AMWAY CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
THE VOYAGEURS CUP FINAL
MONTREAL IMPACT vs. WHITECAPS FC
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015
4:30 PM, STADE SAPUTO, MONTREAL, PQ.
(SPORTSNET WORLD, TSN RADIO 1410, WWW.SPORTSNET.CA)
WHITECAPS FC & MLS
Montreal and Vancouver prepare for final clash in Amway Canadian Championship – CSA
The 2015 Amway Canadian Championship has reached its climax and both the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact will be looking to clinch the Voyageurs Cup as the two-leg final gets underway on Wednesday, 12 August, at Stade Saputo in Montreal.
Preview: Whitecaps FC visit Montreal Impact on Wednesday in first leg of Amway Canadian Championship Final – Whitecaps FC
In two weeks’ time, Vancouver Whitecaps FC hope to be lifting their first-ever Voyageurs Cup at BC Place. And the only team left standing in their way is Montreal Impact. The longtime Canadian rivals kick off the two-leg Amway Canadian Championship Final on Wednesday in Montreal. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT at Stade Saputo – you can watch the match live on Sportsnet.ca and Sportsnet World. The match will also air on TSN 1410 radio.
Tough week, tougher decisions for Whitecaps – 24 Hours
As far as their busy August is concerned, the Vancouver Whitecaps have handled the start of the month quite nicely. But the toughest test comes this week with critical, back-to-back road games just days apart.
The Larger Value of (Striker) Pa Modou Kah to the Vancouver Whitecaps – Eighty-Six Forever
I think that every Whitecaps’ fan can agree that Pa Modou Kah has had an unbelievable run of form the last few weeks, with three goals in two games, and steady play in defense. However, this discussion will look past those contributions and look at the bigger picture of what Kah brings and the valuable role he plays on and off the field.
Dancing King: Pa-Modou Kah doing his part with first-place Vancouver Whitecaps – Whitecaps FC
The Vancouver Whitecaps didn’t bring Pa-Modou Kah in for his scoring touch or his dance skills, but they’ve been seeing a lot of both recently.
Whitecaps make easy work of weakened Salt Lake – Goal
It had the makings of being a ‘banana skin’ of a match. An understrength Real Salt Lake side taking on the same Vancouver Whitecaps FC starting XI that brushed aside Seattle Sounders FC last weekend.
Cristian Techera Named to MLS Team of the Week – Eighty-Six Forever
The Vancouver Whitecaps made a statement in their match against Real Salt Lake over the weekend, scoring four times and allowing nothing in a thorough drubbing of an underachieving, yet still dangerous Real Salt Lake club. Cristian Techera was a major part of the attack, scoring twice in the second half to put the match firmly out of reach.
San Jose Earthquakes name former MLS defender Chris Leitch technical director – MLS
The San Jose Earthquakes added a new member to their technical staff on Monday, announcing that former MLS defender Chris Leitch has been named the club’s technical director. The technical director for the Earthquakes Youth Development Academy since 2012, Leitch will now work closely with San Jose general manager John Doyle on all personnel matters while continuing to oversee the club’s academy.
Orlando City GM Paul McDonough on Chicharito, Ganso, McInerney and Other Transfer Window Business – The Mane Land
In an exclusive interview with Lions General Manager Paul McDonough, we learn that the club still has an eye on Javier Hernandez, why Martin Paterson went home, and the thought that went into the entire MLS summer transfer window.
Roman Torres’ move to Sounders complete, Colombian media reports – Sounder at Heart
The days-long saga — in which Roman Torres has gone from virtually unknown to Seattle Sounders fans to the absolute must-have player of the summer transfer window — appears to be coming to an end, and likely to the satisfaction of all the key parties. After first being reported by Win Sports, media outlets from all around Colombia are now reporting that Torres’ move is essentially complete.
Andrea Pirlo was epically bad in his New York City derby debut – NBC Sports
It’s impossible not to love Andrea Pirlo. When it was announced he would be coming to Major League Soccer, it was certainly exciting news. Unfortunately, it appears the legendary Italian midfielder may be taking this league a little too lightly. Or he has regressed even more sharply than we had feared. Or both. And nobody is above criticism.
Giovani dos Santos outshines Lampard and Pirlo as big beasts enter MLS fray – The Guardian
As New York City FC and Los Angeles Galaxy gave starts to two big stars it was clear which player has the strongest supporting cast.
Major League Soccer’s most heated rivalry? The story behind the Real Salt Lake-Sporting Kansas City feud – MLS
Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City will add another chapter to their heated rivalry on Wednesday, when the Claret-and-Cobalt head to Sporting Park for a US Open Cup semifinal against SKC (8:30 pm ET, USsoccer.com, YouTube).
MLS needs to tap into more of South America to become top league – SBI
Almost since its inception, MLS has made an effort to sign quality players from South America. Colombian legend Carlos Valderrama and Bolivian striker Jaime Moreno were just some of the many faces from the continent to join the league during its infant years, and their performance, production, and flare all have helped open doors for more South Americans.
Fans of New York MLS teams channel hooliganism using fake English accents during near-brawl – Washington Post
Of course, this was all particularly embarrassing for a league still looking to expand as the sport gains more popularity at the professional level. While violence isn’t necessarily a league-wide problem for MLS, there’s a larger question about just how far the league is willing to go to promote its brand.
The only thing the MLS brawlers proved is that they’re second-class hooligans – The Guardian
The hooligan gap between the US and Europe is so wide, it’s foolish to think it will ever be closed. Supporters of European clubs have forgotten more about who they are to illogically hate and why than NYC FC fans have even begun to learn.
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BC SOCCER
Colin Guise of KYSA recovering slowly after brain abscess – Kamloops This Week
Once the picture of health and a man who spent his spare time helping run the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association, Guise now devotes most of his concentration to walking, speaking, eating and drinking. Hospitalized in January as a loonie-sized brain abscess wreaked havoc on his body, Guise has spent 2015 getting his life back on track.
WolfPack Men’s Soccer Heads To Arizona For First Pre Season Games – TRU
Head Coach John Antulov is taking 25 players to Arizona for the three matches. The ‘Pack are playing in the Arizona Desert Cup against three U.S. Junior Colleges—Phoenix College Bears, Glendale Community College Vasqueros and Arizona Christian College Firestorm.
WFC2 & USL
USL: FC Montreal enjoy best week in club history with six-point haul – MLS
After a tough start to the season that left them adrift at the bottom of the overall standings, FC Montreal continued their recent uptick in form, grabbing two wins last week in USL play.
CANADA
CSA President Victor Montagliani Appointed to FIFA Reform Committee (PDF File) – FIFA
As per @fifamedia release, Canada Soccer President @VicMontagliani appointed to 2016 FIFA Reform Committee. More details to follow.
François Carrard to lead FIFA reform process – FIFA
Dr Carrard said: “It is vital for the future of global football to restore the integrity and reputation of its governing body. As the independent chairman, I am committed to delivering the necessary package of credible reforms, working with representatives from within football and wider society. To that end, I will establish an independent advisory board, made up of representatives from outside football, to support the work of the committee and provide an additional layer of independent expertise.”
OSA announces four new OPDL Licensees for 2016-2017 – OSA
The Ontario Soccer Association named the new member organizations in the 2016-2017 Ontario Player Development League seasons during a launch event at the Soccer Centre today. These four license holders were selected to run a U13 boys and girls team in 2016 and add U14 teams the following season. The additional members join 16 current OPDL licensees who are in their second season.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER
Schmidt’s German move should benefit Canada – Sportsnet
The veteran midfielder has inked a contract with 1. FFC Frankfurt in the women’s Bundesliga through to June of 2016, making her the first Canadian to sign on with a defending European women’s champion—Frankfurt beat Paris Saint-German in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final this past May.
Orlando City confirms interest in acquiring NWSL franchise – SBI
Orlando City SC may be in their first year in Major League Soccer, but that isn’t stopping them from looking to expand in a major way. Orlando City confirmed interest in acquiring a franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League, according to club president Phil Rawlins. No specific timeframe was given.
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NASL
NASL commissioner Bill Peterson vows to ‘take action’ to introduce promotion and relegation in North America – The Telegraph
The commissioner of the North American Soccer League is determined to bring promotion and relegation to the game in North America and nothing will stop him in his tracks – not even fierce resistance from Major League Soccer.
NASL Commissioner’s pro-rel comments don’t mean “going up, going down” happening anytime soon – the11.ca
By now, you may have heard that NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson gave an interview to the Telegraph’s Bob Williams, in which the interview subject reiterated his staunch support of promotion and relegation. He was quoted as being ready to “take action” on promoting and relegating teams.
Ottawa Fury hit four vs Indy Eleven – Red Nation Online
Ottawa Fury came through with a very strong performance on the weekend as they were able to defeat Indy Eleven 4-1 on the road. Goals from Andrew Wiedeman (2), Sinisa Ubiparipovic and Mauro Eustaquio were enough to push Ottawa Fury back into the sole possession of first place in both of the current NASL Standings.
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WORLD OF SOCCER
Barcelona v Sevilla: UEFA Super Cup preview – UEFA
UEFA Champions League winners Barcelona face UEFA Europa League holders Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup tonight. (Editor’s Note: The UEFA Super Cup can be seen at 11:30 am on TSN 1,3,4,5)
Yaya Toure returning to 2013-14 Manchester City form – Pellegrini – ESPN FC
Manuel Pellegrini believes Yaya Toure will once again be the devastating force he was in Manchester City’s 2013-14 title-winning campaign after the Ivorian got his season off to a flying start with a brace in the 3-0 win at West Bromwich Albion.
Redknapp: Arsenal need to sign a world-class striker to win the Premier League – The Telegraph
I have had a feeling all summer that this could be the season for Arsenal to win the Premier League title again. One game is not going to change that assessment but it is still with one caveat: I am relying on Arsene Wenger getting another striker before the transfer window closes.
Esteban Cambiasso joins Olympiakos to play in Champions League – The Guardian
The Greek champions, Olympiakos, have signed the former Real Madrid and Internazionale midfielder Esteban Cambiasso.
Azerbaijan journalist dies after attack over Facebook comments – ESPN FC
An Azerbaijani journalist has died after being attacked following Facebook comments about the captain of Qabala FK, Javid Huseynov. Rasim Aliyev, who worked for the ann.az news website, died of his injuries on Sunday morning in a Baku hospital, having been severely beaten on Saturday evening.
Assailants fire shots at Fenerbahce’s Topal’s car – Sportsnet
Turkish club Fenerbahce says assailants fired shots at midfielder Mehmet Topal while he was driving, but the player escaped the attack unhurt.
A gunshot and an abandoned game taint Germany’s opening weekend – Soccer Gods
Germany has a pretty cool tradition in which it opens its soccer season not with Bundesliga action, but with the country’s cup competition, the DFB-Pokal. The tournament gives lower division teams a chance to shine and really shows off the sport throughout the country, rather in the top flight. But this year the first round of the DFB-Pokal turned frightening.
US shakes up youth soccer thinking in bid for national team glory – Inside World Football
Although the MLS is deep into its regular season, US youth soccer seasons are soon to start again, in line with the conventional European calendar. And as the youth teams gear up, they will be adjusting to the new player development initiatives that the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) has established.
NBC retains Premier League TV rights until 2022 – SBI
Fans of NBC’s presentation of the Premier League will be happy to know that coverage will not be leaving the channel any time soon. The Premier League announced Monday that NBC has won exclusive live broadcasting rights in the U.S. for an additional six years. The agreement, which extends until after the 2021-22 season, continues a partnership that was entering the final year of a three-year, $250-million deal.
Is the US ready – or even willing – to host the 2026 World Cup? – The Guardian
The United States is always a frontrunner when it comes to hosting major sporting events, and the biggest reasons are the most obvious ones: modern stadiums and good infrastructure make for a small leap from planning to reality.
French referee replaced by amateur from crowd, who gives two red cards – ESPN FC
The French third division kicked into life with a bang this past weekend, with the opening day fixture between SR Colmar and FC Chambly producing two red cards and a 97th-minute penalty equaliser. It also saw the referee replaced by an amateur from the crowd.
Swedish referee starts Facebook page to explain decisions – The Guardian
A Swedish referee has started a Facebook page in an attempt to “create an understanding for our occupation”. Mohammed Al-Hakim, one of the most promising officials in the Swedish top flight, Allsvenskan, launched his page this month with an admission that he should have given a penalty in the game between IFK Norrkoping and AIK and has been praised for his willingness to discuss contentious decisions.
Australia’s forgotten goalscoring king – FIFA
The history of football is littered with supremely gifted players who, for one reason or another, never attained the kind of enduring star status that their talent deserved. Australia’s Reg Date is undoubtedly one such player.