NWSL appoints Marla Messing as interim CEO

The National Women’s Soccer League has announced Marla Messing as the new interim CEO to oversee day-to-day operations and work in close coordination with the board of governors. She is also set to take over the responsibilities of former NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird, who resigned shortly before the end of the regular season. 

The search for a permanent replacement will continue as the league confirmed to “ensure a diverse and broad set of candidates are considered for the position.” It has also been confirmed that the NWSL Players Association will be able to meet with candidates and have input in who is selected.

“Marla is a well-respected and highly experienced sports industry executive and we are pleased to welcome her to the league,” a statement read. “Her extensive background and passion to see the NWSL succeed serve as a strong foundation for her leadership and for navigating significant decisions moving forward to improve our policies and culture. 

“We will assist Marla throughout her transition as she takes on the current responsibilities of the executive committee. On behalf of the board of governors, we look forward to working alongside her and together with our players developing a better path forward for the NWSL.”

Messing joins the league as it navigates abuse and sexual harassment allegations made by several players, most notably those by Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly towards former North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley. 

Given the difficulty of the situation, Messing has promised to lead with bravery and cation. 

“I also want to commend the bravery and strength of each and every player in the league to demand the change that should be at the core of every organization,” she said. “Gaining the trust of our players and uniting players and owners is central to my approach so that we can most effectively create systemic change. 

The executive committee and board of governors have already begun important work and I am committed to overseeing league operations to implement widespread reform initiatives intended to protect all players and staff, and further advance the popularity of and love for women’s soccer here in the United States.”

The newest CEO has extensive experience working in sports, previously serving as executive vice-president of the World Cup in 1994  and CEO of the Women’s World Cup in 1999. From 1995-1996, Messing was a founder and senior vice-president of Major League Soccer.

Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace: Player ratings as late Lacazette strike saves Gunners

Arsenal had Alexandre Lacazette to thank on Monday as his injury time strike earned the Gunners a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace at the Emirates.

The hosts found themselves ahead after just eight minutes as Nicolas Pepe’s gorgeous curling effort, which was expertly saved by Vicente Guaita, landed right at the feet of a grateful Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a smart finish.

The high tempo faded pretty quickly as Palace, who were without the ill Wilfried Zaha, did enough to make a real game of this. Neither side really showed a lot of quality in the final third, but Conor Gallagher’s excellent volley nearly tied things up on the stroke of half-time, only for Aaron Ramsdale to match the effort with a diving save.

Palace tied things up just a few minutes after the break after Jordan Ayew hounded Thomas Partey into giving up the ball, after which Christian Benteke thundered home an unstoppable equaliser.

The visitors didn’t slow down and deservedly took the lead after 70 minutes as the excellent Odsonne Edouard finished off a counter-attack with a powerful effort that flew by Ramsdale and in off the bar.

It looked as though Palace would see this game out, only for Lacazette to pounce on some chaos in the box to fire home an equaliser with effectively the final kick of the ball.

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 6/10 – Made an excellent save to keep Gallagher out before the break, but should have done better for Edouard’s goal.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – 5/10 – Threw his body around a lot but was guilty of doing it a little too much. Thumped the ball clear without ever really considering where it would land.

Ben White (CB) – 6/10 – Divided fans with his performance. Looked calm on the ball and was always trying 40-yard passes in behind, but got most of them wrong.

Gabriel (CB) – 6/10 – Made a lot of blocks early on but clearly wasn’t completely comfortable battling against Benteke and Edouard.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 5/10 – Not great on his 50th Premier League outing. Surprisingly ineffective in attack and didn’t always deal well with Ayew’s threat.

Christian Benteke, Thomas ParteyChristian Benteke, Thomas Partey

Partey struggled immensely / GLYN KIRK/GettyImages

Thomas Partey (CM) – 4/10 – Left completely isolated and was passed around very easily when Palace came forwards. Caught in possession for the equaliser.

Nicolas Pepe (RM) – 5/10 – A corker of a shot for Aubameyang’s opener but faded a little bit after that.

Martin Odegaard (AM) – 3/10 – Not on it at all. Overwhelmed physically by Palace’s midfielders and didn’t do enough in possession. Left Partey high and dry.

Emile Smith Rowe (AM) – 5/10 – Impressive work rate and was involved in most of Arsenal’s best moments, but was also guilty of killing a few too many moves with his tunnel vision.

Bukayo Saka (LM) – 5/10 – Looked a little tired, but that wasn’t helped by the fact he was volleyed by McArthur (who somehow wasn’t booked for it). Withdrawn at the break.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST) – 7/10 – Took his goal well but it was his work ethic which impressed most. Charged around the pitch at full speed and led Arsenal’s press time and time again. Really looked up for it.

Albert Sambi Lokonga (CM) – 5/10 – Caught in possession for Palace’s second. Didn’t add any support for Partey.

Alexandre Lacazette (ST) – 8/10 – Brought real energy off the bench and deservedly bagged a goal of his own. The hero of the day.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – 6/10 – Did well in his ten minutes. Looked as dangerous as any Arsenal winger.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Joachim AndersenPierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Joachim Andersen

Andersen had a solid game / Catherine Ivill/GettyImages

Vicente Guaita (GK) – 6/10 – Denied Lacazette with an excellent save shortly before Edouard’s goal.

Joel Ward (RB) – 6/10 – Put in a real shift on Saka in the first half and looked comfortable for most of the game.

Joachim Andersen (CB) – 7/10 – Some really impressive passes and had the beating of Aubameyang in the air.

Marc Guehi (CB) – 7/10 – Rarely looked scared against Arsenal’s high press and always knew how to beat it.

Tyrick Mitchell (LB) – 6/10 – Worked very hard all evening with mixed results at both ends of the field. Had a decent battle with Pepe.

Luka Milivojevic (DM) – 4/10 – Some woeful passes. Really sloppy throughout and guilty of some abysmal set-pieces. Unsurprisingly subbed off.

Conor Gallagher (CM) – 7/10 – His energy was a massive problem for Arsenal. Pressed hard and scared Lokonga into giving up the ball for the second goal.

James McArthur (CM) – 5/10 – Would have been at home in a UFC octagon with the kind of challenges he was putting in. Could have easily been sent off.

Jordan Ayew (RW) – 7/10 – Might not be the biggest goal threat but made up for that with immense energy and movement. His press led to the equaliser.

Christian Benteke (ST) – 7/10 – A bit of a shaky first half but took his goal emphatically. Looked like the Aston Villa version of himself as he smashed the ball home.

Odsonne Edouard (LW) – 8/10 – Replaced Zaha perfectly. Brought immense energy and pressed Arsenal into oblivion. Took his goal really well.

Cheikhou Kouyate (CM) – 6/10 – Came on to add some extra energy and did a decent job of it.

Michael Olise (RW) – 6/10 – Smart movement for Edouard’s goal. Pulled the strings without actually pulling them.

James Tomkins (CB) – 6/10 – Came on late to grind out the win but just couldn’t manage that.

Charlotte FC acquire Jordy Alcivar as eighth player in club history

MLS expansion team Charlotte FC have signed Jordy Alcivar from Ecuadorian side LDU Quito to become the eighth player in its club history.

The midfielder joins on a four-year contract with a club option for a fifth. He is set to remain with LDU Quito until the end of 2021 and report back in January 2022 for the club’s inaugural Major League Soccer season.

Charlotte FC acquired his discovery rights from Eastern Conference side FC Cincinnati for $100,000 in General Allocation Money.

He will be occupying an international slot on Charlotte’s roster.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jordy to Charlotte FC as he becomes the eighth player in club history. He brings balance to our midfield and can control the game with and without the ball at his feet,” sporting director Zoran Krneta said in a club statement.

“He comes from a well-respected league in South America and is very experienced for a player of his age. In Jordy, we add another player to our roster who has experience in big moments for club and country, and we look forward to getting him to Charlotte for preseason in January.”

The 22 year-old has made 83 appearances for the Ecuadorian club, acting primarily as a defensive midfielder. Alcivar has recorded five goals and six assists, and started all six of their Copa Sudamericana matches this season.

Internationally, the midfielder was a regular for Ecuadorian youth international levels, playing at the 2019 Under-20 World Cup alongside LAFC’s Jose Cifuentes and Diego Palacios, Orlando City’s Alexander Alvarado and Chicago Fire FC’s Jhon Espinoza.

He now joins Guzman Corujo, Christian Fuchs, Sergio Ruiz, Riley McGree, Brandt Bronico, Jan Sobocinski and Adam Armour on the roster.

The team is set to kick off in 2022 under newly appointed head coach Miguel Angel Ramirez.

Jill Ellis to lead new FIFA advisory board to develop women’s football

Former USWNT head coach and current president of the San Diego NWSL club Jill Ellis is set to lead a Technical Advisory Group created by FIFA to assess how women’s football can further develop.

The group boasts a diverse selection of male and female professionals, spanning six continental confederations with backgrounds in coaching, refereeing, and sports science.

Ellis was appointed manager of the group in September, joining Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, USWNT player Alex Morgan, former England star Kelly Smith, sport scientist Dawn Scott and German referee Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb.

The global football organisation announced on Tuesday that several consultations will be held with clubs, leagues and member associations “to take informed ideas to a broader audience”.

The group will also discuss the proposal of a biennial World Cup and inaugural Club World Cup in addition to new funding methods set to increase the visibility and participation of women’s football across the world.

“I’m honoured to be chosen by FIFA to lead this project,” Ellis said in a statement. “The growth of women’s football is a key objective for FIFA. Like any initiative, the first step is to gather all of the information and start to make next steps for how this advisory group can be impactful for tangible change for the growth and advancement of the women’s game.

“It’s time for women’s football to definitely assume the importance it has at all levels and create its own path of growth and advancement, notwithstanding the obviously necessary coordination with the men’s game namely to avoid calendar overlaps.”

Ellis added: “We will take the information gathered from the TAG and a wider consultation group to take informed ideas to a broader audience.”

Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Benfica – Champions League

Bayern Munich have been running riot in the Champions League so far this season but face arguably their toughest test of the group stage in the shape of a trip to Portuguese giants Benfica.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side are in imperious form, having thumped Bayer Leverkusen 5-1 at the weekend, but Benfica are no pushovers and beat Barcelona by the same 3-0 scoreline as Bayern did.

Here’s how the boss could set up.

Benjamin PavardBenjamin Pavard

Pavard is set to return / Alexander Hassenstein/GettyImages

Manuel Neuer (GK) – His place is never under threat, but with Sven Ulreich out injured, Neuer is the obvious starter.

Benjamin Pavard (RB) – Pavard is back from suspension and can reclaim his spot on the right.

Niklas Sule (CB) – He’s been filling in for Pavard but can now return to centre-back this time.

Dayot Upamecano (CB) – The first-choice defender under Nagelsmann, Upamecano is definitely going to keep his place.

Lucas Hernandez (LB) – Alphonso Davies was complaining of a thigh problem last time out and may well need to be rested for this one.

Serge GnabrySerge Gnabry

Gnabry was on the scoresheet at the weekend / Lukas Schulze/GettyImages

Joshua Kimmich (DM) – One half of the scariest midfield in football, Kimmich has been playing some outstanding football of late.

Leon Goretzka (DM) – Bagged an assist in the first half against Bayer and was taken off at half time to save his legs.

Serge Gnabry (RM) – Gnabry was on form last time out, bagging two goals in just two minutes.

Thomas Muller (AM) – A typical Muller performance from the 32-year-old against Bayer, with one goal and one assist.

Leroy Sane (LM) – Sane has been enjoying life back on the left wing and will be looking to add a few more goals to his collection.

Robert LewandowskiRobert Lewandowski

Lewandowski could be about to win the Ballon d’Or / Lukas Schulze/GettyImages

Robert Lewandowski (ST) – Duh.