Soccer

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A 20-minute drive separates the historic Maracana Stadium from the Complexo do Alemao, the biggest complex of favelas in Rio de Janeiro and one of the most impoverished and violent.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Xavi Hernández on Saturday denied a slew of reports in Spanish media outlets that Barcelona’s leadership is considering firing the coach for having said that the club's poor finances will impede it from competing with Real Mad

Ana Dias scored in her first start and the Portland Thorns earned a 2-0 weather-delayed win over the Houston Dash on Friday night in the National Women's Soccer League.

Indian soccer legend Sunil Chhetri is in elite company — of those still playing, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with 128 and 106 respectively, have scored more international goals than Chhetri.

MONTREAL — In nearly five years in Montreal Olivier Renard was not one to beat around the bush, but he skilfully navigated a tricky situation on Friday.

NEW YORK (AP) — An independent panel has rescinded the one-game suspension and fine handed to San Jose Earthquakes defender Bruno Wilson for a red card issued during a match at the Portland Timbers.

Rebecca Lowe has reported on many significant Premier League moments during her 11 seasons hosting NBC's coverage. The one thing missing has been a second-place team overtaking the leader on the final day of the season.

Toronto FC coach John Herdman is hoping being bad can lead to some good in the wake of last Saturday's post-game throwdown with New York City FC.

Toronto FC coach John Herdman is expecting a motivated CF Montreal at BMO Field on Saturday when the two teams renew their rivalry. Both teams are coming off losses and looking for a change in fortunes.

SOUTHAMPTON, England (AP) — Southampton will face Leeds United for a spot in next year’s English Premier League after beating West Brom 3-1 in the second leg of their Championship playoff on Friday.