Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
May 2, 2023 - NBA G League (G League)
This past week the Arlington Renegades and D.C. Defenders advanced to the XFL Championship Game, the Portland Trail Blazers launched a new NBA G League team in Portland for next season, and the Canadian Football League signed a multi-year television deal with CBS Sports Network to air 34 games this season. Highlights from this week come from the XFL, United States Football League, Indoor Football League, NBA G League, Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, Canadian Premier League, United Soccer League Championship, United Soccer League One, American Hockey League, North American Hockey League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, Premier Hockey Federation, National Lacrosse League, and American Ultimate Disc League.
FOOTBALL
XFL
The Arlington Renegades defeated the Houston Roughnecks, 26-11, in the South Division Championship. Here are the highlights.
Full XFL South Division Championship Trophy Presentation. Chairwoman and Owner, Dany Garcia presents the Arlington Renegades with the South Division Championship Trophy.
Check out these highlights from the D.C. Defenders commanding 37-21 win over the Seattle Sea Dragons in the first round of the XFL Playoffs.
Full XFL North Division Championship Trophy Presentation. Chairwoman and Owner, Dany Garcia presents D.C. Defenders Head Coach Reggie Barlow with the North Division Championship Trophy.
Canadian Football League
The Canadian Football League (CFL) is bringing its brand of high scoring, fast-paced football to CBS Sports Network (CBSSN). The 24-hour cable home of CBS Sports, one of sports television's most iconic brands, will carry 34 CFL games in the United States this year as part of a new multi-year deal. "We're looking forward to working closely with CBS Sports Network to serve our loyal fans in the U.S. and grow our base there," said Randy Ambrosie, Commissioner of the CFL. "CBS Sports is synonymous with the finest in sports broadcasting and we're proud to showcase our product on its network. ¬Â
United States Football League
Pittsburgh Maulers defense was unstoppable Sunday.
A look back at one of the craziest touchdowns you will ever see from Memphis Showboats wide receiver Ryan McDaniels.
USFL New Orleans Breakers QB Mcleod Bethel-Thompson shares his football story with RJ Young
Indoor Football League
Week Week VI Plays of the Week!
BASKETBALL
NBA G League
The Portland Trail Blazers and the NBA G League announced that the Trail Blazers have acquired the right to own and operate an NBA G League team that will launch in the Chiles Center on the University of Portland's campus in North Portland. The team is expected to debut in the 2023-24 season. With today's announcement, the NBA G League expands to a record 31 teams for the 2023-24 season. The name and brand identity of the team will be announced at a later date, as well as the front office and coaching staff.
The new team will play at the University of Portland's Chiles Center. The name of the team, as well as a coaching staff, were not immediately announced.
Canadian Elite Basketball League
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced that Antoine Broxsie has been named the third head coach in team history. He replaces 2022 CEBL Coach of the Year Ryan Schmidt, who is unable to return for a fourth season with the Honey Badgers due to his obligations to the London Lions of the British Basketball League.
SOCCER
Major League Soccer
With a brilliant bicycle kick, D.C. United's Belgian international forward produced the spectacular in the Black-and-Red's 3-0 win over Charlotte FC
National Women's Soccer League
The North Carolina Courage have acquired veteran NWSL midfielder Victoria Pickett via trade with Gotham FC in exchange for $200,000 in allocation money. The former NWSL Rookie of the Year finalist is in her third professional season and has extensive experience with the Canadian National Team system. "We are excited to add Victoria to our club. She is someone we've noticed since her rookie year and always felt she can have a great impact on any team. She has great technical quality and comfort on the ball with a strong ability to dribble. She's a player we feel can help us in all phases of the game and someone who can come in and help us to continue building something special. She's a player and person I'm confident our fans will be excited about. I know she's excited to be here and we're thrilled to have her," said head coach Sean Nahas.
Portland Thorns goalkeeper Bella Bixby scored a game-tying goal in stoppage time against Angel City FC on Saturday. It is only the second goalie goal in NWSL history.
Canadian Premier League
Last week Halifax Wanderers captain Andre Rampersad became the first player to reach 100 appearances for the club. This weekend he gets to celebrate that in front of his home fans in the club's home opener
United Soccer League Championship
The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 7 of the 2023 regular season, with Monterey Bay F.C. forward Christian Volesky voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball for the second time this season after recording a goal and assist in his side's 3-2 victory against Indy Eleven on Saturday night at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.
United Soccer League One
Triumphant week for the Brazilian - Lucas Coutinho - USL League One Player of the Week
HOCKEY
American Hockey League
TWO back-to-back shorthanded goals within 60 seconds and Bains gives the Abbotsford Canucks a 2-1 against Calgary.
Is there any place else you'd rather be than overtime in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Joseph Blandisi answers that question.
North American Hockey League
Top Plays of the Week - April 17, - April 23, 2023
Ontario Hockey League
OHL Plays of the Second Round
WHL Top 10 Plays of the Second Round
United States Hockey League
The Madison Capitols are proud to announce that Andy Brandt will be the team's new Head Coach and General Manager. Brandt, a native of Wausau, Wisconsin, comes to the Capitols after serving as an assistant coach for his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin, during the 2022-23 season. Brandt played with the Badgers for four seasons from 2003-2007 playing in 130 games over that time. Among those 130 games with the Badgers was the 2006 National Championship game where the Badgers captured the program's sixth title.
Premier Hockey Federation
The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) has announced that top scorer Loren Gabel of the Boston Pride has been selected as both the PHF Most Valuable Player and Outstanding Player of the Year for the 2022-23 regular season. "It is an absolute honor to win the 2022-23 MVP and Outstanding Player of the Year awards, and I am proud to be recognized by my fellow players and by the dedicated media who cover this league," said Gabel. "I couldn't have done it without every single person who has helped me get to this point. The PHF has a tremendous amount of talent, and I am fortunate that I get to play alongside and against some of the best every day. I am thankful for the opportunity I was given to play in Boston, and I am looking forward to my future in the PHF. ¬Â
Boston Pride Loren Gabel Awarded 2023 PHF MVP & Outstanding Player of the Year
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
Chris Boushy nets 5 for the Halifax Thunderbirds as they clinch a playoff spot against the Swarm.
Chris Cloutier scores four goals as the Bandits triumph to victory over the Firewolves.
BASEBALL
Minor League Baseball Plays of the Week
OTHER SPORTS
Pro Volleyball Federation
Pro Volleyball Federation's Atlanta franchise announced the appointment of University of Central Florida head coach Todd Dagenais as the team's first head coach. Dagenais comes to Pro Volleyball Federation after 15 seasons at UCF where he built the school's women's volleyball program into one of the country's elite volleyball powers. "The world is watching what happens with this league," Dagenais said of Pro Volleyball Federation. "Not only do American players long for a professional opportunity at home, but hearing from elite international players, they are looking for an opportunity to play in America. We now have a pipeline for the youth players to play professionally at home.
American Ultimate Disc League
Max Sheppard calls game with the huge sky over the pack for the game winner in the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds's 2023 home opening win.
WILD ending in overtime as Oakland Spiders win home opener
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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NBA G League Stories from May 2, 2023
- 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.
