BC Soccer News, Thursday, March 23, 2017

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

 VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC  vs.  L.A. GALAXY

MATCHDAY #4

SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2017, 7:00 PM

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With two red cards in three MLS games, discipline issues continue for Whitecaps – Times Colonist
Acquired in a trade with Orlando City SC late last month, Shea’s dismissal was just the latest example of discipline biting the Whitecaps, who saw eight players either sent off or retroactively suspended a year ago, three more than the next closest team in Major League Soccer.

Whitecaps, Shea feeling hard done on red card decision – Red Nation Online
When you have more red cards on the season, than you do points, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know your team is in trouble.

Whitecaps’ Jordan Harvey swears Brek Shea didn’t deserve red card for potty mouth – The Province
“For me, that’s never a red card,” Harvey, the Vancouver Whitecaps’ veteran defender, said Wednesday after practice at UBC when asked about forward/midfielder newcomer Shea getting thrown out in the 69th minute of Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Toronto FC for directing some apparent salty language toward referee Ismail Elfath.

Training report: Shea comments on red card – Whitecaps FC
After a mini three-day break, which came on the heels of a busy week that included a long and taxing trip to Monterrey, Mexico, Vancouver Whitecaps FC returned to training on Wednesday morning at UBC. Here are some news and notes from the day.

MLS Week 4: Ten players missing on international duty – Soccer America
No team will be hit harder than expansion Minnesota United, which will be deprived of four starters.

Martinez, Lodeiro, Ciman headline MLS players set to join their national teams – SBI
The international break is here, and a slew of MLS stars are set to step up and contribute to their respective national teams in a variety of competitions.

Toronto FC’s ‘secret weapon’: Raheem Edwards – Toronto Sun
Though Edwards didn’t feature in TFC’s first two games, Vanney unleashed the club’s academy product last weekend in Vancouver, where his “secret weapon” collected a game-winning assist.

Columbus Crew SC vs. Portland Timbers | 2017 MLS Match Preview – MLS
It’s hard not to view any matchup between Columbus and Portland as a replay of the infamous 2015 MLS Cup final – especially when both sides spent most of 2016 chasing the glory that got them there. But plenty has happened since that final, and since the disappointing end to last year for both sides.

2017 MLS Injury Update: Week 4 – MLS Multiplex
The latest MLS injury report has been compiled ahead of Week 4 of action and sees six teams battle it out on March 25.

Seattle Sounders treating international friendly against Necaxa like any other competitive match – Sounders FC
Schmetzer said he and his assistants are approaching this match no differently than they would a regular-season Major League Soccer game. They’re watching film on Necaxa and devising a game plan to combat what they expect Los Rayos to throw at them.

Red Bulls assistant coach Chris Armas declines to pursue RSL opportunity, source says – Metro
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a source told Metro New York that the Rio Tinto side reached out to the Red Bulls and enquired about speaking to assistant coach Chris Armas but he declined to pursue the opportunity.

Anibal Godoy: A Look at the San Jose Earthquake’s Breakout Player – MLS Multiplex
A look at how Anibal Godoy’s play has benefited the San Jose Earthquakes early this season, and what it means for the team.

Schweinsteiger has plenty left – Sir Alex Ferguson – SN
Although the former Germany international played very sparingly this season under Jose Mourinho, the former Red Devils boss believes the 32-year-old has what it takes to experience further success in his career.

Landon Donovan finds his post-playing passion in San Diego’s MLS expansion bid – SI.com
“I didn’t realize [at first] how many people are involved in the game here in San Diego, and the problem, candidly, is that there hasn’t been an overlying entity to help regulate or motivate in the right way,” Donovan said. “Because there’s been that void, everybody ended up fighting or competing at an unhealthy level. All these youth clubs are completely isolated from one another. They don’t collaborate. They compete for the same players and have been poaching players from each other for many years. In my opinion, it needs a galvanizing and unifying project that brings those people together. ”

MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 0 Toronto FC 2, March 18, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

Train With Champions TWU Spartan Female Soccer Academy

BC SOCCER NEWS

Powell River Villa faces must-win in final game – Powell River Peak
Possible relegation to lower division concerns coach and players.

Heat women’s soccer add PacWest transfer Anastazia Ziros – UBCO
The UBC Okanagan Heat women’s soccer program will be adding Anastazia Ziros, a transfer from Langara College, to the roster next season. Ziros had a very successful freshman season for the Falcons. The first year defender was a conference athlete of the week, named to the PACWEST conference All-Star team, and named Rookie of the Year for women’s soccer.

WolfPack Women’s Soccer Set To Host ID Camp – TRU
Prospects for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack women’s soccer program will get a chance to show their skills on Friday (Mar 24).

NRI Clinch First Masters Indoor Title – Soccer Quest
NRI captured the Soccer Quest Riverside Motors Men’s Masters 45+ league defeating the 2 past seasons champions White Eagles. This is the first final in the 6 various adult soccer league finals that Soccer Quest operates as Kamloops largest membership indoor sports facility.

Northern Strikers conclude indoor soccer season with appearance at Provincials – Energetic City
The Fort St. John Northern Strikers indoor soccer teams played their final games of the season at the 2017 Alberta Soccer Association Indoor Provincials.

Ten Count with Vancouver Whitecaps U16 player Logan Chung – AFTN
Logan Chung had some big boots to fill when it was announced that he was joining the Whitecaps Residency program. Whitecaps fans throughout BC, and most hardcore soccer supporters who follow Canadian soccer, have heard of his older brother Kadin, who joined the ‘Caps Residency in 2011 before signing an USL deal in 2015.

Soccer clubs ready for championships – Aldergrove Star
Aldergrove Youth Soccer action has ended for most of our local teams.

BC Soccer Assoc. Scholarships – BCSA
BC Soccer is proud to award scholarships every year to players and referees proceeding on to post-secondary education. The Scholarships are presented at a special Scholarship Celebration at a Whitecaps FC match in June/July each year. Applications must be received by the British Columbia Soccer Association Office by March 31st.

REVIEW: The Miracle Mile. Stories of the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games – BC BookLook
Author Jason Beck is curator of the BC Sports Hall of Fame in BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, and convenor two years ago of an excellent exhibition about the 1954 Games. In his first book, he proves to be a meticulous researcher, a compelling story-teller, and a crafty realist who knows how to hook his readers. Watch how, two pages into the book, he uses filmic technique to evoke the arriving athletes’ youthful buzz and give period colouring and costuming, but then smartly moves his camera in to introduce his stars.

TSS Rovers launch website & 2017 Season Ticket Campaign – TSS Rovers
TSS FC Rovers play their inaugural season in the PDL at iconic Swangard Stadium. Season Tickets are $70 for Adults, $49 for U12 Youth.

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!

To our Readers: A Choice – BC Soccer Web
Soccer has brought us to the United States many times. It’s a great place with decent people. We especially look forward to our Cascadia trips to Seattle and Portland. They’re incredible cities with wonderful supporters. That’s why it was so disheartening to see chaos and fear take hold in the airports and borders of our neighbours to the south.

BC Soccer Assoc. is Now Accepting 2016-2017 Awards Nominations – BCSA
We are pleased to inform everyone that BC soccer Assoc. is currently accepting Awards nominations until the submission deadline date of March 31, 2017. Selection of the award recipients is based on many factors including the individual’s commitment, community involvement and willingness to give back to the game. This year any BC Soccer Assoc. member and their affiliate clubs may submit a nomination.

2017 BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors for terms commencing June, 2017 (following the BC Soccer Annual General Meeting).

Victoria Highlanders 2017 Season Passes now on sale – Highlanders FC
Support local soccer on Vancouver Island. Join the excitement of Highlanders FC PDL Soccer!

PHOTOS: CANADA WEST WOMENS FINAL, UBC 3, TWU 0, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.

2016 BC Soccer Provincial Cup Photo Galleries – BC Soccer Web
Westhills Stadium & Goudy Park in Langford hosted the 2016 BC Soccer Adult Provincial Cup Finals. It was a thrilling weekend of soccer on Vancouver Island that saw seven champions crowned. Richmond FC & Surrey Pegasus qualified for the National Championships this Fall in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Both Coquitlam Metro-Ford Masters & Classics sides qualified for the Western Canadian Masters Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In all, it was a clean sweep for teams from the VMSL & MWSL. Monique Lamoureux & Bill Currie from BC Soccer Web were on location that weekend, capturing the all the action.

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.

3v3 Live Soccer Tour Comes to Canada

CANADA SOCCER NEWS

MEN’S INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

 SCOTLAND  1  CANADA  1

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2017

EASTER ROAD, EDINBURGH

Canada earns moral victory in friendly tie with Scotland – CBC
Canada tied Scotland 1-1 Wednesday in a soccer friendly that will have done little to boost Scottish spirits before a key World Cup qualifier on the weekend.

Former Whitecap Fraser Aird leads Canada to surprising friendly tie with Scotland – The Province
Canada tied Scotland 1-1 Wednesday in a soccer friendly that will have done little to boost Scottish spirits before a key World Cup qualifier on the weekend.

Heroic Fraser Aird performance earns Canada draw with Scotland in friendly – Red Nation Online
National sport or not, Canada looked to be a more than capable opponent for Scotland in Edinburgh, holding the hosts to a 1-1 draw in an international friendly. It was Canada’s first result against Scotland, as all previous meetings ended in a loss.

The Aird up there: Canadian shines in draw with Scotland – the11.ca
So, well, Fraser Aird sure looked like he was pretty pumped to play for Canada in Scotland, didn’t he?

Fraser Aird scores in Canada’s 1:1 away draw at Scotland – CSA
Fraser Aird scored his first international goal in Canada’s 1:1 away draw at Scotland. The Scarborough, Ontario midfielder opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Steven Naismith equalised for the hosts in the 35th minute of the 22 March Men’s International Friendly match in Edinburgh.

Commentary: Canada fringe players make cases for themselves in Scotland tie – MLS
One does not simply walk into Europe and get a result—especially if one is a member of Canada’s national team. But on Wednesday, Les Rouges did something they haven’t done in nearly seven years: they traveled across the pond and tied a European team, earning a 1-1 draw against Scotland in Edinburgh.

Strachan defends Scotland players after poor Canada draw – SN
Scotland boss Gordon Strachan defended his players after they struggled to a 1-1 friendly draw against Canada.

Tyrin Hutchings – From Calgary to Sweden – Northern Starting XI
Calgary Foothills has trumpeted their PDL club as a “Path 2 Pro”, a place where local players can gain valuable experience on the pitch, while maintaining university eligibility, before moving into a professional environment. Earlier this week, Calgary Foothills CB Tyrin Hutchings announced he had signed with FC Gute of the 2 Division in Sweden, the fourth division in Sweden, thus becoming the first player from the 2016 PDL roster to transition to the pro game.

Men’s Ontario Futsal Cup Final | Saturday at 7 p.m. ET (4p.m. PT) – Ontario Soccer
The final will be broadcast live through the Ontario Soccer Livestream.

Budding soccer players can participate in Vancouver Whitecaps camp in Corner Brook – The Western Star
If you want to be a pro, it doesn’t hurt to do what pros do. Budding soccer players from this neck of the woods have a chance to improve their skillset and learn what it takes to play the game at an elite level when the Vancouver Whitecaps of the Major Soccer League hold a five-day soccer camp July 17-21 in Corner Brook.

Canada Soccer IT/Digital Infrastructure Current State Assessment and Needs Analysis  – CSA
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL – Canada Soccer is currently seeking a consultant to undertake an analysis of our information technology and digital infrastructure.

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UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE

WFC2  vs.  L.A. GALAXY II

SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017, 2:00 PM PT

STUB HUB CENTER, CARSON, CA.

ONLINE: WHITECAPSFC.COM

Fury FC sign 2016 USL Goal of the Year Award Winner Jimmy-Shammar Sanon – Ottawa Fury
Sanon becomes fourth player added to Fury FC via part partnership with the Montreal Impact.

Broadcast news: Majority of NASL games will be available to Canadian viewers via NASL.com – the11.ca
The North American Soccer League has just announced its American national broadcast schedule for the spring season. Whenever a soccer league that has teams in both the United States and Canada announces its broadcast plans for south of the border, those north of it are often left confused.

Sellout Crowd Sees Toros’ Grand Opening – USL
Rio Grande Valley FC didn’t come away with a victory, but a sellout crowd of 9,700 fans and an entertaining contest in the first game in H-E-B Park history more than made up for it as Liga MX club C.F. Monterrey took a 3-0 victory in an international exhibition on Wednesday night.

Match Preview: Toronto FC II at Phoenix Rising FC – Toronto FC
TFC II open their 2017 campaign this weekend when they travel to Arizona to battle it out with Phoenix Rising FC.

NASL Preview: Is Smaller Better in 2017? – Empire of Soccer
Only eight teams will compete in the seventh season of the North American Soccer League’s modern era. Despite the diminished number, the Division II league will be sticking to a 32-game regular season, which will be split into Spring and Fall Seasons. For the first time, however, the NASL’s season will be split evenly into 16-game competitions.

NASL aims to ‘take drama out of boardroom and on to pitch’ – The Telegraph
The North American Soccer League is poised to announce up to three expansion teams by the end of April, The Telegraph understands.

Seattle Sounders FC 2 2017 season preview – GoalWA
When S2 started play in 2015 there was a lot of uncertainty about what their exact role in the Sounders’ organization would be, at least to the outside observer. The 2015 team was one that looked built to challenge for the USL title. However, after a somewhat successful league campaign in 2015, S2 looked to get younger and include their Academy players more in competitive games in 2016.

SF Deltas Season Preview – Midfield Press
The wait is finally over. After more than a year of build-up and planning, the SF Deltas inaugural NASL season begins this Saturday. It has been almost a 10-year absence since a professional soccer team called San Francisco its home.

NYRB II Signs Two Goalkeepers – Empire of Soccer
The New York Red Bull II goalkeeping mystery has been solved — both Rafael Diaz and Evan Louro on Wednesday signed USL contracts for the 2017 season. They played with the Major League Soccer team during preseason, but were cut early in March.

2017 USL Preview: Tulsa Roughnecks FC – USL
After finishing last in the Western Conference in 2016, sweeping changes were made by Tulsa Roughnecks FC as the club looked to get back on track in its third season in the USL. The Roughnecks hired former Chicago Fire and D.C. United player David Vaudreuil as their new head coach, and he in turn worked to turn over a squad that conceded a league-high 64 goals a season ago and install greater defensive structure.

The complete list of MLS-USL affiliations, partnerships for 2017 – MLS
MLS continues to enjoy deep ties with USL, with 10 MLS teams set to operate their own USL club this year while 12 others – including 2018 expansion side LAFC – will have a USL affiliate. Plenty of impact MLS players have cut their teeth in USL, which boasts plenty of Under-20 players to keep an eye on, along with some goalkeepers, defenders and newcomers worth a watch.

NPSL Northwest Conference grows to six clubs for 2017 season – GoalWA
The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) has been trying to gain a stronger foothold in the Northwest for a few years now. In 2017 there will be six clubs in the NPSL Northwest Conference, the most the league has ever had in our region.

Barcelona lead Rosengård after first leg – UEFA
Barcelona are in sight of their debut UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final after a 1-0 first-leg win at Rosengård thanks to birthday girl Leila Ouahabi.

Women’s Champions League quarter-final: Fortuna Hjorring v Manchester City Women – BBC Sport
Manchester City Women have the “opportunity to do something special” in their first ever Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Fortuna Hjorring, says left-back Demi Stokes.

Ellis names USWNT for matches against Russia – The Equalizer
United States coach Jill Ellis has named 24 women to go to camp ahead of April 6 (Frisco) and 9 (Houston) friendlies against Russia. Nineteen of the 24 players were part of the SheBelieves Cup team that finished last in the four-team competition. Among the new faces is Megan Oyster, receiving her first senior call-up, and Megan Rapinoe, who has had a very up and down last several months with the national team. The game day roster for each match will be 18 players.

WNL Shield Quarter-Final draw – Irish WNL
The draw for the Continental Tyres Women’s National League Shield Quarter-finals has taken place.

It’s time pro women’s soccer teams felt the love – Atlanta Magazine
When a reporter in 2003 told Atlanta Beat coach Tom Stone that young girls in the metro area were crying because the team was shutting down, his was a caustic response. “If more of those girls’ parents had brought them to our games,” he said, “they wouldn’t be crying today.”

High stakes as qualifying resumes in Europe – FIFA
World champions Germany are one team on the right track, leading Group C by five points after scoring 16 goals without conceding. They must now travel to third-placed Azerbaijan without Manuel Neuer, who is currently recovering from a calf injury. “Our task in Baku is far from easy,” said coach Joachim Low. “Azerbaijan beat Norway last time they played at home, so we have been warned.”

Gianluigi Buffon set for 1,000th game of his career – UEFA
As Gianluigi Buffon prepares to make the 1,000th professional appearance of his career in Italy’s European Qualifier against Albania, Paolo Menicucci picks out his greatest nights.

CONCACAF Friday Preview: Mexico welcomes Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago hosts Panama – SBI
With domestic action taking a break, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers resume on Friday with three matches taking place in the United States, Mexico, and Trinidad & Tobago.

With no time to be timid, USMNT must proactively set the tone vs. Honduras – Four Four Two
The Americans need three points on Friday night. They need a win to right the ship. To restore confidence. To diffuse any panic, and to keep clear a path to the World Cup that doesn’t include a fourth-place playoff game.

U.S. veterans say Honduras match is a ‘like-to’ not ‘must’ win situation –  ESPN FC
“You don’t want things to snowball and keep going because eventually you get to that point where it is do-or-die,” veteran U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard, participating in his fourth qualifying campaign, told ESPN FC on Wednesday afternoon. “So we need to collect points, and we need to do it now.”

Argentina face must-win game against Chile with problems on and off the pitch – The Guardian
It may not be a crisis yet but it will be if bogey team Chile defeat Argentina – and it will add to the many issues that are affecting the national game.

Lukas Podolski’s perfect finish covers up Germany shortcomings – ESPN FC
Wednesday’s match at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park wasn’t so much Germany vs. England as “An Evening with Lukas Podolski,” complete with a winning wonder goal by the outgoing folk hero.

England fans’ chants in Germany condemned by FA chairman Greg Clarke – The Guardian
The Football Association’s chairman, Greg Clarke, has condemned the “inappropriate, disrespectful and disappointing” behaviour of some England fans in Germany on Wednesday night.

Why abusive chants from a bygone era make life harder for England on the road – The Telegraph
By strange osmosis, lads too young to remember the Northern Ireland conflict – never mind World War II – still swallow the old England songbook and travel to away games to chant about wars, “10 German bombers” and the IRA.

Antoine Griezmann could leave Atletico Madrid in summer – Simeone – ESPN FC
Griezmann, 26, is Manchester United’s primary target once the transfer window opens, sources have told ESPN FC, with the Premier League club prepared to pay his €100 million buyout clause.

Syria keep World Cup dream alive – Four Four Two
Omar Khribin moved Syria closer to a place at Russia 2018 on Thursday with the winning goal in their qualifying clash with Uzbekistan.

Dabao’s goal leads China over South Korea in World Cup qualifier – Sportsnet
Marcello Lippi earned his biggest win since taking over as coach of China’s national soccer team, leading his squad to a 1-0 victory over South Korea on Thursday in a World Cup qualifier.

Iraq 1 Australia 1: Socceroos stumble again in qualifying – Four Four Two
Australia lost ground in Group B of AFC World Cup qualifying as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Iraq on Thursday.

Bayern Munich lands in Shanghai searching for the promise of the east – Inside World Football
As Bundesliga CEO Christian Seifert was talking about his international growth strategy for the Germany’s top tier league, two of his member clubs – Bayern Munich and Wolfsberg – were opening offices in China.

Everton agree deal for new stadium site – BBC
Everton have agreed a deal to acquire land on which to build a new £300m stadium in Liverpool, BBC Radio Merseyside understands.

Everton urged to end StubHub ticket partnership by supporters trust – The Guardian
The Everton Supporters Trust has urged the club to end their partnership with StubHub amid claims fans can be exploited on the online ticket exchange.

Barca invest in their future with launch of Innovation Hub – Inside World Football
FC Barcelona have officially unveiled their Barça Innovation Hub (BIH) with the aim of positioning the club as the leader in sports knowledge, innovation and technology.

Portsmouth and ex-Disney CEO Michael Eisner to hold exclusive takeover talks – BBC Sport
Portsmouth are to enter into exclusive discussions with former Walt Disney chief executive Michael Eisner about a potential takeover of the club.

Tom Youngs: Ex-Cambridge United striker on his battle with multiple sclerosis – BBC Sport
For 10 years, Tom Youngs’ biggest concern was keeping supporters happy while doing “one of the best jobs in the world”. These days, aged only 37, he is facing the far more “scary” prospect of living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

As a Peru fan, I know the ritual agony of World Cup qualifying – The Guardian
The Peruvians haven’t been to a World Cup since 1982, and two huge matches this week could decide my team’s fate. For better or worse, I’m keeping the faith.