VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
Whitecaps FC appoint global sports industry leader Mark Pannes as CEO – Whitecaps FC
Following an extensive international search, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that Mark Pannes has been hired as the club’s chief executive officer. Reporting to ownership, Pannes will oversee all business aspects of the club.
Whitecaps bolster front office with signing of new CEO Mark Pannes – Vancouver Sun
Pannes spent six years with Serie A mainstays AS Roma, where he held positions including CEO, as well as a decade with the NBA’s New York Knicks.
Whitecaps hire veteran sports businessman Mark Pannes as team’s new CEO – Delta Optimist
The Vancouver Whitecaps have taken another step toward healing the bruises the Major League Soccer team took both on and off the field last season.
Hiring of Mark Pannes the latest step in ‘Caps ambition to grow – Whitecaps FC
The goal, from ownership’s point of view, is to grow all aspects of the club and make Whitecaps FC one of the preeminent organizations in MLS. The latest step towards that objective was Tuesday’s hiring of longtime AS Roma and New York Knicks sports executive Mark Pannes as the club’s new chief executive officer.
Episode 374 – The AFTN Soccer Show (The Roaring Twenties – End of Year Review Part 2, Predictions and Wishes, and Tosaint Ricketts’ Football Firsts) – AFTN
Our first show of 2020 picks up where the last one left off, as we finish our 2019 year in review with a look at the big Whitecaps, MLS, CPL, and Canadian soccer stories in the months of July to December.
Service Charge: Solving the Vancouver Whitecaps offensive woes, will it be tactically or statistically? – BTS
As the Vancouver Whitecaps look to find a way to improve their offence next season, it’s led to plenty of debate on what the best way to do that is. In this one, we look at why the answer may be as much tactical as it is statistical.
MLS Superdraft Preview – Eighty-Six Forever
Get that drum rolling going folks, the most wonderful time is almost upon us. Yes, that’s right Thursday is the MLS Superdraft, an event so super it is being held by conference call for the first time ever.
The SBI 2020 MLS Draft Big Board (Version 1.0) – SBI
The 2020 MLS Draft doesn’t boast a wealth of players who should be considered opening day starter types, but it could very well be a draft that sees some teams clean up on inexpensive talent in a year when more and more teams are reducing their focus on the draft.
Ahead of MLS SuperDraft, Canadian trio Raposo, Johnson and Harris turn heads – Toronto Star
Canadian Ryan Raposo has a chip on his shoulder going into Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft.
A history of the No. 1 overall pick in MLS SuperDraft – MLS
The fortunes of the first overall selections in the MLS SuperDraft have run the gamut over the past quarter-century, from future national-teamers and seven-figure outbound transfers to abject busts and just about everything in between.
Dempsey, Bradley, Guzan headline the All-Time MLS Draft Best XI – SBI
SBI’s All-Time MLS Draft XI was chosen based on club career both in MLS and abroad, along with national team contributions. That means there are some MLS legends excluded, and some USMNT legends who began their career on a draft-day stage.
D.C. United close to signing prolific Estonian scorer – Washington Post
In need of front-line depth, D.C. United is close to acquiring forward Erik Sorga, a young, prolific scorer in the low-level Estonian league, people familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday.
PACIFIC FC & BC SOCCER NEWS
LMG and 49ers boast all-star selections – Cowichan Valley Citizen
Both Cowichan LMG and the Cowichan 49ers will be well-represented on Vancouver Island Soccer League all-star teams this coming weekend.
Surrey father accused of punching soccer mom avoids trial – Vancouver Courier
There will be no criminal conviction stemming from a March 2019 soccer parent melee in Ambleside, following the signing of a peace bond Monday in North Vancouver provincial court.
BC Soccer Web’s 2019-20 Guide to Soccer on TV and Online in Canada – BC Soccer Web
In our 2019-20 Guide to Soccer on Canadian TV, we do our best to sort through the leagues, service options and hardware needed to help you get the most out of your soccer weekends this season. The TV situation is constantly changing as leagues are added and Canadian broadcast rights are sorted out at the last moment, so come back for updates!
PCSL CHALLENGE CUP FINAL PHOTOS: FC Tigers Vancouver 4 Victoria Highlanders 4 (FC Tigers win 4-2 on PKs), July 28, 2019 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
Power Soccer in BC – SportAbility BC
We believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to participate in physical activity. We currently have programs in Vancouver, Surrey, Nanaimo, Penticton, and are still looking to expand. We are always looking for more athletes, officials, volunteers, and sponsors. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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.
CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE & CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada kick off 2020 season with 4:1 win over Barbados – CSA
Canada opened their 2020 international season with a 4:1 victory over Barbados in a Men’s International Friendly match in California. Veterans Tosaint Ricketts, Tesho Akindele and Jonathan Osorio scored in the first half before debutant Theo Bair scored Canada’s fourth goal in the second half. It marked the fourth consecutive year that Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team opened their season with a victory and it was their 11th win in the past 14 international matches since the start of 2018.
Bair scores on debut as Canada defeat Barbados 4-1 – Yahoo Sports
Canada opened their 2020 international season with a 4-1 victory over Barbados in a Men’s International Friendly match in California on Tuesday.
Ranking Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team squad ahead of January’s ‘Camp Poutine’ by ‘Surprise Rating’ – BTS
With Canada Soccer releasing their list of 26 players to face Barbados and Iceland next week, we break things down by ‘Surprise Ranking’ while also doing some research into how these players have fared leading into what is expected to be a busy camp for Les Rouges.
Forge FC brings back David Edgar, drops 3 members of title-winning squad – CanPL
Forge FC announced another round of roster moves Wednesday, bringing back Canadian international central defender David Edgar and five others for the 2020 season, while also letting go of a trio of players.
Busy off-season for Valour FC – Winnipeg Free Press
It’s been well documented how Valour FC’s inaugural season didn’t go according to plan. But if you’ve been keeping tabs on the Canadian Premier League’s off-season and paying attention to the rumours that have been floating around online recently, you’d think Valour is on their way to having an even worse season in Year 2 of the fledgling soccer league.
CPL off-season roster tracker: Who’s in and who’s out for 2020? – CanPL
Do you want to stay informed about the latest player moves across the Canadian Premier League?
Jonathan David wonder-goal voted Canada Soccer’s 2019 Plays of the Year winner – CSA
Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team striker Jonathan David’s brilliant solo effort to score Canada’s second goal in a 6:0 victory over Cuba in Concacaf Nations League A was voted as the top play in Canada Soccer’s 2019 Plays of the Year campaign. David’s effort edged out Christine Sinclair’s fifth consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign goal in the Women’s National Team’s final Group E match against the Netherlands at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019.
Corner Brook’s Eric Young ecstatic his father to be inducted into NL Soccer Association Hall of Fame – The Telegram
In his 50-year career, Herbert Young displayed qualities as an elite soccer player and took on a leadership role in forming a new four-team Corner Brook league in 1963.
‘Struggle every year’: Free Footie making final push to reach $120,000 goal – Edmonton Sun
For the past 11 years, Free Footie has provided children in need a chance to play on a sports team free of charge. The catch is every year the non-profit organization needs to raise enough cash to cover gear and transportation.
11-year-old Yukoner’s bags stuffed with soccer balls for Kenya trip – CBC
Nicholas Connell collected dozens of balls to bring with him on a trip to Kenya.
USL & LOWER LEAGUE SOCCER NEWS
David Villa’s Next Frontier: After the Trophies and Goals Comes USL’s Queensboro FC – SI
David Villa’s playing career ended fittingly with a trophy. Now it’s onto a different kind of challenge for the Spanish great.
COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC SIGN GOALKEEPER SEAN MELVIN – Switchbacks FC
The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced today that the club has signed Sean Melvin, pending USL Championship and USSF approval.
BACK IN THE FOLD: Miami FC Announces Quartet of Returnees – USL
The Miami FC announced on Tuesday the return of four players from the past campaign that will join the club’s roster for the 2020 USL Championship season.
USL Championship Announces 2020 Home Openers – USL
The United Soccer League today announced the home openers for all 35 clubs in the USL Championship, with the league’s 10th anniversary season set to kick off on Friday, March 6.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Duffy switches NWSL role for Orlando Pride lead – Inside World Football
Amanda Duffy (pictured) will step down as president of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States next month to become executive vice president of the Orlando Pride.
NWSL faces potential leadership void following Duffy’s departure – Sportbusiness.com
The National Women’s Soccer League faces a potential leadership void following confirmation that Amanda Duffy is stepping down as league president.
Westfield W-League Review, Week 8: More honors for Melbourne City – The Equalizer
Week 8 of the W-League is in the books, with one game postponed due to the ongoing Australian wildfires. There are many different ways to donate to relief efforts.
Sam Kerr: Australia call-up will see Chelsea lose forward for Man Utd and West Ham games – BBC Sport
Sam Kerr will miss Chelsea’s Women’s Super League matches against Manchester United and West Ham in February after the striker was called up by Australia for their Olympic qualifying campaign.
Best of women’s football in Africa celebrated in Egypt – FIFA
Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala was named African Women’s Player of the Year and, in doing so, equalled compatriot Perpetua Nkwocha’s remarkable record of winning the accolade four times. Meanwhile, Desiree Ellis picked up African Women’s Coach of the Year, while Cameroon were recognised with the African Women’s National Team of the Year.
Emma Mitchell’s move to Spurs makes sense in weird world of club rivalries – The Guardian
Defender’s switch from Arsenal has hit a nerve but lack of historical enmity means it is not controversial in the slightest.
Rachel Daly re-signs with Houston Dash – Pro Soccer USA
The 28-year-old England international was tied for the Dash lead with five goals last year.
Red Stars Acquire Kealia Ohai From Houston – NBC Chicago
It’s been a busy offseason for the Chicago Red Stars, and the flurry of moves continued Monday as the team acquired forward Kealia Ohai from the Houston Dash.
J.J. Watt slams “trash” headline that referred to soccer player Kealia Ohai only as his fiancée – CBS News
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt called out a local news headline on Tuesday for referring to National Women’s Soccer League player Kealia Ohai only as his fiancée. In a searing tweet, Watt called the headline “trash” and urged the outlet to “be better.”
Women’s FA Cup: Why is prize money over 100 times smaller than men’s competition? – BBC Sport
Women’s FA Cup prize money in the early rounds is not sufficient to cover away-tie costs, clubs have told BBC Sport.
WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Mane named CAF Player of the Year – NBC Sports
Sadio Mane has bragging rights for at least the year over his club teammate, and fellow African, Mohamed Salah.
City humiliates United in Manchester derby win in League Cup semis – Sportsnet
railing 3-0 at home to their fierce local rivals in a cup semifinal, Manchester United’s players were jeered by their own supporters as they traipsed off at halftime.
Guardiola’s 15-minute masterplan – De Bruyne reveals secret to United demolition – Four Four Two
Kevin De Bruyne has revealed the Manchester City players spent just 15 minutes fine-tuning the tactics which dismantled Manchester United in a devastating first half at Old Trafford.
AC Milan held by Sampdoria in Ibrahimovic’s return – Sportsnet
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s comeback appearance added much-needed urgency but little else for AC Milan as they were held by Sampdoria to 0-0 in Serie A on Monday.
Five Ligue 1 things to look out for in 2020 – Ligue 1
Neymar and Kylian Mbappé’s formidable duo at Paris Saint-Germain, Roberto Moreno’s new-look Monaco, Victor Osimhen, and the battle for the UEFA Champions League spots, Ian Holyman highlights five things to light up the second half of the season.
AFC U23 Championship kicks off in Thailand with Tokyo Olympics slots at stake – Inside World Football
Iraq and Australia kicked off the AFC U-23 Championship in Thailand with a 1-1 draw today. At press time, hosts Thailand were playing Bahrain. The 16 teams are playing for three slots at this summer’s Tokyo Olympic Games.
Court date set for UAE appeal against Qatar’s Asian Cup win – NBC Sports
A legal challenge by the United Arab Emirates soccer federation that threatens Qatar’s 2019 Asian Cup title will be heard at sport’s highest court.
Abramovich pumps £247m into Chelsea as Conte walks away with £26m – Inside World Football
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich poured £247 million into the club last season as the club recorded an overall loss of £96.6 million according to latest accounts.
FA urged to ‘reconsider’ deal with betting website – Four Four Two
The Football Association has been advised to “reconsider” its relationship with bet365 by Nicky Morgan, the secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Supercopa’s Saudi Arabia adventure given short shrift by fans in Spain – The Guardian
The Spanish trophy’s derided trip to Jeddah sees Barcelona fans buying just 300 tickets and Valencia shifting as few as 27.