National Sports

Another day to celebrate for Lionel Messi. Another frustrating day for Liverpool against a familiar opponent.

TORONTO — Canada captain Christine Sinclair and Bayern Munich teenager Alphonso Davies are among the nominees for the 2019 Canada Soccer Player Awards.

BROSSARD, Que. — Despite his team's recent string of defeats, Montreal Canadiens head coach Claude Julien insists it isn't a lack of effort that is sinking his squad.

LAKE LOUISE, Alta. — Thrust into a leadership role, Ben Thomsen is finding his comfort zone as the face of the Canadian men's downhill team. Manny Osborne-Paradis wrecking his knee a year ago while training in Lake Louise, Alta.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos have fired Jason Maas, ending the four-year run of a hot-tempered, heart-on-his-sleeve head coach who inspired his players but delivered results that, while good, were never good enough.

TORONTO — Veteran defender Drew Moor has left Toronto FC to return to the Colorado Rapids. The Rapids confirmed Wednesday that the 35-year-old free agent, who played in Colorado from 2009 to 2015, has signed a one-year contract.

VANCOUVER — John White is staying put. The B.C. Lions announced Wednesday the 28-year-old running back has re-signed with the team for 2020.

TORONTO — Winnipeg Blue Bombers Willie Jefferson, Stanley Bryant and Winston Rose have even more reason to celebrate. The three were named CFL all-stars Wednesday.

Canadian international Jessie Fleming is one of 15 semifinalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy, honouring the top NCAA soccer player. The 21-year-old UCLA midfielder, a senior from London, Ont., has already won 70 caps for Canada.

REGINA — Defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy signed a two-year contract extension with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Wednesday. The deal keeps him with the CFL club through 2021. Purifoy was eligible to become a free agent in February.