WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
PHOTO GALLERY: Whitecaps FC 3 Houston Dynamo 0, October 25, 2015 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
Whitecaps FC defeat Houston 3-0 to clinch home playoff game, bye to conference semis – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (16W-13L-5D) booked their first-ever home playoff date with a convincing 3-0 win over Houston Dynamo (11W-14L-9D) in Sunday’s sold-out regular season finale at BC Place.
Whitecaps FC #BringItHome, clinch bye to Western Conference semifinals – Whitecaps FC
Since joining the league in 2011, Whitecaps FC are the only club to have improved their MLS points total for five consecutive seasons. The club finished with 28 points in the first season, followed by 43 points in 2012, 48 points in 2013, 50 points in 2014, and 53 points this season.
Bye bye Houston, Hello playoffs – AFTN
It’s been a strange season for Vancouver Whitecaps. They’ve been up at the top of the Western Conference for months, leading the Supporters’ Shield race at times. They never could get some breathing space however. Results would go their way, then they’d be hauled back into the pack by not being able to capitalise on the opportunities.
Vancouver Whitecaps Achieve First Round Bye with 3-0 Win Over Houston Dynamo – Eighty-Six Forever
Thanks to a LA Galaxy loss and Vancouver Whitecaps 3-0 win over the Houston Dynamo, at BC Place, the Vancouver Whitecaps vaulted up to second place in the Western Conference standings and received a bye to the semi-finals.
Whitecaps score three goals, get three points to finish second in the West – Red Nation Online
It was decision day in Major League Soccer as all twenty clubs were in action. The Whitecaps looked to secure a playoff bye, while the visiting Houston Dynamo looked to play playoff position spoiler. Carl Robinson and his team went into the match knowing that they could finish anywhere from 2nd – 6th.
Whitecaps earn first-ever home playoff game – 24 Hours
The Whitecaps will host the franchise’s first MLS playoff game next month, as Sunday’s 3-0 win over the Houston Dynamo at BC Place left the ‘Caps second in the Western Conference standings – good for a bye to the semifinals.
Vancouver Whitecaps defeat Dynamo to clinch second place in Western Conference – Metro
The dates have been set. The opponent is still to be determined. But it’s official: The Vancouver Whitecaps will, for the first time in franchise history, host a Major League Soccer playoff game at BC Place Stadium.
Whitecaps 3 Houston 0: Caps clinch crucial home playoff game – The Province
With one goal, Kekuta Manneh lifted the Whitecaps from fifth place and a road playoff game to second place and a bye to the Western Conference semifinals. It was that kind of crazy on Sunday.
Whitecaps delighted to earn playoff bye – Goal
Hard work and good fortune sees Vancouver claim second place in the Western Conference standings on MLS ‘Decision Day.’
Whitecaps clinch second place in MLS West, earn first-round playoff bye – Vancouver Sun
Well, well, well. Look who finished second in the wild, wild West of MLS. Yes, it’s the Vancouver Whitecaps, who stumbled to the finish line with just three wins in their final 10 games and with an attack reduced to popgun status by a spate of injuries to the club’s top attacking midfielders.
Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs field & TV schedule set – MLS
Whitecaps FC will face the higher seed winner of the two Western Conference Knockout Round matches (Portland, Seattle or LA Galaxy).
Fans pick Kendall Waston as Whitecaps player of the year – The Province
The Whitecaps announced their team awards before Sunday’s kickoff against Houston. Here are the winners, and the Province picks.
MLS Decision Day Roundup: Red Bulls win MLS Supporters’ Shield; Sporting Kansas City nabs playoff spot – ESPN FC
Sacha Kljestan scored a goal and provided an assist to help the New York Red Bulls win the Supporters’ Shield as Major League Soccer’s regular-season champion with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Sunday night.
Marsch: Red Bulls deserve Supporters’ Shield – Soccer America
The New York Red Bulls won the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the second time in three years with a 2-1 win at Chicago on Sunday, completing a run to the title after a chaotic offseason. The Red Bulls edged FC Dallas on goal difference after both teams won by the same score on Sunday.
Major League Soccer’s Decision Day serves up thrilling end to the season – ESPN FC
That’s it, it’s all done. The 2015 MLS regular season is over, and 12 teams remain alive in the race to lift the MLS Cup trophy on Dec. 6. Decision Day, the league’s bid to ramp up the drama on the final day of the season, delivered a series of fascinating results that now have us considering the ramifications with the playoffs starting in just three days.
The MLS Wrap: Red Bulls complete improbable journey while Galaxy limp into playoffs – Goal
When Major League Soccer officials finally made the decision to hold all 10 regular-season finale matches on the same day, the hope was to have the final day mirror the drama that could be found on final days in leagues around the world.
Impact vs. TFC: A match of slender margins – Sportsnet
In a wild and dramatic derby game on the final day of the Major League regular season, the Montreal Impact earned a 2-1 win over Toronto FC at Stade Saputo on Sunday night courtesy of two quick Didier Drogba goals early in the second half.
Toronto FC end regular season with bitter loss to Impact – Red Nation Online
Toronto FC were in Montreal on Sunday for an end of the season 401 Derby against the Impact, with key playoff positioning on the line for both Canadian clubs. Toronto FC went into this match knowing they could finish anywhere from 2nd to 6th in the table depending on the result of the match and how other league fixtures played out.
Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco wins 2015 Audi Golden Boot – MLS
In the first of what is expected to be quite a haul of end-of-season awards, Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco has claimed the Audi Golden Boot.
Drogba: MLS has a ways to go before it can be considered a ‘big’ league – Goal
Didier Drogba says he’s optimistic about the future of MLS, but claims it has a lot of work to do if it wants to be one of the world’s top leagues.
D.C. United blown out by Columbus in finale, drops to fourth seed – Washington Post
A win would have put United in second in the East; instead, it will have to face No. 5 New England.
MLS mum on DraftKings affiliation as daily fantasy sports controversy continues – Once a Metro
DraftKings and FanDuel are in trouble, and MLS is not saying anything about it. Recently, the state of Nevada ruled that DraftKings and FanDuel, the two ubiquitous “daily fantasy sports” websites, are gambling websites and were illegal in the state unless they got licences from the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Philadelphia Union hire ex-US international Earnie Stewart as sporting director – MLS
The Philadelphia Union got their offseason off to a fast start on Monday morning, announcing that they’ve agreed to terms with former US international Earnie Stewart to take over as the club’s sporting director, effective Jan. 1, 2016.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
In Memory of Dave Fryatt – BCSA
It is with our deepest condolences that the BC Soccer Assoc. has learned of the passing of Canada Soccer life Member and twice BCSA President, Dave Fryatt. Dave Fryatt served as the President of the BC Soccer Association from 1955-1961 and 1975-1986 and he served as the Canadian Soccer Association President From 1963-64.
Theresa Hanson First Female Athletics Director In SFU History – SFU
Theresa Hanson, who has held a leadership position within the athletics department at the University of British Columbia for more than a decade, was today named senior director of athletics and recreation at Simon Fraser University.
VISL Division 1 Results, Table, Scorers & Upcoming Matches – BC Soccer Web
WEEK 7 results saw Cowichan sneak away with a draw to remain undefeated and at the top of the standings with Bays Utd nipping at their heels. A great game that saw 2 sets of brothers facing off against each other (Hughes vs Cuthbert).
VMSL Premier League Scores – October 23-24 – BC Soccer Web
Complete results from the Vancouver Metro Soccer League Premier Division.
T-Birds complete undefeated Canada West season with tie – UBC
The co-No. 1 UBC Thunderbirds completed their second undefeated Canada West men’s soccer season in four years on Saturday after drawing 1-1 with the Fraser Valley Cascades at Thunderbird Stadium.
T-Birds claim West Division title – UBC
Saturday night’s matchup between the No. 4 UBC Thunderbirds women’s soccer team (11-1-2) and the visiting Trinity Western Spartans (10-1-3), ranked sixth in Canada, ended it a scoreless draw, giving the ‘Birds the Canada West West Division title by two points over the Spartans.
WolfPack Men’s Soccer Ends Season With Draw – TRU
A step in the right direction. That’s a good way to describe how the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack finished up their second season in the Canada West men’s soccer league.
WolfPack Women’s Soccer End Regular Season With Victory – TRU
The Thompson Rivers WolfPack women’s soccer team ended their second season in the Canada West with a victory. On “Seniors Day”, the day set aside to recognize the team’s graduating players, the WolfPack blanked the University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves 2-0. The match was held at Hillside Stadium in Kamloops (Oct 25).
NO. 6 SPARTANS PLAY TO SCORELESS DRAW WITH NO. 4 THUNDERBIRDS – TWU
Saturday night’s matchup between the No. 4 UBC Thunderbirds women’s soccer team and the No. 6 Trinity Western Spartans ended it a scoreless draw, giving the T-Birds the Canada West West Division title by two points over the Spartans.
Hundal, seniors shine in dominating win over Spartans – UVic
The University of Victoria Vikes men’s soccer team rode the momentum of a three-goal first-half to a 5-1 dominating performance over the Trinity Western Spartans on Oct. 24 at Centennial Stadium. The win wraps up the Vikes’ Canada West regular season and secures them a home date in the play-off quarter-finals on Oct. 30 against the Prairie Division’s Mount Royal Cougars. The Spartans will head to Alberta to face either the Alberta Pandas or Calgary Dinos.
Late equalizer means Vikes lose home advantage to Cascades – Times Colonist
Needing a victory to secure a home Canada West playoff spot, the University of Victoria Vikes women’s soccer team fell short on Saturday night by way of a 2-2 tie with the University of Fraser Valley Cascades at Centennial Stadium.
Vikes lose quarter-final hosting rights after draw with Cascades – UVic
The University of Victoria Vikes women’s soccer team ended their Canada West regular season with a tense 2-2 draw against the Fraser Valley Cascades at Centennial Stadium on Oct. 24. The draw means that the Cascades will host their first home play-off game in their history in the Canada West Quarter-Finals on Oct. 31, and their opponent will be the very same Vikes team they secured it against.
Cascades tie Vikes 2-2 to clinch home-field advantage for first round of playoffs – UFV
Ties are generally considered less-than-thrilling results, but the University of the Fraser Valley women’s soccer team’s 2-2 draw on the road vs. the Victoria Vikes on Saturday was one that will go down in program history.
McCrindle’s late equalizer lifts UFV soccer men to draw with No. 1 UBC – UFV
Dylan McCrindle scored his first career Canada West goal in the 90th minute to give the University of the Fraser Valley men’s soccer team a 1-1 tie on the road vs. the UBC Thunderbirds.
Simon Fraser Wins Decisively 3-0 Over Marauders – SFU
Simon Fraser University scored three second half goals to defeat the University of Mary Marauders 3-0 on Saturday night in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference men’s soccer game played on Terry Fox Field.
Clan Scores First But Loses 5-2 at Central Washington – SFU
Simon Fraser University scored less than two minutes into the game but then got blitzed by Central Washington University 5-2 in a Great Northwest Athletic Conference match on Saturday.
Torres Puts On Show As WolfPack Dump UNBC – TRU
This is the final weekend of Oriol Torres’ university soccer career and he is bound and determined to make it one to remember. He got it off to a great start as He had four goals leading his Thompson Rivers University WolfPack to a 5-2 win over the visiting University of Northern British Columbia Timberwolves. The Canada West men’s soccer match was played at Hillside Stadium on Saturday (Oct 24).
Pandas Down WolfPack In Battle of Playoff Bound Teams – TRU
In a battle of two teams who have already solidified post season berths in the Canada West women’s soccer league, the University of Alberta Pandas downed the host Thompson Rivers University WolfPack.
Corporate branding and a soccer mom’s awesome fail – Alaska Salmon Ranching
Canada’s National News ran a story last night obviously pitched to the newsroom by Anissa herself. Anissa, and her 14 year old daughter Freyja, took offence to the fact that Freyja’s elite soccer club is sponsored by a company Anissa hates. They don’t support the company being a sponsor, and don’t want to be seen as “supporting” that company. And they will not wear jerseys that are branded with the company logo. (Editor’s Note: This article was written in response to a CBC story that ran Friday regarding a youth player’s objection to the company sponsoring her club.)
Willie Mitchell offers to sponsor Vancouver Island teen ‘muzzled’ by soccer team – CBC
The captain of the Florida Panthers, Willie Mitchell, tweeted on Friday night he would sponsor 14-year-old Freyja Reed after she was told to stop protesting about the fish farming company who sponsors her soccer league.
FIFA World Cup Qualifying – Canada vs. Honduras at B.C. Place, Fri. Nov.13 – Buy Tickets Here
FIFA 2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
CANADA vs. HONDURAS
7:00 PM, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015
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NASL & USL NEWS
NASL Week 18 Rewind: Rowdies move into playoff spot after Strikers stumble – SBI
The Fort Lauderdale Strikers have lost the chance to control their own post-season destiny, giving the Tampa Bay Rowdies their own chance at the Soccer Bowl. The Strikers went to Indianapolis with the expectation of three points and a chance to clinch the fourth and final playoff spot, but the Eleven pulled off their second upset in two weeks to deny the team from southern Florida. With the result, the Strikers fell to fifth place with just one game left to play.
Eddies score late to earn 1-1 draw in season finale – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton (9W-8D-13L) closed out their 2015 North American Soccer League (NASL) season with a 1-1 draw against Jacksonville Armada FC (8W-7D-14L) at Clarke Field on Sunday, Oct. 25.
Farago’s heroics, late equalizer mitigate poor season-ending effort from FCE – the11.ca
Mallan Roberts headed home an inch-perfect header off a Sainey Nyassi cross to allow 10-man FC Edmonton to fight back for a 1-1 draw with the Jacksonville Armada Sunday at Clarke Field.
Celtic consider NASL franchise club in the United States – BBC Sport
The Scottish champions are also looking into similar opportunities in Asia as they attempt to grow their global brand. Initial talks have already taken place between representatives of the club and the North American Soccer League, which is the second tier league in the US.
Fury’s iron men showing no signs of fatigue – Ottawa Sun
Much has been written and said about the impressive play of Ottawa Fury FC’s back line this season. The endurance of those four players, however, hasn’t been highlighted enough.
Fury FC Honoured at City Hall – Ottawa Fury FC
The Ottawa Fury FC flag was raised at City Hall Friday afternoon as Fury FC were honoured by the City and Mayor Jim Watson to celebrates the club’s qualification into the postseason.
Raul will be hugely missed but NASL is not just about one player as great as he is, says Mark Frisch – The Telegraph
New Board of Governors chairman discusses Cosmos striker’s retirement, USL’s desire for division two status and moving on from Traffic Sports
USL All-League Teams Announced – USL
The United Soccer League announced today its 2015 USL All-League Teams, honoring the top performers from the 2015 USL Regular Season. The Rochester Rhinos led the way with three selections to the All-League First Team after claiming both the USL regular season title and 2015 USL Championship.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Canucks Abroad: Review of Canadians in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan for 2015 – Red Nation Online
The Swedish Damallsvenskan (First Division) was won by Rosengård in 2015, which was their 3rd title in a row and 5th title the last 6 years. This kind of domination is generally not common in Swedish soccer, but for some reason it is actually common in Sweden’s women’s soccer. We had Malmö FF in the early 90s, Älvsjö AIK in the late 90s, Umeå IK during the 2000’s and since 2010 FC Rosengård (previously named LdB FC Malmö).
U.S. women triumph before 32,869 fans in Orlando – Soccer America
In the final match of longtime stars Lori Chalupny and Lauren Holiday, the USA gave them a winning sendoff with a 3-1 win over Brazil before 32,869 fans at the Orlando Citrus Bowl. The win was the first over Brazil in four meetings in the last year.
Northern Ireland women win opening Euro qualifier in Georgia – BBC Sport
Northern Ireland’s women made an impressive start to the Euro 2017 qualifying campaign as they earned a 3-0 win over Georgia in Tbilisi.
Scotland women wary of wet Macedonia pitch – BBC Sport
Anna Signeul admitted her Scotland side have concerns over the state of the pitch they will play Macedonia on in their next Euro 2017 qualifier.
Melbourne City on top of W-League ladder after derby win over Victory – The Guardian
Melbourne City confirmed their W-League title favouritism after backing up their opening day success with a derby delight on their home debut.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Manchester City back on top after goalless draw at Manchester United – The Guardian
This was the first goalless draw in this famous fixture since November 2010 and given the disappointing quality on show, it was a fair result. Yet Manchester United came close to claiming the city’s 170th derby as the end neared.
Sunderland put three past 10-man Newcastle – BBC Sport
Sunderland moved off the bottom of the Premier League table with a record sixth consecutive win over north-east rivals and fellow strugglers Newcastle, who had Fabricio Coloccini sent off.
José Mourinho dismissed from the dugout amid Chelsea indiscipline – The Guardian
José Mourinho’s reign at Stamford Bridge lurched further into turmoil as the manager was sent to the stands in a disciplinary meltdown by Chelsea as the champions slumped to their fifth Premier League defeat of the season. Chelsea lost 2-1 at West Ham United, finishing the match with 10 men on the pitch and two dismissed from the dugout, including their beleaguered manager.
Tim Sherwood not responsible for all Aston Villa’s woes but he still had to go – ESPN FC
On some levels, it’s pretty difficult not to feel quite sorry for Tim Sherwood, sacked by Aston Villa after their calamitous start to the season. Any manager whose best player is sold would face quite a challenge, but when their three or possibly four best are taken away from him, his job becomes almost impossible.
Bayern Munich now a perfect 10 – BBC Sport
Arjen Robben scored on his return from injury as Bayern Munich beat Cologne to become the first team to win their opening 10 Bundesliga games.
Teenage keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma plays in AC Milan win – BBC Sport
AC Milan handed 16-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma his debut in Sunday’s 2-1 Serie A win over Sassuolo.
Roma beat Fiorentina to go top of Serie A – BBC Sport
Mohamed Salah scored against his former club as Roma moved top of Serie A with victory at previous leaders Fiorentina.
Atletico Madrid handle Valencia challenge with ease – ESPN FC
This battle between two supposedly evenly matched teams lasted just over half hour, as well-taken goals from Jackson Martinez and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco put Atletico in control.
Gianni Infantino backed by UEFA as FIFA presidential candidate – ESPN FC
UEFA has backed general secretary Gianni Infantino as a candidate for the FIFA presidency. The members of the executive committee recommended that Infantino — UEFA president Michel Platini’s right-hand man for the last six years — be nominated.
Zico: The Brazilian Legend Who Wants to Kick Corruption Out of Soccer – Haaretz
“Explain to me how soccer’s schedule moves in favor of a place like Qatar. They don’t belong to soccer, it’s not a place that should host the World Cup – yet the whole world changes for them. People are going to be punished for this, yet still the tournament will be played there? ”
FIFA U-17 World Cup: Last 16 determined on day of drama – FIFA
The group stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 drew to a close on Sunday, with the final matches in Groups E and F determining the line-up of the Round of 16. New Zealand, Australia, Russia, Costa Rica and Korea DPR all qualified for the knockout stages, on a day full of drama and turnarounds.
College Weekend Rewind: Wake Forest downs Notre Dame; Stanford ties UCLA; and more – SBI
Every game in the condensed college soccer season is important, but the key to any successful season is to save your best soccer for the end of the year. SBI No. 3 Wake Forest appears to be doing exactly that in 2015.
US takes lead as Copa Centenario 2016 back on, but on Uncle Sam’s terms – Inside World Football
After a week of clearing out existing sports agencies, the 2016 Copa America Centenario will take place in the US with the US federation effectively taking central control of the tournament from marketing rights to ground selection.
Copa America Centenario offers an opportunity to U.S. players and fans – ESPN FC
Now that the 2016 Copa America Centenario in the United States is officially a go, we can safely anoint American soccer fans as the biggest winners.
Sydney FC v Wanderers A-League game marred by brawls, smoke bombs and bottles – The Guardian
A brawl involving more than 60 people was among a string of violent incidents, including smoke bombs being set off and bottles being thrown, at an A-League football match in Sydney.
Football Federation Australia refuse Wellington Phoenix a 10-year licence – The Guardian
Wellington Phoenix’s A-League future has been thrown into further doubt with Football Federation Australia declining the club’s request for a 10-year licence extension.