Red Stars return Sept. 12

The National Women’s Soccer League announced the schedule for the first three weeks of its fall series, with the nine teams divided into three pods to minimize travel.

The Red Stars are grouped with the Washington Spirit and Sky Blue FC. Their first two games are on the road Sept. 12 against the Spirit and at home Sept. 20 against Sky Blue.

♦ Favorite Tiz the Law, who won the first leg of the Triple Crown by capturing the Belmont Stakes in June, drew the No. 17 post position for the rescheduled Kentucky Derby on Saturday in Louisville, Kentucky. No horse has won from that post position in 41 tries.

♦ Third-seeded Serena Williams began her quest for what would be a record-tying 24th major singles title with a 7-5, 6-3 victory against Kristie Ahn in the first round of the U.S. Open in New York. Sister Venus lost to Karolina Muchova 6-3, 7-5.