YSU

YSU
Women's soccer
LORETTA, Pa. -- The Youngstown State women's soccer team (1-3) lost a hard fought battle to St. Francis (Pa.) 2-0 on Sunday.
St. Francis (2-0) opened up the first half with a score by junior Lauren Popovich. The unassisted goal came from 12 yards out at 9:58 into play.
Two minutes later, Alyssa Kersey scored off the far post from a corner kick six yards out. The Penguins' only shot in the first half came from Jordan Gapczynski. It was just wide of the net.
Junior Tessa Brookman made a shot on goal for YSU early in the second half followed by a shot from Keeley Rice that was also saved.
Carrie Wack made the Penguins' final attempt to score at 84:32 into the game, marking the final save for St. Francis (Pa.) goalkeeper Melanie Stockman.
Penguins goalkeeper Caitlin Bodzioney had a total of five saves for the game while Stockman finished with three.
YSU will be back on the road on Friday to take on Bowling Green at 4 p.m.
LOCAL
SVC players of the week
YOUNGSTOWN -- Cardinal Mooney walked away with both player of the week honors in the Steel Valley Conference.
Senior defensive back Dom Scarnecchia (5-11, 195) was the defensive player of the week after he blocked a field goal, had an interception, caused a fumble and had four pass breakups along with seven tackles in the 28-0 win over Buffalo St. Francis Saturday.
Junior quarterback Dan McCarthy earned offensive honors. The 6-2, 195 pounder completed 50 percent of his passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 55 yards. He also returned two punts and had four tackles on defense.
REGION
Browns moves
CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Browns claimed tackle Kelly Butler off waivers Sunday in a move to bolster their depleted offensive line.
The team also claimed defensive end Jovan Haye, waived offensive tackle Kirk Chambers and defensive lineman J'Vonne Parker and signed eight players to the practice squad.
The 6-foot-7, 330-pound Butler, waived Saturday by Detroit, started every game at right tackle last year for the Lions, who picked him in the sixth round in 2004 out of Purdue. Haye, a sixth-round pick last year, was waived by the Carolina Panthers.
Signed to Cleveland's practice squad were defensive backs Therrian Fontenot and Jereme Perry, running back Chris Barclay, guard Andrew Hoffman, receiver Kendrick Mosley, tight end Buck Ortega, nose tackle Babatunde Oshinowo and center Rob Smith.
The Browns also reached injury settlements with defensive back Shawn Mayer and linebacker Clifton Smith.
Steelers sign Taylor
PITTSBURGH -- Cornerback Ike Taylor agreed to a four-year contract extension Sunday with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a signing that assures the Super Bowl champions they won't have any unrestricted free agents after this season.
Taylor's deal runs through the 2010 season and would be worth $22.5 million if he plays through the final season, plus incentives. He receives $6.4 million in guaranteed money. Taylor is the second Steelers starter to sign a new contract in the final week before their season opener. On Thursday, the team signed Willie Parker to a four-year deal through 2009 with $13.6 million that included $3.75 million in guaranteed money.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Taylor, who became a starter last season, said throughout training camp that he hoped a new deal could be worked out. The Steelers have a policy of not negotiating contracts once a season begins, so they had until Thursday to get a deal done.
Taylor, a fourth-round draft pick in 2003, has played in two AFC championship games and one Super Bowl with the Steelers. He also won a starting job over two higher draft picks, Richard Colclough and Bryant McFadden.
Taylor was often targeted by opposing teams during the Steelers' four playoff games last season, but had two interceptions, 20 tackles and was credited with defending five passes. Right tackle Max Starks is the only Steelers starter who can become a restricted free agent after the 2006 season.
Vindicator staff/wire reports