Loss to Japan Ends U.S. Softball Winning Streak

The U.S. softball team lost to Japan, 3-1, on Monday at Beijing, ending the Americans’ unbeaten streak at the world championships.

The U.S., which lost for the first time in the world championships since 1998, will have to win two games today to win its sixth consecutive world title.

The Americans (8-1) will play Australia (7-3), with the loser earning the bronze medal. The winner will face Japan later in the day for the gold medal.

“Right now we have to bounce back strong tomorrow and be ready to play,” Coach Mike Candrea said.

The only run for the U.S. came in the sixth inning when Crystl Bustos drove in Caitlin Lowe with a double.

Yukiko Ueno gave up three hits and struck out seven for Japan. Jennie Finch took the loss.

In other games, Australia beat Canada, 7-2, and China, 1-0.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Texas Players Accused

in Drug and Gun Case

Texas cornerback Tarell Brown was arrested in Austin on suspicion of misdemeanor drug and weapon violations, leaving his status in question for the No. 3-ranked Longhorns’ game with top-ranked Ohio State.

Brown, a senior starter, was arrested with Tyrell Gatewood, a backup junior linebacker and special teams player, and former Texas linebacker Aaron Harris.

Brown was charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon, a loaded 9-millimeter handgun, and possession of less than two ounces of marijuana.

Gatewood and Harris were charged with the same drug misdemeanor.

The attorney for Brown and Gatewood said Gatewood legally purchased the gun earlier this year and that neither of them smoked the marijuana found in the car.

The gun charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. The drug charge carries a maximum of 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Brown and Gatewood were released on personal recognizance bond and Harris remained in the Travis County jail.

Coach Mack Brown said he met with both players and was holding them out of all team functions “as we gather as much information as possible before making a team decision.”

Texas (1-0) plays host to Ohio State (1-0) on Saturday.

Heisman Trophy hopeful Michael Bush of No. 13 Louisville underwent surgery for a broken leg, a season-ending injury that could finish the running back’s college career.

Bush broke his right leg in two places during the third quarter of Louisville’s 59-28 win over Kentucky on Sunday.

Bush chose to return for his senior season rather than head to the NFL because he wanted to help Louisville earn a Bowl Championship Series berth.

A driveway leading to Northwestern’s football field will be renamed Walker Way in honor of former coach Randy Walker, who died June 29 of a heart attack. He was 52.

SOCCER

Friend Leads Canada

Over Jamaica, 1-0

Rob Friend scored in the 41st minute, leading Canada over Jamaica, 1-0, in an exhibition game at Montreal.

In the 38th minute, defender Damion Stewart kicked Friend’s shin at the edge of the penalty area, and the striker had to be helped from the field.

FIFA, soccer’s world governing body, said it will ban Portuguese teams from all international competitions if its federation’s officials fail to resolve by Sept. 14 a dispute over which club is entitled to play in the first division.

Gil Vicente, a small club, took legal action in civil court after its promotion from the second division was overturned because it was found to have fielded an ineligible player last season.

Angola will play host to the 2010 African Cup, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea will be the co-hosts of the 2012 tournament and Libya will stage the 2014 competition, the Confederation of African Football said.

MOTOR RACING

Schumacher Closes Gap

in Top-Fuel Series

Three-time top-fuel champion Tony Schumacher moved to within 54 points of the series lead by earning his fifth U.S. Nationals victory at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis.

Schumacher topped Brandon Bernstein in the final round of the $2.6-million NHRA Powerade Series race.

Other winners were Robert Hight in funny car, Greg Anderson in pro stock and Matt Smith in pro stock motorcycle.

PASSINGS

Facchetti, Former Italian Soccer Captain, Was 64

Giacinto Facchetti, former captain of Italy’s soccer team and Inter Milan’s president the last two years, died at Milan’s cancer institute. He was 64.

Facchetti played 94 times for Italy -- 70 as captain. He led Italy to the European Championship title in 1968 and the World Cup final in 1970, where it lost to Brazil, 4-1.