WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
BREAKING NEWS: Whitecaps FC trade midfielder Gershon Koffie to New England Revolution – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has acquired general allocation money and targeted allocation money from New England Revolution in exchange for midfielder Gershon Koffie. As part of the trade, Whitecaps FC will receive a percentage of any future transfer fees obtained by New England.
Revolution acquire midfielder Gershon Koffie from Vancouver Whitecaps FC – New England Revolution
“Gershon is a strong central midfield player who, at just 24, has proven success and experience in MLS,” said Revolution General Manger Michael Burns. “We’re pleased we were able to acquire him and we look forward to getting him into camp with the rest of our players and coaching staff as soon as possible.”
Promising pre-season for the Caps – The Province
Pre-season is like a trip to the dentist. It has to be done, it’s kind of painful, and no one wants to hear much about it. So we won’t dwell on the Whitecaps’ three wins in three games in Tucson, Ariz., other than to say it’s better than losing three games.
Vancouver Whitecaps Takeaways from Tucson Arizona – Eighty-Six Forever
The Whitecaps have closed out their pre-season camp in Tucson Arizona with 3 wins and 0 losses. We look at the key takeaways from their time in the desert.
Major League Soccer Fans score big with multi-year partnership between BCAA and Vancouver Whitecaps FC – PR Newswire
BCAA and Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) are excited to team up for a multi-year partnership.
Whitecaps FC 2016 Season Launch Party presented by Red Bull – Whitecaps FC
Heading into the club’s sixth season in Major League Soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will host their 2016 Season Launch Party presented by Red Bull on Monday, February 29 at the Commodore Ballroom. Doors will open at 6 p.m. PT.
Why Toronto FC Is Finally for Real – Vice Sports
Fair warning to Toronto FC fans: You’re about to roll your eyes, hard. Ready? This year, TFC is for real. Believe me, I know. It’s been said before. Pretty much every year, there are prognostications full of (increasingly implausible) optimism about the team. And yet, through nine MLS seasons, TFC has made precisely one postseason appearance—it came last year, a 3-0 blowout loss on the road in Montreal. So, your incredulity is duly noted.
TFC notebook: Luke Moore’s future uncertain – Sportsnet
Toronto FC practised for the first time on Tuesday since returning home on the weekend from the first leg of its pre-season training camp in California.
Beloved ex-Galaxy midfielder Juninho greeted warmly on emotional return to LA with Club Tijuana – MLS
Club Tijuana didn’t require Juninho’s services for Tuesday night’s friendly against the LA Galaxy, so the Brazilian midfielder gathered his family and brought them the 130 miles north to StubHub Center, his old stomping grounds. That’s how much it meant to him to be present when his former club took on his new team in a meaningless match designed to prod LA along in its preseason work and provide a nice workout for Tijuana’s reserve Copa MX side.
After joining mid-season, Barnetta excited to make bigger impact in full year – Philadelphia Union
Before signing with the Philadelphia Union last July, Tranquillo Barnetta had been to three World Cups, spent a decade in the German Bundesliga and played in a dozen matches in UEFA Champions League.
Toronto FC’s Star Players Have a Strong Start to Preseason – Waking the Red
There are a number of important factors to Toronto FC having a successful season, but one of them is that their star players have to be just that. Last year was the first time that Toronto FC’s designated players have truly lived up to their titles and cap hits.
A few Sounders preseason thoughts – Prost Amerika
The 2016 preseason hasn’t exactly gone as expected for the Sounders. While winning is never crucial in the preseason, Seattle has only managed to win a 45 minute, reserve heavy scrimmage against FC Tucson, with only a potential match against the LA Galaxy remaining. Regardless, these preseason games have been telling about the current state of the team and the direction they are heading, as they prepare for the Champion’s League opener and the 2016 MLS season.
Legal primer explains past and (possible) future of soccer litigation – Soccer America
Soccer litigation has dragged on for years. Fraser v. Major League Soccer — the battle MLS players fought against the league in an unsuccessful bid to strike down the single-entity system — lasted more than five years.
Missouri Lawmakers bracing for possible stadium plan that circumvents them, again – St. Louis Dispatch
After the Major League Soccer commissioner announced an immediate search for a stadium site in St. Louis, state senators are bracing themselves for a governor-led plan that circumvents them. Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, has done it before. A state official said last year that a state law passed 20 years ago allowed the Nixon administration to issue bonds without legislative approval for a new NFL stadium to keep the Rams in St. Louis. The Rams have since left the city.
VIDEO: Seattle Sounders: How They Fill Stadium Seats– Bloomberg
21 minute Documentary focuses on the business success of the Seattle Sounders.
Twitter reacts to Columbus Crew unveiling garish yellow and light blue ‘Minion’ kit – The Independent
MLS side Columbus Crew unveiled their new kit on Wednesday. Why is that important? Well, because it could be one of the worst of all-time.
Follow @bcsoccerweb on Twitter and get news updates throughout the day!
BC SOCCER NEWS
Six Lower Mainland Athletes Sign With SFU Men’s Soccer – SFU
Joining the men’s soccer program for the 2016 season will be striker Kristian Yli-Hietanen from North Vancouver, defender Stefan Cuk and attacking midfielder Rahid Rahim, both of Burnaby, centre back Lucas McIlveen and winger Erik Morden, from Coquitlam, and goalkeeper Aidan Bain from Port Coquitlam.
BCSPL announces showcase for U17-U18 teams as part of 2016 spring schedule – EA BCSPL
The EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League is pleased to announce the creation of its first ever showcase weekend for U17-U18 teams built within the structure of the BCSPL phase 1 spring schedule.
Comox Valley United wins final league game – Comox Valley Record
Comox Valley United closed out their Vancouver Island Soccer League Div. 1 season Saturday at Vanier Turf Field with a 4-2 win over Lakehill FC. “It was a great atmosphere to play in on a clear night. We had our biggest crowd of the year cheering us on in the brisk weather,” said United team rep Rob Caya. “Our team was pretty pumped right from the get go. The message before the game was to keep working on what we need to do, and have some fun.”
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 vs. MEXICO, March 25, 2016 @ BC PLACE STADIUM. Buy Tickets Today!
CONCACAF WOMEN’S OLYMPIC QUALIFYING
CANADA vs. GUYANA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 5:30 PM
BBVA COMPASS STADIUM, HOUSTON, TX.
LIVESTREAM: CBCSPORTS.CA
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
(CORRECTION: Yesterday, we posted an incorrect date for the Canada vs. Guyana match. This has now been corrected. BC Soccer Web regrets the error.)
Canada’s women soccer stars begin Olympic qualifying in Houston tonight – CBC
Canada’s women’s soccer team has its eye on the summer Olympics in Brazil. But first, it must pass through Houston. Starting Thursday night, the team will be in the Texas city to compete in a series of qualifying matches on the road to Rio de Janeiro.
Canada geared up for Olympic qualifying opener – Sportsnet
It wouldn’t be overconfidence on the part of the Canadian women’s team to view its first three games in Olympic qualifying as easy victories.
PODCAST – Canadian Soccer Experiment Episode 1: The Experiment Begins – SoundCloud
In their inaugural podcasting experiment, Daniel Squizzato and Clare Rustad discuss Olympic qualifying on the women’s side, the wave of new talent on the men’s side, and how best to #MakeCONCACAFCanadian. They also debate how many national-team caps Clare actually has. Nerd level: 8/10
McLeod welcomes mavericks on women’s soccer team – Sportsnet
The journey began for a number of youngsters when they received their first taste of practising with the senior team back in November in Vancouver. Coach John Herdman referred to the group as “mavericks,” issuing them a challenge during training camp to push veterans such as Christine Sinclair, Erin McLeod and Diana Matheson.
New staff with Impact Academy – Montreal Impact
The Montreal Impact Academy announced on Wednesday the hiring of Benoit Deplagne, Mathieu Rufié, Jules Gueguen and Michael Fiorino, to replace coaches promoted with the first team. Also, Nicolas Gagnon will now be head coach of the Impact U16 team.
Canadian Premier League’s Success Will Hinge on Television Deal – Waking the Red
The only way supporters will consider the CPL a truly professional league will be to watch their club live on television. After all, this is 2016 and everyone in Canada is able to watch their favorite professional team on television in some capacity. How else can a club expect to attract fans if they are unable to watch their team play or see highlights of the match?
P.E.I. pro soccer player’s love for deceased brother drives his success – CBC
A professional soccer player from P.E.I. who has just signed with a Canadian team for the first time credits the memory of his deceased brother for his own career success. Mozzi Gyorio, 27, is set to play as midfielder with the Ottawa Fury FC in the North American Soccer League.
Peterborough City Soccer Association achieves Ontario Soccer Association’s gold standard – Peterborough Examiner
The Peterborough City Soccer Association (PCSA) has joined an elite group within the Ontario Soccer Association. The PCSA was informed Wednesday it has received the OSA’s Gold Award for Club Excellence. Between 25 to 30 clubs have received that distinction in the past two years. The PCSA will be presented with its award at the OSA Summit March 4 to 6 in Guelph.
Cardinal Newman soccer players Jessica Woodbyrne, Taylor Major accept NCAA scholarships – Hamilton News
Two members of the Cardinal Newman Cardinals senior girls soccer team agreed to NCAA scholarship offers this week.
Annual youth soccer tourney kicks off – MyToba.ca
Winnipeg’s largest indoor soccer tournament is set to kick off tomorrow with participation from 164 teams. The 8th Annual Golden Boy Indoor Soccer Tournament, hosted by the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association, will take place Feb. 11 to 15 at the WSF Subway Soccer South and Axworthy Health & RecPlex Indoor Soccer complexes.
Yukon Brewing, KBS will clash in finals – Whitehorse Daily Star
It was a clash of the titans in the first round of the old-timer soccer playoffs Saturday where two very physical teams traded blows until only one team remained.
BC Youth Soccer Player Development
(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our new section on BC Youth Soccer Player Development; a new resource designed to help youth coaches and players. Throughout the week, we’ll feature news, drills and videos from the most noted professionals in the field of player development. If you have any articles or resources you enjoy, send them our way, and we’ll share them with the BC Soccer community.)
U.S. Soccer overhauls its coaching license standards – SI.com
U.S. Soccer announced a series of overhauls in coaching education and the structure of the youth game in 2015, which will begin to take root in 2016. The significant changes in licensing courses and new youth initiatives take from successful models around the world and, officials say, will eventually allow a uniquely American system that pulls the United States forward.
Can This Man Save U.S. Soccer? – The Atlantic
Americans perform about as unimpressively in soccer as they do in education. In both cases, the United States has suffered from a lack of focus and rigor, despite significant investments. More than 4 million kids are now registered in American youth-soccer leagues—more than in any other country—and yet the U.S. has never produced a Lionel Messi or a Cristiano Ronaldo.
On a Terrible Headline: US Soccer Does Not Need Saving – Teach Like A Champion
The Atlantic Monthly published a profile of my work with the U.S. Soccer Federation this month. It’s written by Amanda Ripley, a writer I admire greatly, and has a terrible and inaccurate headline (I think I am safe in assuming she didn’t write it). It’s also a headline that obscures some important observations for educators and coaches. First, let me state how strongly I disagree with both ideas implied by the headline: that U.S. Soccer needs saving and that, if it did, I might be the guy to do it.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
Koch bolsters Whitecaps FC 2 backline with European duo Elliot Green & Sem de Wit – Whitecaps FC
Skis, double-doubles, Swedish hockey-playing twins…. and now, European centre backs? On Wednesday, Whitecaps FC 2 announced their latest additions in defenders Elliot Green and Sem de Wit, as the club prepares for their second season in the USL, starting on March 26.
Koch’s Korner: Strengthening attack and a less “porous” defence key to WFC2 success in USL – AFTN
Stronger and more experienced, after the fast learning curve of 2015. A key core of the squad have remained and some exciting new additions have come in for the new season, which kicks off on March 26th with a trip to California to take on Orange County Blues.
Liam Fraser Makes Move Up to TFC II – USL
A call-up for Canada’s U20 National Team Development Camp last year, Fraser is the ninth player to be signed from the TFC Academy since the club’s inception in 2015.
FC Edmonton’s challenge: Not only improve the squad, but keep up with NASL’s rising standard – the11.ca
FC Edmonton’s second day of training camp — and the first held before the media — offered the first chance to see all of the team’s new signings.
Corea may have big roles to play for FC Edmonton and El Salvador in 2016 – the11.ca
When Canada played El Salvador to a 0-0 draw in a World Cup qualifier last November, Dustin Corea was arguably the best player for the home side. He created chances for the El Salvadorans and had a couple of very good looks at goal.
Miller wishes Boakai well, but promises FCE “won’t stop till we get” fees – the11.ca
FC Edmonton Coach Colin Miller wishes Hanson Boakai success as he looks to move across the ocean. But he hinted that FCE will make sure that the club looks after its own interests when it comes to collecting fees for developing the teenager.
Making a List: MLS players on move to NASL – Soccer America
Brazilian defender Adailton became the latest former MLS player to sign with an NASL team when he joined expansion Miami FC. Fifteen different players have joined or returned to NASL teams after finishing the 2015 season in MLS or on loan from MLS teams.
Love, Hate, the Cosmos and the US Open Cup – Midfield Press
I LOVE the US Open Cup. I’ve seen the Cosmos pull off two incredible victories that have lifted my spirits and could not have been more different from each other. I HATE the US Open Cup. I’ve seen the Cosmos lose two matches that also could not have been more different and they both still crushed me.
BC Soccer Web is on Facebook! Visit us Today!
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
USWNT thrash Costa Rica in Olympic qualifying opener – SBI
The U.S. Women’s National Team couldn’t have imagined a better start to the team’s run through CONCACAF’s Olympic qualifying tournament. Led by an Alex Morgan tally just 12 seconds into the match, the USWNT cruised past Costa Rica, 5-0, at Toyota Stadium in the reigning Women’s World Cup winners’ first game of Group A play.
Mexico routs Puerto Rico behind Marigol hat trick – The Equalizer
Maribel Dominguez scored a hat trick as Mexico comfortably defeated Puerto Rico, 6-0 on Wednesday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, to open up CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying.
Moya Dodd Has A Radical Idea For FIFA Reform: Include Women – Vice Sports
No one said reforming FIFA was going to be easy. But Moya Dodd still believes that soccer’s global governing body can right its own ship.
Anita Asante: England Women defender unhappy with treatment – BBC Sport
Defender Anita Asante has criticised England boss Mark Sampson for failing to explain why she has been dropped. Asante, 30, who plays for Swedish side Rosengard, has 70 caps and featured at two World Cups and three European Championships.
Sunderland Ladies sign Krystle Johnston and Rachel Pitman – BBC Sport
Sunderland Ladies have signed midfielder Krystle Johnston on a one-year deal and defender Rachel Pitman on a two-year contract.
SAG Women’s Football: Nepal hold India to goalless draw to qualify to finals – Indian Sports News
India were held to yet another goalless draw, this time by a resilient Nepal side when they locked horns on Thursday in a South Asian Games women’s football match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The evenly matched contest saw shots being fired on either half but all attempts eventually went in vain as the match ended 0-0 by full time.
FA of Malaysia to set up dept for women’s football, says Hamidin – Malay Mail
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will set up a Department for Women’s Football soon, in line with the requirement of FIFA, the world governing body for football.
Connect Your Business to Soccer in BC! Advertise with BC Soccer Web
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Mexico beats Senegal with late goals from Jesus Duenas, Rodolfo Pizarro – ESPN FC
Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio fielded a domestic-based, experimental squad for the match, as Senegal also fielded a team comprised entirely of domestic players.
Julian Nagelsmann: Hoffenheim appoint 28-year-old manager – BBC Sport
Hoffenheim have made Julian Nagelsmann the youngest manager in Bundesliga history after appointing the 28-year-old as their new manager.
FSG’s message to Liverpool supporters – Liverpool FC
It has been a tumultuous week. On behalf of everyone at Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool Football Club, we would like to apologise for the distress caused by our ticket pricing plan for the 2016-17 season.
Liverpool ticket price U-turn by FSG delights Jamie Carragher – ESPN FC
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has expressed his “pride” after the actions of the club’s fans led to a U-turn on ticket prices at Anfield.
Liverpool ticket U-turn a game-changer, says Football Supporters’ Federation – The Guardian
Liverpool fans’ successful walkout protest over ticket prices is a “game-changer”, according to the Football Supporters’ Federation.
Liverpool tickets row: Fan groups say fight will go on – BBC Sport
Liverpool’s owners have been told that the fight to make football affordable for fans will go on despite the club’s surprise reversal on ticket prices.
Artificial grass: Listen to players, says St Johnstone boss Wright – BBC Sport
St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright thinks players should have their say on artificial pitches. Wright cited a PFA Scotland survey that found more than 70% of players would prefer to play on a bad grass pitch than play on synthetic grass.
Why the world’s best are now choosing China, according to an insider – Goal
Stunning deals in the winter transfer window have made the soccer world sit up and take notice — and the influx of foreign talents to China is unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
1966: what you might not know about the most famous year in English football – The Guardian
West Ham ‘won the World Cup’ in 1966, but they also finished 12th in the league, behind champions Liverpool and FA Cup winners Everton. Here are a few more things you might not know about English football’s most glorious year.