VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
As Dos Santos looks to youthful Whitecaps squad, the bridge between the Academy and MLS team once again comes under the spotlight – AFTN
The Marc Dos Santos era is underway. The roster has been dismantled and the magnitude of the task ahead of him in his first year looms large, as others in the Western Conference make moves.
Union trade all their MLS draft picks to FC Cincinnati, deciding draft isn’t of much use – Philly.com
As Ernst Tanner prepared for his first MLS draft as Union sporting director, he did his due diligence watching college prospects on tape and at the recent scouting combine. He came away unimpressed.
FC Cincinnati turns its sights from Combine to Chicago, MLS SuperDraft – Cincinnati.com
The Wednesday morning matches at the Major League Soccer Combine came as the league had already started to shift its collective gaze toward Chicago and Friday’s SuperDraft.
Trade or draft? Koch mum on Cincinnati’s plans with No. 1 SuperDraft pick – MLS
FC Cincinnati’s offseason has gone by in a flash as they prepare for their inaugural season in Major League Soccer. The foundation they lay now, with the decisions made on roster building, will determine the course of the expansion side’s first years in MLS.
Newcastle told they must up offer for Atlanta United’s Miguel Almirón – The Guardian
Newcastle have been told that they must improve their offer for Miguel Almirón if they want to sign him from Atlanta United this month.
Marco Ferruzzi named FC Dallas Director of Soccer Operations – Sportsday
On the heels of today’s announcement about their coaching staff, FC Dallas has confirmed reports from earlier this week that Marco Ferruzzi was making a move to the club’s front office. Ferruzzi has been announced as the new Director of Soccer Operations. After 14 seasons on the FCD bench as an assistant coach, Ferruzzi is stepping into a front office position.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto names LA Galaxy staff, including twin Gustavo – MLS
Guillermo Barros Schelotto won’t be the only Schelotto on the LA Galaxy bench next season.
Real Salt Lake re-signs Luke Mulholland to new one-year contract – Salt Lake Tribune
Luke Mulholland is back. Real Salt Lake on Wednesday re-signed the midfielder to a new one-year contract after declining his option earlier this offseason.
LAFC’s expansion success has Walker Zimmerman wanting to return for more – LA Times
The Los Angeles Football Club had the best regular season of any expansion team in MLS history last year. Its postseason, however, lasted only a game. And for defender Walker Zimmerman, that makes 2018 more a disappointment than a success.
Columbus Crew SC’s downtown stadium construction to start in summer of 2019 – ESPN
Incoming Columbus Crew owner Dee Haslam said the team plans to start construction of a $230 million downtown stadium this summer.
Mark Geiger retires from refereeing to take up new role with PRO – MLS
PRO announced on Wednesday that Mark Geiger has been appointed as director of senior match officials, a new role in which he’ll oversee the work of officials operating at the MLS level, effective immediately.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
‘Part of history’: Marcus Haber joins Pacific FC in career prime with legacy on his mind – Canadian Premier League
The time was right for Marcus Haber to return home. After a nine-year spell abroad, the Vancouver-born striker has made the move from Scotland back to the West Coast and Pacific Football Club. Haber, 29, has been tracking the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and its development since the rumours of a professional Canadian domestic league began.
Canadian striker Haber signs with CPL’s Pacific FC – TSN
After nine years in the United Kingdom, Marcus Haber decided it was time to return to the West Coast.
VIDEO: ‘We’re ecstatic:’ Pacific FC make major signing ahead of inaugural campaign – CHEK
The 29-year-old has spent the last nine years playing professionally in the United Kingdom. Haber is a former player with the Canadian Senior Men’s National team, registering three goals in 27 caps. Pacific FC, based out of Victoria, is one of seven Canadian professional soccer teams set to compete in the inaugural Canadian Premier League starting in late April.
Huitema, Grosso called up to Canada’s January camp in preparation for FIFA Women’s World Cup – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Super REX striker Jordyn Huitema and graduate Julia Grosso have been called up to the Canadian women’s national team for this month’s camp.
Upcoming weekend FVSL-VISL All-Star Summit games – BC Soccer Web
We are officially into the New Year and definitely feeling the excitement in anticipation of what 2019 will have in store. Part of that excitement is the All-Star Summit competition between the VISL and FVSL (Fraser Valley Soccer League).
Eight greats added to Burnaby’s sports hall of fame – Burnaby Now
Bruce Wilson’s formative soccer years were spent in Burnaby playing for Norburn AC, which won the 1966/67 provincial championship before he moved on to a stellar professional career in the North American Soccer League.
BC Soccer hosts its second Technical Director Diploma Course – BCSA
Registration is now open for the BC Soccer Technical Director Diploma held at the FORTIUS Sport & Health Complex in Burnaby February 22-23, 2019.
Pacific FC now accepting memberships for 2019 Canadian Premier League season – Pacific FC
Join Vancouver Island’s new CPL club! Become a Member of Pacific Football Club for first access seat selection and tickets.
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
Canada begins FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 campaign with two matches in Europe followed by the Algarve Cup – CSA
Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team will launch their all-important 2019 season with two matches in Spain including a training match against Switzerland on 17 January and an international friendly match against Norway on 22 January in La Manga.
Canadian women to play in Spain and Portugal in pre-World Cup tests – CBC
Canada will play Switzerland and Norway in advance of the Algarve Cup in late February as it ramps up preparations for the Women’s World Cup in France this summer.
Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair one to watch at MLS SuperDraft – Vancouver Courier
The 21-year-old from Pickering, Ont., finished his collegiate career at the University of Maryland in December by winning the NCAA championship. He did not concede a goal in five games at the tournament and ended his time as a Terrapin on a 500-minute shutout run.
‘Like another planet’: Well-traveled Di Chiara brings wealth of experience to York9 – Canadian Premier League
Joseph Di Chiara was in Lithuania, finishing what was a frustrating season with FK Jonava. The team was in dead last in the A Lyga, that country’s first division, and was headed for relegation.
Rob Gale is Building an Impressive Spine at Valour FC – Northern Starting XI
Valour FC added the 5th and 6th members of their promising squad on Tuesday, when they announced the signing of centre-back Jordan Murrell from Reno 1868 along with winger Glenn Muenkat from FC Kaiserslautern. These announcements pulled Valour level with York9, FC Edmonton, and Cavalry FC for the most signings up to this point, with 6.
USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Las Vegas Brings in Twelve New Faces to Squad – USL
Las Vegas Lights FC added a dozen new faces to its squad for the 2019 USL Championship season on Wednesday, with former Orange County SC forward Irvin Parra and experienced Argentine midfielder Lucas Scaglia among the new arrivals as the club opened training camp under new Head Coach Eric Wynalda. The signings are pending league and federation approval.
LA Galaxy II exercise 2019 contract options on five players – LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy II announced today the club has exercised contract options for five players from the team’s 2018 roster. Three more players remain under contract, in addition to Los Dos re-signing midfielder Adrian Vera, bringing the club’s current roster to nine players under contract for the 2019 USL Championship season.
Indy Eleven proposes $550 million development that includes stadium – Indianapolis Business Journal
The Indy Eleven on Thursday unveiled a proposal for a $550 million mixed-use real estate district that would include a 20,000-seat outdoor soccer stadium as the team continues its quest to join Major League Soccer.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
NWSL Announced the Final List of Eligible Players for the 2019 College Draft – RSL
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced today the final list of more than 200 players eligible for selection in the 2019 NWSL College Draft, which will take place on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. PT at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Chicago.
Tierna Davidson declares for NWSL College Draft – The Equalizer
The central question which was to define the 2019 National Women’s Soccer League College Draft has been answered: Tierna Davidson is turning professional.
Red Stars Deal Picks – Prost Amerika
The Chicago Red Stars were busy on the day before the NWSL College Draft. First, they dealt the #6-overall pick to Sky Blue FC in exchange for forward Katie Johnson. The Red Stars’ highest second-round pick in 2020 will also go to Sky Blue.
Jewels and needles: Why the NWSL Draft has changed so much for the league’s top clubs – Timbers.com
When the Portland Thorns last took the field, they did so with a starting lineup that found international-caliber talents like Andressinha and Midge Purce on the bench. That doesn’t even count players too injured to suit up. When Hayley Raso and Katherine Reynolds are brought into view, Mark Parsons had far too many starting-level talents for his lineup’s 11 spots, something that hasn’t changed during an offseason of almost no departures.
Utah Royals add reserve team, Utah Royals FC Reserves, who will play in the Women’s Premier Soccer League – RSL Soapbox
Utah Royals FC have announced they will add a reserve team, named Utah Royals FC Reserves, to begin play in Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) this year.
FA Continental Tyres League Cup: Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal reach semis – BBC Sport
England’s Fran Kirby scored twice on her return from injury as Chelsea Women eased past Reading 4-0 to reach the FA Continental Tyres League Cup last four.
Matildas in firing line as W-League ground conditions at Epping Stadium in Melbourne called into question – News.com.au
Melbourne City women’s coach Rado Vidosic has slammed the ‘dangerous’ Epping Stadium surface and said the upcoming W-League fixture posed a threat to Matildas World Cup aspirants.
Portuguese girls get elite boost through FIFA Academies – FIFA
While the women’s game is enjoying a rapid rise around the globe, girls up and down the Iberian Atlantic coast are enjoying a helping hand in trying to reach their full potential.
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Guingamp stun PSG with 2-1 League Cup win in Paris – France 24
PSG had won the competition five years in a row and had not lost a domestic fixture this season but were undone when Guingamp grabbed the winner from the spot in stoppage time.
Monaco beat Rennes on penalties to reach French League Cup semi-finals – BBC Sport
Twenty two penalties, seven missed and a goalkeeper scoring the winner.
Real Madrid averts upset, beats Leganes 3-0 in Copa del Rey – London Free Press
Real Madrid avoided the upset this time, beating Leganes 3-0 on Wednesday to move closer to the last eight of the Copa del Rey.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey agrees five-year deal with Juventus worth £36m – The Guardian
Aaron Ramsey has agreed a five-year deal with Juventus worth £36m and will join the Italian champions on a free transfer at the end of the season. The midfielder has been discussing a move for weeks and will leave Arsenal after 10 years at the club.
Japan, Uzbekistan survive scares, Qatar beat Lebanon – FIFA
Matchday five at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 was another testament to the growing competitiveness of the Asian game as two stalwarts of the continent were victorious, but not after undergoing tricky tests. Qatar rounded out the day with a closely-fought 2-0 victory over Lebanon in Group E.
Premier League title race: Liverpool and their challengers are breaking records – BBC Sport
In almost any other year, Liverpool would be nailed on to win the Premier League.
No inspection, vote dates changed: SAFA complain AFCON 2019 vote was rigged – Inside World Football
South Africa have reacted with anger and bewilderment over the rejection of their bid to stage this summer’s African Nations Cup, dismissing suggestions of sour grapes and saying due process was not applied.
Man City 9-0 Burton: Eight-hour journey for 15 mins of football – stories – BBC Sport
Hours stuck on the motorway, a 9-0 loss and possibly another hammering to come. Spare a thought for Burton Albion’s fans.
FIFA steps in to run Namibian FA as infighting and cash issues leave football ‘paralysed’ – Inside World Football
Namibia is the latest country to be subject of a normalisation committee imposed by FIFA to run its affairs as a result of a bitter internal squabble.
Raheem Sterling writes letter to young fan after he suffered racial abuse – BBC Sport
Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling has told a young City fan to “be proud of who you are” after he was racially abused.
The 2018/19 Guide to Soccer on TV in Canada (and online) – BC Soccer Web
Finding your match on TV or online in Canada has become more difficult in recent years. League broadcast rights change hands, new online services pop up, and some leagues and channels vanish from our screens altogether. Fear not! BC Soccer Web has got you covered! We’ve made our way through the web of cable channels and online services available so you can watch the matches you want.