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Smith Scores, US Women's Soccer Gets 1-0 Revenge Win over Mexico

Mexico beat the United States for just the second time ever at the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup in late February. - The AP
Mexico beat the United States for just the second time ever at the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup in late February. - The AP
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Smith Scores, US Women's Soccer Gets 1-0 Revenge Win over Mexico

Mexico beat the United States for just the second time ever at the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup in late February. - The AP
Mexico beat the United States for just the second time ever at the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup in late February. - The AP

Sophia Smith scored in the 64th minute and the United States got revenge for a loss to Mexico earlier this year with a 1-0 victory in the rematch on Saturday.

The friendly match at Red Bull Arena was the first of two tune-up games for the United States ahead of the 2024 Olympics. The Americans will play Costa Rica on Tuesday at Audi Field in Washington before departing for France.

Mexico beat the United States for just the second time ever at the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup in late February. Lizbeth Ovalle and Mayra Pelayo scored in a 2-0 Mexico victory, The AP reported.

The United States had the best chances of the first half but was unable to break through. Smith, Lindsey Horan and Sam Coffey all had attempts in the scramble in front of Mexico’s goal before the half ended, but couldn’t score.

But in the second half, Trinity Rodman passed to Mallory Swanson, who appeared ready to shoot but instead dished the ball to Smith for her 20th career goal. Smith nearly got a second goal in the 73rd but her attempt hit the near post.

“We have such dynamic players up front, I think we can create in so many ways. I should have put away a few more to begin with, and I hold myself to a higher standard than that,” Smith said. “I think myself and us want more, we can definitely put more away, but it shows the different ways we are creating and working together.”

The United States has not conceded a goal in three matches under new coach Emma Hayes.

The game celebrated the 25th anniversary of the “The 99ers,” the team that won the 1999 Women’s World Cup at the Rose Bowl. It was the first time all 20 players of the team were reunited.

Alyssa Naeher, the US captain for the match, was also honored on the field before the game for her 100th appearance with the national team. She earned the cap back in March.

“It just means a lot to me,” Naeher said. “I’ve been on this scene for a long time and I think even seeing this weekend with the 99ers here, and having played with some of those guys and now getting the opportunity to play with the next generation, is something really cool and special to me.”

Lynn Williams came into the match in the 75th minute. Williams was originally one of four alternates to the 18-player US Olympic roster, but forward Catarina Macario is unable to play in France because of knee irritation. Hayes announced the change on Friday.

Croix Bethune made her first appearance for the United States in the 81st minute.

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AlUla Prepares to Launch AlUla Trail Race 2026 With Global Participation

The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA
The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA
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AlUla Prepares to Launch AlUla Trail Race 2026 With Global Participation

The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA
The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA

Fans of running and endurance sports are turning their attention to AlUla Governorate, which will host on Thursday the start of the AlUla Trail Race 2026, an iconic sporting event bringing together participants of different ages and skill levels from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and abroad, running from January 22 to 23, 2026, SPA reported.

The race is part of the global sports events calendar, as AlUla continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for runners and challenge-seekers, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and diverse routes that combine exploration with endurance testing in one of the world’s most prominent running experiences.

The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories, including a 50-kilometer race that passes through the Old Town and distinctive natural trails, and a 100-kilometer race, considered among the toughest endurance challenges for professional runners.

It also includes a 10-kilometer race for the general category, a Sunset Race for age groups 5 to 12, a 1.6-kilometer Kids Race, and a 3-kilometer race for participants aged 13 and above, as well as specialized races for highly experienced runners that require advanced fitness and endurance.

The first day of the race is scheduled to begin tomorrow with the start of the 50-kilometer race, alongside a number of accompanying cultural and community activities, as well as the Kids Race and sports performances.

The following day, the 100-kilometer race will launch at sunrise, followed by the 10-kilometer race, and the day will conclude with the winners’ award ceremony and medal distribution.

The AlUla Trail Race is not limited to athletic competition, but also offers a comprehensive sports and community experience, featuring cultural and entertainment events, musical performances, a variety of food options, and recreational facilities within the race village, creating a festive atmosphere suitable for families and supporters throughout the weekend.

During the race, runners pass several of AlUla’s iconic landmarks, from mountains and desert rock formations to valleys, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hegra and Maraya Hall, giving the event a cultural and tourism dimension that reflects the governorate’s growing status on the map of global sporting events.

Sports

Sabalenka Shuts Down Political Talk After Ukrainian’s Ban Call

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)
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Sabalenka Shuts Down Political Talk After Ukrainian’s Ban Call

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)

Aryna Sabalenka Wednesday said she "didn't want to talk politics" after Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova called for Belarusian and Russian players to be banned from tennis.

The 25-year-old Oliynykova, whose father is fighting on the front lines in Ukraine, had said on Tuesday that the presence of players from those two countries was "very wrong" while the conflict continued.

Oliynykova, after losing to defending champion Madison Keys on her Slam debut, wore a T-shirt at her press conference emblazoned with: "I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children but I can't talk about it here."

Under Grand Slam tournament guidelines, players are prohibited from making political statements at competition venues.

But in an interview with Melbourne's The Age newspaper she took aim at Russian and Belarusian players, who are competing under a neutral white flag.

"I think it's very wrong that they are not disqualified in tennis like in other sports," she said.

"Because I know that here is the picture that we are, like all tennis girls playing, but the people don't see the things behind it."

Sabalenka, who is Belarusian, has previously said she believes that sport "is nothing to do with politics" and on Wednesday reiterated her position.

"I have spoken a lot about that before, obviously," said the world number one after powering into the third round.

"I want peace, and if I could change anything, I would definitely do that.

"Other than that, I have nothing else to say."

Pressed on Oliynykova's call for her to be banned, she replied: "I'm here for tennis. It's a tennis event. I have said enough in the past and just don't want to talk politics here."

Belarus is a close ally of Vladimir Putin's Russia.

Oliynykova said she did not speak with Russian and Belarusian players in the locker rooms or on the practice courts.

"I don't communicate with them. But, you know, people are not informed about this and if I need to say it, I will, because I feel (it is) unfair."

- Apartment shook -

Unlike other professional Ukrainian tennis players, Oliynykova still lives and trains in her homeland despite the constant threat of Russian attacks.

Just before she came to Australia, the Kyiv native came close to being hit in one such incursion.

"There was an explosion just near my home and a drone hit the home just across the road," she said. "My apartment was literally shaking because of the explosion."

Fellow Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk has also been outspoken about the war and refuses to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players, most recently Sabalenka after losing in the Brisbane International final.

Another Ukrainian, Elina Svitolina, said it was important to keep the conflict in the public eye.

"The war has been ongoing for four years. I mean, we talked about it many, many times," the world number 12 said Wednesday after joining Sabalenka in the third round.

"For me, now it's gone, the topic. I mean, the stand has been taken already. A decision has been made by WTA, ATP," she said, referring to Russian and Belarusian players being allowed to compete.

"Right now what we can do is go out there, try to perform well, try to represent our country in the right way, and not forget that we can use our voices to bring the help, to bring the attention to our homeland."

Sports

Liverpool, Barcelona Risk Missing Automatic Qualification to Champions League Round of 16

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah talks to Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike during a team training session at their training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, northwest England on January 20, 2026, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League, league phase football match against Olympique Marseille in Marseille. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah talks to Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike during a team training session at their training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, northwest England on January 20, 2026, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League, league phase football match against Olympique Marseille in Marseille. (AFP)
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Liverpool, Barcelona Risk Missing Automatic Qualification to Champions League Round of 16

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah talks to Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike during a team training session at their training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, northwest England on January 20, 2026, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League, league phase football match against Olympique Marseille in Marseille. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah talks to Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike during a team training session at their training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, northwest England on January 20, 2026, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League, league phase football match against Olympique Marseille in Marseille. (AFP)

Liverpool and Barcelona are leaving it late to secure automatic qualification to the Champions League round of 16.

With just two rounds remaining, the defending champions of England and Spain currently sit outside of the top eight spots that will advance automatically.

Teams placed from nine to 24 enter a two-legged playoff to go through to the round of 16.

Liverpool topped the league phase last year, but then faced the daunting task of playing eventual winner Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16. Arne Slot's team is going a different way about it this time around and may have to navigate a playoff to advance.

Liverpool is away to Marseille on Wednesday and could be boosted by the return of Mohamed Salah from the Africa Cup of Nations. He headed off to represent his country last month after a public row with Slot raised doubts about his future.

Salah was unhappy with his lack of game time and aired his views in an explosive interview. He returns to Liverpool at a time when the Merseyside club needs more firepower following injury to record signing Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, who has only recently returned to action.

Barcelona was runner-up to Liverpool during the league phase last year and progressed to the semifinals before losing to Inter Milan.

Now it is playing catch up as it heads to Slavia Prague.

Chelsea's new coach Liam Rosenior takes charge of his first Champions League game with the club at home to Pafos.

Rosenior replaced Club World Cup-winning coach Enzo Maresca this month after leading Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg to the top of the third-tier Conference League standings.
Bayern Munich — one of this season's favorites — hosts Union Saint-Gilloise.