Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
November 10, 2020 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
This past week the Louisville Xtreme joined the Indoor Football League; The New York Yankees announced that the Somerset Patriots have been selected as their Double-A affiliate; and Nancy Darsch, inaugural coach of the New York Liberty who recorded the WNBA's first-ever victory in 1997, passed away at the age of 68 after battling Parkinson's disease. Highlights from this week are from Canadian Football League, Atlantic League, Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, United Soccer League Championship, North American Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Women's National Basketball Association, National Lacrosse League and Premier Lacrosse League.
FOOTBALL
Indoor Football League
The Louisville Xtreme is excited to announce that we have joined the Indoor Football League (IFL). "We are very excited to announce that we are joining the Indoor Football League," said Victor Cole, Managing Partner and General Manager of the Louisville Xtreme. "The IFL is the premier indoor football league with teams ranging from coast to coast and we are more than excited to be affiliated and partnered with such a classy organization."
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League (CFL) is tweaking its plans for its 2021 draft of Canadian players from U SPORTS in Canada, NCAA teams in the United States, and junior football. General managers from the nine teams proposed the changes which were subsequently approved by the club presidents serving on the CFL's Management Council.
We've heard from these guys before, and so has every other offensive player in the CFL. Two guys always in the conversation receive the nod again for the league's best Trash Talker.
BASEBALL
Atlantic League
The New York Yankees have announced that the Somerset Patriots have been selected as their Double-A affiliate. The Somerset Patriots are a founding member and the longest continuous playing team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball that began in 1998. The team plays its home games at TD Bank Ballpark, located in Bridgewater Township in Somerset County, New Jersey. The Somerset Patriots have been a model of success on and off the field for over two decades. The franchise has welcomed over 7,500,000 fans to the ballpark, averaged over 360,000 fans per season, and drew over 5,200 fans per game since their home opened in June of 1999.
Longtime Somerset Patriots manager, current manager emeritus and New York Yankees World Series Champion Sparky Lyle introduces the Somerset Patriots as the new Double-A Affiliate of the New York Yankees.
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
Completing the season with 2.04 points-per-game and a 14-4-5 record, the Philadelphia Union have clinched the best overall record of Major League Soccer for the 2020 regular season and have won the Supporters' Shield, the first trophy for the club. The Union have also earned a berth in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, a financial bonus, and top seed and homefield advantage throughout the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
All the best goals from the month of October in MLS featuring Gonzalo Higuain, Diego Valeri, Nicolas Lodeiro and Alejandro Bedoya.
National Women's Soccer League
Racing Louisville FC continues to build an inaugural roster stocked with national team talent having acquired forward Cheyna Matthews, a former NCAA champion who represented Jamaica in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, the club announced. The 26-year-old has played the balance of her professional career for the Washington Spirit, which selected Matthews seventh overall out of Florida State in the 2016 NWSL College Draft. She became available to Racing late last week as the National Women's Soccer League released its Re-Entry Wire as part of the End of Season Process.
North Carolina Courage defender Jaelene Daniels has announced her retirement from professional soccer following her sixth season in the NWSL. Daniels played two seasons with the Western New York Flash before the team was relocated to Cary as the NC Courage, where she played all four seasons with the team. In her six-year professional career, Daniels won three NWSL Championships, a Women's International Champions Cup Championship, and three NWSL Shields.
Thank you, Jaelene Daniels!
United Soccer League Championship
The numbers may not have matched those of 2019, but once again it was impossible to overlook the impact that Phoenix Rising FC's Solomon Asante had on his side's success. The Ghanaian playmaker for a second time was voted the 2020 Championship Most Valuable Player, becoming the second player to claim the award twice in the league's history. Asante follows in the footsteps of current Minnesota United FC forward Kevin Molino, who earned the award in the 2012 and 2014 seasons.
2020 USL Championship MVP - Solomon Asante, Phoenix Rising FC
Reno 1868 FC announced it would cease operations following the 2020 season. "To our fans, our players, our community partners, and everyone who has been involved with Reno 1868 FC, we hope you and your families are safe and healthy amidst these challenging times," said 1868 FC President Eric Edelstein. "Like you, this isn't the way we saw 2020 going. With that said, we have made the gut-wrenching decision to cease our participation in the USL Championship.
United Soccer League One
USL League One honored standout performers from its second season as it unveiled the 2020 USL League One All-League Teams. Greenville Triumph SC led all teams with six selections after claiming the 2020 League One Title, while first-year club Union Omaha earned four selections.
Major Arena Soccer League
Following the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) Board of Directors vote, the MASL 2020-2021 regular season may start as early as December 31st with a final regular season date of April 18th. Playoff format will be announced at a later date. To qualify for playoffs and be considered regular season play, a team must play a minimum of 12 games and maximum of 24 games. Local and state regulations will be a determining factor in start dates, capacity, and number of games played.
HOCKEY
ECHL
The National Hockey League's (NHL) Minnesota Wild announced it has extended its ECHL affiliation agreement with the Allen Americans Professional Hockey Club for the 2020-21 season. "We are excited to extend our ECHL affiliation agreement with the Allen Americans," said Minnesota Wild Assistant General Manager and Iowa Wild General Manager Tom Kurvers. "Allen had a tremendous season last year and we look forward to the Americans serving as a development affiliate for our players again this season."
North American Hockey League
The NAHL Players of the Month for October 2020 - Forward: Joseph Harguindeguy - Minot Minotauros - Defenseman: James Philpott - Maine Nordiques - Goaltender: Keenan Rancier - Minot Minotauros
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
QMJHL Plays of the Week
BASKETBALL
Women's National Basketball Association
Nancy Darsch, inaugural coach of the New York Liberty who recorded the WNBA's first-ever victory, died at the age of 68 after battling Parkinson's disease. Darsch has left an indelible mark on the game of basketball and lent her passion and love to the league in its formative years. For that we owe her a debt of gratitude.
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
Top 10 Plays From Shortened 2019-2020 NLL Season
Premier Lacrosse League
Waterdogs midfield Connor Kelly 2020 Highlights
Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 10, 2020
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- Hewitt, Passarelli Given Honorable Mentions for Stars of the Week - Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks
- 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.
