VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. MINNESOTA UNITED FC
MLS MATCHDAY #1
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2019, 3:00 PM
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
TV: TSN 1 & 4 RADIO: TSN RADIO 1040 ONLINE: TSN DIRECT
Episode 324 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Full Of Beans with guest Marc Dos Santos and Fredy Montero) – AFTN
One week to go till the 2019 Major League Soccer season kicks off. Are you ready? Are Vancouver Whitecaps?
United’s starting lineup ‘on equal footing’ with MLS competition – Duluth News Tribune
Goalkeeper and striker, however, are two spots with questions going into Minnesota’s opener against Vancouver Whitecaps at 3 p.m. PT Saturday at BC Place.
Whitecaps FC expand to full lower bowl for March 2 season opener – Whitecaps FC
Due to demand, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will open the full lower bowl for the club’s 2019 MLS season opener against Minnesota United FC this coming Saturday, March 2 at BC Place.
2019 Season Preview: Vancouver Whitecaps – MLS
The Vancouver Whitecaps had an offseason makeover that almost felt like an expansion club … with 15 players in and 21 out.
2019 MLS Season Preview – MLS
The 2019 MLS season is finally upon us. Featuring 24 teams with the addition of FC Cincinnati and a new playoff format, there’s plenty to look forward to this year. Whether you’re looking to get to lowdown on your team’s outlook or you want to take stock of all 24 teams, look no further.
CONCACAF Champions League second leg preview – NBC Sports
The results from the first legs of the CONCACAF Champions League’s Round of 16 means the stakes in the return legs are all over the map.
TFC hoping for another ‘Montreal Miracle’ in Concacaf Champions League – Sportsnet
TFC faces a massive mountain to climb in Tuesday’s Concacaf Champions League match against Club Atletico Independiente de la Chorrera at BMO Field. The Reds lost 4-0 in Panama last week in first leg of this round-of-16 series, which means they have to win the return match by at least five goals in order to advance to the quarterfinals.
BMO Field has new grass but playing in February still a groundskeeping challenge – Chronicle Herald
Toronto FC players and coaches like to have the grass field at BMO Field watered, so they can fizz the ball over a slick surface. Watering the field in February in Toronto presents a problem, however.
Toronto FC making progress on Alejandro Pozuelo, deal not done – MLS
Toronto FC are “making progress” in their pursuit of Alejandro Pozuelo, but a deal to acquire the Spanish midfielder from Belgian club KRC Genk isn’t yet complete, club president Bill Manning told MLSsoccer.com on Monday afternoon.
Nani Brings Successful Past to an Orlando City Desperate for a Fruitful Present – SI.com
As Orlando City prepares for its MLS season opener against NYCFC on Saturday, the Lions are hoping that the league’s 24th season–and their fifth–is finally the one that ends with them in the playoff picture.
Kaku planning to let play do the talking after offseason transfer drama – SBI
Alejandro ‘Kaku’ Romero Gamarra knows some New York Red Bulls fans were not pleased with his recent transfer drama, but all he is really worried about right now is showing his commitment to the club with his play.
Questions FC Dallas needs to address before Saturday’s season opener – Big D Soccer
The preseason is over but there are still lingering thoughts that need answers.
Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas fail to capture public imagination – MLS Multiplex
As Texas prepares for a new MLS team in Austin in the near future, is there something missing in FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo?
LAFC Acquires Defender Niko Hämäläinen On Loan – LAFC
LAFC announced today that it has signed defender Niko Hämäläinen on a six-month loan from Queens Park Rangers of the Championship. Hämäläinen will be added to LAFC’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Colorado signs veteran defender Kofi Opare – Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today the signing of defender Kofi Opare to a one-year contract. The MLS veteran joins Colorado after spending five seasons at D.C. United.
New England Revolution & Patriots owner Robert Kraft charged on two counts of first-degree solicitation – ESPN
The 77-year-old Kraft, who was also seen soliciting prostitution on video surveillance just 17 hours earlier on Jan. 19, was officially charged with two misdemeanor counts of first-degree solicitation, Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg announced Monday.
BC SOCCER NEWS
PACIFIC FC vs. HFX WANDERERS FC
CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE MATCHDAY #1
SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019, 4:00 PM
WESTHILLS STADIUM, LANGFORD, BC
A Horrific Canadian Soccer Story – The Story no one wants to listen to, but everyone needs to hear – Ciara McCormack
All I can say, with coaches of 3 different sports involving Canadian national team athletes across the country, that were either convicted or charged with sexual crimes in the last 2 years, it is long overdue that someone took a real interest and started to bring attention to this.
Teagan Clement signs with Red Deer College soccer team for 2019 season – Alaska Highway News
Fort St. John soccer player Teagan Clement is headed to Red Deer College next fall, and will play for the RDC Queen’s starting in the 2019-2010 season.
Dynamic forward Gregor Smith commits to Timberwolves – UNBC
The University of Northern British Columbia has looked to the Okanagan Valley for its latest addition, officially announcing the commitment of Gregor Smith for the 2019-2020 Canada West season. The dynamic Kelowna product said the chance to be a part of the Timberwolves was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
BCCSL UPDATES – BC Coastal Soccer League
The last few weeks have been challenging for member districts and clubs to say the least relating to weather and field issues. We recognize that our U13-U18 League Championship groups were impacted to varying degrees. While no solution to cancellations is perfect, we have worked hard to address the issues arising from cancelled games.
Brienza scores twice as U-23s face tough challenge from VMSL Selects – Whitecaps FC
Emiliano Brienza scored twice in the first half, but the VMSL Selects came back with three second half goals as the Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23s (0-1-1) fell 3-2 at Thunderbird Stadium on Sunday.
Technical Dedication! Dozens of candidates take part in popular diploma course – BCSA
Close to 60 participants braved a snowy weekend to participate in BC Soccer’s second ever Technical Director’s Diploma course held at Fortius in Burnaby.
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 season – Pacific 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 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!
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.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
CANADA vs. FRENCH GUIANA
CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2019, 3:00 PM
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, BC
Watch Canada’s Women’s National Team at the Algarve Cup – BC Soccer Web
Canada’s Women’s National Team is back at the Algarve Cup. You’ll have to get up before dawn to watch on the west coast, but the matches are available online at canadasoccer.com.
Canada’s Christine Sinclair eyeing scoring record at Algarve Cup – Sportsnet
The Canadian women’s soccer team is looking to hoist the Algarve Cup for the second time in four years when the annual competition kicks off this week in Portugal.
Veterans Erin McLeod and Diana Matheson back with national soccer squad – Edmonton Sun
Erin McLeod and Diana Matheson have been ingrained in the fabric of the Canadian women’s national soccer team for so long, things feel slightly off when they’re not around.
Wanderers bring in finesse and firepower with South American duo – HFX Wanderers
On the verge of HFX Wanderers FC’s preseason training, the club are making an international splash, with the signings of two South American talents.
Forge FC signs goalkeeper Triston Henry and defender Dominic Samuel – Canadian Premier League
Forge FC announced Monday the club has signed two Canadian players in goalkeeper Triston Henry and defender Dominic Samuel.
Valour Football Club continues to build roster – Winnipeg Free Press
International talent won’t be lacking when Winnipeg’s new professional men’s soccer team takes to the pitch this spring.
USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Sounders U-23 announces coaching staff for 2019 season – Sounders U23
Longtime coach Jason Prenovost takes over as head coach of the Seattle Sounders U-23 team ahead of the 2019 USL League Two season, the club announced today. With Darren Sawatzky taking over as head coach of FC Tucson in USL League One, Prenovost also assumes duties as general manager of both the Sounders U-23 and the Sounders Women.
Lawmakers hold fate of massive private development to boost local pro soccer – Bloody Shambles
The future of professional soccer in Indiana is at a crossroads — and the owner of Indy Eleven, the state’s pro team, said he needs support from lawmakers across the state to enable the funding mechanism necessary for a sustainable future.
‘There were a lot of tears shed over the last year-and-a-half, a lot of dark times and a lot of sleepless nights’ – The 42
The recent unveiling of a new soccer team, Forward Madison, won’t shake things up too much but for Ryan Coulter, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and one he’s spent years chasing. The former League of Ireland goalkeeper is immersed in preseason ahead of the side’s United Soccer League 1 (USL 1) campaign.
USL League One Deal with ESPN Positive for the League – The Maneland
The broadcasting deal between the league and ESPN is promising for the league.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
A Soccer Pro at 13? Olivia Moultrie Will Give It a Try – NY Times
On Monday, Olivia Moultrie, the youngest girls’ soccer player to publicly accept an academic scholarship offer, became the youngest girls’ soccer player to then officially forgo her college athletic eligibility. Now 13, Moultrie announced that she had signed, in short order, a representation deal with the Wasserman Media Group, a sports agency, and a multiyear endorsement deal with Nike. In taking those two actions, Moultrie formally began her professional career.
Washington Spirit defends new coach against allegations of verbal abuse – Washington Post
The Washington Spirit on Monday issued a statement in support of new coach Richie Burke, whom parents of a youth player have accused of directing “abusive language and subversive behavior” toward their son when he played on Burke’s club team last year.
Amy Harrison earns Matildas recall after back-to-back ruptured ACLs – Sydney Morning Herald
Forget international football, there was a period when Amy Harrison didn’t even know if she would play any form of football again. In her darkest moments in early 2018, the young midfielder feared her career had already run its course after she was diagnosed with a second ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, forced her to undergo yet another full knee reconstruction.
The great Horan question: Who is next up in midfield for the USWNT? – The Equalizer
Over the course of the last year and a half, the United States women’s national team has managed to achieve one of the more difficult accomplishments in the modern game — playing free-flowing attacking soccer without sacrificing results on the scoresheet.
For the first time ever, England expects to win a women’s World Cup, too – Philly.com
For as long as England has played in men’s World Cups, the nation has expected to win them. Every four years, no matter how good the team is — or isn’t — fans flock across the globe to cover stadiums with red-and-white flags. They sing “Football’s coming home!” and invoke Horatio Nelson’s centuries-old battle cry: “England expects that every man will do his duty.”
Bethany England: Chelsea Women’s top scorer signs new deal – BBC Sport
Chelsea forward Bethany England has signed a new contract with the Women’s Super League club until 2021.
The era of undervalued women’s sport sponsorship is nearing an end – SportsPro Media
The sports sponsorship landscape is already changing significantly, thanks to broader changes in consumer culture.
Kiwis join Australia, Japan and SA in 2023 Women’s World Cup bidding race – Inside World Football
New Zealand have expressed their interest in hosting the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Last week FIFA launched the bidding process with Japan, Australia and South Africa among the other member associations that have declared an interest so far.
The former pro helping refugee girls shine – FIFA
When you talk to Tugba Tekkal, you can immediately tell how much she loves football and sense the passion that drives her project ‘Scoring Girls’. Together with her sister Duzen Tekkal, she founded a charitable association for humanitarian aid called Háwar.help, but even then, she was still wondering what else she could do to contribute.
Vero Boquete: the Spaniard so good she has a stadium named after her – The Guardian
Spain’s record scorer on revolutionising football in her home city and her petition to get female players on computer games.
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
What to see in midweek in Europe’s main soccer competitions – London Free Press
With Barcelona boosted by another brilliant performance from Lionel Messi and Real Madrid reeling from two disappointing displays, the teams meet Wednesday with a spot in the Copa del Rey final on the line.
Chelsea goalie apologizes for refusing to leave field – TSN
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga apologized in a club statement on Monday for refusing to be substituted in the English League Cup final.
Leicester City to announce No 1 target Brendan Rodgers as new manager – The Guardian
Brendan Rodgers will be named the new Leicester City manager. The 46-year-old is expected to be appointed within the next 24 hours after Celtic reluctantly gave him permission to talk to Leicester.
Spain loses Euro U17 hosting and jeopardises UEFA backing for 2030 World Cup bid – Inside World Football
Spain’s hopes of gaining UEFA support for a 2030 World Cup bid has taken a potential political hit after European football’s governing body stripped them of hosting qualifying games of the Under-17 European Championship for refusing to recognise the national symbols of Kosovo.
Real and Atletico dominate in Madrid – but what about the city’s other La Liga teams? – BBC Sport
Far away from the tourists and day-trippers, Getafe, Leganes and Rayo Vallecano are clubs with proud and distinct histories, and their own stories to tell.
Reserve teams in the lower leagues? That idea doesn’t even work in Spain – The Guardian
The idea that Football League clubs should be cast aside to make way for reserve teams feels wrong and should be opposed vehemently.