Soccer

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps are in unfamiliar territory — looking to snap a losing skid. A 5-3 defeat to expansion side San Diego FC on Wednesday marked Vancouver's second loss in a row.

After a group stage played in front of more than 1 million empty seats, the Club World Cup moves on to knockout rounds that could soon resemble a Champions League clone.

SINSHEIM, Germany (AP) — German team Hoffenheim has signed Japan defender Koki Machida from Belgian champion Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Olivier Giroud is parting ways with Los Angeles FC after one disappointing year with the Major League Soccer club. The 38-year-old Giroud and LAFC announced the decision Friday on social media.

TORONTO — The hurt continues for Toronto FC, with defender Zane Monlouis the latest player to be sidelined.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps are planning to sign midfielder Pedro Vite to a long-term extension. The deal has not yet been officially announced, but will stretch through the 2029 campaign.

LONDON (AP) — Keith Andrews has been appointed the manager of Brentford, succeeding Thomas Frank at the Premier League club. Andrews steps up after being hired as the set-piece coach under Frank and following roles with Sheffield United and Ireland.

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA changed the hosting plan for its 2026 European Championship for indoor soccer on Friday because Russia’s military ally Belarus has qualified for the finals tournament.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Fans and players weren't the only ones coping with extreme heat this week at the Club World Cup.

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso still can't say whether Kylian Mbappé will be available to play in the next round of the Club World Cup after missing all three group games.