On Tuesday night, he scored two points on 1-of-5 shooting in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 111-97 preseason loss against the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The 20-year-old rookie played nine minutes in his fourth preseason game.

James said his main goal during the preseason is to get ‘comfortable.’

“Just going out there and getting reps is the most important thing,’ James told ESPN ahead of Tuesday’s game. ‘Grow my confidence and be more confident while I’m out there playing, because I feel good. The numbers could be better, but I just got to get my confidence up.’

All things Lakers: Latest Los Angeles Lakers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Here’s a breakdown of Bronny’s latest performance:

Bronny James’ stats vs. Warriors

Points: 2
FG: 1-for-5
3PT: 0-for-3
Rebounds: 1
Assists: 0
Steals: 0
Blocks: 1
Turnovers: 0
Fouls: 1
Minutes: 9

Next Lakers’ game

Bronny James and the Los Angles Lakers will be in action on Thursday, when they travel to Arizona to take on the Phoenix Suns at 10 p.m. ET. The game will be tevised on TNT.

Sometimes marriages end in divorce. And sometimes those divorces lead to reconciliation and a renewal of vows. Such is apparently the case with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, teammates for eight years on the Green Bay Packers – before Adams left in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, eager to play alongside college buddy Derek Carr – and now reunited again with the New York Jets.

In a widely expected move – speculated on for months actually, even vaguely by Rodgers – Adams was traded by the Silver and Black to Gang Green on Tuesday, just hours after the Jets’ Monday night loss to the Buffalo Bills.

What does it all mean?

Here the winners, losers and grades for this year’s biggest – to date – trade:

WINNERS

Davante Adams

Much as he’d wanted to be in Sin City – and on the team he’d rooted for as a kid – his departure had felt fairly inevitable ever since the Raiders unceremoniously cut the cord with Carr, the franchise’s all-time leading passer, before the 2022 season even concluded. Adams stewed as the situation festered for more than a year, his frustration boiling over at times on the field. But now he’s back with Rodgers, the man who threw him so many touchdown passes, back-shoulder completions and flowers given how seamlessly the two worked together for nearly a decade. Adams is almost 32, and Rodgers is almost 41. But even in the sub-prime phases of their careers, there might just be enough time to spark what’s still a very talented – if turbulent – Jets squad.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Aaron Rodgers

As dour as he looked after being beaten by Buffalo, in a game the Jets probably should have won, Rodgers was all smiles Tuesday – literally given his obviously lightened mood once he made his weekly appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show.’ While it would theoretically be unfair to expect Adams to fit right in with New York, he’ll need to hit the ground running, however tender the hamstring that’s kept him sidelined the past three weeks is – he said it “feels great’ during a surprise appearance with Rodgers on McAfee’s air – and there’s certainly some component of his absence that had to do with his unavoidable conclusion that he needed to be leaving Las Vegas.

But Adams should be familiar with most of the concepts from (effectively demoted) OC Nathaniel Hackett’s playbook given they also worked together in Green Bay and mostly needs to catch on to what Rodgers and newly installed play caller Todd Downing are emphasizing now. For the past two weeks – both Jets losses – Rodgers has gambled the team’s hopes, with victory in the balance, with throws to big-bodied WR Mike Williams. Both times he was intercepted on what turned out to be his final pass of the game, Williams looking overmatched and/our out of position in each scenario and explicitly drawing darts from his quarterback in Monday’s postgame news conference. It’s worth wondering how things might have been different had Adams been the targeted receiver in those high-leverage spots.

‘I love Davante Adams. I can’t wait to play with him,” Rodgers said at a celebrity golf tournament over the summer. “Again.’

Time’s now, fellas.

Kansas City Chiefs

With Adams gone, one fewer reason to worry as they remain on super-cruise toward their ninth straight AFC West title … and maybe much more. Their first date of two with the Adams-less Raiders is in 12 days.

Jersey No. 17

Vacated by WR Garrett Wilson for No. 5 following the disastrous 2023 campaign, casual onlookers immediately viewed it as a welcome mat for Adams, who has exclusively worn 17 in the NFL – though the three-time All-Pro will have to pry it from rookie Malachi Corley, who might be about to make his biggest contribution in a freshman campaign that’s only seen him catch one pass. As for those Jets fans who already have No. 17 in their closets? All that’s required is some masking tape over the Wilson nameplate.

Brock Bowers

The Raiders’ first-round tight end may not love the increased defensive attention, though it hasn’t stopped him from catching 17 passes for 168 yards and a TD the past two weeks, when Adams was out of the lineup. The competition for 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year is already steep, but Bowers – now likely to be the unquestioned focal point of Las Vegas’ offense – should at least see his odds improve.

Joe Douglas

Unlike recently ousted head coach Robert Saleh, the Jets GM has managed to keep his job – perhaps rightly so given he has, by most accounts, constructed an eminently talented roster. He’s leveled up again with the addition of Adams for the reasonable price of a conditional third-round pick, and the Jets had an extra one in their quiver – though it could upgrade to a Round 2 choice, per reports, depending on how Adams and the team fare. The perennial Pro Bowler is signed through the 2026 season but, with no guarantees beyond this year, Douglas will have options in 2025, when Adams’ base salary balloons beyond $35 million.

Garrett Wilson

With 67 targets, he’s far and away the NFL leader in that metric. Adams’ arrival should not only ease Wilson’s workload but maybe create more of a Batman and Batman dynamic forcing defenses to roll coverage somewhere – WR3 Allen Lazard now sliding into what could be a very effective Robin role, too. And while Wilson’s touches are bound to decrease, he should be in a position to maximize them with much greater efficiency given he was only averaging 9.7 yards per reception.

Antonio Pierce

The Raiders’ rookie head coach has one fewer headache to ponder in what’s already devolving into a lost season. But getting a good return on the Adams investment now should help Pierce and first-year GM Tom Telesco acquire and/or support the franchise quarterback they so desperately need to find in 2025.

All the players and the plays: Sign up for USA TODAY’s 4th and Monday newsletter for NFL news.

LOSERS

Antonio Pierce

The Adams headache appears, at least in part, one the inexperienced HC invited by breaking, arguably, Rule No. 1 for someone in an NFL leadership position – stay off social media. As the interim boss in 2023, Pierce was able to rally the Raiders to five wins over their final nine contests. Won’t be easy to match that feat this time around, especially without a talent like Adams.

Garrett Wilson?

He’s long espoused a priority on winning, but a 24-year-old in his third NFL season will also have to learn how to cope with another alpha in the receiver room. He’ll also have to avoid the narrative that Adams’ presence will inhibit his growth at a critical time, Wilson, the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year, at a key point early in his career given next spring is the first time he’s eligible for the major payday that’s bound to eventually come his way. He’s struggled at times to get on the same page of Rodgers’ very complex book, and now Wilson will have to be at his best – likely more so off the field – as he deals with another weighty dynamic in this ever-shifting Jets tableau.

Derek Carr

He’s dealing with an injured oblique. Again. And he’s going to try – again – to lead the New Orleans Saints out of the wilderness without another chance to play with his pal Adams … assuming Carr, currently watching rookie QB Spencer Rattler do his job, isn’t effectively deactivated for the second time in three seasons.

Mike Williams

Clearly laboring to regain top form a year after undergoing ACL reconstruction, the veteran receiver is almost surely now one and done with the Jets and very likely to find himself getting scant snaps if he remains on the roster in what appears to be, at best, a WR4 role for a player who doesn’t add value on special teams.

DAVANTE ADAMS TRADE GRADES

Las Vegas Raiders: B-

You could fairly argue that Telesco should have moved faster on this front rather than stubbornly maintaining over the offseason that Adams remained a core part of the Raiders’ foundation and claiming he wasn’t entertaining offers. What would Adams have cost in March? We’ll never know. But we do know that Telesco salvaged a comparable return to what other accomplished wideouts, namely Stefon Diggs and Keenan Allen, fetched in the offseason – and Las Vegas doesn’t have to pay anything further on the five-year, $140 million deal that could run for another two full seasons beyond this one. And not having to deal with Adams’ contract next spring gives the Raiders added flexibility to dive into what quite obviously has disintegrated into a roster that needs to be almost completely overhauled.

New York Jets: B+

So this trade of a conditional third-rounder seems much likelier to pan out positively than the one for still-MIA pass rusher Haason Reddick. Right, Joe? In all seriousness, Douglas and the Jets needed to make this move if there’s to be any chance of salvaging the 2024 Jets specifically and the Rodgers experiment writ large. If it works, no one will mind cashing out another Day 2 selection. If it goes horribly awry, Douglas – or whoever is in his seat four months from now – can seamlessly shift into rebuild or reload mode and strip the roster of older veterans while focusing on a foundation built with the likes of Wilson, CB Sauce Gardner, DT Quinnen Williams, RB Breece Hall, LB Jermaine Johnson and other youngsters that should remain in the building over the long run.

***

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.

NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani kept his composure Tuesday, occasionally smiling, even mixing in some laughter, refusing to let anyone see him sweat.

If he feels the pressure of trying to carry the Los Angeles Dodgers to the World Series, he’s not publicly showing it.

The Dodgers have certainly done just fine without him making his presence felt, reaching the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets. But at some point, to get where the Dodgers want to ultimately go, they’re going to need him.

The Dodgers are loaded with stars, but it’s hard to imagine them riding in a World Series parade in downtown Los Angeles if Ohtani continues to struggle. He’s just 6-for-27 this postseason and is homerless in his last six games.

The longer the slump goes on, the more pressure and scrutiny Ohtani will face. And in the postseason, every plate appearance, every swing, every strikeout, is magnified for all of the world to see.

Follow every MLB game: Latest MLB scores, stats, schedules and standings.

“It is the same game,’’ Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor said, “(but) there is more pressure. There’s more at stake. Every pitch matters a little bit more. Each swing matters a little more. Every at-bat could decide whether you’re going to play a game tomorrow or not.

“There’s a lot of pressure.’’

Ohtani has had all eyes on him since he was a prodigy in Japan, becoming a two-way star in the Japanese professional league, and then an international star after arriving in the United States in 2018.

He wasn’t just being compared to contemporaries like Aaron Judge and Mike Trout and Ronald Acuna Jr. His comp was Babe Ruth, the greatest player the game has ever seen, who dominated at the plate, while also pitching early in his career.

The legend of Ohtani became almost mythical once he signed a record $700 million contract to join the Dodgers. It didn’t matter that he was recovering from Tommy John surgery and couldn’t pitch. He instead showcased his surreal power and speed combination by becoming the first player in history to hit at least 50 homers (54) and steal 50 bases (59) in the same season.

The baseball world eagerly anticipated what he’d do in his first postseason, and when Ohtani homered in his first postseason game against the San Diego Padres, it was as if a new Mr. October was born.

Well, that guy has suddenly disappeared.

Ohtani is 0-for-19 with the bases empty this postseason, hitting .222 overall. He doesn’t have a single stolen base.

“This is my first experience in the postseason,’’ Ohtani said, “so I can’t really rely on the experiences or my reflection in the past. But what I do know is that we’ve been playing against good teams, better teams, with their best pitchers. So being able to get base hits, put up results, isn’t as easy maybe as it could be.’’

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has faced a barrage of questions about the slump. He insists there’s no temptation to drop Ohtani from the leadoff spot in the lineup, believing one swing can change everything.

“There have been times that he has to reset,’’ Roberts said. “Sometimes, certain pitchers sort of kind of trigger bad habits. And you’ve got to identify that to then reset.

“So, I do feel that he’s cognizant of that. My expectation is that he’s going to reset today.’’

Ohtani, who is 4-for-20 with no extra-base hits and 12 strikeouts since his three-run homer and single in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Padres, insists that his approach hasn’t changed. He doesn’t feel like his swing is out of whack. Yet, he looked clueless in Game 5 of the NLDS against Yu Darvish, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Left-hander Sean Manaea struck him out twice and kept him hitless in three at-bats on Monday.

Even Roberts was alarmed by how much Ohtani was chasing pitches outside the strike zone, particularly against Darvish, wondering if perhaps it was a mental obstacle since Darvish was Ohtani’s idol growing up.

“I do feel OK at the plate,’’ Ohtani said. “I do feel like I should recall back to the times when I feel good and perhaps incorporate that into it. …. Regardless of however they are pitching to me, my plan is to stay with the same approach as much as possible, and not really be too focused on how they attack me.’’

Certainly, it’s not as if Ohtani is the first star to struggle early in his postseason career.

The bigger the star, the more focus put on him by opposing staffs. They spend so much time pitching carefully to the stars that frequently the heroes are the players no one pays attention to in the lineups.

“You see teams make a huge emphasis on Shohei,’’ Dodgers center fielder Kevin Kiermaier said, “just like we do for other teams’ biggest guys. You hear the pitchers always talking, ‘Hey, you can’t let so-and-so beat you.’ Then, the scouting reports are so dialed in at this point, they’re making sure they’re attacking your weakness. These guys are having meetings at midnight, like, ‘How are we going to get this guy out.’ It’s not easy when the opposition is solely focused on certain guys.’’

Dodgers 15-year veteran reliever Daniel Hudson, who is pitching in his seventh postseason series, knows the drill. He sits in all of the pitchers’ meetings. He studies the reports.

The emphasis is always on the biggest stars. Shut them down, and take your chances with the rest.

“There’s certain guys in the lineups that you don’t want to beat you,’’ Hudson said. “I’m not saying you pitch around them, but you pitch them more carefully. …

“In these type of games, there’s definitely guys in each lineup that you just are not going to let beat you.’’

Go ahead, look at the evidence.

Barry Bonds, the home-run king and seven-time MVP, hit .196 in his first five postseasons with just one homer and six RBI in 116 plate appearances.

Alex Rodriguez, the three-time MVP and 14-time All-Star, hit .230 with six homers in 178 at-bats in his first seven postseasons.

Just across town in the Bronx, Aaron Judge, who will win his second MVP, is hitting just .204 in 49 postseason games.

“Maybe teams are a little bit more careful when you’re trying to pitch around certain guys,’’ Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “But they’re still really good players. They’re one swing away. … There’s times when they’re going to struggle, but there’s also times when they’re going to be huge.

“And whether it’s Aaron Judge, Barry Bonds, Ohtani, you name it, there’s a reason why they’re superstars.’’

But when you’re a star, there’s a whole lot of pressure that comes with it, too.

And if you struggle, at the most critical time of the year, it feels like you’re letting the entire franchise down.

“I think those guys have certain expectations from everyone and themselves,’’ Roberts said. “And you have to be willing to essentially not blink …. knowing that opposing pitchers are not going to let you beat them. And you have to be willing to be patient.

“I played with Barry, and obviously he really came to life (in the 2002 World Series), and he was extraordinary in that series. Once Alex figured it out, he was obviously great in the postseason.

“But I do think there was a lot of pressure they might put on themselves initially. People expect them to do what they’ve done throughout their career, their stat line, as opposed to doing more.’’

We’ll soon find out whether this is a simple glitch in Ohtani’s historic season, or cause for concern, wondering whether he feels the burden of these surreal expectations in October.

“There’s been a lot of eyes and cameras on him,’’ Lindor said, “and his ability to stay within himself and to not get too big, and to stay the course, that’s brilliant. He’s done a fantastic job, he has managed to maneuver himself the right way.’’

Slump or not, the Mets aren’t about to get lulled into a false sense of security that it will last, knowing it could end with one swing of the bat.

“He’s still Shohei Ohtani,’’ Mendoza said. “He’s one of the best hitters in the league. He’s an elite hitter.

“He’s dangerous.’’

Follow Nightengale on X: @BNightengale

The U.S. men’s national team was outplayed and out-efforted by archrival Mexico on Tuesday night. El Tri won 2-0, with Raul Jimenez and Cesar Huerta scoring, but the game was even more lopsided than the score indicated.

Mexico had a whopping 17-5 shot advantage and dominated possession until Huerta’s goal put the game out of reach.

The loss was the USMNT’s fourth in the last six games. It was the second time this year they’ve been shutout.

‘Overall, I think Mexico was a little bit better than us and fully deserved the victory. But for us it’s a process,’ Pochettino said after the game. ‘Only we can improve and learn from this experience.’

Pochettino was hired after the USMNT’s abysmal showing at Copa America, where they crashed out in the group stage after losing to both Panama and Uruguay. Though the Americans showed more energy and confidence in a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday night, they were back to their woeful ways against El Tri.

This was officially a friendly, the first in Mexico since 2012. But there is never anything friendly when the USMNT and El Tri play, and Mexico clearly understood that. Jimenez scored on a direct free kick in the 22nd minute, sending a rocket of a shot over the U.S. wall and Matt Turner’s outstretched hand and into the net.

With that, El Tri was off and running.

‘We started the game well. But after we conceded the goal … they started to be a little bit better, a little bit more aggressive than us,’ Pochettino said.

Mexico made themselves at home on the U.S. side of the field. Whenever the USMNT did get the ball, Mexico quickly took it back. The Americans looked disorganized and indifferent, and didn’t have anything close to the grit they’re going to need at the World Cup in 2026. Huerta doubled Mexico’s lead in the 49th, taking advantage of a botched clearance by Tim Ream.

The USMNT did get a boost from Brandon Vazquez and Alex Zendejas, who came in in the second half. Vazquez had perhaps the best shot at a U.S. goal, but his shot in the 80th minute was blocked.

It didn’t help the USMNT that Christian Pulisic wasn’t unavailable, having gone back to AC Milan after the Panama game. Several other regular starters are injured, including Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Tyler Adams, Sergino Dest and Gio Reyna. But the U.S. woes against Mexico went beyond those absences, with the lack of emotion the same thing that’s been plaguing the squad for months.

Another USMNT sub

Auston Trusty came on for Aidan Morris in the 83rd minute.

Obed Vargas makes El Tri debut

Obed Vargas, a 19-year-old midfielder who plays professionally for the Seattle Sounders of MLS, made his Mexico national team debut in the 83rd minute, replacing Jesús Angulo.

Vargas, who was born in Anchorage, Alaska, made a one-time switch from the U.S. to Mexico.

‘The thought process was simple for me: It’s the team I grew up watching,’ Vargas said in June about the switch. ‘It’s a way for me to honor my family, my culture.

Fight!

Even a friendly with Mexico isn’t really friendly. 

Alex Zendejas was given a yellow card after a scuffle with Jesus Angulo in the 74th minute. Zendejas, who chose to play for the United States over Mexico and plays his club football in Mexico, was unhappy with Angulo kicking out in Zendejas’ direction after a tackle. He shoved Angulo, and several players from both teams rushed in. There was some more pushing and shoving before tempers cooled. 

More substitutions for USMNT

The USMNT made three more substitutions in the 63rd minute against Mexico. Brandon Vazquez replaced Malik Tillman, who got a rare start because Christian Pulisic returned to AC Milan after the Panama game. Haji Wright came in for Josh Sargent and Tanner Tessmann replaced Gianluca Busio. 

Mexico 2, US 0: Cesar Huerta doubles El Tri’s lead

The USMNT gifted Mexico a second goal, this one by Cesar Huerta in the 49th minute. 

Second-half subs for USMNT

Mauricio Pochettino is making two substitutions to start the second half, likely hoping they can give his lackluster team some spark. 

Kristoffer Lund is replacing Antonee Robinson while Alex Zendejas is coming in for Yunus Musah. 

USMNT trailing at the half

While that didn’t go as planned.

The U.S. men’s national team finds itself trailing Mexico 1-0 at halftime after being outplayed for much of the first 45 minutes. This despite Mauricio Pochettino using almost the same lineup as Saturday’s game against Panama, which the USMNT won, 2-0. 

This is the first friendly against El Tri in Mexico since 2012, but it’s still an important game. In addition to Pochettino’s second game in charge of the USMNT, it’s a rare high-stakes environment for the Americans. As a co-host of the 2026 World Cup, the Americans don’t have to qualify, which means many of their games until then will not have the same competitive feel. But every match against Mexico, including friendlies, have an edge to them. 

Yellow card for Aidan Morris

Mexico 1, US 0: Raúl Jiménez scores on free kick

Mexico’s Raúl Jiménez pummeled a free kick into the top right corner of the goal and out of the reach of USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner to give Mexico a lead 22 minutes into Tuesday night’s friendly.

Jiménez’s goal came as a result of a foul by Aidan Morris on Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado.

Jiménez — who plays club soccer for Fulham of the English Premier League — now has 34 goals in 105 appearances. — Jim Reineking

Mexico legend Andres Guardado says goodbye

Andres Guardado’s time with El Tri has come to an end. 

Guardado, whose 182 appearances with the national team are the most of any Mexico player, was subbed off to loud applause in the 19th minute. The friendly with the U.S. was his last with the Mexican national team.

Late lineup change for USMNT

U.S. Soccer announced right before kickoff that Miles Robinson will replace Mark McKenzie in the starting lineup. No reason was given for the switch. 

Shoes to fill with Christian Pulisic out

Not having Christian Pulisic will never be a good thing for the USMNT. However, his and four other players’ return to their clubs ahead of Tuesday night’s game against Mexico will give other players an opportunity to make an impression on Mauricio Pochettino.

“It’s a little bit sad because these guys (who left), they were here and they wanted to help and play for the team,” Pochettino said Monday. “But at the same time, when one door is closed, another can be opened. For sure it’s a possibility for another player.”

In addition to Pulisic, who returned to AC Milan for “load management,” Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, Zack Steffen and Marlon Fossey had minor injuries and went back to their clubs for evaluation and treatment. McKennie is a regular starter, and Pepi scored against Panama after coming in as a second-half-substitute Saturday.

“It’s really important for the (remaining) players because they’re going to have the possibility to play and show their quality,” Pochettino said.

The first to benefit is Malik Tillman, who got the start in Pulisic’s place.

“Malik is an unbelievable talent,” Pochettino said, likening him to Dele Alli, who played for him at Tottenham.

“We need to use our experience to try to challenge him, to try to compete in this way,” Pochettino said. “Because if Malik competed in the way (Dele Alli) used to compete, for sure (he) has the capacity, the talent the body, the power, everything.

USMNT vs. Mexico TV channel

The television broadcast will be available on TNT, with pregame coverage starting at 9:30 p.m. ET. A Spanish-language television broadcast is available on TUDN and Univision.

USMNT vs. Mexico live stream

The match will stream on Max and Peacock, with pregame coverage starting at 9:30 p.m. ET. Streaming is also available on fubo.

Where is the USMNT’s friendly against Mexico being played?

USMNT starting lineup vs. Mexico

Mauricio Pochettino’s second starting lineup looks a lot like his first.

The new U.S. men’s national team coach made only one change for Tuesday night’s game against archrival Mexico in Guadalajara, and he didn’t much have a choice. With Christian Pulisic allowed to return to AC Milan for “load management” reasons, Pochettino inserted Malik Tillman into the starting lineup.

The rest of the 11 remained the same, with Matt Turner starting in goal and Joe Scally, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson on the back line. Brenden Aaronson, Yunus Musah, Gianluca Busio and Aidan Morris join Tillman in the midfield, and Josh Sargent starts at forward.

The remaining nine players are all available as substitutes.

In addition to Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, Zack Steffen and Marlon Fossey returned to their clubs after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Panama in Pochettino’s debut. Pulisic and Pepi were the only two who played in that game, with Pulisic recording the assist on Musah’s goal and Pepi scoring deep in stoppage time after coming in as a substitute in the second half. — Nancy Armour

Mexico starting lineup vs. USMNT

Christian Pulisic among five USMNT players to miss Mexico friendly

USMNT star Christian Pulisic, along with Weston McKennie, Marlon Fossey, Ricardo Pepi and Zack Steffen will not be available for the team’s friendly against Mexico.

Pulisic headed back to his club team, AC Milan, with what U.S. Soccer called ‘load management.’ U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino had previously expressed concern over Pulisic’s heavy workload.

McKennie — who did not play in Saturday’s win over Panama — along with Fossey, Pepi and Steffen have ‘minor injuries’ and also will return to their respective club teams.

No additional players were added to the roster for the game against Mexico to replace the absent players.

Which players are on the USMNT roster?

Goalkeepers (4): Ethan Horvath (Cardiff City/Wales), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/England)

Defenders (8): Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege/Belgium), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo/Italy), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/France), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach/Germany), Auston Trusty (Celtic/Scotland)

Midfielders (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/England), Gianluca Busio (Venezia/Italy), Weston McKennie (Juventus/Italy), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/England), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/Italy), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyonnais/France), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands)

Forwards (6): Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/Netherlands), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/Italy), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/England), Brandon Vazquez (C.F. Monterrey/Mexico), Haji Wright (Coventry City/England), Alex Zendejas (Club América/Mexico)

Which players are on the Mexico roster?

Goalkeepers (3): Luis Malagón (Club América), Guillermo Ochoa (AVS Futebol/Portugal), Raúl Rangel (Chivas de Guadalajara)

Defenders (8): Edson Álvarez (West Ham United/England), Jesús Angulo (Tigres UANL), Bryan González (Pachuca), Rodrigo Huescas (FC Copenhagen/Denmark), César Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow/Russia), Jesús Orozco (Chivas de Guadalajara), Jorge Sánchez (Cruz Azul), Johan Vásquez (Genoa/Italy)

Midfielders (8): Sebastián Córdova (Tigres UANL), Andrés Guardado (León), Érik Lira (Cruz Azul), Orbelín Pineda (AEK Athens/Greece), Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Luis Romo (Cruz Azul), Marcel Ruiz (Toluca), Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders/USA)

Forwards (7): Roberto Alvarado (Chivas de Guadalajara), Germán Berterame (Monterrey), Ozziel Herrera (Tigres UANL), César Huerta (Pumas UNAM), Raúl Jiménez (Fulham/England), Diego Lainez (Tigres UANL), Guillermo Martínez (Pumas UNAM), Alexis Vega (Toluca)

Why Seattle Sounders’ Obed Vargas is with Mexico and not USMNT

Despite playing for the youth U.S. national teams at both the U-20 and U-23 teams — including representing the U.S. at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup — Obed Vargas completed a FIFA-approved one-time switch from the USMNT to play for Mexico at the international level.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been a standout performer for Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders FC, with whom he played a vital role in helping win the 2022 Concacaf Champions League.

Vargas played twice this year for Mexico’s U-23 team and received his first call up to the senior national team for this international window and could make his El Tri debut against the rival U.S.

‘I really felt like I completed my career,’ Vargas said last week. ‘Just getting the call-up and knowing that I’m going to be there. It just felt like I made it.’

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, Vargas is the first Alaskan to play for a men’s senior national soccer team.

Vargas has made 52 starts and 65 appearances with the Sounders since making his MLS debut in 2021. When he made his Sounders debut, Vargas was 15 years and 351 days old and was the third-youngest player in MLS history behind Freddy Adu and Alphonso Davies. He has since been surpassed by several other players. — Jim Reineking

Who is Mauricio Pochettino?

In September, Mauricio Pochettino was named the new coach for the U.S. men’s national soccer team, marking a major shift for the program.

It’s not just that Pochettino, 52, is a new voice with a different style of play from the team’s previous manager Gregg Berhalter. It’s that the Argentine — who has coached multiple Premier League clubs, and has had success in the Champions League — has the kind of proven track record at the top of the global game that U.S. Soccer has never been able to access for the USMNT. — Jason Anderson

USMNT 2024 schedule and results

Jan. 20 (friendly) — Slovenia 1, United States 0
March 21 (Nations League semifinal) — United States 3, Jamaica 1
March 24 (Nations League final) — United States 2, Mexico 0
June 8 (friendly) — Colombia 5, United States 1
June 12 (friendly) — United States 1, Brazil 1
June 23 (Copa America) — United States 2, Bolivia 0
June 27 (Copa America) — Panama 2, United States 1
July 1 (Copa America) — Uruguay 1, United States 0
Sept. 7 (friendly) — Canada 2, United States 1
Sept. 10 (friendly) — United States 1, New Zealand 1
Oct. 12 (friendly) —United States 2, Panama 0
Oct. 15 (friendly) — Mexico 2, United States 0
Nov. 14 or 15 (Nations League quarterfinal, Leg 1) — United States vs. TBD
Nov. 18 (Nations League quarterfinal, Leg 2) — United States vs. TBD

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY operates independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Ohio State and Oregon produced one of the best games of the college football season with the Ducks prevailing in the final seconds. Both teams are among the national title contenders and should be in the College Football Playoff. But there remains some lingering questions about the Ryan Day record against teams in the top five in a season where it is national championship or bust for the Buckeyes.

Elsewhere in the Big Ten, it was a meeting of programs going in different directions as Penn State moved closer to the playoff and Southern California saw its chances go poof in an overtime victory by the Nittany Lions. James Franklin got a needed win, while all is not well with Lincoln Riley and the Trojans.

The schedule for Week 8 features two teams with high expectations that hit the road against top 10 opponents.

For Alabama, it’s a visit to Tennessee. The Crimson Tide have looked poor the past two weeks, but hit hasn’t been much better for the Volunteers. One team will get a massive win. The other will likely be scrapping for an at-large berth.

For Georgia, the task is playing No. 1 Texas. Can the Bulldogs shake off their disappointing performances and produce their best effort on the road against possibly the most complete team in the country? The Longhorns have made an amazing transition to the SEC and wiped out rival Oklahoma last week. Now, they can solidify themselves favorites to win the whole thing.

Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg of USA TODAY Sports discuss these topics and more in this week’s version of the College Football Fix.

NOW OR NEVER: Georgia’s Kirby Smart faces biggest game at Texas

PLAYOFF BRACKET: Biggest change to 12-team field sees Alabama fall out

MISERY INDEX: Lincoln Riley, Southern California lead Week 7 disappointments

Tom Brady’s wait to join the NFL ownership ranks is finally over.

At the league’s fall meeting Tuesday in Atlanta, owners officially unanimously approved Brady’s bid to purchase approximately 10% of the Las Vegas Raiders with his business partner Tom Wagner.

‘I’m incredibly humbled and excited to have been unanimously approved as an owner of the Las Vegas Raiders,’ Brady said in a statement. ‘Throughout my NFL career, I’ve learned that at its core, football is a game of teamwork, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Raiders franchise ,and the city of Las Vegas embody these same values, and I’m honored to become part of that story.’

The vote brings to a close a process that began in May 2023 but was held up amid questions regarding the financial details of the agreement, including whether Brady had been given too favorable terms amid the franchise’s rise in value.

But Brady’s stake – which is at 5% on its own – was unanimously approved by the league’s finance committee, making Tuesday’s vote almost a formality.

All things Raiders: Latest Las Vegas Raiders news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Tuesday proved to be an eventful day for Raiders owner Mark Davis, with his team also trading wide receiver Davante Adams to the New York Jets.

‘We traded Davante Adams for Tom Brady and a third-round pick,’ Davis said. ‘Although Tom can’t play, he can help us select a quarterback in the future and potentially train him as well. So, it’s a huge benefit to the organization.’

Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour said Tuesday he, too, had acquired a stake in the franchise.

‘I’m grateful to be an owner in the NFL. That’s significant,’ Seymour told USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett Bell. ‘I embrace that opportunity and carry with it a sense of pride and purpose. My commitment goes beyond the numbers.’

Said Davis of Seymour’s move: ‘To me, it’s having the right people as part of your organization. Richard and my father got along unbelievably. There was so much mutual respect between those two.’

The partnership marks the second time Brady has done business with Davis, as the former quarterback also agreed to purchase part of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces in March 2023.

Brady, 47, retired following the 2022 NFL season, but he hasn’t strayed from the league’s spotlight. Prior to his final campaign, he agreed to a contract with Fox to become the network’s lead in-game analyst, a role he began this season.

Amid his pursuit of partial ownership of the Raiders, however, Brady was given several restrictions on access typically afforded to broadcasters. He has been barred from attending teams’ practices or participating in production meetings, and he is not allowed in other teams’ facilities. As an owner, he also is not permitted to criticize officials on air.

(This story has been updated with new information.)