Sports

Nathan MacKinnon scores late as Canada beats Finland to reach the Olympic gold-medal game

MILAN (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon scored the go-ahead goal with 35.2 seconds left to help Canada survive another scare at the Olympics, rallying to beat Finland 3-2 in the semifinals and advance to the men’s gold-medal game. Shea Theodore tied it just past the midway point of the third period after Sam Reinhart started the comeback from down two goals. Canada will face either the U.S. or Slovakia in the final on Sunday. Sidney Crosby did not play against Finland, but Canada has not ruled its captain out of returning.

At halfpipe, neither US-born Olympic medal favorite competes for U.S. Eileen Gu takes the heat

LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — The two best bets to win the gold medal in women’s halfpipe skiing at the Winter Olympics were born in the United States. Zoe Atkin competes for Britain and hardly anyone raises a fuss about it. Eileen Gu competes for China and never hears the end of it. Athletes in freeskiing and snowboarding — two lifestyle sports that champion individuality — spend most of their time traveling the globe caring very little about countries or anthems.

Man United’s Jim Ratcliffe reminded of his responsibilities but no FA charge for ‘colonized’ claim

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has been reminded of his “responsibilities as a participant in English football” after he triggered a storm of criticism for claiming Britain had been “colonized” by immigrants. But England’s Football Association will not be charging Ratcliffe over his comments, which were widely condemned by political figures and the club’s supporters. The governing body issued Ratcliffe with a reminder of his responsibilities when taking part in media interviews, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. United’s head coach, Michael Carrick, said earlier that the club was proud of its culture of equality and diversity.

‘A huge mistake.’ Kompany hits out at Mourinho for Vinícius Júnior comments

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany has criticized José Mourinho for attacking the character of Vinícius Júnior after the Real Madrid star accused an opponent of racially insulting him during a Champions League match. Benfica coach Mourinho suggested that Brazil forward Vinícius, who is Black, had incited Benfica’s players with his celebrations after scoring the only goal in Tuesday’s playoff match. Vinícius accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of calling him “monkey” during a confrontation after his goal. Kompany said Mourinho had made “a huge mistake and it’s something that we should not accept.”

Olympic freeskier Hunter Hess flashes an ‘L’ sign, says he stands by his statement and loves the USA

LIVIGNO, Italy (AP) — American freeskier Hunter Hess got to the end of his successful run in Olympic halfpipe qualifying, then bent his left thumb and forefinger into the shape of an “L.” He lifted it to his forehead and pointed at it with the other hand. The reason, he says, is because apparently, he’s a loser. The 27-year-old, who received that label from U.S. President Donald Trump at the start of the Olympics, says he used the episode as motivation. He qualified for Friday night’s halfpipe finals where he says he’s honored to represent the United States.

Rams promote Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator, AP source says

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams are promoting assistant Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because the Rams haven’t made a full announcement of coach Sean McVay’s new staff for the upcoming season. Scheelhaase replaces Mike LaFleur, who became the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach this month. The 35-year-old Scheelhaase became a rising star in NFL coaching circles last season. He interviewed for at least five head coaching vacancies in the past two months.

Major League Soccer opens the season with eyes on the World Cup and a schedule shift in 2027

Major League Soccer opens its 31st season this weekend, kicking off one of the most consequential stretches in the league’s history. There’s the impact of the World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer, then in 2027 MLS will switch to a summer to spring schedule to align with its international counterparts. The league has dubbed this phase MLS 3.0. The MLS season kicks off with LAFC and Miami playing at the Los Angeles Coliseum before an anticipated crowd of some 70,000 fans.

2-time NL manager of the year Pat Murphy agrees to new deal with Brewers

PHOENIX (AP) — Milwaukee’s Pat Murphy has agreed to a new contract after leading the Brewers to division titles and getting selected as NL manager of the year each of his first two seasons. Murphy’s contract had been set to expire at the end of the season if he hadn’t agreed to a new one or an extension. He had taken over as Milwaukee’s manager after predecessor Craig Counsell let his contract run out after the 2023 season and then signed a lucrative deal with the rival Chicago Cubs. Murphy owns a 190-134 record as Milwaukee’s manager. The Brewers didn’t release terms when announcing the deal Friday.

Beverly Hills apologizes to Celtics star Jaylen Brown for claims about his event that was shut down

BOSTON (AP) — The City of Beverly Hills apologized to Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown on Thursday for initially stating that an event he hosted on the eve of the NBA All-Star Game was shut down because the city said it lacked a permit. But Brown posted a statement from Jaylen Brown Enterprises on social media taking issue with another part of the city’s statement that claimed the event was actually shut down because of a perceived code violation. On Sunday, Beverly Hills released a statement to The Boston Globe, saying it rejected a permit. The event promoting Brown’s performance brand, 741, was held at Oakley founder Jim Jannard’s home. Brown has a sponsorship deal with Oakley.

Poland’s Kamila Sellier stretchered off after opponent’s blade slices above her eye in Olympic 1500

MILAN (AP) — Polish short-track skater Kamila Sellier suffered a scary cut above her left eye after another skater’s blade hit her in the 1500 meters at the Milan Cortina Olympics. On Friday night, medics put her on a stretcher and wheeled her out as officials stopped the race. A sheet blocked the scene from the crowd and workers cleaned blood from the ice. Sellier gave a thumbs-up as she left. The crash also brought down Italy’s Ariana Fontana and American Kristen Santos-Griswold. Officials penalized Santos-Griswold for an illegal lane pass. Fontana was able to recover and finish second as she tries to win a record 15th medal at a Winter Games.