BC Soccer News, Monday, January 23, 2017

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS

Whitecaps FC sign Peruvian international attacking midfielder/forward Yordy ReynaWhitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Monday that the club has acquired attacking midfielder/forward Yordy Reyna from Austrian Bundesliga champions FC Red Bull Salzburg.

Whitecaps set to sign Peruvian international winger-forward Yordy ReynaThe Province
Yordy Reyna, a 23-year-old Peruvian international winger-forward, will join the Caps for training camp in Wales this coming week.

Robinson on Yordy Reyna: ‘He’s an exciting young talent’ Whitecaps FC
Carl Robinson didn’t have to think twice when asked to describe Yordy Reyna, who Vancouver Whitecaps FC acquired on Monday using Targeted Allocation Money.

Yordy Reyna: Perusing what we knowSoccer Shorts
Being a fan of the Whitecaps in this particular off season has been a little like being a truffle pig in a world without truffles.

Whitecaps FC to face Bristol City FC, Cardiff City FC, and Oxford United FC in preseason friendlies –  Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Saturday that the club will play three exhibition matches against English Football League clubs, including Championship sides Bristol City FC and Cardiff City FC, as well as League One outfit Oxford United FC, as part of their 2017 preseason trip to the United Kingdom.

Whitecaps’ Bustos vows “bigger and better things” for club, country in 2017MLS
With a tantalizing end to 2016, Marco Bustos feels that his time is close at hand.

CONCACAF reveals new Champions League format, MLS teams play February-MayMLS
CONCACAF on Monday announced a new format and schedule for the CONCACAF Champions League, which will see the elimination of the group stage in favor of a second tournament and MLS participation from February through May of each year only.

Dom Dwyer: could the England-born striker be a star for USA? The Guardian
The Sporting KC striker, 26, is close to gaining US citizenship, and has already held talks with US officials about representing his adopted home.

Colorado Rapids sign two-time MLS Cup champion Alan GordonColorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today the signing of free agent forward Alan Gordon to a one-year contract. The deal is conditional upon Gordon passing a medical exam.

The son also rises: DC United sign Ian Harkes to Homegrown dealMLS
D.C. United announced the signing of academy product Ian Harkes to a Homegrown Player contract on Monday, securing the services of NCAA soccer’s best player in 2016 and the son of a club legend. The son of former United great and longtime US national team star John Harkes, Ian becomes the ninth Homegrown signing in D.C. history.

Toronto FC’s young Canadians facing a crucial yearWaking the Red
A group of domestic hopefuls will be looking to make their mark in what could be a defining season.

Heath’s Rejected Molino Bid in the Age of Transparency Fifty Five One
When reporting on Minnesota United’s offer to Orlando City for Kevin Molino last week, FourFourTwo’s Paul Tenorio threw in an interesting figure: $500,000. In light of MLS’ new-found transparency, this number tells us that the interest from Minnesota was significant since it would have been the second-highest intraleague transfer as far as the public record is concerned.

Minnesota United FC 2017 season previewProst Amerika
At last with the 2017 MLS Draft now in the rearview mirror, eight weeks separate Minnesota United and the start of its inaugural MLS season. The road leading up to March 3rd has certainly had its twists and turns and with new signings still on the horizon, there are still ample questions to be answered before kickoff. That being said, let’s take a look at what United supporters have to look forward to heading into the 2017 campaign.

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BC SOCCER NEWS

VISL Weekend Results – January 20-22VISL
Division 1 was back in full swing this past weekend, and the results did not disappoint!

Plush addresses Vancouver NWSL expansion rumors The Equalizer
There won’t be any NWSL expansion for the 2017 season; however, rumblings in Vancouver suggest Whitecaps FC are interested in an NWSL expansion team for the 2018 season.

Improving the Highlanders Fan Experience Part 2: Smells & TastesNorthern Starting XI
Welcome to the second part in my series on improving the fan experience at Highlanders matches. Last week, we released “Part 1: Sights & Sounds” which focused on a few important things that we see & hear at the matches. Today, I’m focusing on two much more important senses: smell & taste. Some of it is very good, and the Highlanders have done some great things. But some areas could use a bit of a rethink.

Swangard to host new soccer clubNews 1130
TSS FC Rovers aims to write the next chapter in the stadium’s history, playing in the Premier Development League — planning to field an all-Canadian lineup with most players 23 years of age or younger, starting this spring.

FVSL All-Stars to face WFC2 in MarchBC 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 NominationsBCSA
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 saleHighlanders 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, 2016BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

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

Tickets now on sale for Canada Soccer Women’s National Team celebration match 4 February in VancouverCSA
Individual tickets to the Canada v Mexico Women’s National Team Bronze Medal celebration match on 4 February 2017 in Vancouver are now on sale to the public. Complete ticket information can be found at CanadaSoccer.com/Tickets.

MWSL PHOTOS: Van United Primas 0, Fraser Valley Action 2, October 30, 2016BC 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.

BC Soccer Assoc. Delivery of Coach MandateBCSA
IMPORTANT:  If you are coaching in the ages U6-U12 you are required to complete the age appropriate course(s) even if you have a higher level of certification (ie. Soccer for Life, B pretest, C License, B License or A License). In order to enable our membership to deliver on the coaching mandate, BC Soccer Assoc. will be scheduling Learning Facilitator training sessions to assist organizations to have qualified individuals to deliver in-club coach certification courses to their coaches.

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 SyndicationBC 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

Canada wins 4:2 over Bermuda to kick off 2017 campaignCSA
A young Canadian squad pulled together to win 4:2 over hosts Bermuda in their first match of the 2017 international season. Jonathan Osorio, Tosaint Ricketts, Jay Chapman, and Anthony Jackson-Hamel were the goalscorers in the victory.

Canada’s young MLSers provide reasons for optimism in win over BermudaMLS
It’s been a historical complaint that Canadian teams have issues scoring goals and grabbing results when the situation arises. But Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Bermuda provided a small measure of optimism as the four goals came from four different scorers. Three of those goals were first-ever international goals with Jonathan Osorio, Jay Chapman and Anthony Jackson-Hamel all opening their respective accounts.

Canada gains valuable experience in CONCACAF ‘weirdness’Sportsnet
And while Canada managed to come away with a somewhat laboured 4-2 victory over Bermuda on Sunday afternoon, there’s a lot that they can use from this contest to take into future games as they prepare for this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Canada’s men avoids embarrassment in win over lowly BermudaCalgary Sun
Veteran defender Adam Straith was one of many Canadians to experience a first on Sunday. The game was turned on its head in the 55th minute when Canada conceded a shocking equalizer, saw its substitute goalkeeper injured and after having only two goalkeepers on the roster, had to turn to Straith to step in for the final 35 minutes.

Canada to face Scotland away in March friendly matchCSA
Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team will face Scotland in an away Men’s International Friendly match on 22 March. The 2017 match will be played during the FIFA international window.

New CONCACAF Champions League to feature 31 teams, but still only room for one Canadian clubthe11.ca
The new, revamped CONCACAF Champions League will feature 31 teams, but there is still no room for more than one Canadian team at the inn.

Canada Men’s U-20 draw away series with PanamaCSA
Canada and Panama drew even in a two-match Men’s U-20 International Series, with Canada taking the Thursday match 1:0 before Panama won the Saturday match 2:1. The series in La Chorrea will help prepare both nations for the upcoming 2017 CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Championship in Costa Rica.

Growth of Soccer in Alberta’s CapitalSideline Story
The soccer scene is Edmonton is growing rapidly thanks to the success of local professional soccer team, FC Edmonton. However, it’s not just the Eddies who are helping grow the game in Alberta, the likes of Edmonton Scottish and the University of Alberta are lending a helping hand with both teams winning national championships in 2016.

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WFC2, USL, NASL & NPSL NEWS

NASL Targets Chicago, Detroit, Orange County, and San Diego for ExpansionFifty Five One
With the NASL alive and well for another season, the league has shifted its focus to the future. Gone (presumably) are the days of grandstanding and false advertising about rapid league growth. Instead, the league has identified four primary markets as a first step towards stable expansion.

Could do better: why the best team in USL has plenty of room for improvementOnce a Metro
Two years into its existence, NYRB II is the best team in USL, but still has work to do to fulfill its primary purpose.

Albuquerque explores possibility of professional soccer stadiumKRQE
City officials say the Albuquerque Sol Football Club would need to own or be a primary tenant of a 10,000 seat stadium to seek entry into the United Soccer League.

STLFC’s Herrera Lifts El Salvador into Gold CupUSL
Saint Louis FC’s Enrique Herrera’s first goal of 2017 came at just the right moment for his native El Salvador, as it proved the winner in a 1-0 victory against Nicaragua that booked La Selecta’s place in the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Upsets highlight penultimate round W-League
A round of upsets has set up a thrilling finale to the Westfield W-League regular season, with the premiership as well as the fourth and final semi-final berth still up for grabs.

Northwest Premier League adds playoffs, parity scheduling for second seasonGoalWA
The Northwest Premier League (NWPL) recently announced drastic changes to its competition format ahead of the league’s second season. Now the elite amateur adult women’s competition will feature playoffs instead of a top of the table champion. Further, the league addressed parity and balance concerns with a “strength of opponent” scheduling format.

Glasgow City make two impressive signingsVavel
SWPL 1 Champions Glasgow City announce the signing of Jamaican international Lauren Silver and talented American forward Savannah Jordan.

21 nations enter Women’s Asian Cup draw as Jordan prepares for 2018 finalsInside World Football
Jordan, who will host the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018, hosted the draw for the qualifying rounds that will be played in four groups in Tajikistan, DPR Korea, Palestine and Vietnam.

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WORLD SOCCER NEWS

European Weekend Rewind: Rooney breaks Man United scoring record, Real Madrid recover and moreSBI
Manchester United has a new scoring king. The storied club in England experienced a shift in the record books on Saturday, as Wayne Rooney broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s goal mark with a strike against Stoke City.

Premier League weekend review: Costa a man for big occasionsSportsnet
Here’s what happened in the Premier League this weekend, in case you missed it…

Real Madrid back to winning ways, but Ronaldo form doubts, injuries pile upFox Sports
Real Madrid followed its Spanish-record, 40-game unbeaten streak with a pair of losses, first to Sevilla and then to Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey. So it was a nervous Madrid that took to the field against Malaga, and edged through 2-1 thanks to two goals from Sergio Ramos, who has now scored eight goals this season.

AC Milan sign Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu on season-long loanESPN FC
Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu has joined AC Milan on loan until the end of the season, the club have announced.

RB Leipzig show no signs of a hangover to keep pace with Bayern MunichThe Guardian
Leipzig’s exciting, young squad, like Hoffenheim in 2009, have made a fine start to life in the Bundesliga and so far look to be the real deal.

Week 21 review: Monaco pull clear, OL take OlympicoLigue 1
AS Monaco continued their scintillating attacking form with a 4-0 win over Lorient to go two points clear atop the table; Olympique Lyonnais claimed an eighth win in ten matches with a thrilling 3-2 victory at home to ‘Olympian’ rivals Marseille.

Mario Balotelli subjected to racist monkey chants at BastiaFox Sports
Nice dropped points for the second week running and has now only won one of its last seven games. The 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Bastia, though, could have other consequences after Mario Balotelli posted his thoughts on racist abuse he received from Bastia fans on Instagram.

Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason speaking after skull surgery ESPN FC
Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason has been speaking to club officials who visited him in hospital on Monday morning after he underwent surgery on a fractured skull, the Premier League club have announced.

Gabon agonisingly exit AFCON as poor pitches draw injuries and criticismInside World Football
Despite being unbeaten, Gabon became only the fourth hosts in history to exit the Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage – and the first for 23 years – as concerns continue to mount over the state of pitches at Africa’s flagship event.

Afcon 2017: how did South Africa and Nigeria, Africa’s richest nations, miss out?The Guardian
Nigeria have won the U17 World Cup a record five times and South Africa hosted the World Cup only seven years ago. How did they fall so far so quickly?

Tigres attack is back, Tijuana finds its groove and more things we learned in Liga MX Round 3SN
We knew heading into the weekend that we’d see an enthralling rematch of a final that had us glued to our TV screens a month ago. But we learned plenty outside of the weekend’s marquee contest as well, including a bit about the team currently sitting No. 1 and a team that we didn’t expect to talk much about at all that is holding serve at home.

Chapecoense plays first game since tragic plane crashSportsnet
Fifty-four days after most of Chapecoense’s squad was killed in a tragic plane crash, the Brazilian club began a new era.

FIFA strengthens support to member associations with new structure for regional offices FIFA
In line with the FIFA 2.0 vision and with a view to improving interaction with its member associations as well as enhancing the scope of its engagement around the globe, FIFA is putting in place a new network of regional offices that will strengthen, modernise and repurpose the support it provides to its members.

Sir Rod Stewart rocks Scottish Cup fifth round draw with bizarre anticsThe Guardian
Sir Rod Stewart has caused a stir on social media with his bizarre antics during the Scottish Cup fifth round draw.

Chelsea and Tottenham will find progress has a price at capital groundsThe Guardian
It isn’t always easy remembering what Stamford Bridge used to be like before the money arrived. Suffice to say, though, it was nothing like the shiny, photogenic ground Chelsea call home now. Stamford Bridge had soul. But it was hard-faced, too, and a little eccentric.

Posted in BC Soccer News, British Columbia Soccer.