Soccer

Bellingham set to return for Real Madrid from red-card ban to face Athletic Bilbao

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Jude Bellingham is set to return for Real Madrid against Athletic Bilbao this weekend after the England midfielder missed his club’s last two games with a red-card suspension.

Mar 28, 2024 5:52 AM Read more >

Marseille hit by injuries ahead of biggest game of French soccer against bitter rival PSG

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — For Jonathan Clauss, the France friendly against Chile this week was meant to be pure joy in front of his home crowd.

Mar 28, 2024 5:16 AM Read more >

Ukraine's soccer victory provides welcome distraction from tragedy of war

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians have expressed pride and gratitude toward their men’s national soccer team for qualifying for the European Championship, a rare bit of good news and a welcome distraction from the war with Russia .

Mar 27, 2024 7:32 PM Read more >

Chelsea and Lyon advance to the Women's Champions League semifinals

LONDON (AP) — Emma Hayes' hopes of going out on the ultimate high at Chelsea moved a step closer on Wednesday as the London club reached the Women’s Champions League semifinals after a 1-1 draw with Ajax.

Mar 27, 2024 4:49 PM Read more >

Sophia Smith signs contract extension with Portland for highest annual NWSL salary

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Sophia Smith had options but in the end felt like she “wasn't done” in Portland. The Thorns announced Wednesday that they signed Smith to a contract extension through 2025, with a player option for 2026.

Mar 27, 2024 1:52 PM Read more >

Canadian U-20 women's squad to face elite opposition in U.S. and Germany next month

In facing Germany and the United States next month ahead of this summer's FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, Cindy Tye's young Canadian side will test itself against two of the most successful teams at this age group. Germany and the U.S.

Mar 27, 2024 1:29 PM Read more >

Germany celebrates turnaround as confidence grows before hosting Euro 2024

BERLIN (AP) — What a difference a game makes. The pessimism and frustration shrouding Germany’s soccer team ahead of this summer’s European Championship has been lifted and replaced by confidence that the host can now win the tournament.

Mar 27, 2024 1:23 PM Read more >

Women's national soccer team and Gotham FC forward Midge Purce tears ACL

HARRISON, N.J. (AP) — United States women's national team forward Midge Purce sustained a season-ending knee injury this past weekend playing for Gotham FC against the Thorns in Portland, Oregon.

Mar 27, 2024 12:56 PM Read more >

Juan Jesus says he is 'bitter' about Italian league not punishing Acerbi for alleged racial abuse

MILAN (AP) — Napoli defender Juan Jesus says he has been left feeling “very bitter” and “crestfallen” by the Italian league's decision not to punish Inter Milan player Francesco Acerbi for an allegedly racist remark toward him.

Mar 27, 2024 12:07 PM Read more >

Lavia to miss rest of the season after injury setback to complete frustrating first year at Chelsea

LONDON (AP) — Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia was ruled out of the rest of the season Wednesday after suffering a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury, completing a frustrating first year at the London club.

Mar 27, 2024 9:40 AM Read more >