Newsmakers

Dismissed A judge near Seattle has dismissed misdemeanor assault charges against soccer superstar Hope Solo. The goalie for the U.S. women’s national soccer team and the Seattle Reign professional club, had been charged with two counts of fourth-degree domestic violence assault stemming from a June altercation with her half-sister and 17-year-old nephew.

Agreed Catcher A.J. Ellis and the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a $4.25 million, one-year contract, a $700,000 raise. Ellis hit a career-low .191 last season. Ace Clayton Kershaw was vocal in his support of Ellis.

• Former Mariner Mike Carp, a first baseman-outfielder, has agreed with the Washington Nationals on a minor league contract with an invitation to big league spring training.

• Two people with knowledge of the deal say the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a contract with Cuban pitcher Yoan Lopez, 21, that includes an $8.27 million signing bonus.

• The A.L. champion Kansas City Royals and Ned Yost have agreed on a one-year contract extension that will keep the manager with the franchise through the 2016 season

• U.S. national team midfielder Mix Diskerud has agreed to a contract to play for the Major League Soccer expansion team New York City FC.

Announced The new College Football Playoff succeeded in drawing a larger television audience to the championship game. Ohio State’s 42-20 victory over Oregon on Monday averaged nearly 33.4 million viewers on ESPN.

Signed The Seattle Sounders have added depth at goalkeeper by signing veteran Troy Perkins. The 33-year-old spent the past three seasons with Montreal.

Retired Oklahoma assistant head coach Bobby Jack Wright has retired from coaching. The 64-year-old Wright has been with the Sooners during coach Bob Stoops’ entire 16-year run.