Last Week around the Leagues

by Fran Stuchbury
Published on October 24, 2023 under National Arena League (NAL)

This past week the Las Vegas Aces won back to back Women's National Basketball Association championships, the Major League Soccer team in San Diego announced it will be known as San Diego FC, former USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski returned to the National Women's Soccer League with the Kansas City Current, and Austin FC II won the MLS NEXT Pro Championship. Highlights from this week come from the Women's National Basketball Association, Big3, Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, MLS Next Pro, United Soccer League Championship, American Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Western Hockey League, North American Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, Canadian Football League and American Ultimate Disc League.

BASKETBALL

Women's National Basketball Association

The Las Vegas Aces fought through every bit of adversity thrown at them all season and in the end, came out on top as 2023 WNBA champions. The team lost their Point Gawd and starting center in Game 3, but rallied for a 70-69 victory in Game 4 in Brooklyn. 2023 Finals M'VP A'ja Wilson led the attack with 24 points and 16 rebounds, Jackie Young scored 16 points and passed out 7 assists, Cayla George tied her 2023 high of 11 points and Alysha Clark contributed 10 points and 8 boards. Courtney Vandersloot scored 19 points to lead four Liberty players who scored in double figures.

Watch as the Las Vegas Aces narrowly win Game 4 of the WNBA Finals - 70-69 over the New York Liberty, marking their 2nd-straight WNBA Championship.

Becky Hammon reacts to Las Vegas Aces winning back-to-back championships

As the tense final moments of Game 4 of the WNBA Finals unfolded, Aces superfans who packed Hussong's Cantina in Summerlin were waiting to explode.

Phoenix Mercury introduce new coach Nate Tibbetts

The Phoenix Mercury named Nate Tibbetts the team's head coach. A widely-respected veteran coach with nearly two decades of experience in the NBA and NBA G League, Tibbetts will join Mercury General Manager Nick U'Ren in bringing championship-level results back to the Mercury. Named the 12th head coach in Mercury history, Tibbetts brings 18 years of professional coaching experience, including 12 years as an NBA assistant coach with the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers and Cleveland Cavaliers, and six years in the G League with the Tulsa 66ers and Sioux Falls Skyforce.

BIG3

The BIG3, the world's premier professional 3-on-3 basketball league, is thrilled to announce the exciting new leadership lineup for the Enemies following their triumphant 2023 championship win in London, UK. Nick Young, a seasoned veteran known for his scoring prowess and charisma both on and off the court, has been appointed from captain to head coach of the Enemies. Nick Young's coaching expertise shone through as he led his team to a championship victory, after standing in and helping Gilbert Arenas in previous games. Swaggy P, as he's affectionately known by fans, brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and a passion for the game that is sure to ignite the team's future success.

From Social Media To Pro Hooper - Hezi God's Journey To The BIG3

SOCCER

Major League Soccer

The wait is finally over. San Diego's new Major League Soccer team has revealed the club's name, crest and look. San Diego FC, or San Diego Football Club is the moniker for one of the most anticipated new teams in MLS. The team revealed its name and crest during a ceremony in front of thousands of fans at Snapdragon Stadium on Friday. The reveal marks an important milestone in San Diego's sports history and for the new team coming to the city.

FC Cincinnati and Head Coach Pat Noonan have agreed on a long-term contract extension. Noonan's 63.4% win rate in regular season play is the second-best in a manager's first two full seasons as a head coach in Major League Soccer history. "We're delighted to be able to keep Pat and his family here with us at FC Cincinnati," said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. "His talent, leadership, and steady nature have led to incredible results on the field and ultimately, our first trophy in MLS. In a very short time, Pat has become one of the best coaches in our league, and I look forward to many more successful years together. ‚¬Â

Toronto FC midfielder and captain Michael Bradley announced that he will retire from professional football at the conclusion of the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Bradley, 36, one of the most accomplished players in club history, will end a remarkable 19-year career that saw him play for seven top-division clubs in Europe and North America while being a key player for the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT).

National Women's Soccer League

The Kansas City Current have appointed Vlatko Andonovski as the club's Head Coach and Sporting Director. "We are thrilled to welcome Vlatko to the Current," said Kansas City Current co-owners Angie Long and Chris Long. "We talk all the time about our desire to be the best women's football club in the world, with Vlatko that brings us one step closer to that goal. His football acumen and his penchant for developing talent will keep this team competitive on the world stage and make Kansas City a destination club for players across the world. ‚¬Â For the past four years, Andonovski has led the U.S. Women's National Team. While at the helm he accumulated a record of 51-5-9. He led the team to the Concacaf W Championship in 2022, a Bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and four straight championships at the SheBelieves Cup (2020-2023).

Kansas City's professional women's soccer team, the KC Current, is bringing a familiar face back to the area: Vlatko Andonovski, who coached the USWNT in the 2023 World Cup. Andonovski previously coached the Kansas City Comets and considers Kansas City home.

Kansas City Current unveil new stadium name

Head coach Mark Parsons will not return to the Washington Spirit next season. Parsons rejoined the club for the 2023 season lending his technical expertise and long-term National Women's Soccer League experience to the club's vision of building a world-class organization. "We are grateful for Mark's contributions in the 2023 season," said President of Soccer Operations Mark Krikorian. "He helped lay a strong foundation and set us on a path to excellence. We wish him all the best in the future. ‚¬Â Parsons led the club to a 7-9-6 record during their first full season playing at Audi Field.

MLS NEXT Pro

Austin FC II overcame a second half deficit to defeat Columbus Crew 2 by a 3-1 scoreline in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup at Lower.com Field, winning a fourth consecutive road playoff match to be crowned league champions.

Here are the highlights.

MLS NEXT Pro announced that Orlando City B forward Jack Lynn has been named the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Most Valuable Player presented by adidas for his stellar season with the Young Lions. The MVP award is the culmination of a recent wave of League-wide recognitions for Lynn, who also claimed a share of the 2023 Golden Boot title alongside Rémi Cabral (Colorado Rapids 2) and MD Myers (NYCFC II) after scoring 19 goals during the regular season. Lynn was also named to the League's Best XI list for the second year in a row. Lynn was a key factor in Orlando City B's success this season, leading the Club to their first playoff appearance in MLS NEXT Pro (13-10-5, 46 points, No. 5 seed - East). He was among the League leaders in goals-per 90-minutes average (0.97), while scoring 16 goals within the 18-yard box. The 23-year-old played in all but one of his Club's 28 matches (20 starts).

United Soccer League Championship

The USL Championship announced the Team of the Week for Week 32 of the 2023 regular season with Tampa Bay Rowdies forward Cal Jennings voted the Championship Player of the Week presented by Konami eFootball after he recorded two goals and one assist in the Rowdies' 3-2 victory against Louisville City FC to conclude the regular season at Lynn Family Stadium.

United Soccer League One

The United Soccer League announced it has entered into an exclusive partnership with USL Texoma, a group dedicated to bringing a professional soccer club to the Texoma region. USL Texoma plans to utilize Historic Bearcat Stadium as the temporary site for the professional soccer team kicking off in the USL League One, followed by women's pre-professional as the group looks to build their future stadium and facilities.

HOCKEY

American Hockey League

Laval Rocket goalie Strauss Mann scores a goal vs. the Rochester Americans!

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

Mathis Rousseau scores the first goal by a goalie in Halifax Mooseheads history vs the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

Western Hockey League

WHL Top 10

North American Hockey League

NAHL Top Plays - October 9-15, 2023

Ontario Hockey League

OHL Plays of the Week

FOOTBALL

Canadian Football League

CFL Plays of the Week

National Arena League

The National Arena League officially reveals Enid, Oklahoma as the newest and final franchise to join the National Arena League for the 2024 season. The Flying Aces become the 8th member of the 2024 National Arena League scheduled to kickoff in March. The Flying Aces become the first Oklahoma based arena football team to play in the National Arena League in league history where they will face off against teams in Colorado,Texas, Kansas, North Carolina, Nebraska, Iowa, and Idaho. In 2024, the Flying Aces will host their home games at the Chisholm Trail Expo Center in Enid, Oklahoma. Prior to joining the National Arena League, the Flying Aces last played in the Champions Indoor Football League in 2021.

The National Arena League continues its pursuit to pave the way for the sport as today it becomes the first in arena or indoor football to announce their 2024 regular season schedule, one of many accomplishments the league will deliver to its fans from now over eight states across the nation. The league will host a 13-week schedule that will be followed by the National Arena League post season, with more information about the post-season to come at a later date.

The National Arena League today announces the departure of its esteemed Commissioner, Chris Siegfried. After serving as the Director of Football Operations since league inception, and NAL Commissioner since 2018, Siegfried has made the decision to resign from his role, effective immediately. Throughout his six-year tenure, Siegfried has played a pivotal role in guiding the NAL to unprecedented heights, including the successful re-launch of rebound nets, and the return of "ironman" football.

BASEBALL

Northwoods League

The Northwoods League is excited to announce the addition of the Royal Oak Leprechauns to its roster for the 2024 season. This exciting development brings the NWL brand of baseball to the Detroit area in Southeast Michigan and promises an unforgettable experience for fans, players, and the community alike. The Royal Oak Leprechauns are set to make their Northwoods League debut in 2024, bringing high-quality collegiate baseball to the city of Royal Oak. Fans can expect a season filled with exceptional talent, and family-friendly entertainment at Memorial Park.

LACROSSE

National Lacrosse League

The National Lacrosse League joined World Lacrosse and all other stakeholders, athletes, and partners of the sport in celebrating the International Olympic Committee's official vote to include lacrosse in the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. "The historic announcement bringing sixes lacrosse to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles cements our sport's status as an internationally recognized powerhouse primed for exponential growth," said Kurt Hunzeker, NLL Executive Vice President of Commercial Operations. "The NLL has something major going on, and now is our time to unbox our potential and amplify our intrinsic synergy with sixes-style lacrosse through our world-class game play and groundbreaking grassroots initiatives. ‚¬Â

OTHER SPORTS

Pro Volleyball Federation

The Orlando Valkyries, who will begin play during the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation season in January, have announced Addition Financial Arena as the home venue for their first campaign. Situated on the main campus of the University of Central Florida (UCF), Addition Financial Arena is widely regarded as a top-notch, multi-purpose facility in a prime location. The arena is home to the UCF Knights men's and women's basketball teams, along with an ongoing slate of concerts, family shows, and community events. The arena is 252,000 square feet and will have a capacity of over 10,000 for volleyball. Addition Financial Arena is owned by the university and is managed by Oak View Group. "We're excited to welcome the Pro Volleyball Federation to Addition Financial Arena," says OVG360's Joe Imbriaco, General Manager of Addition Financial Arena. "Volleyball is among the sports where the in-person experience is unique with its fast pace and action, and we can't wait to welcome fans to watch our Orlando team. ‚¬Â

American Ultimate Disc League

New York Empire Jack Williams showed the full range of skills on his way to earning his second straight championship, and All AUDL Second Team honors in 2023.

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

National Arena League Stories from October 24, 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.