VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
“New challenge” drives Whitecaps’ Anthony Blondell after coming off dream season in Venezuela – AFTN
Anthony Blondell couldn’t be heading into Vancouver on more of a high. 2017 was a dream year for the 23-year-old Venezuelan striker, but as he gets set to begin his new adventure in Major League Soccer with the Whitecaps, he’s hoping the best is yet to come.
Vancouver Whitecaps look to score more goals but keep same identity in 2018 – MLS
After two exits in three seasons at the Western Conference semifinal stage, the Vancouver Whitecaps face the challenge of advancing beyond the level of playoff team to MLS Cup contender.
Vancouver Whitecaps: Reasons to be Cheerful? – Soccer Shorts
Football doesn’t really break your heart. It might feel as though it does from time to time but really it’s just breaking your heart in for the real tragedies we all have to deal with.
Laba leaves Whitecaps for Argentine team – Reuters
After four seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps, midfielder Matias Laba signed Saturday with Club Estudiantes de La Plata in his native Argentina.
Is Russell Teibert a Perfect Wingback? – Eighty-Six Forever
Since his breakout season in 2013, in which he had 9 assists, Teibert has found himself very deep on Carl Robinson’s depth chart. However, with the suggestion that the Vancouver Whitecaps are transitioning to a 3-CB formation, could this be Teibert’s opportunity to raise his profile again? I argue that his attributes make him an ideal candidate to play as a left wingback.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic nearing move to Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy — sources – ESPN FC
The LA Galaxy are inching closer to signing Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, multiple sources have confirmed to ESPN FC.
Toronto FC nears deal with Dutch right back Gregory van der Wiel – Sportsnet
It appears Toronto FC has found one of its international targets.
Defender Kyle Fisher successfully undergoes surgery – Montreal Impact
The Montreal Impact announced that center back Kyle Fisher had successful surgery on Friday to repair a stress fracture on his left tibia.
Vanney pleased with total team performance in preseason opener – Toronto FC
The 2018 preseason kicked off in winning fashion for Toronto FC as the Reds dispatched local collegiate side UC Irvine 4-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Ex-TFC, Ottawa Fury striker Andrew Wiedeman still embracing ‘best finisher’ moniker in retirement – Toronto Sun
While Wiedeman’s MLS career ended in 2014, he speaks just as fondly about toiling in lower leagues. “I spent a good part of my time in MLS not being concerned with Saturdays,” he said. “I wasn’t involved in them.
Gleeson or Attinella? Goalkeeping Decision Looms For Timbers – Portland Mercury
Though it started with two seismic departures, the Portland Timbers have had themselves what appears to be an awfully effective offseason.
Schweinsteiger Gets Munich Tribute Match – Prost Amerika
Former Bayern Munich superstar and current Chicago Fire midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger will get a tribute match at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, August 28th, with the Fire playing Bayern Munich. Schweinsteiger will play one half for each club.
DaMarcus Beasley: ‘I’m a Dynamo through and through’ – Houston Chronicle
DaMarcus Beasley reports that he had offers from ‘good’ teams during free agency but hinted that it would have taken something extra special to pry him away from the Dynamo.
Johnny Russell ‘agrees terms’ with Sporting Kansas City after deciding to leave Derby County – Derby Telegraph
Scotland international is set for Rams exit after expressing desire to play in the United States.
MLS officially approves David Beckham’s Miami expansion franchise – SBI
For almost two decades, Miami has dreamed and fantasized about once again having an MLS team. On Monday, those dreams and fantasies finally became a reality.
Don’t screw this up like you did before, Miami – Local 10
David Beckham has done it. Major League Soccer is finally coming to South Florida. Again. While thousands (hopefully) are cheering on Becks as he flashes his global star power to bring Miami an MLS franchise, lets not forget that we’ve been here before… and failed miserably.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL Results & Standings, January 29, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Here is how the weekend wrapped up, with special congratulations to Cowichan LMG for claiming the 4th straight divisional championship – earning the Garrison Cup.
Better start pays off for Cowichan’s Craig Street 49ers – Cowichan Valley Citizen
Fed up with his team’s notoriously bad beginnings coach Kevin James made some changes to the lineup.
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.
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
Canada fails to qualify for U20 World Cup after loss to Haiti – CBC
Canada has failed to qualify for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, upset 1-0 by Haiti in the third-place game Sunday at the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship.
Canada falls 1:0 to Haiti in final qualification match for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup – CSA
Despite winning its group with nine points and tying Mexico in regulation play of the Semi-Final, Canada’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup aspirations came to an end against Haiti as the Caribbean nation topped Canada 1:0 in the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship to claim the final FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup spot.
The virtues of playing possum: Haiti stuns Canada in U-20 third-place match – the11.ca
Sure, we can bellyache how the U-20 team was missing some key pieces (such as Jessie Fleming), but the truth is we saw that this was all coming apart at the 2016 Women’s U-20 World Cup. That Canadian team was outscored 13-1 over three group-stage games; the gulf in class between Canada and the rest of the field was blatant. Maybe, if this group would have got back to the U-20 Women’s World Cup, things would have been equally as ugly.
Canada’s Huitema wins CU20W Golden Boot – CONCACAF
Canada’s Jordyn Huitema captured the 2018 CONCACAF Under-20 Women’s Championship Golden Boot award by netting five goals in as many games.
Canada’s Leon, Chapman without clubs as NWSL team folds – CBC
The National Women’s Soccer League confirmed Sunday that the Boston Breakers have closed shop. News of the demise of the franchise, home to Canadian internationals Allysha Chapman and Adriana Leon, first broke Thursday — on Chapman’s 29th birthday.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Laurent Guyot named Toronto FC II Head Coach – Toronto FC
Toronto FC announced Friday that Laurent Guyot has been named as the new head coach for Toronto FC II. Guyot who has served as the club’s academy director since 2015 will also continue in that role. In addition, Anthony Capotosto, who has been a coaching within the Toronto FC Academy since 2009, has been promoted to Assistant Academy Director.
Independence Ink Trinidad & Tobago International – USL
The Charlotte Independence announced on Monday the club had signed Trinidad and Tobago national team player Kevan George to the 2018 roster, bringing aboard the versatile veteran for the new USL season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.
Indy to Play at Lucas Oil Stadium – USL
New USL club Indy Eleven, the Capital Improvement Board of Managers, and the City of Indianapolis announced on Monday that Indy Eleven home matches will be scheduled at Lucas Oil Stadium for the 2018 season.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Mexico prevail in strengthened CONCACAF region – FIFA
Mexico were crowned CONCACAF Women’s U-20 champions for the first time in history after a drama-filled victory over holders USA in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago. Nothing could separate the two regional rivals after regulation and extra time, but it was Mexico who prevailed from the spot with goalkeeper Emily Alvarado making two crucial saves.
Sunderland Ladies 0, Manchester City Women 3 – BBC Sport
Manchester City maintained their two-point lead at the top of Women’s Super League One and their flawless league record with victory at Sunderland.
Westfield W-League Round 13 recap: the penultimate weekend was unable to shake out the finals field – Vavel
The second to last round of the W-League saw an incredible 22 goals scored and one of the craziest finishes of the season.
NWSL leader says league is strong despite losing Boston Breakers – Orlando Sentinel
The National Women’s Soccer League lost one of its 10 franchises, but managing director Amanda Duffy insists the future of the league is bright and stable.
Paraguay, Brazil scoop up tickets to France 2018 – FIFA
Brazil and Paraguay have won South America’s two tickets to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018.
Nigeria and Ghana to represent Africa in France – Pulse
The Falconets of Nigeria and Ghana’s U-20 women’s team will represent Africa at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
England Women coach defends character: ‘I’m not a sexist’ – Sportsnet
Rejecting accusations he is a sexist, Phil Neville said Monday he has the character and status to be a role model after taking on the “ultimate job” as coach of England’s women’s national soccer team.
Phil Neville interview with Sky Sports: Full transcript of hard-hitting interview – Sky Sports
Phil Neville gave a candid interview to Sky Sports News’ Jane Dougall on Monday regarding his controversial appointment as England Women head coach.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Quadruple still on for City after FA Cup win at Cardiff – Sportsnet
Even though Pep Guardiola won’t admit it, Manchester City has an increasingly serious chance of completing the quadruple this season.
Spurs avoid shock FA Cup exit in draw at 4th-tier Newport – Durham Region
Tottenham survived a huge scare in the FA Cup as a late Harry Kane goal rescued a 1-1 draw at fourth-tier Newport in the fourth round on Saturday.
West Ham defender gets 6-game ban for spitting – Sportsnet
West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku has been banned for six games for spitting at an opponent during an FA Cup match.
Jürgen Klopp claims Liverpool FA Cup tie was cut short on broadcaster’s orders – The Guardian
Jürgen Klopp has alleged Liverpool’s FA Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion was cut short by six minutes on the orders of broadcasters.
Week 23 review: Cavani wrests record from Zlatan – Ligue 1
Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani became Paris Saint-Germain’s all-time leading scorer on Saturday as the capital club trumped Montpellier; high-flying Lyon were brought back down to earth by Gus Poyet’s Bordeaux and Saint-Etienne got a welcome win.
Mertens back to help Napoli beat Bologna and go top again – Sportsnet
Dries Mertens is back in form and at the perfect time for Napoli as the Serie A title race heats up.
Juventus taking Coppa Italia seriously, insists Allegri – Four Four Two
Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus want to reach another Coppa Italia final despite the concerns about a hectic run of matches coming up.
La Liga wrap: Messi free kick completes Barca comeback – NBC Sport
The league leaders got some luck and some Leo to stretch its unbeaten league season to 21 matches in one of four Sunday matches in La Liga.
From nowhere to conquerors of Madrid: Leganés continue their stunning rise – The Guardian
They train on a pitch surrounded by rubble but a Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid is the latest step on Leganés’s ride.
FIFA grounds jet-set culture reducing spending by 88%, finds report – Inside World Football
A confidential report commissioned by FIFA president Gianni Infantino into the organisation’s financial workings before he took over from Sepp Blatter has uncovered an eye-watering spending spree by the old guard, most of whom have now been forced out including Blatter and his one-time right-hand man, Jerome Valcke.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Arsenal close to £60m deal for Borussia Dortmund striker – BBC Sport
Arsenal are close to an agreement to sign Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund for about £60m.
Can Libya crash Morocco’s CHAN party? – African Football
Libya will look to crash Morocco’s 2018 African Nations Championship party when the teams meet in the first semifinal on Wednesday evening, set for the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.
U.S. Soccer still doesn’t get it – Yahoo Sports
It was business as usual. For the first time since its failure to reach the 2018 World Cup with a loss in Trinidad and Tobago back in October, the United States men’s national team played a home game on Sunday. Yet, somehow, it felt like no major shock had ever been felt. Like the U.S. wasn’t about to miss its first World Cup since the first year of Ronald Reagan’s second presidential term.
Indian I-League leaders Minerva Punjab report matchfixers attempts on players – Inside World Football
One of India’s biggest clubs has written to their governing body claiming two of their players have been approached via social media to fix matches.
Futsal rules: a quick guide – UEFA
The laws of futsal are similar to those of football but with some important differences: let us talk you through the rolling substitutions, accumulated fouls, double penalties and four-second count.