Cincinnati midfielder Acosta named MLS Most Valuable Player

English Woman's Journal - Cincinnati midfielder Acosta named MLS Most Valuable Player

SPORTS 27.11.2023

Cincinnati midfielder Acosta named MLS Most Valuable Player / Photo: ANDY LYONS - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

FC Cincinnati midfielder Luciano Acosta, who scored 17 goals and set up 14 others this season, was named Major League Soccer's 2023 Most Valuable Player on Monday.

Change text size:

The 29-year-old Argentine striker became the first player in league history to claim the MVP award after leading his team to its first MLS award after Cincinnati claimed the Supporters' Shield for the best regular-season record.

Acosta became only the sixth player in MLS history with three or more seasons producing at least 10 goals and 10 assists.

Cincinnati will have a prime chance to play for the MLS Cup. The club will host arch-rival Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference playoff final on Saturday.

One of the Ohio clubs will play either Houston or defending champion Los Angeles FC in the MLS Cup final on December 9.

Acosta becomes the ninth South American-born player to win the MVP award, the first since Atlanta's Josef Martinez in 2018.

Acosta is the fourth Argentine player to capture the honor after Portland's Diego Valeri in 2015, Guillermo Barros Schelotto of Columbus in 2008 and DC United's Christian Gomez in 2006.

Acosta, who has 58 goals since his MLS debut in 2016, won with 60.37% of votes from players, club staff and a media panel. Denis Bouanga of LAFC was second on 14.97% with Atlanta's Thiago Almada third on 6.46%.

T.Burns--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Cincinnati midfielder Acosta named MLS Most Valuable Player