France supporters celebrate at Vancouver’s Creekside Park – Bill Currie Photo.

2018 FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL

FRANCE    4   CROATIA    2

France rules the soccer world again – Sportsnet
Sunday’s 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow gave Les Bleus its second title, matching Uruguay and Argentina as two-time winners.

France revel in winning second world title – FIFA
Fresh off their triumph in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Final, the France players lingered on the pitch for several long minutes, revelling in a happy ending that will be remembered for eternity. A generation of supremely gifted players had overcome the challenge posed by an excellent Croatia side, showing their mettle to run out victorious in a game that they never had under complete control – despite scoring four goals.

France’s World Cup hero Mbappé: ‘I can do better’ – Ligue 1
France and Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappé has — unsurprisingly — won the 2018 FIFA World Cup’s Young Player award, but warned the planet: “I can do even better.”

Modric: Croatia can be proud – FIFA
Croatia’s players and their coach will return from Russia 2018 as national heroes. Luka Modric also heads for home with a tangible reward for his hugely impressive campaign, having collected the tournament’s adidas Golden Ball award.

Croatia punched above their weight but could not beat fate and France – The Guardian
Luka Modric was player of the World Cup but, for all the warrior-like qualities of his teammates, the key borderline decisions went against the nation of four million people.

Bob Lenarduzzi: VAR is here to stay, and it will only get better – Edmonton Journal
It was unfortunate that a video replay decision played such a prominent role in deciding the course of the game. I don’t think the handball was deliberate, and it definitely wasn’t a “clear and obvious” penalty, which is the criteria that’s supposed to be applied. The video assistant referee should have let it pass.

Jubilation, heartbreak for Vancouver fans as France clinches 2nd title – Global
More than 200 France supporters packed into The American bar on Vancouver’s Main Street, which was hosting the ultimate party for fans of Les Bleus.

Croatia loses in World Cup final, Victoria fans still jubilant – Goldstream Gazette
It wasn’t the outcome they were looking for, but the cheers of fans gathered at the Croatian Cultural Centre in Victoria on Sunday were still aplenty despite Croatia’s 4-2 loss to France in the World Cup final.

Party just getting started for World Cup fans in France – CTV
Soccer fans in France are pouring onto the streets to celebrate their national team’s World Cup championship.

Parties on Canadian streets after French World Cup win – CBC
Elated French fans burst out of bars and into the streets of Montreal on Sunday, as a celebration of their soccer team’s World Cup victory turned into an joyful dance party. In Toronto, ecstatic France fans paraded downtown waving French flags.

Despite loss to France, Croatians celebrate World Cup finals – Toronto Sun
Thousands of Croatian soccer fans didn’t let a World Cup Final loss to France get a a way of a celebration at Croatian Parish Park in Mississauga.

World Cup fans jam Argyle Street to watch France defeat Croatia 4-2 – CBC
Hundreds of World Cup fans enjoyed summer weather while viewing the final game on a big screen set up on Argyle Street on Sunday. France defeated Croatia 4-2. The event, which saw Argyle Street closed down, was organized by Halifax Wanderers.

Tens of thousands give heroes’ welcome to Croatia team – Maple Ridge News
Euphoria gave way to a mixture of disappointment and pride for Croatia fans after their national team lost to France in its first ever World Cup final.

Pussy Riot Members Detained After Running Onto the Field in World Cup Final, Police Say – NY Times
Members of the political activist group Pussy Riot said they staged a disruption of the World Cup final between France and Croatia on Sunday by running onto the field while wearing police uniforms.

Belgium blanks England to finish 3rd at World Cup – CBC
For Belgium and England, the third-place match at the World Cup was more like a dress rehearsal for future finals. At least they hope.

Prize money revealed for each 2018 World Cup nation – NBC Sports
Exactly $400 million will be dished out by FIFA in prize money to the 32 teams who competed in the 2018 World Cup, which is a $42 million increase from the tournament in 2014.

World Cup 2018 Never Stopped Captivating En Route to Crowning Champion – Yahoo Sports
There has been a tendency in soccer circles in recent years to look down on the international game—and, by extension, the World Cup—as an inferior brand to the European club game.

From Russia 2018 to Qatar 2022 – FIFA
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have taken part in a ceremony to hand over the role of FIFA World Cup hosts from Russia to Qatar.

BC NDP 2026 WORLD CUP SCANDAL

EXCLUSIVE: City of Vancouver documents disprove NDP “Blank Cheque” for Vancouver 2026 World Cup – BC Soccer Web
Documents obtained by BC Soccer Web show that the BC NDP never faced a “blank cheque” scenario on the 2026 World Cup bid, and that FIFA negotiations would be ongoing with all three governments through 2020.

CONCACAF boss ‘disappointed’ with B.C. bailing on 2026 tournament – Toronto Sun
“The BC NDP had assurances,” Montagliani added. “If things weren’t to their liking from a documentation standpoint (they could have walked away by 2020). The reality is they paid no attention to the file,” Montagliani suggested. “They put a junior person on the file. They didn’t pay attention until the eleventh hour.”

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS

D.C. UNITED 3 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 1

MLS MATCHDAY #20

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2018

AUDI FIELD, WASHINGTON, D.C.

United Destroy ‘Caps as they open their new stadium in style – AFTN
Everything was set up for a day of celebration for D.C. United on Saturday as they finally opened their new stadium with an eagerly awaited home match against Vancouver Whitecaps.

‘Caps fall 3-1 as D.C. United unveil Rooney and brand-new Audi Field – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (7W-8L-5D) suffered a 3-1 road defeat as D.C. United (3W-7L-5D) opened brand-new Audi Field on Saturday evening.

Whitecaps’ season on the precipice; the penthouse or basement beckons – The Province
The Vancouver Whitecaps are underwater for the first time this season, and a boat anchor of games played is dragging them down to the depths of the Western Conference.

D.C. United 3, Whitecaps 1: Hosts, Wayne Rooney outclass Vancouver in shiny new digs – Edmonton Journal
D.C. United were the winners, Wayne Rooney was The Show, but Alphonso Davies of Vancouver also left Washington a winner on Saturday.

D.C. United defeat Whitecaps in Wayne Rooney’s MLS debut – Sportsnet
Paul Arriola scored two goals on Saturday night and D.C. United celebrated the opening of Audi Field with a 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Rooneymania wins the day – Soccer Shorts
But from a supporter’s point of view what a waste of his young talent this season has been. A team containing the talent of Davies and Reyna with the MLS experience of Kamara and Felipe around them could and should have been crafted into an exciting and coherent whole rather than the nebulous and ever-changing lineups we’ve been subjected to.

Alphonso Davies on track to be Canada’s 1st men’s soccer superstar – CBC
Vancouver Whitecaps teen remains humble as international attention increases.

‘We want Rooney’: The impact of Wayne Rooney at D.C. United – Pro Soccer USA
The culmination of D.C. United’s two-week whirlwind Wayne Rooney marketing campaign hit a peak in the 56th minute of Saturday’s 3-1 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Fans around the newly-minted Audi Field chanted: “We want Rooney.”

DC United sideline reporter Lindsay Simpson hit by falling railing at new Audi Field – WJLA
The director of communications and sideline reporter for D.C. United was hit by a falling railing at Audi Field ahead of the brand new stadium’s inaugural match.

Audi Field’s debut is low-key, but venue has promise – SF Gate
The grand opening of Audi Field wasn’t all that grand. It was simple, understated. Some might say tasteful. Others might say underwhelming.

Impact keeps party atmosphere going at Saputo Stadium – Montreal Gazette
The Impact have been doing their best to make Saputo Stadium a fun place to be this summer. It certainly was for the 15,485 fans in attendance Saturday night as the Impact beat the San Jose Earthquakes 2-0 on goals from Saphir Taïder in the eighth minute and Ignacio Piatti in the 74th.

Orlando City snaps nine-game skid; beats Toronto FC, 2-1 – Hamilton Spectator
Chris Schuler scored his first Major League Soccer goal since 2014 to help Orlando City beat slumping Toronto FC, 2-1, on Saturday night and snap a franchise-record nine-game losing streak.

Toronto FC to play Tigres in Campeones Cup – Waking the Red
We’re officially getting a CONCACAF Champions League rematch this fall. After defeating Santos Laguna 4-0 on Sunday in the Campeon design Campeones, Tigres UANL secured their place in this inaugural competition between the Liga MX and MLS champions.

Seattle Sounders in best form of season, turn attention to winning home matches – Sounders FC
The Seattle Sounders’ latest form could not have come at a better time. Following a shorthanded 1-1 draw at Atlanta United on Sunday, the Sounders finished their only three-match road trip of the season while coincidentally recording their first three-match unbeaten streak of the 2018 MLS season.

MLS Week 20: A new stadium, goalzos, U-23 hopefuls rise, & an epic rant – ASN
THERE WAS A lot going on this weekend in MLS: a new stadium, goalzos, a crumbling defending champ, and an epic rant against bad officiating.

Watch all 42 goals from Week 20 of the 2018 MLS season | All Goals – MLS
Furious comebacks, injury-time drama and a goalfest on opening day at D.C.’s Audi Field: MLS Week 20 had plenty of scoring, and drama. Here’s every goal from the week’s 13 matches.

‘Happy guy’ Giles Barnes embraces the challenge, brings creativity to Colorado Rapids – Last Word on Soccer
Barely 24 hours after officially being announced as a new member of the Colorado Rapids, forward Giles Barnes made his first start for the club. Against his long-time club Houston Dynamo, Barnes had some good moments in 52 minutes on Saturday in a 0-0 draw.

What is the most locally-made Canadian MLS team? – Waking the Red
Different teams have different approaches in the league in regards to their development and youth systems. FC Dallas draws their success from playing their young Americans, as well as integrating a few South American attackers into their first team.

Mike Petke addresses his latest epic postgame rant – SBI
Following Saturday’s postgame rant regarding MLS refereeing, Mike Petke took to Twitter to apologize for one aspect in particular.

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BC SOCCER NEWS

HIGHLANDERS WRAP-UP 2018 PDL SEASON AT CENTENNIAL STADIUM – Victoria Highlanders
Victoria Highlanders FC (5-9-0) drop their final game of the 2018 PDL season vs Lane United FC (5-4-5), July 14, at UVic’s Centennial Stadium by a score of 4-0. Captain Callum Montgomery was named Supporters Player of the Year following the game.

Mixed emotions for TSS Rovers as they miss PDL playoffs but celebrate a season with “lots of firsts” – AFTN
It was a season of ups and downs, highs and lows, and a number of firsts for the sophomore club, but it was also one in which Colin Elmes and Will Cromack can take a lot from moving forward as their side finished with a club record 17 points from their 14 matches and a record of five wins, two draws, and seven defeats.

Prince Rupert soccer camp gets World Cup fever – Northern View
Prince Rupert played host to its own World Cup competition at the Charles Hays soccer field on July 13 as the DP World GoalGetters soccer camp returned to the city for its 18th year.

Call for interest for 2018 TD Diploma course – BCSA
Based on the level of interest, BC Soccer is planning to host a 2-day Technical Director’s course in late November or early December of 2018 (dates and location TBA). If you are interested in this course, please let BC Soccer know so they can update you.

PHOTOS: BC Provincial Men’s A Cup: BCT Rovers Tigers Utd. 5, Langley Utd. 2 (XT) – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

PHOTOS: 2018 BC Provincial Cup Parade of Champions – BC Soccer Web
See the winners from the 2018 BC Provincial Cup.

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

2018 Canadian Championship Semi-Final Round to kick off 18 July live on CanadaSoccer.com and Yahoo Sports Canada – CSA
After advancing from the 2018 Qualifying Round, Ottawa Fury FC host 2017 Canadian Championship winners Toronto FC at TD Place while Montreal Impact FC host Vancouver Whitecaps FC at State Saputo. Both matches will be streamed LIVE via CanadaSoccer.com as well as on ca.sports.Yahoo.com. with matches kicking off at 4:30 p.m. PT.

Not much to choose among top teams in Challenge Cup – The Telegram
The C.B.S. That Pro Look Strikers and defending champion Holy Cross each made the most out of their weekend schedules in Johnson Insurance Challenge Cup provincial men’s soccer.

Noseworthy, O’Neill have keyed Holy Cross’s prolific offence – The Telegram
Other than Holy Cross Avalon Ford’s season-opening game — a 2-0 win over Feildians Greensleeves — Crusaders teammates Jessie Noseworthy and Holly O’Neill each have at least one goal in all of the defending champion’s Breen’s Jubilee Trophy women’s soccer games this season.

Drinking with Supporters: Bridge City Firm – Northern Starting XI
This is part of a series of brief interviews with members of Canadian Premier League supporters’ groups across the country. Each supporters group was asked the same basic questions, in an attempt to get a proper feeling for the similarities and differences that we’ll see from supporters across the country when the league officially kicks off in 2019.

Tickets on sale for Canada v Brazil in Ottawa on 2 September – CSA
Tickets for the Canada v Brazil Women’s International match in Ottawa on 2 September will go on sale to the public 12 July at 10am ET. Tickets can be purchased via TDPlace.ca, by phone at 613.232.6767, and in-person at the TD Place Box Office. For complete ticket information visit www.canadasoccer.com/tickets.

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