SHORT TAKES

•Minnesota United lost 2-1 in extra time to Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday, a disappointing U.S. Open Cup loss to the MLS side. This was the third time the Loons have played K.C. in the competition, and all three have been marked by controversy and physical confrontations. It's safe to say that when Minnesota makes the jump to MLS, both sets of fans — and players — will circle the game dates on their calendars.

• The big story from the European Championships has been the brawling among fans. Blame seems to be shared between violence-minded Russian hooligans, drunk English fans and heavy-handed French policing.

• Much has been made about empty seats at Copa America games, but through Thursday night, the games still had averaged 41,500 fans per match. That's not that far off the Euros, which through Thursday are averaging a shade over 48,000.