11.   D.C. United, missing seven starters Sunday because of international commitments or injury, opened a seven-point lead over second-place Columbus in the Eastern Conference.

12.   Denmark will be probably the most undermanned squad at the tournament, missing several starters including brothers Brian and Michael Laudrup, goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.

13.   Houston was missing three starters, including its top two scorers in Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley.

14.   In Valladolid, Real Sociedad came out strong even though it was missing three starters due to injury but the game quickly turned into a dull defensive battle.

15.   Juve earned its sixth consecutive league victory despite missing seven starters, including strikers Roberto Baggio and Gianluca Vialli.

16.   Missing three starters, Gremio must win its second-leg game with Guarani of Paraguay on Tuesday to continue in the Copa Libertadores soccer tournament.

17.   Moenchengladbach, missing seven starters, got two goals from Michael Sternkopf to hold off cellar-dweller Uerdingen.

18.   Sampdoria was missing four starters because of injury or suspension, including goalkeeper Fabrizio Ferron and striker Roberto Mancini.

19.   Sparta, missing few starters because of injuries, looked harmless in the first half.

20.   Taking advantage of a reconfigured Miami defense missing three starters, United scored twice in the opening nine minutes.