Soccer

SAO PAULO (AP) — Marta was given the captain's armband by Brazil for her first start for her country since last year's Paris Olympics in a 2-1 win over Japan in a friendly match in Sao Paulo on Monday.

ALAJUELA — Montserrat Saldivar scored twice Monday to help defending champion Mexico defeat Canada 4-2 and finish atop Group B in a weather-interrupted game at the CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Former U.S. national team midfielder Benny Feilhaber was hired Monday as coach of the Oakland Roots of the United Soccer League's second-tier Championship.

HALIFAX — Former U.S. and Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley and former Canadian international defender David Edgar have joined Canada as guest coaches under Jesse Marsch during the current FIFA international window.

TORONTO — Ask Ivory Coast soccer coach Emerse Fae about Canada and he is quick to praise — and reel off names. "I like this team because the Canada team has very good players — good players like Jonathan David, like (Cyle) Larin, a good striker.

MADRID (AP) — Atletico Madrid handed Antoine Griezmann a two-year contract extension Monday which could keep the French forward with the club until he's 36. Griezmann's previous contract had a year to run.

SANTOS, Brazil (AP) — Neymar has apologized for a red card that he says cost Santos a victory in the Brazilian league, claiming that “desperation” to score led to the mistake in what could be his final match with the club.

LYON, France (AP) — Former Barcelona and Washington Spirit coach Jonatan Giraldez has joined French powerhouse OL Lyonnes as a replacement for Joe Montemurro.

Canadian international forward Olivia Smith has been voted Liverpool FC Women's 2024-25 Player of the Season. The 20-year-old from Whitby, Ont.

Millie Bright’s decision to withdraw from international duty for England’s women’s team because of mental and physical burnout was hailed as “brave” by teammate Lucy Bronze on Monday.