Hit on Maatta and late shoves put Orpik under microscope (Yahoo Sports)

During their back-to-back Stanley Cup final runs in 2008 and 2009, the Pittsburgh Penguins knew all about what Brooks Orpik can do. The rugged, bruising defenseman's ability to play on the edge was a big part of the Penguins' playoff success for a long time. With Orpik on the other side of their series with the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh was on the receiving end of Orpik's borderline play in Game 2.

Real Salt Lake beats Dynamo 2-1, moves into 1st-place tie (The Associated Press)

SANDY, Utah (AP) -- Yura Movsisyan scored the go-ahead goal in the 70th minute and Real Salt Lake beat the Houston Dynamo 2-1 on Saturday night to move into a tie for the MLS lead.

Fehr tiebreaker lifts Pens past Caps 2-1 to tie series 1-all (Yahoo Sports)

Eric Fehr scored the tiebreaking goal against his former team with about 4 1/2 minutes remaining Saturday night, giving the Pittsburgh Penguins a 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals that tied the Eastern Conference second-round playoff series at a game apiece. Fehr redirected a pass out of a corner from Evgeni Malkin, sending the puck off the right post and past goalie Braden Holtby. Fehr played parts of nine seasons in Washington across two stints before leaving as a free agent last summer to join Pittsburgh.

Rivas' late goal gives Orlando City 2-2 draw with Revolution (The Associated Press)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) -- Carlos Rivas tied it in the 90th minute and Orlando City survived New England's late chances in a 2-2 tie with the Revolution on Saturday night.

Tottenham Hotspur-Chelsea Preview (The Associated Press)

Chelsea have known for months they will not repeat as Premier League champions. There is no love lost between the London rivals, and Spurs' history of misery at Stamford Bridge - where they have eight draws and 17 losses without a win since 1990 - only adds to the desire of the Blues (12-11-11) wanting to play spoilsports. Chelsea are already assured of their first non top-six finish since placing 11th in 1995-96, and with them almost locked into ninth or 10th, motivation for wins needs to come from outside sources.

Last-place Leafs win NHL draft lottery; Jets jump to 2nd (Yahoo Sports)

Brendan Shanahan's job of rebuilding the Toronto Maple Leafs got a big boost after the last-place team won the NHL draft lottery, putting it in a position to take U.S. center Auston Matthews with the first pick. With a 20-percent chance of winning the lottery on Saturday night, the Maple Leafs became the first last-place team to retain the position in the draft order since the Edmonton Oilers in 2010. The Winnipeg Jets made the largest jump, moving from the sixth to the second selection.

Ducks accept blame for Boudreau firing after playoff ouster (Yahoo Sports)

Boudreau's players understand that his firing could be the start of significant changes for a team that has won four consecutive Pacific Division titles, but squandered 3-2 series leads and lost Game 7 at home in four straight postseasons. The Ducks cleared out their lockers at Honda Center on Saturday morning, one day after Boudreau was fired after nearly five seasons as head coach. General manager Bob Murray spent much of his press conference savaging the roster for a poor start that forced the Ducks into desperation from December on, and for dropping the first two games at home in their first-round series against the Nashville Predators.

Dawkins scores in 83rd, Earthquakes tie Union 1-1 (The Associated Press)

CHESTER, Pa. (AP) -- Simon Dawkins scored in the 83rd minute to give the San Jose Earthquakes a 1-1 tie with Philadelphia Union on Saturday.

Mendoza breaks tie in 73rd, NYC beats Whitecaps 3-2 (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Steven Mendoza broke a tie in the 73rd minute and New York City FC beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-2 on Saturday to snap a seven-game winless streak.

Nyarko scores in 64th, DC United ties Fire 1-1 (The Associated Press)

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (AP) -- Patrick Nyarko scored for D.C. United in the 64th minute and the Washington club tied the Chicago Fire 1-1 in rainy conditions Saturday.

Sporting beats Porto 3-1 to stay in Portuguese title fight (The Associated Press)

LISBON, Portugal (AP) -- Striker Islam Slimani scored two goals as Sporting Lisbon defeated Porto 3-1 on Saturday to remain two points behind Benfica with two rounds left in the Portuguese league.

Johnson has 2 goals and assist, Lightning beat Islanders 4-1 (Yahoo Sports)

Tyler Johnson had two goals and an assist and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New York Islanders 4-1 on Saturday to even the second-round series at a game apiece. Lightning goalie Ben Bishop rebounded after being pulled in second period of Game 1 to make 19 saves. Jonathan Drouin and Victor Hedman each had a goal and an assist for Tampa Bay.

Rapids rally to tie Impact, 2-2 (The Associated Press)

MONTREAL (AP) -- Bobby Burling scored for Colorado in the 73rd minute and the Rapids tied the Montreal Impact 2-2 on Saturday.

Jordan Morris scores in 88th minute, Sounders beat Crew 1-0 (The Associated Press)

Rookie Jordan Morris scored off a rebound in the 88th minute to give the Seattle Sounders a 1-0 victory over the Columbus Crew on Saturday. After Oalex Anderson's shot was stopped by goalkeeper Steve Clark, Morris kicked in the loose ball for this third goal in three games. In front of a crowd of 39,473 at CenturyLink Field, Seattle (3-4-1) came on strong in the second half with several near-goals.

Barkov, Eriksson, Kopitar are Lady Byng finalists (Yahoo Sports)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Florida's Aleksander Barkov, Boston's Loui Eriksson and Los Angeles' Anze Kopitar are the finalists for Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the NHL player who exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.

Worker dies after falling ill at World Cup stadium site (The Associated Press)

World Cup organizers say a worker has died after falling ill on the site of one of the stadiums being constructed for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The statement says that Prasad, who was a steel worker employed on the Al Bayt Stadium project, ''received first aid treatment until paramedics arrived. Qatar is often criticized by rights groups and trade unions for alleged abuses and deaths on a range of construction projects linked to the 2022 World Cup since it won hosting rights in 2010.

Galaxy-Sporting Kansas City Preview (The Associated Press)

An ever-changing lineup hasn't stopped the Los Angeles Galaxy from producing goals at a prodigious rate. Riding a five-game unbeaten streak, they head into Sunday night's match attempting to end a nearly nine-year road winless drought against a Sporting Kansas City club that's cooled off considerably from a hot start. Despite not having its dangerous duo of Robbie Keane and Giovani dos Santos together since the season opener, Los Angeles (4-1-2) still leads MLS with 17 goals and its 2.43 per game is easily tops in the league.

Monaco beats Guingamp 3-2 to boost Champions League hopes (The Associated Press)

Monaco moved provisionally ahead of Lyon in pursuit of automatic Champions League qualification, with a 3-2 victory over Guingamp in the French league.

Everton beats Bournemouth 2-1 as Martinez faces protests (The Associated Press)

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) -- Defender Leighton Baines' first goal since 2014 gave Everton a 2-1 victory against Bournemouth in the English Premier League on Saturday but it was not enough to prevent growing opposition to manager Roberto Martinez.

Toronto FC-Timbers Preview (The Associated Press)

Toronto FC has acquitted itself quite well during a challenging opening stretch of nothing but road games. One more test remains on its eight-game trip in Sunday's matchup with defending MLS champion Portland, which can counter one of the league's premier scorers with one of its own. An upgraded defense and the presence of Sebastian Giovinco has enabled Toronto (3-2-2) to hold its own while kept away from the renovated BMO Field for the season's first two months.

Real Madrid, Atletico win to keep pressure on Barcelona (The Associated Press)

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both won Saturday to keep the pressure on Barcelona atop the Spanish league. Gareth Bale made up for the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, scoring late in Real Madrid's 1-0 win at Real Sociedad, while Antoine Griezmann netted just moments after entering the game at the Vicente Calderon Stadium to give Atletico a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

Arsenal edges past Norwich in 1-0 win on day of fan protest (The Associated Press)

Substitute Danny Welbeck's second-half goal helped Arsenal to a 1-0 victory Saturday over relegation-threatened Norwich in the Premier League on a day of protest and division among the home fans. Welbeck scored in the 59th minute after strike partner Olivier Giroud nodded down a cross for him in the center of the area. Up to that point, Norwich had the clearest chances in the match, with midfielder Nathan Redmond missing three first-half opportunities.

Udinese still in danger after 5-1 thrashing by Torino (The Associated Press)

Udinese remains uncomfortably close to the relegation zone after being thrashed 5-1 at home to Torino in Serie A on Saturday. Luigi De Canio's side is six points clear of Palermo, which hosts Sampdoria on Sunday, with two rounds remaining after the current round. Defender Pontus Jansson headed Torino ahead in the 12th minute with his first club goal and Afriyie Acquah blasted a second into the roof of the net on the stroke of halftime.

Nice, Saint-Etienne stumble in Champions League pursuit (The Associated Press)

Nice and Saint-Etienne saw their Champions League hopes diminish on Saturday with disappointing performances in the French league.

Bayern winger Ribery a doubt for Atletico with back injury (The Associated Press)

MUNICH (AP) -- Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery is a doubt for Tuesday's Champions League semifinal against Atletico Madrid due to a back injury.

Newcastle wins to climb out of relegation zone (The Associated Press)

LONDON (AP) -- Newcastle has moved out of the English Premier League relegation zone - for at least a couple of hours - after midfielder Andros Townsend's superb free kick gave the Magpies a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Newcastle beats Palace to keep alive hopes of EPL survival (The Associated Press)

A stunning free kick from Andros Townsend gave Newcastle a vital 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday and boosted its hopes of survival in the English Premier League. ''It could be a massive three points,'' said Townsend. Former Newcastle player Yohan Cabaye had a penalty saved by Karl Darlow, following a handball from Papiss Cisse.

Bayern's Bundesliga title celebrations put on ice after draw (The Associated Press)

Bayern Munich was held 1-1 at home by Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday as Borussia Dortmund kept the Bundesliga title race alive with a 5-1 rout of Wolfsburg. Bayern, which would have claimed its 26th German championship with a win, got off to a great start when Thomas Mueller scored in the sixth minute. Dortmund closed the gap to five points with two rounds remaining, thanks to two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and one each from Shinji Kagawa, Adrian Ramos and Marco Reus.

Watford condemn Villa to club-record 11th straight EPL loss (The Associated Press)

WATFORD, England (AP) -- Aston Villa was condemned to a club-record 11th consecutive loss when Watford scored two late goals to win 3-2 at home in the English Premier League on Saturday.

West Ham wins to keep EPL top 4 hopes alive (The Associated Press)

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) -- West Ham kept its top-four hopes alive by downing West Bromwich Albion 3-0 in the English Premier League on Saturday.

Defoe penalty gives Sunderland vital EPL point against Stoke (The Associated Press)

STOKE, England (AP) -- A last-minute Jermaine Defoe penalty rescued a valuable point for Sunderland in drawing with Stoke 1-1 in the English Premier League on Saturday.

Bale gives Madrid late win at Sociedad in Spanish league (The Associated Press)

MADRID (AP) -- Gareth Bale made up for the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, scoring late in Real Madrid's 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Saturday to keep alive his team's hopes of winning the Spanish League.

Bayern's Bundesliga title celebrations put on ice after draw (The Associated Press)

BERLIN (AP) -- Bayern Munich was held 1-1 at home by Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday as Borussia Dortmund kept the Bundesliga title race alive with a 5-1 rout of Wolfsburg.

English soccer team, 5,000-1 longshots, close in on title (The Associated Press)

Bettors looking for a wager with a fancifully high payoff last fall could have gone into their local betting shop in England and risked a bit of cash on the proposition that Elvis Presley would be found alive and well. Or they could have placed their money on a true longshot: The laughable idea that the lowly Leicester City soccer club would somehow surge to the top of the world-class English Premier League. The King of Rock and Roll is still buried on the grounds of his beloved Graceland, but the Foxes are on the verge of one of the greatest upsets in the history of modern sports, and the impact of their astonishing run on Britain's betting industry is already being felt as the team closes in on the top spot, which they can clinch as early as Sunday with a victory of past powerhouse Manchester United.

Islanders-Lightning Preview (Yahoo Sports)

The New York Islanders were once again Ben Bishop's nemesis in the opening game of the Eastern Conference semifinals, but they remain humble entering their next matchup with the Vezina Trophy finalist. The Islanders will seek to cause more woes for the Tampa Bay goaltender while taking a commanding lead over the Lightning on Saturday. Bishop failed to make it through a start against the Islanders for the second straight time in Wednesday's series opener in Tampa, giving up four goals on 13 shots in a 5-3 defeat.

Penguins-Capitals Preview (Yahoo Sports)

The Washington Capitals' stars shined the brightest in an opening act that will be hard to top. Now its up to Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins to answer in Game 2 when the series resumes Saturday night. This marquee second-round matchup featuring the NHL's two premier players lived up to its immense hype in Thursday's Game 1, though neither Crosby nor Alex Ovechkin had the greatest impact on the outcome.

Joel Ward leads Sharks past Predators 5-2 in Game 1 (Yahoo Sports)

Joel Ward scored the tiebreaking goal against his former team with 8:11 remaining in regulation to help the San Jose Sharks rally past the Nashville Predators 5-2 on Friday night in Game 1 of their second-round series. Ward also set up Tomas Hertl's power-play goal that tied the game earlier in the period before scoring one of his own to help San Jose win its first playoff game when trailing after two periods since 2011. Logan Couture added a power-play goal and an empty-netter for insurance, before Tommy Wingels sealed it with another empty-net goal as the Sharks showed few signs of rust after having six days off since beating Los Angeles in a five-game series in the first round.

Leicester City-Manchester United Preview (The Associated Press)

"All the world's a stage," William Shakespeare famously wrote, and none are bigger in English football than "The Theatre of Dreams" at Old Trafford. It is here where the most unlikely of teams can become the most celebrated of them all Sunday, for Leicester City would most certainly wear these glories of Premier League champions for more than a day amid lasting rejoice should they emerge with a title-clinching victory at Manchester United. "We want to do this," manager Claudio Ranieri told Leicester's official website Friday.

Faksa has goal and assist, Stars beat Blues 2-1 in Game 1 (Yahoo Sports)

Radek Faksa scored the tiebreaking goal on a rebound with 4:44 to play and had an assist on the other Dallas goal to help the Stars open the second round of the Western Conference playoffs with a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Friday night. Like Antoine Roussel did on his second-period goal on which Faksa had an assist, Faksa started the rush that led to his winner. Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk tied it at 1 with 8:28 left in the third period with a shot from the top of the left circle after Dallas failed to clear the puck out of the zone.

Red Bulls beat MLS-leading FC Dallas 4-0 (The Associated Press)

HARRISON, N.J. (AP) -- Lloyd Sam scored on a set play in the 37th minute and the New York Red Bulls added three goals in the second half to beat MLS-leading FC Dallas 4-0 on Friday night.

Liverpool-Swansea City Preview (The Associated Press)

Jurgen Klopp faces another test of his team's depth Sunday at the Liberty Stadium, where he is expected to use an overhauled starting XI versus Swansea City. While most of Klopp's eight months at Anfield have been marked by the Reds enduring a spate of injuries, the German manager has stitched together various combinations of players in helping Liverpool (15-10-9) reach the semifinals of the Europa League and stay in contention for a league finish that would reward them with a return to continental play in 2016-17. Liverpool, however, are facing a fast turnaround after a 1-0 defeat at Spanish side Villarreal in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal tie, their first loss in 12 Europa League contests.

Doughty, Karlsson, Burns finalists for Norris Trophy (Yahoo Sports)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Los Angeles' Drew Doughty, Ottawa's Erik Karlsson and San Jose's Brent Burns are the finalists for the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman.

Red Bulls acquired defender Aurelien Collin from Orlando FC (The Associated Press)

HARRISON, N.J. (AP) -- The New York Red Bulls have acquired veteran center back Aurelien Collin from Orlando City SC in exchange for a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

Crotone promoted to Serie A for 1st time in its history (The Associated Press)

Crotone secured promotion to Italy's top flight for the first time in its history Friday, drawing 1-1 at Modena in Serie B to spark scenes of celebration in the Calabrian city. There are three rounds remaining but a point was enough to guarantee Ivan Juric's team will finish in the top two in the second division and earn automatic promotion to Serie A. Davide Luppi gave Modena the lead in the 17th minute but former Juventus and Italy forward Raffaele Palladino leveled with a penalty on the stroke of halftime.

Earthquakes-Union Preview (The Associated Press)

Chris Wondolowski's continued high-level play and C.J. Sapong's emergence as a dangerous scorer have made the San Jose Earthquakes and Philadelphia Union among MLS' early season surprises. The American strikers go head-to-head Saturday in Philadelphia, where the improved Union attempt to secure a sixth consecutive home win. Philadelphia (4-3-0) enters leading the Eastern Conference in points per game (1.71) after finishing near the bottom of the standings in 2015.

Ibrahimovic scores 2 as French champion PSG routs Rennes 4-0 (The Associated Press)

PARIS (AP) -- Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as French champion Paris Saint-Germain beat Rennes 4-0 on Friday to equal its record points tally for a season with three games remaining.

D.C. United-Fire Preview (The Associated Press)

Forwards Patrick Nyarko and Chris Rolfe are mainstays with D.C. United this year, as they were for quite a while with the Chicago Fire. Nyarko and Rolfe return to Toyota Park as visitors for the first time Saturday to face a Fire team that is the league's worst offensive club. Rolfe scored 48 goals to rank second in Fire history and Nyarko had 19 to tie for 10th, and both rank within the club's top four in shots.

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Freiburg promoted, returns to Bundesliga after 1 season away (The Associated Press)

Freiburg secured an immediate return to the Bundesliga, one season after relegation to the second division, with a 2-1 win at Paderborn on Friday. Goals from Mike Frantz and Nils Petersen, both set up by Maximilian Philipp in a three-minute spell just after the break, ensured Freiburg will finish at least second, earning automatic promotion. ''It still has to sink in,'' Petersen said.

Buffalo Sabres re-sign forward Johan Larsson to 1-year deal (Yahoo Sports)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed forward Johan Larsson to a one-year contract.

Over 200 Boca Juniors fans arrested after Paraguay clashes (Reuters)

Paraguayan police said they arrested 237 fans of Argentina's Boca Juniors soccer club for vandalism and street clashes after their Copa Libertadores game on Thursday. Boca were in the capital Asuncion for the first leg of a last 16 tie in which they beat Cerro Porteno 2-1 after ex-Juventus and Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez opened the scoring. Argentina's notorious soccer hooligans, known as 'barras bravas', have cast a long shadow over the game for years, holding a position close to the clubs and politicians that has complicated efforts to tackle them.

Whitecaps FC-New York City FC Preview (The Associated Press)

New York City FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps turned in disappointing draws in the middle of the week and have little time to regroup to try and earn a victory. New York City FC (1-3-4) had its winless stretch extended to seven with a 1-all home tie against Montreal on Wednesday. "What is really important is that the team togetherness, that will turn it around, helping each other, talking to each other, being really positive, and if we stick together, especially in the difficult period, we will turn it around for sure," coach Patrick Vieira said.

Dynamo-Real Salt Lake Preview (The Associated Press)

The health of two of its top offensive threats is likely among Real Salt Lake's concerns, and so is perhaps the state of its defense following a harsh ending to a three-game win streak. Joao Plata is expected to sit out again as RSL seeks to bounce back Saturday night against the league-worst Houston Dynamo, but Juan Manuel Martinez might play after being forced to leave the latest game. Salt Lake then lost Martinez to a thigh injury only a few minutes after he scored his second goal in as many games last Saturday against Los Angeles.

Ranieri closes in on Hollywood ending with Leicester (The Associated Press)

It will surely be back next month with Leicester City etched into the solid silver for the first time. The leaders can wrap up their improbable pursuit of the biggest prize in English football on Sunday with a victory at Manchester United. Delivering the 132-year-old club's first title at the home of the record 20-time English champions would be the Hollywood ending craved by manager Claudio Ranieri.

Orlando City-Revolution Preview (The Associated Press)

Orlando City SC coach Adrian Heath let loose last week after another controversial call didn't go his club's way. Orlando City (2-2-3) is 0-2-1 in its last three after falling 3-2 on the road to New York on Sunday. The Lions felt they should have been awarded a penalty kick and red card on Red Bulls defender Karl Ouimette for chopping down striker Cyle Larin in the second half with Orlando holding a 1-0 lead.

FIFA ethics panel bans Bahamas' Havens for five years (Reuters)

FIFA's ethics watchdog on Friday banned former Caribbean Football Union executive Lionel Haven from soccer for five years for failing to disclose information related to cash payments at a CFU event in 2011. The adjudicatory chamber of world soccer body's independent Ethics Committee imposed the ban and fined Haven, from the Bahamas, 3,000 Swiss francs ($3,130), it said in a statement. Enmeshed in the worst corruption scandal in its history, FIFA has been cracking down on wrongdoing.

Ducks fire coach Bruce Boudreau after early playoff exit (Yahoo Sports)

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- The Anaheim Ducks have fired coach Bruce Boudreau after their first-round exit from the playoffs.

Manchester City-Southampton Preview (The Associated Press)

Before Manchester City can think about their second-leg Champions League semifinal match against Real Madrid next week, they must find enough focus to continue their undefeated stretch in the Premier League. City look to run that streak to six games Sunday when they try to do the double over host Southampton for a second straight season. Manuel Pellegrini's group might have felt they missed an opportunity to gain an edge over a Ronaldo-less Madrid side in their scoreless draw at the Etihad on Tuesday.

Crew-Sounders Preview (The Associated Press)

The Columbus Crew appear to have righted an unexpected poor start to a season of increased expectations. Jordan Morris knows about raised hopes as well, and the heralded Seattle Sounders rookie is beginning to live up to them. As Morris aims for a third consecutive game with a goal, the Crew vie for a third straight win in Saturday's visit to Seattle.

Pochettino plans to extend Tottenham stay with new contract (The Associated Press)

Mauricio Pochettino plans to extend his Tottenham contract until 2021. The Argentine, who arrived at Tottenham on a five-year contract in 2014, announced on Friday he has verbally agreed to a new five-year deal. ''We started to speak before, a few months ago, and today I think is a good moment to communicate we have reached the verbal agreement,'' Pochettino said.

FIFA intervenes in Guinea FA to stop 'wrangling' (Reuters)

Guinea's soccer association (FGF) has become the latest to prompt intervention by soccer's governing body FIFA after soccer in the West African nation ground to a halt. FIFA said on Friday it would appoint a seven-member "normalization committee" to run the FGF's daily affairs, revise its statutes and organize elections by next February. "The decision to appoint a normalization committee follows the internal wrangles currently affecting the FGF and that have brought all soccer competitions in the country to a halt," FIFA said in a statement.

Ronaldo and Benzema to miss match hoping to be fit for City (The Associated Press)

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says injured forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema will miss Saturday's league match as they focus on getting ready to face Manchester City in the Champions League semifinals. Madrid will be without its two top scorers when it plays at Real Sociedad, where it needs a win to stay in the Spanish league title race.

FIFA appoints committee to take over Guinean federation (The Associated Press)

FIFA will appoint a normalization committee to take control of the Guinean soccer federation after what it calls ''internal wrangles'' brought all competitions in the West African nation to a halt. FIFA says the committee will be made up of between five and seven members and will be appointed jointly by the world governing body and the Confederation of African Football. The problems at the federation come as Guinea struggles to qualify for next year's African Cup of Nations.

Platini appeal against six year ban heard at CAS (Reuters)

By Brian Homewood LAUSANNE (Reuters) - Suspended UEFA president Michel Platini's appeal against his six-year ban football was being heard at sport's highest tribunal on Friday with former FIFA president Sepp Blatter among the witnesses. Platini, who arrived in a taxi for the hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), is hoping that the ban will be overturned in time for the Euro 2016 tournament, which will be held in his native France in June and July. Platini, who was favorite to succeed Blatter as president of global body FIFA before he was banned, was mobbed by reporters and cameramen as he entered the building in a leafy Lausanne suburb.

Michel Platini arrives at CAS to fight 6-year ban by FIFA (The Associated Press)

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) -- Michel Platini has begun his appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport against his six-year ban from football by FIFA.

Wilson's knee-on-knee hit on Sheary may get closer look (Yahoo Sports)

Tom Wilson's knee-on-knee hit on Conor Sheary knocked the diminutive Pittsburgh Penguins forward out of Game 1 temporarily but could cost the Washington Capitals bruiser much more time in the second-round series. Wilson sent Sheary helicoptering to the ice with his left knee 4 minutes into the third period of the Capitals' 4-3 overtime victory Thursday night. Sheary hobbled to the nearby bench in pain and missed a few shifts, while Wilson was not penalized.

Oshie has hat trick, Capitals beat Penguins 4-3 in overtime (Yahoo Sports)

T.J. Oshie completed a hat trick in overtime to give the Washington Capitals a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night in a classic start to the highly anticipated second-round playoff series between Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby. Vezina Trophy finalist Braden Holtby made 42 saves, and Andre Burakovsky also scored for the Capitals. Pittsburgh's Matt Murray stopped 43 shots.

Bergeron, Kesler, Kopitar are Selke Trophy finalists (Yahoo Sports)

NEW YORK (AP) -- Boston's Patrice Bergeron, Anaheim's Ryan Kesler and Los Angeles' Anze Kopitar are the finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward.

Ducks face changes when slow starts finally catch up to them (Yahoo Sports)

The Anaheim Ducks began the season by falling far behind in the standings. The Ducks rallied splendidly all season long, but finally ran out of comebacks in their final loss to Nashville. Anaheim captain Ryan Getzlaf recognized the pattern in the aftermath of the Ducks' 2-1 home loss to the Predators on Wednesday night.

West Ham United-West Brom Preview (The Associated Press)

Starting with their 2-0 opening weekend victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, West Ham United have been a surprise package all season, and manager Slaven Bilic has coaxed a high level of consistency from his squad. With four matches remaining, the Hammers find themselves in the hunt for a Europa League place heading into Saturday's match versus West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns. West Ham have been idle since beating Watford 3-1 on April 20, getting two goals from the spot by Mark Noble and another strike from Andy Carroll.

Sunderland-Stoke City Preview (The Associated Press)

Being relegated is, by far, the worst fate a Premier League club can suffer. Sunderland have managed to escape the drop each of the past few seasons, and they'll be fighting for the Premier League lives again with Saturday's clash against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. The Black Cats (7-10-17) enter Saturday's clash hovering just above the relegation zone with 31 points, clear of 18th-place Norwich City on goal difference, though owning a match in hand.

Bournemouth-Everton Preview (The Associated Press)

The Everton faithful's patience with manager Roberto Martinez appears to have run out after a last-gasp FA Cup semifinal defeat to Manchester United extended the side's winless run to seven games. The Toffees (9-14-11) host Bournemouth on Saturday, seeking a first league win since defeating Aston Villa 3-1 on March 1, having drawn three and lost four of their last seven across all competitions. Hot on the heels of a 4-0 hammering at the hands of nearest rivals Liverpool in their last Premier League outing, Martinez's men were booed off the Wembley pitch after an abject first half against United at Wembley last Saturday.

Aston Villa-Watford Preview (The Associated Press)

Gabby Agbonlahor will be available again for Aston Villa on Saturday when they face Watford at Vicarage Road. Agbonlahor has been serving a club-imposed suspension at relegated Aston Villa (3-7-25) due to a series of off-field incidents and a lack of physical conditioning. "I want to begin with an apology to all Aston Villa fans for my actions in recent weeks, especially at a time when it is devastating for everyone involved with the club," Agbonlahor said.

Norwich City-Arsenal Preview (The Associated Press)

Arsenal have a full squad in training as they head into Saturday's game against Norwich City at the Emirates. Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's season has been stunted by a string of injury problems, but he expects to have all hands on deck for the run-in as the Gunners face a crunch encounter at Manchester City next weekend before closing the season at home versus relegated Aston Villa. The Gunners (18-10-7) are five points ahead of Manchester United in the race for fourth place and the final Champions League berth, but the chasers have a game in hand and have been putting pressure on the north Londoners.

Villarreal strike late against Liverpool, Sevilla draw at Shakhtar (Reuters)

By Toby Davis LONDON (Reuters) - Villarreal's Adrian Lopez snatched a stoppage-time winner at home to Liverpool to move them closer to a first European final after the first leg of their Europa League last four clash finished 1-0 on Thursday. Liverpool, who got a taste of their own medicine having scored deep in added time to knock out Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals, looked comfortable before Denis Suarez broke into the box and unselfishly squared for Lopez to sweep home. In the other semi-final, holders Sevilla had their fingers briefly loosened from the trophy before grabbing a 2-2 draw at Shakhtar Donetsk that left them well-placed to progress.

Wild GM: Torchetti a 'very serious candidate' to be coach (Yahoo Sports)

Minnesota Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher says interim coach John Torchetti is ''definitely a very serious candidate'' to be the team's permanent head coach. Fletcher held an end-of-the-season media session Thursday, four days after the Wild were eliminated from the playoffs by Dallas. Torchetti took over for the fired Mike Yeo in February and helped turn around turn the Wild.

Liverpool suffers late loss to Villarreal in Europa League (The Associated Press)

Liverpool conceded in injury time in losing to Villarreal 1-0 in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals on Thursday. The match looked set to be drawn until the second minute of added time, when Adrian Lopez scored for the host after a quick counterattack.

Predators-Sharks Preview (Yahoo Sports)

Since the San Jose Sharks last played a game, the Nashville Predators fell behind Anaheim in their first-round series with a Game 5 loss and then responded with two straight wins to eliminate the Ducks. While the Predators have played three grueling games and taken two long flights, the Sharks have been resting and practicing for six days and are eager to get back on the ice when their second-round series opens against Nashville on Friday night. The Predators overcame a lull in their first-round series after winning the first two games in Anaheim.

Blues-Stars Preview (Yahoo Sports)

The irony is not lost on Lindy Ruff as his Dallas Stars prepare for their second-round playoff series against Ken Hitchcock and the St. Louis Blues. ''I learned a lot, learned actually at the end to like him,'' Ruff said, acknowledging the two had some philosophical arguments when they roomed together in tight quarters. Long before they were on their home country's coaching staff for the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, Hitchcock was coach of the Stars when the franchise won its only Stanley Cup in 1999, complete with a disputed clinching goal in triple overtime of Game 6 against Ruff's Buffalo Sabres.

Ex-soccer star Weah to run again for president of Liberia (The Associated Press)

Former world footballer of the year George Weah will make a second bid to become president of Liberia when current leader Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's final term ends next year. Declaring his intention to stand for president again, Weah told supporters he sympathized with the plight of many poor Liberians. Although he is Liberia's most famous soccer player, the 49-year-old Weah has been criticized as an ineffective politician with little experience to support his attempt to become president.

Crystal Palace-Newcastle United Preview (The Associated Press)

Last weekend, Rafa Benitez received a warm welcome in his return to Anfield as Newcastle United boss. It figures to be a far different reception for Alan Pardew this weekend when he finally comes back to St James' Park. Pardew has guided his Crystal Palace side to the FA Cup final and is in position to heap more misery on the Magpies' faithful Saturday in his return to face relegation-threatened Newcastle.

Season over for Tottenham's Alli after receiving 3 match ban (The Associated Press)

LONDON (AP) -- Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli's season is over after being banned for three matches for punching an opponent.

Agbonlahor quits as captain of relegated Aston Villa (The Associated Press)

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) -- Gabby Agbonlahor has quit as Aston Villa captain and apologized for his off-field conduct.

New home of Detroit Red Wings to be Little Caesars Arena (Yahoo Sports)

The new home of the Detroit Red Wings will be Little Caesars Arena. The name was announced Thursday by Little Caesars and Olympia Entertainment. Mike Ilitch and his family own the Red Wings and the pizza chain as well as the Detroit Tigers.

Last year's triumphalism long gone, UEFA faces subdued Congress (Reuters)

By Brian Homewood ZURICH(Reuters) - After last year's UEFA Congress, president Michel Platini declared, "We're transparent, we're democratic and we're the best." That triumphant air will be gone from this year's event after a spate of scandals that led to Platini's banishment from soccer. European soccer's governing body has not yet appointed a permanent successor, so the agenda for its 2016 Congress on Tuesday in Budapest is unusually thin, restricted to four items that are likely to be resolved in one morning. A year ago, Platini had just been re-elected to a new four-year term as UEFA chief and was basking in the financial success of UEFA's showcase Champions League competition.

Dortmund's defender Hummesl wants Bayern move (The Associated Press)

DORTMUND, Germany (AP) -- Borussia Dortmund says central defender Mats Hummels has asked to be released from his contract so that he can move to Bundesliga rival Bayern Munich.

Bargain-buys, cast-offs driving Leicester's pursuit of title (The Associated Press)

They are the bargain-buys and cast-offs from bigger clubs now on the verge of becoming Premier League champions. Leicester plays Manchester United on Sunday, one victory away from the title after being one of the favorites to be relegated at the start of the season. Kasper Schmeichel: The son of title-winning Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, Kasper is a Denmark international who has played for Leicester since 2011, when the club was in England's second division.

From King Richard III to cheese: Leicester away from soccer (The Associated Press)

Before Leicester staged its improbable bid to win the Premier League, the city in central England was better known for other reasons. Leicester's recent spell in the spotlight started with the discovery of the battle-scarred skeleton of long-reviled King Richard III under a parking lot in the city in 2012. Scientific sleuthing, including radiocarbon dating and DNA tests, confirmed the remains belonged to the long-lost king, who died at the Battle of Bosworth, near Leicester, in 1485.

Column: Where Leicester fits in sports' history of underdogs (The Associated Press)

On the list of improbabilities, just behind hell freezing over and pigs taking to the air was Leicester winning the Premier League. By dethroning richer giants, Leicester's motley crew of players, none of them super-stars before they started working miracles, have shown that an established order isn't immune to change. ''Now, all we do is talk about Leicester and it is absolutely fantastic,'' says Alex van der Beek, an Associated Press reader in Latvia who wrote in to say that the expat community there has rallied behind the team and that pubs in the capital, Riga, are packed for broadcasts of Leicester games.

FC Dallas-Red Bulls Preview (The Associated Press)

While FC Dallas has maintained its place among the MLS elite, the New York Red Bulls are finding last season's accomplishments difficult to duplicate. The defending Supporters' Shield winners did show signs of a breakthrough last time out, a development they hope carries over into Friday night's home match with league-leading Dallas. New York edged Dallas on goal differential to claim last year's Supporters' Shield after the clubs tied for a league-best 60 points.

Real Madrid says Benzema has hamstring injury (The Associated Press)

Real Madrid says Karim Benzema has a hamstring injury in his left leg and is doubtful for Wednesday's Champions League game against Manchester City. Benzema was substituted at halftime of the first leg in Manchester on Tuesday and the team said the French striker has been diagnosed with the muscle injury after tests carried out on Thursday. The club says Benzema's recovery ''will continue to be assessed,'' but he is likely to miss Saturday's game at Real Sociedad in the Spanish league.

FIFA president says Leicester proves fairytales are possible (The Associated Press)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the headquarters of Leicester's ownership company on Thursday and said the club's Premier League title run shows that fairytales are still possible. Infantino, visiting Thailand for the centenary of the local soccer association, met with local officials at the hotel connected to the headquarters of King Power, the duty free company which is the main business interest of Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Leicester was a 5000-1 outsider when the season began but can clinch the Premier League title on Sunday if the team wins at Manchester United.

Infantino brings vision of new FIFA to Asia (Reuters)

By Do-gyun Kim and Juarawee Kittisilpa SEOUL/BANGKOK (Reuters) - FIFA President Gianni Infantino dangled the carrot of more World Cup spots for Asia during a visit to Seoul and Bangkok, pressing his case for an enlarged 40-team tournament. Infantino, who met with sponsors Hyundai Motor Group in South Korea on Wednesday before traveling to Thailand on Thursday, said his visit was aimed at rebuilding trust with corporate partners and presenting his vision of a "new FIFA". World soccer's scandal-hit governing body is in the midst of the worst crisis in its 112-year history, with more than 40 individuals and entities, including many former FIFA officials, charged with corruption-related offences in the United States.