SOCCER: U.S. men to face Mexico tonight
The U.S. men’s soccer team seems confident headed into an important World Cup qualifier tonight against Mexico in Mexico City.
U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsman said the Americans respect Mexico and that makes it “one of those games you are hungry for.”
The game is at the intimidating Azteca Stadium, where the Americans have only beaten Mexico once — in an exhibition match last August.
About 10,000 fans will be allowed to watch Egypt’s World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, a significant move in a country still traumatized by deadly clashes at a league game a year ago that left more than 70 people dead and led to a yearlong lockout.
Egypt is trying to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in over 20 years.
MLB: Ex-Tiger pitcher Trucks dead at 95
Virgil Trucks, who threw two no-hitters for the Tigers in an otherwise dreadful 1952 season and was the last pitcher to toss a complete-game no-hitter against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium, has died. He was 95.
The two-time All-Star died Saturday near Birmingham, Ala. He pitched in the major leagues from 1941-58, helping the Tigers beat the Cubs in the 1945 World Series. Trucks finished his career with the Yankees.
Josh Thole, the Mets starting catcher last season, was sent to Triple-A by the Blue Jays .
Ex-Mets prospect Scott Kazmir has been named the Indians’ fifth starter. Jason Giambi also stuck with Cleveland, but was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a back strain.
The Brewers have signed free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse.
NCAA: Rutgers to benefit Sandy victims
Rutgers will use its annual spring football game to raise money to help Superstorm Sandy victims.
Athletic director Tim Pernetti and coach Kyle Flood said fans attending the April 27 game will be asked to make a $5 donation to the Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund upon entering . The annual game normally is free.
Minnesota fired coach Tubby Smith who was 124-81 (.610) in six seasons, helping to bring the program back to respectability.
In Storrs, Conn., top-seeded Connecticut advanced to the regional semifinals of the women’s NCAA Tournament for the 20th consecutive season with a 77-44 win over Vanderbilt.
David Quinn, a former player and assistant coach at Boston University and currently an assistant with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, will succeed the retiring Jack Parker as the Terriers hockey coach.
Appalachian State and Georgia Southern who have won a combined nine FCS championships in football, are leaving the Southern Conference for the FBS Sun Belt Conference, beginning in 2015.
George Mason will join the Atlantic 10 beginning with the 2013-14 academic year.
ETC.: Wall’s 47 sparks Wizards over Grizzlies
John Wall scored a career-high 47 points and added eight assists as the Wizards beat thee Grizzlies, 107-94 in Washington. Wall shot 13 of 22 from the field and made a career-high 19 free throws on 24 attempts.
NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin suffered a compression fracture in his lower spine during a last-lap crash while racing for the win against former teammate Joey Logano, and Joe Gibbs Racing gave no indication how long its driver could be sidelined.
Left wing Alexander Semin has agreed to a five-year contract extension for $7 million per year that will keep him with the Hurricanes through 2017-18.
The Lightning hired Jon Cooper, who had been coaching their Syracuse AHL affiliate, as their new coach. He replaces Guy Boucher, who was fired Sunday.