Quick Hitters

US beats Cuba to reach Nations League semifinals

Five weeks after a dismal loss in Canada left the United States on the verge of elimination from the first CONCACAF Nations League, the Americans advanced to the semifinals with their second straight win and started looking ahead to World Cup qualifying next year.

Josh Sargent scored the first of his two goals 34 seconds in and Jordan Morris also had two goals Tuesday night in a 4-0 rout of Cuba at George Town, Cayman Islands. The U.S. finished 3-1 in Group A along with Canada and earned first place because of a better goal difference, plus-12 to plus-six.

“I think it’s the first time in a while this team has felt something special kind of happening,” Sargent said after his first twogoal international match gave the 19-year-old five goals in 12 games with the national team. “It’s been a long journey. Obviously, we still have miles to go.”

Brown apologizes to Patriots, owner Robert Kraft

BOSTON — Antonio Brown has apologized to the Patriots and team owner Robert Kraft for any negative attention he brought to the team during his brief stint in New England.

The four-time All-Pro receiver posted his apology on Instagram Tuesday, writing: “All I wanted to be was an asset to the organization; sorry for the bad media and the drama!”

The apology comes on the heels of past posts in which he indicated he’d fight the Patriots’ decision to withhold a $9 million signing bonus. He also reportedly met with NFL officials last week to discuss various sexual assault allegations against him that could make him subject to a possible suspension under the league’s personal conduct policy if he’s signed by another team.

The Patriots cut ties with Brown in September following just one game after a second woman accused him of sexual misconduct. They were the third team in less than a year to tire of the off-field behavior that has overshadowed his on-field accomplishments.