National Sports

MONTREAL — Midfielder Saphir Taider believes the Montreal Impact need to win all three of their remaining games this season if they have any hope of making the playoffs.

TORONTO — Canada's three MLS teams are linked Saturday as the chase for post-season places comes down to the crunch. And Vancouver and Montreal can team up to eliminate Toronto FC from post-season contention.

GENEVA — A coalition of athletes, their global trade union, and human rights activists want the IOC to postpone an athlete charter due to be adopted next week.

Toronto FC striker Sebastian Giovinco is finally back with the Azzurri. "It's a long time but now the most important thing is I'm back. So I'm happy," he said with a smile after training Friday.

MILAN — Cristiano Ronaldo is available to play for his Italian soccer team on Saturday.

HALIFAX — Olympic gymnast Ellie Black has been named to the Order of Nova Scotia — becoming only the second person under 25 to ever receive the honour. The other young Nova Scotian named to the Order: NHL star Sidney Crosby, who was inducted in 2009.

Floyd Landis is using money he earned by taking down Lance Armstrong to start his own cycling team.

WASHINGTON — The NHL Players' Association has filed an appeal on behalf of Tom Wilson after the Capitals forward was suspended 20 games for an illegal check to the head.

Calgary Flames defenceman Travis Hamonic has been placed on injured reserve with a facial fracture. The Flames say he is out week-to-week.

TOKYO — Canada's Denis Shapovalov is off to the semifinals at the Japan Open. The 19-year-old from Richmond Hill, Ont.