VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
2018 CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
TORONTO FC vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
2nd Leg (2-2 agg.)
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018, 4:30 PM PT
BMO FIELD, TORONTO, ONT.
TV: TSN 1 & 4 RADIO: TSN RADIO 1040 ONLINE: TSN DIRECT
Match Preview: Toronto FC v Vancouver Whitecaps – Canadian Derby Days Deux – AFTN
At this point in the season it feels like every game is a must-win, but this one is absolutely and unequivocally a must-win. After an own goal at the death from ex-TFC man Doneil Henry granted his former club an equalizer and a second away goal, the Whitecaps are up against it and need to win at BMO Field (or draw while scoring at least 3 times) on Wednesday to clinch only their second Canadian Championship.
Whitecaps, TFC on hot seat heading into Canadian Championship final – Calgary Herald
Two teams are in the frying pan, and one of them is a game from being in the fire.
Toronto FC in driver’s seat with Canadian Championship on line vs. Vancouver – Toronto Sun
A bad break for an ex-Reds player has put Toronto FC in solid position to claim a third consecutive Canadian Championship on Wednesday at BMO Field.
More than a trophy at stake in Canadian Championship final showdown – The Province
Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps face off for more than a trophy Wednesday in the second leg of the Canadian Championship final.
Little attention given as Alphonso Davies arrives in Toronto – Sportsnet
Canadian soccer’s great young hope in Canada’s biggest media market promised to create a ton of buzz. Instead, you could hear the neighbourhood traffic from inside BMO Field on Tuesday afternoon as Alphonso Davies practised with his Vancouver Whitecaps teammates ahead of Wednesday’s Canadian Championship final second-leg match versus Toronto FC.
Whitecaps manager says Davies hasn’t changed despite big-ticket transfer – News-Optimist
An MLS-record transfer to German powerhouse Bayern Munich hasn’t changed Whitecaps teenage star Alphonso Davies, according to Vancouver coach Carl Robinson.
Game-playing or truth? Whitecaps coach hangs doubts on Davies’ status for Wednesday – London Free Press
Healthy or not, it was inevitable there would be some doubt cast over the Whitecaps winger’s status ahead of Wednesday’s crucial match versus Toronto FC.
Whitecaps FC and midfielder Marco Bustos mutually agree to part ways – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Wednesday that the club and Marco Bustos have mutually agreed to terminate his MLS contract, allowing the Homegrown midfielder to join USL side OKC Energy FC.
Recent red cards have Toronto FC pondering supplementary team discipline – Richmond News
Toronto FC may review its internal disciplinary policies in the wake of recent red cards to Chris Mavinga and Jozy Altidore.
Bacary Sagna joined Impact because ‘I wanted to experience something new’ – Montreal Gazette
Rémi Garde’s European connections are continuing to pay dividends for the Montreal Impact.
LA Galaxy 2, Colorado Rapids 2 | 2018 MLS Match Recap – MLS
For nearly an hour, the LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids were gutting out a scoreless draw marked by injury and early subs — then the teams exploded for four goals in 23 minutes late in the match, with the Rapids countering two go-ahead Galaxy goals for a 2-2 draw at StubHub Center on Tuesday night.
Zlatan: Sloppy Galaxy “don’t even deserve playoffs” after latest blown lead – MLS
The LA Galaxy’s frustration is peaking after they surrendered another lead near the finish Tuesday night, settling for a 2-2 draw with the visiting Colorado Rapids to extend their winless skid to three games following that two-month, nine-game unbeaten run.
MLS Week 25: A Midweek Look Ahead – SBI
Major League Soccer offers fans a trio of matches this week to hold us over until another full slate comes around this weekend. All three matches feature teams in the playoff picture looking to solidify their places in the postseason as autumn nears.
Sounders start setting their sights higher – Yakima Herald
After first-half woes, surging Seattle now has a chance at a first-round bye in playoffs.
Who is the Eastern Conference disruptor? – US Soccer Players
The soccer news starts by asking which team could shake up the Eastern Conference standings in MLS? Only a point separates the top three.
Austin City Council member visits Columbus ahead of stadium vote – NBC 4i
Austin Council member Leslie Pool came to Columbus on her own dime. She toured the city and met with the Crew faithful, members of #SaveTheCrew.
MLS expansion wrap-up: Sacramento, Detroit and Phoenix pushing hard – MLS Multiplex
Officials discussing MLS expansion name many cities. The race for the next few spots could come down to Sacramento, Detroit and Phoenix. Let’s have a look at their respective bids.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
FOUR SPARTANS FIND BACK OF THE NET IN VICTORY – TWU
Four different Trinity Western University women’s soccer player’s tallied markers as the Spartans defeated the visiting University of Northwestern Eagles 4-0 Tuesday night at Yorkton Community Field in Langley, B.C. The victory improves the Spartans pre-season record to 2-0.
SPARTANS BEGIN CALIFORNIA ROAD TRIP WITH WIN – TWU
The Trinity Western men’s soccer team used their ability to execute on set pieces to claim a 3-2 victory over the #22 Wesmont Warriors Tuesday night in Santa Barbara, Calif. The Spartans three goals, two from corner kicks, were too much for the Warriors to overcome in their season opener.
Solid results under scorching sun for T-Birds in Oregon – UBC
The first real look at the 2018 UBC Thunderbirds women’s soccer team was a positive one as the ‘Birds finished a three-match preseason trip in Oregon with a pair of wins and solid all around play against three NCAA Division I opponents.
No. 17 Soccer’s Regan named to TDS Preseason Best XI Freshman Team – Texas Sports
The Burnaby, British Columbia, native earned a recent Canadian Women’s Senior National squad call-up.
Soccer dome design taking longer than expected – Kelowna Daily Courier
A new soccer dome in West Kelowna has taken longer to design than expected. And the changes to original plans are likely to boost the project’s cost.
Vernon’s Wright rates Whitecaps elite program invite – Vernon Morning Star
Ava Wright has heard all the stories about her dad, Tyler, leaving home at 16 to play for the Western Hockey League Swift Current Broncos. She is going to trump her dad as the 13-year-old heads to Vancouver for the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Super REX Program.
Soccer Opportunities in BC – BCSA
BC Soccer Association & a number of clubs have job and volunteer opportunities available for the upcoming season. Find the latest ones here.
PCSL CHALLENGE CUP PHOTOS: Khalsa SC 2, Vancouver Utd. 0, July 29, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
Pacific FC now accepting memberships for 2019 Canadian Premier League season – Pacific FC
Join Vancouver Island’s new CPL club! Become a Member of Pacific Football Club for first access seat selection and tickets.
Call for interest for 2018 TD Diploma course – BCSA
Based on the level of interest, BC Soccer is planning to host a 2-day Technical Director’s course in late November or early December of 2018 (dates and location TBA). If you are interested in this course, please let BC Soccer know so they can update you.
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.
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
The players speak: Canadian pros talk open up about what they want to see out of the CanPL – the11.ca
The 11 reached out to Canadians playing throughout the world to ask them: What would bring them back to Canada to play? How much would they expect to make? What advantages are there in coming back home? What disadvantages are there to coming back home? All the players contacted have significant professional experience, whether it’s in USL, NASL, MLS or Europe.
Will London build a downtown sports stadium? It’s a possibility – London Free Press
Some time next year London city hall will publish its 10-year parks and recreation master plan — and one of the possible projects discussed will be a downtown stadium.
Canadian Premier League owners ready for launch – Business in Vancouver
A new professional soccer league that is readying to launch next spring has owners who are as eager to improve the calibre of Canada’s national soccer team as they are to turn a profit.
Christine Sinclair: Not thinking about retirement at the moment – Sportsnet
Christine Sinclair joined Sportsnet 590 The FAN to discuss the Canadian women’s team transitioning from coach John Herdman to Kenneth Heiner-Moller, the increasing number of quality international and club teams for women, who can take over from her once she hangs up her cleats, how much longer she can play, and the possibility of becoming a coach.
Draw Confirmed for the 2018 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship – Concacaf
The official draw, which will sort the thirty-five participating teams into six groups, for the first round of the competition, will be broadcast Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 7:00 am PT. Fans will be able to follow the event through Concacaf.com and the Confederation’s rights partner networks.
Men’s soccer Panthers add speed in five new recruits for upcoming men’s AUS season – PEI Guardian
The common thread for the UPEI Panthers men’s soccer team’s recruiting class is speed. Head coach Lewis Page has added five players to his roster as the team prepares for the upcoming Atlantic University Sport (AUS) season. The Panthers open camp on Friday.
Good news abound in Canadian soccer – Rockyview Weekly
For the first time in a long time, Canadian soccer fans are feeling a sense of optimism. There have been several positive headlines in recent weeks and months regarding soccer in Canada – particularly in Alberta.
USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
ENERGY FC ADDS MIDFIELDER & CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER MARCO BUSTOS TO ROSTER – Energy FC
Energy FC signed midfielder Marco Bustos to a contract, Head Coach Steve Cooke announced today. The transaction is pending approval from U.S. Soccer Federation and the league.
Home games this week virtually must wins for Fury FC – Ottawa Sun
With less than a third of the regular season remaining, the numbers shouldn’t lie. Ottawa Fury FC has been respectable at home at TD Place stadium this season, picking up 20 of 36 possible points, with six of their nine total wins.
Match Preview: Toronto FC II vs. Bethlehem Steel FC – Toronto FC
Toronto FC II returns to action on Thursday as they travel to Rochester to take on Bethlehem Steel FC. This is the fourth and final game for TFC II in Rochester this season.
USL D-III applies for USSF sanctioning with “at least 10” teams – NBC Sports
The USL’s D-III project will have at least 10 teams for its inaugural season next summer.
What’s going on with USL D3? A Q&A with Vice President Steven Short – Soccer ‘n Sweet Tea
As rumors swirled around Greenville, S.C., last week about the new USL Division III soccer team’s name and colors, those of us in the SNST Carolina Soccer Slack took a moment to think about how far the soccer landscape in America has come in the last decade.
USL’s Week Ahead – Undefeated Streaks on Line in Super Saturday – USL
Eastern Conference contests between FCC & Battery, Louisville & Nashville take spotlight in Week 23.
Omar Salgado pursues law school dreams while with Lights FC – Las Vegas Review-Journal
Most soccer players say they’ve always dreamed of becoming one. Omar Salgado has never taken his eyes off a different prize.
USL New Mexico Appoints Lesesne as Head Coach – USL
USL New Mexico announced on Tuesday it had appointed Troy Lesesne as the club’s first Head Coach and Technical Director. Lesesne previously served as an assistant coach at the USL’s Charlotte Independence.
Getting specific with the United Premier Soccer League – GoalWA
There are currently no United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) clubs playing in the state of Washington. The league is growing in Idaho, Oregon and Alaska as it provides a place for adult soccer clubs to establish themselves. goalWA.net sent some questions to UPSL Commissioner Yan Skwara to learn more about why over 200 clubs have joined the UPSL and what the league expects from and provides for its member clubs.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2018: Giants clash as quarter-finals begin – FIFA
Welcome to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup France 2018, where the day’s programme could hardly be more enthralling.
NWSL names GK Franch player of the week – Front Row Soccer
Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper Adrianna Franch was voted the National Women’s Soccer League player of the week by the NWSL Media Association, it was announced Tuesday.
NWSL Playoff Race Outlook – Orlando City SC
It’s coming down to the wire. All that is left in the Pride’s 2018 regular season campaign are three matches. One home, two away. All that separates third and sixth in the NWSL table are four points. Remember, only the top four clubs will go to the playoffs. Here’s a look at the playoff race for those in it.
Scotland Women focused ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier – Sky Sports
Shelley Kerr insists her Scotland Women’s side will not be distracted by goal difference permutations in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.
Improved performance key to Falconets progression – ESPN
Nigeria’s persistence in their final Group D clash against China on Monday sealed their spot in Women’s Under-20 World Cup in France.
Arsenal Women working to develop girls’ football – Arsenal
Arsenal Women FC and Middlesex County FA are working together to support the development of women & girls’ football.
Casey Stoney outlines vision for Manchester United women’s team – Sky Sports
Manchester United women’s team kick off their season against Liverpool this weekend. Adam Bate caught up with head coach Casey Stoney to discuss her coaching journey, the club’s plans for the future, the scale of the job and tapping into those United traditions.
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Post-Ronaldo Real Madrid gets first test in UEFA Super Cup – The Star
Following the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid gets its first test against crosstown rival Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.
Super Cup preview: Real Madrid v Atlético Madrid – UEFA
Possible line-ups, coach quotes, expert views and stats – your in-depth guide to the 2018 UEFA Super Cup.
Maribor target ‘perfect’ display against Rangers in Europa League qualifier – BBC Sport
Maribor striker Jasmin Mesanovic is urging his team-mates to “show that we are superior” when Rangers visit on Europa League duty on Thursday.
AEK knocks Celtic out of Champions League qualifiers – Sportsnet
AEK Athens eliminated Scottish champion Celtic in the third round of Champions League qualifying on Tuesday.
Celtic: How much will Champions League defeat by AEK Athens cost? – BBC Sport
Reaching the Champions League group stage in Brendan Rodgers’ first two seasons in charge has generated about £60m for Celtic in prize money, broadcast revenues and gate receipts.
Champions League play-off ties confirmed – UEFA
The UEFA Champions League play-offs are now set, with the six winners going through to the group stage.
Kevin De Bruyne injures knee in training, could miss months, per reports – Yahoo Sports
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury in training on Wednesday.
League Cup wrap: Final round pre-Premier League clubs rolls on – NBC Sports
Premier League teams know all but one of the teams they could draw in the EFL Cup following a wild Tuesday in England.
Arsenal to sign teenage Romanian midfielder Catalin Carjan after tryout – ESPN
Arsenal will sign Romanian midfielder Catalin Carjan when he turns 16 in December as they continue to bolster their academy under new head coach Unai Emery.
Goalkeeper Subasic retires from Croatia’s national team – London Free Press
Danijel Subasic says he is retiring from international soccer, becoming the third Croatian player that reached the World Cup final to leave the national team.
Serie A 2018-19: Empoli, Parma, Frosinone make return – NBC Sports
The Italian league begins this weekend with Parma returning to the top flight only three years after being declared bankrupt.
David Ospina joins Napoli on loan deal from Arsenal – The Guardian
David Ospina has joined Napoli on loan with the Italian club having the option to buy the goalkeeper from Arsenal on a permanent basis.
Maolida leaves Lyon for Nice – Ligue 1
Promising forward Myziane Maolida, 19, has left boyhood club Olympique Lyonnais for Patrick Vieira’s OGC Nice on a five-year, €10m deal.
Raheem Sterling: Silence over criticism is ‘shameful’, says Kick It Out chair – BBC Sport
There has been a “shameful silence” over ongoing criticism of Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, says a leading anti-racism campaigner.
CAF Champions League Enters Penultimate Phase – All Africa
A match pitting the winners of the last two editions of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League will be the highlight of the competition as the group stages reach the penultimate stage.
US soccer and the continued failure of its pay-to-play model – San Diego Tribune
More structure, more pressure, more money, more robots.
Refugee kids get soccer pointers and life lessons at special camp – Washington Post
A Maryland organization helps kids who fled their homelands find new friends on the field.
Enemies of the state beware. FIFA rejects ‘corruption’ and ‘defamation’ code criticisms – Inside World Football
FIFA has moved swiftly to counter criticism of its Ethic processes following global outcry over the removal of the word ‘corruption’ from its updated Ethics Code, and the worrying (if not frightening) introduction of a new ‘defamation’ offence, being widely talked about as a new law for cover-up.
FIFA defends bans for ‘false’ info, tarnishing reputations – London Free Press
Justifying an overhaul of its ethics code, FIFA asserted Tuesday that people who “tarnish the reputations of others” must be banned from soccer.
Usmanov – Everton or Milan? What is next for the Oligarch? – Futbolgrad
I suppose you never get to be a multi-billionaire without being unconventional and having the ability to surprise along the way. Alisher Usmanov has certainly demonstrated those abilities in the two and a half years his business partner Farhad Moshiri has owned 49.9% of Everton Football Club.
Record TV rights deal saw gap from Premier League to EFL widen to £133m in first year – BBC Sport
Championship clubs are now tending towards a “two-year gamble” to attempt promotion and avoid breaching spending rules, a football finance expert says.
ESPN adds more soccer coverage to OTT offering – SportsPro Media
The latest multi-year agreements will see ESPN+ show Dutch soccer’s Eredivisie, the Chinese Super League (CSL) and Australia’s Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League women’s competition.
Italian soccer giant Juventus switches to an online channel in a bid to grab a global fan base – CNBC
Italian soccer club Juventus launched a digital channel, replacing its traditional TV station which has closed after 12 years in the wake of disappointing ratings and high running costs.
You Want to Watch All the European Soccer (in the U.S.)? Here’s How. (Warning: It’ll Cost About $750.) – NY Times
While soccer is now firmly America’s fourth most popular sport to watch, a Balkanized landscape of channels and streaming services can make keeping an eye on your favorite team harder than ever. Being an American fan of European soccer now means paying for cable with a higher-tier sports package and subscribing to at least two or three streaming services.