Sports

Sports Shorts

SOCCER: Altidore, U.S. win World Cup qualifier

In Seattle, Jozy Altidore continued his scoring blitz with a goal in his third straight match, Eddie Johnson thrilled his home club fans with a goal in the 53rd minute, and the United States took over first place in its World Cup qualifying group with a 2-0 win over Panama last night. The U.S. holds a two-point lead over Costa Rica and Mexico — who tied 0-0 in Mexico City — in the qualifying group.

At Yankee Stadium, Roberto Soldado and Juan Mata scored second-half goals to lead World Cup champion Spain to a 2-0 exhibition victory over Ireland.

Spain controlled play most of the game before 39,368 fans and was cheered loudly when goalkeeper Iker Casillas entered in the 58th minute.

NFL: Reed indicates Brady injured him

Texans safety Ed Reed, who’s rehabbing from offseason hip surgery, speculated the injury might have occurred when Tom Brady kicked him in the AFC Championship Game between the Patriots and Reed’s Ravens.

“The only play I could look at is when I got kicked by a certain quarterback,” Reed said.

Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman acknowledged the team may have a problem with performance-enhancing drugs. “It does seem that way,” Sherman said to ESPN Magazine. Seattle has had five players suspended since 2011, the highest total of any team in that span.

ETC.: Source: Ewing to join Bobcats staff

Bobcats owner Michael Jordan is giving old friend and Knicks legend Patrick Ewing another shot to continue his NBA coaching career. The Bobcats have reached an agreement in principle with the Hall of Famer to become their new associate head coach, said a person familiar with the situation.

Matt Joyce hit one of three homers off Jon Lester to help the Rays beat the AL East-leading Red Sox, 8-3 in St. Petersburg, Fla. … In Kansas City, Mo., Max Scherzer won his ninth straight decision, and the Tigers snapped the Royals’ six-game winning streak with a 3-2 win.