VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC 2 MONTREAL IMPACT 1
MLS MATCHDAY #1
SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps 2, Montreal Impact 1, March 4, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
Phenom Phonzie gives Whitecaps win in nervy home opener – AFTN
There would be a number of firsts in the Whitecaps 2018 home opener, with Kei Kamara getting his first competitive goal as a Whitecap and Alphsono Davies grabbing the winner with his first MLS goal.
Kamara dazzles in debut, Davies scores first MLS goal as ‘Caps win season opener – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC opened the 2018 MLS season with a thunderous bang on Sunday afternoon, as newcomer Kei Kamara and teenage phenom Alphonso Davies dazzled and scored in their 2-1 victory over rivals Montreal Impact in front of a record crowd at BC Place.
Davies doubles last year’s production in one half to start Whitecaps’ season – The Province
Before the Whitecaps’ opening game of this MLS season, Carl Robinson sat down with Alphonso Davies for a talk. Actually, from Davies’ point of view, the more accurate term for the exchange was a listen as Robinson, the Whitecaps’ head coach, told the precocious youngster he envisioned a bigger role for Davies if he could get something back from the player.
MLS takeaways: Canadians earn their keep in Whitecaps-Impact game – Sportsnet
A dull and dire match sprung to life in the second half with three goals in an 18-minute span, including the first ever in Major League Soccer by Canadian teenager Alphonso Davies to give Vancouver the win before a record home crowd.
Montreal Impact suffer season-opening 2-1 defeat in Vancouver – Montreal Gazette
The Impact, who came into the game with a roster riddled with injury, had trouble moving the ball out of their own zone.
Vancouver Whitecaps: One down, thirty three (plus playoff games, MLS Cup Final and victory parade) to go – Soccer Shorts
There was a fifteen minute period at the start of the second half when the Vancouver Whitecaps game against the Montreal Impact felt disturbingly familiar.
Felipe Martins arrives in Vancouver with clear goal in mind – “I’ve come here to win and I want to bring the MLS Cup and make history” – AFTN
Felipe Martins landed in Vancouver in the early hours of Saturday morning, eager to get the next stage of his career started. His flight from New York got in around 1am, and he was already on the pitch at B.C. Place just a few hours later, excited to be at the club and meet his new teammates ahead of the ‘Caps First Kick match up with Montreal Impact.
Season preview: Whitecaps hope roster overhaul will return team to playoffs for 2nd straight season – CBC
It won’t be easy improving a 2017 season that saw the team finish third in the conference, lose back-to-back matches just once, and win its first MLS playoff game a year after missing the post-season entirely.
MLS Weekend Rewind: Week 1 – SBI
It was a chaotic week of MLS season openers as title contenders started the year with setbacks while a new club marked a perfect debut.
Favorites lose, LAFC debuts, and youth was on display in Week 1 – ESPN
With 10 games in the books and 20 teams showing themselves in league competition for the first time since 2017, the race is on to figure out Major League Soccer in the league’s 23rd season. Despite the early nature of the returns and the limited evidence on hand, there are already themes emerging.
The MLS XI, Week 1: Toronto, Atlanta Stunned; LAFC’s Victorious First Impression – SI.com
Our season predictions were all of 30 hours old when Toronto FC, who 75% of us picked to win MLS Cup again and 50% of us picked to repeat as Supporters’ Shield winner, went down 2-0 to the Columbus Crew, matching last season’s total of home losses in a tidy 90 minutes.
Bob Bradley’s LAFC makes statement with debut MLS win in Seattle – SN
Bob Bradley hadn’t coached a match in more than a year, the longest such stretch of his coaching career, but he was rewarded for that wait on Sunday, as his Los Angeles FC made a dream start to life in Major League Soccer.
History shows Toronto FC shouldn’t be concerned with slow MLS start – Toronto Sun
Suffice to say TFC supporters shouldn’t overreact after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to visiting Columbus – especially after looking back at the match and the absences and exactly what was gleaned from the defeat.
Toronto FC’s offence needs to wake up by Wednesday – Waking the Red
It was September 14, 2014 the last time Toronto FC were shut out in consecutive games at BMO Field. The “bloody big disaster” season was coming to an end, and the 2-0 loss on that day to the Philadelphia Union came in the first ever home game for new TFC coach Greg Vanney.
Yes, it’s only one match, but the Revolution have tons to work on – Sentinel & Enterprise
As Saturday’s 2-0 season-opening defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Union rolled to a close, I contemplated my match grades for our New England Revolution. While some lamented the same ol’, same ol’ Revs as we open the 2018 campaign, I felt myself willing to be a little more open-minded and examine both the promising and the horrid before I came up with a definitive grade.
MLS lands streaming deals in Canada and China – SportsPro Media
Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced streaming deals with DAZN in Canada and the China Sports Media (CSM) agency.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
VISL Jackson Cup Results – March 2-4 – BC Soccer Web
Now there are 4 teams left in the Sir John Jackson Cup.
BC Soccer Assoc.to Host Two Goalkeeping Diploma Courses in March – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. excited to be hosting two upcoming Goalkeeping Diploma courses in March. The first course will be held in Port Moody on March 5th and 9th while the second will be held at Fortius Sport and Health in Burnaby on March 16th and 19th – both have limited space!
North Delta soccer standout signs with Cascades – Delta Optimist
The University of the Fraser Valley women’s soccer team has rounded out its recruiting class by signing North Delta standout Jashan Sandhar.
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.
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.
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 beats Russia 1:0 in second Algarve Cup group stage match – CSA
Canada came away with a 1:0 victory in its second group stage match of the 2018 Algarve Cup after featuring a different lineup from its opening match. Playing a 3-5-2 formation with Christine Sinclair and Jordyn Huitema on the front line, Canada dominated their opponent with an aggressive attack up the sidelines.
Glorious Sinclair scores 170th goal as Heiner-Moller claims first victory – the11.ca
Portugal was scene of glorious first-ever victory for director of women’s national team, Kenneth Heiler-Moller, as our Canadians dispatched the Russians 1-0. The score did not reflect the grand superiority of Canadian attacking, as the thousands upon thousands who watched on the crystal-clear Russian stream were thrilled by yet another goal for the great Christine Sinclair.
CONCACAF Nations League Qualifying set to begin in September – SBI
On Monday, the confederation announced the qualification process for the new competition, which will involve 34 of the regions 40 eligible men’s national teams.
Sunday soccer tournament in support of Syrian refugee team – CBC
Members of the Grand River Soccer Club are rallying together to support a fledgling team as it tries to raise the required $3,000 to play in the upcoming season.
Paton pens pro deal – Bristol Rovers
Rovers are pleased to announce that young midfielder Ben Paton has signed a professional contract with the club. Capable of playing anywhere in midfield, Canadian youth international Paton put pen to paper on an 18-month pro deal.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Match Report: Foxes, Republic FC draw in first-ever meeting – Fresno FC
Los Zorros continued their preseason Sunday night, playing to a 1-1 draw against Sacramento Republic FC at Stanislaus State’s Warrior Stadium in Turlock.
Match Recap: Ottawa Fury FC v Toronto FC II – Ottawa Fury
With a roster filling up nicely, leaders taking control and new additions providing talented depth, Ottawa Fury FC headed down highway 401 to visit USL neighbors to the south Toronto FC II for one more preseason exhibition match on Sunday.
Bethlehem Steel FC Splits Pair of Weekend Friendlies – Philadelphia Union
Bethlehem Steel FC kicked off month of March with a pair of exhibitions this weekend, going on the road to defeat NCAA-side Loyola University of Maryland, 5-0, before falling to USL-rival Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, 2-0, at the Power Training Complex in Chester, Pa.
El Paso lands soccer. What’s next? – El Paso Inc.
MountainStar Sports Group has landed a deal to bring professional soccer to El Paso and now has a year to hire a coach and assemble a team before the season starts.
NASL Situation Hits Home for FC Cincinnati Newcomers – Cincinnati Soccer Talk
Just four months ago, midfielder Tyler Gibson was helping the San Francisco Deltas win the NASL Soccer Bowl. Only three days later, he was unemployed when the Deltas announced they were folding as a franchise after just one season. This might sound like a stunning development, but in the NASL it was just another tremor in a seismic league.
NASL wasn’t a bad idea, just badly executed – Star-Tribune
Where did the USL go right while the NASL went wrong?
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
USWNT held to draw by France, set up for crucial clash with England in SheBelieves Cup – SN
The USWNT opened the SheBelieves Cup with a win over Germany on Thursday, but Jill Ellis’ side was held to 1-1 draw by France on Sunday to set up a crucial final match against England on Wednesday.
England Women continue strong start under Phil Neville as David Beckham drops in pre-match – Sporting Life
Ellen White equalised twice as England Women battled to a 2-2 draw with Germany in Phil Neville’s second match in charge.
What’s at stake in the Matildas’ crunch clash with China, Sam Kerr and Alanna Kennedy’s huge honour – The Herald-Sun
Put simply, they must win well to guarantee top spot in their group — while also hoping results fall their way in the other groups.
International Women’s Day: Erin McLeod – The Varsity
I grew up playing soccer. I was four when I first joined a local soccer club, I was nine when I started playing goalkeeper for my house-league team, and I was 12 when I began playing competitively. Ever since I could remember, I’ve looked up to the Canadian Women’s National Team goalkeeper extraordinaire, Erin McLeod.
International Women’s Day: Kat Williamson – The Varsity
There’s no one quite like Kat Williamson. It takes a certain type of character for an athlete to endure four knee surgeries and come back better each time. While the former Portland Thorns FC defender retired in 2016, there’s no doubt her impact on the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), former teammates, and fans is irreplaceable.
In Fight for Equality, U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Leads the Way – NY Times
Two years after they began a public fight for equal pay, and a year after they signed a new collective bargaining agreement, members of the United States women’s soccer team have emerged as a new kind of role model, and a surprisingly valuable resource, for women’s teams from around the world.
Delran native Carli Lloyd ramping up her game in preparation for the 2019 event – Burlington County Times
Carli Lloyd is always building toward something. This year, the captain of the United States Soccer Women’s National Team is preparing herself and her team for the 2019 World Cup. On Sunday, Lloyd appeared in a reserve role as the United States tied France 1-1 in the second of three games of the She Believes Cup. The team will head to Orlando needing a win against England on Wednesday to win the four-team mini-tournament. The U.S. beat Germany last week to open the tournament.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Fiorentina soccer captain Davide Astori found dead before match – Toronto Star
The defender was discovered dead in his hotel room of suspected cardiac arrest by natural causes.
Davide Astori’s death leaves Fiorentina and Italy in state of shock – BBC Sport
When Fiorentina went on the road, Davide Astori was always the first one down to breakfast at the team hotel. So when the 31-year-old didn’t show in the restaurant of the team hotel in Udine on Sunday morning, his team-mates knew something was wrong.
Davide Astori investigation opened with funeral set for Thursday – ESPN
A criminal investigation into the death of Fiorentina captain Davide Astori has been opened so that an autopsy can be performed before his funeral on Thursday morning.
Why Chelsea’s supine surrender at Manchester City should worry us all – The Guardian
The defending champions desperately needed a positive result on Sunday, yet they set up negatively and played even worse, suggesting they did not believe victory was possible.
Messi free kick gives Barcelona win over Atletico Madrid – Sportsnet
Lionel Messi put Barcelona on a clear path to the Spanish league title after scoring from a free kick for a third straight game on Sunday.
Premier League: 10 talking points from the weekend’s action – The Guardian
Chris Hughton deserves plaudits, Sam Allardyce will not win Everton fans’ affections and Spurs look ready for Juventus.
Bayern title march continues with win at Freiburg – Sportsnet
Inspired by the birth of a foal, Thomas Mueller led Bayern Munich to a 4-0 win at Freiburg that stretched the team’s lead to a huge 20 points with only nine rounds left on Sunday.
Week 28 review: PSG prepare well; Rennes steal fifth – Ligue 1
PSG stayed 14 points clear with a 2-0 win in Troyes to prepare for Tuesday’s clash with Real Madrid; Rennes claimed a 2-0 win in Amiens to pip Montpellier and Nantes, who drew 1-1 with OL and OM respectively, to fifth place.
PSG at crossroads of history against Real Madrid – Metro
A former Barcelona and Juventus defender, Dani Alves has all the credentials required to speak about what makes a club great.
Dijon defy Ligue 1 stereotypes and catch the eye with fluid football – The Guardian
Olivier Dall’Oglio’s side have managed to strike a balance between adapting to the league and playing the kind of attacking football with which they ascended.
De Maria to step down at Mexican federation, de Luisa to step up – Inside World Football
Mexico’s football federation (FMF) president Decio de Maria has resigned and will leave his post after the 2018 World Cup. Yon de Luisa will take his place.
Dutch midfielder Sneijder retires from international soccer – Peterborough Examiner
Midfielder Wesley Sneijder is retiring from international football after 15 years and a record 133 appearances for the Netherlands, the Dutch football association announced Sunday, clearing the way for new coach Ronald Koeman to rebuild the ailing national team.
IFAB passes new rule to allow 4th sub in extra time – Inside World Football
After a detailed study and a two-year experiment, football’s lawmakers have officially approved the use of a fourth substitute being used in extra time, starting with the World Cup.
FIFA rulemakers fast forward Video Refs to Russia 2018 World Cup – Inside World Football
So now it’s official. No turning back. But are there still more questions than answers? As anticipated, video assistant referees are set to be used at this year’s World Cup in Russia after football’s lawmakers, the International FA Board (IFAB), voted to roll out the technology when they met at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Saturday.