BC Soccer News, Thursday, May 2, 2019

COLORADO RAPIDS  vs.  VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC

MLS MATCHDAY #10

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2019, 6:00 PM

DICK’S SPORTING GOODS PARK, COMMERCE CITY, CO.

TV: TSN 1   RADIO:  TSN 1040  ONLINE: TSN DIRECT

Whitecaps apologize for handling of abuse allegations, promise reviewLondon Free Press
The owners of the Vancouver Whitecaps are apologizing for how the club handled decade-old allegations of abuse and harassment by a former coach. None of the allegations has been proven in court.

Letter from Whitecaps FC co-owners Greg Kerfoot and Jeff MallettWhitecaps FC
As we reflect on what happened in 2008 and the blogs that have been published over the last several weeks, we express sincere regret and empathy for the harm that has clearly come to many women who participated in our program at that time. The pain and suffering these women feel is real and something we care deeply about. And while we sought and acted on the advice of the best available counsel at the time, it is clear that people were deeply affected. For that we are sorry.

Whitecaps wary of Colorado Rapids getting “new wind” after Anthony Hudson sackingAFTN
The Rapids announced the departure of manager Anthony Hudson after 15 months in charge in Colorado. The former New Zealand boss had a pretty torrid time with the Rapids, winning just eight of his 43 MLS matches, taking only 33 out of a possible 129 points available, and posting a win percentage of just 18.6.

Whitecaps FC-Rapids PreviewYahoo Sports
The Colorado Rapids have hit rock-bottom and are turning to one of their former players to help them stabilize. Interim coach Conor Casey gets thrown into the mix Friday night when the Rapids host the Vancouver Whitecaps in their first match since firing Anthony Hudson.

Kamara holds no grudges with Whitecaps, but promises Rapids win FridayThe Province
He scored the second-most goals in single season for the Vancouver Whitecaps, and was beloved by the fans. But the Caps cut ties with Kei Kamara, who hopes to lead his new team — Colorado — past Vancouver on Friday.

Colorado Rapids make right call, shake things up at the topPost Independent
Sometimes, a situation can become quite stale. When that happens, a change is definitely needed. Wednesday morning, that change finally came to the Colorado Rapids as head coach Anthony Hudson was relieved of his duties after 17 months on the job and a putrid 8-26-9 record in MLS play in that span.

Join ‘Caps players and staff from May 6 to 12 for Whitecaps FC Week of GivingWhitecaps FC
It takes a village, so team up with Whitecaps FC from May 6 to May 12 for the WFC Week of Giving, as players, coaches, and front office staff take time to help out with a variety of causes and organizations across Vancouver.

Match report: Philadelphia Union 2-0 FC CincinnatiPhilly Soccer Page
Kacper Przybylko and Fafa Picault were both on target as the Philadelphia Union downed expansion side FC Cincinnati 2-0 in midweek action at Talen Energy Park. After a sloppy first half from both teams, the Union turned up the pressure in the second half, forcing Spencer Richey into a number of fine saves before finally breaking through.

FC Cincinnati’s Alan Koch: ‘We need additional players’ to succeed Cincinnati.com
What happened after FC Cincinnati lost to the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday was as intriguing as the match itself, and probably more compelling.

Trying to get more with Moor out of the line up is the big challenge for TFC coach Greg VanneyToronto Sun
As members of Toronto FC practised outside at the BMO Training Ground on Wednesday afternoon, veteran defender Drew Moor jogged up and down the field by himself, looking kind of lonely and forlorn.

Minnesota United plans to use transfer windows to get youngerTwin Cities
Minnesota United has the second-oldest roster in MLS this season, so youth must be a target going forward.

D.C. United has Wayne Rooney, Luciano Acosta and a frustrating scoring droughtWashington Post
D.C. United began this season of heightened expectations buzzing with style and ruthlessness in blazing to the front of the MLS Eastern Conference race.

With three of next four games at home, Real Salt Lake has opportunity to build significant momentumSalt Lake Tribune
Real Salt Lake may be disappointed in the close loss to the L.A. Galaxy over the weekend, but it has a prime opportunity to pick up a smorgasbord of points over the next month or so.

First goal proves elusive for Impact newcomer Maximiliano UrrutiMontreal Gazette
It might not be a huge concern, but Impact forward Maximiliano Urruti’s goal drought is on his mind.

Seattle Sounders win appeal on Cristian Roldan red card, will be eligible for MINvSEA on SaturdayMLS
Seattle Sounders General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey announced on Wednesday that the club has successfully won its appeal on midfielder Cristian Roldan’s red card he received in a 1-1 draw with LAFC last Sunday. Roldan was sent off in the 18th minute for violent conduct when referee Ted Unkel ruled Roldan had struck LAFC’s Eduard Atuesta in the face.

Chicago Fire Juniors City Coach Charged With Additional Counts Of Sexual AssaultCBS Chicago
A Chicago Fire Juniors City soccer coach has been charged with additional counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault and indecent solicitation of two teenage girls, police said.

PACIFIC FC & BC SOCCER NEWS

PACIFIC FC  1    VALOUR FC  2

CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHDAY #2

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 , 2019

WESTHILLS STADIUM, LANGFORD, BC

Winnipeg’s Valour FC hands Pacific FC its first lossTimes Colonist
Everything is a first in the early days of the inaugural Canadian Premier League soccer season. No team wants some of them — the first loss in particular — but it is inevitable to arrive for every team. It came for Pacific FC (1-1) on Wednesday night at Westhills Stadium as Valour FC (1-0) recorded a 2-1 victory in the Winnipeg club’s first game in franchise history.

Pacific FC hosts Valour FC: A joyous occasion for Canadian soccer fans Pro Soccer USA
In their second ever game Pacific FC hosted Valour FC from Winnipeg. While Sunday’s fixture was a complete sellout, the Westhills Stadium was not completely packed for this matchday 2 fixture.

‘Just like old times’: Valour’s Gale-Carriero connection gives Winnipeg side inaugural victoryCanPL
The common soccer wisdom is that, when you open a game facing a stiff wind, you play with extra caution at the back, and know that you need to hang on till things switch around at halftime and you get the breeze at your back.

Playing in Pacific FC’s first CPL game creates “unforgettable moment” for Ben FiskNorthern Starting XI
Although Ben Fisk was born and grew up across the Georgia Strait in Vancouver, playing in Pacific FC’s inaugural Canadian Premier League game, a 1-0 win over HFX Wanderers FC at Westhills Stadium in Langford, felt like a homecoming for the 26-year-old.

Getting back in the pro game with Pacific FC “means everything” to former Whitecap Victor BlascoAFTN
Victor Blasco has called Vancouver Island his home for the last three years. On Sunday, the Spanish winger got to represent it on the pitch in Pacific FC’s first match in the Canadian Premier League.

HIGHLANDERS ANNOUNCE 2019 GOALKEEPERSHighlanders FC
Victoria Highlanders FC are pleased to announce the re-signing of Simon Norgrove and Ty Venhola, as well as the signing of Trevor Schneider, pending USL League and BC Soccer approval. The trio of goalkeepers are the latest additions to join Thomas Niendorf’s 2019 USL League Two squad.

Cranbrook City agrees to sports facility Option 6 in BalmentE-Know
City of Cranbrook council April 29 approved entering into a Letter of Intent with Kootenay East Youth Soccer Association (KEYSA) on the siting of an indoor sports facility at Balment Park.

KYSA round-up to April 28, 2019Kamloops This Week
A high-scoring match between the Kamloops Blaze and hometown Kelowna United finished tied at 3-3.

Power Soccer in BC SportAbility BC
We believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to participate in physical activity. We currently have programs in Vancouver, Surrey, Nanaimo, Penticton, and are still looking to expand. We are always looking for more athletes, officials, volunteers, and sponsors. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Pacific FC now accepting memberships for 2019 Canadian Premier League seasonPacific 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 RefereeBCSA
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 SyndicationBC 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.

CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE & CANADA SOCCER NEWS

Vaughan Azzurri Alum Arnone Signs With CPL Side Halifx WanderersLeague1 Ontario
Three days before the Wanderers play their first ever home match in the CPL, the club have added depth to the defence with the signing of Matthew Arnone.

FC Edmonton fired up for new era of footie in Canadian Premier League: coachGlobal
FC Edmonton‘s Canadian Premier League debut in Winnipeg this weekend will mark a fresh start for the team in a new soccer league aimed at taking the sport to new heights in this country.

Saskatchewan Selects unveil team roster, jerseys ahead of SK Summer Soccer SeriesVancouver Sun
Representatives from the Saskatchewan Selects soccer team converged at the Park Town Hotel in Saskatoon to unveil the team’s roster, its new jerseys and a partnership with Prairieland Park.

‘Football is life’: Passionate Winnipeg fans promise full-throated support for Valour FCCBC
The long wait for the return of professional football — or soccer, as most Canadians know it — ended last summer with the formation of Valour FC, Winnipeg’s entry in the new Canadian Premier League. On Wednesday night, the team hit the pitch for the very first time when they opened the season against the Pacific Football Club in Victoria, B.C.

Why should you watch? Because the CPL is yoursCanPL
As with any ambitious project, the Canadian Premier League’s road from being an abstract fantasy to a legitimate, flesh-and-blood enterprise has been lined with skeptics.

Honours continue to roll in for Burlington soccer starInside Halton
There were few opponents that could stop, or even slow down, Jace Kotsopoulos. In fact, it had been more than a week since the Guelph Gryphons’ season had ended that he finally met his match. It wasn’t a towering defender or a lightning-quick keeper that kept him at bay.

USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS

USL Championship – Gameday Report: May 1, Week 9USL
The Tampa Bay Rowdies drew even with Indy Eleven to keep the honor of the only unbeaten side in the Eastern Conference, while Red Bulls II dropped five goals on Birmingham Legion FC for their second straight win.

New Mexico United: A wonderful problem for USLMLS Multiplex
Brand-new USL team New Mexico United is very quickly becoming a very good problem: They are very good on the pitch and amazingly popular off it.

Club Loans Ndam to Charlotte IndependenceFC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati have loaned defender Hassan Ndam to Charlotte Independence for the remainder of the 2019 USL Championship season, pending U.S. P-1 Visa approval.

Pro soccer is coming to Omaha: New team will begin play at Werner Park in 2020Omaha.com
Officials from the United Soccer League came to town Wednesday to announce that Gary Green, owner of the Omaha Storm Chasers minor league baseball team, has been awarded a franchise in USL League One. The team will begin play at Werner Park in March 2020.

NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS

Utah Royals Vs Chicago Red Stars: Week 4 PreviewMLS Multiplex
The Chicago Red Stars picked up their first win of the season against the Seattle Reign. Now, they will go up against another undefeated team in the Utah Royals. Here is a full Week 4 preview.

NWSL Week In Review: What has happened to Orlando?The Equalizer
There was a new coach and new optimism to open the 2019 Orlando Pride campaign, but just three weeks and four games in, a return to the form that allowed them to grab a playoff berth in 2017 (finishing third) seems extremely unlikely, especially with the likes of Alex Morgan, Marta, Ashlyn Harris, Shelina Zadorsky, Emily Van Egmond, Camila, and Alanna Kennedy probably missing for a good part of the next two or three months.

Crystal Dunn thriving in forward role for Courage early in seasonNewsday
Crystal Dunn’s role with the U.S. women’s national team has grown more defensive in recent months ahead of the 2019 World Cup, but early in the NWSL season, the Long Island native is the league’s top offensive threat.

Houghton revelling in the experiences of old ahead of Women’s FA Cup finalEurosport
Manchester City captain Steph Houghton says SSE Women’s FA Cup Final opponents West Ham remind her of when she first started at the club.

Women’s World Cup: Ada Hegerberg not in Norway squad for France 2019BBC Sport
The 23-year-old striker’s absence for the tournament in France this summer was expected because she has refused to play for the national side since 2017. Hegerberg has taken a stand against what she describes as a lack of respect for female players in Norway.

Veteran Ali Krieger surprisingly included on USWNT’s World Cup roster – sourcesYahoo Sports
There will be at least one surprising name on the United States roster when coach Jill Ellis announces Thursday the 23 players who will travel to next month’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

England’s Lionesses On Why They’ll Be ‘Putting On A Spectacle’ During Their World Cup OpenerElle
Ahead of their World Cup opener against Scotland on 9 June, England’s Lionesses have much more than the final score on their minds. Of course, they want to win, but players and their manager, Phil Neville, are thinking equally about ‘putting on a spectacle’ and creating buzz that will draw record supporters of women’s football.

Anja Mittag on 51, Hegerberg closing: top scorersUEFA
Rosengård forward Anja Mittag is the only player to score 50 goals in UEFA women’s club competition but Ada Hegerberg is catching her at age 23.

WORLD SOCCER NEWS

Lionel Messi joins 600-goal club as Barcelona beats Liverpool in Champions League semifinalThe Star
Lionel Messi hit the 600-goal mark for Barcelona after scoring twice to lead the Spanish club to a 3-0 victory against Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday.

Incomparable Messi reminds Salah who is master of left-footed artsThe Guardian
The Liverpool forward played well but Barcelona’s magician wrote his name all over another Champions League semi-final.

Spanish ‘keeper Iker Casillas has heart attack but Porto says he is out of dangerEdmonton Sun
Veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillas has had a heart attack but is out of danger, Porto said Wednesday.

Monterrey ekes past Tigres to win CONCACAF Champions LeagueYahoo Sports
Monterrey won its fourth CONCACAF Champions League title this decade and first since 2013, eking by local rival and fellow Liga MX side Tigres 2-1 on aggregate after Wednesday’s 1-1 tie.

Europa League preview: Chelsea, Arsenal meet big namesNBC Sports
There are only big boys left in the Europa League, and the tests awaiting Arsenal and Chelsea aren’t sleepy ones.

Maurizio Sarri targets top-four spot over Europa League as Chelsea injuries growThe Guardian
Maurizio Sarri has admitted Chelsea will prioritise a top-four finish ahead of winning the Europa League as a means of restoring the club to the Champions League next season, with the Italian’s defensive options to be severely depleted over the final few weeks of the campaign.

Sparks fly as Queiroz accuses Iranian federation of non-payment and weak supportInside World Football
The eight-year tenure of Carlos Queiroz as manager of the Iranian team was often controversial, always mercurial, frequently successful, but ultimately disappointing with the country failing to win the 2019 Asian Cup, a target both Queiroz and the Iranian Football Federation (IFF) knew was within their grasp. Queiroz’s leaving of his position has been equally emotionally charged.

New CONIFA book explores fringe football’s troubled gloryProst Amerika
A new book, ‘CONIFA: Football For The Forgotten’ explores the convoluted world of non-FIFA international football, including Cascadia’s journey to the CONIFA World Football Cup in London in the summer of 2018.

More BC Soccer News…

Posted in BC Soccer News.