In brief: Dempsey’s two goals lead U.S. over Guatemala
Soccer: Clint Dempsey had a pair of goals and assisted on Carlos Bocanegra’s equalizer, and the United States rallied to beat Guatemala 3-1 Tuesday night in Kansas City, Kan., and reached next year’s final round of World Cup qualifying.
• Spain, Germany stumble: Spain’s 24-game winning streak in qualifiers ended when the team ended its match with France in a 1-1 tie, qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.
Germany wasted a four-goal lead in a 4-4 tie against Sweden.
Official: Review correct on Irish’s last play
College Football: The national coordinator of NCAA football officials says replay officials at the Stanford-Notre Dame game were correct to let the call on the field for the last play of the game stand.
• Mathieu might have violated rules: Sports Illustrated is reporting that former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu might have violated NCAA rules by promoting a night club while he was still a member of the Tigers’ squad.
The magazine reports Mathieu appeared in a video in which he promotes a party.
• Campbell leaves team after concussion: Texas A&M defensive back Steven Campbell left the team because of lingering problems from a concussion earlier this season.
• Air Force coach won’t focus on Wyoming coach: Air Force coach Troy Calhoun isn’t dwelling on the outburst directed at him by Wyoming coach Dave Christensen after the Falcons beat the Cowboys last Saturday.
NASCAR dumps top 35 rule, cuts Nationwide field
Auto Racing: NASCAR announced competition changes for 2013 that includes the elimination of the top 35 qualifying rule and a reduced field size in the Nationwide Series.
Starting next season, the top 35 cars in owners’ points will no longer be guaranteed a spot in the Sprint Cup field. NASCAR will use a 36-6-1 format in which the fastest 36 cars make the race on speed.
The next six highest ranking cars in owners points not already qualified then earn a starting spot, followed by the most recent eligible past champion driver.
• Earnhardt visits concussion specialist: Dale Earnhardt Jr. visited a noted concussion specialist in Pittsburgh as part of the planned rehabilitation program to get NASCAR’s most popular driver back in a car.
Mavs’ West suspended for detrimental conduct
Miscellany: Mavericks guard Delonte West has been suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.
Team spokeswoman Sarah Melton said that coach Rick Carlisle didn’t indicate how long the suspension would be.
• Penn St. won’t renew Curley: Penn State will not renew the contract of athletic director Tim Curley, who has been on leave since being charged last year with perjury and failing to report a child sex abuse allegation against Jerry Sandusky.
• Cyclist Leipheimer fired: American cyclist Levi Leipheimer has been fired by the Omega Pharma-Quick Step cycling team after confessing to doping as part of the investigation that brought down Lance Armstrong.
• N.J. spokesman questions NCAA’s decision: The NCAA is “ludicrous and hypocritical” for moving five championship games out of New Jersey next year because the state plans to offer legalized sports betting, a spokesman for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said.