Off the wire

SOCCER

U.S. routs Canada

Sergino Dest set up a goal in the second minute of his American competitive debut, Gyasi Zardes scored twice and the United States overwhelmed Canada early in a 4-1 CONCACAF Nations League match on Friday night. A month after Canada embarrassed the Americans with a 2-0 victory at Toronto for its first win over the Americans since 1985, Jordan Morris, Zardes and Aaron Long scored as the U.S. built a 3-0 halftime lead. Steven Vitoria cut Canada’s deficit in the 72nd minute and Zardes got his 12th international goal in the 89th, capping a victory that may lessen some of the criticism of U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter and his play-from-the-back system. The U.S. (2-1) would finish ahead of Canada (3-1) to win the group and advance to the semifinals of the first CONCACAF Nations League if it beats Cuba (0-3) on Tuesday. The Americans overtook the Canadians in goal difference, plus-eight to plus-six, and Canada has completed group play. Dest started at right back, an appearance that tied him to the American program. The 18-year-old defender played in a pair of exhibitions for the U.S. in September. The son of a Surinamese-American father and Dutch mother, he played for the U.S. at the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups but was recruited this fall by the Netherlands national team and skipped last month’s Nations League games while deliberating over his decision.

NFL Eagles sign RB Ajayi

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed running back Jay Ajayi, bringing back a key offensive player from their Super Bowl championship team two years ago. Ajayi replaces Darren Sproles. The veteran was placed on injured reserve Friday because of a torn right hip muscle. Philadelphia’s leading rusher, Jordan Howard, has a shoulder injury and is questionable when the Eagles (5-4) host New England (8-1) on Sunday.