COCCA SELECTED TO COACH MEXICO
Diego Cocca will have his work cut out as Mexico’s new national soccer team coach, after Mexico failed to make it out of the group stage at the 2022 World Cup.
It was the first time Mexico hadn’t advanced to the round of 16 since 1978.
But the Argentine coach has a reputation for breaking losing streaks. Cocca, 50, was presented Friday as the new national coach, replacing Gerardo “Tata” Martino.
“I believe a lot in Mexican soccer players and their talent,” said Cocca, who helped Mexico’s first-division Atlas team win its first domestic championship in 70 years. “But talent is not enough, you have to give them a whole lot of tools so they can take off, and that is my goal, I want to make them take off.”
Cocca played for Atlas, Veracruz and Queretaro in the Mexican league and has coached Atlas, Santos, Tijuana and the Tigres of Nuevo Leon.
He was Tijuana Xolos coach for 10 months in 2018 before getting fired. The Xolos won 15, lost 16, tied 15 and had a minus-5 goal differential under him.
More soccer
It’s Lionel Messi vs. Kylian Mbappe again, this time for the FIFA Best Men’s Player award for 2022.
Argentina’s World Cupwinning captain and France’s star head the three-player shortlist announced by FIFA. Karim Benzema completes the trio.
Figure skating
Madison Chock and Evan Bates lead after the rhythm dance at the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships as the American ice dancers seek a third title in the marquee international event.
Sports media
Diamond Sports Group, the largest owner of regional sports networks, including the Padres’ broadcaster, will miss a $140 million interest payment next week, which would put it closer to filing for bankruptcy.
Diamond owns 19 networks under the Bally Sports banner. They have the rights to 42 professional teams — 14 baseball, 16 NBA and 12 NHL.
Baseball
Pitcher Cristian Javier
and the Houston Astros agreed to a $64 million, fiveyear contract that avoided a salary arbitration hearing.
• Philadelphia reliever Jose Alvarado avoided arbitration, agreeing to a oneyear deal for $3.45 million. He had filed for $3.7 million and the Phillies’ $3.2 million.
College football
Former San Diego State running back DJ Pumphrey has been hired as Sacramento State’s running backs coach, giving the NCAA’s career rushing leader his first full-time college coaching opportunity.
Pumphrey became the NCAA’s all-time rushing leader in 2016, finishing his career with 6,405 yards.
• A graduate student position on the SDSU staff has been filled by another former Aztec and Pumphrey teammate, Parker Houston, who was a tight end for SDSU from 2016-19. Houston will be assigned to the defensive line. “Fired up to be back on the Mesa,” Houston tweeted. “Let’s get to work.”
Locally
Rocco Grimaldi scored 34 seconds into overtime as the Gulls took a 2-1 AHL victory over Coachella Valley at Pechanga Arena. Pavol Regenda scored the tying goal 4:03 into the third period for the Gulls.
Local colleges
Kyle Morrell had two doubles, two runs and four RBIs as the Cal State San Marcos baseball team (3-2) took the second game of its four-game home series against Montana State Billings (2-2) with a 10-3 victory.
• The San Diego State track and field team’s showing on the first day of the UNM Don Kirby Invitational in Albuquerque was highlighted by Rhea Hoyte placing second in the 400-meter dash with a time of 55.58 seconds, a new personal best.
• The Cal State San Marcos women’s track & field team set four indoor school records and had three NCAA provisional marks at the Minnesota State Massive Meet. Devin Yarbrough
(60 meters, 7.62 seconds; long jump, 5.84 meters) and
Charlotte Allison (high jump, 1.67 meters) hit provisional marks and
Badrani (400 meters, 58.88) also set a school mark.