Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
October 20, 2020 - XFL (XFL)
This past week MLS's Philadelphia Union completed a historic transfer agreement with FC Red Bull Salzburg for homegrown midfielder Brenden Aaronson, Major League Rugby expansion team LA Giltinis named Adam Freier their General Manager, and the WNBA Dallas Wings and head coach Brian Agler mutually agreed to part ways. Highlights from this week are from Major League Soccer, the National Women's Soccer League, United Soccer League Championship, United Soccer League One, Major League Rugby, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, North American Hockey League, Women's National Basketball Association, XFL, Premier Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse.
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
Philadelphia Union today announced they have reached a historic transfer agreement with FC Red Bull Salzburg for homegrown midfielder Brenden Aaronson. The deal, which is the Union's first outgoing European transfer, includes a multi-million-dollar transfer fee, as well as additional performance-based bonuses, for the highest ever transfer fee for a U.S.-based homegrown player. The Union will also retain a percentage of any future transfer fees for Aaronson. Aaronson, 19, a product of the Philadelphia Union Academy, will finish the 2020 MLS season with the Union before joining FC Red Bull Salzburg. He will be eligible to play for FC Red Bull Salzburg when the international transfer window reopens in January 2021.
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National Women's Soccer League
The National Women's Soccer League announced that the 2020 NWSL Expansion Draft, featuring Racing Louisville Football Club, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. The trade/waiver window beginning the expansion draft process closes on Oct. 22, 2020, and the protected/unprotected player lists will be distributed to all teams and made public on Nov. 5, 2020.
Paige Monaghan scored twice and added an assist as Sky Blue FC closed out their NWSL Fall Series campaign and earned Budweiser Woman of the Week honors.
Orlando Pride Brittany Wilson started her first NWSL game and provided a strong debut performance and earned Verizon Save of the Week honors.
United Soccer League Championship
USL Championship player of the month September/October - Augustine Williams - LA Galaxy II
United Soccer League One
USL League One Goal of the Week Winner- Week 13 - Nicholas Firmino - New England Revolution II
OTHER SPORTS
Major League Rugby
The LA Giltinis have confirmed the appointment of highly regarded Australian Rugby Executive and former Wallaby Adam Freier as the organization's General Manager for its maiden MLR season set to kick off in March 2021. Freier brings a world-class and unique skill set to the MLR, having played a significant role in Australian Rugby across Marketing, Digital, Media/Communications and Community Rugby, as well as a 15-year professional playing career.
Check in with new LA Giltinis General Manager Adam Freier and hear about the franchises' year ahead and things to come for Rugby fans in Los Angeles.
HOCKEY
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
QMJHL Plays of the Week
North American Hockey League
The top plays in the NAHL from October 9-12, 2020
United States Hockey League
The Green Bay Gamblers and PMI Entertainment Group have announced that Jeff Mitchell has been promoted to president of the hockey organization. Mitchell has served as director of business & promotions since 2008. As team president, Mitchell will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Gamblers and will continue to report to PMI Entertainment Group President Brendan Bruss. The Gamblers are owned by PMI.
Western Hockey League
The Western Hockey League Board of Governors announced today the WHL Regular Season is scheduled to open on Friday, January 8, 2021. The WHL continues to work with each of the Governments and Health Authorities in the Provinces and States in Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, respectively, on obtaining the necessary approvals to commence play. Details regarding the schedule of games in each of the four WHL Divisions will be announced at a later date.
National Women's Hockey League
Dani Rylan Kearney is stepping down as NWHL Commissioner and will continue to pursue her work with women's hockey as President of the original ownership group overseeing operations and the process of establishing independent ownership of the group's four remaining teams. The NWHL is pleased to announce the appointment of Tyler Tumminia as Interim Commissioner. Tumminia is a veteran sports team owner and front office executive who most recently served as Chairman of the Toronto Six, the NWHL expansion team launched in April.
BASKETBALL
Women's National Basketball Association
The Dallas Wings and head coach Brian Agler have mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced. Agler was hired in December 2018. The Wings were 8-14 this season -- which was 22 games in the WNBA bubble in Bradenton, Florida -- and finished in ninth place, one spot out of the playoffs. Dallas was 10-24 and finished 10th in 2019, also missing the postseason.
Point Guard Jewell Loyd played an integral part of the Seattle Storm 2020 WNBA Finals.
FOOTBALL
Canadian Football League
The BC Lions Football Club announced that Ed Hervey has advised the club that he is stepping down from his position of General Manager for personal reasons. Hervey joined the Lions in December 2017 after a lengthy football career both as a player, and in personnel management, in Edmonton.
XFL
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National Arena League
The 2019 National Arena League Champion Jacksonville Sharks announced the signing of CIFL, UIFL, PIFL, and NAL champion wide receiver Phillip Barnett. This will be Barnett's ninth season of arena football and first with the Sharks. Phillip Barnett (6'3, 215) played with the Washington Valor of the AFL during the 2019 season. Barnett was a star receiver for the Carolina Cobras, recording 63 catches for 644 yards and tied for 1st in touchdown receptions with 21 during the regular season. Barnett helped the first-year franchise to a 12-5 record, a home playoff berth, and led the Cobras into the 2018 National Arena League Championship Game.
LACROSSE
Premier Lacrosse League
Best saves from Atlas goalie Jack Concannon
Major League Lacrosse
In a three way tie for second in the league for points, at 19, Andrew Kew was nothing short of amazing during MLL 2020 season. In the Chesapeake Bayhawks debut game against The Philadelphia Barrage, Kew scored six times, off of six shots, a perfect 100%. He also added an assist putting him at seven points for the day.
Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
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XFL Stories from October 20, 2020
- Last Week around the Leagues - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
