VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
2017 MLS CUP FINAL
TORONTO FC 2 SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC 0
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2017
BMO FIELD, TORONTO, ONT.
Whitecaps FC acquire two-time MLS all-star striker Kei Kamara – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC made their second significant attacking addition of the offseason on Sunday, acquiring striker Kei Kamara from New England Revolution in exchange for Vancouver’s 2019 natural first round SuperDraft pick and a conditional 2020 second round SuperDraft selection.
Kei Kamara: Whitecaps style will suit me – BBC Sport
Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara says the playing system at his latest Major League Soccer (MLS) club, Vancouver Whitecaps, will suit his style of play.
Why Kei Kamara is the perfect fit for Vancouver – Whitecaps FC
Kei Kamara has made a living off of scoring goals from crosses. He’s big, smart with his movement, and absolutely dominant in the air – just the attributes Carl Robinson has been looking for. That’s why Vancouver Whitecaps FC jumped at the opportunity to acquire Kamara on Sunday, sending a first-round MLS SuperDraft pick in 2019 and a conditional second-rounder in 2020 to New England Revolution for the Designated Player striker.
Kei Kamara: Robbo Finally Gets His Man – Eighty-Six Forever
Do you remember May 2016, when several media pundits broke the news that Kei Kamara had been traded to the Vancouver Whitecaps, with Octavio Rivero leaving? Remember how that did not occur, with Kamara instead heading to New England, and Rivero to Chile? Flash forward a year and a half and Carl Robinson has finally gotten his man.
Alphonso Davies invited to train with Manchester United – CTV Edmonton
Manchester United has invited Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Alphonso Davies to train with the Premier League club in January.
Ghazal: Not playing for Al Ahly or Zamalek prevented me from joining national team – Kingfut
Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Aly Ghazal spoke on his move to China and to the US, and why he is not playing for the Egyptian national team.
Which step is the right direction for Vancouver Whitecaps? – AFTN
There already looks to be a lot of rebuilding ahead for Carl Robinson and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Options haven’t been taken on long established players, new additions are clearly coming, and after falling short at the conference semi-final stage for the second time in three seasons, the ‘Caps have some serious thinking to do if they are to move to that next level.
Whitecaps FC reveal protected player list for Tuesday’s MLS Expansion Draft – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Sunday the list of 11 protected players for this year’s MLS Expansion Draft, including Designated Player striker Kei Kamara who was acquired earlier today during the league’s four-hour trade window.
2017 MLS Expansion Draft protected and unprotected lists – MLS
The 2017 MLS Expansion Draft will be held at 11:00 AM PT on Tuesday, December 12. LAFC may select up to five players from the eligible MLS player pool. Only a single player can be drafted from any one club.
List of MLS Free Agents for 2018 season – MLS
On Sunday, MLS announced a list of players eligible for free agency. Out-of-contract players and those who had their contract option declined – and who were at least 28 years old during the 2017 season and have at least eight years of MLS service – are eligible for Free Agency.
Toronto FC 2, Seattle Sounders 0 | 2017 MLS Cup Final Recap – MLS
The final step in the road to the treble was a close-run thing. For 66 tense, taut minutes, Toronto FC dominated the Seattle Sounders in their MLS Cup rematch, winning the possession battle, pulling the Rave Green ranks apart and carving out a range of scoring chances.
Toronto FC produce an MLS Cup final win as dominant as their season – Waking the Red
If you didn’t feel even a twinge of doubt this week – that there was a chance, on the biggest stage, everything was going to blow up in Toronto FC’s faces – you’re either not human or you’re Michael Bradley.
Toronto FC caps most dominant season in MLS history – the11.ca
With an absolutely dominant effort in Saturday’s MLS Cup game, Toronto FC became the first team in league history to celebrate a domestic treble. They capped off what has to be seen as the most dominant season any team has achieved so far in MLS history.
Sounders squander epic Stefan Frei performance – SBI
For one of the few times in their nine-year playoff history, the Seattle Sounders were outworked, outplayed, and simply outclassed on Saturday afternoon. Oh, and outscored.
How Vanney’s surprise tactical change propelled Toronto FC past Seattle – MLS
When Toronto FC’s lineup was released ahead of the 2017 MLS Cup final, there was a moment of shock for anybody who had followed the club during the season.
For TFC fans, this win is pure bliss – Toronto Star
A legion of Toronto FC fans flocked to BMO Field and bars in the area to watch the Reds defeat the Seattle Sounders 2-0 in the MLS Cup final.
The ties that bind: Toronto FC’s championship run has plenty of roots – Medicine Hat News
Back in August 2006 when Mo Johnston was named Toronto FC’s first head coach, the former Scottish standout player promised his MLS expansion team would be good from the get-go and that its stadium is “going to rock.” He was right about BMO Field. But Toronto finished last in the 13-team league with a 6-17-7 record in its inaugural 2007 season. Ten years later and eight coaches later, it is MLS champion.
Sounders come home to cheers despite disappointing loss to Toronto – Q13 Fox
Though heartbroken, Sounders fans were still upbeat shouting “We are the blue! We are the blue! We are the green! We are the green!” as they welcomed players back to Seattle Sunday afternoon.
MLS Cup 2017 television ratings on ESPN rise 75 percent over 2015 edition – MLS
The television ratings for ESPN’s broadcast of Toronto FC’s 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders in MLS Cup 2017 rose 75 percent above the 2015 edition, the last time the championship game was aired on the network.
Mayor Tory proclaims Monday ‘Reds Day,’ calls on Torontonians to dress in celebration – CBC
Toronto Mayor John Tory took to Twitter Sunday to declare Monday “Reds Day” and encourage residents to wear red in celebration of the Toronto FC’s first MLS Cup title.
D.C. United re-sign Steve Clark, acquire Darren Mattocks from Timbers – MLS
D.C. United continued their offseason roster makeover on Sunday afternoon with the re-signing of starting goalkeeper Steve Clark and the acquisition of Jamaican striker Darren Mattocks from the Portland Timbers.
D.C. United trades for a forward and defender – Washington Post
D.C. United took advantage of MLS’s four-hour trade window Sunday, addressing issues in two positions by acquiring Jamaican forward Darren Mattocks from the Portland Timbers and French central defender Frederic Brillant from New York City FC.
Houston Dynamo trade for Arturo Alvarez – Dynamo Theory
The Houston Dynamo announced on Sunday that they had traded a 2019 second round draft pick to the Chicago Fire in exchange for midfielder Arturo Alvarez. The trade took place during MLS’ four hour trade window and brings home a Houston native who has been in the league for 12 seasons.
LAFC Acquires Walker Zimmerman From FC Dallas – LAFC
The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced today that defender Walker Zimmerman will join the club from FC Dallas in exchange for $250,000 in General Allocation Money and $250,000 in Targeted Allocation Money. LAFC also sends the #1 Allocation Ranking to Dallas and receives the #11 spot.
25 years ago: the Montreal Impact was born – Montreal Impact
It was on December 10, 1992, that the Montreal Impact was embarking on the soccer adventure during a press conference announcing the club’s start in the American Professional Soccer League (APSL) for the following year.
No thanks, Lewandowski! Major League Soccer is no longer a retirement league – SN
MLS in 2017 and 2018 is a lot different from the league’s early days, when the likes of Jorge Campos and Carlos Valderrama were as much marketing tools as football players. David Beckham’s move to MLS 10 years ago was just the beginning, with the England international joining the LA Galaxy on the back of a La Liga title win with Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants keen to keep hold of the former Manchester United star rather than let him move to America.
MLS TAM Investment Increases for 2018 and 2019 – Last Word on Soccer
Major League Soccer has announced that the league will be increasing the amount of Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) for the 2018 and 2019 season.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL Division 1 Results & Standings – December 11, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Wow, wow, wow – this was a weekend to be remembered for local top flight soccer in Division 1!
Kamloops Sports Council accepting awards for annual athletic awards – Kamloops This Week
The Kamloops Sports Council is accepting nominations for its 28th annual athletic awards, which will be handed out in conjunction with the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame banquet on April 28.
Canadian legends Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil team up for Individualized Coaching Program – Dasovic-Neil Coaching
Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil have teamed up to provide training programs for players & coaches. The programs specialize in individual, positional, age, and gender specific training for players, with a combined technical and physical focus while providing education and mentorship opportunities for coaches to improve their skills and deepen their knowledge base.
BC Soccer Web’s 2017 Soccer & Sports Book Recommendations – BC Soccer Web
Over the years, there have been many books on soccer and sport that have given us joy, laughter, and much to think about. We’re happy to share these with you. We’ll be updating this list as new titles become available, so keep checking.
PCSL CHALLENGE CUP PHOTOS: Vancouver Utd. 3, Mid-Isle Mariners 1, July 30, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
2016-2017 BC Soccer Year in Review – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is proud to release their 2016-2017 Year in Review after another successful year of soccer. The #respectall initiative, High Performance License, Club Charter Program activity, along with the delivery of hundreds of coaching courses and referee clinics this past year highlight some of the successes.
BC PROVINCIAL WOMEN’S A CUP PHOTOS: Surrey United 1 NSGSC Renegades 0, May 13, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
2017 VISL JACKSON CUP PHOTOS: Nanaimo Utd. 2 Cowichan LMG 1 (XT), April 2, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
FVSL PHOTOS: Pakenham Cup Final, PMO Rangers 1 PMO Lordco Gunners 0, April 1, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
Becoming a BC Soccer Referee – BCSA
Whether you are an experienced referee new to British Columbia or if you are new to the discipline of refereeing BC Soccer Assoc. has a clinic and a pathway for you. The minimum age to become a referee is 12 years old (small sided) and 14 years old (11-a-side). Please enjoy the short video showcasing some Referee programs that BC Soccer offers and continue below for more on how to become a referee in BC!
Free Physiotherapy Clinical Trial for Achilles Pain at UBC – UBC Centre for Hip Health & Mobility
Do you have Achilles pain? Interested in free Physiotherapy? If yes, join our clinical trial to look at the effectiveness of intramuscular stimulation (IMS), a form of acupuncture therapy, in treating Achilles tendon pain.
The BC Soccer Web Guide to Empire Field – BC Soccer Web
Empire Fields and Plateau Sports Park is the lofty and formal name given to Vancouver’s newest addition to the soccer scene. Yet, anyone who’s ever kicked or carried both kinds of footballs around these parts knows the place by heart.
Introducing BC Soccer Web Syndication – BC Soccer Web
You can now add BC Soccer Web news to your website simply by adding our new RSS Feed! Find out more.
Send your Soccer News to BC Soccer Web! – BC Soccer Web
BC Soccer Web is the hub for soccer in British Columbia. We want to share your soccer news with the entire province, and you can help by letting us know! We want your match reports, club news, league standings, and info on upcoming tournaments and clinics. Whether you submit links to existing news on the web, or your own original writing, we want to share it with the soccer community in B.C.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Bid leaders: US-Canada-Mexico 2026 could be most profitable World Cup ever – MLS
Biggest ever. Most diverse ever. Most profitable ever. And a groundbreaking display of international unity and cooperation.
Canada’s part of United 2026 bid is as much about the eight-year ‘runway’ – CTV
Canada Soccer has a message for fans bemoaning the small number of games that would be played north of the border as part of the 2026 World Cup. Canada’s 10 games are “icing on the cake,” said Peter Montopoli, Canada’s bid director for the 2026 World Cup bid. And if not for a joint bid, Canada would stand little chance of hosting at all.
Summerside man in his seventies shows no sign of slowing down from high-level soccer – Journal-Pioneer
Soccer has taken Dave McKay around the world and to some of the most dangerous places, but despite being 72-years-old he won’t be hanging up his boots anytime soon.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Potential NASL Atlanta franchise won’t launch in 2018 – Dirty South Soccer
Almost nearly a year ago, a group called First Team SC teased a big announcement that was supposed to reveal its intentions to bring a professional men’s soccer team and a NWSL team to Atlanta. The teams were supposedly set to be housed at a brand new 200-acre sports complex to be built in DeKalb County.
Las Vegas hopefuls try out for new pro soccer team – Las Vegas Now
Before Las Vegas gets its football team, it’s getting a futbol team. The Las Vegas Lights start playing next year. The new franchise will bring in pro talent from around the world, but over the weekend local soccer players got a chance to sneak onto the squad.
USL’s Growth Reflected at Winter Summit – Charlotte Independence
Having become part of the USL’s leadership midway through the 2013 season, current President Jake Edwards has seen, and in many ways presided over the evolution of the league’s Winter Summit.
UPSL grows NW Conference with announcement of Southern Oregon Starphire – NWSN
The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is excited to announce Southern Oregon Starphire FC as a new member starting with the 2018 Spring Season.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
W-League Week 7 review: Arin Gilliland nets hat trick – The Equalizer
Westfield W-League Week 7 action saw Arin Gilliland score a hat trick in Newcastle Jets’ 3-0 victory at Brisbane, while Seattle Reign’s Jess Fishlock scored twice as City defeated Canberra 2-1.
FFA want the USA, Germany and England to play the Matildas in Australia – Sydney Morning Herald
Football Federation Australia is keen to lure the world’s top three soccer teams – the United States, England and Germany – to Australian soil to play the Matildas.
Liga Iberdrola week 13 review: Rayo claim huge win in Madrid derby – Vavel
Levante and Sociedad both stretched their unbeaten runs.
Continental Tyres Cup quarter-final draw: Final eight learn their fate – Vavel
With mixed fortunes in the group stages, teams learn it’s not always beneficial to finish top of their groups in the WSL Cup.
WSL week 8 review: Leagues hit with postponements as winter finally arrives – Vavel
Only three of ten scheduled ties take place over last weekend of the league year.
Women’s football fans from both Koreas make noise in rare showdown in Japan – The Korea Herald
South Korean and North Korean female football players were not the only ones to go toe-to-toe at a regional tournament here on Monday, as supporters from both sides also engaged in some competition in the stands.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Sunday European Rewind: Man City defeats Man United, Barcelona edges Villarreal, and more – SBI
The 175th Manchester Derby took place on Sunday at Old Trafford as the Red Devils looked to remain in the hunt for top spot. Their opponents Manchester City, have rolled their way to an unbeaten start in league play and showed no signs of stopping on Sunday.
FA seeks evidence after incident following Manchester derby – Sportsnet
Players and coaches of Manchester United and Manchester City were involved in a melee near the dressing rooms after a Premier League match, sparking an investigation by the Football Association on Monday.
Man City: Premier League title race is over, leaders will not be caught – Alan Shearer – BBC Sport
There are still five months of the season to go, but the title race is over – I do not see anyone stopping Manchester City from winning the Premier League now.
La Liga & Serie A: Suarez, Messi pace Barca; AC Milan tops Bologna – NBC Sports
A roundup of Sunday’s action in Spain and Italy’s top flights.
Week 17 review: PSG autumn champs as chasers fire – Ligue 1
PSG bounced back from defeat with a 3-1 win over LOSC, claiming the honorific title of Autumn Champions while chasers OL, Monaco and OM all racked up wins to remain within nine points of the capital club.
Real Madrid to face Paris Saint-Germain in last 16 of the Champions League – Toronto Star
Two-time defending Champions League winner Madrid was drawn Monday to play the tournament’s standout team in the last 16.
Second-half burst gives Ajax big win over Dutch leaders PSV – NBC Sports
For only the second time this season, Dutch Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven have lost a league match.
Milan paired with Ludogorets in last 32 of Europa League – Sportsnet
AC Milan’s hunt for the only European title it lacks will continue against Ludogorets Razgrad in the last 32 of the Europa League.
Gonzalez, Monterrey fall to Torres, Tigres in Liga MX final – SBI
After running through Liga MX for a majority of the season, Jonathan Gonzalez and Monterrey fell short of a trophy on Sunday night.
Dortmund give Stöger ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ chance after firing Bosz – The Guardian
It is left to Peter Stöger, sent packing from Köln last week, to restore confidence at Borussia Dortmund where there has been next to none.
Holders arrive with sights set on retaining title – FIFA
Real Madrid have touched down in Abu Dhabi three days before they enter the fray at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017. Los Blancos are due to take on local champions Al Jazira in the competition’s second semi-final.
Former EU chief slaughters Infantino’s integrity and Rojas’s credentials in FIFA ethics report – Inside World Football
FIFA’s highly controversial decision to purge its senior governance officials last May with the backing of Gianni Infantino has been seriously called into question in a scathing attack by the Council of Europe.
Gulati absence means it doesn’t matter who wins USSF presidential election – ESPN FC
Ultimately, it does particularly matter who ends up replacing Gulati, because whoever does will have neither the influence possessed by the outgoing president, nor the mandate and ability to affect change on a large scale.
NCAA Men’s College Cup: Another amazing run ends with Stanford threepeat – Soccer America
Stanford became only the second team to win three straight NCAA Division I men’s championships when it beat Indiana, 1-0, in Sunday’s final at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pa.
2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKS