TIANJIN, China — Stuart Holden ended the United States' three-game scoring drought with a goal in the second half, giving the Americans a 1-0 victory over Japan on today in the Olympic opener for both.

The Scottish-born Holden struck a loose ball at the top of the penalty area that Japanese goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa was able to slow, but couldn't keep from trickling over the line in the 47th minute.

A victory was critical for both teams with the more heavily favored Dutch and Nigerians yet to play in Group B.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Martin Truex Jr. finally agreed Wednesday to a contract extension with Dale Earnhardt Inc. that keeps him in the No. 1 Chevrolet at least through 2009.The two sides held a mutual option on the 2009 season, but Truex had been reluctant to commit even though DEI was eager to retain him. He tested the market, and had verbally agreed to stay with the team several weeks ago, but declined signing anything.Now that he's signed, the two sides are working on a longer deal.

OKLAHOMA CITY — His rocking chair sat empty and motionless with his old New York Yankees jersey draped over it Wednesday, but the spirit of beloved broadcaster Bobby Murcer lived on with his family, friends and colleagues.Hundreds filled an Oklahoma City-area church for a stirring and often humorous tribute to Murcer, a five-time All-Star outfielder who died from brain cancer on July 12.He was remembered in words by his son, an astronaut and a 13-year-old cancer survivor, and in video messages from Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, Rich "Goose" Gossage and comedians Billy Crystal and Ray Romano.Current Yankees Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte made the 225-mile trip from Arlington, Texas, where they were scheduled to play the Rangers later in the evening.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Joba Chamberlain was placed on the 15-day disabled list by the New York Yankees Wednesday due to rotator cuff tendinitis in his pitching shoulder.The club said Chamberlain will rest for about a week before beginning a throwing program. Chamberlain had gone to see noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews after undergoing an MRI on his ailing right shoulder Tuesday.

TOLEDO, Ohio — A former University of Toledo basketball player has been charged with point shaving, according to a federal bill of information filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit Wednesday.Sammy Villegas, who played basketball for four years at Toledo and has followed that with a professional career in his native Puerto Rico, is accused of shaving points in games during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons.The case comes a little more than a year after a Toledo football player was accused in a gambling scheme, though the charges against him were dropped. A university spokesman described the cases as isolated incidents.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Bill Self, the Kansas basketball coach who guided the Jayhawks to their first NCAA championship in 20 years, signed a 10-year, $30 million contract Wednesday.The deal had been in the works since April.