WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Whitecaps FC down Dynamo 2-0 for third straight preseason win in Tucson – Whitecaps FC
After picking up an assist in his preseason debut on Saturday, Whitecaps FC Residency graduate Marco Bustos scored the eventual winner in the 98th minute and the ‘Caps added insurance just before the final whistle after a Fraser Aird cross led to a Dynamo own goal.
Vancouver Whitecaps Top Houston Dynamo in Pre-Season 2-0 – Eighty-Six Forever
The Vancouver Whitecaps used a pair of second half goals to power past the Houston Dynamo 2-0 on Tuesday night, wrapping up their Tucson, Arizona training camp with a perfect 3-0 record.
Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson not afraid to make club’s difficult choices – Globe & Mail
Carl Robinson showed early in his head coaching career that he won’t shy away from tough decisions. The Welshman had been on the job with the Vancouver Whitecaps just five months when he made the call to part ways with striker Kenny Miller, a highly-paid but aging player who didn’t fit into his vision for the club.
Caps give youth a chance in 15-year-old Alphonso Davies – The Province
Talk about giving youth a chance. Alphonso Davies can’t even get his learner’s licence in B.C., but here he is, up with the big boys, getting his first taste of Major League Soccer. Sure, it’s just the pre-season. But he’s only 15 and he’s not looked overwhelmed by it, except for the expected nervous first few moments.
Impact’s Crepeau aims to move up depth chart – Sportsnet
If there’s one item missing from Maxime Crepeau’s resume that he desperately wants to add, it’s a first career start with the Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer.
New York Red Bulls announce signing of Ghanaian central defender Gideon Baah – MLS
The club on Tuesday completed the transfer of Ghanaian central defender Gideon Baah from Finnish side Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi (HJK Helsinki), pending completion of his ITC and P1 Visa. Baah, 24, has experience in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League and made his international debut for Ghana last October.
Sounders face tough battle in Champions League quarterfinal – Seattle Times
The Sounders will tango with Club America exactly two weeks from Tuesday at CenturyLink Field, their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal date creeping ever closer.
Philadelphia Union acquire goalkeeper Matt Jones on loan from Portuguese first division club Belenenses – MLS
The Philadelphia Union picked up a third goalkeeper on Tuesday, when the club announced that they have acquired 29-year-old Matt Jones on a season-long loan from Portuguese first division club Belenenses.
Why The Colorado Rapids Are Poised For A Comeback Season – MLS Multiplex
We all know how poorly the Colorado Rapids represented the Western Conference this past season, but we also know how great they once were. With the departure of some recent ‘dead’ weight and the adoption of a younger and more skillful look, the Rapids are favored to bounce back from their disappointing 2015 season.
Atlanta United Owner Arthur Blank Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer – Atlanta Journal-Constitution
He’s facing one of the biggest, off-field battles of his life. But Atlanta Falcons & United owner Arthur Blank said Tuesday he plans to beat prostate cancer, and his prognosis is good.
David Beckham shopping partnership stake in MLS team – Miami Herald
David Beckham plans to be the face and chairman of the proposed Miami Major League Soccer team, but he might not wind up being the majority owner. Beckham has spent the past six months spanning the globe in search of deep-pocketed equity partners to help shoulder the estimated $300 million it will cost to construct a new stadium, establish a front office and acquire high-quality players.
How France is helping mold MLS academies, coaches – SI.com
As Major League Soccer enters its third decade of existence, league officials continually push youth development as the next big challenge to conquer. Every franchise runs its own fully funded academy at no cost to the players, but to continue raising standards within those academies, MLS entered into a partnership with the French Football Federation in 2013.
Will Ferrell talks LAFC on “Men in Blazers” show –The Goat Parade
LAFC co-owner Will Ferrell showed up on the “Men in Blazers” TV show on Monday, wearing an Los Angeles Football Club scarf while co-host Michael Davies wore an LAFC baseball cap.
CenturyLink Field’s new turf is now installed – Sounder at Heart
With about two weeks left until the Seattle Sounders play their first competitive match of the year, it appears as though CenturyLink Field’s new FieldTurf has been installed. There are likely still finishing touches to be made, but this photo appears to show a glistening new turf that’s just about ready to use.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
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.
BC Soccer Assoc. Launches Club Charter Program – BCSA
BC Soccer’s Assoc. free Club Charter Program is designed to assist and support members and their affiliated soccer clubs with the objective of providing players, parents, referees and coaches assurance that a charter club is operating and meeting set standards, while also creating a supportive environment for clubs across BC to improve its operation both on and off the field.
Soccer star headed to Princeton – Delta Optimist
The Grade 12 South Delta Secondary School student announced last week she will be continuing her career and studies at world-renowned Princeton University. Amazingly, Sheppard will be the second SDSS grad to play for the New Jersey school in three years, joining 2014 recruit Alessia Azermadhi.
BC Soccer Assoc. to host Learning Facilitator Training for more than 100 Coaches – BCSA
BC Soccer’s Coach Assoc. certification rule comes into effect in June of 2016. To help all of its members and their affiliate clubs meet the mandate, BC Soccer Assoc. is hosting more than 100 technical directors and leaders this Sunday and Monday for Learning Facilitator Training. BC Soccer Assoc. will also be working with the Coaches Association of Canada (CAC) during the course as CAC will be delivering the Core Training portion on Sunday.
LMG ties best mark ever with draw against Fusion – Cowichan Valley Citizen
Paddy Nelson’s goal on the last play of Cowichan LMG’s final game of the Vancouver Island Soccer League season gave the team a 1-1 tie with Saanich Fusion last Friday, and 45 points on the season, matching the previous best mark set in 2012/13.
Cermaq City wave FC earn promotion to Div 1 – Campbell River Mirror
Cermaq City Wave FC will play in the VISL (Vancouver Island Soccer League) Division 1 next season after securing a crucial win over Lakehill on Saturday afternoon.
Whitecaps FC Academy Centre teams keeping busy with indoor tournaments – Whitecaps FC
It’s been a busy past couple of weekends for Whitecaps FC Academy Centre teams in British Columbia, with participation in two recent indoor soccer tournaments.
River Rats impressive in win over JdF – Sooke News Mirror
The Sooke River Rats were impressive in a 4-1 come from behind victory against the Juan de Fuca Cung in minor soccer action on Feb. 6.
Introducing BC Soccer Web Syndication – BC Soccer Web
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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 vs. MEXICO, March 25, 2016 @ BC PLACE STADIUM. Buy Tickets Today!
CONCACAF WOMEN’S OLYMPIC QUALIFYING
CANADA vs. GUYANA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 5:30 PM
BBVA COMPASS STADIUM, HOUSTON, TX.
LIVESTREAM: CBCSPORTS.CA
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship: Canada vs. Guyana – CBC
Click on the video player above to watch live Thursday at 5:30 p.m. PT as Canada plays its opening match against Guyana at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Canadian women kick off Olympic soccer qualifying looking to recapture London magic – CTV
Christine Sinclair and Desiree Scott can record personal milestones at the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship in Texas. But Sinclair’s 159th goal and Scott’s 100th cap will hopefully just be signposts on Canada’s road to the Rio Olympics.
Youthful core ready to lead Canadian women’s soccer team – Toronto Star
When it comes to age, John Herdman’s viewpoint is consistent. “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough,” the Canadian women’s national team head coach has said time and time again since his appointment in 2011.
Diminishing returns: Canadian numbers in NWSL continue to drop – the11.ca
On Monday, Canada announced the NWSL allocations for this year. And it’s down to 11. Despite the fact that NWSL has 10 teams — two more than it did in 2013 and therefore more roster openings — our number of allocations is at an all-time low. These 11 include youngsters Janine Beckie, Sabrina D’Angelo, Shelina Zadorsky and Josee Belanger; as well, Scott has made the decision to return to NWSL.
UNCAF declare for Montagliani but election turns ugly as dirty tricks mount – Inside World Football
The central American federations that form the UNCAF regional body that is part of CONCACAF, have moved swiftly to show their support for Canadian Victor Montagliani in his bid for the confederation’s presidency. But their declaration has been met with accusations that CONCACAF’s old guard are skewing the election to their man.
Canada Soccer continues investment in technical leadership with announcement of dates for B License Coaching Courses – CSA
As part of this mandate, Canada Soccer is pleased to offer the opportunity for eligible candidates to enroll in the 2016 B License Coaching Program with the announcement of four sets of course dates in four locations from coast to coast for the national courses.
Capers to host 2016 championship – Cape Breton Post
The Cape Breton Capers women’s soccer team will play host to the 2016 Atlantic University Sport championship tournament.
BC Youth Soccer Player Development
(Editor’s Note: Welcome to our new section on BC Youth Soccer Player Development; a new resource designed to help youth coaches and players. Throughout the week, we’ll feature news, drills and videos from the most noted professionals in the field of player development. If you have any articles or resources you enjoy, send them our way, and we’ll share them with the BC Soccer community.)
BC Soccer Club Charter Program – BCSA
BC Soccer’s free Club Charter Program is designed to assist and support members and their affiliated soccer clubs with the objective of providing players, parents, referees and coaches assurance that a charter club is operating and meeting set standards, while also creating a supportive environment for clubs across BC to improve its operation both on and off the field.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
WFC2 face UBC Thunderbirds in FREE Exhibiton on February 13 – BC Soccer Web
UBC Thunderbirds host WFC2 in preseason action on Saturday at Thunderbird Stadium. Kickoff is 5:00 PM. Admission is free.
NASL loses two teams … but gains Paolo Maldini and Carmelo Anthony – The Guardian
American soccer’s second-tier league is hoping to grow with the help of figures with valuable experience in the world of sport.
USL Roundup: Steel FC Preseason, Louisville Retools and Republic Get Younger – Empire of Soccer
The major news seems to be focused on signings and games that will give coaches a chance to solidify a philosophy of play for the year. The upcoming season will be the longest in USL history and teams must be prepared for a grueling year that will test the younger rosters mentally and the older players physically.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Four CONCACAF stories to watch on the road to Rio – Toronto Star
As the CONCACAF side of women’s soccer embarks on its road to Rio, here are some of the storylines to watch for over the next 11 days.
PREVIEW: CONCACAF OLYMPIC QUALIFYING – MATCH DAY 1 – NWSL
Mexico and Puerto Rico meet on Wednesday before the United States and Costa Rica square off later as Group A kicks off at the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championships.
NWSL can help stop so many young players from retiring – World Soccer Talk
It happens every season: the exodus of mid-level players from NWSL, citing a need to spend time with their families or get on with their post-soccer careers. You know, because they strung together a life while they played soccer but it’s not going to pay the bills forever, so it’s time for a real world job that pays a livable wage.
W-League Champions to meet Manchester City in friendly – Westfield W-League
Melbourne City FC will embark on a week-long post-season tour in Abu Dhabi this month, where they will play Manchester City Women’s Football Club in a friendly match.
Solo voices big concerns over Zika virus scare – The Equalizer
The United States women need to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics in the coming two week-plus in order to fully start discussing them. Qualifying should be a formality.
U.S. Women’s Soccer Team To Be Briefed On Zika Virus – CBS
The U.S. women’s national soccer team was scheduled to be briefed Tuesday night on the developing Zika virus crisis in Latin America, a day before the start of the CONCACAF Olympic qualification tournament in Texas.
U.S. Soccer wins procedural round in women’s suit – Soccer America
Lawyers for U.S. Soccer and the United States Women’s National Soccer Team Players Association met in Federal court for the first on Tuesday in a procedural hearing, and the court granted U.S. Soccer’s request for an expedited schedule on its motion for summary judgment and gave the Players Association 21 days to respond to the federation’s complaint.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Napoli stay top of Serie A as racism and homophobia rear their ugly heads – Prost Amerika
It has been a busy two week stretch in Serie A, with a midweek match date and some Coppa Italia semi-finals sprinkled in; yet absolutely nothing has changed at the top of the championship points table.
Tottenham’s title challenge is a fairytale too – but don’t shout about it – The Guardian
Tottenham winning the Premier League would be almost as remarkable as a triumph for Leicester City, and the fans dare not mention the t-word as the side go about their business efficiently under the radar.
West Ham strike late to knock misfiring Liverpool out of the FA Cup – ESPN FC
Three points from West Ham’s dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth-round replay at Upton Park.
Hoffenheim’s Huub Stevens steps down due to heart condition – The Guardian
The Hoffenheim coach, Huub Stevens, has left the club, citing heart problems with the team struggling in the Bundesliga. The 62-year-old Dutchman said he had quit after being diagnosed with heart arrhythmia that may require surgery.
Adam Johnson pleads guilty to sexual activity with 15-year-old girl – Goal
Sunderland winger Adam Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and one count of grooming at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday.
Clubs discuss Champions League change with Super League spectre lurking – Inside World Football
Europe’s top clubs are playing down renewed talk of a breakaway super league but are discussing how the Champions League might be tweaked in the future.
Western Sydney plead with FFA to show leniency in sanctions over flares – The Guardian
Western Sydney have implored FFA not to punish the A-League club’s innocent parties, arguing a large fine or points deduction would do nothing to stop belligerent rogue fans staining their reputation.
With backs to the wall, A-League must not flinch – Sydney Morning Herald
It is the English mistake from which Australia can learn, the English lesson Australia should heed. The rump that is causing trouble in the A-League now, especially at Western Sydney Wanderers games, are like the original hooligans in that they are out not for love of the game, but their own tawdry amusement. No one who stands with his bare back to a match, and whose pyrotechnics bring it to a suffocated halt, can claim to be on the game’s side.
Premier League ticket prices: supporters from all 20 clubs give their verdicts – The Guardian
There is a lot of anger at many clubs over expensive tickets, but Leicester, Stoke and Swansea are among the clubs who are praised in our comprehensive survey, which suggests that the maximum price of a ticket should be around £30.
Ticket price rises ‘will mean more tourist fans taking selfies’ – BBC Sport
Stadiums will be filled with “tourists” waving “half and half scarves and taking selfies” if ticket prices rise further, warned Football Supporters’ Federation chairman Malcolm Clarke.
A history of football fan protests: do they really work? – The Telegraph
With Premier League supporters discussing whether to vote with their feet in anger at escalating ticket prices, we look at some of football’s other protests.
Paris metro commuter who was racially abused by Chelsea fan accepts invite to Champions League tie – The Telegraph
Souleymane Sylla plans to go to this season’s last-16 first leg between Chelsea and PSG in Paris on Feb 16, one day short of anniversary of incident.
South Africa: A Young Referee With a Big Heart – All Africa
Fezile Hlophe, a 16-year-old referee in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge, has an amazing story to tell – he explains, among other topics, how he balances school with his officiating duties in a wide-ranging interview.
Boca Juniors’ Carlos Tevez unveils table football Bombonera – ESPN FC
Tevez has splashed out on a table football set (or “foosball” if you’d prefer) that also happens to be a scaled-down replica of Boca’s famous La Bombonera stadium.