EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — As cutdown day approaches for the U.S. soccer team, coach Bob Bradley can sense nerves are increasing for players on the bubble.
Final decisions should fall into place after tonight’s exhibition against the Czech Republic, the first of three warm-ups ahead of the U.S. World Cup opener against England on June 12.
Just 23 of the 30 players can dress for the match at Rentschler Field, and only six substitutes can be used. Plans are underway for Bradley to make a televised announcement of his 23-man roster Wednesday at ESPN’s studios in nearby Bristol.
“It is really important now to get to 23. It’s important for the group that’s going to know they’re going,” Bradley said. “The nerves that you sense at times — once the decisions are made, a little of that goes away. We can then begin sort of next steps in the team-building process.”
• Seattle defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, a finalist for MLS defender of the year a season ago, has been placed on the injured list with a torn ACL in his left knee. The team said it won’t know the extent of Hurtado’s injury until he undergoes surgery.
• The first U.S. over-the-air network telecast of a European Champions League final got a 1.1 overnight rating and 3 share on Fox from major markets. Inter Milan’s 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich on Saturday also received a 0.5 rating for its simulcast on Fox Sports Español.
Pacquiao KO’d by mild ulcer
MANILA, Philippines — World welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao was admitted to a hospital to treat a mild stomach ulcer and allow him to rest after campaigning for the May 10 congressional elections.
Pacquiao’s chief of staff, Jayke Joson, said doctors discovered the 31-year-old boxer had an ulcer during a routine checkup Sunday.
“Really, Manny can only rest if you confine him to a hospital,” Joson said, adding Pacquiao was receiving intravenous dextrose drips. “It’s been so intense a campaign, he missed some of his meals.”
Pacquiao’s boxing promoters are working toward a possible bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr., or another fighter, as early as November.
Pacquiao won a seat in the Philippine’s House of Representatives, which he will assume June 30.
Extortion trial won’t be moved
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A federal judge denied a request to move the trial of a woman charged with trying to extort $10 million from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino.
U.S. District Judge Charles R. Simpson III ruled Karen Cunagin Sypher couldn’t show that pretrial publicity warrants the unusual step of relocating the case. Sypher is accused of trying to extort money from Pitino and lying to the FBI. Her trial is set to start July 26.
Footnotes.
The Minnesota Lynx reinstated Rebekkah Brunson from the team’s suspended list after her overseas commitments ended.
• Former Washington reserve guard Elston Turner Jr. said he will transfer to Texas A&M.
• Unbeaten mare Zenyatta worked 6 furlongs in 1:13 at Hollywood Park as she continues to prep for the Vanity Handicap on June 13.
The Associated Press
