BC SOCCER WEB WORLD CUP CENTRAL
Every day, we’ll bring you all of scores, news and best writing from around the web from the 2018 World Cup.
TUESDAY MATCHES, JUNE 19
GROUP H & A
COLOMBIA 1 JAPAN 2
POLAND 1 SENEGAL 2
RUSSIA vs. EGYPT, 11:00 AM PT, (TSN)
WEDNESDAY MATCHES, JUNE 20
GROUP A & B
PORTUGAL vs. MOROCCO, 5:00 AM PT, (TSN)
URUGUAY vs. SAUDI ARABIA, 8:00 AM PT, (TSN)
IRAN vs. SPAIN, 11:00 AM PT, (TSN)
Controversial goal helps Senegal surprise Poland in Group H – ESPN
Senegal defeated Group H favourites Poland 2-1 at the World Cup on Tuesday thanks to an own goal and and a controversial second strike.
Japan pulls off latest upset with win against Colombia – The Star
Yuya Osako had a surprise in store for those who thought Shinji Okazaki’s lack of fitness left Japan little hope of competing with Colombia at the World Cup.
Late header from Kane puts England over Tunisia – Ottawa Sun
Harry Kane found an open area of space at the far post and used his head to meet Harry Maguire’s flick-on, scoring the winning goal Monday in a 2-1 victory at the World Cup.
Modern England finding success with a traditional method – FIFA
The ‘new’ England’s maiden voyage in Russia 2018 has thrown up many positives, more excitement and several curiosities besides Harry Kane’s heroics. This was the first time coach Gareth Southgate had watched his young charges play in a game of any magnitude, something he eagerly made clear he was looking forward to on Sunday.
World Cup 2018: England’s win over Tunisia charted in 13 tweets – BBC Sport
Social media summed up the highs and lows of supporting England – and playing for the national side – during the country’s opening 2018 World Cup match with Tunisia.
Belgium attack proves too much for Panama in World Cup debut – SBI
Panama held on longer than expected in the country’s World Cup debut but, when all was said and done, Belgium was too much to handle for the CONCACAF side.
Neymar leaves Brazil training session limping – Sportsnet
Neymar limped out of Brazil’s training session at the World Cup on Tuesday because of pain in his right ankle.
Russia ready to take historic World Cup step but tensions still run high – The Guardian
Victory over Egypt will put Russia on the brink of their first World Cup knockout game since the Soviet era, but the squad have not forgotten the widespread pre-tournament pessimism
Russians confirm engine fire on Saudi World Cup team’s flight – Sportsnet
Officials say an engine of a Russian plane carrying the Saudi Arabia team to a World Cup host city caught fire during landing.
Uruguay expected to power past a poor Saudi Arabia – Futbolgrad
Following on from Group A‘s matchday 1, this particular fixture could be a goal marathon. Uruguay needed a late winner to scrape past Egypt, however, they forged a number of opportunities. Saudi Arabia meanwhile, the Middle Eastern side were destroyed 5:0 by hosts Russia and looked a poor relation to The Green Falcons seen in 2006.
Sweden ready for German reaction, says ice-cool keeper Olsen – Yahoo Sports
Sweden’s Robin Olsen kept his cool and a clean sheet in their opening 1-0 win over South Korea, and the goalkeeper is already looking forward to taking on world champions Germany in their next Group F game.
Canadian assistant referee Joe Fletcher assigned to work Portugal-Morocco game – Ottawa Sun
Canadian assistant referee Joe Fletcher has been assigned to work Wednesday’s World Cup match between Portugal and Morocco in Moscow.
Da Costa, the Moroccan lion of Portuguese origin – FIFA
It is often said that one’s country is akin to one’s mother, and this is certainly the case for Manuel da Costa. The 32-year-old opted to play for Morocco, the country of his mother’s birth, after earlier representing the youth teams of his father’s homeland, Portugal. Now, as fate would have it, the international defender will face Portugal at his first FIFA World Cup.
World Cup’s only black coach says there should be more – Vancouver Sun
“In European countries, in major clubs, you see lots of African players. Now we need African coaches for our continent to go ahead,” Senegal’s Aliou Cisse said through a translator on Monday, a day ahead of his nation’s World Cup opener against Poland.
Domestic violence surges during the World Cup, and England is battling back – CNN
The most hotly anticipated and widely enjoyed sporting event in the world has a dark side. For several years, British organizations have recorded a rise in reports of domestic violence after England’s World Cup matches.
‘Homophobic and not very clever’: why puto chants haunt Mexican football – The Guardian
The term is homophobic slang for a male sex worker. And its use by fans at matches from Mexico City to California and now Russia continues to give Fifa and the Mexican federation headaches. On Monday, Fifa announced it has opened a disciplinary procedure against Mexico after the chants were heard during El Tri’s victory over Germany.
Little Italy’s World Cup woes — missing Azzurri and fans – Montreal Gazette
If at all possible, the heartbreak grew even bigger among many here in the Italian community: Sweden beat South Korea 1-0 on a penalty kick in World Cup soccer play on Monday morning. Say what?
Roman Abramovich makes World Cup dreams come true for seriously ill children – CNN
For football fans across the globe, the opportunity to go to the World Cup is something dreams are made of. For 30 children who live with serious illnesses or conditions, that dream has come true courtesy of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and a group of other donors.
World Cup Diary – Day 5 and 6: Journey to St. Petersburg – Futbolgrad
Russia still is a country of contrasting worlds. The megalopolis Moscow does in no way represent this country and, therefore journeying beyond the capital on a train gives one a true perspective of how many people live in some of the smaller towns and villages that dot the landscape beyond the cities and how life in Russia – despite having advanced significantly since the fall of the Soviet Union – still has its hardships in the countryside.
World Cup Memories: The American Dream – AFTN’s trip to USA 1994 revisited – AFTN
The last time the Finals came to this continent was in 1994 when America hosted. An AFTN contingent was at those finals for the initial group stage, based out of Detroit of all places to choose, and today actually marks the 24th anniversary of me taking in my first ever World Cup match as the US hosted Switzerland at the now demolished Pontiac Silverdome.
HOW TO WATCH THE WORLD CUP
FIFA World Cup on TSN and CTV – Broadcast Schedule – TSN
All matches will be broadcast live on TSN, CTV, TSN 2.
Best places to watch the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver – Daily Hive
Even though the Canadian men’s national team didn’t qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Canucks still love to watch the tournament along with the rest of the world (especially when there is food and beer involved).
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
PHILADELPHIA UNION vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
MLS MATCHDAY #17
SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2018, 2:00 PM PT
PPL PARK, CHESTER, PA.
Know Your Enemy: Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union will return to MLS action Saturday night in a match-up against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Saturday will be the first and only meeting of the 2018 season between the two clubs. Here is everything you need to know about the opponent.
Minnesota United falls 1-0 to Houston, eliminated in U.S. Open Cup – Star-Tribune
United’s run in the tournament that pits all levels of U.S. soccer against each other ended Monday on the road against Houston.
Sporting Kansas City to face Houston Dynamo in U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal – Sporting KC
For the fourth straight year, Sporting Kansas City and the Houston Dynamo will meet in the U.S. Open Cup. The quarterfinal match-up between the longtime postseason rivals is scheduled for July 18 at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Atlanta United ready for U.S. Open Cup fifth round – AJC
United will attempt on Wednesday to do something it didn’t do last year: advance to the sixth round of the U.S. Open Cup.
Orlando City CEO Alex Leitão lays out timeline for new coach, no position for Kaká – Pro Soccer USA
Orlando City CEO Alex Leitão is clear regarding the type of coach he wants next for the club: He wants someone who can come in and win immediately.
MLS All-Star voting update – June 19, 2018 – MLS
Voting for the 2018 MLS All-Star Game Fan XI ends tomorrow. Here is a look at the top five vote-getters by position as of June 19.
Colorado Rapids to host Boca Juniors for friendly match – Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids Soccer Club will face Argentine giants Boca Juniors in a friendly match on Tuesday, July 24.
Chicago Fire nominated for Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year ESPY – MLS
The Chicago Fire are on the hunt for the first trophy in 12 years, but they could win an important one next month.
Find a Team or Find a Player with BC Soccer Web FREE Classifieds!
BC SOCCER NEWS
100 goal Whitecaps U17s looking to do some damage in the USSDA playoffs – AFTN
Vancouver Whitecaps U19s got their USSDA playoff quest off to a perfect start in San Diego on Monday afternoon, seeing off their fellow MLS academy from New England Revolution 5-1 thanks to a Theo Bair hat-trick and goal from Nicholas Fussell and Jefferson Alade.
Academy Playoffs: U-19s open with 5-1 win over New England Revolution – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-19 Residency opened the 2018 Academy Playoffs with a 5-1 victory against fellow MLS counterparts New England Revolution Academy on Monday.
RASA Summer Soccer Week 8 Report – BC Soccer Web
Just three points separate the top four teams in Division Two of the RASA Summer League as teams look to make their second half push for the championship. Richmond All Blacks are the hottest team in the division as they have won six consecutive matches after a slow start saw them drop their opening two matches of the season.
TRU WolfPack men’s soccer secure talented Manitoban – TRU Wolfpack
The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s soccer team are hoping that their latest addition can help provide some offensive power that the squad might be missing this coming Canada West season.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: KYSA seeks an Executive Director (PDF File) – KYSA
Kamloops Youth Soccer Association has an exciting opprtunity available for an Executive Director.
PHOTOS: BC Provincial Men’s A Cup: BCT Rovers Tigers Utd. 5, Langley Utd. 2 (XT) – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
PHOTOS: 2018 BC Provincial Cup Parade of Champions – BC Soccer Web
See the winners from the 2018 BC Provincial Cup.
TSS Rovers release Season Tickets for the 2018 season – TSS Rovers
A great summer of soccer is in store at Swangard Stadium with the PDL & WPSL TSS Rovers. Season yickets are only $70.
Victoria Highlanders FC 2018 Season Tickets now on sale – Victoria Highlanders
Spend your summer with the PDL Highlanders at Centennial Stadium for only $75.
Canada’s College ID Camps set for Shawnigan Lake & Kingston, Ontario – Canada College ID Camps
Our purpose is to provide a space where players grade 9-12 can connect with college coaches from all levels in Canada and the USA. We hope to assist in the promotion of youth players into environments which will challenge them academically and athletically after high school.
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
Toronto FC Academy joins U.S. Soccer Development Academy – Toronto FC
Toronto FC announced that the TFC Academy’s application to join the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) for the 2018-19 season has officially been accepted by US Soccer. Toronto FC will field three teams (U-19, U-17, U-15) beginning play in September 2018.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the sky’s the limit for Canadian soccer – Global
Hosting the World Cup of soccer in 2026 opens a door for Canadian players, coaches and referees.
Winning World Cup pitch a ‘dream come true,’ Fury GM says – CBC
Julian de Guzman part of joint bid to bring World Cup to Canada, U.S., Mexico in 2026.
How a program for disadvantaged kids could accidentally launch one of Canada’s greatest sporting successes – Global
Now considered one of Canada’s premier players, Alphonso Davies got his start in Edmonton’s Free Footie program.
Concordia Men’s Soccer Adds Recruit Alex Fontaine – The Link
The Stingers Gain New Defender for the 2018-2019 Season.
Challenge Cup: Dolo does it all for Feildians – The Telegram
Emmanuel Dolo provided all of his team’s scoring as Feildians downed the St. Lawrence Laurentians 4-1 in Johnson Insurance Challenge Cup soccer action Sunday.
Summerside United U15 girls capture Eliot River soccer tournament – Journal Pioneer
Strong defensive play and timely scoring proved to be two keys for the Summerside United.
Renegades soccer teams capture medals at weekend tournaments –Red Deer News Now
The Red Deer Renegades U12 Boys captured a Bronze medal in the Celtic Division at the Caledonia Cup Soccer Tournament in Edmonton over the weekend. Elsewhere, the U17 Boys Renegades captured Gold at the Sam Steele Soccer tournament in Cranbrook, B.C. over the weekend.
Connect with Soccer! Advertise today with BC Soccer Web
USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Western Conf. Notebook – Special Day Boosts Fresno – USL
Sunday was a special day for many people, with Father’s Day bringing joy for a lot of USL fans and players. That special day inspired Fresno FC forward Christian Chaney, who scored his side’s opening goal and assisted on the second in an impressive 4-1 victory against the Swope Park Rangers that pulled the Foxes back into the middle of the race for the USL Cup Playoffs.
Real Monarchs SLC Ink Jack Blake on Loan From Tampa Bay Rowdies – RSL
Real Monarchs SLC welcome MF Jack Blake on loan from the Tampa Bay Rowdies for the remainder of the 2018 season General Manager Dan Egner announced today. Blake’s arrival to the Utah club is pending league and federation approval as the terms of the loan agreement were not disclosed.
VIDEO: Ex-Fire, Dynamo striker Jason Johnson scores golazo for Phoenix in USL play – MLS
Former Chicago Fire and Houston Dynamo striker Jason Johnson turned heads around the USL – and beyond – on Saturday night, lashing home an incredible scissor-kick goal to pace MLS expansion hopefuls Phoenix Rising FC to a 3-0 win over the Tulsa Roughnecks in front of a sellout crowd at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex.
Soccer History: Maccabi Los Angeles – USSF
A group of Israeli expatriates and Holocaust survivors formed Maccabi Los Angeles Soccer Club in 1971. They quickly became successful in the ensuing years on both the local and national level. What transpired over the next decade has led some to call Maccabi Los Angeles the most successful club team in American history. In 2015, Vice Sports labeled them “Los Angeles’ forgotten football dynasty.”
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Utah Royals acquire U.S. forward Christen Press in three-team trade – Salt Lake Tribune
“It’s exciting,” Royals managing director Stephanie Lee told The Tribune. “I think the biggest impact is just for the league in general having Christen Press back, and any player of her caliber on the field for the league is going to bring attention and bring notice, and that’s going to be good for all.”
Red Stars Announce Massive Three-Way Trade With Houston & Utah – Hot Time in Old Town
2018 is shaping up to be the Year Of Blockbuster Trades for the Chicago Red Stars. The team today announced a huge three-way trade involving the Houston Dash and Utah Royals FC.
New Zealand women footballers rebel against national coach – Charlotte Observer
New Zealand Football confirmed on Tuesday it had received a letter signed by a number of New Zealand players complaining about the methods and tactics employed by Austria-born coach Andreas Heraf.
Under-fire Andreas Heraf’s double New Zealand Football role breaks Fifa coaching directive – Stuff.nz
New Zealand Football are deliberately flouting a Fifa directive by employing under-fire Andreas Heraf as both national women’s coach and technical director. Fifa says the two posts are “incompatible”, but Heraf has been doing both jobs since December and intends to continue until after the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
Jess Carter: Chelsea Women sign Birmingham City and England defender – BBC Sport
Chelsea Women have signed England international defender Jess Carter on a three-year deal from Birmingham City.
#SBSSWPL 2018 Preview – 20/06/18 – Scottish WPL
For Celtic, they were on a three game winning streak up until their last game against Rangers. That 3-2 loss as effectively ended any chance of challenging for the title as they’re nine points behind Glasgow City after 11 games. They’ll now need to focus on remaining third with Forfar Farmington just two points behind.
NWSL Week in Review: Back to ESPN we go – The Equalizer
For now, the games that have moved will air on ESPNews, which is not ideal, but they will be at night. Mostly at least, Lifetime will still broadcast four more matches, three of them in the afternoon – two of them in Orlando – so we’ll have to see how that goes.
The Week in Women’s Football: UEFA World Cup qualifiers group-by-group review – Tribal Football
This week we review the 24 UEFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers held from June 7 through June 12, which helped to further differentiate some of the groups, with two Finalists for France 2019 being determined from these games—Spain and Italy.
Route Two Soccer: Why the US Can’t Figure Out How to Break Down a Bunker – Backline Soccer
Why does the United States Women’s National Team struggle to break down compact, deep defensive teams?
Money maketh woman: Chelsea, Bayern, PSG, Arsenal and Man City set to dominate – Inside World Football
The growth of the women’s club game has sparked a new area of stats and strategic data focus. One of the findings of a new report is that a financial divide between clubs is already starting to take place, a trend mirroring the men’s game.
Find a Team or Find a Player with BC Soccer Web FREE Classifieds!
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Bernd Leno: Arsenal agree fee for Bayer Leverkusen and Germany goalkeeper – BBC Sport
Arsenal have agreed a fee – reported to be 22m euros (£19.3m) – for Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Celtic start Champions League qualifying against Alashkert; Rosenborg lie in wait – BBC Sport
Alashkert will host the first leg against Celtic on 11 July, with the return in Glasgow a week later.
Thomas Lemar agrees to join Atlético Madrid as Griezmann extends contract – The Guardian
Thomas Lemar has agreed to join Atlético Madrid from Monaco, with the winger signing his contract at France’s World Cup base in Russia.
Friendlies: Ligue 1 Conforama pre-season schedules – Ligue 1
Check out the full roster of pre-season friendlies awaiting Ligue 1 Conforama’s 20 clubs before the beginning of season 2018-19 on Friday, 10 August.
Standing could be introduced in top two leagues by 2020-21 – EFL chief – BBC Sport
There will be a Parliamentary debate on the issue on 25 June and the EFL has released a video to promote its stance that clubs should be allowed to decide whether to introduce standing or not.
Morocco plan sixth World Cup bid, targeting 2030 hosting – Inside World Football
Having been trounced in their bid to stage the 2026 World cup, a record fifth loss, Morocco are coming back for yet more – by order of the king.
Bahr, last living member of team that upset England, is dead – Our Windsor
When Walter Bahr walked off the field in Brazil after the famous United States victory over England at the 1950 World Cup, he didn’t expect to become a soccer celebrity. Known for many years as the father of two NFL placekickers, Bahr regained prominence in his own right when the Americans returned to soccer’s showcase in 1990 after a 40-year-absence.