United States defender Chris Richards controls the ball during a friendly soccer match against Japan on Sept. 9 in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, file)

Richards

hopes to play

CHICAGO (AP) — Chris Richards is training with the U.S. in a positive sign for the top American defender as he tries to make it back in time for the World Cup. Richards tore two ligaments in his left ankle while playing for Crystal Palace on May 17.

He has been ruled out for today’s friendly against Germany, but the U.S. is holding out hope that he might be able to play in its World Cup opener next week against Paraguay.

During the 15-minute portion of practice that was open to the media, the 26-year-old Richards showed no signs of any issues as he warmed up with the rest of the team.

J.T. Poston

in front by 1

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — J.T. Poston knew he was in for a long and windy day at the Memorial. He also was eager to try a golf ball geared toward helping him in the wind. It was a rousing success.

Poston shot a 65 to build a one-shot lead over Ryan Gerard. That score was nine shots better than the field average.

Justin Thomas made the cut on the number and said it was as hard as any course he has played including the majors. Scottie Scheffler thought he might shoot 90. He was off. He rallied for a 72 and was 10 back.

Cup final

knotted 1-1

(AP) — The Stanley Cup Final was less than 15 minutes away from looking lopsided in favor of the Vegas Golden Knights. Then the Carolina Hurricanes looked like the powerhouse they’ve been all season and playoffs, rallying to win Game 2 and making this a competitive series between two of the best teams in the NHL.

Game 3 is tonight in Las Vegas. If it is anything like the first two, expect the unexpected. This is the first Cup final in league history in which each of the first two games featured a team erasing a multigoal deficit to win.

Iran’s team

approved

WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of the Iranian World Cup soccer team have been granted U.S. visas, clearing them to enter the country ahead of their first two matches near Los Angeles this month. The team had moved its training base to Tijuana, Mexico, because of problems with processing the visas. But the visas have now been approved, according to two U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity.

Iran’s participation in the World Cup has been complicated by the ongoing war with Israel and the United States.

Some fans

skipping

(AP) — The 2026 World Cup has drawn intense criticism from globe-trotting fans who over the years have helped define the tournament’s festive atmosphere. Some of them say one reason for their decision is ticket prices are far higher than ever before and that it doesn’t help that FIFA is actively encouraging unlimited resale markups while taking a 30% cut.

Transportation between host cities is also a significant financial challenge, while strict U.S. visa requirements are affecting fans from numerous countries. Others says they are skipping the tournament in protest against President Donald Trump’s policies.

It could all point to a World Cup that is missing members of a key group of traveling supporters who have long given the tournament its character.

Broncos LB

arrested

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has been arrested on domestic violence charges. Jail records show he faces two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief.

The Broncos said Friday they are aware of the situation and are gathering more information.

Cooper, a seventh-round draft pick from Ohio State in 2021, is entering his sixth season with the team. He has started every game since 2023 and has 31 and a half career sacks.

SEC’s Sankey

weighs in

(AP) — Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey said there’s no talk of a merger with the Big Ten and called the notion that the SEC wants to form a super league as “not consistent with the truth.”

In an interview on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Sankey outlined the reasons the SEC does not support a bipartisan bill introduced last week in Congress that would regulate a college-sports landscape that has changed dramatically in the new era of multimillion-dollar payrolls for players.

He said he wants to see more specifics about whether a proposal for conferences to merge their media rights is really optional. And, he says, there are about a dozen ‘big-bucket’ items that his lawyers need to analyze.