VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
Episode 230 – The AFTN Soccer Show (And The Winner Is…) – AFTN
The offseason is in full swing, at least it is if you’re a Vancouver Whitecaps supporter. Some other teams are still playing football. Ridiculous.
Yordy Reyna to be questioned by police following death of 16-year-old Peruvian volleyball player – The Province
The news broke late Monday that the Whitecaps star was among the people police are looking to speak with following the death of 16-year-old Alessandra Chocano.
Will Whitecaps FC bring back Shea? – Red Nation Online
Vancouver Whitecaps FC face an uncertain offseason with several players expected to leave. David Ousted announced his departure from the organization, but mum’s the word on who else could be leaving Whitecaps FC this offseason.
Lesson learned: Waston opens up on ’embarrassing’ 2016 and newfound emotional control – Whitecaps FC
Kendall Waston is as emotional as they come. His high-stepping, arm-waving goal celebrations will tell you as much. This is a player that cares. A player that wants nothing more than to help his team win. It’s an admirable trait – and one of the reasons Waston has become a fan favourite in Vancouver and his native Costa Rica. It’s also one of the reasons he’s run into some disciplinary issues in the past.
MLS playoffs are still going on? Yes. Yes, they are. – Washington Post
The worst-scheduled playoff system in pro sports resumes tonight with two events: the first legs of MLS’s Eastern and Western Conference finals.
Columbus Crew SC vs. Toronto FC | 2017 Conference Championship Preview – MLS
The 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs resume on Tuesday evening with the Eastern Conference Championship first leg, as the last two teams to represent the East in MLS Cup, Toronto FC and Columbus Crew SC, square off in Columbus.
Toronto FC preparing to deal with ‘dangerous’ Crew talisman Higuain – SN
For Toronto FC, the key to stopping the Columbus Crew is starving Federico Higuain of the ball.
When TFC captain Michael Bradley speaks, people listen – Sportsnet
Toronto FC’s captain is not the type to rant and rave, or make a spectacle of himself when he’s trying to make a point. Bradley’s approach is far more measured – even keeled and thoughtful, he speaks simply and plainly, and chooses his words carefully, always managing to get the point across in a forceful way without so much as raising his voice.
Columbus Crew focus on Toronto FC match amid questions of franchise’s future – Globe & Mail
Defender Josh Williams gets the question pretty much wherever he goes. What does the future hold for the Columbus MLS franchise?
Sold-out Eastern Conference Final just one more positive for Crew SC – MLS
When Columbus Crew SC host rivals Toronto FC for the opening match of the Eastern Conference Championship on Tuesday night, it will be in front of a packed house.
New Soccer Stadium Proposed in Downtown Columbus – Columbus Underground
While talks between City leaders and Columbus Crew SC ownership have stalled out, leadership at The Columbus Foundation has reignited efforts to keep the soccer team playing in Columbus for years to come. A preliminary plan to develop “Spirit Park” was unveiled yesterday, which outlines a multipurpose facility that would bring a new soccer arena (and more) to Downtown Columbus.
New Columbus Crew Stadium Proposal Draws Immediate Skepticism – WOSU
The CEO of the Columbus Foundation has unveiled an ambitious plan for a new downtown stadium to help keep the Crew SC from moving out of Columbus.
Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders | 2017 Conference Championship Preview – MLS
The Seattle Sounders, defending MLS Cup champions, are aiming to get back into the title game. In their way are the surprise outfit of the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs in the Houston Dynamo, who face Seattle in the first leg of the Western Conference Championship on Tuesday in Houston.
Sounders open West finals in cooler Houston – Sportspress NW
After a two-week break for international play, the Seattle Sounders take on the Houston Dynamo in a two-leg series for a shot at a second consecutive MLS Cup. After defeating Cascadia rival Vancouver 3-0 in aggregate in the semifinals, the Sounders play the first match against the Dynamo in Houston on Tuesday.
Houston Dynamo hear underdog talk but don’t let it affect them – Houston Dynamo
The Houston Dynamo don’t stand a chance against the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference Championship. That’s the consensus message from the national media, at least, and the Dynamo have heard it loud and clear.
Will Bruin returns to Houston having recharged his career in Seattle – SN
Will Bruin needed a change. After more than five seasons in Houston with the Dynamo, the veteran striker felt the desire for a new challenge. The 2016 was the worst of his career, and as game after game went by with the minutes drying up and the goals fading away, Bruin knew that when it was over he would ask out.
Timbers owner says Dynamo will be ‘very easy’ out in conference finals – Houston Chronicle
In classic sour grapes fashion, Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson bemoaned the adversity his team faced in the months leading up to and during its Western Conference semifinal series against the Dynamo.
After lower-tier sucess, MLS job in the offing for Marc Dos Santos? – MLS
Marc Dos Santos, who has coached three separate lower-division teams to North American title matches in as many seasons, told a Portuguese outlet that he is weighing opportunities in MLS.
Atlanta United’s Bocanegra: ‘We want to challenge for championships now’ – Soccer America
Atlanta United had MLS’s second-best offense and third-best defense in its first season, but technical director Carlos Bocanegra says the Five Stripes are not about to blow up their squad after their quick exit in the playoffs.
Miguel Almiron named MLS newcomer of year as Kenwyne Jones retires – ESPN FC
Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almiron was named Major League Soccer’s Newcomer of the Year on Monday, the same day veteran forward Kenwyne Jones announced his retirement from soccer.
FC Cincinnati Stadium Receives Boost with Hamilton County Commission Support – Cincinnati Soccer Talk
On Monday afternoon, Hamilton County Commission President Todd Portune, County Administrator Jeff Aluotto and representatives of the other two Commissioners as well as the County Prosecutor spoke on a teleconference with representatives of Major League Soccer. At the end of the call, all parties came to the conclusion that Paul Brown Stadium would not fit into the league’s requirement for expansion markets.
Brad Friedel: Mauricio Pochettino helped me become a coach – The Guardian
The former goalkeeper has been appointed the new head coach of New England Revolution. He says his experience in the Premier League will be invaluable.
For the love of MLS, please start allowing teams to sell players within the league – Four Four Two
Teams can send money out of the league to bring in new talent. Why can’t they keep money in MLS to find star players new homes?
BC SOCCER NEWS
Residency Report: U-17s build momentum ahead of Winter Showcase – Whitecaps FC
It was a quiet weekend for the ‘Caps Residency teams, with only the U-17s and U-14s in action.
Seaton splits B.C. soccer games – Vernon Morning Star
The Seaton Sonics split their Monday games in the B.C. Senior AA Boys Soccer Championships at Burnaby Lake Sports Complex.
Stars in the making – Capilano Courier
With the Capilano University Blues women’s soccer team taking another big step forward in the Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST), it’s hard to miss the impact that some of their rookies made this year.
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.
BC Soccer Web’s 2017 Soccer & Sports Book Recommendations – BC Soccer Web
Over the years, there have been many books on soccer and sport that have given us joy, laughter, and much to think about. We’re happy to share these with you. We’ll be updating this list as new titles become available, so keep checking.
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
Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team to take on Norway 28 November in Marbella, Spain – CSA
Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team will play its final match of 2017 against Norway on 28 November in Marbella, Spain. The roster for the international friendly against Norway includes a number of players who were not available for the recent US series due to European club commitments, including Kadeisha Buchanan, Sophie Schmidt, Erin McLeod, and Ashley Lawrence, who did play in the first of the two US matches earlier this month.
Huitema called up to Canadian women’s national team for final match of 2017 – Whitecaps FC
The 16-year-old Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite striker, who has two goals in six appearances for the senior national team, was one of 18 players named to the squad that will take on Norway on November 28 in Marbella, Spain, Canada Soccer announced today.
Court briefs: Alleged Minor Soccer fraudster gets charges withdrawn – Whitecourt Star
Alleged fraudster Christopher Steffensen had his charges withdrawn at the request of the Crown at Whitecourt Provincial Court on Nov. 15. Steffensen had been accused of defrauding Whitecourt Minor Soccer, the local Rotary Club and Midtown Mall.
Screaming Eagles To Honour CAPERS Soccer Teams At November 26th Home Game – Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles will honour the champion men’s and women’s CAPERS soccer teams from Cape Breton University on Sunday, November 26th. 50 members from both CAPERS teams, including players and staff, will be in attendance when the Screaming Eagles take on the Charlottetown Islanders at 4 PM. The men’s CAPERS will partake in the ceremonial opening faceoff while the women’s CAPERS will be honoured at the second intermission.
Bell Media confirms local radio and TV layoffs – CBC
Matthew Garrow said Bell is cutting its local sports presence but will continue to have sports in its local newscasts. “With respect to sports, I can confirm that we are phasing out specific sportscasts and anchors wholly dedicated to sports as an editorial decision to transition sports coverage in response to evolving viewer behaviour,” he said.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Get to know Adam Smith, new head coach of USL affiliate Fresno FC – Whitecaps FC
On Friday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced a new USL affiliation with expansion club Fresno FC. Englishman Adam Smith will be taking the team as their first head coach.
Briggs Named Coach of the Year – USL
The United Soccer League announced on Monday Real Monarchs SLC’s Mark Briggs had been voted the 2017 USL Coach of the Year after leading the club to the 2017 USL Regular Season Championship in a remarkable turnaround year at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Anthony Pulis — not that one — hired as manager of USL side Saint Louis FC – ESPN FC
There was good news and bad news in the Pulis family today. In a rather bizarre turn of events, one Anthony Pulis landed a job on the same day that one Tony Pulis lost his.
Restrepo Named Goalkeeper of the Year – USL
The United Soccer League announced on Monday San Antonio FC goalkeeper Diego Restrepo had been voted the 2017 USL Goalkeeper of the Year after a standout season that saw the veteran goalkeeper lead the league in shutouts.
USSF attempted to prevent NASL from future antitrust litigation – Soctakes
Per sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations, the USSF approached the NASL about a settlement which, on approval, would’ve afforded the NASL with D2 sanctioning. NASL personnel, who happened to be in New York at the time, were interested in the premise of the settlement, and met with USSF personnel to discuss the details. Yet, one of the key reasons why these discussions fell apart has not been revealed.
FCC Adds NASL Champ Tyler Gibson – FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati will tack on an NASL champion to the 2018 roster as San Francisco Deltas midfielder Tyler Gibson joins the team, pending USL and federation approval.
Penn FC Aims to Develop Global Talent – USL
Newly renamed Penn FC is part of a large player development cog, starting with the new partnership with Rush Soccer, the owners of Penn FC are looking to bring players from Rush, and their own Cedar Stars Academy, through to Penn FC. The goal will be developing players, and sending them to the highest level possible, including Penn FC as a key part of that journey.
Atlanta United’s USL team in Gwinnett won’t be lacking for Southern rivals – Dirty South Soccer
The USL’s latest expansion round significantly features the region and adds to a group of clubs already here.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Frauen-Bundesliga week 9 review: Potsdam back to winning ways – Vavel
The ninth week of the 2017-18 Frauen-Bundesliga season saw leaders Freiburg slip up at home to Frankfurt with Wolfsburg reclaiming the top spot with a win away to Essen as Munich sprung into second with a strong second half against Bremen.
In the red: A history of dominant women’s teams that failed off the field – Four Four Two
FC Kansas City isn’t the first, and it won’t be the last.
Lauletta: Five things I’ll remember most about FC Kansas City – The Equalizer
FC Kansas City is no more. The National Women’s Soccer League officially pulled the plug on the franchise Monday. The club will be replaced by the one announced last week to be under the same umbrella as Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake. Even if the transfer of ownership from the seemingly ambivalent Elam Baer to the uber-ambitious Dell Loy Hansen turns out to be a good thing—which is almost certainly will—November 20, 2017 should still be considered a sad day for women’s soccer.
With the NWSL season now over, is expansion still on the horizon? – Soccer n’ Sweet Tea
Salt Lake City is getting a team, Kansas City is losing one, and we still dream of a 20 team women’s league… but maybe not yet. Where should the league go next?
Houston Dash Re-Sign Forward Rachel Daly – Houston Dash
The Houston Dash and forward Rachel Daly have agreed to a new contract, the club announced today.
Seattle’s Memorial Stadium could get much-needed makeover – KOMO
Seattle’s 70-year-old Memorial Stadium could be getting a much-needed makeover if a plan drafted by City Hall and Seattle Public Schools gets funding.
NWSL Media Association and North American Soccer Reporters issue joint statement on lack of woso coverage in USSF elections – Facebook
” Women’s soccer deserves and has earned full and fair coverage, especially at this critical time for the present and future of the American game.”
Chelsea Ladies sign Swedish star Jonna Andersson – Vavel
Chelsea have added another defensive reinforcement in Swedish left-back Jonna Andersson.
#SBSSWPL Round-up – 19/11/17 – Scottish WPL
It was the final day of the 2017 Scottish Building Society SWPL 1 season and Stirling University secured fourth place and Hamilton Academical won the final game of a legend’s career.
Matildas and Steel Roses ready for Women’s Asian Cup preview – AFC
With less than three weeks until the official draw for the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, two of the tournament’s potential contenders will cross paths in Melbourne on Wednesday evening.
Matildas striker Sam Kerr set to eclipse her great year with an even better one – Perth Now
Considering Kerr won the MVP and golden boot awards in the US League (NWSL) regarded as the world’s best, coupled with the W-League player of the year gong, one is curious to know what lay ahead.
Time for the Matildas to cash in – The Roar
As the men’s national football side limped its way through World Cup qualification and into Russia 2018 last week, it was the women’s team that was promoting pride in Australian football. Move over the Socceroos; there’s a much better product in town.
How Banyana Banyana won 2017 – Daily Vox
Years of persistence and untold dedication to establish women’s football at the highest level from the South African Football Association has lead to the momentous achievement. For those who have been involved since the beginning, Banyana Banyana’s progress, is extremely gratifying.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
UEFA Champions League Tuesday Preview: Dortmund hosts Tottenham, Liverpool faces Sevilla, and more – SBI
The UEFA Champions League returns this week with several teams looking to claim a spot in the tournament’s knockout round.
Sevilla will play it safe against speedy Liverpool as draw would be good – Toronto Star
Sevilla coach Eduardo Berizzo team struggled in “quick transition” match teams played in September at Anfield, which ended 2-2.
Recent progress has Roma supporters dreaming of Champions League crown – ESPN FC
On Sunday morning, Roma fans woke up with the special glow that only a derby victory against Lazio can bring. Their team has made huge strides in the past two months, and with their local rivals swept away with a display of power and maturity, Romanisti are wondering just how far this team can go.
FFA Cup final: Sydney FC beats Adelaide 2-1 to clinch treble – ABC (Australia)
There was extra-time and a late all-in brawl as Sydney FC won the FFA Cup final to clinch the coveted domestic treble.
Naby Keita: From the streets of Guinea to a record £48m Liverpool move – BBC Sport
When you have received more votes than any other midfielder in a public poll organised by the Bundesliga, driven your team to a historic second place in the league and secured a record £48m African transfer fee, you have got a few highlights of the year to look back on. But none of the above makes the list of RB Leipzig’s Guinea star Naby Keita.
Brazilian side Gremio hired spy to film opponents’ training sessions – report – ESPN FC
Copa Libertadores finalist Gremio have been spying on opponents throughout the 2017 season, according to ESPN Brasil.
Newcastle United takeover: Financial firm tables formal bid in region of £300m – BBC Sport
A financial firm headed by British businesswoman Amanda Staveley has tabled a formal takeover bid in the region of £300m for Newcastle United.
FIFA bans 3 soccer officials for life for taking bribes – Metro
Three soccer officials who pleaded guilty in American courts to accepting bribes were banned for life by the FIFA ethics committee on Tuesday.
Mugging or contract killing? Televisa’s Espinosa shot in Mexico City – Inside World Football
Days after Mexican broadcaster Televisa was named in the New York corruption trial as paying bribes for World Cup rights, one of its senior executives, Adolfo Lagos Espinosa, was shot dead in Mexico City. It is unclear whether this was related to the courtroom revelation.
Everton’s Niasse charged retrospectively for diving to win penalty – Sportsnet
Everton striker Oumar Niasse could become the first Premier League player to be handed a retrospective ban for diving after he was charged with “successful deception of a match official.”
China’s under-20 team storm out of Germany football match as protesters wave Tibetan flags – Shanghaiist
China has raised an official fuss over a friendly football match in Germany where activists waved Tibetan flags on the sidelines as a Chinese team played.
12 arrested in Thailand in soccer match-fixing investigation – Metro
Football Association of Thailand president Somyot Poompanmuang says five players and two match officials from the top-flight national league are among 12 people arrested for alleged match-fixing.
VIDEO: Michael Owen takes on jockey challenge – BBC
Former England footballer Michael Owen is training to become a jockey and preparing for his first race. The 37-year-old got in the saddle earlier this year and has since lost over a stone in weight.
2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKS