Sports digest: U.S. men lose in Ireland
Facing far better opposition than earlier in the week, a young U.S. men’s national team revealed its inexperience on the soccer field Saturday night. Goalkeeper Bill Hamid’s mistake led to Graham Burke’s tying goal in the 57th minute, Alan Judge scored after Matt Miazga’s defensive lapse in the 90th and Ireland remained unbeaten at home against the United States with a 2-1 win in Dublin. Bobby Wood put the Americans ahead in firsthalf stoppage time during the exhibition between nations that failed to qualify for this month’s World Cup, but the United States lost for the first time since a 2-1 defeat at Trinidad and Tobago last October ended its streak of seven straight World Cup appearances. Coach Bruce Arena quit after that match and was replaced on an interim basis by Dave Sarachan, who has led the team to two draws and two wins, including a 3-0 home victory Monday over a Bolivian team that started just one regular. Sarachan gave three more players debuts against the Irish — midfielder Luca de la Torre and defenders Shaq Moore and Tim Parker entered as substitutes — raising the total to 18 in five matches. Ireland ended a three-game losing streak and improved to 6-0 at home against the Americans, who face World Cup favorite France next Saturday in Lyon. That could be the final U.S. match before a permanent coach is hired.
› ATLANTA — Josef Martinez tied the all-time Major League Soccer record with his fifth career hat trick to lead Atlanta United FC past the short-handed Philadelphia Union 3-1 Saturday night. The leader for the MLS Golden Boot coming into the game, Martinez was pulled down in the box in the 18th minute and not only was awarded a penalty kick, but sparked an outburst by Philadelphia that resulted in two red cards and left the Union two players down for the remainder of the game. Alejandro Bedoya and Haris Medunjanin vehemently disagreed with the call by referee Sorin Stoica. Bedoya, who picked up an earlier yellow card, drew an immediate red card and Medunjanin first was shown a yellow card before being sent off with a red. Martinez converted a penalty for a 1-0 lead and his 10th goal this season,then added his 11th at the start of the second half. Fabrice-Jean Picault got the Union back within one with his goal in the 52nd minute from close range, but Martinez added his third goal and second penalty conversion of the game in the 83rd minute.
BASEBALL
› HOUSTON — Dustin Pedroia’s return from the disabled list lasted three games. The 34-year-old second baseman was put back on the DL by the Boston Red Sox on Saturday because of left knee inflammation. The fourtime All-Star had knee surgery in October, made his season debut May 26 and went 1-for-11 with two walks. He was a late scratch from the lineup Thursday because of lingering soreness. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said he hopes Pedroia won’t need to stay on the DL beyond 10 days, retroactive to Wednesday. He will fly back to Boston today for treatment Monday and will likely visit a doctor for evaluation in New York this week.