BC Soccer News, Monday, February 20, 2017

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS

Whitecaps lose key attacking options ahead of CONCACAF quarters – CBC
The Vancouver Whitecaps will be without four key attacking players for Wednesday’s first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final against the New York Red Bulls.

‘I will give my best playing for this great team:’ Montero pens open letter – Whitecaps FC
Fredy Montero sent an open letter to Whitecaps FC fans via social media this past weekend.

Episode 177 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Ready, Fredy, Go with Carl Robinson and Russell Teibert) – AFTN
The Whitecaps finally have their number nine striker, but just as they get Fredy Montero, Yordy Reyna picks up an injury. Hopefully this isn’t an ominous sign of the season to come in Vancouver.

Vancouver Whitecaps: Does the captain matter? – Soccer Shorts
With the Whitecaps still to announce who will replace Pedro Morales as the team captain it at least begs the question of whether it’s at all relevant who is in possession of the armband.

NYCFC’s David Villa sees red for slap on A.J. DeLaGarza after VAR used – ESPN FC
David Villa was sent off during New York City FC’s 3-1 Desert Diamond Cup loss to Houston Dynamo on Saturday night thanks to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

Curtin, the youngest coach in MLS, facing an important year with the Union – SN
You might not think of the position of head coach of the Philadelphia Union as dream job, but you couldn’t really blame Jim Curtin if he feels like it is. The Philadelphia native and former long-time MLS defender always planned on settling down in his hometown, and being able to do that while coaching the city’s team has been a dream come true. It has also given Curtin a just reward for a tough decision he made seven years ago.

Orlando City disappointed in results of Toronto FC scrimmages – Orlando Sentinel
Orlando City coach Jason Kreis did not hide disappointment in his team’s performance Sunday afternoon.

Chicago Fire: 2017 Season Preview – MLS Multiplex
The Chicago Fire enter the 2017 MLS season ready to catch fi-….Fire. A look at their updated roster, major story lines, and predictions for the year ahead.

Seattle Sounders supporter gets Celine Dion tattoo after bet – SN
A Seattle Sounders supporter paid tribute to his team’s MLS Cup triumph by getting a tattoo. But rather than being inked with an image of the victorious squad or manager Brian Schmetzer, Matt Oak decided to adorn his body with a picture of Canadian singer Celine Dion.

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BC SOCCER NEWS

VISL – Sir Jackson Cup Results – VISL
Wow, what a packed weekend of local soccer. Fields up and down the Island hosted a wide variety of VISL Cup games = the exciting playoffs for all ages and categories.

Whitecaps FC “Sleep Out” and raise over $21,000 for homeless youth and Covenant House Vancouver – Whitecaps FC
On Thursday, February 16, Russell Teibert and six Vancouver Whitecaps FC staff participated in the first annual Covenant House Sleep Out for young professionals.

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!

TSS FC Rovers Open Tryouts – TSS Rovers
Vancouver’s newest team, TSS FC Rovers, is looking for Canada’s best up and coming players to play for their first squad in 2017. If you are a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, could possibly play for our national team one day, and meet the age requirment of 23 and under, we want to see you play!

To our Readers: A Choice – BC Soccer Web
Soccer has brought us to the United States many times. It’s a great place with decent people. We especially look forward to our Cascadia trips to Seattle and Portland. They’re incredible cities with wonderful supporters. That’s why it was so disheartening to see chaos and fear take hold in the airports and borders of our neighbours to the south.

FVSL All-Stars to face WFC2 in March – BC Soccer Web
January snow and ice in the Lower Mainland put the brakes on the annual clash between the Fraser Valley Soccer League All-Stars and the best from the VISL this year. That hasn’t stopped the FVSL from planning an ambitious All-Star series in March.

BC Soccer Assoc. is Now Accepting 2016-2017 Awards Nominations – BCSA
We are pleased to inform everyone that BC soccer Assoc. is currently accepting Awards nominations until the submission deadline date of March 31, 2017. Selection of the award recipients is based on many factors including the individual’s commitment, community involvement and willingness to give back to the game. This year any BC Soccer Assoc. member and their affiliate clubs may submit a nomination.

2017 BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors for terms commencing June, 2017 (following the BC Soccer Annual General Meeting).

Victoria Highlanders 2017 Season Passes now on sale – Highlanders FC
Support local soccer on Vancouver Island. Join the excitement of Highlanders FC PDL Soccer!

PHOTOS: CANADA WEST WOMENS FINAL, UBC 3, TWU 0, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

VMSL PHOTOS: Richmond FC Hibs 1, ICSF Columbus FC 0, November 5, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

MWSL PHOTOS: Van United Primas 0, Fraser Valley Action 2, October 30, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

PHOTOS: GNAC Women’s Soccer: SFU 1 Concordia U. (Ore.) 0, October 20, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

2016 BC Soccer Provincial Cup Photo Galleries – BC Soccer Web
Westhills Stadium & Goudy Park in Langford hosted the 2016 BC Soccer Adult Provincial Cup Finals. It was a thrilling weekend of soccer on Vancouver Island that saw seven champions crowned. Richmond FC & Surrey Pegasus qualified for the National Championships this Fall in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Both Coquitlam Metro-Ford Masters & Classics sides qualified for the Western Canadian Masters Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In all, it was a clean sweep for teams from the VMSL & MWSL. Monique Lamoureux & Bill Currie from BC Soccer Web were on location that weekend, capturing the all the action.

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.

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CANADA SOCCER NEWS

CONCACAF U20s Preview: Canada vs. Mexico – USL
Canada’s Men’s U20s will try to rebound from defeat in their opening game of the 2017 CONCACAF U20 Championship, and in turn keep their tournament hopes alive, when they face Mexico on Monday night at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. PT.

Canada recharged for U-20 showdown with Mexico – CSA
Canada will face Mexico in an all-important Monday showdown at the 2017 CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Championship. Canada will look to build on their positive play from the first half of their Friday opener, but will need to get points after that 0:1 loss to Honduras that has Canada in third place in their four-nation group.

Former Canada keeper Erin McLeod returns from ACL surgery – Toronto Star
When Erin McLeod suffered a knee injury last March that threatened her career, the goalkeeper vowed she would get back on the soccer field. Canada’s former No. 1 keeper, who national team coach John Herdman considered the best in the world, is making good on that vow.

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The Biggest Problem Currently in Vancouver Whitecaps Land – Eighty-Six Forever
As of today, the Vancouver Whitecaps II roster 8 players, with their first preseason match set for March 3rd and their first regular season match scheduled for March 25th. Despite being just over a month away from competitive matches, the team does not have enough players to field a Starting XI, let alone an entire squad, and more importantly have no head coach.

Harkes dropped as FC Cincinnati coach – SBI
FC Cincinnati announced on Friday night that Harkes has been relieved of his duties as head coach, with assistant coach Alan Koch set to replace the former U.S. Men’s National Team captain.

Koch Embraces New but Familiar Role with FCC – USL
After a whirlwind weekend that saw him named as the new Head Coach of FC Cincinnati on Friday night, Alan Koch said he was happy to have the opportunity to lead the club into its second season, but was also somewhat disappointed over the circumstances that led to his new position.

Fury FC convincing in first preseason match – Ottawa Fury
Ottawa Fury FC were very convincing Friday evening in their first preseason match of the season against local side Ottawa Internationals in a closed door friendly. They put on an impressive performance and picked up a 7-0 win.

Fury Filled With Confidence Ahead of Florida Trip – Northern Starting XI
It has been a busy off-season for Ottawa Fury manager Paul Dalglish, and he will no doubt be happy with what he has accomplished thus far.  In stark contrast to last season, when Dalglish arrived to several transfer requests and contracts he didn’t negotiate, the gaffer has had time to implement his stamp on the squad this offseason and has a roster full of players that he himself has put together.

Konopka sees starting opportunity, championship quality in FC Edmonton – FC Edmonton
The former Major League Soccer (MLS) goalkeeper is keen to earn his minutes and join a championship-calibre FC Edmonton side in 2017.

Amauri Trains With Cosmos, Signing Is Imminent – Empire of Soccer
After reports from Europe that Amauri was nearing a deal with the Cosmos, the forward has arrived in the U.S. and has been training with the club. It is not a coincidence that the Cosmos have scheduled a news conference after Tuesday’s training session at Columbia University to announce the new signing. Commisso will be on hand.

Rise of MLS-affiliated ‘lower league’ is a win-win for players, teams – LA Times
Dom Dwyer is a 26-year-old forward with national team aspirations and a Western Conference-best 50 goals over the last three MLS seasons. Yet he says his career in the U.S. may have ended after a brief four-minute appearance if not for a league many casual soccer fans know little about.

Matildas, W-League to unveil bold plan to be No.1 national team and league in the world – Herald Sun
A bold plan to make the Matildas and the W-League the no. 1 national team and league in the world will be unveiled Tuesday by the players’ union.

Is the NWSL the best league in the world? It’s complicated – Four Four Two
The idea that USWNT stars crossing the pond are in for a major drop in the quality of play is an outdated thought.

FA Women’s Cup Fourth Round Round-Up – Vavel
Spurs and WBA the only WPL sides left standing in the Women’s FA Cup.

Players, fans turn out to honor Kelly Smith – The Equalizer
Smith’s career made her a star on two continents. She played for Seton Hall and was part of two professional leagues in the United States. In her native England she helped give rise to the national team which once struggled to qualify for major tournaments but finished 3rd at the most recent World Cup.

Marta as motivated as ever – FIFA
Marta first realised she wanted to be a professional footballer when she was around eight or nine. It was a common enough dream for Brazilian boys her age, but almost unheard of for a girl at the time. Though she failed to comprehend why, football, it was said, was a game for boys only, a message driven home to her time and time again.

Minnesota Women’s Soccer League Gives All Women a Chance to Play the Game – Fifty Five One
Today, MWSL is an example of much that is great about soccer: it is inclusive, community-oriented, and provides women from all walks of life a place to get competitive, get in shape, or just get involved.

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WORLD SOCCER NEWS

Sunday European Rewind: Tottenham advances in FA Cup, Roma Cruise Past Torino, and more – SBI
In England, Tottenham Hotspur booked their place into the F.A. Cup quarterfinals after a 3-0 drubbing of hosts Fulham at Craven Cottage. Harry Kane put the visitors up 1-0 after 16 minutes, finishing off Christian Eriksen’s assist. Six minutes into the second half, it was the same duo who added to Tottenham’s lead as Kane tapped home Eriksen’s helper.

Last gasp Lewandowski snares point for Bayern – Prost Amerika
Good teams get results despite subpar play. Bayern were subpar against Hertha Berlin, but they are also a good team. Thus, a last-gasp goal by Robert Lewandowski in the sixth minute of stoppage time preserved a point against the capital club and extend their lead in the Bundesliga to eight points—though RB Leipzig can cut it to five on Sunday with victory at Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Serie A review: Deulofeu finding himself at AC Milan – Sportsnet
Sunday’s posticipo (final match of the day) pitted two traditional giants of Italian soccer against each other who are also both desperately trying to climb up the ladder and into the Europa League zone—Milan and Fiorentina sat seventh and eighth in the table ahead of this one.

Non-league Lincoln into last 8; Leicester out of FA Cup – Montreal Gazette
On a dramatic day of late goals and upsets in the FA Cup, Lincoln became the first non-league team to reach the quarterfinals in more than a century and beleaguered English champion Leicester was eliminated by third-tier opposition on Saturday.

Conte dispels myth of needing Premier League experience to succeed in England –  Fox Sports
Another weekend of FA Cup shocks saw Lincoln City become the first non-league side to reach the quarterfinal for 103 years after beating Premier League side Burnley 1-0 Saturday. It made front-page news in the British press. Meriting less mention as another win for Chelsea, 2-0 at Liverpool’s conqueror Wolverhampton.

Week 26 review: PSG let Monaco off the hook – Ligue 1
Paris Saint-Germain let slip a golden opportunity to make up ground on leaders Monaco as they were held to a 0-0 draw at the Parc on Sunday following Monaco’s 1-1 draw in Bastia on Friday. Meanwhile, Nice drew back into title contention with victory

America’s fall, Monterrey’s switch and more: Five things we learned from Liga MX Round 7 – SN
What a day Chivas coach Matias Almeyda must have had Sunday. His team had just played three matches in two weeks, including last weekend’s Clasico Tapatio against Atlas and the Clasico Nacional against America following on Saturday.

USA already behind the eight-ball in U-20 World Cup qualifying – Soccer America
The USA’s quest to qualify for the 2017 U-20 World Cup is in danger just one game into the Concacaf Championship. Despite playing with a man advantage for 72 minutes, Coach Tab Ramos’ team fell, 1-0, to Panama.

Bahamas ready to face world’s best – FIFA
The anticipation and excitement is building in the Bahamas, as the archipelago nation prepares to host this year’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in a little over two months’ time.

Dwight Yorke ‘felt like criminal’ as he was denied entry to USA  – The Guardian
Yorke said he was prevented from entering the country due to an Iranian stamp on his passport having represented the ‘World Stars’ in a charity match against ‘Iranian Stars’ in Tehran in 2015.