National Sports

TORONTO — It has been an almost weekly occurrence this season. Rival coaches kill Toronto FC with kindness ahead of games and then watch their team hand TFC more heartache on the field. This Saturday, it's Nashville SC's turn.

FRANKFURT — The German and Portuguese soccer federations issued strong critiques of plans to hold the men's World Cup every two years, warning Friday it means players risk more injuries and that women's competitions will be overshadowed.

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints have decided to continue practicing at TCU next week in preparation for their Week 3 game at New England before returning to their New Orleans-area headquarters in Week 4, when they will host the New York Giants i

OTTAWA — Zack Smith has decided to retire from the NHL. The Ottawa Senators confirmed the 33-year-old centre is hanging up his skates on the team's social media channels Friday.

MIAMI (AP) — A former University of Miami football player pleaded not guilty on Friday to charges of killing a teammate outside a South Florida apartment complex in 2006.

NEW YORK — Montreal will host another NHL draft a little later than originally planned. The Canadiens will stage the 2022 event at the Bell Centre more than two years after the 2020 draft was moved to a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She’s been on American talk shows, attended the Met Gala, ticked off a “bucket list” item by visiting the New York Stock Exchange, and chatted to Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton — a major deal for a big motorsports fan.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The design meetings have been going on for years. Technology has evolved throughout the process.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Olympic teams were urged Friday by the IOC to request more Chinese and Pfizer vaccines ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, which will be held in the country where the coronavirus outbreak started.

TURIN, Italy — Juventus reported a loss of 210 million euros ($250 million) for the 2020-21 financial year on Friday, attributed mainly to the pandemic’s effect on the transfer market and ticket sales.