National Sports

VANCOUVER — The surging Vancouver Whitecaps are trying to strike a delicate balance.

The numbers favour the Canadian men in Saturday's high-stakes Copa America qualifier with Trinidad and Tobago in Frisco, Texas. Canada is ranked 50th in the world, compared to No. 96 for Trinidad.

In naming his roster for a crucial Copa America qualifier against No. 96 Trinidad and Tobago, interim coach Mauro Biello said the 50th-ranked Canadian men needed a "cultural reset.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators signed forward Stephen Halliday to a two-year, entry-level contract Friday. The deal will start in the 2024-25 season.

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit his first home run as a Blue Jay to key a three-run second inning and Toronto defeated the Boston Red Sox 5-1 in spring training action Friday.

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, Calif. (AP) — Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Canada matched her best score on the LPGA Tour with a 7-under 64 on Thursday to take the first-round lead in the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship.

TORONTO — Atlanta United and Toronto FC will both be missing some important pieces at BMO Field on Saturday, but for different reasons.

SAO PAULO (AP) — Former footballer Robinho arrived early Friday at the rural Tremembe penitentiary where he is expected to serve at least 40% of his nine-year sentence for rape.

TORONTO — Even as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was being recognized as Canada's best athlete, he stayed humble.

IDRE FJÄLL, Sweden — Brittany Phelan won gold at a World Cup ski cross stop Friday to highlight another successful day for Canadian athletes on the circuit. Phelan, of Mont-Tremblant, Que.