Brazil’s Chapecoense football team in Colombia plane crash – BBC
The chartered aircraft, flying from Brazil via Bolivia, was carrying members of the Chapecoense team. The team had been due to play in the final of the Copa Sudamericana, against Medellin team Atletico Nacional.
Colombia plane crash: Fans gather to mourn Chapecoense footballers among 75 killed – The Guardian
Brazil’s president Michel Tamer has declared three days of national mourning after a plane carrying the Chapecoense football team crashed in Colombia, killing 75 people on board.
Chapecoense soccer team in Colombian plane crash hailed as Brazil ‘Cinderella story’ – Global
Brazilian soccer fans are devastated after learning members of the first division Chapecoense soccer team, recently hailed as the “Cinderella story” of Brazilian soccer, were on board a Colombian charter plane that crashed late Monday.
Tragedy strikes Chapecoense amid rising club’s greatest achievement – SI.com
Chapecoense’s players were on their way to play the biggest game in the club’s history when their flight went down on the approach to Medellin, killing 76 of the 81 people on board. The club’s rise had been an extraordinary one, from the fourth level of Brazilian football to the final of the Copa Sudamericana in just eight years. But that game, against Atletico Nacional, will never be played.
Football community unites behind Chapecoense – SN
The football community has rallied around Chapecoense following the tragic events of Monday night.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Harvey confident the Whitecaps can bounce back next season – Red Nation Online
The Vancouver Whitecaps offseason is expected to be busy with Coach Carl Robinson looking to make a few additions and subtractions to his 10-15-9 team that missed the MLS playoffs this season. Vancouver will be looking to turn the chapter on what was a subpar, and disappointing campaign.
Who do the ‘Caps protect in the expansion draft? – Eighty-Six Forever
The MLS expansion draft will take place on December 13. A little more than 2 weeks away and the Vancouver Whitecaps will only be able to protect eleven players. The draft rules are different this year. Where previously when two teams entered the league in the same year, like Vancouver and Portland did in 2011, each expansion team drafted 10 players causing 20 players to change teams in one day.
Manneh featured in Episode 2 of Backed by Messi: ‘It’s like the ball is glued to his feet’ – Whitecaps FC
As we mentioned earlier this month, Kekuta Manneh is one of 10 up-and-coming talents from around the world that are being featured in adidas’ Backed by Messi campaign, in celebration of Lionel Messi and “his standing as the greatest soccer player to ever grace this planet.”
Countdown: An analytical preview of the second leg of the Eastern Conference semi-final – Red Nation Online
In sports terms, Wednesday night’s Eastern Conference semi-final fixture fits the cliche that “it is anyone’s game”. Montreal have taken a 3-2 lead into Toronto, although TFC can go through by winning 1-0, 2-1 or winning by two goals or more. With the game at BMO Field many would put Toronto as favorites in advancing to the 2016 MLS Cup Finals, however, as we see in sports and when these two clubs play each other, the favorites don’t always come through with the victory.
Game Preview: Eastern Conference Final Leg 2 – Toronto FC vs. Montreal Impact – Waking the Red
Just. Win. The goal is clear for Toronto FC on Wednesday night when they host the Montreal Impact. Win (and don’t let the Impact score more than once), and the MLS Cup will be played at BMO Field. Any other result, and they’re out.
Toronto “would never bet against” Giovinco breaking through in second leg – MLS
The Italian sensation has had a knack of coming up with big goals at the right time, whether his playoff-clinching goal last season against New York Red Bulls, his early opener this year against Philadelphia in the Knockout Round, or his impressive hat trick in the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinal against New York City FC.
How MLS Cup quest has become Toronto’s now-or-never moment – Four Four Two
For all the money that has been spent and for all the debate about how much was too much for Bradley and Altidore, Toronto FC is two wins short of a league title. The ambition can finally pay off with silverware.
Toronto FC trying to keep what it can’t control out of mind – Sportsnet
You’d have been forgiven for mistaking Toronto FC’s training facility as a morgue on Monday morning. There was no energetic buzz swirling around the building after the Seattle Sounders beat the Colorado Rapids to win the Western Conference on Sunday evening, a result that guarantees Toronto FC would host the MLS Cup final on Dec. 10 should it get past the Montreal Impact.
Ignacio Piatti Key to Montreal’s Success in Eastern Conference Final 2nd Leg – Bleacher Report
While the focus may immediately shift toward one of Toronto’s three high-profile designated players, the most important player on the pitch will be wearing an Impact kit.
First leg serves as proof that the Montreal Impact can boss the midfield – ESPN FC
More than a week removed from their madcap, line-delayed clash on the matted turf of Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact will play another 90 minutes, and possibly more, for the right to go to the 2016 MLS Cup final.
Impact not concerned with Toronto’s banter: “We’ll respond on the field” – MLS
The Montreal Impact took note of Toronto striker Jozy Altidore’s advice to Victor Cabrera about defending him, and they got right to work. “We go in the gym, like he said,” Montreal defender Hassoun Camara said after practice at Centre Nutrilait on Monday.
Role of De Santis in Impact’s success beyond doubt – Sportsnet
The Montreal Impact are on the verge of making history, needing only a draw on Wednesday against Toronto FC at BMO Field to reach the MLS Cup final for the first time, where they would face the Seattle Sounders.
Soccer is a family affair for Impact captain Patrice Bernier – Montreal Gazette
Impact captain Patrice Bernier is hoping to become the second member of his family to win a soccer championship this year.
With MLS numbers rivalling the CFL, Canadian soccer is entering a new era – Globe & Mail
Hockey and baseball may continue to bestride the pro sports landscape, but Major League Soccer is now on a more or less even footing with the CFL. The Canadian MLS markets – Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal – have surpassed our brand of the gridiron game in terms of attendance and fan enthusiasm.
LA Galaxy names Pete Vagenas as general manager amid coach search – ESPN FC
The LA Galaxy have named Pete Vagenas as the team’s new general manager, while the search for a new head coach is ongoing.
Sporting Kansas City sign Peter Vermes to contract extension through 2019 – MLS
Sporting Kansas City have extended Peter Vermes’ contract as manager and technical director of the club through the 2019 season, the team announced on Tuesday.
Minnesota United Names Head Coach – Minnestoa United
Minnesota United has announced that Adrian Heath will be the club’s coach for the 2017 Major League Soccer season. Heath was most recently head coach of Orlando City and has over 20 years of managerial experience in the U.S. and England.
Minnesota Bound? Scoping out MLS Players for Re-Entry – Fifty Five One
As the majority of the MLS is already in the offseason, clubs are going through the process of accepting and declining their players’ contracts. This week, many clubs made major announcements about players who are staying and those who will move on. How will that affect Minnesota United’s roster building?
Celtic linked with Orlando City top scorer Cyle Larin – Daily Record
Larin has struck 31 goals in 59 appearances for Orlando where he linked up with Brazilian ace Kaka and is the latest MLS star to be linked with the Scottish champions.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Highlanders Commit to Reserve Team in PCSL 2017 – Victoria Highlanders
Along with their PDL squad, the Victoria Highlanders have committed to playing a reserve team in the BCSA’s Pacific Coast League in the summer of 2017.
A university’s queer covenant: Is TWU controlling a culture of shame? – Vancouver Sun
Just before Ashlee Davison helped bring home Trinity Western’s first ever Canadian university championship in women’s soccer, she received an e-mail informing her that she was under investigation for having a relationship with another woman. Davison would graduate from the evangelical Christian university in 2006 as the team’s top goal scorer, but her memories of TWU are forever tainted by that e-mail and its aftermath.
Malcolm Wiens boots Cup winner – Vernon Morning Star
It will be a goal Malcolm Wiens will remember for the rest of his life. The Vernon soccer product fired the game-winner as the Thompson Okanagan Football Club defeated North Vancouver’s Mountain FC 2-1 in the B.C. Soccer Premier League U17 Cup final in Surrey.
Gorge get past Lakehill – Saanich News
A resurgent Gorge FC are in good standing in 2016 and are coming off a big 4-1 win over Lakehill to hold down third place in the Vancouver Island Soccer League’s Div. 1 standings. The all-Saanich derby was last week’s VISL Game of the Week.
WFC Girls Elite REX, Kootenay Academy Girls have strong showings south of the border – Whitecaps FC
The club’s promising girls prospects showed off their skills over the weekend as Whitecaps FC Girls Elite REX, in partnership with BC Soccer, and the Kootenay Academy Centre Girls teams travelled south to California and Washington, respectively.
Bodwell scores AA soccer silver – North Shore News
Long championship runs always have some intriguing twists and turns, but few can likely rival the bumpy road that ended in silver for the Bodwell Bruins senior boys soccer team this season.
Hard work ahead for Pinnacles FC alum – Penticton Western News
One of the highlights for Marisa Mendonca’s season with the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack soccer team was scoring her first and only career goal.
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. Releases their 2015-2016 Year in Review – BCSA
After another successful year of soccer in British Columbia, BC Soccer Assoc. is pleased to release their 2015-2016 Year in Review. The creation of the BC Soccer Club Charter Program, delivery of a FIFA Live Your Goals Festival, along with the numerous Grassroots Festivals across the province and Coach Education highlight some of the major successes this past year.
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
Award nominees announced for annual Canada Soccer Player Awards – CSA
Canada Soccer has announced the list of nominees for the 2016 Canada Soccer Player Awards, with voting open today for both media and coaches. At the top of the list are the nominees for the 2016 Canadian Players of the Year award, celebrating the top male and top female footballers from the 2016 calendar year.
Nine MLS players on 2016 Canadian Player of the Year shortlists – MLS
Canada Soccer released the shortlists for their annual end-of-year player awards on Monday, and seven MLS players were included in the men’s senior team shortlist.
Canada Soccer releases its year-end award shortlists: But where is futsal? – the11.ca
Today, I received my ballot. Canada Soccer released its shortlist for its male and female players of the year, filled with the usual suspects, from Atiba Hutchinson to Christine Sinclair. Also, there’s a list of candidates for the para soccer player of the year, an award for best save of the year, and shortlists for U-17 and U-20 players of the year. But, where is futsal?
League1 Ontario 2016 Awards Luncheon – Northern Starting XI
Winners at the 2016 League1 Ontario Luncheon held at the Fontana Primavera Event Centre in Vaughan on Sunday November 27, 2016. I estimated there were about 120 people in attendance.
Canadian Premier League is coming to Hamilton – People of Hamilton
Sporting an Alex Bunbury jersey and Barton Street Battalion scarf, James Hutton welcomed a group of approx. 25 people to the Barton Street Battalion meeting at The Pheasant Plucker last week. Barton Street Battalion is a group of Hamilton soccer supporters. They know the Canadian Premier League (CPL) is coming, and while there has yet to be an official league announcement, the group has secured their identity as the first official supporters group.
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WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
FC Edmonton midfielder nominated for national honour – FC Edmonton
Shamit Shome’s standout season on the pitch is being recognized at the national level.
WFAN.com Exclusive: Source Says Reports Of Cosmos’ Demise Exaggerated – CBS NYC
According to CEO Seamus O’Brien, the team is waiting to see what happens at the NASL league meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday, what path the league takes, and what the future of the league is. This has led many reporters and fans to speculate on social media that the Cosmos could be finished.
Cosmos’ fate could be determined at NASL board of governors meeting next 2 days – Big Apple Soccer
The Cosmos’ fate for 2017 and beyond is expected to be decided at the North American Soccer League board of governors meeting in Atlanta Tuesday and Wednesday.
USL: Phoenix Rising FC unveils stadium plans – Soccer America
Arizona’s USL team has changed its name for third time in five years, this time from Arizona United SC to Phoenix Rising FC. The move follows an ownership change earlier this year and coincides with the announcement of plans to develop a 15.8-acre soccer-specific training and 5,000-seat stadium facility on tribal land bordering the cities of Tempe and Scottsdale.
Swope Park Rangers return six players for 2017 USL season – Sporting KC
The Swope Park Rangers will return six players from the side’s inaugural season, the club announced today. Captain Christian Duke, Amer Didic, Mark Anthony Gonzalez and Nansel Selbol have all had their contract options exercised, while Oumar Ballo has signed a new contract, pending USL and federation approval. In addition, midfielder Kevin Oliveira is already under contract for the 2017 season.
FCC to host MLS commissioner Tuesday in push for MLS expansion – Fox 19
Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber will be visiting Cincinnati to learn more about what FC Cincinnati and the Queen City has to offer Tuesday.
Milwaukee Torrent Brings Pro Outdoor Soccer To Wisconsin – Midfield Press
Andreas Davi started the Milwaukee Torrent up last year to give a professional option to Wisconsin’s many soccer players. Davi is a former head coach of the Milwaukee Bavarians, an institution in Milwaukee soccer since 1929. The Bavarians moved to the Premier League of America recently, leaving the city without an NPSL club. When NPSL approached Davi about bringing the league back to Milwaukee, it was the nudge he needed to follow his dream of starting his own club.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
DPR Korea advance to FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final – AFC
DPR Korea are into their third FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final after a 2-1 semi-final win, though they needed extra time to see off some brave resistance from three-time winners USA.
A rollercoaster of excitement lasting 240 minutes – FIFA
Korea DPR and France will contest the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016, having both emerged victorious from dramatic semi-final encounters decided after extra time.
Under-20 Women’s World Cup: USA handed soccer lesson – Soccer America
The USA’s problems at the youth level of women’s soccer continued in Papua New Guinea.
Two former champions and two first-timers survive as wild postseason arrives at College Cup – ESPN W.
It began with more than 300 teams competing for four spots in Cary, North Carolina. Now a final quartet is headed instead to San Jose, California, to settle a national championship. Relocated by the NCAA in response to anti-LGBTQ legislation in North Carolina, the College Cup begins Friday with semifinals pitting No. 1 West Virginia against No. 2 North Carolina (ESPNU, 5 p.m. ET) and No. 2 Georgetown against No. 2 USC (ESPNU, 7:30 p.m. ET). What follows is a first look at what to expect.
U.S. Women’s National Team finding new crop of players in NWSL – Oregon Live
After spending years waiting for her opportunity, 2016 National Women’s Soccer League MVP Lynn Williams needed only 49 seconds to set a record for the fastest debut goal in U.S. Women’s National Team history.
Hosts Cameroon qualify for 4th women’s AFCON final after stopping Ghana – African Football
Hosts Cameroon today pipped Ghana 1-0 to advance to their fourth women’s AFCON final on Saturday in Yaounde.
Football: New coach for Swedish women’s team – The Local
Swedish legend football coach Pia Sundhage is stepping down.
Goal queen Heyman off and running – W-League
Canberra United star goalscorer Michelle Heyman found her scoring touch for the new season with a double against Newcastle Jets to get off the mark in the current campaign.
Killeen ready for Shels’ ‘biggest game of the season’ – Irish WNL
Shelbourne Ladies midfielder Siobhan Killeen has admitted it is hard not to think of winning the Women’s National League title as they face UCD Waves on Wednesday night.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Biggest ever football survey unveiled – FIFPro
FIFPro today has released the findings of its first worldwide survey of working conditions in men’s professional football. The 2016 FIFPro Global Employment Report looks at the life of players in a way that has never been done before.
Low pay, no pay and forced transfers are basic conditions of players, finds FIFpro report – Inside World Football
The findings of the biggest global survey to date of working conditions in men’s professional football has thrown up a raft of startling conclusions, destroying the myth that most players live in a protective bubble, drive fast cars and lead enviable millionaire lifestyles.
Europe’s match-fixing problem highlighted by players’ survey – Sportsnet
European soccer’s challenge in eradicating match-fixing has been highlighted by a large number of players in Cyprus and Malta telling the world players’ union that they have been approached to fix games.
Low wages, threats, late payment – the life of football’s non-elite players – The Guardian
A large number of football players around the world live a precarious existence in which contracts are not respected and their control over their career path is minimal, according to a survey carried out by the global players’ union, Fifpro.
Fifpro survey: Violent threats against players three times higher in Scotland – BBC Sport
More than a third of footballers surveyed in Scotland say they received threats from the stands on a match day, according to a players’ union.
Red Devils looking for consistency against tricky Hammers – Vavel
After four consecutive draws at home in the Premier League, United will be looking to seal an EFL Cup semi-final spot against the Hammers.
‘It’s back to reality now.’ Why Leicester City are struggling in the Prem – ESPN FC
“We are fighting in a relegation battle.” That, coming from the manager of a team two points off the bottom three, would seem a statement of the obvious. But when it comes from Claudio Ranieri, manager of defending champions Leicester City, who have just qualified for the knockout rounds of the Champions League with a game to spare, it looks slightly more alarming.
Generations collide to give Palmeiras the title and what we learned in South America this week – SN
There are no less than 23 years separating the brightest young talent of Palmeiras’ first team from their elder statesman. But Gabriel Jesus and Ze Roberto teamed up to show Brazil and the world that age is just a number as they played a big part in the Verdao’s first Serie A title since 1994.
NCAA Tournament Rewind: Providence, Virginia Tech and Stanford reach Elite Eight – SBI
The NCAA Tournament’s Cinderella story took another step toward an improbably run at the Final Four, while the defending champions took another step towards a potential repeat.
Chinese football’s bittersweet 2016 – Xinhuanet
Chinese football kicked off this year by throwing down about 300 million U.S. dollars during the winter transfer window, and came to an end of the season last weekend with Guangzhou Evergrande completing a domestic league and Cup title double after pipping Jiangsu Suning in the two-legged Chinese Football Association Cup final. A sober assessment of how 2016 went for Chinese football is in order.
Football child sex abuse scandal one of FA’s biggest crises – Greg Clarke – BBC Sport
The football child sex abuse scandal is one of the biggest crises in the history of the Football Association, says chairman Greg Clarke.
Former Newcastle player on being abused: ‘It was horrific. He thought it was normal’ – The Guardian
Derek Bell talks publicly for the first time about the abuse he suffered by George Ormond, his coach at the Montagu and North Fenham boys football club.
Can futsal deliver a world-class US soccer star from the inner city? – The Guardian
The game in America is geared towards kids who can afford to pay-to-play. But the five-a-side game popular in Brazil could help develop the USA’s Messi