VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
Episode 241 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Kicker Conspiracy with Carl Robinson and David Edgar) – AFTN
Vancouver Whitecaps are back at it. Preseason camp is officially underway and it’s been a pretty intense and competitive first week.
Yordy Reyna back in training, but story about death of Peruvian teen not going away – The Province
Yordy Reyna returned to Vancouver from Peru last week, ready for training. After an off-season that started with excitement — his national-squad qualified for the World Cup — it’s been nothing but bad news since.
Aly Ghazal ready for MLS season, held talks with Hector Cuper – KingFut
Aly Ghazal is spending his preseason training in Hawaii and is already talking with Hector Cuper regarding the upcoming matches for Egypt in March.
Whitecaps change in formation? No problem for Jake Nerwinski – The Province
Vancouver Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson’s plan to possibly play with just three defenders in the back doesn’t really faze Jake Nerwinski.
Whitecaps franchise scores with younger generation – Business in Vancouver
As the BC Lions and Vancouver Canucks struggle to fill seats for home games, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC are riding a wave of enthusiasm among millennial fans and an overall rise in Major League Soccer (MLS) viewership across North America.
Source: Besiktas strikes deal with MLS for Canada’s Cyle Larin – Sportsnet
Turkey’s Besiktas has reached a deal with Major League Soccer to acquire Canadian striker Cyle Larin from Orlando City SC.
Club America interested in Toronto FC’s Jozy Altidore, but hasn’t contacted TFC’s top brass – Toronto Sun
Club America has shown interest in acquiring Jozy Altidore, but has yet to make formal contact with Toronto FC, making it almost impossible for any potential deal to get done before Liga MX’s transfer window closes this week.
Sounders, seeking midfield boost, set to sign Norwegian Magnus Eikrem – Seattle Times
Former Manchester United reserve Magnus Eikrem, a Norwegian whose signing for Targeted Allocation Money is expected to be announced by the Sounders on Tuesday, won back-to-back titles with Malmo FF of the Allsvenskan first division circuit in Sweden.
Bill Manning on building a winning tradition in Toronto, what he learned about player development at RSL and the way forward for U.S. Soccer – Soccer America
In October 2015, the two-time MLS Executive of the Year became president of TFC and has since helped head coach Greg Vanney and general manager Tim Bezbatchenkoform one of the league’s elite teams, on and off the field. In 2017, TFC set a league record for points in a season and captured both the Canadian Championship and MLS Cup.
Crew trades Meram to Orlando City for allocation money – MSN
The Columbus Crew have traded winger Justin Meram to the Orlando City for allocation money and an international roster spot, the player confirmed Monday.
A Fresh Start for the Loons, and for Fans, if They Want It – Fifty Five One
At long last, the clouds are lifting. Minnesota United preseason is a week old and it’s hard not to be excited. Everyone is saying the right things, about how hard they’re working, about how the group is ahead of where they were last time, about how the rookies are looking better than expected, and how the newcomers are integrating faster than expected. I expect all of that, word for word, and I’m still happily buying it all.
MLS youth: Use them or lose them – Dirty South Soccer
Some of America’s top prospects are leaving for Europe, seeking a more streamlined pathway to the first team.
MLS failed in Miami before. Will David Beckham’s team be any different? – The Guardian
The Miami Fusion flickered and died at the start of the century. But the league – and soccer in the US – is in a very different place these days.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Cowichan LMG returns with win over Wave – Lake Cowichan Gazette
Cowichan LMG didn’t lose any momentum during the Christmas break. Sitting atop the Vancouver Island Soccer League Div. 1 standings going into the six-week adjournment, Cowichan returned to action last Saturday with a 2-1 road win over the V.I. Wave.
Cascades women’s soccer program signs two from Calgary – UFV Cascades
The University of the Fraser Valley women’s soccer program has once again extended its recruiting reach into Southern Alberta, signing a pair of players from Calgary.
The Money Pit: Why ‘professionalization’ of youth sports is worrisome – The Province
Money in soccer has made coaching better. It’s also opened a can of worms in terms of misplaced expectations.
Canadian legends Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil team up for Individualized Coaching Program – Dasovic-Neil Coaching
Nick Dasovic & Andrea Neil have teamed up to provide training programs for players & coaches. The programs specialize in individual, positional, age, and gender specific training for players, with a combined technical and physical focus while providing education and mentorship opportunities for coaches to improve their skills and deepen their knowledge base.
PCSL CHALLENGE CUP PHOTOS: Vancouver Utd. 3, Mid-Isle Mariners 1, July 30, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
2016-2017 BC Soccer Year in Review – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is proud to release their 2016-2017 Year in Review after another successful year of soccer. The #respectall initiative, High Performance License, Club Charter Program activity, along with the delivery of hundreds of coaching courses and referee clinics this past year highlight some of the successes.
BC PROVINCIAL WOMEN’S A CUP PHOTOS: Surrey United 1 NSGSC Renegades 0, May 13, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
2017 VISL JACKSON CUP PHOTOS: Nanaimo Utd. 2 Cowichan LMG 1 (XT), April 2, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
FVSL PHOTOS: Pakenham Cup Final, PMO Rangers 1 PMO Lordco Gunners 0, April 1, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
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
Halifax group seeks to join pro soccer league when it debuts in spring of 2019 – Chronicle-Herald
Pro soccer in Halifax could be closer to fruition. Officials from the fledgling Canadian Premier League visited the city last week and, according to Derek Martin, “things are progressing well.”
Hurricanes men’s soccer squad to be recognized next week for bronze-medal win at nationals – PEI Guardian
The Holland College Hurricanes will be celebrated next week for their run to a bronze medal at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) men’s soccer championship.
Campaign seeks to increase number of female coaches – Toronto Star
As a coach and mentor with the Toronto Soccer Association for the past 12 years, Carolyn McCaughey knows the challenges female coaches face.
Whitecaps FC add new head coach to Ottawa Gloucester Hornets partnership – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today the appointment of James Parry as Ottawa Gloucester Academy Centre head coach.
No gifts, no bungs, no collusion. Is 2026 World Cup the most boring FIFA vote ever? – Inside World Football
With football’s corruption scandal far from resolved and a Swiss probe surrounding the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments to Russia and Qatar still ongoing, FIFA are keen to make sure the 2026 process – being contested by the three-nation USA-Canada-Mexico bid on the one hand and Morocco on the other – is entirely clean.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Fury FC kicks off training camp with high hopes for 2018 season – Ottawa Sun
We’ve heard it here before — a coach promising an attacking style, an offence-first style of soccer that entertains the home fans. It didn’t work so well for Paul Dalglish, who “stepped away” from Ottawa Fury FC last August after a year and a half full of too many disappointments.
Rowdies Fortify Back Line with Addition of Max Lachowecki – Tampa Bay Rowdies
The Tampa Bay Rowdies have added another young defender to the 2018 roster with the signing of Max Lachowecki, the club announced Tuesday. Per club and league policy, further contract details were not disclosed. The signing is pending league and federation approval.
North Carolina FC Re-Signs Homegrown Dre Fortune and Emerging Prospect Nelson Blanco – NCFC
Dre Fortune and Nelson Blanco have re-signed with North Carolina FC for the upcoming 2018 USL season, adding quality and depth to a developing roster. The moves are pending league and federation approval.
Lilley Aiming to Provide Final Piece for Riverhounds – USL
Since the opening of Highmark Stadium in 2013, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds have had the look of a club with plenty moving in the right direction. The club has an invested owner in Tuffy Shallenberger, a beautiful home venue, passionate home support and a thriving youth academy. The only thing the historic club hasn’t had? A consistent product on the field in the USL.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Orlando Pride and Seattle Reign FC partake in 5-player trade – Vavel
Steph Catley and Jasmyne Spencer were traded to the Seattle Reign in exchange for Christine Nairn, Haley Kopmeyer and Carson Pickett
NWSL announces Dispersal Draft order and players – Vavel
With the Boston Breakers no longer in business, the other nine teams have a chance to pick up their remaining players this Tuesday.
Boston break-up makes sense for NWSL – Portland Tribune
The demise of the Boston Breakers, who will not be part of the National Women’s Soccer League in 2018, should not surprise.
Nick Cushing: Pushing boundaries – Coaches’ Voice
I tried to think logically. Calmly. But my mind wasn’t co-operating. Because at that precise moment, nothing in my life was logical. I was standing in the dugout watching my team – Manchester City Women – take on Liverpool Ladies in the FA Women’s Super League. It was the team’s first game in the WSL. And the first time I had ever managed a side at that level of competition. I didn’t feel prepared for it. And I wasn’t prepared for what came with it, either.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
CONCACAF moves Champions League matches out of Honduras – SBI
Due to the political climate in Honduras, CONCACAF has decided to move a pair of Champions League matches out of the country.
England’s Nations League match in Croatia will be behind closed doors – BBC Sport
England’s first away game in the Nations League against Croatia will be played behind closed doors, says Uefa. The ban on fans is part of Croatia’s punishment after a swastika was marked on their pitch before a Euro 2016 home qualifier against Italy.
Manchester City’s Leroy Sane set for six weeks out with ankle injury – The Independent
The Germany international suffered ligament damage following a bad tackle from Joe Bennett in Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round win at Cardiff.
Bilbao’s Laporte Man City’s latest big-money defensive signing – Sportsnet
Manchester City signed France Under-21 international Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao for a club-record fee of 65 million euros ($80 million) on Tuesday, taking its spending on centre backs since 2014 to around $250 million.
Egyptian Mohamed Salah breaks Liverpool’s 102-year record – African Football
The Pharaohs’ attacker has netted 25 goals in all competitions from 32 matches for the Reds so far and that makes him the fastest Liverpool player to achieve such a feat in 102 years.
FA Cup fifth round draw: PL giants kept apart – NBC Sports
The FA Cup fifth round draw took place on Monday and it did not disappoint.
Valencia in better spot since 7-0 loss to Barcelona in Copa – Metro
Valencia doesn’t have fond memories of the last time it faced Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. The teams met two years ago in the semifinals, with Valencia losing 7-0 in the first leg at Camp Nou Stadium. It couldn’t manage more than a 1-1 draw against Barcelona’s second-stringers in the return match.
Greek football tragedy: game-changing referees, match-fixing rampant, FIFA and UEFA smile on – Inside World Football
Greek football is in chaos and the crisis in the top professional tiers is not showing any signs of improvement. This is despite a FIFA normalisation committee led by Portuguese Vitor Melo Pereira and the parachuting in last week of UEFA director of national associations Zoran Laković. Rather than finding solutions, his trip in fact just rubber stamped the ‘new’ status quo.
After failed election, Italian FA faces emergency measures – National Post
Already in serious crisis following the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, the Italian football federation is facing emergency measures after four failed votes to elect a new president.
VAR could curb bad challenges but football’s technology quandary would deepen – The Guardian
After Joe Bennett’s challenge on Leroy Sané it is natural to wonder whether VAR should be extended to include tackles, but the consequences could be confusing and complex
Futsal entering an exciting era – UEFA
The UEFA Futsal EURO is being enhanced, and will soon be joined by two new futsal competitions – the UEFA Women’s Futsal EURO and the UEFA European Under-19 Futsal Championship.
Marco Fazzone appointed Director of the FIFA World Football Museum – FIFA
FIFA today announced that Marco Fazzone has been appointed as the Director of the FIFA World Football Museum. Marco, who is currently the Managing Director of Design & Regional Art Fairs of the MCH Group Ltd. in Basel, will take up the post in February 2018.
From Sochi to Saint Petersburg – via Grozny. Russia’s 2018 World Cup base camps – Inside World Football
The 32 are to be scattered around the western side of the vast host-nation, from Saint Petersburg in the north to Sochi in the south. The biggest cluster of nine – including fancied teams such as France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal and Argentina – is around the capital Moscow. Holders Germany will be using CSKA’s training facilities south-west of the city. Mexico will be at Novogorsk, like the hosts, with Peru, apparently, in the Sheraton opposite Sheremetyevo airport.
Fans, family and former teammates pay moving tribute to Cyrille Regis – The Guardian
Chants of ‘There’s only one Cyrille Regis’ fill the air at service for trailblazing black footballer.