National Sports

EDMONTON — Before the Canadian men's national soccer team faced Costa Rica on Friday, coach John Herdman passed on some wisdom he'd received earlier in the week from NBA coaching legend Phil Jackson — "play the game, not the occasion.

TORONTO — Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and the Toronto Argonauts will carry home-field advantage into the CFL playoffs.

TORONTO — Auston Matthews knew his stick was damaged as he moved in alone on an overtime breakaway Friday. The Maple Leafs sniper fired into the pads of Flames backup goalie Dan Vladar before promptly heading to the bench to reload.

OTTAWA — Canada Soccer says it has hired a firm to review its investigation into allegations of misconduct levied against the former head coach of the national women's under-20 team.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Dylan Cozens scored twice, including the go-ahead goal, in a span of 5:14 and the Buffalo Sabres snapped a 0-4-1 skid with a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night.

BELLEAIR, Fla. (AP) — Lexi Thompson birdied four of her last five holes Friday for a 6-under 64 to share the lead with Jennifer Kupcho going into the weekend of the Pelican Women's Championship.

HOUSTON (AP) — Martin Trainer was in rare territory Friday. Not only did he play well enough to stick around for the weekend, he found himself leading the Houston Open.

SAO PAULO (AP) — Lewis Hamilton beat rival Max Verstappen in qualifying to take pole position for Saturday's sprint race ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, although an engine change means the British driver is facing a five-place grid penalty on Sund

NEW YORK — Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet was fined US$15,000 by the NBA on Friday for making an obscene gesture during a game against Philadelphia a day earlier.

Arkells are preparing for the Grey Cup's halftime show just like the players that will compete in the CFL's championship game. The Canadian rock band was announced as the halftime performers for this year's Grey Cup on Friday night.