BC SOCCER WEB WORLD CUP CENTRAL

Every day, we’ll bring you all of scores, news and best writing from around the web from the 2018 World Cup.

UPCOMING MATCHES

Thursday, June 14

GROUP A
RUSSIA vs. SAUDI ARABIA, 7:00 AM PT (CTV, TSN)

Friday, June 15

GROUP A & B
EGYPT vs. URUGUAY, 4:00 AM PT, (TSN)
MOROCCO vs. IRAN, 7:30 AM PT (TSN)
PORTUGAL vs. SPAIN, 10:30 AM PT, (TSN)

WORLD CUP GROUP PREVIEWS

2018 World Cup Group A Preview: Uruguay Favored; All Eyes on Salah, Hosts – SI.com
Like all good hosts should, Russia is in Group A to make everyone else feel comfortable. With Uruguay the favorite to advance out of the group, Egypt hopeful it will have a fully fit Mohamed Salah and Saudi Arabia considered an even match, Russia has its work cut out to avoid embarrassment on home soil at the 2018 World Cup.

World Cup Group B preview: Cristiano Ronaldo has a pretty clear path to advance – L.A. Times
Portugal is joined by Spain, Iran and Morocco in Group B of the World Cup in Russia. Here’s a look at each team.

World Cup 2018 Group C preview: France … and then who? – Yahoo Sports
It’s basically a beefed-up version of Group A. France, barring a meltdown, should go through. Australia, barring the invention of a potion that makes Tim Cahill 10 years younger, probably won’t. That leaves Denmark and Peru as the two candidates for one knockout round spot. They square off on the third day of the tournament – the first of Group C. Their matchup will set the tone for the remainder of the round robin.

2018 World Cup Group D Preview: Argentina, Croatia Class of Deadly Group – SI.com
Not every team at the World Cup feels worthy of knockout stage competition, but Group D is unique: Argentina, Iceland, Nigeria and Croatia are all capable of making a run, at least to the round of 16. But for the Group D favorite, Argentina, nothing short of a trophy will satisfy.

2018 World Cup Group E Preview: It’s Brazil and Three Challengers for Second – SI.com
Group E at Russia’s 2018 World Cup isn’t the most star-laden or high-profile, but there’s an argument to be made for all four sides to go through, paced by one giant and three capable contenders. Brazil will go through barring disaster—when combining talent and recent form, Brazil is arguably the team to beat across the entire tournament.

Group F World Cup Preview: Germany’s trend-snapping quest; skipper’s record-breaking feat – Fox Sports
2014 winners Germany will be looking to avoid making the same mistake that Spain and Italy did as holders, by not making it out of the group stage.

World Cup Group G Preview: two giants against two rookies – Chicago Tribune
The moment of truth has arrived for a Belgium side filled with talent. After enduring lackluster World Cups, the Belgians once again provide hope like they did in Mexico 1986 when they reached the semifinals.

World Cup 2018: your guide to Group H – Irish Times
This looks to be one of the most even groups with all four teams laying claim to last 16 spots.

Your complete guide to all 736 players at the 2018 World Cup – The Guardian
Biographies of every player in all 32 squads in Russia, including caps, goals, nicknames, hobbies and, once the tournament starts, ratings for every performance.

 

HOW TO WATCH THE WORLD CUP

FIFA World Cup on TSN and CTV – Broadcast Schedule – TSN
All matches will be broadcast live on TSN, CTV, TSN 2.

Best places to watch the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver – Daily Hive
Even though the Canadian men’s national team didn’t qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Canucks still love to watch the tournament along with the rest of the world (especially when there is food and beer involved).

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 5 ORLANDO CITY SC 2

MLS MATCHDAY #16

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018

BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.

MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps 5, Orlando City SC 2, June 9, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

Davies dishes up a five star feast to lead Whitecaps to win over Orlando City – AFTN
With the World Cup break looming, Vancouver Whitecaps left their supporters with something to look forward to in the second half of the season as they found their shooting boots to defeat ten-man Orlando City 5-2 at BC Place on Saturday afternoon.

Alphonso Davies’ goal, three assists lead Whitecaps over Orlando City – Sportsnet
Teenager Alphonso Davies scored one goal and set up three others as the Vancouver Whitecaps defeated Orlando City SC 5-2 Saturday to win their first game on home turf in over a month.

Dazzling Davies just part of Whitecaps larger offensive explosion – The Province
It was a perfect 10, but Carl Robinson wasn’t about to let a perfect player rating go to Alphonso Davies’ head.

‘Caps continue offensive onslaught as Davies enjoys record afternoon – Whitecaps FC
Alphonso Davies scored a goal and tallied a new club MLS record three assists to lead Vancouver Whitecaps FC (6W-5L-5D) to a wild 5-2 victory over Orlando City SC (6W-7L-1D) at BC Place on Saturday afternoon.

Bad goals against continue to haunt Carl Robinson’s side – Edmonton Journal
Carl Robinson’s face was a dark cloud after Saturday’s game, despite his Vancouver Whitecaps scoring the most goals in a regular-season match in team history.

Orlando City’s issues exposed during 5-2 loss to Vancouver Whitecaps – Pro Soccer USA
There should be some frustration in Orlando City’s attack. When the Lions aren’t giving the ball away in the middle of the pitch, they have little trouble getting into the final third. Once they’re in the final third, things go sideways.

Vancouver Whitecaps bring Orlando to heel – Soccer Shorts
Before we get too carried away we would do well to remember that the last two teams the Vancouver Whitecaps have beaten have amassed the grand total of zero points from thirteen games combined.

FIFA World Cup preview: Whitecaps’ Kendall Waston hopes to repeat success of Costa Rica in 2014 in Group E – Ladysmith Chronicle
The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday, June 14. Leading up to the tourney, we’ll offer our previews and predictions for each of the eight groups. Today, a look at Group E.

Tim Parker impresses in first matches with USMNT – SBI
For Tim Parker, this international break has given him the chance to represent the U.S. Men’s National Team for the first time. After earning his first cap in a 2-1 loss in Ireland, Parker started on Saturday and played the full 90 minutes as the USMNT got a 1-1 draw against Les Bleus.

Osorio’s brace leads Reds to victory in Philadelphia – Toronto FC
Toronto FC beat the Philadelphia Union on Friday in early May, and they repeated that feat on Friday, downing the Union 2-0 at Talen Energy Stadium.

Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio attracting transfer bids, interest in Germany – Toronto Sun
The 25-year-old Canadian, a player who has spent his entire career with his hometown team, might not remain here for long.

Impact finally find net, but it’s their own in 2-0 loss to Dallas – Montreal Gazette
If you can’t score, you can’t win. That reality hit home for the offensively challenged Impact Saturday night as they dropped a 2-0 decision to FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium.

NEXT STOP, NICE: Vieira leaves NYCFC to coach French Ligue 1 club – Last Word on Soccer
After weeks of rumors and reports that Patrick Vieira would leave New York City FC, the other soccer boot dropped Sunday.

Patrick Vieira leaves NYC FC with his – and MLS’s – reputation enhanced – The Guardian
The Frenchman turned New York City FC into a contender and also showed that the league can act as a proving ground for young coaches.

Torrent replaces Vieira as NYCFC boss – NBC Sports
Domenec Torrent has been appointed as the new manager of Major League Soccer side New York City FC after Patrick Vieira’s move to Nice in Ligue 1 was announced officially on Monday.

Results: MLS, Week 15 – Soccer America
Complete MLS results from Week 15.

Watch all 32 goals from Week 15 of the 2018 MLS season – MLS
Miss any of the 32 goals from Week 15? Catch them all here.

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BC SOCCER NEWS

Kjeld Brodsgaard Re-Elected President and Carlos Grosso Elected 1st Vice President as BC Soccer Welcomes Three Newly Elected Board Members – BCSA
The BC Soccer Annual General Meeting took place Saturday, June 9, 2018 and amongst the highlights was the re-election of Kjeld Brodsgaard as the BC Soccer President and Carlos Grosso as the newly elected First Vice President.

Soccer Conference, Technical Director Diploma, and 15 Clubs Achieving Standard the Club Charter Program highlight the 2017-2018 Year – BCSA
BC Soccer is proud to release the 2017-2018 Year in Review after another successful year of soccer. Soccer Conference, Technical Director Diploma, and 15 Clubs Achieving Standard the Club Charter Program highlight the 2017-2018 Season, along with the delivery of hundreds of coaching courses and referee clinics highlighted some of the successes.

2018 AGM – Bylaw, Constitution, Rules and Regulations Updates – BCSA
The BC Soccer Annual General Meeting took place Saturday, June 9, 2018 and membership voted on a number of important amendments to the association’s Bylaws/Constitution and Rules/Regulations which took effect as of June 10, 2018.

Thomas Gardner feeling “really at home” with TSS Rovers as he embarks on the next stage of his footballing career – AFTN
As great as it is to see Thomas Gardner on the pitch in a TSS Rovers strip this season, it’s still kind of weird seeing him in the colours of someone that isn’t Vancouver Whitecaps.

Downtown Eastside soccer league heads to Alert Bay to celebrate sports, community, First Nations culture – CBC
The Vancouver Street Soccer League is preparing to head north to Alert Bay, B.C., for a soccer tournament focused on First Nations culture this week.

Hundreds turn out for ‘anti-gang’ soccer tournament in Surrey – CBC
Nearly 1,000 young soccer players came out for an annual tournament Saturday, encouraging children and teens to stay in sports and out of gang activity in Surrey, B.C.

Best places to watch the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver – Daily Hive
Even though the Canadian men’s national team didn’t qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Canucks still love to watch the tournament along with the rest of the world (especially when there is food and beer involved).

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: KYSA seeks an Executive Director (PDF File) – KYSA
Kamloops Youth Soccer Association has an exciting opprtunity available for an Executive Director.

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.

TSS Rovers release Season Tickets for the 2018 season – TSS Rovers
A great summer of soccer is in store at Swangard Stadium with the PDL & WPSL TSS Rovers. Season yickets are only $70.

Victoria Highlanders FC 2018 Season Tickets now on sale – Victoria Highlanders
Spend your summer with the PDL Highlanders at Centennial Stadium for only $75.

Canada’s College ID Camps set for Shawnigan Lake & Kingston, Ontario – Canada College ID Camps
Our purpose is to provide a space where players grade 9-12 can connect with college coaches from all levels in Canada and the USA. We hope to assist in the promotion of youth players into environments which will challenge them academically and athletically after high school.

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 can’t overcome Germany in women’s soccer friendly – CBC
Kenneth Heiner-Moller didn’t get a win on his home coaching debut for Canada but he found plenty of positives in Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Olympic champion Germany.

Fans treated to top-notch spectacle – Hamilton Spectator
The scoreboard read as it so often has — a one-goal win for Germany — but there was another kind of victory here. The triumph of entertainment.

Stop the cheerleading: The cracks in the Canadian women’s program are there for everyone to see – the11.ca
The senior team lost 3-2 in Hamilton to the Germans in a friendly, with the 173rd international goal from Christine Sinclair and a marker from Jessie Fleming not being enough to offset yet another worrying team defensive performance.

Canadian coach Heiner-Moller picking up where Herdman left off – The Star
Kenneth Heiner-Moller’s role with the Canadian women’s national team began as a temporary thing.

Canadian soccer stalwarts say co-hosting 2026 World Cup could transform the sport in Canada – Global
With only two days left to go until Canada learns whether it will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, some of the biggest names in Canadian soccer are speaking out about what co-hosting soccer’s showpiece event would do for the future of the world’s most popular sport in Canada.

Canada falls to Mexico in U17 women’s soccer semifinals – CBC
Nicole Perez scored on a penalty kick in the 45th minute as Mexico clinched a berth in the 2018 FIFA under-17 women’s World Cup by beating Canada 2-1 on Sunday in the semifinals of the CONCACAF U17 championship in Bradenton, Fla.

Canadian defender Kadeisha Buchanan makes mark on world stage – CBC
Having earned a new contract with European powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais, Kadeisha Buchanan gets a rare showcase at home Sunday.

The Supporters Have Rallied: FC Edmonton Welcomed into Canadian Premier League – Canadian Premier League
Canadian Premier League Commissioner David Clanachan confirmed Friday that FC Edmonton will officially play in Canada’s professional men’s soccer league when it debuts in Spring 2019. The announcement comes following an outpouring of overwhelming support from the community over the past two months.

You only live twice: FCE’s resurrection is official – the11.ca
On Friday night, at a street party just a drunken whoop away from the Whyte Avenue strip, FC Edmonton officially became team No. 5 in the Canadian Premier League. A new badge was unveiled. The team’s colours will be two shades of blue and, ahem, “Rabbit White.”

Late Strike All Diamonds In Woodbridge Strikers Win – League1 Ontario
Two quick goals, from Cathryn Rogers (3′) and Jessica Lisi (6′), were squandered by an Aurora FC comeback late in the game, but a rocket from centre back Diamond Simpson (87′) sealed the Woodbridge Strikers’ three points at home in Matchweek Six.

London Comes Out On Top After Eight Goal Thriller With Darby – League1 Ontario
Three second half goals from FC London sent the home fans home happy and soggy on Saturday afternoon after FC London pulled away in the second half to win 5-3 over Darby FC and remain unbeaten at home.

Edmonton Sports Hall of Fame welcomes new inductees – Edmonton Journal
Janine Helland played in two Women’s World Cup soccer championships, captaining Canada in USA 1999. She and her groundbreaking teammates were the forerunners to Christine Sinclair and today’s Olympic medal-winning Northern Girls.

LFC men edged in Edmonton – Lethbridge Herald
The Lethbridge Football Club men’s team was dealt another one-goal loss on the weekend. The LFC headed north to Edmonton for Alberta Major Soccer League action and were edged 2-1 by the Edmonton Drillers Sunday afternoon.

A week before the World Cup, Spiritfest delivers a successful tournament – Barrie Today
With 48 teams and hundreds of people descending onto Barrie this weekend, Spiritfest 2018 is a success to all involved.

P.E.I. F.C. sweeps weekend games in under-17 girls’ action – PEI Guardian
P.E.I. F.C.’s under-17 girls team swept a pair of weekend games from United DFC in Nova Scotia Soccer League play at UPEI.

To avoid burnout, kids should become multi-sport athletes: Hockey PEI – CBC
The campaign is called Change It Up and is supported by several national sporting organizations including: Hockey Canada, Baseball Canada, Canada Soccer, Canada Basketball and the Canadian Olympic Committee.

Drinking with Supporters: Red River Rising – 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. In addition, supporters groups were asked to provide a local beer, or a beer that best represents their group. As a result, these articles will have two parts: The Interview and The Beer.

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Reynish Shines as Fresno, Reno Draw – USL
Reno 1868 FC will walk away from Greater Nevada Field on Saturday feeling like it should have earned more, while Fresno FC will be happy to have escaped with a point after playing to a 1-1 draw in front of 4,724 fans.

Match Recap: Penn FC 3 – Toronto FC II 2 – Brotherly Game
Penn FC came home for the first time in over a month desperate for a win. It’d been a month since they tasted victory and Saturday night seemed like the perfect opportunity as they would be facing the very team that they’d last beaten in Toronto FC II. But they repeatedly faltered as they allowed TFCII to hold a 1-0 lead in the first half and then equalize 2-2 in the second. Penn FC had to play until the last second, but they finally found their winning goal in the most improbable fashion.

Seattle Stuns Energy FC with Comeback – USL
David Estrada scored twice in the final seven minutes as Seattle Sounders FC 2 rallied for a 2-1 victory against OKC Energy FC on Sunday afternoon at Cheney Stadium to break a five-game winless streak.

Eastern Conf. Notebook — Indy Crowd Helps Team Snap Skid – USL
NYRB II gaining confidence; Penn FC Crowd Pushes Team to Needed Win.

Orlando City’s USL Stats are an Important Part of Its History – The Mane Land
Some say Orlando City’s USL stats are incomparable with its MLS stats, but the past should be remembered.

USL breaks attendance records as league admits New Mexico franchise for 2019 – Inside World Football
The rapidly expanded second tier US professional league, the USL, broke another record last week as total attendance for the 2018 season broke the one million barrier at the earliest point in its history.

NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS

Kailen Sheridan save preserves draw for Sky Blue FC – Last Word on Soccer
Kailen Sheridan might not have been called into the recent camp for the Canadian Women’s National Team, but she continues to show her strength.

Orlando Pride’s Carson Pickett thriving after return to her home state – Pro Soccer USA
After two years with the Seattle Reign, Florida State alum Carson Pickett was surprised when she found out in January she was heading back to the Sunshine State to play for the Orlando Pride.

Mexico, USA qualify for Uruguay 2018 – FIFA
Mexico and USA are heading to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018 after winning their respective semi-finals at the CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship.

USWNT to Clash with Chile in Late-Summer, California Friendlies – USSF
The U.S. Women’s National Team will face Chile in Southern and Northern California for late-summer friendly matches, the first on Friday, Aug. 31 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. (8 p.m. PT on ESPN2) before traveling up the coast for the second leg on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, Calif. (7 p.m. PT on ESPN2 and UDN).

Women’s World Cup Qualifying: Russia 1-3 England – Vavel
England put in a commanding performance in a must win game, beating Russia 3-1 to ease the pressure on them in their World Cup qualifying group, regaining top spot ahead of Wales.

Rachel Corsie: From chartered accountant to Scotland captain with 100 caps – BBC Sport
As captain Rachel Corsie prepares for her 100th Scotland cap she admits life nearly took her down a very different path.

How Title IX Gave Rise to the Dad Fan – GQ
Mari Uyehara on how, from Chloe Kim to Brandi Chastain, Dad Fandom became as part and parcel of Dadhood as cracking a cold beer or telling bad jokes.

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WORLD SOCCER NEWS

Neymar shines as Brazil beats Austria in World Cup warm-up – Sportsnet
Neymar scored his second goal in two matches since returning from injury on Sunday, netting with a superb second-half strike as Brazil defeated Austria 3-0 in its final warmup game ahead of the World Cup.

Ligue 1 2018-19 calendar: It all starts on August 10! – Ligue 1
The calendar for the 2018-19 Ligue 1 Conforama season is out – check out all the fixtures for the coming season in France’s top flight.

Carabao Cup: Vietnam to host 2018-19 first-round draw – BBC Sport
It is the second campaign in a row the event has taken place in the Far East, after last year’s first and third-round draws were held in Thailand and China.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi hints at retirement – NBC Sports
Lionel Messi has come out of international retirement once before but it sounds like he may retire for good very soon.

Prospect of 2022 Qatar World Cup jumping to 48 teams fading – The Star
The prospect of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar growing to 48 teams faded Sunday after a discussion of the thorny issue was pulled from the agenda for FIFA’s annual congress.

World Cup Dictatorships | Part 1: Why is This Important? – Eighty-Six Forever
Many people see sport as something that should be kept separate from politics. Unfortunately this is simply not the world we live in. Since the start of the 20th century almost every dictator has used sport to their advantage.

Football in Crimea: the club split in two by Russia’s invasion – The Guardian
When Russia won the right to host this year’s World Cup in 2010, Tavria Simferopol were in Ukraine’s top division. The club’s “ultras” – hardcore fans – sang patriotic songs, and nursed fond memories of Tavria’s biggest triumph: when the club won independent Ukraine’s first Premier League title in 1992.

Breaking down the field: Team profiles of all 32 World Cup teams – Sportsnet
Sportsnet breaks down all 32 nations that will compete at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Russia under pressure when they open the World Cup against Saudi Arabia – Futbolgrad
The World Cup will kick off in honest on Thursday at Moscow’s newly renovated Luzhniki Stadium. It will be the first true test for the Sbornaya as they will face the Green Falcons from Saudi Arabia.

FIFA World Cup preview: France, Denmark poised to push through Group C – Abbotsford News
The 2018 FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday, June 14. Leading up to the tourney, we’ll offer our previews and predictions for each of the eight groups. Today, a look at Group C.

25,000 people visit Moscow’s FIFA Fan Fest and kick off festival of football in Russia – FIFA
According to the local organisers, around 25,000 people visited Moscow’s FIFA Fan Fest on its opening day (10.06), when fans were thrilled by the vibrant music line-up and the presence of French FIFA World Cup champion Marcel Desailly and Russia’s all-time top scorer Aleksandr Kerzhakov.

World Cup 2018: Referee Martin Atkinson begins 1,700-mile charity bike ride – BBC Sport
Martin Atkinson will ensure there is at least one British referee at the World Cup – although he is having to cycle 1,700 miles to be there.

Analog charm of World Cup sticker book endures among fans – Edmonton Journal
Eighth-grade teacher Ari Mascarenhas could have picked high-tech gadgets or modern apps to help his students learn Portuguese, but he instead went old school with the World Cup sticker book.

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