WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
LIVE STREAM: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC at 4 p.m. PT – Whitecaps FC
Watch Vancouver Whitecaps FC take on Seattle Sounders FC on Wednesday at 4 p.m. PT in their first preseason scrimmage of 2016.
PODCAST – Episode 145 – The AFTN Podcast – “There’s Still Time” (Young Canadians with guests Fraser Aird, Ben McKendry and Marco Carducci) – AFTN
We have an extended chat with new signing Fraser Aird who’s looking to establish himself as a first team regular after his loan move from Rangers. Is he keen to hang around long term, what was behind his decision to come here and what might it mean for his Canadian national team hopes? We also have exclusive interviews with two Whitecaps Residency alumni, who are hoping to see first team minutes this season, midfielder Ben McKendry and goalkeeper Marco Carducci.
Whitecaps loanee Aird not thinking long-term – Sportsnet
Fraser Aird’s first experience with Major League Soccer came when he was 12. He was in the stands with his father and brother at BMO Field, cheering on Toronto FC. The trio held season tickets—tickets the family still holds today.
Vancouver Whitecaps: Giving love a bad name? – Soccer Shorts
Rumours are flying around the thing that rumours fly around that Blas Perez is to join the Vancouver Whitecaps from FC Dallas for the 2016 season . So let’s imagine a world where the Perez signing has been confirmed. What would I write in such a world? (Using this clever trick I can now just delete this first paragraph when/if the move is confirmed. Work smart not hard!).
Emotional Ramblings: Guilty As Charged – AFTN
While in many leagues, it’s a bit of a faux pas to bring in your fiercest rival’s notable players, Carl Robinson has shown that he won’t let fans’ perspective influence him from acquiring a player he covets.
Whitecaps’ Morales hopes to return to 2014 form – Sportsnet
While his club was enjoying success on the pitch, Vancouver’s captain was mostly miserable off it because of successive calf and hamstring ailments he couldn’t shake.
More teams, new stars highlight MLS Desert Friendlies – Tuscon Star
Major League Soccer preseason training has returned to Tucson for the sixth year, featuring a slew of 2015 champions and American soccer stars.
Atlanta United FC sign midfielder Junior Burgos, loan him to Tampa Bay Rowdies for 2016 season – MLS
Atlanta United announced the second signing in club history on Tuesday, though the player may not be on the team when they join MLS in 2017. Atlanta signed 27-year-old midfielder Junior Burgos and sent him on loan to NASL club Tampa Bay Rowdies for the 2016 season. The contract is a one-year deal, with Atlanta holding a club option to bring back Burgos for their inaugural MLS campaign in 2017.
Brek Shea Still On The Mend – The Mane Land
Six months out of from sports hernia surgery, Brek Shea hopes to be 100 percent at the start of the season.
Fire sign Dutch defender Johan Kappelhof from FC Groningen – Chicago Tribune
The MLS team announced it acquired 25-year-old Dutch defender Johan Kappelhof from FC Groningen, a club currently placed ninth in the Eredivisie, Netherlands’ top division.
Three Canadians Score in Toronto FC’s Preseason Win Over Cal State Fullerton – Waking the Red
The club are looking sharp to open 2016 after finishing up a pair of friendlies against college opposition.
Paul Arriola scores only goal as Club Tijuana defeat Real Salt Lake in preseason action – MLS
Real Salt Lake made a quick trip south of the border from their preseason camp in San Diego for their second match of 2016 but were unable to find the back of the net in a 1-0 loss Tuesday to Club Tijuana at Estadio Caliente.
Why is Real Salt Lake bringing back Chris Wingert? – RSL Soapbox
With the announcement today that Real Salt Lake is bringing back veteran defender Chris Wingert, I have to admit — my head is still spinning a little bit from the move. That’s not because it’s a bad move or anything, but it’s one that feels like it’s loaded with implications about the state of the club’s efforts to bring in a top-level center back.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Victoria Highlanders to play at Centennial Stadium – Times Colonist
The return of the Highland Fling, soccer version, will take place at Centennial Stadium. The Victoria Highlanders will play their USL Premier Development League games at the University of Victoria facility, beginning with the home opener against Calgary Foothills on May 15. The 2016 PDL schedule was released Tuesday, with Victoria opening its 14-game season in the Western Conference Northwest Division on May 7 at Kitsap, Washington, against the Pumas.
Vikes go to U.S. for soccer tuneups – Times Colonist
The University of Victoria Vikes soccer teams have flown south in search of competition and 10 days of solid training in Florida. Both Bruce Wilson’s men’s team and Tracy David’s women’s side left Tuesday on their annual pilgrimage and return Feb. 12. The two squads will play three exhibition games against NCAA teams Florida Gulf Coast, Florida International and Florida Atlantic.
Nelson scores five as LMG downs Lakehill 8-0 – Cowichan Valley Citizen
Having locked up first place in the Vancouver Island Soccer League’s top division a week before, Cowichan LMG opted to take it easy against Lakehill last Friday.
T-Bird Tell-All: Chris Serban – UBC
Up today: Chris Serban (Calgary), right back for both UBC men’s soccer team and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC organization.
City puts sports arena project on hold, moving ahead with new ice – Surrey Now
The city has pressed pause in its endeavour to have a spectator sports arena built in Bridgeview. Coun. Bruce Hayne told the Now the city went out to the private sector for expressions of interest, and received “comprehensive and serious” proposals, but none were what they were looking for.
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 vs. MEXICO, March 25, 2016 @ BC PLACE STADIUM. Buy Tickets Today!
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canadian pro soccer league to call Hamilton home – Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton will have a team, probably the flagship team, in the new Canadian Premier Soccer League which is expected to begin play as early as next year. The league would likely be headquartered, or at least operated, out of Hamilton. If not next season, the team would begin play in 2018.
RCMP opens investigation into Canadian Soccer League – TSN
The RCMP has opened an investigation into allegations of widespread match fixing in the Canadian Soccer League, a semi-pro league that has come under international scrutiny in recent months, TSN has learned. (Editor’s Note: The CSL is in no way affiliated with the proposed Canadian Premier Soccer League or the CSA and is not sanctioned by FIFA.)
Ohio State soccer’s Nichelle Prince ‘very proud’ to represent Canada in Olympic qualifiers – The Lantern
Equipped with a profound respect for the game and a will to do her nation proud, Nichelle Prince will take on the task of representing her country in Olympic qualifying.
Tottenham teen signs NCAA contract – Alliston Herald
Monday, the Grade 12 Banting Memorial High School student inked her name on an NCAA contract with Alabama State University for a four-year soccer scholarship. In more recent years she’s played in the Ontario Soccer League and is currently a member with the Scarborough GS United in Toronto, where she has played with Alliston’s Deanne Rose.
Quebec group says Tim Hortons’ ball hockey sponsorship violates law against advertising to kids – National Post
In a complaint filed Friday with Quebec’s consumer protection agency, the Coalition Poids accuses Tim Hortons of violating a Quebec law that prohibits advertising aimed at children. Noting that the company also sponsors Timbits hockey, soccer and skiing in Quebec, Voyer said the Fête des Neiges complaint is the tip of the iceberg.
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.)
Active Start Practices – For Coaches of U6 – U4 Year Olds (PDF File) – OSA
Here’s a fun “Active Kicks” Practice plan for U6 Players.
BC Soccer Leagues & Clubs – Share your News With The BC Soccer Community!
WFC2, USL & NASL NEWS
Ottawa Fury in good hands with Bruce Grobbelaar and Paul Dalglish – The Telegraph
Former Liverpool goalkeeper says the NASL club can win the Soccer Bowl with their new coach, the son of his legendary former team-mate at Anfield.
Fury Bolster 2016 Squad with Pair of Canadians – Ottawa Fury
With training camp set to open in less than two weeks, Ottawa Fury FC head coach Paul Dalglish continues to bolster his squad with the addition of a pair of Canadians in midfielder Mozzi Gyorio and goalkeeper Andrew MacRae.
As a member of the Ottawa Fury, Mozzi Gyorio will return to the league that he’s suing – the11.ca
On Tuesday, the Ottawa Fury announced that the Prince Edward Island-raised Gyorio had been signed for the 2016 season. But, on Feb. 10, Gyorio and his legal team is set to appear at New York Supreme Court for the next chapter in their suit against Minnesota United and the NASL.
Toronto FC II adds Pozniak as assistant coach – Sportsnet
Pozniak played for Toronto FC, Chivas USA and the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS. He also spent time with Orebro Sportklubb (Sweden), Dundee (Scotland), and FK Haugesund and Bryne FK (Norway) before retiring in 2012.
Independence Add MLS Veteran Estrada – USL
The Charlotte Independence bolstered their attacking line on Wednesday with the signing of MLS veteran and former Sacramento Republic FC and Orange County Blues FC forward David Estrada.
USL Notebook: San Antonio Makes First Signing, Republic Ambitious, Names for Reno – Empire of Soccer
As we approach the start of the USL season, teams are making their way to preseason games while new teams are putting together the building blocks. San Antonio took a big step forward by announcing their first player signing while Reno has put out feelers to fans for their team name.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
PRIDE WELCOMES FIRST SUPPORTERS CLUB, THE CROWN – NWSL
The Orlando Pride National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team is proud to announce its first Recognized Supporter Club, The Crown, leading up to its inaugural 2016 campaign.
BREAKERS RE-SIGN FORWARD KYAH SIMON – NWSL
The Boston Breakers announced today that Australian forward Kyah Simon has re-signed for the 2016 season. Per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The Lowdown: Biggest questions for NWSL teams – The Equalizer
You can count Punxsutawney Phil among those getting ready for the NWSL season. The groundhog emerged to no shadow on Tuesday morning, signaling a proverbial early spring. That won’t get the new season here any sooner—the schedule still has not been released—but NWSL may as well latch on to the symbolism as the league continues to quickly escape the shadows of its two predecessors.
Matildas captain Lisa de Vanna’s club future up in air after W-League title win – The Guardian
Matildas captain Lisa De Vanna is without a club in the wake of Melbourne City’s W-League triumph, with no plans to sign up anywhere soon. De Vanna, 31, has not committed to City for the club’s title defence.
Reds swoop for Lionesses left-back Alex Greenwood – The FA
Liverpool Ladies have continued their recruitment drive by signing England defender Alex Greenwood from Notts County.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Tough customers Leicester City stay on course for shock of the new millennium – The Guardian
Leicester do not need to prove themselves any more – they already have, and a slimline fixture list could help Claudio Ranieri’s side land the biggest prize.
Leicester City: Reasons why they should win the Premier League – BBC Sport
Whatever happens, they have become plenty of people’s second team and the best storyline for many a season. So why do a lot of football fans want Leicester to be Premier League champions?
Why are English footballers so reluctant to move to other European leagues? – The Guardian
The English footballers who move to the continent tend to be prima donnas and bad boys. Why don’t more players test themselves in mainland Europe?
David Owen: Infantino’s general secretary and the Confederations’ unhealthy grip on FIFA – Inside World Football
Even the slickest, best choreographed media events – and I have attended few slicker than this week’s descent on Wembley by FIFA Presidential candidate Gianni Infantino and his footballing legends – have revealing moments.
Atletico’s Jackson Martinez joins Guangzhou for record £31m – BBC Sport
Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande have broken the Asian transfer record by signing Atletico Madrid’s Jackson Martinez for £31m.
Steve McClaren admits Newcastle United have no excuses if they are relegated – The Telegraph
After a January splurge, Newcastle have splashed out more than £80m on new players since McClaren became head coach.
A message from Germany to Qatar: We like your money but we don’t like you – Inside World Football
A German court has ruled former president of the German soccer federation Theo Zwanziger was exercising his right to free speech in referring to Qatar as a “cancerous growth of world football” just as Germany’s most successful club, Bayern Munich, signed a partnership with Qatar’s Hamad International Airport.
Walter Tull: why the black footballing pioneer was denied a Military Cross – The Guardian
Biographer Phil Vasili has uncovered new evidence that could suggest a reason for the army’s reluctance to recognise the former Tottenham and Northampton player who became a war hero against the odds.