FLORIDA’S BRANTLEY FACES CHARGES AFTER GAINESVILLE INCIDENT
gainesville, fla.» Former Florida Gators football star and NFL prospect Caleb Brantley is facing misdemeanor charges that he allegedly punched a woman in the face, knocking her out and dislodging a tooth.
According to Alachua County, Fla., court records, the 22-year-old defensive linesman was charged Friday with battery.
A Gainesville police affidavit says Brantley and Chelsea Austin were arguing shortly after 2 a.m. April 13 when she pushed him. The affidavit says the 6-foot-3, 300-pound Brantley responded by hitting the 5-6, 120-pound woman in the face. Investigators say the punch far exceeded what was needed for self-defense. They say two witnesses saw the fight. Brantley has been expected to be a top-round pick in this week’s NFL draft.
Messi hits milestone in “clasico”
B madrid» Lionel Messi scored his 500th career goal for Barcelona to give the Catalan club a dramatic 3-2 win over 10-man Real Madrid in the last minute of the “clasico,” leaving the Spanish league title race open.
Messi netted his milestone goal — his second of the night — with a low left-footed shot from inside the area after a cross by Jordi Alba two minutes into stoppage time.
The two rivals are level at the top on 75 points. Barcelona leads on the head-to-head tiebreaker but Madrid has six games left — one more than Barcelona.
Larin’s goals pace Orlando City
B new york» Cyle Larin scored twice to help Orlando City coach Jason Kreis notch a win against his former team, beating New York City 2-1 to move atop the Eastern Conference standings in MLS.
Orlando City has won three straight and has a two-point lead over Columbus and the New York Red Bulls in the conference. The loss for NYCFC ended its 11-game unbeaten streak at home.
• Defending MLS Cup champion Seattle Sounders beat the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-0.
Clint Dempsey had a goal and an assist as Seattle dominated at Carson, Calif. to ended a run of six road games without a win.
Dempsey gave the Sounders a 1-0 lead in the 24th after heading home Nicolas Lodeiro’s cross.
The Galaxy conceded an own goal before Dempsey assisted on Jordan Morris’ goal in the 44th.