan from Manchester United at Trabzonspor in the Turkish league, and the 33-year-old Aboubakar. His 45 national team goals are behind only the 56 by Eto'o, and include the late winning goal in the final against Egypt to seal the 2017 African title.Cameroon's squad includes Man United forward Bryan Mbeumo and is preparing to start its group on Dec. 24 against Gabon. Defending champion Ivory Coast and Mozambique are also in the group.___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - NOVEMBER 1: Goalkeeper Andre Onana of Trabzonspor reacts during the Trendyol Süper Lig match between Galatasaray SK and Trabzonspor at Rams Park Stadium on November 1, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey.

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New Cameroon boss omits Onana, Aboubakar from AFCON roster

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa will miss the Africa Cup of Nations after be...

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa will miss the Africa Cup of Nations after being left out of Congo's squad.Wissa joined Newcastle for a reported 55 million pounds ($75 million) on the final day of the summer transfer window but has yet to play for the club after returning from national team duty with Congo with an injury sustained in a World Cup qualifier against Senegal on Sept. 9.The 29-year-old Wissa is back in training at Newcastle but that has come too late for the player to be included in Congo's squad for the Africa Cup, which begins on Dec. 21 in Morocco.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Wissa has played only two games all season and they were both for Congo in World Cup qualifiers in early September. He had limited training with Brentford's senior squad during preseason and then did not play in any of the team's first three Premier League games, because he wanted a transfer — one he eventually secured with the move to Newcastle, which is in the Champions League this season.Among those selected by Congo in a squad announced late Monday were Premier League players Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki (both Sunderland), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham) and Axel Tuanzebe (Burnley).<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
📋 𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄 ​🌟 ​26 Léopards 🐆 sélectionnés par le sélectionneur-manager Sébastien Desabre 🇨🇩 pour la phase finale de la Coupe d'Afrique des Nations, Maroc 2025 🇲🇦.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FecofaRDC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FecofaRDC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AllezLesL%C3%A9opards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AllezLesLéopards</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TotalEnergiesAfcon2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TotalEnergiesAfcon2025</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAN2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAN2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/6zTbMaIAjb">pic.twitter.com/6zTbMaIAjb</a>— Fecofa RDC_Officiel (@FecofaRdc) <a href="https://twitter.com/FecofaRdc/status/1995541983385759820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Yoane Wissa poses for photographs wearing a third kit at the Newcastle United Training Centre after signing for the club on September 01, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

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Newcastle's Wissa left out of Congo squad for Africa Cup of Nations

College football’s coaching carousel is slowing down after a dizzying frenzy. Eleven Power Four c...

College football’s coaching carousel is slowing down after a dizzying frenzy. Eleven Power Four coaches were fired this fall and another in March. Kentucky’s Mark Stoops was the last one shown the door and the fifth from the Southeastern Conference.Unprecedented parity, revenue-sharing and access to the expanded College Football Playoff have created a win-now approach for administrators and decision-makers.Florida State’s Mike Norvell, Maryland’s Mike Locksley, Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell and Baylor’s Dave Aranda got hot-seat reprieves and will return in 2026.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin’s decision to leave for LSU sped up the hiring cycle, with Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield, North Texas coach Eric Morris, South Florida coach Alex Golesh and Tulane coach Jon Sumrall getting called up from the Group of Five to lead Power Four programs.Here are the programs in the spotlight (in alphabetical order):<h2>Arkansas</h2>Fired: Sam Pittman, 63 (Sept. 28)Record: 32-34 over six seasons, including 14-29 in the SECBuyout: Nearly $9 millionInterim: Offensive coordinator Bobby PetrinoNoteworthy: Petrino guided the Razorbacks between 2008 and 2011, showing improvement every year. His tenure ended after a motorcycle crash led to the admission of an affair with a former Arkansas volleyball player.Replacement: The Razorbacks hired Silverfield on Nov. 30.<h2>Auburn</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811997/cropped_GettyImages-2239880985.jpg?ts=1764518143" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811997/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239880985.jpg?ts=1764518143 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811997/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239880985.jpg?ts=1764518143 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811997/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239880985.jpg?ts=1764518143 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811997/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239880985.jpg?ts=1764518143 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811997/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239880985.jpg?ts=1764518143 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Fired: Hugh Freeze<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auburn-hugh-freeze-fired-ef4a157280be080d5a82220188eec0a3">,</a> 56 (Nov. 2)Record: 15-19 over three seasons, including 6-16 in the SECBuyout: $15.8 millionInterim: Defensive coordinator DJ DurkinNoteworthy: The 56-year-old Freeze failed to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in his three years on the Plains. The Tigers scored 24 or fewer points in 17 of his 22 league games.Replacement: The Tigers hired Golesh on Nov. 30 and kept Durkin as DC.<h2>Cal</h2>Fired: Justin Wilcox, 49 (Nov. 23)Record: 48-55 over nine seasons, including 26-47 in conference play (21-37 in the Pac-12, 5-10 in the ACC).Buyout: Roughly $10.9 millionInterim: Former Hawaii and Washington State coach Nick RolovichNoteworthy: Longtime NFL coach and first-year Cal general manager Ron Rivera made the move following a lopsided loss to Stanford that assured Wilcox of never having a winning record in conference play with the Bears.Replacement: TBD.<h2>Florida</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812170/cropped_GettyImages-2249433161.jpg?ts=1764638994" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812170/w220xh124_GettyImages-2249433161.jpg?ts=1764638994 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812170/w320xh180_GettyImages-2249433161.jpg?ts=1764638994 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812170/w640xh360_GettyImages-2249433161.jpg?ts=1764638994 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812170/w768xh432_GettyImages-2249433161.jpg?ts=1764638994 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812170/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2249433161.jpg?ts=1764638994 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> James Gilbert / Getty Images Sport / Getty</figcaption></figure>Fired: Billy Napier, 46 (Oct. 19)Record: 22-23 over four seasons, including 12-16 in the SECBuyout: About $21 millionInterim: Receivers coach Billy GonzalesNoteworthy: Napier was almost always in the crosshairs, in part because he declined to give up play-calling duties as the Gators’ offense failed to make progress.Replacement: The Gators hired Sumrall on Nov. 30.<h2>Kentucky</h2>Fired: Mark Stoops, 58 (Dec. 1)Record: 82-80 over 13 seasons (with 10 wins vacated), including 25-68 in the SECBuyout: Approximately $37.7 million, with all it due within 60 days. But the sides were reportedly working to spread that out over timeInterim: NoneNoteworthy: Stoops was the longest-tenured coach in the SEC.Replacement: The Wildcats hired Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein hours after Stoops’ dismissal.<h2>LSU</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812155/cropped_GettyImages-2248694098.jpg?ts=1764627966" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812155/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248694098.jpg?ts=1764627966 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812155/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248694098.jpg?ts=1764627966 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812155/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248694098.jpg?ts=1764627966 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812155/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248694098.jpg?ts=1764627966 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812155/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248694098.jpg?ts=1764627966 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Gus Stark/LSU / University Images / Getty</figcaption></figure>Fired: Brian Kelly, 64 (Oct. 26)Record: 34-14 over four seasons, including 19-10 in the SECBuyout: About $54 million, which the school agreed to pay after Kelly <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lsu-brian-kelly-lawsuit-074233f4df33debaf5dfd57b1acd2d02">sued for the full amount</a>Interim: Associate head coach/running backs coach Frank WilsonNoteworthy: Kelly’s buyout is the second largest in the history of college athletics. It was the first time Kelly had been fired in his coaching career.Replacement: The Tigers hired Kiffin on Nov. 30.<h2>Michigan State</h2>Fired: <a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-state-coach-fired-4e83b2f687f02ecee2b0559fe49558b0">Jonathan Smith</a>, 46 (Nov. 30)Record: 9-15 over two seasons, including 4-14 in the Big TenBuyout: More than $30 millionInterim: Defensive Coordinator Joe RossiNoteworthy: Smith was under fire from the moment Michigan State hired him late in 2023. He previously went 34-35 in six years at Oregon State.Replacement: The Spartans <a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-state-coach-fired-4e83b2f687f02ecee2b0559fe49558b0">hired former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald</a> on Dec. 1.<h2>Oklahoma State</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811466/cropped_GettyImages-2233995168.jpg?ts=1764106096" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811466/w220xh124_GettyImages-2233995168.jpg?ts=1764106096 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811466/w320xh180_GettyImages-2233995168.jpg?ts=1764106096 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811466/w640xh360_GettyImages-2233995168.jpg?ts=1764106096 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811466/w768xh432_GettyImages-2233995168.jpg?ts=1764106096 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811466/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2233995168.jpg?ts=1764106096 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Fired: Mike Gundy, 58 (Sept. 23)Record: 170-90 over 21 seasons, including 102-72 in the Big 12Buyout: $15 millionInterim: Offensive coordinator Doug MeachamNoteworthy: Gundy went viral in 2007 for shouting “Come after me! I’m a man! I’m 40!” while defending one of his players.Replacement: The Cowboys hired Morris on Nov. 25.<h2>Penn State</h2>Fired: James Franklin, 53 (Oct. 12)Record: 104-45 over 12 seasons, including 64-36 in the Big TenBuyout: More than $49 million, although it was negotiated down to $9 million before he got another job (Virginia Tech)Interim: Associate head coach Terry SmithNoteworthy: Franklin became the first coach since 1978 to lose consecutive games (UCLA, Northwestern) while being favored by 20 or more points.Replacement: The Nittany Lions initially targeted BYU’s Kalani Sitake, but he signed a long-term extension with the Cougars.<h2>Stanford</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811830/cropped_GettyImages-1258703671.jpg?ts=1764367973" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811830/w220xh124_GettyImages-1258703671.jpg?ts=1764367973 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811830/w320xh180_GettyImages-1258703671.jpg?ts=1764367973 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811830/w640xh360_GettyImages-1258703671.jpg?ts=1764367973 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811830/w768xh432_GettyImages-1258703671.jpg?ts=1764367973 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811830/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1258703671.jpg?ts=1764367973 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> The Washington Post / The Washington Post / Getty</figcaption></figure>Fired: Troy Taylor, 56 (March 25)Record: 6-18 over two seasons, including 4-13 in conference play (2-7 in the Pac-12, 2-6 in the ACC)Buyout: UnknownInterim: Longtime NFL coach Frank ReichNoteworthy: General manager Andrew Luck fired Taylor in March following reports that the coach allegedly mistreated staffers and then asked Reich to fill in for a season.Replacement: The Cardinal <a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanford-tavita-pritchard-c7469d736830e698220c1bb863b43845">hired Tavita Pritchard on Nov. 28</a>.<h2>UCLA</h2>Fired: DeShaun Foster, 45 (Sept. 14)Record: 5-10 over two seasons, including 3-6 in the Big TenBuyout: $6.43 millionInterim: Special assistant Tim SkipperNoteworthy: Foster was fired three games into his second season, with athletic director Martin Jarmond acknowledging he made a mistake by giving the inexperienced Foster the job.Replacement: The Bruins have targeted James Madison’s <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ucla-bob-chesney-6f2128800580c08d0412dcc7d154f975">Bob Chesney</a> as their next football coach.<h2>Virginia Tech</h2><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811434/cropped_GettyImages-2247416313.jpg?ts=1764093171" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811434/w220xh124_GettyImages-2247416313.jpg?ts=1764093171 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811434/w320xh180_GettyImages-2247416313.jpg?ts=1764093171 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811434/w640xh360_GettyImages-2247416313.jpg?ts=1764093171 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811434/w768xh432_GettyImages-2247416313.jpg?ts=1764093171 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811434/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2247416313.jpg?ts=1764093171 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</figcaption></figure>Fired: Brent Pry, 55 (Sept. 14)Record: 16-24 over four seasons, including 10-13 in the ACCBuyout: About $6 millionInterim: Offensive coordinator Philip MontgomeryNoteworthy: Since Pry’s dismissal, the university <a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-tech-athletics-spending-6904da40ec1146eb7e1df0094496e1b3">voted to increase the athletics department budget by $229.2 million</a> over the next four years. The bump for 2026 ups Tech’s athletic budget to $190.1 million, placing it among the top third in the ACC.Replacement: The Hokies hired Franklin on Nov. 17.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up <a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/ap-newsletters">here</a> (AP News mobile app). AP college football: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/college-football">https://apnews.com/hub/college-football</a>

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 01: Lane Kiffin speaks at a press conference as he is introduced as the new head football coach of the LSU Tigers at Tiger Stadium on December 01, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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Coaching carousel: Tracking CFB's biggest hirings and firings

NEW YORK (AP) — Todd Dunivant, a veteran of 13 Major League Soccer seasons, was hired Tuesday as ...

NEW YORK (AP) — Todd Dunivant, a veteran of 13 Major League Soccer seasons, was hired Tuesday as sporting director of New York City FC.Dunivant, who turns 45 on Dec. 26, replaced David Lee, who left on Sept. 30 to become president of soccer operations and general manager of Sporting Kansas City.Dunivant was a defender for San Jose (2003-04), the LA Galaxy (2005-06 and 2009-15), New York Red Bulls (2006-07) and Toronto (2007-08). He has been general manager of the second-tier Sacramento Republic since 2018 and president since 2021.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>___AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

FRISCO, TX - AUGUST 11: Todd Dunivant #2 of the Los Angeles Galaxy looks on against FC Dallas on August 11, 2013 at FC Dallas Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

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Todd Dunivant named NYCFC sporting director

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Led by Drake Maye and Marcus Jones, the New England Patriots became the ...

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Led by Drake Maye and Marcus Jones, the New England Patriots became the first NFL team to reach 11 wins this season.They also left no doubt about the gulf between them and the New York Giants at the moment.Maye passed for two touchdowns, Jones had a 94-yard punt return for a TD and the Patriots beat the Giants 33-15 on Monday night.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>It was the 10th straight win for the AFC-leading Patriots (11-2), the franchise's longest streak since winning 10 consecutive games in 2015. Coach Mike Vrabel also became the third coach since 1970 to have a win streak of 10 or more games in his first season with a team.Maye completed 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards with no interceptions. Vrabel said it was another example of his quarterback “realizing what he can be.”“Just trying to be the face, trying to be the conductor,” Maye said. “Trying to want the pressure. You want the ball in my hands.”The Giants (2-11) lost their seventh straight game, and third in a row since firing former coach Brian Daboll. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart returned after missing two games because of a concussion, but there wasn't much he could do.Dart threw a touchdown pass to Darius Slayton and finished 17 of 24 for 139 yards. Devin Singletary added a touchdown run.“We were just scratching and clawing. You’re trying to find any way to catch up,” Dart said.Dart played with his usual style in his return. On a second down on the team's second offensive series, Dart scrambled toward the New York bench and tried to tip-toe up the sideline for extra yards.It left him open for a clean hit to the midsection by Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, who sent Dart hard to the turf.“Stay inbounds? What am I supposed to do,” Elliss said. “We play hard on defense. We try to bring life to this team."The forceful tackle caused a brief shoving match between several players. No flags were thrown for Elliss’ tackle, but after a discussion by officials, Giants tight end Theo Johnson was called for unnecessary roughness for his role in the post-play scrum.Dart was not evaluated following the hit and remained in the game for the next play.“I'm not playing soccer out here. You're going to get hit,” Dart said. “Things happen. It's part of the game.”After the Patriots took a 17-0 lead on a 3-yard TD pass by Maye to Kayshon Boutte, Dart found traction on the Giants’ third possession and capped a six-play, 62-yard drive with a catch-and-run TD pass to Slayton that covered 30 yards.The Giants defense started the game well, holding the Patriots to a field goal on the game’s opening possession in its first game under the direction of interim coordinator Charlie Bullen. Bullen was elevated to the role after Shane Bowen was fired 12 games into his second season.It didn’t last.Trailing 10-0 after Jones’ TD and a quick three-and-out that included the Elliss hit on Dart, Maye used a 36-yard pass to Hunter Henry to set up his touchdown pass to Boutte.New England led 30-7 at halftime, marking the first time since Week 17 of 2009 season that the Giants had allowed 30 points in the first half.Return game Jones became the fourth player in Patriots history to return two punts for TDs in a single season, joining Troy Brown (2001), Irving Fryar (1985) and Mike Haynes (1976).Benched againGiants rookie linebacker Abdul Carter didn’t play in the first quarter for what coach Mike Kafka was the coach’s decision, but not disciplinary.“(Stuff) happens,” Carter said afterward.It marks the second time the No. 3 overall pick in the draft was benched at the start of a game. He was previously held out of the first series of New York’s Nov. 16 loss to Green Bay.Hold on Lined up for a 47-yard field-goal attempt in the second quarter, Giants kicker Younghoe Koo got his cleat caught in the turf and never got off a kick. Holder Jamie Gillan tried to get up and run but was tackled for what was scored as a 13-yard sack by Jeremiah Pharms.It wasn't New York’s only special teams mishap. Gunner Olszewski also fumbled on a kickoff return late in the first half after being sandwiched on a tackle by Marte Mapu and Elliss.The Patriots recovered on the Giants 27 and eventually added Andy Borregales’ second field goal of the half.Injuries Giants: Olszewski was ruled out with a concussion following the hit that caused his fumble. Replays showed him taking a helmet-to-helmet blow from Elliss. ... RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. was helped off in the fourth quarter with a hip injury.Patriots: RB Terrell Jennings left in the first quarter with a head injury and didn’t return. ... LB Jack Gibbens was shaken up in the third quarter.Up next Giants: Bye. Host Washington on Dec. 14Patriots: Bye. Host Buffalo on Dec. 14.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots and Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots shake hands during the second quarter of the game against the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on December 01, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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Patriots rout Giants, become 1st team to 11 wins

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Catarina Macario scored in her third straight international match and...

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Catarina Macario scored in her third straight international match and the United States defeated Italy 2-0 on Monday night in the final game for the national team this year.The United States has scored in 16 straight matches, including all 15 this year. The national team wrapped up 2025 12-3-0.Macario scored the opening goal in the 20th minute with a strike from the corner of the box and up over Italy goalkeeper Francesca Durante’s head and into the side netting of the far post.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Jaedyn Shaw added a second goal before halftime, taking a pass from Alyssa Thompson before squaring up and calmly finishing out of Durante’s reach to make it 2-0.Claudia Dickey earned her fifth clean sheet in her sixth appearance in goal for the United States.Macario had a pair of goals a 3-0 victory over Italy on Friday night in Orlando, Florida. Olivia Moultrie, who scored the other goal on Friday, was available off the bench Monday.Macario, who plays for Chelsea, led the team this year with eight goals, including seven goals in her last seven starts. She nearly got a second goal at Ft. Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium but it was disallowed because of a foul, denying her a third brace in her last three international games.Macario and Emily Fox were among the players named earlier Monday as nominees for the women’s U.S. Soccer Player of the Year award, joining Rose Lavelle, Alyssa Thompson and Sam Coffey. U.S. coach Emma Hayes made five changes to the starting lineup from Friday’s victory in the first game against Italy, going with veterans Naomi Girma, Lindsey Heaps, Fox and Macario. Three teenagers started for the United States, including 19-year-olds Claire Hutton and Jordyn Bugg and 18-year-old Lily Yohannes.The U.S. national team will next gather from Jan. 17-27 for the team’s annual camp in Carson, California, with a match planned against Paraguay and another against an undetermined opponent.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Catarina Macario #20 of the United States celebrates with Lindsey Heaps #10 after scoring against Italy during the first half of a international friendly match at Chase Stadium on December 01, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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Macario, Shaw score in USWNT win over Italy to end 2025

Carla MacLeod, the coach of the Czech Republic national women’s hockey team and PWHL’s Ottawa Cha...

Carla MacLeod, the coach of the Czech Republic national women’s hockey team and PWHL’s Ottawa Charge, revealed Sunday that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.And in the 43-year-old’s typical upbeat fashion, MacLeod wrote in a <a href="https://x.com/PWHL_Ottawa/status/1995210021072994605?s=20">message posted by the Charge on X</a>: “I want everyone to know that I’m going to be okay.”“I’m incredibly fortunate to have an exceptional medical team guiding me, and together we have built a treatment plan that gives me tremendous confidence in the road ahead,” she wrote. “There are still some variables to be determined as we move forward, but my goal — without question — is to be behind the bench as often as possible.”<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>That includes coaching at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, in which the Czech Republic opens against the United States on Feb. 5. This will be the nation’s second Olympic appearance, and first in the Pool A bracket, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-nhl-sports-hockey-womens-hockey-db69c72520a16a02bba0ac2664cd3ed7">after a seventh-place finish at the 2022 Beijing Games</a>.“I finally exhaled when my medical team assured me that my treatment should have minimal impact on being present for the Charge season, and that I’ll still be able to coach Czechia,” she wrote.MacLeod took over coaching the Czech Republic in April 2022 and led the team to consecutive bronze medals — the nation’s first in senior women’s international play — <a href="https://apnews.com/article/womens-hockey-world-championship-preview-7cd963c646bb4a6123041412e70d406b">at the 2022 and ’23 world championships</a>. The Czech Republic has finished fourth in each of the past two worlds and is considered a medal contender at an Olympic tournament that’s been dominated by the U.S. and Canada.Ottawa is off to a 1-1 start to the season and MacLeod said her treatment schedule will force her to miss the team’s next game, against Minnesota on Tuesday.“The fear of missing out will be real, but I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by world-class players and staff, who will keep pushing us forward,” MacLeod wrote. “Being with the team fuels me. And I intend to stay as connected as I can during treatment.”Charge general manager Mike Hirshfeld said assistant coach Haley Irwin will handle coaching duties during MacLeod’s absence.“The Charge and the league are here to support Carla throughout her treatment,” Hirshfeld said. “Her strength, resilience and optimism shine through in the most challenging of circumstances. And we know she’ll approach the next chapter with the same determination she brings to everything she does.”MacLeod, who is from Alberta, won gold medals representing Canada in 2006 and 2010 and has since transitioned to coaching.MacLeod’s international success led to the Charge hiring her as their coach in the team’s inaugural season in 2024. After missing the playoffs in their first year, the Charge defeated top-seeded Montreal in the semifinals before losing to defending champion Minnesota in the Walter Cup finals in May.___AP women’s hockey: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey">https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey</a>

TORONTO, CANADA - FEBRUARY 1: Head coach Carla MacLeod of the Ottawa Charge looks on after the game against the Toronto Sceptres at Coca-Cola Coliseum on February 1, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Charge's MacLeod determined to keep coaching after cancer diagnosis

Texas moved up to No. 2 behind UConn in The Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll on Mo...

Texas moved up to No. 2 behind UConn in The Associated Press <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll">Top 25 women’s basketball poll</a> on Monday after beating two top teams in a Thanksgiving tournament.The Longhorns topped <a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-carolina-texas-womens-basketball-score-a5f5e0dbecf9bf14275fb42d7c02c43a">then-No. 2 South Carolina 66-64</a> a day after beating then-No. 3 UCLA 76-65 in Las Vegas. It was the first time in the past 25 years that a team has beaten two top three teams in such a short time frame.Texas received 10 first-place votes from a 32-member national media panel. No. 1 UConn garnered the other 22. The Huskies routed Xavier 104-39 to open Big East play. South Carolina fell to third and UCLA was fourth.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>LSU remained fifth. The Tigers, who haven’t played a ranked opponent yet, have scored over 100 points in <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lsu-washington-state-score-5f25c395d8ce4ddc97d08de7c8f8d01e">each of their first eight games</a> to set an NCAA record. They broke the mark of six in a row set by the 1981-82 Louisiana Tech team that LSU coach Kim Mulkey played on.Michigan, Maryland, TCU, Oklahoma and Iowa State rounded out the top 10. The Cyclones <a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-iowa-state-crooks-score-3c9f2c8b6c12597e7dda10ffb747494c">got a school-record 47-point effort</a> from star post player Audi Crooks to beat Indiana on Sunday.In and outOhio State debuted in this year’s poll at No. 23 after edging West Virginia last week 83-81. The Buckeyes followed that up with a 98-point win over Niagara, the most points scored in school history and the biggest margin of victory ever for the Buckeyes. N.C. State fell out of the poll.Conference supremacyThe Big Ten matched the Southeastern Conference this week with eight teams ranked after Ohio State entered the Top 25. The Big 12 is next with five and the Atlantic Coast Conference has three. The Big East has one.Games of the weekIt’s ACC-SEC challenge week with a host of quality matchups between the two power conferences. On Thursday, No. 22 Louisville hosts No. 3 South Carolina; No. 11 North Carolina visits No. 2 Texas; and No. 13 Ole Miss plays No. 18 Notre Dame.___Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up <a href="https://www.apnews.com/newsletters">here</a>. AP women’s college basketball: <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll">https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll</a> and <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball">https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball</a>

AUSTIN, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 30: Madison Booker #35 of the Texas Longhorns reacts during the first half against the Pennsylvania Quakers at Moody Center on November 30, 2025 in Austin, Texas.

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AP Poll: Texas up to No. 2 behind UConn after beating South Carolina, UCLA

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