Here’s the pitch: Soccer at Wrigley

Soccer will return to Wrigley Field for the first time since 1984 when Italy’s AS Roma and Poland’s Zaglebie Lubin play a friendly at  2:30 p.m. July 22. The game will follow the Ron Santo Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y., and other …

Lionel Messi sets European scoring record with 68th goal

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Lionel Messi broke the 39-year record for most goals in a single season in a major European league, scoring for the 68th time with a hat trick on Wednesday to eclipse former Bayern Munich striker Gerd Mueller.

The Barcelona forward set …

Bolton says Muamba critically ill after collapsing

LONDON— Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba was critically ill in a hospital’s heart attack unit Saturday night after collapsing during a match at Tottenham. Muamba fell face-down to the field near the halfway line without any players near him. Medics rushed onto the field with a …

Egypt soccer fans rush field after game, 74 dead

CAIRO (AP) — At least 74 people were killed and hundreds injured after soccer fans rushed the field in the seaside city of Port Said Wednesday following an upset victory by the home team over Egypt’s top club, setting off clashes and a stampede as …

Russia considers lifting stadium beer ban in time for 2018 World Cup

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says he’ll reconsider the ban on beer at sports stadiums, as the country prepares to host the football World Cup in 2018. Putin was questioned about the ban Thursday when he and FIFA President Sepp Blatter …

Young Soccer Star Shone

Gina Giancola, a powerhouse soccer player from Hersey High in Arlington Heights, was a jaw-dropping joy to watch when she hurled herself through the air to do her signature flip-throw. Beautiful, outgoing and strong (her soccer nicknames were “Brick House” and “Man Abs”), Gina shook …

FIFA: Fox wins TV rights for World Cup in 2018, 2022

ZURICH — FIFA says Fox has won bidding to get U.S. television rights for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Fox outbid incumbent ESPN and NBC to win the English-language U.S. rights. It also got radio rights. ESPN, which got the 2010 and 2014 tournament …

Fire in dire need of finishing kick

After the Fire played its most recent Major League Soccer game Oct. 1, a playoff berth didn’t seem out of the question. The team was on a 5-1-2 run and was only three points behind the New York Red Bulls, who held the last of …

Cup runneth over? Fire driving for five

The Fire’s late-season drive to make the MLS playoffs is still going strong, but it’ll be put briefly on hold. The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final is Tuesday night against the host Seattle Sounders, and plenty of history will be on the line. The …

Remarkably, Fire nearing playoff berth

After winning twice in the first 24 games, the Fire seemed to have no chance of making the ­Major League Soccer playoffs. But with victories in five of the last six games, the playoffs are a distinct possibility. The Fire (7-8-15) enters its road match …

Playoffs not pipe dream for Fire

After winning twice in the first 24 games the Fire’s chances of reaching the playoffs in Major League Soccer appeared dead. But with victories in five of the last six games, the playoffs are a distinct possibility for the Fire going into Saturday’s road match …

Fire has lots on the line in last road swing

The Fire has just one road victory in Major League Soccer play. That must improve in the next week if the club is to salvage the season. Heading into the match Wednesday at Real Salt Lake, the Fire (6-8-15) is six points out of the …

7 dead in riot following Moroccan soccer match

RABAT, Morocco — Morocco’s state news agency says seven people were killed in a violent clash following a football match in the disputed southern territory of Western Sahara.

The report says two policemen were among the dead.

The incident took place late Sunday in the …

Speedy Oduro has a Golden goal

Dominic Oduro became the Fire’s first double-digit goal-scorer in seven years. Now he has another goal: He wants to win Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot, which goes to the season leader in goals. ‘‘Now I’m in the chase for the Golden Boot. It’s possible,’’ the …