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MLS Major League Soccer

Last Week around the Leagues

by Fran Stuchbury
August 22, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)


This past week Inter Miami CF captured the 2023 Leagues Cup title; the New York Liberty won the Women's National Basketball Association Commissioner's Cup; and the XFL Offensive MVP, DC Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta'amu, signed with the NFL's Minnesota Vikings. Highlights from this week come from Major League Soccer, United Soccer League Championship, , United Soccer League One, the Women's National Basketball Association, NBA G League, BIG3, Canadian Elite Basketball League, XFL, Canadian Football League, International League, Southern League, Eastern League, Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, North American Hockey League, 3ICE, and American Ultimate Disc League.

SOCCER

Major League Soccer

Inter Miami CF achieved another major milestone for the Club, making history by defeating Nashville SC at GEODIS Park in a dramatic penalty shootout to win the 2023 Leagues Cup title and clinch the First Team's first official piece of silverware. The match ended 1-1 in regulation and featured a stellar performance in between the sticks from Man of the Match Drake Callender and a stunner from Lionel Messi to open the scoring in the first half. Individually, two Inter Miami players also enjoyed the historic night in Tennessee, with Messi becoming the player with most trophies in the history of the sport with 44 and collecting Leagues Cup Best Player and Top Scorer awards. Goalkeeper Callender, meanwhile, earned Man of the Match honors for his stellar performance in the final as well as the Leagues Cup Best Goalkeeper award.

Watch as Inter Miami defeats Nashville SC, 1-1 (10-9 on pen.), in the 2023 Leagues Cup Final. Lionel Messi scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute, marking his 7th-straight match with a goal scored.

United Soccer League Championship

The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 23 of the 2023 regular season with Phoenix Rising FC forward Danny Trejo voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after recording two goals and two assists in his side's emphatic 5-0 victory against El Paso Locomotive FC.

United Soccer League One

USL League One announced the Team of the Week for Week 22 of the 2023 regular season with Forward Madison FC forward Jayden Onen named Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball with his two-assist week for the 'Mingos.

BASKETBALL

Women's National Basketball Association

In the franchise's first-ever Commissioner's Cup Championship appearance, the New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces, 82-63, bringing home the first piece of hardware in team history. Jonquel Jones was named the 2023 Commissioner's Cup MVP after recording a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds, including seven offensive boards. She also added a pair of blocks and converted on an efficient 50% (5-10) from the floor. The Liberty's defense held the Aces to less than 65 points for the second time in consecutive meetings and handed them their first loss at home in 2023.

Scott Van Pelt takes you through the highlights of the WNBA Commissioner's Cup Championship between the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces.

NBA G League

The Wisconsin Herd, NBA G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, have hired Beno Udrih as head coach. Udrih, who becomes the fourth head coach in team history, brings more than 13 years of experience playing in the NBA, including two seasons with the Bucks, and three years of coaching in the NBA and NBA G League. Most recently, Udrih served as a professional NBA scout for the Atlanta Hawks.

The College Park Skyhawks announced Daniel Starkman as the team's third general manager in franchise history, while Ryan Schmidt will be the team's third head coach. Schmidt will also serve as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks under Head Coach Quin Snyder. "I'm beyond grateful for this opportunity and for the organization's belief in me. I'm eager to start this journey of helping build the Skyhawks into a team that reflects this organization's emphasis on player development," said Starkman. "I look forward to working alongside Coach Schmidt and the Skyhawks staff, as well as with the entire Hawks staff to continue building a model here for sustained development and success, both on and off the court. ‚¬Â

The Top 20 CLUTCHEST Shots of the 2022-23 G League Season!

BIG3

BIG3 Top 10 Plays - 2023 Playoffs

Canadian Elite Basketball League

Isiaha Mike's near triple-double performance for the Scarborough Shooting Stars led the team to its first ever CEBL championship in an 82-70 win against the Calgary Surge. The Scarborough, Ontario, native showed out for his hometown as he put up 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and five steals. Not only did his all-around performance bring a title to his hometown, but it also earned Mike the honor of final's Most Valuable Player.

Here are the highlights

FOOTBALL

XFL

The Minnesota Vikings signed XFL Offensive Player of the Year DC Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta'amu. Ta'aumu finished the regular season 143-of-229 passing for 1,894 yards and 14 touchdowns with just three interceptions. Ta'amu was also effective rushing the ball, ranking No. 7 in the XFL with 298 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Here are his best plays from the XFL.

The XFL announced that Arlington Renegades offensive lineman Garrett McGhin has signed an NFL contract with the Buffalo Bills. With today's signing of McGhin, 59 NFL contracts have been signed by XFL players since the offseason began on May 15. If the players return to the XFL, they will resume with their former teams. McGhin is the sixth Arlington player to sign an NFL contract this offseason, joining defensive lineman Tomasi Laulile (San Francisco 49ers), wide receiver Victor Bolden (Houston Texans), defensive lineman Bruce Hector (New York Jets), linebacker Willie Taylor (Jacksonville Jaguars), and defensive back Darren Evans (New York Giants).

Canadian Football League

The Edmonton Elks announced that the Club has mutually parted ways with President and CEO Victor Cui, effective immediately. "We thank Victor for his work during his time with the Club. This was a difficult decision for everyone involved, but as a Board we believe it's in the best interests of all parties to move in a new direction," said Tom Richards, Chair of the EE Football Club Board of Directors.

CFL Plays of the Week

Marshall Ferguson breaks down the performance of the East Division at the midway point of the 2023 Canadian Football League season in the CFL's Mid-Season Report Cards. He assigns each team a letter grade and discusses where they've excelled as well as their areas to improve going into the second have of the season.

Marshall Ferguson breaks down the performance of the West Division at the midway point of the 2023 Canadian Football League season in the CFL's Mid-Season Report Cards. He assigns each team a letter grade and discusses where they've excelled as well as their areas to improve going into the second have of the season.

BASEBALL

International League

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Bo Bichette homers during a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

Southern League

Tampa Bay Rays prospect Junior Caminero bashed three homers for the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits.

Eastern League

Washington Nationals prospect DJ Herz struck out 10 batters over five one-hit innings for the Double-A Harrisburg Senators

Northwoods League

Northwoods League, well known for its exceptional summer collegiate baseball action, proudly announces a groundbreaking achievement: setting a new all-time attendance record during the 2023 season. As fans flocked to stadiums across the league, the Northwoods League showcased its enduring popularity and unwavering commitment to delivering quality entertainment. With an astounding total attendance of 1,313,916 fans throughout the season, including two All-Star Games and the Northwoods League playoffs, the League demonstrated its unique ability to captivate audiences and create unforgettable memories. The previous high was set in 2019 as 1,262,610 fans entered NWL ballparks. This remarkable feat highlights the League's integral role in building community spirit and unity.

LACROSSE

Premier Lacrosse League

TOP 10 PLAYS FROM 2023 SEATTLE

HOCKEY

Western Hockey League

2023 NHL Draft 1-on-1 - Emmitt Finnie

Ontario Hockey League

Malcolm Spence on winning gold at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup: OHL Spotlight

North American Hockey League

Kenai River Brown Bears head coach Taylor Shaw joins Brandon Hofstra to talk about the upcoming season

3ICE

2023 Championship - 3ICE in 3 Minutes

OTHER SPORTS

Major League Rugby

Major League Rugby (MLR) announced that subject to certain closing conditions, Rugby ATL plans to relocate to Los Angeles for the 2024 season upon closing of the acquisition by the new ownership group. Details of the transition are being finalized, and a formal announcement and introduction of the new team and ownership group are expected soon. "As we focus on the well-being of our players, we are happy to announce Los Angeles as the location the new ownership group of Rugby ATL has selected," said Nic Benson, CEO of Major League Rugby. "We're moving quickly, and I look forward to the full brand launch of the club. ‚¬Â

Pro Volleyball Federation

It was a historic day for the city of Orlando and professional volleyball, with the unveiling of the Orlando Valkyries, member club of the brand-new Pro Volleyball Federation, the only REAL PRO volleyball league in the United States. The team is owned by Florida entrepreneur David Forman and will begin play in January 2024. In ancient mythology, Valkyries are considered an elite force of female goddesses who represent Courage, Physical Strength, and the Empowerment of Women. The team logo features a Valkyrie goddess dressed in armor and preparing for battle. The moniker is surrounded by the city name, Orlando, and team name. Team colors of iron grey, gold, dark blue and light blue are prominently featured throughout.

American Ultimate Disc League

The TOP 10 plays from the divisional championship round of the 2023 AUDL Playoffs!

Did we miss anything newsworthy or fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.

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