MLS MATCHDAY
SPORTING KANSAS CITY vs. WHITECAPS FC
SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2016, 5:30 PM
CHILDREN’S MERCY PARK, KANSAS CITY, KS
TV: TSN 2 RADIO: TSN 1040 LIVESTREAM: TSN GO
BC Soccer News, Thursday, March 10, 2016
WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
‘Caps set for rematch with Sporting KC after last year’s heartbreak: ‘It hurt’ – Whitecaps FC
Sporting KC scored three goals from the 81st minute onwards, culminating with a stoppage-time winner to complete a 4-3 comeback win and extend their home unbeaten streak to 16 matches. For a neutral, it could have very well been the most entertaining match of the year. For Whitecaps FC, it was simply heartbreaking. There’s no other way to put it.
When it comes to losses, Whitecaps always swift to shake it off – The Province
The best teams bounce back. That was abundantly clear in MLS last season. The six teams with the best record after a loss (see box) were all among the top nine in the overall standings.
Sporting KC: Vancouver Scouting Report – Reporting KC
Sporting Kansas City will have their home opener this Sunday at newly named Children’s Mercy Park. Sporting KC will take on the Vancouver Whitecaps at 7:30 PM CST. While Sporting KC had a great showing against a fellow Western Conference contender in the Seattle Sounders, they will need to be up for the challenge against another heavy weight in the Vancouver Whitecaps. Here is what you should know about the ‘Caps.
Pérez willing to work for his position on Whitecaps – Red Nation Online
The Vancouver Whitecaps have a fantastic defense, a great goalkeeper, and more recently a higher success rate on set pieces. The area of concern for Whitecaps fans is trouble scoring goals. It was evident during the 2015 campaign that Vancouver can certainly create many glorious scoring opportunities, however taking those chances and converting them into goals remains a struggle.
Nuno Coelho adapts to a new environment with Sporting KC – Sporting KC
Nuno André Coelho says his first Major League Soccer game couldn’t have gone better. The Portuguese center back made his debut with Sporting Kansas City in memorable fashion, securing the team’s 1-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC with a 73rd minute goal from 30 yards out. But there’s more to Sporting KC’s newest defender than meets the eye.
Sporting KC Weekly Update: March 9, 2016 – Sporting KC
Sporting KC is unbeaten in all five home openers at Children’s Mercy Park since the state-of-the-art venue opened in 2011. Manager Peter Vermes’ side won both meetings against Vancouver last season, including a remarkable 4-3 triumph on Aug. 15 at Children’s Mercy Park in which the hosts reversed a two-goal deficit in the final 10 minutes plus stoppage time.
TFC’s Altidore likely to miss New York City FC match – Toronto Sun
Jozy Altidore is closer to doubtful than questionable, though he hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday’s internationally televised clash with New York City FC.
Evan Bush: The True Under Dog Story – Mount Royal Soccer
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog”. This quote by author Mark Twain does carry some importance when describing Montreal Impact keeper Evan Bush. Some of you may ask why quote some writer from over a hundred years ago? What does he know about soccer?
Portland Timbers acquire Jack Barmby on loan from Leicester City – Goal
The Timbers have picked up the midfielder-defender on a season-long loan from the Premier League leader.
Portland Timbers’ young core provides solid foundation for long-term success – Oregon Live
Three years after Porter took over at the helm, the Timbers have an MLS Cup trophy under their belt and, maybe more importantly, boast a young core of starting players capable of competing for titles for the foreseeable future.
New signings shine for FC Dallas – Prost Amerika
For FC Dallas, the goal of the offseason was to improve on a team that finished runner’s up for the Supporter’s Shield and had 13 home wins during the regular season. While there were other roster moves for the team, two of the team’s new players had a big impact in last week’s win against the Philadelphia Union.
Seattle Sounders defender Brad Evans to miss Saturday’s clash at Real Salt Lake due to shoulder injury – MLS
The Seattle Sounders will be without one of their most important players when they travel to Real Salt Lake this weekend, as head coach Sigi Schmid told reporters on Wednesday that Brad Evans will miss Saturday’s trip to Rio Tinto Stadium after suffering a shoulder injury in Sunday’s loss to Sporting Kansas City.
Bruce Arena says there is a “chance” that Giovani dos Santos will be available for Colorado Rapids match – LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena believes there is a chance that Giovani dos Santos could be available for selection when Los Angeles take on the Colorado Rapids on Saturday.
Union coach Jim Curtin: Maurice Edu injury is “a big blow” to our 2016 plans – MLS
If the Philadelphia Union hope to avoid a third straight brutal start to the season, they’ll have to do so without their most recognizable player. During Wednesday’s weekly press conference, head coach Jim Curtin revealed that Maurice Edu’s injury has become a lot more significant with the captain now expected to miss at least three months with a fracture in his left leg.
Cyle Larin, There Won’t be a Sophmore Slump – City Soccer Talk
It didn’t take long for Cyle Larin to open his account in 2016. With his 90th minute goal, the 20-year-old striker registered the first of what should be many goals for Orlando City this season.
Ignacio Piatti, Evan Bush at their best for Impact – Montreal Gazette
Here are my pros and cons from the Impact’s 3-2 road win against the Vancouver Whitecaps last Sunday.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber isn’t celebrating triumphs; he’s too focused on the future – LA Times
One reason for the recent success of Major League Soccer is Commissioner Don Garber’s refusal to celebrate past triumphs, choosing to look ahead toward more victories instead. That trait was evident Sunday, when MLS kicked off its 21st season with its best opening weekend.
MLS releases totals of US and Canadian-born players to start 2016 season – MLS
On Wednesday MLS released a breakdown of rostered players which outlines the totals of US-born, Canadian-born and foreign-born players as compared to previous seasons.
Official: Toronto Maple Leafs to Play Red Wing in Outdoor Game at BMO Field – Waking the Red
It’s going to be a busy year at BMO Field. From now until New Year’s Day the stadium will play host to Toronto FC, the Toronto Argonauts, the Canadian women’s national team for a friendly in June and the 2016 Grey Cup. Today it was confirmed that the stadium will host an outdoor NHL game as well between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings.
Capture the game in HD using aerial video, book now at www.gamevision.ca!
BC SOCCER NEWS
Ten Count with Whitecaps Residency U16 captain Nicolas Apostol – AFTN
For millions of football playing kids across the globe, they all share the same dream – to be a professional footballer for the club that represents their home city. Most of the kids never get the opportunity, but every time they are on a field with a ball they can see it – wearing the home team kit, winning the game with a 90th minute goal to give themselves, their hometown and their favourite team the championship.
14-year-old ‘Caps prospect Jordyn Huitema determined to succeed with Canada – Whitecaps FC
The 14-year-old from Chilliwack, BC is a rising young player with both the ‘Caps and Canada. She is the second member of her family to suit up for the Blue and White after older brother Brody, who took part in the Residency program and is now playing at Duke University.
Powell River Villa draws with top team – Powell River Peak
Powell River Villa took a first-half lead and held on to tie Vancouver Island Soccer League (VISL) Division 2 leaders Cermaq City Wave at Timberlane Park on Sunday, March 6. The visitors from Campbell River have clinched the division title, resulting in a promotion to Division 1 next season.
After years with nothing, future looks very bright for minor baseball in Osoyoos – Osoyoos Times
Osoyoos Minor Baseball has also officially signed a working agreement with the Penticton Pinnacles Football Club (FC) to encourage young baseball players to also play minor soccer.
Aldergrove takes the gold, three silver – Aldergrove Star
This past Saturday, March 5, Aldergrove Youth Soccer hosted the District 5 U13 Boys Championships, with 24 teams from across the Lower Mainland participating.
BC Soccer Assoc. is Now Accepting Candidates for its Board of Directors – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors for terms commencing June 11, 2016. Prospective candidates are invited to review the information provided on the BC Soccer web site www.bcsoccer.net. Candidates who provide notice to BC Soccer Assoc. of their intent to stand for election by May 1, 2016 will have their applications circulated to the membership in early May.
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!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada’s Women’s National Team wins Algarve Cup with 2-1 defeat over Brazil in final – CSA
Canada’s Women’s National Team pulled out all the stops against Brazil in the final of the 2016 Algarve Cup and took home gold after defeating the Rio Olympic hosts 2-1.
Canada beats Brazil to win Algarve Cup – TSN
Shelina Zadorsky and Janine Beckie scored second-half goals as Canada defeated Brazil 2-1 Monday in the final of Algarve Cup women’s soccer tournament. Zadorsky scored in the 60th minute when she converted a corner kick from Ashley Lawrence.
Algarve Cup win a big step for Canadian women – Sportsnet
It took Canada over a decade to return to the Algarve Cup, but it was worth the wait. A hard fought 2-1 victory in Wednesday’s final versus Brazil secured Canada it first championship at the annual eight-team exhibition tournament.
Canada MNT to face Azerbaijan in June – CSA
Canada Soccer has added a Men’s International Friendly match to the 2016 calendar for this coming June. As part of an upcoming Austrian camp during the FIFA international window, Canada will face Azerbaijan on Friday 3 June.
Cost of Montreal’s $53-million soccer centre keeps rising – Montreal Gazette
With the work now “almost complete” and the cost of each change during the construction now known, the city can now determine precisely how much it owes to professional consultants as a percentage of the additional work that was done, the executive summary says.
PLSQ Releases 2016 Schedule (French) – PLSQ
The Première ligue de soccer du Québec has released their 2016 regular season schedule.
Youth soccer gives P.A. food bank a boost – Prince Albert Now
The Prince Albert Youth Soccer Association (PAYSA) partnered with Panago Pizzo for the drive during their regular soccer registration Monday March 7 and Tuesday March 8 at the Alfred Jenkins Field House.
EPIC presents the 2016 Western Canada College ID Camp
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
WFC2 continue unbeaten preseason with 2-0 win over FVSL All-Stars – Whitecaps FC
Goals from Ghanaian trialist Fatawu Safiu and Residency product Terran Campbell propelled Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) to a 2-0 preseason win over the Fraser Valley Soccer League All-Stars on a rainy Wednesday night at the Port Moody Town Centre.
Julian de Guzman named second captain in club history – Ottawa Fury
Captain Canada is now Captain Fury FC. Head coach Paul Dalglish made it official on Wednesday following training, appointing Julian de Guzman as the second captain in club history.
FC Edmonton coach Colin Miller returns to roots with team trip to Scotland – Edmonton Journal
“For me personally it’s a fantastic trip,” Miller said. “It’s still taken a little while to sink in that we’re actually going back to Scotland.”
Preseason: TFC II 1-0 Sounders FC 2 – Toronto FC
Toronto FC II wrapped up its west coast preseason trip with a 1-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC 2.
Sounders FC 2 signs three 2016 MLS SuperDraft selections – Sounders FC
Seattle Sounders FC 2 today announced the signing of 2016 MLS SuperDraft selections Zach Mathers, Emir Alihodzic and Michael Nelson. The club adds three of its 2016 SuperDraft picks to the S2 roster after selecting Mathers in the Second Round before adding Alihodzic and Nelson in the Third Round and Fourth Round of January’s SuperDraft. Per USL and club policy, terms of the agreements are not being disclosed.
Red Bulls II Announce Signing of Long – USL
Long competed in the USL last season for Seattle Sounders FC 2, where he made 27 appearances and recorded one goal and two assists as S2 reached the USL Playoffs in their inaugural season. Originally selected by Seattle Sounders FC in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, Long spent time on loan with Sacramento Republic FC and Orange County Blues FC in his first professional season.
2016 USL Preview: LA Galaxy II – USL
The LA Galaxy have a familiar USL look these days with a number of former Galaxy II players representing the Major League Soccer club. Obviously LA’s framework is working to a tee at all levels. That means the 2015 USL Championship runner-up will have a different look this season in some areas, but the club has done a good job of rotating a number of players in – 40 different players saw minutes with the Galaxy II last year. As Los Dos prepare for their third season, it figures to be another with potential breakout stars as they have established themselves as a top threat in the Western Conference thus far.
PODCAST: NASL NightCap/Ours is the Fury – Fury season preview – Red Nation Online
Today on the NASL Nightcap, Theo is joined by Kendra Shannon of Ours is the Fury to talk about the very interesting off-season of the Ottawa Fury and preview their 2016 season!
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Inaugural SheBelieves Cup Crowns the US – Prost Amerika
The US and Germany faced off today in Boca Raton as the final round of the SheBelieves Cup got underway. Both teams came into the match with six points and quickly showed why they were top of the table. Germany held control early in the game, creating several chances that sent the US back-line scrambling. Germany was the first to break through in the 29th minute with a wicked ball put in near post by Mittag, despite being surrounded by US defenders.
Morgan’s stunner lifts USWNT to SheBelieves title – Equalizer
Alex Morgan scored a highlight-reel goal to help the United States women’s national team defeat Germany, 2-1 on Wednesday in Boca Raton, Fla. The victory kept the Americans perfect in 2016 and made them victors of the first-ever SheBelieves Cup.
Mark Sampson shifts focus to Euro 2017 after SheBelieves Cup – The FA
England Women’s boss Mark Sampson believes his side are better equipped to win Euro 2017 after finishing third in the SheBelieves Cup in America.
Sweden join France and Germany at Olympics – UEFA
Sweden have kept up their record of qualifying for every women’s Olympic football tournament alongside Brazil and the United States after winning a mini-tournament in the Netherlands to decide Europe’s third and final place in Brazil this August.
Austria triumph as Germany, Iceland impress – UEFA
The regular friendly tournaments in the first week of March produced titles for the United States, Canada and Austria while Sweden were qualifying for the Olympics.
Chinese Women’s Team Return to Heroes’ Welcome with Rio Qualification – CRI
The Chinese national women’s soccer team received a warm welcome at Beijing International Airport on Thursday after they fixed a berth for the Rio Olympics in the Asian Zone qualifications.
Sasaki out as Nadeshiko Japan coach – Japan Times
Nadeshiko Japan coach Norio Sasaki said on Wednesday that he is stepping down after the team failed to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Forward still distraught over missed penalty in women’s Olympic football qualifier – Yonhap
With South Korea having missed out on the Olympic women’s football tournament, the country’s all-time leading scorer said Thursday she was still distraught over her botched penalty.
Carla Humphrey raring to go with Doncaster Belles loan – Vavel
The midfielder, who has joined on loan from Arsenal for the upcoming campaign, has had time to settle in up North now and is keen to help the Belles to success this season after plenty of transfer business.
Women’s U.S. soccer struggles to break ground – The Pioneer Online
Despite the unsuccessful past attempts of the United States Soccer Federation to develop and maintain a strong professional women’s soccer league, the USWNT are not a reflection of the league’s failed history. In fact, the American ladies are the opposite of failures, they are champions.
Letter: Where’s the coverage of women’s soccer tourney? – OrovilleMR
Women’s sports don’t exist. That’s what one would conclude if your only source of news was this newspaper…It is easy to understand why there aren’t more young girls getting involved with sports when media coverage is so minimal.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Liverpool against Manchester United is “the mother of all games” insists Jürgen Klopp – Vavel
Jürgen Klopp believes that there aren’t any bigger games that spring to mind than the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United as the two prepare to face each other in European competition for the first time on Thursday evening.
Liverpool v Manchester United: when domestic rivals collide in Europe – The Guardian
Thursday’s game is the latest in a long history of ties between two teams from one country on the European stage, and sparks have flown in plenty of the previous encounters.
UCL Rewind: PSG bests Chelsea; Benfica tops Zenit – SBI
For the second straight season, Chelsea has seen their Champions League run ended by Paris-Saint Germain. After claiming the opening leg, 2-1, at the Parc des Princes, PSG won by the same scoreline on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge to advance to the next round of the Champions League.
Di Maria the key for PSG in Champions League – Sportsnet
How Manchester United must be kicking itself for deeming a player the calibre of Angel Di Maria to be surplus to requirements and selling him off to PSG. United was once again reminded on Wednesday of what a big mistake they made in letting him leave, as the mercurial Argentine’s talents were on full display at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle fans on edge as Rafa rumours intensify – Vavel
Newcastle United fans are no doubtedly frantically refreshing their social media feeds as they wait to see whether Rafa Benitez will succeed an under-fire Steve McClaren.
Bolton Wanderers: Sports Shield consortium complete takeover – BBC Sport
The Sports Shield consortium has completed its £7.5m takeover of Championship club Bolton Wanderers.
Aston Villa announces losses of $81 million – Sportsnet
Aston Villa‘s new accounts have revealed losses of 57.3 million pounds ($81 million) as the club faces a costly relegation from the Premier League.
Barça unveil Japanese architect’s plans for the new Camp Nou – Inside World Football
A few hours after the news had leaked out prematurely, FC Barcelona announced officially that the winner of the international design competition for the refashioning of the Camp Nou is the Nikken Sekkei and Pascual i Ausió Arquitectes team.
Scottish football conducts eight drugs tests in nine months – BBC Sport
Only eight drugs tests have been conducted in Scottish football during the last nine months with none in the last three, BBC Sport has learned.
CONCACAF’s new referees chief to build competence after Gold Cup fiasco – Inside World Football
The Gold Cup, while a commercial success and triumph of organisation in the summer of 2015 (following the chaos in the confederation following the arrest of its president) was marred by a series of bitter referring disputes that culminated in Panama, angry at their semi-final loss to Mexico, calling for the resignation of the whole CONCACAF Referees Committee citing “insulting and shameful” refereeing. The demand was made in a statement on their website.
Belittled fans deserve this goodwill gesture over away ticket prices – The Guardian
The move to cap ticket prices at no more than £30 for away fans is such a no-brainer that to applaud it feels an odd thing to do. For once the fans spoke and the clubs finally listened
Van der Sar, 45, to come out of retirement to play for amateurs – BBC Sport
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is coming out retirement at the age of 45 to play for a Dutch amateur team.
Meet 90-year-old Foggia fan, Nonno Ciccio, the oldest ultra in Italy – The Guardian
Nonno Ciccio has been watching Foggia since 1937 (give or take those years he lost to the second world war) and he’s still travelling across Italy to see them play.