ROBERT EARNSHAW RETIRES AFTER LEGENDARY CAREER
‘Thank you, football:’ An open letter from Robert Earnshaw – Whitecaps FC
Thank you, football. Today, I announce the end of my playing career.
Cardiff City legend Robert Earnshaw retires from football – Wales Online
‘Earnie’ made more than 200 appearances and scored 109 for the Bluebirds across two spells as well as winning 59 caps for his country but, at the age of 34, has opted to retire from club football following time in Major League Soccer with Vancouver Whitecaps.
Earnshaw retires after 18-year professional playing career, takes over as WFC U-14 head coach and club’s strikers coach – Whitecaps FC
Striker Robert Earnshaw announced his retirement on Thursday, following a memorable 18-year professional playing career. In addition, the club confirmed that Earnshaw will immediately take over the head coaching duties for the Whitecaps FC U-14 Pre-Residency team and also serve as the club’s strikers coach.
WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Tough road ahead for Whitecaps rookie Seiler – Sportsnet
When the Whitecaps selected Seiler, who played four years at Georgetown, it likely came as a surprise to some. Vancouver coach Carl Robinson talked ahead of the draft of adding firepower, and if there was an obvious hole in the squad in need of filling it was at right fullback, after Steven Beitashour’s off-season move to Toronto FC.
Should the Whitecaps Sign Blas Perez? – Eighty-Six Forever
Carl Robinson has made it clear he wants to add to the Vancouver Whitecaps for the upcoming season, and an intriguing name that has been popping up in the rumor mills recently is former FC Dallas forward, and noted pest, Blas Perez.
Bruce Arena: ‘There is a real upside of having Ashley Cole’ –Soccer America
Former England international Ashley Cole (107 caps) has signed with the LA Galaxy following his release from Roma, for which he had not played a competitive game since March 2015. LA Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena talked about why the signing of a 35-year-old left back made sense — and was a risk — particularly in light of the Englishman’s remarks a year and half earlier that he was “not ready to relax on a beach yet.”
Chicago Fire sign free agent midfielder Nick LaBrocca – MLS
The Chicago Fire added to their retooled roster with the addition of veteran midfielder Nick LaBrocca, the club announced on Wednesday. LaBrocca was a free agent coming off a three-season stint with the Colorado Rapids, and was signed on a one-year contract with a club option for the second year.
NYCFC set to sign Frederic Brillant on free transfer – Empire of Soccer
New York City FC are set to sign French centerback Frédéric Brillant on a free transfer from KV Oostende, Empire of Soccer has learned.
Toronto FC’s ‘style of play’ a work in progress – Sportsnet
A busy off-season saw Toronto FC plug the majority of its roster holes after an embarrassing playoff exit in 2015, a series of moves that offer long-suffering fans renewed hope ahead of the upcoming MLS campaign.
Orlando City sign Honduras U-20 defensive midfielder Devron Garcia – MLS
Orlando City SC have acquired Honduran U-20 defensive midfielder Devron García, the club announced Wednesday. He comes to Orlando as a discovery signing from CD Victoria of the Honduran First Division.
Caleb Porter ‘hungry’ to build on Timbers success for years to come – SBI
Caleb Porter received a reward on Wednesday for his part in leading the Portland Timbers to their first MLS Cup, but he insists that the successes of last year have been cast aside. Porter signed a new long-term contract as head coach of the Timbers on Wednesday, nearly two months after leading to the club to an MLS Cup title.
‘Too short’ preseason shifts to Arizona phase – The Olympian
Sigi Schmid cautions that his club may not be at full fitness in time for the Feb. 23 Champions League quarterfinal.
Mexico coach Osorio: Major League Soccer not for players at their peak – ESPN FC
Mexico national team manager Juan Carlos Osorio has advised his El Tri stars against joining MLS clubs while they’re in the prime of their careers as Giovani dos Santos did last summer.
Miami Beckham United counting on locals to use mass transit, walk to proposed stadium – SBI
David Beckham and his group of investors have talked about having fans march to the proposed soccer-specific stadium for their team in Miami since Day 1, but their new desired location might force more supporters to have to walk than was originally envisioned.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
LMG wins league in Williams turf opener – Cowichan Valley Citizen
It was a true night for celebration. Not only did Cowichan LMG finally play their long-awaited first game on the new turf at Williams Field last Saturday, but thanks to a 2-1 win over Bays United, they also locked up the Garrison Cup for first place in the Vancouver Island Soccer League’s top division for a second consecutive year.
TWU MEN’S SOCCER POSITION OPENING – HEAD COACH – TWU
Trinity Western University invites fully qualified candidates to apply for this Men’sSoccer full-time CIS Head Coach Position. The successful candidate will have the proven experience to develop a winning national program coupled with a passion for developing Complete Champions (focused on high academic achievement, leadership development,spiritual growth, and community service).
Ten Count with Whitecaps Residency and Canadian defender Andre Baires – AFTN
Defender Andre Baires is now in his third season with Vancouver Whitecaps Residency and a key regular on the U18s backline this season. Baires began playing organised soccer in the U6 age group and after a successful time with Winnipeg Phoenix, he headed west to Vancouver as a 16 year old, splitting his time during the 2013/14 season between the U18 and U16 sides, before stepping up full time to the U18 last season.
Aldergrove Youth Soccer competitive in league cup play – Aldergrove Star
Aldergrove Youth Soccer teams are well placed in the standings across all age groups with at least two more games to play in round robin cup play.
Sooke youth soccer squads earn spots in finals – Sooke News Mirror
Several Sooke Soccer Club youth teams played in Lower Island Soccer Association (LISA) Cup semifinals last weekend.
Introducing BC Soccer Web Syndication – BC Soccer Web
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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!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Everything new at FC London – London Free Press
A new era in FC London soccer began Wednesday. After seven years in the U.S.-based Premier Development League and winning one championship, FC London gave itself over lock, stock and soccer cleats to the development of Canadian players.
VIDEO: Dino Rossi – League 1 Ontario Chairman Interview (FC London Launch) – YouTube/Sportgamelive
Interview with League 1 Ontario Chairman Dino Rossi at the the launch of their newest team, FC London.
Maccabi Canada looking for coaches of any faith to lead its soccer teams – the11.ca
The Maccabiah Games don’t take place until 2017, but the search is on for coaches looking to steer Canada’s soccer teams in the tournament.
Group closing in on sites for sports dome – Orillia Packet
After nearly five years of planning, the group attempting to see a sports dome built in Oro-Medonte Township has two potential locations to choose from.
Hastings FC gears up for training academy – Inside Belleville
Over the past decade Hastings has become something of a youth soccer hotbed and that will only grow with the addition of the Hastings Fieldhouse and a second regulation-sized outdoor pitch.
Year-end tourney highlights indoor soccer season – Yorkton This Week
Over the weekend nearly 300 soccer players ranging in age from three to 50 took part in Yorkton United’s end-of-season indoor soccer tournament at the Gallagher Centre Flexihall.
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.)
Erasers of the Lost Art – Foothills Soccer Offside Blog
We are in an age where we have become obsessed about what we do with the ball and have almost neglected what we need to do without it. In an era dominated by attacking players we have no longer the defensive cult figures in the game The last defender to even be recognized and nominated as being one of the top 3 players in the world was Fabio Cannavaro back in 2006 when he won the Ballon d’or. Since then the game has been dominated by attacking flair and players with creativity.
VIDEO: Learn from the Pros: Marking With Servando Carrasco – Orlando City SC
Learn the “No-No’s” when Midfielder Servando Carrasco gives you a few tips on marking your opponent.
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WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
Whitecaps FC add Canadians Giuliano Frano and Daniel Haber to WFC2 – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the addition of two Canadians to the Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) roster for the 2016 United Soccer League season, defender/midfielder Giuliano Frano and striker Daniel Haber – pending receipt of their international transfer certificates. Per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
WFC2 Strengthen Squad with Canadian Talent – Eighty-Six Forever
Joining the Thundercaps are D/MF Giuliano Frano and F Daniel Haber. Frano will be familiar with USL having played with the Seattle Sounders FC2 in 2015. Haber, however, will have to adjust to his new club and league having played for Hapoel Nir Ramat HaSharon FC in Israel’s second division last year.
Bethlehem Steel FC Add Eight to Roster – Philadelphia Union
Bethlehem Steel FC announced today the club has added eight more players to its 2016 inaugural roster. They include Victoria native Josh Heard, who was drafted in the 4th round by Whitecaps FC.
Music Producer and DJ Diplo leads group investing in Arizona United Soccer Club – AZ United
Five-time Grammy nominated producer and artist, Diplo, is leading a syndicate of artists and music executives in a financial investment into Arizona United Soccer Club, the team announced today.
Feedback from the USL Front Office Regarding the Schedule – Scratching the Pitch
Scratching the Pitch and others have had a lot to say about the USL schedule since it was announced on Wednesday. We decided it would be fair to allow the league to explain some the rationale behind the construction of the schedule. David Wagner (@AVOCATdeFOOT), USL Vice President of Competition and Operations, took the time to answer some of our questions.
NASL Commissioner Opens Up About Loss of Scorpions, Silverbacks – Empire of Soccer
The NASL is set to expand its ranks by three this year with the additions of Miami FC, Rayo OKC, and Puerto Rico FC. On the surface, that type of rapid expansion from 11 teams might indicate the league is well on its way to reach its hopeful goal of 18 teams by 2020. The NASL, though, is not immune from the turbulent nature of American soccer and has had to deal with the disappointment of losing the San Antonio Scorpions and Atlanta Silverbacks this offseason.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Natasha Harding: Liverpool Ladies sign ex-Man City winger – BBC Sport
Liverpool Ladies have signed Wales winger Natasha Harding after her release by Manchester City Women.
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL: Bristol City Women’s boss Willie Kirk swoops for internationals Chloe and Ellie – Bristol Post
BRISTOL City boss Willie Kirk has added more new faces as he shapes his squad for the start of their FA Women’s Super League campaign – and next month’s FA Women’s Cup opener against QPR. The Scot has recruited 21-year-old midfielder Chloe Arthur from his former club Hibernian and defender Ellie Wilson, 18, who has signed from newly-promoted Reading.
Slow and Steady Growth for the NWSL – Our Game
“I’d like to get to 12, get to 14 teams, have a balanced schedule, that automatically means more games. That evolution will take some time. But we believe the marketplace will be responsive to that.” — Jeff Plush, NWSL Commissioner
USWNT push for new deal and vow: we are not playing on artificial turf – The Guardian
The contract between the US women’s team and the federation is set to expire later this year – which means a chance to fix issues that aren’t quite right .
Taking the managerial reins – Continental Tyres Women’s National League
Managerial merry-go-rounds are nothing too surprising at any level of football and it’s something that the Continental Tyres Women’s National League isn’t immune from either. Conor O’Grady’s appointment as manager of Castlebar Celtic flew under the radar last week, but it is definitely another positive step as the League continues to move forward.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Manchester City too slick for Everton after Manuel Pellegrini’s changes pay off – The Guardian
After a cautious start, Manchester City’s attack and the introduction of Kevin De Bruyne proved too much for Everton in the Capital One Cup semi-final.
FIFA transfer bans for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico ‘medieval’ – La Liga – ESPN FC
La Liga president Javier Tebas says the punishments handed out by FIFA to Spanish giants Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for breaking youth transfer regulations are “medieval and anachronistic.”
Celta Vigo shock Atlético Madrid to progress to Copa del Rey last four – The Guardian
Celta Vigo eliminated Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals with a 3-2 victory at the Vicente Calderón. Pablo Hernández scored twice as Celta upset Atlético, who had lost only once in their previous 24 games, to reach the semi-final.
Italian police swoop on agents, players and 35 clubs, seizing €12m – Inside World Football
Italian police have seized assets from 58 players, agents and club executives worth more than €12 million as part of huge crackdown into alleged systematic tax evasion in the country’s top two divisions.
Dele Alli: £26m Tottenham star is Europe’s most valuable midfielder – Evening Standard
It took Dele Alli just 26 games for Tottenham to become the most valuable teenager in European football. Before Spurs’ opening fixture of the season, Alli had not played a single match in either of England’s top two divisions. Now, no player in Europe under the age of 20 would command a higher transfer fee, according to a highly-respected football research group.
Smaller clubs toppling Premier League elite – we may have to get used to it – The Guardian
Bolstered by television riches the top flight’s middle-classes are on the rise, epitomised by Leicester City, and have closed the gap on clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea, who scare no one any more.
Stuart Pearce comes out of retirement to play for ‘the worst team in the UK’ – The Guardian
Stuart Pearce has come out of retirement at the age of 53 to play for a non-league side dubbed “the worst in the UK”. Gloucestershire-based Longford AFC, whose entire first team and manager left last summer, play in the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League Division Two, and have lost all 19 of their games this season.