VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
Whitecaps FC open preseason with 4-0 win over J1 League side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC opened their 2018 preseason campaign with a 4-0 win over J1 League side Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo on Tuesday at the University of Hawaii.
Episode 242 – The AFTN Soccer Show (Sliding Into Our DMs with guests Efrain Juarez and David Norman Jr) – AFTN
Vancouver Whitecaps may be soaking up the sun in Waikiki for 11 days and three preseason matches, but we don’t want to miss out, so we’re going to have a bit of a Hawaiian theme throughout this week’s show.
Injury forced Whitecaps’ David Edgar to sit, learn more about soccer – The Province
A year ago, David Edgar found himself in a spot he’d never been: absent from a training pitch to start the soccer season. Just a few months earlier, while on vacation in Arizona, he’d been involved in a motor vehicle accident. He tore the meniscus and the posterior and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee.
David Norman Jr., the newest local Whitecaps kid, lets his play do the talking – Vancouver Sun
In David Norman Jr., the Whitecaps have a young player who is what Canadian soccer needs more of. His dad — David Norman Sr. — played for the Whitecaps in their NASL days.
Back In Time: Vancouver Whitecaps and the days of Team Hawaii – AFTN
The Whitecaps will follow up with two further matches in Hawaii this week at Aloha Stadium, taking on Iwaki FC on Thursday evening in the Pacific Rim Cup, and then, assuming they hammer the team from Japan’s sixth tier, the winner of the match between Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and Columbus Crew on Saturday.
MLS Preseason Rewind: Revs struggle with Cincy and more – SBI
Three MLS teams saw preseason action in various warm locations throughout the country on Tuesday. They faced a variety of opponents both foreign and domestic under the bright sunshine of Florida and Hawaii.
World Cup veteran Gregory van der Wiel excited to join winning culture at Toronto FC – Toronto FC
Timing can be everything. Such was the case for Toronto FC in the acquisition of Gregory van der Wiel, whose signing was announced on Feb. 1.
Toronto FC kicks pre-season training into high gear – Toronto Star
TFC coach Greg Vanney has team working on tactical improvements as it prepares for CONCACAF Champions League match with Colorado on Feb. 20.
Toronto FC: How important is the Champions League to TFC? – Tip of the Tower
Toronto FC have another early shot at silverware in 2018, but how important is the CONCACAF Champions League to the Reds?
Real Salt Lake sign Croatian midfielder Damir Kreilach from Union Berlin – MLS
Real Salt Lake added a potentially key piece to their engine room on Wednesday, announcing the signing of Croatian central midfielder Damir Kreilach via the use of Targeted Allocation Money.
Antoine Guldner is the new Head of performance culture at the Academy – Montreal Impact
In 2018, Antoine Guldner is back with the Montreal Impact Academy as the head of performance culture.
Two local officials tasked with developing Queens lot back plan for New York soccer stadium – SBI
Building a soccer stadium in New York has proven to be a difficult task, but it appears the pursuit could be getting some assistance from a pair of local officials charged with developing a massive plot of land.
Tinkering no more: Kreis, Lions happy with “bold moves” to overhaul Orlando – MLS
While Jason Kreis may be entering his second full season in charge of Orlando City SC, this may be the first where he fields a squad built more or less entirely in his image.
Orlando City’s Allocation Money Spending Spree Not as Risky as it Seems – The Mane Land
The Lions have spent the majority of their allocation money, but they have a lot to show for it.
Orlando City CEO rips “troublemaker” Larin for Besiktas exit – NBC Sports
Orlando City CEO Alex Leitao took the microphone for one last set of comments about the club’s former star striker Cyle Larin. Saying this was indeed the last time he’d talk about the Canadian striker engineering a transfer to Besiktas by refusing to acknowledge validity in his contract with the MLS club, Leitao tore into Larin.
Sporting Kansas City unveil state-of-the-art Pinnacle training facility – MLS
Pinnacle – a brand new facility located a mile from Children’s Mercy Park and Wyandotte Sporting Fields in Kansas City, Kansas – officially opened Tuesday when Sporting Kansas City trained at the $75-million venue for the first time.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Highlanders FC Announce Head Coach, Thomas Niendorf – Victoria Highlanders
Victoria Highlanders FC are pleased to announce the selection of Thomas Niendorf as head coach of the men’s Premier Development League (PDL) team for the upcoming 2018 season. Niendorf becomes the fifth head coach in club history.
Victoria Highlanders hand reins to veteran coach Thomas Niendorf – Time Colonist
When it comes to having connections in other countries in the beautiful game, you can’t go too far wrong with defending World Cup-champion Germany.
Pronghorn soccer adds two more for 2018 – Lethbridge Pronghorns
Continuing to retool the roster, the Lethbridge Pronghorn men’s soccer team has signed two more players for the 2018 season and excited to announce the commitments of Parvir Khakh and Matt Monaghan. Khakh, a teammate of previously announced new recruit Mahek Gill, joins the Pronghorns from the BC Soccer Premier League’s Fraser Valley Premier team based in Abbotsford, BC. The 6-foot fullback is viewed as being a technically sound player with the ability to attack, overlap and provide play in the attacking third of the field
Fusion FC Achieve Standard 1 of the BC Soccer Club Charter Program – BCSA
BC Soccer is pleased to announce Fusion FC have achieved standard 1 of the BC Soccer Club Charter Program. Achieving Standard 1 of the BC Soccer Club Charter Program required Fusion FC to meet criteria outlined within the program. The criteria is based on three top-line categories: Technical; Governance; and Administrative.
Soccer teams peaking for post-season – Comox Valley Record
Marine Harvest Riptide soccer teams are entering the final stages of play in the Vancouver Island Premiere League, and hope to continue to gain momentum for the post-season, which starts at the end of February.
Soccer Players from BC well Represented – BCSA
With the introduction of the BC Soccer Premier League six years ago, as well as more comprehensive youth programming introduced and operated by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC as they transitioned into MLS, BC Soccer has worked with its Membership and Stakeholders to set in place a clearer and recognized player development pathway.
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.
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
Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Youth Program to participate in International Tournament – CSA
Canada Soccer have confirmed their participation in the upcoming Festival International Espoirs Provence, a 12-nation tournament featuring top men’s national youth programs from around the world. Canada are the seventh nation confirmed for the 2018 edition which runs 26 May to 9 June in Provence, France.
The Canadian Championship: The beautiful game comes in all sizes – Waking the Red
What the quaintness of the FA Cup can tell us about the future of the Canadian Championship.
Four League1 Alumni Sign High-Profile Pro Contracts – League1 Ontario
It was a big week for League1 Ontario alumni, especially the 2014 vintage, as four players signed contracts with high-profile professional clubs in the U.S. and Europe.
Preparing for the season months in advance – The Concordian
After playing in the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) fall season, the Concordia Stingers soccer teams returned to the pitch for the winter season. The teams use the winter season for training, and even though they play seven games against teams in their league, results aren’t a priority for head coaches Jorge Sanchez and Greg Sutton. The Concordian talked to each coach about how they use the winter season to prepare their team for the fall.
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USL, NASL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
NCFC Adds Canadian international Bekker – USL
North Carolina FC announced on Tuesday it had made the addition of Canadian international and former San Francisco Deltas midfielder Kyle Bekker, pending league and federation approval.
ATL UTD 2 sign four more players ahead of Monday’s training camp opening – Dirty South Soccer
With six days to go until their first training, Atlanta United 2’s roster is starting to take further shape. Late last month, the team added a quartet of players, most notably USL vets A.J. Cochran and Jack Metcalf.
NASL launches new suit against U.S. Soccer board – NBC Sports
The North American Soccer League continues to decry corruption from the United States Soccer Federation, putting more pressure on the federation’s establishment ahead of a massive presidential election next week.
FC Tuscon and South Georgia Tormenta are first franchises for USL’s new Division III – Inside World Football
The fledgling third tier professional division of US football – USL Division III has named FC Tucson as the second fanchise, following the announcement last week of South Georgia Tormenta FC as the first founder member of the league scheduled to kick off in 2019.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Australia launch bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup – Inside World Football
Despite Australia’s bitterness at not winning the rights to host the 2022 World Cup still seemingly burnt deep into the psyche of the nation, its government and federation have not been put off bidding for FIFA events.
Houston Dash trade Poliana to Orlando Pride – Vavel
In yet another offseason trade, the Orlando Pride have given up their second-round pick for an additional player. The Pride have not selected a player in the first two rounds of a draft since the 2016 NWSL College Draft.
Banyana star Motlhalo speaks on dream US move to Houston Dash – SN
Banyan Banyana playmaker Linda Motlhalo has revealed how her signing for US side Houston Dash is a dream come true.
Oxford United Women to bid for WSL 2 licence for 2018-19 season – BBC Sport
Oxford United Women FC will apply for a Women’s Super League Two licence for the 2018-19 season.
Amy Rodriguez commits to the Utah Royals – Vavel
Forward Amy Rodriguez has committed to playing with the Utah Royals for the upcoming 2018 season after missing the previous two due to pregnancy and injury, respectively.
Sydney FC star reflects on the club’s 10 years in the Westfield W-League – W-League
Sydney FC head into another Westfield W-League Finals Series this weekend when they take on Newcastle Jets at Leichhardt Oval for a spot in the grand final.
Force 10 Sports Management adds Seattle Reign FC to Portfolio – WNBA
The management group of the Seattle Storm will now operate ticket sales and service for NWSL’s Seattle Reign FC.
Hope Solo interview: ‘I was told to shut my mouth and play soccer’ – The Guardian
The record-breaking goalkeeper hopes to become US Soccer’s new president in this weekend’s election. She says football in the States needs an urgent change.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
PSG coach Emery happy to avoid injuries ahead of Champions League tie with Real Madrid – SN
Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery was happy to avoid injuries ahead of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League as his side cruised through to the Coupe de France quarter-finals with a 4-1 win at Sochaux.
OL look for Cup tonic in Montpellier – Ligue 1
Coming off consecutive losses for the first time this season, Olympique Lyonnais are looking to bounce but face a stiff test in their bid for a quarters berth in the form of tough-defending Montpellier.
Marseille record biggest win in 70 years with Coupe de France demolition job – SN
Marseille recorded their biggest victory in 70 years as they destroyed Bourg-en-Bresse 9-0 in the Coupe de France on Tuesday.
Monaco top scorer Falcao out injured for up to 3 weeks – Metro
Monaco says top scorer Radamel Falcao will be out for up to three weeks after sustaining a left thigh muscle injury during a 3-2 home win against Lyon.
English Premier League mulls winter break to emulate Europe – National Post
The English Premier League could emulate other European competitions by introducing a winter break.
Bayern routs Paderborn to book spot in German Cup semifinal – Sportsnet
Bayern Munich booked its place in the German Cup semifinals with a 6-0 win at third-division leader Paderborn on Tuesday.
Chinese Super League: Has the bubble burst with transfer tax? – BBC Sport
The Chinese Super League has gained worldwide attention, with their clubs’ collective display of financial might seemingly enabling them to attract young, overseas superstar players at will.
Dave Whelan agrees deal to sell Wigan Athletic to Hong Kong-based company – The Guardian
The Wigan Athletic owner, Dave Whelan, has reached an outline agreement to sell the League One club to a Hong Kong-based company whose principal business is running a hotel and casino in the Philippines.
Sanchez punished for tax evasion in Spain – Four Four Two
Manchester United star Alexis Sanchez has been given a 16-month prison sentence for tax fraud in Spain but will not serve jail time.
Evra secures return to Premier League with West Ham – Metro
Former France defender Patrice Evra joined West Ham on a short-term deal on Wednesday, three months after getting fired by Marseille and banned from UEFA competitions for kicking a fan before a Europa League match.
Discrimination in English soccer soars 60 per cent – National Post
Discrimination in English soccer soared 60 per cent in the first half of the season. The Premier League accounted for 64 of the 282 incidents of abuse reported to anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, a 50 per cent jump on the first half of the previous season. Racism accounted for just over half of the reports gathered by Kick It Out.
Anti-Semitism: Chelsea to ban any fans found ‘shaming’ club at Watford – BBC Sport
Chelsea will ban any supporters found to have used anti-Semitic language or behaviour during the defeat at Watford on Monday, saying it “shames the club”.
Exclusive: FIFA step in at CAF congress to gag Morocco 2026 from showcasing bid – Inside World Football
FIFA’s obsessive attempt to ensure the 2026 World Cup bid process is fair and clean has blown up in its face following the revelation that Morocco was gagged from making a presentation to its own African region last week.
Liga MX to consider suspending pro/rel – NBC Sports
Liga MX could take a page out of Major League Soccer’s book, at least temporarily.
VAR and the giant flag: how a match in Portugal became the scene of farce – The Guardian
A match in Portugal’s Primeira Liga became the scene of a farcical incident involving a video assistant referee, a goal from a corner and a giant flag.
Edusport Academy eyes Premiership place by 2025 under web-based fan membership – BBC Sport
Lowland League club Edusport Academy have targeted a place in the Scottish Premiership by 2025 as they launch a £25-per-year online membership scheme.