MLS expanding to Nashville

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber says Nashville has been granted the first of two expansion franchises.

Garber made the announcement Wednesday at a news conference with Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Nashville mayor Megan Barry and

John R. Ingram, head of the group now bringing an MLS team to Nashville.

Nashville and Sacramento, Calif., had been viewed as the favourites for the league’s newest teams, with Cincinnati and Detroit the other finalists. A decision on the second area picked is expected within a few weeks. Atlanta United and Minnesota United came on board this year as the league’s latest expansion teams.

BRISTOL BOUNCES MAN U

Manchester United’s League Cup defence was ended by second-tier side Bristol City on Wednesday when the holders conceded in the third minute of stoppage time to go out in the quarterfinals.

The game was heading to extra time until Korey Smith stunned Jose

Mourinho’s side to grab a 2-1 win. United had earlier fought back, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic cancelling out Joe Bryan’s opener for City, which is third in the second-tier League Championship.

There was also a goal in stoppage time and another 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, but Alvaro Morata struck for Chelsea to eliminate Bournemouth.

SWANSEA FIRES CLEMENT

Swansea has fired Paul Clement just before the manager completed a year in charge of the club.

Clement’s departure was announced Wednesday and comes with the South Wales team bottom of the standings, nearly midway through the season.

“To change the manager, especially at only the halfway point of the season, is the last thing we wanted to do as a club,” club chairman Huw

Jenkins said in a statement.