MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
SEATTLE SOUNDERS vs. WHITECAPS FC
CASCADIA CUP
7:00 PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2015
CENTURYLINK FIELD, SEATTLE, WA.
WHITECAPS FC & MLS
Eight matches + three competitions = one busy month ahead for Whitecaps FC – Whitecaps FC
“Win, win, and win.” That’s how Vancouver Whitecaps FC co-owner Jeff Mallett answered a question earlier this month about juggling three different competitions during what is set to be a busy month of August. “It’s going to test our depth,” Mallett added.
Whitecaps gear up for grueling August schedule – Sportsnet
Given that an eight-game August looms, claiming a win here was incredibly important for Vancouver in its final match of July.
Mark Geiger Assigned to Referee Sounders – Whitecaps FC on August 1 – PRO Referees
Editor: The controversial referee will be making his first MLS appearance since the Mexico-Panama Gold Cup semi-final.
Hypothesizing a 3-back Formation for the Vancouver Whitecaps – Eighty-Six Forever
Throughout history teams have employed a variety of formations. Each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Over the past few decades, the norm has been for teams to play with a four-back defense, consisting of two centre-backs and two fullbacks. However, over the past five years, some teams –more in the international game– have begun to switch to a three-back defense.
Is it Time to Sell (High) on Darren Mattocks? – Eighty-Six Forever
Mattocks has been a polarizing figure in Vancouver. Given this shaky relationship and the uncertainty of the future, Mattocks’ performance at the Gold Cup begs the question: Should Mattocks be Sold? I doubt his market value has ever been higher, and I suspect it never will be again. If the Whitecaps can get a good return maybe it is time to part with their backup striker. However, the decision is not this simple.
Whitecaps rout sad Earthquakes at BC Place – Whitecaps Fan Blog
The Vancouver Whitecaps and their fans had been starved of a good home victory for some time now,(since May 30, in fact!). With a struggling San Jose Earthquakes coming to town, a home victory seemed more certain than not.
Montreal Impact acquire international star Didier Drogba – MLS
Drogba comes to Montreal as part of a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Fire, with the Fire sending the 37-year-old striker to the Impact in exchange for general and targeted allocation money. He will officially join the Impact’s roster upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and his Canadian work permit.
Drogba Signing Puts Buzz Back in Montreal – Vice Sports
Back in February, Joey Saputo—the mercurial owner of the Montreal Impact—lamented that the buzz for his Major League Soccer franchise was gone. A last-place finish will do that to a team, after all. Then, on Monday, Saputo did something that, as recently as a few years ago, would have seemed impossible: He signed Didier Drogba. Yes, that Didier Drogba.
Chicago Fire sign Gilberto after trade with Montreal Impact involving Didier Drogba – MLS
The club announced on Monday that it has acquired Brazilian forward Gilberto after claiming him off of waivers from Toronto FC. To accommodate Gilberto as a Designated Player on the Fire roster, Targeted Allocation Money was used to lower the budget charge of Kennedy Igboananike, freeing a DP slot. Chicago’s three DPs are now Gilberto, Shaun Maloney and David Accam.
Drogba signing a huge boost for Montreal – Goal
There’s no question that the Impact, a club which has endured dwindling ticket sales over the last few seasons, needed a signing of this magnitude to improve its numbers at the gate and invigorate its standing in the fickle sporting landscape of Montreal.
Drogba and Gilberto: A tale of two DPs – Soccer America
For the second time in a year, the Fire missed out on a major signing, but this time it was able to parlay its resources into an alternative.
Drogba a smart signing for Montreal Impact – Sportsnet
It’s easy to view the Montreal Impact’s signing of Didier Drogba as another example of an aging star leveraging his fame to take advantage of an MLS team and collect one final payday before retiring.
Drogba ‘perfect fit’ for Montreal – Goal
Didier Drogba’s winning mentality is not the only reason Montreal Impact went after the former Ivory Coast international. Montreal Impact sporting director Nick De Santis declared Didier Drogba “the perfect fit” for his club after signing the former Chelsea striker.
Gilberto Gonezo – 24th Minute
MLS roster rules can be difficult to follow for even the most experienced observers of the league. So, fans can be excused for being left baffled by the news that former TFC Designated Player Gilberto was put on waivers last night by the club, where he was picked up by the Chicago Fire.
Yedlin, Kane, Eriksen headline Tottenham roster for MLS All-Star Game – SBI
After departing the Seattle Sounders last August, DeAndre Yedlin is set to take on MLS opposition once again. Tottenham has announced the list of players traveling to the United States for the 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 29 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO.
Pochettino leaves door open for Yedlin to stay with Tottenham for upcoming season – SBI
DeAndre Yedlin will take the field with Tottenham on Wednesday in the MLS All-Star game, and head coach Mauricio Pochettino says that it may not be the last time that the 22-year-old is seen in a Spurs uniform this season.
Teibert and MLS Homegrown team set to take on Club America U-20 tonight in Colorado – Whitecaps FC
Russell Teibert and the MLS Homegrown team are set to meet Club America’s U-20 squad tonight in the second annual Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. PT at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and the match will be streamed live on MLSsoccer.com.
Five players to keep an eye on in Tuesday’s Chipotle MLS Homegrown Game – MLS
You know about the Chicago Fire’s Harry Shipp, I’m assuming. Shipp is the captain of the MLS Homegrown team that will be taking on Club America’s U-20s in Tuesday night’s Chipotle Homegrown Game (6 pm PT; live stream on MLSsoccer.com), and he’s among the best playmakers in the league.
Is Kantari the final piece for Toronto FC? – Red Nation Online
At first glance, it looks as though the scouting department with Toronto FC, who seems to have strong relationships with clubs and agents, on paper have made another good move with the signing of Moroccan International center back Ahmed Kantari.
Is MLS taking first steps to break the NCAA development bonds? – Inside World Football
The MLS has formed a partnership with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), making the school its exclusive education partner…This is perhaps an indication of US. soccer shifting away from the nation’s traditional sporting model in an attempt to catch up with the global counterparts.
An inside look at how MLS teams are using analytics – Soccer Gods
The first rule of using analytics in Major League Soccer is, apparently, that you don’t talk about using analytics in Major League Soccer. The second rule is, of course, the same.
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BC SOCCER
Thousands of kids sidelined as Surrey soccer club gets red carded – The Province
One of B.C.’s largest youth soccer clubs, the Surrey-based Central City Breakers, has been suspended from play pending an investigation into charges against the organization’s management team.
Central City Breakers Respond to Suspension News – Central City Breakers
“As you may have heard, the Club was informed at approximately 4 p.m. on Friday that it is under interim suspension from the District. The confusing letter provided by the District is attached below. The Club has already responded to the District requesting details of these complaints. The Club has also asked the District to explain the justification for imposing discipline on the Club without first providing details of these apparent complaints or an opportunity to address the allegations.”
Surrey soccer club suspended from league – CKNW
A soccer club in Surrey has been suspended after its managers were accused of abusing their authority. The Central City Breakers Football Club organizes soccer for about 3,000 players – boys, girls and adults.
VIU has eyes on moving up the ladder to the CIS – Nanaimo Daily News
The Vancouver Island University Mariners are looking to move up a level, once the next level allows it. According to VIU athletics director Bruce Hunter, the Mariners program is waiting for an opening to make its application to join the Canada West conference of Canadian Interuniversity Sport, the highest level of post-secondary athletics competition in the country.
Khalsa edges Highlanders in soccer final – Times Colonist
The Pacific Coast Soccer League championship slipped through the fingers of Victoria Highlanders FC on Sunday afternoon, as they lost the 2015 title in penalty kicks to Khalsa Sporting Club at Trillium Park in Vancouver.
BC Soccer Assoc. Hosts Annual Referee Assessors and Instructors Symposium at the BC Soccer Provincial A Championships – BCSA
he BC Soccer Youth Provincial A Cup was host to the Annual Referee Assessors and Instructors Symposium on July 8-11 while the Les Sinnott Memorial B Cup and the Girls Provincial B Cup were host to other grassroots referee initiatives including on field and classroom sessions that focused on Grassroots Referee Development.
BC Soccer Assoc., ViaSport and the Provincial Government Continue to Build on the FIFA Women’s World Cup Legacy – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. and ViaSport with support from the Provincial Government will lead a minimum of four community workshop events across the province between late-September and mid-October. Each one of the events will begin with a keynote speech by a female sports leader, followed by a professional development workshop by The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport (CAAWS) and a female specific soccer festival portion designed to engage U12 females in soccer specific, fun and active learning environments.
BCSPL releases fall schedule and League Cup updates – BCSPL
The fall season, played as the BCSPL League Cup with round robin and playoff rounds to eventually declare a League Cup Champion in each age group, will begin on the September 19/20 weekend.
B.C. U12 Side Travel to Spain to Play Youth Academies – Edward Pereira
A group of talented U12 footballers are heading out soon for an unlikely but dreamy journey to Spain next week to play the local youth academy teams of Levante, Valencia, Athletico Madrid, and Real Madrid – some of Spain’s most revered professional football clubs.
FIFA 16 for Playstation 4 Arrives September 22! Pre-Order Now and Save.
CANADA
What’s Next for Canadian Soccer After a Long and Emotional Summer? – Bleacher Report
Almost three years have passed since Canada infamously lost 8-1 to Honduras in third-round World Cup qualifying. This humbling defeat was supposed to spark significant change within the Canadian Soccer Association.
Canada faces difficult road to 2018 World Cup – Goal
Should they get past minnow Belize in September’s home-and-away series, Canada’s path to Russia 2018 will see it play Mexico and Honduras in the CONCACAF semifinal round.
Rustad: Canada needs new blood, time to improve – Sportsnet
This has been a rough summer for Canadian soccer. Canada reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, but even though the team made the knockout round for the first time since 2003 there was a sense that the Reds underwhelmed on home soil.
Public Health Agency of Canada, Canada Soccer, FIFA and Canadian Sport for Life bring soccer injury prevention programs to community soccer clubs across the country – CSA
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health with Victor Montagliani, President, Canada Soccer, Dr. Jiri Dvorak, Chief Medical Officer, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and Richard Way, CEO, Canadian Sport for Life today announced a total investment of $2 million aimed at reducing injuries in Canadian youth soccer players.
FIFA 16 for Xbox One is coming September 22! Pre-Order Now and Save.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Washington Spirit Reserves claim first W-League title – Soccer America
The Washington Spirit Reserves got two goals from Chilean Yanara Aedo Munoz — including the game-winner in the 89th minute — to beat the Colorado Pride, 2-1, and capture their first W-League championship in the league’s 21 years. Aedo Munoz also scored Washington’s goal in its 1-0 semifinal victory against the Quebec Dynamo ARSQ.
Thorns fall to homestanding Reign, rain, 0:3 – Prost Amerika
In front of a franchise-high crowd of 6,303, and powered by goals from Beverly Yanez and Jess Fishlock, Seattle Reign FC beat both the Portland Thorns and a steady rainfall to move into first place in the National Women’s Soccer League.
New leaders emerge while favourites falter – FIFA
While women’s leagues around the world have long since returned to normal after the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015, Chelsea and Rosengard seem to be struggling to rediscover their rhythm. With the Blues slipping down the table in England, Rosengard have now gone three matches without a win in the Damallsvenskan.
Boxx won’t finish NWSL season, will play with US – The Equalizer
Shannon Boxx will not return to the Chicago Red Stars for the rest of the season, U.S. Soccer announced on Monday. Boxx and fellow U.S. midfielder Lauren Holiday will each retire at the end of 2015. Both players will take part in the United States’ World Cup victory tour, a 10-game series from August through December.
Women’s FA Cup: Leanne Crichton praises progress of game – BBC Sport
Women’s football is a generation ahead of where Notts County’s Leanne Crichton envisioned it would be growing up.
The Mundo Sisters Take In-Depth Look at Soccer’s Biggest Stars in ‘What Makes Us’ Series – Paste Soccer
If women’s soccer is ever going to be seen as on par with men’s soccer, it will take more than the 28 million causal viewers who tuned into see the US women defeat Japan 5-2 in emphatic fashion to win their third World Cup earlier this month.
NASL
Jones’ recovery bodes well for Eddies on offence – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton midfielder Ritchie Jones came off the bench against Atlanta Silverbacks to make his North American Soccer League (NASL) Fall Season debut, July 26 at Clarke Field. Jones was a crucial part of the Eddies offence during the Spring Season, but his presence in the squad for the Fall Season has been limited due to an ankle injury.
Haworth Named NASL Player of the Week – Ottawa Fury FC
Ottawa Fury FC forward Carl Haworth has been named NASL Player of the Week the League announced today. After scoring his first goal of the season Wednesday night in a 2-1 win over Atlanta, Haworth netted his second of the week in dramatic fashion in stoppage time to give Fury FC a 2-1 win over the Carolina RailHawks on Sunday afternoon at TD Place perching Ottawa atop the NASL standings and running their unbeaten streak to an impressive 10 games.
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WORLD OF SOCCER
Fifa: Michel Platini to announce presidency bid – BBC Sport
Uefa president Michel Platini will announce later this week he wants to be the next president of Fifa.
Exclusive: Platini poised to hold UEFA and FIFA top jobs at same time – Inside World Football
Michel Platini could remain in temporary charge of UEFA even if he takes over from Sepp Blatter as FIFA president, Insideworldfootball has learned.
CONCACAF Watch: Let’s fix the Gold Cup – Goal
The real issue is that no matter which bureaucrats are at the helm, CONCACAF is far more worried about making money than keeping teams happy or developing the sport. The U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation is the perfect time for those in charge to make a real change, not just pay lip service to transparency and honesty while serving their own interests. What better way to start that process than reworking the confederations’ most important tournament?
Don’t sweat about the Gold Cup — it’s not worth your attention – Goal
A notoriously stoic figure, Michael Bradley couldn’t help but let out a rare half-smile. It’s pretty difficult to discuss the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a straight face. “I say this with total endearment,” he said. “It’s a ridiculous tournament.”
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera involved in altercation with reporter – SBI
It’s no news that Mexico Head Coach Miguel Herrera has a wild side to him, which was quite clear from his sideline celebrations in last year’s World Cup, but that wild side has now, allegedly, translated off the field.
FIFA Reform Task Force debate stuck on ‘independent’ criteria – Inside World Football
he much-anticipated Reform Task Force set up by FIFA in response to its burgeoning corruption crisis appears to have hit a potentially serious snag after Domenico Scala (pictured), favourite to land the job as the body’s chairman, said he would not take it on unless he was guaranteed full independence.
UEFA Champions League first legs: Your guide – UEFA
In-form Shakhtar visit Fenerbahçe, Steaua rely on a new signing to shine and Darko Jevtić has an emotional Basel reunion: UEFA.com’s correspondents preview the first legs.
Operation Promotion: how Grimsby fans crowdfunded £110,000 for their manager – The Guardian
When Grimsby missed out on promotion to the Football League in May a few fans decided to set up a crowdfunding campaign to help their manager buy new players. They hoped to receive £20,000 but ended up with over £110,000.
Scouting for success: how to unearth a gem – BBC Sport
What are scouts looking for at the Milk Cup, the youth tournament in Northern Ireland – and how does it feel to find a genius?
Carrow Road at 80: how Norwich built ‘eighth wonder of the world’ in 81 days – The Guardian
Norwich City abandoned their Nest stadium in 1935 amid safety concerns and broke it up to help construct a new ground. West Ham were the first visitors and this week return for a friendly to mark Carrow Road’s 80th birthday.