The GIST: The inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup championship match is set with the No. 2 USWNT advancing to face No. 11 Brazil on Sunday at 8:15 p.m. ET. But the road to get there was, in fact, a river. Let’s slide right in.

How it happened: After playing to a 2–2 regulation draw, the red, white, and blue ultimately topped No. 10 CanWNT in a penalty kick (PK) shootout on Wednesday. American goalie Alyssa Naeher had the game of her life, saving three shots and scoring a PK of her own in the dub. What can’t she do?

• However, beyond battling each other, the two squads also competed against the elements, at times unable to even dribble the ball through the puddles at Snapdragon Stadium.
• Many expressed concerns about player safety, with both coaches saying the game should not have been played, sparking a debate as to who was responsible for not making that call.
• As for the other semi, No. 11 Brazil dominated No. 35 Mexico 3–0, as El Tri Femenil competed with just 10 players on the field after midfielder Nicki Hernández received a red card in the 29th minute.

No. 2 USWNT vs. No. 11 Brazil, Sunday at 8:15 p.m. ET: Thankfully, there’s a 30% chance it’s already raining 0% chance of precipitation on Sunday, allowing the Americans to focus on the high-powered Canarinhas.

• Led by forward Bia Zaneratto, Brazil’s taken the most shots of any team this tourney. Naeher and standout defender Naomi Girma will once again anchor the American defense in their biggest test of Gold Cup play. OOSA OOSA OOSA-AH.

The GIST: Less than two weeks into the new F1 season and the grid is already jam-packed with controversy amid the continued fallout from an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behavior” against Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

What we know: Not too much. In early February, Red Bull announced the investigation, which went on while Horner continued “business as normal.” That investigation wrapped up in late February, conveniently before the start of the F1 season, and cleared the team principal of any wrongdoing.

• Given the lack of details, many — including other F1 principals — have called for greater transparency, citing the damage to the public’s perception of the sport.
• Fast forward to yesterday, Red Bull reportedly suspended the woman who made the allegations against Horner as a result of findings from the initial investigation.

What they’re saying: Horner says it’s time to “move onward,” but many in the F1 community are saying not so, erm, fast. Mercedes driver, seven-time World Champion, and certified Good Guy Lewis Hamilton said on Wednesday, “It’s a really pivotal moment for the sport, in terms of what we project to the world and how it’s handled. And it’s not been handled very well to this point.”

• Meanwhile, Jos Verstappen — the controversial father of Red Bull’s star driver Max — has called for Horner’s departure, claiming that “the team is in danger of being torn apart.”

Looking ahead: The news comes with tomorrow’s 12 p.m. ET Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — just the second race of the year — on deck. Time to start those accountability engines.

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🏌️ PGA: Arnold Palmer Invitational — Ongoing through Sunday — The Golf Channel

• Ireland’s Shane Lowry leads the way in the opening round of the final signature event before next month’s Masters, but with 14 of the top 15 players in the Official World Golf Rankings teeing off this weekend, the King’s crown is anyone’s for the taking.

⛳ LPGA: Blue Bay — Ongoing through Sunday — The Golf Channel

• The tour has returned to Blue Bay for the first time in six years, and the action continues with the best of the best looking to claim a slice of the $2.2M purse.

🎾 Tennis: Indian Wells Open — Ongoing through March 17th — The Tennis Channel

• Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka returned to the desert for the first time since 2022 and recorded an opening round win over Italian Sara Errani yesterday, setting up today’s Round of 64 match against No. 15 Liudmila Samsonova. Serve’s up

🎓🏀 NCAA women’s basketball: No. 7 Penn State vs. No. 2 Iowa — Tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET — BTN

• It’s conference tournament weekend and all eyes will be on history-making sharp shooter Caitlin Clark as the Hawkeyes begin their postseason run.

Spring sports are underway, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to put the skis away for the season. That’s why we want to give you the opportunity to hit the slopes one more time with a ski getaway to Banff, Canada.

• This prize pack includes $500 cash for your flight, $500 towards your accommodations, gift cards, and so much more to create a memorable experience in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Don’t wait for the snow to melt — enter to win today. Ski you soon.

Tickets to see the USWNT and Brazil fight for the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup title during this Sunday’s final hosted at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium. LFG.*

Chad Powers, a new comedy series based on NFL great Eli Manning’s Chad Powers character and starring Glen Powell. Excited is an understatement.

By reading this story about a student who didn’t have pajamas for his school’s pajama day until a local bus driver stepped in and bought him some. Pass the tissues, please.

*P.S. This is a sponsored post. Golazos all around.