Last Week around the Leagues

by Fran Stuchbury
November 14, 2023 - Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF)

This past week NJ/NY Gotham FC won its first National Women's Soccer League championship, the NBA G League season tipped off, Phoenix Rising FC won its first United Soccer League title, and the Pro Volleyball Federation team in San Diego announced it will be known as the San Diego Mojo. Highlights from this week come from the National Women's Soccer League, United Soccer League Championship, Major League Soccer, USL Super League, United Soccer League One, NBA G League, Canadian Football League, XFL, Indoor Football League, Pro Volleyball Federation, American Ultimate Disc League, American Hockey League, ECHL, Southern Professional Hockey League, Western Hockey League, North American Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, United States Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and Premier Lacrosse League.

SOCCER

National Women's Soccer League

NJ/NY Gotham FC won the club's first National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Championship 2-1 against the OL Reign. Gotham FC captain and global soccer icon Ali Krieger retires as a champion after playing all 300 playoff minutes of the club's run to the title. In her 10th regular season, she and teammate Kristie Mewis are the longest-tenured players in league history to win the championship for the first time. With the win, Gotham FC completes the best turnaround season-to-season in NWSL history. Additionally, Purce was named the NWSL Championship performance for her stellar performance.

Here are the highlights.

North Carolina Courage forward Kerolin Nicoli has been named the 2023 National Women's Soccer League Most Valuable Player, presented by Bud Light, as announced by the NWSL on Friday. The 23-year-old is the first-ever Courage player and first Brazilian to earn the league's highest individual honor. Kerolin finished as the runner-up in the Golden Boot Race, scoring 10 times in the regular season to become just the third Brazilian and fourth Courage player to notch double digit goals in a league campaign. She also added three assists to finish second in the league in total goal contributions (13).

The National Women's Soccer League announced that NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder/defender Jenna Nighswonger has been named the 2023 NWSL Rookie of the Year, presented by Ally. Nighswonger appeared in 20 games, playing over 1,500 minutes in her first professional season, guiding her team to the playoffs with an 8-7-7 record. She showed an impressive impact on both sides of the ball, recording three goals, tied for second among all rookies, and 35 tackles won, seventh among all players and first among rookies.

The National Women's Soccer League announced Houston Dash keeper Jane Campbell has been named 2023 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, becoming the first regular season award winner in club history. Campbell led all keepers in saves (91), fewest goals conceded (18) and goals against average (0.83), recording single-season career bests in all three categories. She ranked third in the league in shots on target faced (108) and clean sheets (8) and second in save percentage (83.33%).

The National Women's Soccer League announced that NJ/NY Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós has been named the 2023 NWSL Coach of the Year, becoming the sixth coach to win the award and the first in club history. Amorós led a complete turnaround for Gotham FC, who finished with the worst record in the league in 2022 (4-17-1), also finishing at the bottom of the league in goals scored (16) and conceded (46). Under Amorós, Gotham FC finished with the sixth-best record in the league at 8-7-7 in 2023, scoring 25 goals while allowing just 24, tied for the fourth lowest total in the league.

United Soccer League

Phoenix Rising FC rose from the ashes with a 90th-minute equalizer from John Stenberg before claiming victory 3-2 in a penalty shootout after missing its first two shots to win the 2023 USL Championship Final against the Charleston Battery at Patriots Point after the sides had played to a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time. The victory gave Phoenix its first USL Championship title in a postseason in which Rising FC had claimed victories on the road in all four contests, a first in USL Championship Playoffs history. The visitors' shootout victory was the first since Orlando City FC claimed the title in 2011.

Here are the highlights.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC's Albert Dikwa has earned the 2023 USL Championship Player of the Year award, with the Cameroonian forward claiming the award after a career season in which he also took the Championship's Golden Boot while leading the Hounds to the Players' Shield in the regular season.

The United Soccer League (USL) and CBS Sports announced a landmark multi-year rights agreement for CBS Sports to air 100 USL matches annually through the 2027 USL Championship and USL League One seasons. CBS Sports' extensive multiplatform USL match coverage will air across the CBS Television Network and Paramount+, CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network. Through the deal, CBS Sports will broadcast select USL matches, including the USL Championship Final, on the CBS Television Network- the first time USL competition will be featured on network television in league history. Matches on the CBS Television Network will also simulcast live on Paramount+. CBS Sports will also televise more than 20 USL matches on CBS Sports Network annually and 75 USL matches each season on CBS Sports Golazo Network, the 24/7 soccer streaming network available across multiple platforms, including Paramount+.

Major League Soccer

Charlotte FC announced the Club has parted ways with head coach Christian Lattanzio. Assistant coach Andy Quy will also depart the Club. "We would like to thank Christian and Andy for their time at the Club," said Owner David Tepper. "They helped guide us through the last 18 months and we are all appreciative of their contributions to Charlotte FC."

Head coach Christian Lattanzio is out at Charlotte FC

CF Montréal announced it has parted ways with head coach Hernán Losada, effective immediately. Following the assessment of the season, it was determined this decision is in the Club's best interest for 2024 and beyond. Assistant coach Sebastián Setti has also been relieved of his duties. The Club wishes to thank both Hernán and Sebastián for their contributions over the past year.

USL Super League

United Soccer League (USL) Spokane unveiled the name, crest and colors of its new professional women's soccer team "Spokane Zephyr FC" at a historic event bustling with upwards of 2,000 community members at the Davenport Grand Hotel. Zephyr, which means "a wind from the west," conveys the power of this team not only on the field but also as a force for change in our community and country.

Spokane's professional women's soccer team revealed its new name, crest, and colors at a historic event at the Davenport Grand Hotel. The newly named Spokane Zephyr FC, symbolizes the power and force for change in the community. Spokane Zephyr FC is part of the Division I USL Super League, expanding opportunities for women in professional soccer.

USL Super League celebrates the launch of Tampa Bay Sun FC as the club unveiled its name, logo and colors during a community event in Ybor City. Around five hundred fans gathered to watch on as Mayor Jane Castor officially shared the branding of the region's newest sports franchise "" Tampa Bay Sun FC. Club leaders were on hand to share the branding process that led to the name and crest. "Through months of thoughtful discussions and focus groups, we turned directly to our local communities. We listened to their stories about who we are, why we choose to reside here, and, most importantly, why we adore this place," recalled Club President Christina Unkel.

Tampa Bay Sun FC is here!

United Soccer League One

Lexington Sporting Club announced that Darren Powell has been appointed as head coach for the Men's USL League One team entering the club's second season. Hailing from Nottingham, England, Powell brings a depth of coaching experience to the club. Powell comes to Lexington SC as a veteran in his sport, most recently serving as the Director of Player Development and First Team Assistant Coach at Major League Soccer's (MLS) Inter Miami CF. Previously, Powell was the head coach of Fort Lauderdale CF USL League One (2021), as well as the Inter Miami CF II Head Coach in the MLS Next Pro (2022).

After an historic 2023 season, Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC forward Trevor Amann has been named the USL League One Player of the Year. Amann scored 23 goals for Hailstorm this season, smashing the USL League One single-season record, which was previously 18 set by Richmond's Emiliano Terzaghi in 2021. He also scored a goal in the U.S. Open Cup and added a hat trick in Hailstorm's first ever playoff match against Forward Madison FC.

Brooklyn Football Club unveiled its team colors, badge and identity that take inspiration from shapes, shades and textures found in Brooklyn's public infrastructure and throughout the borough's 77 neighborhoods, and leans heavily on a unique spirit and attitude shared among the community. "Brooklyn is the world's borough, at the forefront of culture and arts. Brooklyn is, unapologetically, Brooklyn. Encompassing that into a logo felt less about trying to mirror a traditional badge and more about representing our iconic borough with something bold and forward," said designer Chris Payne.

BASKETBALL

NBA G League

The Philadelphia 76ers announced the promotion of Jameer Nelson to General Manager of the Delaware Blue Coats, the team's NBA G League affiliate. Nelson previously served as Blue Coats Assistant General Manager/76ers Scout since November 2020, a tenure that included three-straight trips to the G League Finals, a 2021 Winter Showcase Cup Title, and culminated with the 2022-23 NBA G League Championship.

It's a big week for basketball as the G-league defending champs are about to get back at it. The Delaware Blue Coats started their title defense on Friday.

Tubi, Fox Corporation's ad-supported video-on-demand service, and the NBA G League, the NBA's official development league, today announced a multi-year partnership to make NBA G League games available on the Tubi platform. "We are thrilled to team up with the NBA G League for the next two seasons, delivering an exciting new basketball experience to our audience at no cost," said Adam Lewinson, Chief Content Officer at Tubi. "Tubi is committed to providing diverse, high-quality content to its subscribers, including the NBA G League, ultimately bringing more sports entertainment to our viewers and enhancing the fan experience."

Officials break ground on new Noblesville arena for Pacers' G League team

Emoni Bates Charges Up During the Season Opener After Dropping 29 PTS!

BIG3

BIG3 Basketball, the world's premier professional Fireball3 league, is thrilled to announce that CBS Sports will return for a fifth season as the primary broadcast partner for the 2024 season. CBS Sports will broadcast over 20 regular season games, the playoffs, the championship game, and the all-star and celebrity games. Last season's highly anticipated celebrity game featured current basketball superstar, the Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown. These events have become annual highlights for fans of the league and are known for their memorable moments and star-studded appearances.

"CBS feels like home for the BIG3, so it's good to be back home. The best 3-on-3 basketball in the world on the best network in the world. It's only right." Said BIG3 Founder Ice Cube.

FOOTBALL

Canadian Football League

CFL Plays of the Week

Every Touchdown from the 110th Grey Cup Playoffs

XFL

The XFL has announced that Vegas Vipers wide receiver Martavis Bryant has signed with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. He joins the team's practice squad following a workout. Bryant finished the 2023 XFL season with 14 receptions for 158 yards in eight games played. Bryant caught a season-high four passes for 28 yards against the Arlington Renegades on February 18 and had three receptions for a season-high 43 yards against the DC Defenders on March 12. He also returned two kicks against the San Antonio Brahmas on April 1.

Newly acquired wide receiver Martavis Bryant met with the media as he looks to take full advantage of a second chance in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys.

Indoor Football League

The Indoor Football League is proud to announce its 2024 schedule. The 19-week, 128-game regular season schedule kicks off on Saturday, March 16th and concludes on Sunday, July 21st. The IFL's sixteenth season will feature sixteen teams. The teams will be split evenly, with eight teams in each of the Eastern and Western Conferences. The Western Conference will consist of the Arizona Rattlers, Bay Area Panthers, Duke City Gladiators, Northern Arizona Wranglers, San Antonio Gunslingers, San Diego Strike Force, Tucson Sugar Skulls and the Vegas Knight Hawks. The Eastern Conference will feature the Frisco Fighters, Green Bay Blizzard, Iowa Barnstormers, Jacksonville Sharks, Massachusetts Pirates, Quad City Steamwheelers, Sioux Falls Storm and the Tulsa Oilers. Each IFL team will play a sixteen-game schedule over nineteen weeks, eight home games and eight away.

The Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League announced a multi-year agreement with OVG360, managers and operators of the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, which will keep them in the Bay State for the foreseeable future. The facility, which is owned by the University of Massachusetts Lowell, will play host to all Massachusetts Pirates home games beginning with the 2024 season. The Pirates are slated to play eight home games, kicking off in March 2024. The Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell is a multi-purpose venue that opened on January 27, 1998, and bears the name of the late Senator Paul E. Tsongas, a Lowell native.

The Pirates set sail for Lowell!

OTHER SPORTS

Pro Volleyball Federation

Pro Volleyball Federation, the premier women's professional volleyball league in North America, has announced the nickname and branding for its West Coast team - moving forward to be known as the San Diego Mojo. The embodiment of a strong, powerful presence, the San Diego Mojo arrive with an unmistakable and magnetic energy that comes from doing what you love, with those you love and respect. It takes audaciousness to chase dreams and step into the arena. But the Mojo are not soaring on this journey alone. Like the mighty ospreys that have recently made their triumphant return to San Diego, the courage and mojo are fueled by relentless hearts and determined desire to not only survive, but to thrive.

San Diego's first Woman's professional volleyball team launch party happened at the Ultimate Skybox.

Pro Volleyball Federation, the premier women's professional volleyball league in North America, announced the addition of Kansas City as its newest market. The Kansas City team is owned by Missy and Kent McCarthy. Kansas City joins Dallas as teams that have begun operations in preparation for the 2025 season. "We are so excited to bring the Pro Volleyball Federation to Kansas City," said Missy McCarthy, who will serve as the team's CEO. "Kansas City is an outstanding sports town, and the action-packed sport of women's pro volleyball played at its highest level is going to be something that we know Kansas City will rally around. In the coming months, we have some very special announcements and celebration events lined up. We can't wait to introduce women's pro volleyball to Kansas City."

A new professional sports league is setting up shop in Kansas City

American Ultimate Disc League

Quinn Finer's Biggest Highlights from the 2023 season. Quinn Finer was explosive in his second season with the Colorado Summit, earning All AUDL honors.

HOCKEY

American Hockey League

Jack Campbell allows 4 goals in his first game with the Bakersfield Condors since being sent down to the AHL from the Edmonton Oilers. Campbell made 16 saves in the 4-1 loss to the Abbotsford Canucks.

ECHL

The Kalamazoo Wings (3-4-0-0), proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks, saw its all-time leading scorer, Justin Taylor, become the third player in ECHL history to log 800 career games and fell 3-1 against the Iowa Heartlanders (1-4-2-0) at Xtreme Arena.

Ice hockey could potentially come back to Augusta

Southern Professional Hockey League

Week 3 SPHL goals

Western Hockey League

WHL Top 10

Ontario Hockey League

OHL Plays of the Week

North American Hockey League

NAHL Top Plays - October 30 - November 5, 2023

United States Hockey League

An Ilya Protas third-period goal helped Des Moines to a 4-1 win over Madison

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League

QMJHL Plays of the Month - Oct. 2023

BASEBALL

American Association

The Cleburne Railroaders today announced that Pete Incaviglia has been named the club's manager. The team has also named Rudy Jaramillo (hitting coach) and Brooks Carey (pitching coach) to the staff for the 2024 season. "I am incredibly grateful to be named the next manager of the Cleburne Railroaders," Incaviglia said. "I could not be more excited to return to the state of Texas, which has played an important role in my baseball career. I look forward to connecting with the Cleburne community and can't wait to build on the success that the team has had in recent seasons."

Atlantic League

The Hagerstown Flying Boxcars have announced the hiring of their first team manager, Mark Mason. Mason will join the Flying Boxcars after reaching an agreement to become the club's first manager. Prior to joining the Flying Boxcars, Mason held managerial positions with the York Revolution in the Atlantic League as well as other professional baseball clubs across the Frontier League. Upon leaving the Revolution in 2022, Mason was the most decorated manager in club history, leading the club to 606 wins and three Atlantic League Championships. He now stands fourth all-time in Atlantic League for wins and has accumulated several personal accolades, including the 2014 Atlantic League Manager of the Year Award.

LACROSSE

Premier Lacrosse League

THE FOREVER GAME - 2023 PLL Championship Mini Movie

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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Pro Volleyball Federation Stories from November 14, 2023

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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.