B.C. SOCCER WEB SPECIAL SERIES:
CONCUSSIONS
Concussion – keeping your head in the game – Roland Fletcher
A diagnosis of concussion (or mild traumatic brain injury) is often made once a Physician or other appropriately trained health care provider rules out any other serious or severe head injury. In a concussion, part of the injury is due to a metabolic change (energy deficiency). Scans such as MRI’s and CT’s may be normal.
Head Shots: Concussion policy needed to protect kids who play sports — and those who are afraid to – Vancouver Sun
“We need to do something about concussions before fear destroys sport participation in kids,” he says. “Only a minority of kids will be excited about golf or swimming laps in the pool. They want to play on sports teams; they want to compete against other kids. We want kids to be active instead of gaming or getting fat. It’s so important for their health, so they don’t develop chronic disease.” – Dr. Pierre Fremont, chair of the Canadian Concussion Collaborative
WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Whitecaps FC defender Sam Adekugbe training with Brighton – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed today that defender Sam Adekugbe is training with English Football League Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. until December 20 as part of his ongoing development.
Scouting the SuperDraft with Alan Koch – Whitecaps FC
It’s still early – the 2016 MLS SuperDraft is scheduled for January 14 in Baltimore, Maryland and MLS has yet to announce the list of collegiate prospects signed to MLS contracts – but we recently caught up with Koch to get an update on the club’s preparations.
How big of a hill do FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls have to climb? – MLS
We know that going down two goals in a two-leg series is not a good thing, but what odds, exactly, do teams face in coming back from that deficit?
Sporting KC announces roster moves – Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City announced on Wednesday that the following players will be out of contract with the club as of Dec. 31, 2015: Jon Kempin, Mikey Lopez, Soni Mustivar, Paulo Nagamura and Seth Sinovic. The club will extend offers to each of those players and contract negotiations are ongoing.
Report: Junior Flemmings says he will join New York Red Bulls in January – Once a Metro
He didn’t actually say “signed”, not as far as this listener can tell from repeated playing of the audio of an interview young Jamaican Junior Flemmings gave in his home country shortly after tallying his fifth goal of the current Red Stripe Premier League season. What he actually said was he would be leaving Jamaica in January to “take part in the New York Red Bulls” – or that’s what I hear over the not inconsiderable background noise on the tape.
Report: MLS to take break during group stage of Copa America Centenario – MLS
SI.com reported on Tuesday that MLS is unlikely to schedule any games during the group stage of the Copa America Centenario, a special, one-off tournament that will be played in the US from June 3-26. MLS is no stranger to hitting the pause button during big international tournaments, as it has done so for the group stages of the last two World Cups.
Sacramento City Council to vote on term sheet for soccer stadium – Sacramento Bee
In an attempt to show Major League Soccer that political and civic support exists for a new soccer stadium in Sacramento’s downtown railyard, Republic FC and city officials will bring a preliminary term sheet to the City Council next week outlining plans for a 25,000-seat stadium project costing $226 million.
MLS is tougher than Premier League: Drogba – Reuters
Major League Soccer (MLS) offers a tougher challenge than the English Premier League and will soon be one of the best domestic competitions in world football, according to Chelsea great Didier Drogba.
How the remaining MLS Cup Playoff clubs are doing Thanksgiving – MLS
A shot at MLS Cup hangs in the balance for all of these teams, and no result is set in stone–so everyone needs to come in at full fitness. There’s just a little thing to get through before that, though: Thanksgiving. So how is each remaining playoffs team dealing with the U.S. holiday traditionally celebrated with a carb-fest of gluttony and sloth? The Sideline found out.
2015 Toronto FC Season Review – Red Nation Online
During the last three years on RedNation Online I have done a season preview for each Canadian MLS club and an end of the season review looking at how the season played out, comparing it with my preseason analysis and explaining what each club should do in my opinion to prepare for the next season. This year for the first time I get to write about three playoff teams, which is very much a positive outcome, although all three Canadian clubs need to improve to challenge for the MLS championship and secure themselves as a top franchises in the league.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Cowichan stays in high gear in the VISL’s top division – Times Colonist
Undefeated Cowichan FC (9-0-2) added to their wealth in the Vancouver Island Soccer League Division 1. Star striker Craig Gorman, who graduated from his CIS soccer career this month from the Canada West runner-up University of Victoria Vikes, has joined defending Jackson Cup-champion Cowichan as his VISL club.
Nelson sets record with dramatic finish – Cowichan Valley Citizen
With 15 goals in the first 10 games of the Vancouver Island Soccer League season, it was inevitable that Paddy Nelson would set a new scoring record for the Cowichan Div. 1 men’s team. Exactly how dramatic the record 16th goal would be, no one could have guessed.
Sabres fall in provincial soccer final – Kamloops This Week
The Sa-Hali Sabres fell 2-0 to Okanagan Mission Huskies in the championship final of the B.C. AA Soccer Championships on Wednesday, capturing the school’s second consecutive silver medal in boys’ soccer on the provincial stage.
Donate Clothing & Athletic Gear This Friday At SFU West Gym – SFU
Clan student-athletes are asking the Simon Fraser University community and their fans to donate gently-used clothing and athletic gear to help those families in need through its annual clothing drive.
Two B.C. silvers for Thompson Okanagan Football Club – Kelowna Capital News
Neither Thompson Okanagan Football Club team came out on top, but both still made history by reaching the B.C. Soccer Premier League Cup finals.
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CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canadian women’s team trying out youngsters – Sportsnet
The journey has begun for some youngsters who are getting their first taste of training with the Canadian senior women’s team this month in Vancouver. Coach John Herdman refers to the group as “mavericks” and wants to challenge them to see if they have what it takes to suit up with Christine Sinclair, Erin McLeod, Diana Matheson and Rhian Wilkinson, longtime pillars of the national squad.
Schedule set for 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship at BBVA Compass Stadium – Houston Dash
The schedule for the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, including nine games at BBVA Compass Stadium, has been set after the Final Draw was held in Miami today. The home of the Houston Dash and Dynamo will host six group stage games, both semifinal matches, and the championship game.
2015 Young Players Of The Year – League1 Ontario
Congratulations to ANB Futbol’s Adonijah Reid and Woodbridge Strikers’ Jessica Lisi, the 2015 League1 Ontario Young Players of the Year.
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NASL & USL NEWS
Victor Blasco taking it “step by step” with Vancouver Whitecaps after impressing in first USL season – AFTN
Another purpose behind WFC2, however, is to have a look at other younger talent from outwith Canada, to see if the ‘Caps can unearth some hidden gems to move up to the first team. A player that will seize his chance to shine in the lower leagues and turn some heads along the way. Spanish winger Victor Blasco most certainly shone in that category this past season.
Sahil Sandhu’s journey from Vancouver Whitecaps FC and back again – Whitecaps FC
From emerging as a talented young prospect, to fearing his soccer dreams may be over, Sandhu is now back playing with WFC2 and enjoying every minute of the game he loves. He’s learned many lessons along the way, and he has a message for every aspiring young player out there. “Don’t take it for granted.”
FC Edmonton announces signing of striker Keegan, re-signing of defender Edward – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton announced, Nov. 26, the signing of striker Jake Keegan as well as the re-signing of defender Eddie Edward, pending league approval. As per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Indy Eleven’s New NPSL Club Brings a Positive Future in Indianapolis – Midfield Press
On November 16th 2015, Indy Eleven announced the addition of Former NPSL Club Indiana Fire to join the Eleven family, beginning in the 2016 season following a successful 2015 campaign finishing with a Midwest title. So, what does this mean for the future of the Eleven? Let’s look at some possibilities from the Fire rebranding.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
SEATTLE REIGN FC SIGNS SWEDISH MIDFIELDER ANTONIA GORANSSON – NWSL
Seattle Reign FC announced today that the club has signed Swedish midfielder Antonia Göransson. Göransson will join Reign FC prior to the start of the 2016 season, pending receipt of her P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per team and league policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
SKY BLUE FC ACQUIRES TWO DRAFT PICKS IN TRADE – NWSL
Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) completed a trade with the Houston Dash today, receiving a fourth round pick (No. 36 overall) in the 2016 NWSL College Draft and natural third round pick in the 2017 NWSL College Draft from the Dash. In exchange for the two draft selections, Houston has acquired the rights to forward Chioma Ubogagu.
NCAA: After rolling into Elite 8, is this Penn State’s year? – The Equalizer
Since the NCAA tournament began, no other team has run the table more convincingly against the opponents it’s faced than the Nittany Lions. The team scored 15 goals in those contests while allowing none. Only one other team in the Elite Eight has registered three clean sheets so far in the tournament: Florida State. But Penn State has recorded five more goals in than the Seminoles in that time.
U-20 WNT Head Coach Michelle French Names Roster for Womens World Cup Qualifying – USSF
U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team head coach Michelle French has named the 20-player roster for the 2015 CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship, to be held from Dec. 3-13 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
Preview: Adelaide United v Sydney FC – Westfield W-League
A few years back Sydney FC would have been hot favourites going into this fixture but times have changed in the Westfield W-League. Adelaide United, despite having never reaching the competition’s final series, currently sit in second and look extremely solid at the head of the chasing pack behind runaway leaders Melbourne City.
UWCL: Friday’s live quarter-final draw: The lowdown – UEFA
The quarter-final draw is streamed live at 13.30CET on Friday and UEFA.com has the lowdown on the eight contenders, this season’s key numbers and possible rematches.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Man United draw, PSG and Juventus qualify; Ronaldo earns Madrid win – ESPN FC
Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, meaning their Champions League hopes will depend on the final group game away at Wolfsburg.
Manchester United could rue blown chances in CL – Sportsnet
It was far from a football exhibition at Old Trafford in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash between Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven.
Another disappointing European night for Man City. On Repeat. – TSN
It was another painful night in Europe for Manchester City. Five years into the competition, players and managers have come and gone, yet we still wait for a real defining moment of real quality from a team that has been put together with an incredible amount of money.
UEFA confirms Zagreb player positive for steroids – Sportsnet
UEFA has confirmed that Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Arijan Ademi was banned after testing positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol.
America on course for Apertura semis, Tigres win late through Alvarez – ESPN FC
Club America will take a three-goal advantage over Leon into the Liga MX Apertura 2015 quarterfinal second leg on Saturday, after defeating La Fiera 4-1 in the first leg on Wednesday.
Concerns over Diego Costa force Chelsea to consider striker search – The Guardian
Chelsea will spend the next few weeks considering their options in the winter transfer window before determining whether to target a striker amid growing concerns over Diego Costa.
Real Madrid leads the way in World XI nominees – Goal
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar among the names on FIFPro and FIFA’s 55-man shortlist for the 2015 World XI.
Newcastle players and staff involved in angry training ground exchanges as Steve McClaren fury grows – The Telegraph
Newcastle United manager incensed by manner of defeat to Leicester and clashes between his staff and players have been described as ‘extremely heated’
Jack Grealish dropped from Aston Villa’s matchday squad for Watford match – The Guardian
Rémi Garde has dropped Jack Grealish from Aston Villa’s squad for Saturday’s home game against Watford after the 20-year-old was pictured in a nightclub in Manchester only hours after playing in the 4-0 defeat to Everton.
Attack forces African Confederation Cup time change – Sportsnet
Tunisian organizers have been allowed to change the kickoff time for a continental cup final this weekend to give fans the chance to attend after a state of emergency was declared and a curfew imposed because of Tuesday’s deadly bomb attack.
Chile FF president in Miami after resigning amid FIFA probe – AP
Chilean state TV aired images late Monday of Jadue walking the streets of Miami Beach, Florida in sandals, a T-shirt, and shorts. In the first images since he left Chile, Jadue was not guarded by police or bodyguards, and he was not visibly wearing an ankle bracelet. He declined to speak on camera.
Paris attacks: Away fans banned in French football until mid-December – BBC Sport
The Interior Ministry has extended the ban due to a “lack of police forces available” during the ongoing state of emergency and upcoming climate summit.
Player development: Real and Barca lead Europe, Saints top Premier League – Inside World Football
Real Madrid Castilla top the table of clubs that have developed players under the age of 23 and are playing in one of Europe’s Big-5 leagues. Looking just at the English Premier League, Southampton have developed most players, followed by Aston Villa and Ajax in third spot.
Busting some myths and inaccuracies regarding youth development in soccer – ESPN FC
The fact of the matter is that we see youth training as virtuous and desirable — the “right” way of doing things. It’s an article of faith. So when the numbers decline, the alarm bells go off.
FIFA recovers and donates 48 luxury watches to non-profit organization – Kelowna Daily Courier
FIFA ethics committee has donated 48 luxury watches it recovered from soccer officials to a non-profit organization. During a FIFA congress organized on the eve of last year’s World Cup in Brazil, the Brazilian confederation (CBF) distributed gift bags with the watches to football officials including members of FIFA’s executive committee.
Qatar launches inquiry after heavy rains expose poor construction – The Guardian
The scale of the disruption was especially worrying as Qatar has undertaken a $200bn infrastructure programme to ensure it is ready for the World Cup in 2022. Qatar is well known for its fierce summer temperatures, which forced organisers to move the tournament to November and December for the first time.
Jürgen Klopp: I wanted to be a doctor. I think I’ve still got ‘helper syndrome’ – The Guardian
In an ebook published in English for the first time on Thursday, the Liverpool manager reveals he lives for the moment, why football is deadly serious but only for 90 minutes and why the cult of Klopp is a fallacy.