National Sports

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps were intent on getting a better start to their Major League Soccer season. Early stumbles muddied the club's campaigns in recent years, and players and coaching staff alike vowed to change that theme in 2024.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — There was more than one team that came to the Final Four with a dream — more than one team hoping to add its own unforgettable chapter to college basketball's colorful history book.

BRANTFORD, Ont. — Florian Xhekaj had two goals and one assist as the Brantford Bulldogs edged the Ottawa 67's 4-2 on Saturday to avoid elimination in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Vladislav Namestnikov had a goal and two assists, linemate Alex Iafallo a goal and an assist, and the Winnipeg Jets beat the Minnesota Wild 4-2 on Saturday.

SEVILLE, Spain (AP) — Athletic Bilbao beat Mallorca 4-2 on penalties to end a 40-year wait for its 24th Copa del Rey title on Saturday.

ATLANTA — Canada recovered from a poor first half Saturday, defeating Brazil 4-2 in a penalty shootout at the SheBelieves Cup to earn a date with the U.S. in Tuesday's final.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Michael Bunting snapped a tie with 5:28 left in the third period, and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-4 on Saturday.

ATLANTA (AP) — Braves ace right-hander Spencer Strider has damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, an MRI revealed Saturday, leaving his status for the remainder of the season in doubt.

ZAGREB, Croatia — Les Supremes of Saint-Leonard, Que., became the first synchronized skating team win a third straight world championship Saturday. Les Supremes ranked first in both the short program (78.99) and Saturday's free skate (159.

CLEVELAND (AP) — South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley said Saturday that she believes transgender athletes should be allowed to compete in women’s sports.