Real Colorado’s Donaldson named the head coach of the Chicago Red Stars

One of the most influential youth soccer coaches in the country is leaving the Centennial State for the Windy City.

Lorne Donaldson, president of Real Colorado and the former Jamaica head coach who famously helped lead the Reggae Girlz to an unlikely Round of 16 berth at this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, was named head coach of the NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars on Wednesday.

Donaldson, 68, takes over a team that has been in flux over the last few seasons, despite reaching the NWSL Championship in 2021.

Donaldson will be reunited with two Coloradans who played under him at Real: Ally Schlegel (Parker) and Sami Feller (Palisade) both of whom were rookies in 2023.

— Brendan Ploen, Special to The Denver Post

U.S. federation refuses MLS attempt to pull top rosters from U.S. Open Cup

CHICAGO >> The U.S. Soccer Federation refused Major League Soccer’s attempt to pull its top rosters from next year’s U.S. Open Cup, the sport’s oldest competition in the nation.

Michigan receives notice of allegations from NCAA tied to recruiting and coaching

ANN ARBOR, Mich.>> The NCAA sent Michigan a notice of allegations related to impermissible on- and off-campus recruiting during the COVID-19 dead period and coaching activities, potential violations that led to the school’s self-imposed three-game suspension of Jim Harbaugh to start the season.

School spokesman Kurt Svoboda confirmed that the notice was received this week.

The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for the final three games of the regular season for an unrelated matter, stemming from a sign-stealing scheme, that is still under investigation.

Alabama backup QB heading back to Notre Dame for lacrosse, degree

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.>> Alabama backup quarterback Tyler Buchner is returning to Notre Dame as a lacrosse player. Buchner announced on social media that he plans to return to South Bend, Ind., after one season at Alabama and finish his degree.

Court documents: Former player allegedly admitted to fatally strangling woman

LAS VEGAS>> A former NBA G League player allegedly admitted to fatally strangling a woman whose remains were found earlier this month near Las Vegas, according to court records. Chance Comanche, 27, was taken into custody last week in Sacramento, Calif., where he described for detectives the alleged murder of Marayna Rodgers, 23, according to a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department affidavit.

Nets say Ben Simmons out until at least January

NEW YORK>> Ben Simmons won’t return to the Brooklyn Nets until at least January because of a pinched nerve in his lower back.

Mets acquire Houser, Taylor from Brewers

MILWAUKEE>> The New York Mets acquired right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser and outfielder Tyrone Taylor from the Milwaukee Brewers for minor league pitcher Coleman Crow.

The trade was the first since former Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns left the team to run baseball operations with the Mets.

— Denver Post wire services