VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
How Kei Kamara and Anthony Blondell fit into “Robboball” – AFTN
The red and white ticker tape has barely been swept up on Toronto FC’s historic victory, and the bleary eyed players are likely still nursing earth shaking hangovers, but the Whitecaps management has not let the dust settle. Two strikers have been added to the roster, with rumours of more to come.
Vancouver Whitecaps can build upon their hugely successful campaign – MLS GB
The Vancouver Whitecaps enjoyed a hugely successful year in MLS but Carl Robinson’s side unfortunately ran out of steam during the playoffs at the end of the season. It may seem baffling to label their failure to make the Conference Finals as a ‘success’ but the Caps were written off by many ahead of the campaign and their significant progress can be seen as an overachievement, which gives them plenty to build upon ahead of 2018.
LAFC goes for depth but bypasses Whitecaps in 2017 MLS expansion draft – The Province
The odds were always low that the Whitecaps would lose a player in the 2017 MLS expansion draft, so it’s not much of a surprise that didn’t happen Tuesday in Los Angeles.
LAFC busy on expansion draft day – Prost Amerika
It was certainly a busy day for LAFC. The day finally arrived for LAFC to fully build its roster, though LAFC got a head start on everyone else on Tuesday morning. One hour before the start of MLS Free Agency, LAFC got its shot to add to its evolving roster, making its selections through the expansion draft, then using two of those picks to strengthen its back line.
Impact deal Laurent Ciman to LAFC for Raheem Edwards, Jukka Raitala – Montreal Gazette
The veteran defender is headed to Los Angeles FC as the Impact tries to rebuild a roster that disappointed in 2017.
Farewell: Le Général traded to LAFC – Mount Royal Soccer
Montreal Impact welcome Raheem Edwards and Jukka Raitala in trade involving fan favorite Laurent Ciman. It was expected for the Montreal Impact to make moves during the offseason but this was not the one that a vast majority of fans were anticipating.
Canadian wingback Raheem Edwards criss-crosses North America in one day – Metro
It’s been four days and three teams since Raheem Edwards celebrated winning the MLS Cup final with Toronto FC. The 22-year-old wingback from Mississauga found himself — briefly — a member of Los Angeles FC when he was taken with the fifth and last pick of Tuesday’s expansion draft. LAFC promptly flipped Edwards and Finnish defender Jukka Raitala, taken fourth from Columbus, to Montreal for star defender Laurent Ciman.
NY Cosmos boss Savarese to manage Portland Timbers – sources – ESPN FC
The Portland Timbers have tabbed Giovanni Savarese to be their next manager, sources have told ESPN’s Taylor Twellman.
All eyes on Barco: Why Atlanta’s pursuit of the $14M ‘New Aguero’ breaks new ground for MLS – SN
The subject of Atlanta United’s attention is Ezequiel Barco, Independiente’s teenage sensation who is the most talented youngster to spring out of the club’s academy since a 15-year-old Sergio Aguero began tormenting Primera Division defenses back in 2003. At just 18 he is already a fixture in Ariel Holan’s first team, and one of the highest-rated forwards currently active in the Argentine top flight.
Sounders get salary help, sign Clint Dempsey to new deal for 2018 – Spokesman-Review
The Seattle Sounders will have Clint Dempsey when they try to make it to a third straight MLS Cup final.
Sporting KC reaches transfer agreement with French attacking midfielder – Kansas City Star
During an offseason in which Sporting Kansas City intends to reinvest in its offense, the first acquisition is on the verge of completion.
Atlanta United acquire Venezuela U-20 defender Jose Hernandez – MLS
Atlanta United announced Wednesday it has acquired Venezuelan U-20 international Jose Hernandez from Venezuelan side Caracas FC. The 20-year-old left back will officially join Atlanta for the 2018 season.
Atlanta United re-signs Jeff Larentowicz – Atlanta United
Atlanta United announced today it has re-signed free agent midfielder Jeff Larentowicz. A 13-year MLS veteran, Larentowicz made 33 appearances and 30 starts for Atlanta in 2017 where he was a regular in Tata Martino’s squad at defensive midfielder or center back.
MLS to Hold 2017 Waiver Draft on Wednesday Afternoon via Conference Call – FC Dallas
Another day, another draft.
List of players eligible for 2017 MLS Waiver Draft – MLS
On Tuesday, Major League Soccer announced the list of eligible players for the 2017 MLS Waiver Draft, which will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 12:30 pm PT. The Waiver Draft consists of players who are not eligible for Re-Entry or Free Agency and either a) are out of contract and have not been issued a genuine offer or b) have not had their 2018 options exercised.
Discretionary Targeted Allocation Money Could Create Multiple Opportunities for Orlando City – Mane Land
Buying into the new TAM could make or break Orlando City’s 2018 season.
Toronto FC to play CONCACAF Champions League home games at BMO Field – Waking the Red
Toronto FC will play their CONCACAF Champions League home games at BMO Field despite the potentially challenging winter weather, club president Bill Manning has confirmed.
Lifting trophies in Toronto – US Soccer Players
Toronto isn’t exactly title town in any sport. The Toronto Blue Jays won the World Series back-to-back in the early 90s, the high point for trophies their southern neighbors would care about. The NHL’s Maple Leafs are a marquee club that hasn’t skated with the Cup since 1967. The NBA’s Raptors aren’t going to threaten that league’s elite. A city’s Canadian Football League team winning the Grey Cup means Canadian-specific bragging rights. It will play well in Saskatoon, but who cares in Seattle?
A look inside LAFC’s new stadium – Prost Amerika
Following the Expansion Draft, LAFC gave the media a tour of Banc of California Stadium, which is set to open in time for the start of the 2018 season. While the stadium is far from a finished product, things are starting to come together for the 22,000-seat stadium. Here are some pictures (and some renderings) of the stadium.
Austin identifies sites for viable MLS stadium or practice facility – Statesman
Austin city staffers identified eight city-owned sites Tuesday that could house a Major League Soccer stadium or practice stadium, including three on parkland.
Mas brothers join Beckham bid in shake-up that sees top partner exit Miami MLS venture – Miami Herald
The investors behind David Beckham’s bid for a Miami soccer stadium have undergone a significant shake-up, with majority partner Todd Boehly out and Miami moguls Jorge and Jose Mas joining the venture, according to several sources close to the talks.
National Soccer Hall of Fame to Open Oct. 20, 2018 in Frisco with Induction Ceremony, Concert and Hall of Fame Game – USSF
The National Soccer Hall of Fame will open Oct. 20, 2018 U.S. Soccer and FC Dallas announced today during a media event at Toyota Stadium. The 2018 Hall of Fame weekend will kick off with the 2018 Enshrinement Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 20 when the newest members of the Hall of Fame will take their place among soccer’s elite. The 2018 Hall of Fame induction class will be announced in March 2018.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
BC Soccer Assoc. Hosts Successful 2017 FREE Soccer Conference – BCSA
BC Soccer Assoc. is pleased to have welcomed this past Sunday over 225 people to its 2017 BC Soccer Conference. Leading into the conference, BC Soccer also hosted their first ever Technical Director Diploma as well as their annual Grassroots Referee Symposium. Hosting these events combined made for an informative and educational weekend of soccer here in BC.
BC Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2018 Induction Class (PDF file) – BC Sports Hall of Fame
The BC Sports Hall of Fame has announced its 52nd induction class in the Hall of Champions in BC Place.
Sports briefs: Villa wins away game – Powell River Peak
Powell River Villa soccer club picked up three points in Vancouver Island Soccer League Division 3A action with a 1-0 win at Victoria West Beavers on December 9. The team finished the first half of the season in third place with 10 wins, two losses and a tie.
VIU – Zoe Grace profile – NAV
Over the past four years, Zoe Grace has made an impact on VIU’s Women’s Soccer team. The senior from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is a very strong defensive player and loves working with her teammates to achieve success.
Coastal FC Achieve BC Soccer Club Charter Standard 1! – BCSA
BC Soccer is proud to announce that Coastal FC have achieved Standard 1 of the BC Soccer Club Charter Program.
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
Jessie Fleming, Kris Twardek named Canada’s under-20 soccer players of the year – CJFC
Jessie Fleming and Kris Twardek have been named Canadian under-20 soccer players of the year. It’s the third straight year winning the award for Fleming, a 19-year-old from London, Ont.
Fath was at last week’s CanPL meetings, but warns not to expect a quick resurrection of FC Edmonton – the11.ca
As Toronto was in the midst of MLS Cup frenzy, the city hosted the most recent meetings of potential Canadian Premier League investors.
Barwegen pads officiating resume – Lethbridge Herald
For Micheal Barwegen, it all started as a 12-year-old calling soccer games in Coaldale. Now, the soccer official is ready to take on the world. After calling games at the national level since 2012, Barwegen received word that he can now call the shots at the international level, having been named a FIFA referee last week.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Sacramento Republic FC Exercise Options on Danny Barrera, Luis Espino, Elliott Hord, Wilson Kneeshaw and Carlos Rodriguez – Republic FC
Sacramento Republic FC have exercised the contract options on defenders Elliott Hord and Carlos Rodriguez, midfielders Danny Barrera and Luis Espino and forward Wilson Kneeshaw for the 2018 USL season.
NYRB II Year in Review: Ethan Kutler – NYRB
After being selected No. 39 in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, defender Ethan Kutler earned himself a place in the New York Red Bulls II backline after a string of quality performances.
Fink Makes Return to Saint Louis – USL
Saint Louis FC announced on Wednesday the return of defender Sam Fink for his second spell at the club, with the former Wake Forest standout having spend the past season with OKC Energy FC. The signing is pending league and federation approval.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Women’s Super League: Brighton earn WSL 1 licence, Yeovil retain top-tier place – BBC Sport
Brighton will join the top tier of English women’s football in 2018-19 and become a full-time, professional club, after a successful licence application.
Utah Royals FC hires Scott Parkinson as Assistant Coach – RSL
Utah Royals FC Head Coach Laura Harvey announced Monday that Scott Parkinson has been hired as an assistant coach and will join the club’s NWSL coaching staff for the 2018 season. Parkinson recently completed his second season as Head Coach at Rogers State University in Oklahoma, where he earned Heartland Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2017.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Everton sends Gremio into the final – FIFA
Gremio needed extra time to see off Pachuca in an intense FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 semi-final, with a sensational strike from Everton clinching a 1-0 win and the Brazilian side’s spot in Saturday’s final.
Inter Milan scrapes into Italian Cup quarterfinals – Sportsnet
Inter Milan scraped into the Italian Cup quarterfinals after the Serie A leader was taken to penalties by third-division Pordenone on Tuesday.
Bundesliga wrap: Dortmund wins in Stoger’s managerial debut – NBC Sports
For the first time since late September, Borussia Dortmund has won a league match, while Leipzig’s slip up opens the door for Bayern Munich to extend its lead in Germany’s top flight.
Falcao seals win for Monaco over Caen in French League Cup – Sportsnet
Radamel Falcao lobbed the goalkeeper to seal a 2-0 win for Monaco over Caen in the fourth round of the French League Cup on Tuesday.
West Ham: Why has London Stadium move been so problematic? – BBC Sport
West Ham are almost a season and a half into their settling-in period and it is fair to say no-one is entirely happy.
Championship Matchday 21 Round-up: Wolves extend lead despite Sunderland draw – Vavel
The leaders were held by the relegation-threatened Black Cats, but other results saw their lead at the top increase.
Longest unbeaten runs in European league football – UEFA
Celtic can make it 55 games unbeaten in the Scottish Premier League tonight, an achievement that would put Brendan Rodgers’ side up on our all-time unbeatables leaderboard.
Welsh soccer head faces action for ruling out English coach – Sportsnet
The head of Welsh soccer will face a disciplinary commission for saying the country’s next national team coach should “definitely” not be English.
AFC Wimbledon given permission to build new ground at Plough Lane – The Guardian
AFC Wimbledon have been given the green light to build a new stadium in their home London borough.
Proof of FIFA Ethics boss Rojas’ links to Bedoya casts more dark shadows on governing body – Inside World Football
The integrity of FIFA Ethics head of its investigation unit, Colombian María Claudia Rojas, has fallen again into the spotlight with proof emerging that despite previous denials, she did have a close relationship with former president of the Colombian Football Federation, Luis Bedoya, who has pleaded guilty in the US FIFAgate case and is currently awaiting sentencing. He has also been banned for life from football by FIFA.
Soccer legend Diego Maradona’s statue gets roasted online – City News
Another football icon’s statue is being lambasted online. This week in Kolkata, India, a bust of Argentina’s Diego Maradona was unveiled, honouring his work in the 1986 World Cup victory over England.
2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKS