VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Bell Media axes voices of Whitecaps, Lions – The Province
The sports media landscape in Vancouver is taking another hit, as Bell Media is again making cuts at its TSN Vancouver operation. Out the door are Whitecaps play by play voice Peter Schaad and Lions caller Scott Rintoul.
(Editor’s note: Monday was a particularly sad day for soccer media in Vancouver as Province journalists Marc Weber & Howard Tsumura were also released. More on this Wednesday.)
Across the borderline – Soccer Shorts
In an ideal world I’d be writing some half thought through nonsense about the Whitecaps pre-season games and why they still haven’t signed a proven goal scorer but (Spoiler Alert!) this isn’t an ideal world and it seems to be moving at a rapid rate in the wrong direction right now.
MLS Players Union voices disappointment with U.S. travel ban – SBI
People who traveled outside of the country and were not natural American citizens were barred from re-entering the country at numerous major airports throughout the U.S. this weekend, sparking protests from coast-to-coast.
MLS Players Union Statement on Travel Ban (PDF File) – MLS Players Union
We are deeply concerned, both specifically for our players who may be impacted, and more broadly for all people who will suffer as a result of the travel ban implemented on Friday.
MLS players express opposition to Trump travel ban – Soccer America
A day after U.S. men’s national team captain Michael Bradley came out in opposition to President Donald Trump’s travel ban on citizens from Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Sudan entering the United States for 90 days, the MLS Players Union issued a statement Monday from executive director Bob Foose in support of Bradley.
Finally back to full health, Manneh ready to shine: ‘I’d like to be that guy for the club’ – Whitecaps FC
Kekuta Manneh is back, fit and raring to go. The 22-year-old’s 2016 season was brought to an abrupt halt when he underwent surgery in July on his right foot. But Manneh returned to the training pitch earlier this month with the U.S. national team in California, spending two weeks in his first USMNT camp before flying to Wales for Vancouver Whitecaps FC`s preseason trip.
Former USL Standout Greig Strikes for Whitecaps – USL
Former standout USL forward Kyle Greig was on the scoresheet for Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Monday afternoon as the MLS side took a 4-0 victory against Oxford United FC in a preseason exhibition as part of the club’s preseason camp in Wales.
Portland Timbers defender Gbenga Arokoyo suffers possible season-ending injury – Oregonian
Portland Timbers center back Gbenga Arokoyo suffered a possible season-ending injury in preseason training in Tucson, Arizona Monday.
Seattle Sounders sign Swedish midfielder Gustav Svensson – MLS
The Seattle Sounders have bolstered their midfield with the signing of Gustav Svensson, announced on Monday.
MLS Moves: Onyewu bring lots of assets to Philly – Soccer America
Oguchi Onyewu has played on 11 clubs in seven countries in a pro career that began in 2002 when he left Clemson, but he has never until now played in MLS. Almost two years since playing his last game for Charlton Athletic in England, Onyewu, 34, signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Union.
Brek Shea eager to prove himself with Orlando City – Orlando Sentinel
Shea endured heavy criticism last season for inconsistency playing left back with Orlando City. He then moved to left wing, where he played most of his career, but ended the season with a foot injury.
MLS: Can anything be learned from preseason? – Playing for 90
With each passing year my enjoyment at the spectacle, or lack thereof, stays the same. The thing that has changed this season is my beginning to question how much I can actually learn from these friendlies. When the Portland Timbers used three separate lineups against the Red Bulls a few days ago, just how much do those trialists matter in the grand scheme of an MLS season?
Indianapolis will become 12th city applying for MLS expansion – SI.com
On the eve of Major League Soccer’s expansion application deadline, Indy Eleven has made it 12. The NASL club’s president, Jeff Belskus, confirmed to SI.com late Monday that the Eleven, owner Ersal Ozdemir and the city of Indianapolis are pursuing one of the four MLS expansion openings.
Expansion Tracker: Latest cities submitting bids before Jan. 31 deadline – MLS
Cities interested in making a bid for an MLS expansion team have until Tuesday, January 31 to submit their applications. Below are the latest updates on the bids that have been formally submitted.
MLS expansion: why cities are deciding stadiums are ‘welfare for millionaires’ – The Guardian
This week marks the deadline for the next round of MLS expansion bids. But many cities are questioning whether clubs should use public funds.
Media Microscope: Seeking flexibility, MLS moves away from national TV windows – SN
When Major League Soccer announced its new national TV contract back in 2014, one of the most important advances it touted was the addition of weekly broadcast windows.
SURVEY for Canadian soccer supporters: Will Trump change your travel plans for away games in the United States? – the11.ca
Some Vancouver supporters were discussing whether or not they should boycott the team’s road games to the United States in 2017. Should they continue as normal, only travel to the “blue” states, or stay out of the U.S. altogether? Imagine a Cascadia rivalry game between the Whitecaps and Sounders in Seattle, and the road supporters section filled with empty seats.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Howard Tsumura: My bags are packed, I’m ready to go, I’m standin’ on the other side of the door – The Province
My work bag is by my side as I furiously type. It’s Monday morning, and last night I packed that bag with the tools of my trade for the last time as a reporter at The Province newspaper. It wasn’t fun.
Residency Report: WFC U-18 and U-16 pick up home wins versus Sacramento – Whitecaps FC
Whitecaps FC Residency U-16 and U-18 hosted their Sacramento Republic FC counterparts over the weekend, with each of the young ‘Caps sides emerging victorious.
FVSL All-Stars to face WFC2 in March – BC Soccer Web
January snow and ice in the Lower Mainland put the brakes on the annual clash between the Fraser Valley Soccer League All-Stars and the best from the VISL this year. That hasn’t stopped the FVSL from planning an ambitious All-Star series in March.
BC Soccer Assoc. is Now Accepting 2016-2017 Awards Nominations – BCSA
We are pleased to inform everyone that BC soccer Assoc. is currently accepting Awards nominations until the submission deadline date of March 31, 2017. Selection of the award recipients is based on many factors including the individual’s commitment, community involvement and willingness to give back to the game. This year any BC Soccer Assoc. member and their affiliate clubs may submit a nomination.
2017 BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is accepting candidates for its Board of Directors for terms commencing June, 2017 (following the BC Soccer Annual General Meeting).
Victoria Highlanders 2017 Season Passes now on sale – Highlanders FC
Support local soccer on Vancouver Island. Join the excitement of Highlanders FC PDL Soccer!
PHOTOS: CANADA WEST WOMENS FINAL, UBC 3, TWU 0, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
VMSL PHOTOS: Richmond FC Hibs 1, ICSF Columbus FC 0, November 5, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
Tickets now on sale for Canada Soccer Women’s National Team celebration match 4 February in Vancouver – CSA
Individual tickets to the Canada v Mexico Women’s National Team Bronze Medal celebration match on 4 February 2017 in Vancouver are now on sale to the public. Complete ticket information can be found at CanadaSoccer.com/Tickets.
MWSL PHOTOS: Van United Primas 0, Fraser Valley Action 2, October 30, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
PHOTOS: GNAC Women’s Soccer: SFU 1 Concordia U. (Ore.) 0, October 20, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
BC Soccer Assoc. Delivery of Coach Mandate – BCSA
IMPORTANT: If you are coaching in the ages U6-U12 you are required to complete the age appropriate course(s) even if you have a higher level of certification (ie. Soccer for Life, B pretest, C License, B License or A License). In order to enable our membership to deliver on the coaching mandate, BC Soccer Assoc. will be scheduling Learning Facilitator training sessions to assist organizations to have qualified individuals to deliver in-club coach certification courses to their coaches.
2016 BC Soccer Provincial Cup Photo Galleries – BC Soccer Web
Westhills Stadium & Goudy Park in Langford hosted the 2016 BC Soccer Adult Provincial Cup Finals. It was a thrilling weekend of soccer on Vancouver Island that saw seven champions crowned. Richmond FC & Surrey Pegasus qualified for the National Championships this Fall in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Both Coquitlam Metro-Ford Masters & Classics sides qualified for the Western Canadian Masters Championships in Winnipeg, Manitoba. In all, it was a clean sweep for teams from the VMSL & MWSL. Monique Lamoureux & Bill Currie from BC Soccer Web were on location that weekend, capturing the all the action.
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.
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CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Julian de Guzman announces retirement in Ottawa – CSA
Julian de Guzman, a former Canadian Player of the Year and Canada Soccer’s all-time leader in international appearances, has announced his retirement. The Scarborough midfielder retires from active play after 15 years of international football.
Canadian midfielder De Guzman announces his retirement – Sportsnet
The veteran Canadian midfielder announced his retirement on Monday, bringing to an end an 18-year career that saw him play in Spain’s La Liga, Germany’s Bundesliga and Major League Soccer, and earn a record number of caps for his country.
JDG says goodbye: Canadian great retires from playing, will join Ottawa Fury staff – the11.ca
Julian de Guzman has earned 89 senior men’s national-team appearances. He’s played in France, Spain, Germany, Greece and been a Major League Soccer Designated Player. He’s a former Gold Cup MVP, and a three-time member of the Gold Cup all-star team.
Fury’s Julian de Guzman retires as active player with no regrets – Ottawa Citizen
With tears streaming down his face, an emotional Julian de Guzman said goodbye to a brilliant playing career Monday at TD Place.
Strikers rout Oakville for U16 indoor Ontario Cup title – Vaughan Citizen
Xavior Borrelli scored two goals as the Woodbridge Strikers rolled to a 4-0 victory over Oakville Soccer Club in the Ontario Cup Indoor boys U16 championship game Sunday at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Woodbridge.
Yukon Brewing takes over league lead – Whitehorse Star
In over 35’s soccer action, the early game saw a crunching match between Tony’s Pizza and Yukon Brewing.
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WFC2, USL, NASL & NPSL NEWS
Impact of Travel Ban on USL Players – Scratching the Pitch
Mehrshad Momeni, an Iranian, played soccer in the USL for Orange County as recently as 2015. After retiring as a player in 2016, Momeni began coaching youth soccer. Although Burke’s post about Momeni is not entirely accurate, the executive order could prevent a USL player from traveling with his team to certain away matches if that player hailed from one of the seven enumerated nations.
FC Edmonton Core Bolstered By Five Additional Returnees – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton announced, Monday, the return of five additional players from the 2016 North American Soccer League (NASL) season. As per club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Republic FC Opens Training Camp in Mexico – USL
Sacramento Republic FC opened its 2017 training camp today in Sinaloa, Mexico, and announced its complete seven-game preseason schedule as it builds toward the 2017 USL regular season. Sacramento will face a pair of MLS opponents in the New York Red Bulls and San Jose Earthquakes, and will also meet FC Cincinnati, Reno 1868 FC, San Francisco Deltas, Fresno Fuego and Sacramento State Men’s Soccer before kicking off the regular season on March 26 against Seattle Sounders FC 2.
San Francisco Deltas sign four players for training camp – SF Gate
The Deltas added veterans Bryan Burke, Steward Ceus, Tyler Gibson, and Devon Sandoval to their roster on Monday. San Francisco will have 14 signed players for their pre-season camp which starts at Beach Chalet on Wednesday, along with 8 other invitees.
Roy Lassiter replaces Cammy MacDonald as gaffer at Kitsap Pumas – GoalWA
Former United States international striker Roy Lassiter will be the head coach of Kitsap Soccer Club in its inaugural 2017 NPSL season, the club announced today. Cameron MacDonald has resigned the position for personal reasons.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
North Carolina Courage Announces Paul Riley as First Ever Head Coach – NC Courage
The North Carolina Courage is pleased to announce that Paul Riley has been named the first ever head coach of the NC Courage ahead of the 2017 NWSL Season.
Boston Breakers sign forward Adriana Leon – Excelle
On Monday, Jan. 30 the Boston Breakers of the National Women’s Soccer League announced the signing of forward Adriana Leon, pending the receipt of her P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Canberra, Universitario claim glory, Atletico and Braga buoyant – FIFA
In a grandstand finish Down Under, Canberra United emerged as the Australian W-League regular-season winners by leapfrogging Sydney FC. Meanwhile, it remains tantalisingly poised in Portugal, where Sporting Braga returned to the summit of the Liga Allianz, where the lead has been changing hands regularly. FIFA.com recaps the women’s club action from the last seven days.
Henry joins Paris as quarter-finalists prepare – UEFA
Paris Saint-Germain have signed former Lyon stalwart Amandine Henry; UEFA.com brings the latest from the quarter-finalists as the countdown to the March ties continues.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
European soccer’s January transfer window prepares to close – North Bay – Nippising
Clubs in European soccer’s leading leagues have their final chance on Tuesday to sign players for the remainder of the season.
FA Cup second strings disrupt harmony but minnows play stirring tunes – The Guardian
On Monday night The One Show hosted the FA Cup fifth‑round draw. For the event to be deemed suitable for a prime-time BBC programme aimed at Middle England shows the competition’s enduring appeal.
For a club with all the money, Paris Saint-Germain are too reliant on one player – The Guardian
“When one is at PSG, one plays matches to win,” said a disappointed Blaise Matuidi after Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-1 draw with Monaco on Sunday night, a result that leaves the defending champions in third place after 22 matches. Paris Saint-Germain are only three points behind Monaco and Nice but it was the fourth time in 11 home matches they had failed to win.
Lille complete deals for Anwar El Ghazi, Alonso Junior and Fares Bahlouli – ESPN FC
Lille have swooped for three players on deadline day as they look to improve their fortunes in Ligue 1.
Resurgent Inter Milan is on its best run of form in five years – Fox Sports
The form team in Italy is not leader Juventus, despite its 2-0 win over Sassuolo. On a weekend when second-placed Roma lost to Sampdoria and third-placed Napoli drew at Udinese, Inter Milan took advantage of the opportunity to close the gap in the race for the Champions League places. After beating Pescara 3-0, Inter is now up to fourth and only three points behind Napoli.
Emmanuel Adebayor: Istanbul Basaksehir sign striker on 18-month deal – BBC Sport
Emmanuel Adebayor has joined Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir on an 18-month contract for an undisclosed fee.
Alexandre Pato latest to head to Chinese Super League – Sportsnet
Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato has signed with Tianjin Quanjian, the latest major acquisition by the Chinese Super League.
Rummenigge tells FIFA to stop playing politics and focus on football, or the clubs will step in – Inside World Football
The head of the European Club Association, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, is back on the attack over FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams, describing the move as “nonsense” and warning that the balance of power was shifting back towards his members.
Divide between politics and sports continues to shrink – Sportsnet
At some point, it will happen. At some point, Donald Trump’s culture war is going to intrude into the sports world beyond the anguished tweets and heart-felt statements from the likes of Steve Nash and Michael Bradley, or those drop the mic moments such as the one LeBron James came up with last week when invoking Trump’s name as a means of agreeing with the idea that, yes, All-Star voting sometimes makes about as much sense as any other vote.