August 15 2009
Sports Bites

The Cleveland Cavaliers signed free agent forward Leon Powe, who as a youth played with LeBron James on several AAU teams, to a two-year contract on Wednesday. But he won't be playing with James anytime soon. Powe, who averaged 7.7 points in 70 games with the Boston Celtics last season, tore the ACL in his left knee during the playoffs and had reconstructive surgery on May 5. It was the third major medical procedure Powe has endured on the knee. He isn't expected to be ready to play for the Cavaliers until February. Powe will receive the league minimum for a third-year veteran player. The Cavaliers hold an option for 2010-11.

Mexican coach Javier Aguirre showed his relief after his team's 2-1 victory over the United States on Wednesday in a critical World Cup qualifier. The victory - driven by a patient rally - eased the pressure on Mexico, which has been struggling in World Cup qualifying. The loss for the United States was almost expected. The United States has played 24 times in Mexico and lost 23. The only tie was a 0-0 draw in 1997.

Still in World Cup news An early Cornell Glen strike earned Trinidad and Tobago a desperate 1-0 win against fellow World Cup qualifying struggler El Salvador at Hasely Crawford Stadium on Wednesday. Trinidad's first win in six matches in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying kept the Soca Warriors last in the six-team group but with renewed hope of making a second straight World Cup finals.

Rafael Nadal's knees held up fine. Instead, it was his opponent, David Ferrer, who limped off the court. Nadal won his first match since May when Ferrer retired with a left knee injury in the first set of their match Wednesday night at the Rogers Cup. Nadal led 4-3 when Ferrer informed the chair umpire he could not continue. Nadal said he felt fine, even if he isn't in top form, but the first real test will come in the third round on Thursday when he faces Philipp Petzschner of Germany, who upset 15th-seeded Spaniard Tommy Robredo 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4). "It's always a pleasure to come back," said Nadal, who has not played since losing to Robin Soderling in the fourth round of the French Open on May 31.