BC SOCCER NEWS
Surrey United & B.C. Soccer Community mourns the passing of Martin Foden – Surrey United
“Surrey United and the entire BC soccer community has lost one of its most valued members. Martin Foden passed away on September 2, 2015 while on vacation in Palm Springs with his wife Lynn.”
Dhaliwal tallies twice as Cascades top SFU in preseason – UFV
Gurneet Dhaliwal had a breakout performance on behalf of the University of the Fraser Valley women’s soccer team on Wednesday evening, powering the Cascades to a 2-1 exhibition victory over Simon Fraser University.
Clan Loses 2-1 to No. 4 Ranked Cascades – SFU
Dhaliwal, a freshman forward out of Surrey, B.C., scored in the 25th and 54th minutes to stake the CIS No. 4-ranked Cascades to a 2-0 lead at Abbotsford Senior Secondary. SFU cut the deficit in half on a Sophie D’Souza goal in the 79th minute, but UFV hung on for the win.
Women’s Sophmore season starts on Friday – UBCO
To open the Canada West season the Heat enter new territory, or more specifically a new Province. For the first time in the history of varsity soccer on the Okanagan campus will a team travel to Manitoba.
VISL – 2015 / 2016 Key Dates – VISL
Important dates to plan your VISL season around, by Vince Greco.
Three Surrey tourneys benefit from Hosting BC funding – Surrey Now
Funding in the amount of $5,500 will go to the Cerebral Palsy Sports Association of B.C. to host the Pacific Coast Sledge Hockey Invitational, the Boccia Provincials and Powerchair Soccer Provincials in Surrey next year.
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WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Whitecaps FC launch 12% campaign and ‘Caps Club Memberships for 2016 season tickets – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced that for the fourth consecutive year they will offer fans the opportunity to renew or purchase their season tickets at a 12% savings. Fans can take advantage of this best deal of the year by purchasing or renewing their tickets between September 17 and 28, 2015.
Toronto FC coach Vanney: ‘We’re rewriting history’ – Sportsnet
For a coach who took over one of the hottest hot seats in Major League Soccer, Toronto FC’s Greg Vanney has expertly maintained his cool over the past 12 months.
Impact – The glass is more than half full – Montreal Impact
Although the Montreal Impact has gone through a difficult stretch in recent weeks, the team has had a decent start to the season despite all the complications coming with a deep Champions League run in February and March.
Colorado Rapids look for youngsters to step up as Kevin Doyle departs for international duty – MLS
With Kevin Doyle (Ireland), Maynor Figueroa (Honduras) and Dillon Serna (US U-23s) all set to miss time during the current FIFA window for international friendlies, World Cup and Euro qualifiers, the Colorado Rapids find themselves as one of many MLS teams looking to fill lineup gaps in the early part of September.
Klopas’s puzzling moves helped speed his departure – Montreal Gazette
Although Klopas had his blatant flaws, the players did him no favours in recent weeks — including against TFC in a game they very much could have won. Here are my pros and cons from the loss, the final Impact assignment for Klopas.
RBNY Town Hall Notes: McCarty’s contract extension, jerseys, Red Bulls radio, more – Empire of Soccer
Red Bulls General Manager Marc de Grandpre and Sporting Director Ali Curtis delved into several issues, including the future of Dax McCarty, possible changes to the Red Bulls jersey, the idea of a third kit — and even the expansion of the South Ward.
Sean St Ledger back up to speed in Major League Soccer with Colorado Rapids – The Telegraph
After being released by Ipswich Town late last year, having not even played a game for the Championship club, Sean St Ledger decided to try his luck in the United States, the land of opportunity.
LA Galaxy puzzled by Ricardo Ferretti’s decision to leave Giovani dos Santos off Mexico roster – MLS
Dos Santos, one of Mexico’s most important attacking players, was left off interim coach Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti’s roster, along with his brother, Jonathan, and goalkeeper Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa, for El Tri’s friendlies Friday against Trinidad and Tobago in Salt Lake City and Tuesday against Argentina in Dallas.
The Homegrown Player Rule – A new visual guide – The Brotherly Game
A year and a half ago we looked at the Homegrown Player Rule and how clubs were allowed to use the mechanism to acquire players. Things have changed a bit since then, so we revisit these rules and what they mean for Major League Soccer’s clubs.
Soccer team owners close in on stadium deal for St. Paul, sources say – Star Tribune
St. Paul appears to be the choice of Minnesota United team officials as the home for a new Major League Soccer team and stadium, sources told the Star Tribune Wednesday.
San Jose Earthquakes winger Shea Salinas proves his staying power with recent resurgence – MLS
“My first year in San Jose, I honestly didn’t think I was going to last three or four years, even,” Salinas told reporters. “To last eight years now has been – I’m just truly thankful and surprised by it all. I’ve really been humbled.”
Stillitano’s rise from MLS GM to world soccer’s best-connected American – SI.com
How do you go from being a washout as an MLS general manager to being the best-connected American in European soccer? It’s a question worth pondering when you’re watching TV on a Saturday morning, and the camera shows Sir Alex Ferguson at a Manchester United game, and the guy sitting next to him is … wait … is that Charlie Stillitano?!? The guy from New Jersey? The old MetroStars GM?
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2018 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
CANADA vs. BELIZE
1ST LEG
4:30 PM, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
BMO FIELD, TORONTO, ONT.
(TV: TLN TV LIVE STREAM: canadasoccer.com)
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Commentary: Boosted by returning Will Johnson, Atiba Hutchinson, Canada should breeze past Belize – MLS
If your only points of reference about the Canadian national team are their results at this summer’s Gold Cup, you could be forgiven for thinking they’re in trouble in their two upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Belize.
Canada ready for Belize in home FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match – CSA
Canada will play in Toronto on Friday night in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on the road to Russia 2018. It will be the first leg in a home-and-away elimination series with Belize, with the 4 September match to kick off at 19.30 (4:30 PM PDT) at BMO Field.
Jonathan Osorio disappointed, Toronto FC colleagues baffled at Canada national team snub – MLS
Speaking two weeks ago, Toronto FC’s Jonathan Osorio was looking forward to reuniting with the Canadian national team for a pair of all-important World Cup qualifying matches after a disappointing group-stage exit from this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Osorio snub by Canada raises flags about Floro – Sportsnet
Osorio’s omission and the inclusion of Montreal Impact midfielder Kyle Bekker raise another red flag over Benito Floro, who’s made a number of questionable personnel and tactical decisions during his tenure as Canada’s national team coach.
Canada vs Belize World Cup Qualifier to be Shown on TLN – Waking the Red
Today it was confirmed by Canada Soccer that for the first time in their campaign to qualify for Russia 2018, a match will be shown on TV. Telelatino, better known as TLN, will be broadcasting the home leg of Canada’s round 3 CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against Belize.
Dwayne De Rosario to be honoured at Canada match – CSA
Canada Soccer hero Dwayne De Rosario will be honoured on Friday night at Canada’s FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match at BMO Field in Toronto. A CONCACAF champion and four-time Canadian Player of the Year, De Rosario recently retired after a 20-year international career with Canada.
VIDEO: Michael Petrasso looking for a Canadian debut at home in Toronto – OSA
Michael Petrasso was in a Canada camp in October 2013 but was never in contention to play for the senior team. Now, having battled back from an injury and as Canada prepares for a series of World Cup Qualifying games against Belize, Petrasso is hoping to make his debut at home in Toronto.
Academy’s 2015 season success measured beyond wins and losses – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton’s Academy had big shoes to fill heading into the 2015 Edmonton District Soccer Association (EDSA) season. The 2014 campaign was undoubtedly a success, with the U-18 squad successfully capturing the Alberta Provincial title.
Thrilling Semis Set Up First-Class Ontario Cup Finals – OSA
The Ontario Cup Semi-final round treated those in attendance to riveting games in all age groups. Last gasp finishes, nail biting kicks from the penalty mark, heroic saves, and stellar performances highlighted a weekend of action that will set the table for a great Ontario Cup finals.
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UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
WHITECAPS FC 2 vs. SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC
3:00 PM, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015
UBC THUNDERBIRD STADIUM, VANCOUVER, BC
(LIVE STREAM: whitecapsfc.com)
WFC2 & USL NEWS
WFC2 Report: Seymore fitting in where needed – 24 Hours
Born in Colorado but raised in the UK, Will Seymore came to WFC2 with a reputation of having defensive versatility. Signed as a free agent July 9, the six-foot defender/defensive midfielder had previously starred for four years at Oregon State University. He started all 73 of his appearances there and was named to the All Pac-12 Second Team in his senior year.
By the numbers: Breaking down the impact of WFC2 during the 2015 season – Whitecaps FC
It’s been a fun inaugural USL season for Whitecaps FC 2. It comes to a close with three straight Sunday home matches, starting this weekend with a date against defending champions Sacramento Republic FC at Thunderbird Stadium. Kickoff this Sunday is at 3 p.m. PT.
Lou City’s Fondy breaks USL season scoring record – Soccer America
Matt Fondy entered Louisville City’s match against Harrisburg on Wednesday night with 18 goals, two behind OKC Energy FC’s Danni Koenig, who matched the USL record of 20 goals set by Kevin Molino in 2014 for Orlando City. But the former MLS striker needed only 40 minutes to score a hat trick and break the record with 21 goals.
Match Preview: TFC II vs. FC Montreal – Toronto FC
Toronto FC II return to the Ontario Soccer Centre this Saturday for their final home match of the season against rivals FC Montreal. It’s simply a battle for bragging rights between the two clubs as both were officially knocked out of playoff contention this past weekend.
Does Arizona United have a formula for an MLS-worthy soccer franchise in Phoenix? – Phoenix Magazine
Phoenix is the largest city in the U.S. – and second largest media market – without a Major League Soccer team. Advertising executive Kyle Eng hopes to change that. His goal is to deliver an MLS franchise to the Valley by 2020. “I want Phoenix to have all the offerings that any other major sports town has,” says Eng, owner of the freshly minted Arizona United Soccer Club (AUSC). “The only thing missing is Major League Soccer.”
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NASL NEWS
U.S. Soccer Continues To Sabotage Soccer In The U.S. – Deadspin
The latest example comes as U.S. Soccer attempts to bone the NASL by redefining the parameters of a Division I soccer league. The NASL, if you’re unfamiliar, is technically the second-tier soccer league in the U.S., though that designation doesn’t really mean much. U.S. Soccer sets the qualifications for what is considered Division I, and the title of first division is currently reserved for MLS.
A High Wire Act by US Soccer – The Least Thing
The NASL wants to be a top tier US league, as defined by US Soccer, the governing body for the sport in the United States. The MLS is the only league that meets those criteria. You can see the criteria for what is called “Division I” status here in PDF. It is pretty turgid stuff, focused on things like entry fees and stadium sizes and so on.
NASL Fall Week 10 Preview: Loons Looking at Possible Standings Leap – Empire of Soccer
Minnesota United FC could be set to make a huge jump up the standings of both point tables this weekend. All the Loons need to do is handle their business at home against Indy Eleven on Wednesday and then at Edmonton on Sunday.
NASL: The Plot Thickens – FC Edmonton
Everyone knew it was going to be a fight to the finish in the North American Soccer League (NASL) standings. It would be hard to predict a six-point spread between qualifying for The Championship Semifinals and finishing dead last in the table, however.
Cosmos sign Lucky Mkosana to multi-year extension – Empire of Soccer
No New York Cosmos player has been as electric as Lucky Mkosana this season — and the club is making sure that energy stays with them for the long term. The Cosmos announced Mkosana has signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the club. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Back To The Island | Coach Adrian Whitbread Relishes Chance To Build Puerto Rico FC – NASL
The island of Puerto Rico was calling in more ways than one. The new team’s owner Carmelo Anthony couldn’t ignore his heritage, and recently announced coach Adrian Whitbread couldn’t ignore the memories he collected there from 2008-12 with the Islanders, first as an assistant under current Carolina RailHawks coach Colin Clarke and then calling the shots in 2012.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Kansas City beats Sky Blue to take over third place – The Equalizer
FC Kansas City defeated Sky Blue FC, 3-2 on Wednesday in their final regular-season match to move into third place in the NWSL.
Women’s Super League: Who will win the 2015 title? – BBC Sport
With just three rounds of matches remaining, the destination of this season’s Women’s Super League One title remains unclear.
Stacey Pearson: Yeovil Town midfielder retires to be a referee – BBC Sport
Yeovil Town midfielder Stacey Pearson has retired from playing to focus her attention on reaching the Women’s World Cup as a referee.
Absent from NWSL in 2015, Mexico ‘starts from zero’ – The Equalizer
The decrease in Mexico players in the NWSL has been drastic. Only four players on the payroll of Federación Mexicana de Fútbol Asociación entered the NWSL season as subsidized players. That number was half of the announced eight subsidized Mexico players for the 2014 season. Initial league plans in 2013 called for the allocation of 16 Mexico players, but not all of them stayed with their teams.
Gambia: Sports, Interior Ministers Reaffirm Govt’s Support to Develop Female Football – All Africa
The ministers of Youth and Sports, Hon. Alieu K Jammeh and the Interior, Hon. Ousman Sonko, have both reaffirmed government’s support to develop women’s sports particularly football in the country.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
FIFA world ranking: Wales form takes them above England in table – ESPN FC
Argentina, Belgium and Germany remained in the top three spots in the FIFA World Ranking, while Wales moved ahead of England for the first time. Canada drops one spot to 102.
The Premier League’s spending is ruining England’s national team, says Germany boss Joachim Low – The Mirror
The boss of the world champions insists the outrageous fees being shelled out by Premier League clubs is hammering Roy Hodgson’s English national team – and making Germany even better.
Italy’s Antonio Conte wants support as Fiorentina fans plan Malta boycott – ESPN FC
Antonio Conte has called on Italy supporters to unite behind the team as Fiorentina fans prepare to boycott the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifier against Malta.
Iceland closing in on historic Euro 2016 berth – Sportsnet
Lars Lagerback doesn’t want to change anything. As far as he and Iceland co-manager Heimir Hallgrimsson are concerned it’s all going just fine, thank you very much.
Georgia vs. Scotland – A Brief History – Futbolgrad
It has been 20 years since a Scottish club has played against a Georgian opponent. In September 1995 Glasgow’s Celtic and the then Georgian cup holders Dinamo Batumi met in the first round of the now defunct European Cup Winners’ Cup. Back in the 1990s Batumi was one of the strongest clubs in Georgia, as the club also won the Georgian championship in 1998.
Arsenal striker Welbeck undergoes knee surgery – Goal
The England international last featured for the Gunners in April but has gone under the knife and is set to miss a number of months following his latest setback.
Mexico depth chart shaken up by new coach Ricardo “Tuca” Ferretti – ESPN FC
Depth charts are supposed to show the smooth, natural progression of a national team over time, with older players getting nudged out as younger ones emerge. For Mexico, however, it is rarely that straightforward.
Gold Cup failure still hurting U.S. national team – Goal
More than a month has passed since the U.S. national team walked off the field at PPL Park after losing the third-place match of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Enough time to dwell on a thoroughly disappointing tournament, but definitely not enough time to forget it.
Fans suffer as Socceroos’ soap opera plays out ahead of World Cup qualifier – ESPN FC
This week’s Socceroos camp has had all the markings of a soap opera. A plot twist came in the form of captain Mile Jedinak and star goalkeeper Mat Ryan withdrawing from the squad due to injury, but the real drama involved the ongoing power struggle between the governing body and the players’ union.
Australia cruise to 5-0 victory over Bangladesh in World Cup 2018 qualifier – The Guardian
Ange Postecoglou’s rebuild of the Socceroos has taken another small step forward, with Australia cruising to an easy win over Bangladesh in Perth. It makes it two wins from two outings for the Socceroos in this early stage of Asia’s World Cup qualifiers.
Derby chairman Mel Morris becomes club’s sole owner after finalising takeover – The Guardian
Derby County are under new ownership after their chairman, Mel Morris, bought the club from American Partners LLP for an undisclosed sum, becoming the sole owner.
FIFA advisor: Little progress from reform group – Sportsnet
A FIFA-appointed panel driving reforms of the crisis-hit governing body has announced little progress after its first meeting.
Bayern Munich support refugees with €1m for projects and training camp – ESPN FC
Bayern Munich have become the latest Bundesliga club to welcome refugees to Germany amid the ongoing crisis in Europe.
Sabbath row could see football close down in Israel – Inside World Football
Football in Israel, already suffering from problems relating to the state’s relationship with Palestinine and racism at top clubs is facing a major crisis as the Israeli Football Association says it will cancel all league matches if a recent ban on playing on the Sabbath is not lifted.
Championship ticket prices: how did clubs end up charging £52 a game? – The Guardian
Tickets at some Championship clubs have been described as “ridiculously expensive” after a Guardian survey found adult prices this season will regularly surpass £35, with Sheffield Wednesday charging £52 for certain games.