defence failed to clear a long cross and Mandzukic

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MONTREAL -- Theres no doubt in Troy Smiths mind hell be the Montreal Alouettes starting quarterback when training camp opens in June. "In my mind, thats the only way I will prepare," he said via telephone from Columbus, Ohio. "Thats the only way I think I will do the team justice. "When you think the way youre supposed to, thats when you help the team most. When you hold back, when you dont allow yourself to reach your full potential obviously you hinder the team. I want to do nothing but help the team and the only way I can is thinking as the starter." Montreal agreed with Smith, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State, and youngster Tanner Marsh on three-year contracts Friday. Both took significant snaps with the club in 2013 after incumbent Anthony Calvillo suffered a season-ending concussion. Montreal continues to await official word from Calvillo, 41, regarding his CFL future. But in November, pro footballs all-time passing leader admitted hes leaning towards retirement. Jim Popp, Montreals head coach and GM, said there was plenty to like about Smiths play last season. "Im very impressed with Troys leadership, communication skills and ability to grab his teammates attention," Popp said. "Last season, Troy quickly proved to us he can adapt to the CFL and showed great promise for the future." Smith, 29, joined the Alouettes roughly midway through the season and took over as the starter Oct. 20, compiling a 2-1 record. Montreal finished third in the East Division with an 8-11 record and the six-foot, 225-pound Smith was under centre for the clubs 19-16 overtime loss to Hamilton in the conference semifinal. Late in the fourth quarter, game officials missed a pass interference call in the end zone on Montreals Duron Carter. Instead of getting the ball at the Hamilton one-yard line with a chance for the go-ahead touchdown, the Alouettes had to settle for a field goal to force overtime. "Losing on a fluke call does nothing but leave a bitter taste in my mouth," Smith said. "Playing last year makes me a little more hungry, a little more thirsty about having the chance and possibility to get to the Grey Cup. "Its on." Marsh began his rookie season third on Montreals depth chart behind Calvillo and backup Josh Neiswander. On Aug. 22, the former Arkansas Tech star came off the bench to rally Montreal to a thrilling 39-38 home win over B.C., his 57-yard completion to Eric Deslauriers setting up the game-winning field goal. The six-foot-four, 218-pound Marsh finished his rookie season completing 56-of-106 passes for 972 yards with three TDs and eight interceptions. He also ran for 125 yards and two TDs on 21 carries. Heady stuff considering Marsh arrived in Montreal with low expectations. "I was just hoping to make the practice squad," he said via telephone from Russellville, Ark. "The next thing you know, a year later I sign an extension, which is pretty darn awesome." Popp said Marsh impressed with both his legs and arm. "Were excited about Tanner," he said. "Were looking forward to seeing his athletic skills and his dual-threat ability as he continues to develop into what we feel will be a premier player. "His performance versus B.C. made him an instant icon in Montreal. Marsh Madness continues." But Marsh understands hell return to Montreal in 2014 with no guarantees. "I got an extension so obviously they have faith in me," he said. "It gives me a chance to come back next year and compete. "It gives me a little confidence to come in and compete and know I have a chance to be the quarterback with the Montreal Alouettes for the next three years." Marsh has no indication what Calvillo will ultimately decide but admitted he was stunned by Calvillos football knowledge. "The biggest thing I learned last year was I have a lot to learn," Marsh said. "I remember A.C. and I going over reads and every little thing. 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And like the near entirety of last season, Jonathan Bernier and Torontos goaltending tandem is up to the task.FRANKFURT, Germany -- Striker Mario Mandzukic scored a hat trick as holder Bayern Munich beat Hamburger SV 5-0 on Wednesday to reach the semifinals of the German Cup. But Bayer Leverkusen, second in the Bundesliga behind Bayern, lost 1-0 at home to second-division Kaiserslautern. Wolfsburg held on with 10 men to win 3-2 at Hoffenheim. On Tuesday, Borussia Dortmund beat Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 to also reach the last four. The semifinal draw immediately after the matches sent Kaiserslautern to Bayern Munich, while Dortmund will host Wolfsburg. The matches are on April 15-16. Hamburg, which has lost six straight in the Bundesliga, was 2-0 down inside 30 minutes after goals by Mandzukic and Dante. Arjen Robben added another after the break, before Mandzukic struck twice within a span of two minutes. "We were very concentrated, it..s never easy to win," Dante said. It could have been the last game in charge for Hamburg..s coach Bert van Marwijk, with media speculation that former coach Felix Magath would return to the club he captained to European glory as a player. Hamburg has dropped to next to last in the Bundesliga and could be relegated for the first time. Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger made his comeback for Bayern as a substitute in the second half. He missed nearly three months following ankle surgery. Mario Goetze broke free on the left and found Mandzukic, who was left unmarked to slot home from about five meters (yards) in the 22nd. Four minutes later, Dante heaaded home from a corner by Toni Kroos.dddddddddddd Kroos also provided the long ball to Arjen Robben, who controlled it and drove home in the 54th. Goetze chipped a cross for Mandzukic at the far post for Bayern..s fourth goal in the 74th. Two minutes later, Hamburg..s defence failed to clear a long cross and Mandzukic fired home from close range. "Bayern plays in a league of its own," Hamburg defender Heiko Westermann said. Kaiserslautern beat Leverkusen on a goal by Ruben Jenssen in extra time. Mohamadou Idrissou, who had shot wide from the penalty spot early in extra time, set up his teammate with a pinpoint cross and Jenssen volleyed home in the 114th. Kaiserslautern reached the semifinals for the first time after 11 years. Ricardo Rodriguez converted two penalties before getting sent off but Wolfsburg held on to edge Hoffenheim 3-2. Wolfsburg now has the chance to reach the final for the first time since 1995. Last season it lost 6-1 to Bayern. Rodriguez, the Switerland defender, earned the second penalty after having converted the first for Wolfsburg. He drilled the ball into the roof of the net to restore Wolfsburg..s lead after Roberto Firmino..s equalizer. Bas Dost increased Wolfsburg..s lead in the 64th, before Rodriguez was sent off in the 71st for wasting time. Hoffenheim piled on the pressure and missed several chances before Firmino cut the deficit in injury time. But the home side could not find the equalizer to send the game into extra time. ' ' '