Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
Published on October 11, 2022 under MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
This past week due the Sally Yates Report revealed systemic abuse and misconduct across several NWSL teams resulting in immediate pesonnel moves for several teams, Columbus Crew 2 won the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Cup and the Indoor Football League's Bismarck Bucks announced they will be inactive for the 2023 season. Highlights from this week come from the National Women's Soccer League, MLS NEXT Pro United Soccer League Championship, Canadian Premier League, North American Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and NBA G League.
SOCCER
National Women's Soccer League
ABC News' Eva Pilgrim reports on the "systemic" abuse and misconduct across women's soccer that The New York Times uncovered.
Yesterday's Yates report unveiling was the darkest day I have experienced, and I know the same is true for everyone else who loves our team and our league. I would imagine that it was even harder and darker for those whose stories were shared publicly. We have promised the NWSL that we will not do media or make any public statements related to the investigations until the joint NWSL/NWSLPA Investigation is released in November, which is tremendously difficult. I cannot apologize enough for our role in a gross systemic failure to protect player safety and the missteps we made in 2015. I am truly sorry.
Portland Thorns owner responds to scathing report on NWSL abuse investigation.
Portland Timbers and Thorns FC announced that president of soccer Gavin Wilkinson and president of business Mike Golub have been relieved of their duties with both clubs. Pursuant to yesterday's news that Merritt Paulson would step aside on Thorns related decision making, general counsel Heather Davis has been named interim president of Peregrine Sports, overseeing business operations for both the Timbers and Thorns.
Investigation into NWSL details disturbing sex abuse allegations against ex-Racing Louisville coach
The following is a statement from the Chicago Red Stars Board of Directors:
"The Board of Directors of the Chicago Red Stars voted this morning to remove Arnim Whisler as Chairman of the Board, to transition him out of his board seat immediately with the Chicago Red Stars (Chicago Women's Soccer Academy, LLC) and to codify his removal from any further participation with either club or board operations. The Board was deeply disappointed after reading the Yates report and believes the club cannot move forward in rebuilding trust with players, staff and the Red Stars community with his continued involvement. Job one for board members is to continue building a culture where players, and all who work at the club, feel that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Lastly, the board wants to extend its gratitude for all who displayed such bravery in sharing their stories. Thank you for coming forward. ¬Â
"We would like to thank our players staff and the Joint Investigative Team for their commitment to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. Our organization has received a review of the findings regarding retaliatory conduct toward Pride players and supports the actions taken by the National Women's Soccer League, including the league's decision to terminate the contracts of Amanda Cromwell and Sam Greene, effective immediately. Our Club is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment, and we apologize to our players who may have experienced otherwise.
North Carolina Courage defender Carson Pickett will join the U.S. Women's National Team in Spain as a replacement for defender Emily Fox, who is in concussion protocols after being forced to the leave the match against England on Oct. 7 in the 22nd minute. Pickett joins goalkeeper Casey Murphy as the second representative of the Courage on the U.S. roster for this international window.
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer (MLS) and LIGA MX, with the support of Concacaf, announced important competition details, including dates, format and hosting process for the inaugural edition of the historic and highly-anticipated Leagues Cup 2023. In a monumental new chapter for North American soccer, beginning in 2023, MLS and LIGA MX will pause their respective league seasons each summer and all 47 first division clubs in Canada, Mexico and the United States will compete in the World Cup-style tournament.
MLS NEXT Pro
Columbus Crew 2 won the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Cup by a score of 4-1 over St Louis CITY2 in front of their home fans at Lower.com Field. Crew 2 midfielder Marco Micaletto was named the MLS NEXT Pro Cup MVP after scoring the game-winning goal in first-half stoppage time.
Columbus Crew 2 hoisted the MLS NEXT Pro Cup trophy at Lower.com Field following its commanding 4-1 victory over Western Conference champion St Louis CITY2.
MLS NEXT Pro announced that Columbus Crew 2 forward Jacen Russell-Rowe has been named the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro Most Valuable Player presented by adidas for his tremendous performance in the League's inaugural regular season. The MVP honor caps off a recent string of league-wide recognition for Russell-Rowe, who was crowned MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot Winner at the conclusion of the regular season after scoring 21 goals. He was also named one of the Best XI players in the League.
United Soccer League Championship
Maxi Rodriguez scored three goals as Le Rouge fought through a downpour at Segra Field to pick up a 4-0 win over Loudoun United FC. Rodriguez also contributed five tackles and two interceptions, as well as blocking a shot.
Canadian Premier League
Canadian Premier League September Goals Of The Month
Major Arena Soccer League
The Major Arena Soccer League announced the 2022-23 regular season schedule. The schedule features 168 matchups between the league's 14 member clubs. The MASL's 2022-23 schedule will begin in America's Heartland with the 1-70 Series between the Kansas City Comets and the St. Louis Ambush on November 25 and 26. The regular season concludes on Sunday, April 2, 2023.
FOOTBALL
Indoor Football League
The Bismarck Bucks, members of the Indoor Football League (IFL), announced they'll be inactive for the 2023 season. The Bucks will not be playing in the upcoming 2023 season, giving the franchise time to collaborate with North Dakota Workforce Safety Insurance (WSI) on the scope of the services needed to support the unique needs of a professional football franchise.
The Iowa Barnstormers have signed Head Coach Dave Mogensen to a new extended contract, General Manager Juli Pettit announced today. Mogensen signed on with the Barnstormers ahead of the 2022 season finishing the regular season with a 9-7 record and leading the franchise to their 5th consecutive playoff berth. Initially signing a two-year contract through the 2023 season, Mogensen has proven his commitment to the Barnstormers and to Des Moines extending his contract through 2024.
National Arena League
The Albany Empire announced that the team has re-signed team captain and 2022 National Arena League MVP, Darius Prince, for the 2023 National Arena League season. Prince has played his last two seasons of arena football in Albany, helping lead the Empire to back-to-back National Arena League titles. Prince ended his 2021 campaign in Albany not only as a champion but as the National Arena League's Offensive Player of the Year. Prince came back in 2022 with even more to show the National Arena League as he led the league in receiving yards (1,308), receiving yards per game (109), and receiving touchdowns (39).
HOCKEY
North American Hockey League
The top plays in the NAHL from September 26-October 2, 2022
Western Hockey League
WHL Top 10
Ontario Hockey League
OHL Plays of the Week
Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Top 5 - Week 2
BASEBALL
Could watch these teams celebrate all day!
Atlantic League
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) has named the Gastonia Honey Hunters Manager, Mauro "Goose" Gozzo, as Manager of the Year. This award comes after a record-breaking 2022 season with the Honey Hunters where he led them both the first and second half South Division Championships. The Gastonia Honey Hunters ended their 2022 season with an 88-44 record, the highest in the league. The team ended the season with a .667 winning percentage which is the second highest in league history just short from the top spot at .679% in 2013 by the Sugar Land Skeeters.
The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball named outfielder Courtney Hawkins of the Lexington Legends as the league's Player of the Year in voting conducted by the league's managers, coaches and front office staffs. Hawkins had one of the most productive offensive seasons in ALPB history. The leftfielder tied the league mark with 48 home runs, matching the total set by Newark's Ozzie Canseco in 2000. Hawkins' 125 RBI were the second-most ever recorded by an Atlantic League player. He led the league in slugging percentage (.655), runs (110), extra base hits (72) and total bases (310) while posting the league's top OPS at 1.054.
BASKETBALL
NBA G League
The Maine Celtics announced the promotion of Jarell Christian to Director of Maine Basketball and Player Development, and hiring of Alex Barlow as Maine Head Coach for the upcoming 2022-23 NBA G League season. Barlow, who has been on the Maine coaching staff for three seasons, becomes the 8th head coach in the history of the Maine franchise. He replaces Christian, who led Maine to 28 wins in the COVID-shortened 2021-22 campaign.
Hornets Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Greensboro Swarm, announced today that the organization's NBA G League affiliate has extended its lease with the Greensboro Coliseum Complex and entered into a naming rights partnership with Novant Health for what will now be known as the Novant Health Fieldhouse at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.
Greensboro Swarm will be staying put
Did we miss anything newsworthy or downright fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
MLS NEXT Pro Stories from October 11, 2022
- 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.
