National Sports

TORONTO — Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid have grown closer off the ice. The star centres sometimes skate together in the summer and now share the same agent. They also possess unique perspectives on what the other deals with as a face of the NHL.

VANCOUVER — The surging Vancouver Whitecaps are trying to strike a delicate balance.

The numbers favour the Canadian men in Saturday's high-stakes Copa America qualifier with Trinidad and Tobago in Frisco, Texas. Canada is ranked 50th in the world, compared to No. 96 for Trinidad.

In naming his roster for a crucial Copa America qualifier against No. 96 Trinidad and Tobago, interim coach Mauro Biello said the 50th-ranked Canadian men needed a "cultural reset.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators signed forward Stephen Halliday to a two-year, entry-level contract Friday. The deal will start in the 2024-25 season.

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit his first home run as a Blue Jay to key a three-run second inning and Toronto defeated the Boston Red Sox 5-1 in spring training action Friday.

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, Calif. (AP) — Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Canada matched her best score on the LPGA Tour with a 7-under 64 on Thursday to take the first-round lead in the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship.

TORONTO — Atlanta United and Toronto FC will both be missing some important pieces at BMO Field on Saturday, but for different reasons.

SAO PAULO (AP) — Former footballer Robinho arrived early Friday at the rural Tremembe penitentiary where he is expected to serve at least 40% of his nine-year sentence for rape.

TORONTO — Even as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was being recognized as Canada's best athlete, he stayed humble.