Sports
Nashville SC surging ahead of visit from fading LAFC
Apr 18, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Nashville SC forward Hany Mukhtar (10) kicks the ball to a teammate during the game against the Atlanta United during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images Nashville SC will be out to build on their Eastern Conference lead when they play host to Los Angeles FC on Sunday night.
Nashville SC (8-1-3, 27 points) entered the weekend atop the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of Inter Miami. One of the stingiest sides around, the club has conceded only eight goals, tied with Seattle for fewest in MLS at the start of Saturday’s play.
Like elite teams do, Nashville is getting contributions from everywhere. With central midfielders Eddi Tagseth and Patrick Yazbek sidelined due to injury Wednesday at New England, replacement Bryan Acosta stepped in and delivered two goals during a 3-0 victory.
Both goals Acosta were assisted by Cristian Espinoza, whose acquisition from the San Jose Earthquakes in the offseason provided another dangerous player to go along with Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar and Warren Madrigal. The foursome has combined for 20 goals and 15 assists.
Nashville SC coach B.J. Callaghan said Mukhtar, who’s been with the club since its first match in 2020, continues to lead the way.
“He’s just been so selfless in doing a lot of work to open up the opportunities for other guys,” Callaghan said.
LAFC (6-4-3, 21 points) fell 2-1 at St. Louis City SC on Wednesday for their first loss to the four-year old franchise. LAFC owned an 18-7 advantage in shots but got only four toward net and marked poorly in key situations, allowing defenders to log both St. Louis City goals.
First-year LAFC coach Marc Dos Santos said his team is worn down physically from playing twice a week since the season started in late February because of CONCACAF Champions Cup commitments.
“None of our players right now are at 100% and it’s just a reality that we’re facing,” said Dos Santos, whose team is winless over its last four matches across all competitions. “Sometimes, there are moments that are just difficult for a team and don’t go your way. Right now, we’re in a moment like that.”
LAFC forward Hueng-Min Son remains without a goal in 11 league matches (10 starts) this season but does have eight assists.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Report: Red Sox SS Trevor Story headed to IL
May 4, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (10) hits a single in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story is headed to the 10-day injured list, the Boston Globe reported on Saturday.
The newspaper also reported that utility man Nick Sogard will be summoned from Triple-A Worcester to fill Story’s roster spot.
Story, 33, reportedly been dealing with a minor groin strain for much of this season.
He is batting .206 with three homers and 19 RBIs in 41 games this season, while his six errors are tied for second most in the American League heading into play on Saturday.
Story is hitting .262 with 207 homers and 655 RBIs in 1,106 career games with the Colorado Rockies and Red Sox.
Sogard, 28, played in 61 games spread over the last two seasons with Boston.
He is batting .269 with five homers and 23 RBIs in 36 games this season with Worcester.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Royals place LHP Matt Strahm on IL, activate LHP Bailey Falter
Apr 24, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Matt Strahm (25) throws a pitch in the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images The Kansas City Royals placed left-hander Matt Strahm on the 15-day injured list with right knee inflammation and activated left-hander Bailey Falter from the IL.
Strahm, 34, is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 17 relief appearances during his return to the Royals, who selected him in the 2012 MLB Draft.
In 11 major league seasons, Strahm is 35-39 with a 3.37 ERA in 412 appearances (35 starts) for the Royals (2016-17, 2026), San Diego Padres (2018-21), Boston Red Sox (2022) and Philadelphia Phillies (2023-25).
Falter, 29, had a 13.50 ERA over two early-season relief appearances before going on the IL with left elbow inflammation. He was 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in nine relief appearances while on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha.
In six major league seasons, Falter is 25-30 with a 4.64 ERA in 116 appearances (83 starts) for the Phillies (2021-23), Pittsburgh Pirates (2023-25) and Royals.
–Field Level Media
Sports
Sparks seek complete effort in rematch vs. Tempo
May 15, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (10) reacts after defeating the Toronto Tempo at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images After picking up their first victory of the season, the Los Angeles Sparks have a chance to even their record when they play host to the Toronto Tempo for the second time in three days.
The Sparks (1-2) earned a 99-95 victory over the Tempo on Friday when Kelsey Plum scored 20 of her 27 points in the second half, while adding nine assists. Back from a two-season stint with the Seattle Storm, Nneka Ogwumike added 20 points.
The Sparks nearly squandered an early 19-point lead, as well as a 20-point advantage in the third quarter to the expansion Tempo when their lead dwindled to two points with 2:26 remaining. They held on by getting five points from Plum over the final 1:36.
“The goal is to put together 40 minutes,” Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts said about an early 21-2 lead before the close call at the end. “We haven’t done that yet this season, but the season’s early, we’ll get there.””
Dearica Hamby scored 19 points for Los Angeles, while Cameron Brink added 10 off the bench. Erica Wheeler also scored 10 points with seven assists while starting in place of Ariel Atkins (concussion).
After winning the first game in franchise history earlier in the week, Toronto (1-2) nearly rallied to win its first road game.
Brittney Sykes led the Tempo with 27 points against her former team, while Laura Juskaite, in her first WNBA season from Lithuania, scored 16 off the bench.
Nyara Sabally recorded 14 points and nine assists for Toronto, while rookie Kiki Rice scored 11 off the bench. After winning a national championship with UCLA last month, Rice was playing in her first professional game at Los Angeles.
The Tempo slowly chipped away at their deficit following the slow start but never led in the game.
“We were sleeping. It’s like we were already (in) bed in Toronto,” Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello said. “I have to get them more ready. That’s unacceptable. I was so proud of the fight back … but we did nothing that we had spoken about, so the starters have to do a better job come Sunday.”
After scoring at least 26 points in each of the opening two games, Marina Mabrey was held to seven points on 3-of-10 shooting, including 1 of 6 from 3-point range.
–Field Level Media
HBO's Most Raunchy, Boundary-Breaking Series Is Streaming Uncensored For The First Time
Report: Red Sox SS Trevor Story headed to IL
