Former Vancouver Whitecaps striker Masato Kudo dies following brain surgery

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps say they are mourning the death of former striker Masato Kudo. Japanese club Tegevajaro Miyazaki announced on its website Friday that the 32-year-old player had died. Club president and CEO said Keita Nimura in a statement in Japanese that Kudo was "a very successful player" who had "no arrogance and a great attitude." The Whitecaps said earlier this month that Kudo underwent brain surgery in Japan and was in intensive care. The Japanese international played t

MLS playoffs: New York City FC will be CF Montreal's toughest test yet

MONTREAL — Wilfried Nancy and CF Montreal find themselves in uncharted territory. For the first time since 2016, the Major League Soccer team is riding real playoff momentum and find themselves favourites to reach the Eastern Conference Final. Montreal has won six of its last seven games — including a 2-0 decision over Orlando City in the playoff opener last Sunday — and is playing some of its best soccer of the season on both sides of the ball. On Sunday, the club hosts New York City FC, the de