Last Week around the Leagues
by Fran Stuchbury
January 16, 2024 - Southern League (SL)
This past week Utah Royals FC selected midfielder Ally Sentnor with the first overall pick in 2024 NWSL Draft, the Southern League's Mississippi Braves announced they will be moving to Columbus, Georgia, after the 2024 season, and the Connecticut United FC group was introduced as the fifth independent team in MLS NEXT Pro. Highlights from this week come from the National Women's Soccer League, Major League Soccer, Major Arena Soccer League, Southern League, Northwoods League, American Hockey League, Southern Professional Hockey League, Professional Women's Hockey League, Western Hockey League, North American Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, United States Hockey League, National Lacrosse League, Premier Lacrosse League, Canadian Football League, United Football League, NBA G League, Major League Rugby, and American Ultimate Disc League.
SOCCER
National Women's Soccer League
Utah Royals FC have selected MF Ally Sentnor, a redshirt sophomore out of the University of North Carolina and current U.S. Women's Youth National Team U-20 standout, with the first overall pick in 2024 NWSL Draft, presented by Ally, during the United Soccer Coaches Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Sandra Herrera takes an in depth look at some of the notable draft strategies and outcomes from the 2024 NWSL draft.
The National Women's Soccer League welcomed its largest class of drafted players to the league as 56 athletes heard their names announced at the 2024 NWSL Draft, presented by Ally. Utah Royals FC made six selections, including No. 1 overall pick Ally Sentnor from University of North Carolina. The expansion side made their next pick at No. 4 overall, drafting Brigham Young University forward Brecken Mozingo. With the second overall pick, Bay FC selected North Carolina defender Savy King with their first of two first round picks.
The Washington Spirit traded for the No. 3 and 5 overall picks on draft day and selected University of Georgia midfielder Croix Bethune and Clemson defender/midfielder Hal Hershfelt. The Spirit tied an NWSL Draft record with four first round picks in total.
OL Reign unveiled its official name and brand transformation in time for the new season, returning to the roots of the club's original name, Seattle Reign FC The club's iconic crest from its inaugural season in 2013 has been reimagined for a new era. "Today is the start of a new chapter for our unique club, fans and community," said Seattle Reign FC CEO Vincent Berthillot. "Bringing back the club's original name and identity from the 2013 season as the club prepares to enter a new era is our way of honoring the history of this club while respecting the progress and success we've experienced firsthand. Seattle Reign FC was a founding club in this growing league, and our OGs, our supporters and our community have remained by our side from the very beginning to help pave the way for the future."
Seattle Reign FC: The Queen Returns
Major League Soccer
First Impressions: Best Newcomers in MLS 2023
MLS NEXT Pro
MLS NEXT Pro announced the addition of a new independent club to the League: Connecticut United Football Club joins MLS NEXT Pro with a target start date of 2025. Based in Bridgeport, Connecticut United is the fifth independent team to be added to the League since its inaugural season in 2022. Pending sanctioning approval by the U.S. Soccer Federation, the Club follows independents Carolina Core FC, Cleveland, Jacksonville Armada FC and Chattanooga FC. CT United FC has been established by Connecticut Sports Group (CTSG) and its founding partner André Swanston, a longtime Connecticut resident and technology entrepreneur. The University of Connecticut alumnus and his wife Michelle Swanston are active investors in minority and women-owned businesses, among other investments, donating to education and community focused initiatives across the country.
The CT United FC group was introduced as the 5th independent team in MLS NEXT Pro. Check out the recap of that event.
Major Arena Soccer League
MASL Saves of the Week
BASEBALL
Southern League
2024 will be the M-Braves' final season in Pearl, MS. The Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves will be relocating to Columbus, GA, as of the start of the 2025 season. We want to thank Pearl, the surrounding Jackson community, and the state of Mississippi for the incredible support for the franchise over the past 19 years. We have loved creating memories with you at Trustmark Park, and we look forward to bringing you an amazing 2024 season. The M-Braves will be commemorating the 20th season at Trustmark Park throughout the 69-game home schedule in 2024, beginning with Opening Day on Tuesday, April 9th, vs. Biloxi.
Mississippi Braves announce move to Georgia after 2024 season
Northwest League
Hillsboro Hops request government funding to stay in Oregon.
HOCKEY
American Hockey League
A crowd of over 11,000 saw the Checkers put on a show in Uptown Charlotte, beating the Rochester Americans 5-2 in the Queen City Outdoor Classic. Mackie Samoskevich kicked the third off with a bang, ripping a quick shot from the right circle to give Charlotte its first lead of the night and starting the fireworks for the home team. Brendan Perlini struck midway through the third to extend the Checkers' advantage, and Lucas Carlsson deposited a dagger into the empty net to seal the impressive win in front of a raucous crowd.
Inaugural Queen City Outdoor Classis is in the books. Truist Field hosted the first-ever Queen City Outdoor Classic hockey contest Saturday night between featuring the Charlotte Checkers and the Rochester Americans.
ECHL
Shoresy start Terry Ryan celebrated his 47th birthday by playing in his first ECHL game in over 10 years. A start, a fight, and the bow of a lifetime highlighted his night.
Professional Women's Hockey League
The PWHL is off to a roaring start and the stars of the league have certainly lived up to their billing, including Montreal's Marie-Philip Poulin who netted a hat trick against New York and Minnesota's Taylor Heise who had two goals and an assist in a win over Toronto. Cheryl Pounder and Kenzie Lalonde join 7-Eleven That's Hockey to discuss which of the two is the best star in the league.
Southern Professional Hockey League
Week 12 Goals
Western Hockey League
North American Hockey League
NAHL Top Plays - January 1-7, 2024
Ontario Hockey League
OHL Plays of the Week
United States Hockey League
USHL Top Plays of the Week
LACROSSE
National Lacrosse League
NLL Week 6: Top 5 Plays
Premier Lacrosse League
The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) announced it will hold a women's professional lacrosse exhibition, the Unleashed All-Star Game, powered by Ticketmaster, on February 17, 2024 at The St. James in Springfield, Va. during the PLL's 2024 Championship Series. Played in the Olympic Sixes format, world renowned women's lacrosse professionals from across North America will compete in a North vs. South exhibition. "We're thrilled that professional women's lacrosse players will join our PLL Championship Series with a showcase of their own - the Unleashed All-Star Game, powered by Ticketmaster," said Paul Rabil, Co-Founder and President of the PLL. "From our first women's professional exhibition in Japan in 2019, to our 2023 Japan games, we proudly continue to facilitate competitions that provide additional playing and compensation opportunities for the best women's lacrosse players in the world. With the All-Star Game airing on ESPN+ and an expected sellout crowd, we're ready to witness a game that will be remembered. ¬Â
FOOTBALL
Highlights from Montreal Alouettes receiver Austin Mack, who in his first year in the CFL led the Montreal Alouettes with 1154 receiving yards en route to winning the 110th Grey Cup.
United Football League
UFL Week 1 Wishlist
BASKETBALL
NBA G League
After dropping a franchise-record 55 points and averaging 32.7 PTS and 6.3 AST across three wins, Sioux Falls Skyforce star Alondes Williams is your G League Player of the Week.
OTHER SPORTS
Major League Rugby
Billy Meakes has unfinished business to sort out this Major League Rugby season
American Ultimate Disc League
On the MARK! The 10 BEST throws from the 2023 season!
Did we miss anything newsworthy or fun? Have a nomination for next week's column? Contact us today and let us know.
Southern League Stories from January 16, 2024
- Jose Moreno Returns to Manage Lookouts for the 2024 Season - Chattanooga Lookouts
- Shuckers to Host Annual Job Fair on Tuesday, January 23 at Ballpark - Biloxi Shuckers
- Tennessee Smokies Announce Job Fairs on February 17 and March 2 - Knoxville Smokies
- 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.
