BC SOCCER WEB WORLD CUP CENTRAL
Every day, we’ll bring you all of scores, news and best writing from around the web from the 2018 World Cup.
Pickford saves the day as England beats Colombia on penalties – CBC
The research paid off for Jordan Pickford. When Carlos Bacca stepped up to take Colombia’s fifth and final penalty, Pickford knew he was likely to shoot to the left.
England vs Colombia: 22 years in the making, 10 penalties in the taking – how Gareth Southgate achieved redemption – The Independent
For Gareth Southgate, the penalty shoot-out win was not just vindication but redemption. Ever since his infamous miss against Germany in 1996, he has known that England need to do penalties differently, do them better.
‘It’s coming home’: England erupts into celebration after win over Colombia – The Guardian
England fans have declared the World Cup knockout curse over after the Three Lions’ dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia, with spontaneous celebrations and unfettered joy breaking out across the country.
Sweden trims Switzerland to advance to World Cup quarterfinals – Sportsnet
Shy, diminutive and without that distinctive ponytail, Emil Forsberg couldn’t be more different than the larger-than-life Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Switzerland’s dismal record in knockout stages endures – Leader Post
Another World Cup knockout match for Switzerland, another defeat. After meekly falling to a 1-0 defeat by unfancied Sweden, it’s now 64 years since Switzerland scored in a knockout match at soccer’s premier tournament.
Belgium gets boost of confidence ahead of quarterfinal vs. Brazil. ‘Maybe it’s this sort of match that we needed for the future.’ – The Star
To get past Belgium in the quarterfinals at the World Cup, Brazil has to do something it has not been able to do since it last won the tournament in 2002: overcome European opposition in the knockout stages.
France’s Mbappe sprints towards superstar status at World Cup – Yahoo Sports
As Didier Deschamps plots another World Cup title tilt with France, Kylian Mbappe, who was not even born when his coach lifted the trophy in 1998, has become an indispensable figure for Les Bleus.
World Cup 2018: All you need to know about quarter-finals – BBC Sport
Seven-goal classics, unbelievable comebacks and England winning a penalty shootout – one of the best World Cups of recent times enters the quarter-final stage on Friday.
There is a cloud hanging over this World Cup and Fifa must not ignore it – The Guardian
An otherwise brilliant World Cup has been cheapened by the kind of histrionics witnessed in England’s game with Colombia and they have become a cancer in the game.
The stats so far from Russia 2018 – FIFA
60 years since Pele became the fourth teenager to score multiple goals in a FIFA World Cup game, Kylian Mbappe became the fifth.
England’s World Cup economic boost could be worth billions – BBC News
Work done by the Centre for Retail Research (CRR) estimates that the UK economy has benefitted from extra spending of more than £1bn this year. The centre estimates that spending will rise to £2.7bn if England makes it to the finals.
CONCACAF boss targets 2026 World Cup for better results – Edmonton Sun
The head of North American soccer says the region’s teams need until 2026 at a home World Cup to reach their full potential.
Why these young Canadian soccer players look up to their World Cup heroes – Globe and Mail
The recent news that the FIFA men’s World Cup will be coming to Canada in 2026, as part of a joint bid alongside Mexico and the United States, has excited Canadian soccer fans, who may get a chance to see our national men’s team play. Traditionally, host nations get a spot in the tournament, though the decision about 2026 has yet to be made.
Russia puts on best face for rocking World Cup – Yahoo Sports
My assignment was in Nizhny Novgorod, a “closed city” during the Soviet era, I had read in advance. That reminded me of the grey images of tower-blocks and food lines that were a staple of English media coverage during the Cold War of my childhood. Whatever its past, this city of 1.2 million people at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers is now open and rocking.
BC NDP 2026 WORLD CUP SCANDAL
CONCACAF boss ‘disappointed’ with B.C. bailing on 2026 tournament – Toronto Sun
“The BC NDP had assurances,” Montagliani added. “If things weren’t to their liking from a documentation standpoint (they could have walked away by 2020). The reality is they paid no attention to the file,” Montagliani suggested. “They put a junior person on the file. They didn’t pay attention until the eleventh hour.”
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC vs. CHICAGO FIRE
MLS MATCHDAY #19
SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2018, 7:30 PM
BC PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
TV: TSN 2 RADIO: BNN/BLOOMBERG 1410 ONLINE: TSN DIRECT
Vancouver Whitecaps’ Alphonso Davies drawing attention from Europe’s best clubs – National Post
There are rumblings at this World Cup that Vancouver’s Alphonso Davies might be the best 17-year-old prospects anywhere. The Ghana-born Canadian international tops the target lists of some of the top clubs in the world — all of which are looking to lure Davies away from Major League Soccer.
Whitecaps captain Kendall Waston reflects on World Cup “dream come true” – MLS
It’s been an eventful few days for Vancouver Whitecaps captain Kendall Waston. After not being selected for the first two matches against Serbia and Brazil, Waston certainly made his mark in Costa Rica’s final group game, starting and scoring in the Ticos’ 2-2 draw with Switzerland on Wednesday.
Time running out for inconsistent Whitecaps to find an identity – The Province
“Who are ya?” is a boisterous chant Vancouver Whitecaps supporters are fond of hurling at opponents during corner kicks. Maybe it’s time the team starts asking themselves that question.
Marinovic returns to full training – Whitecaps FC
Stefan Marinovic appears to be inching closer to a return. After missing the last eight matches with a left knee sprain, the Kiwi international goalkeeper was a full participant in training on Tuesday. Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson did not provide a timeline on Marinovic’s return, but the sight of him on the pitch again was certainly an encouraging sign as the ‘Caps prepare for a busy month of July.
Whitecaps FC striker Myer Bevan returns from loan – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC striker Myer Bevan has returned from a productive loan stint with Swedish club Husqvarna FF, the club announced on Tuesday.
MLS Week 19: A Midweek Look Ahead – SBI
Major League Soccer’s traditional holiday schedule on the Fourth of July is highlighted by Western Conference teams.
The continuing mystery of Toronto FC’s inept MLS title defence – The Guardian
Excuses have been made for Toronto FC’s dismal start to the 2018 season. Many of them are valid. Injuries, of course, have been a primary factor, with Jozy Altidore, Drew Moor and Chris Mavinga still sidelined. Most of TFC’s key figures have suffered an injury at one stage or another so far this season. The run to the final of the Concacaf Champions League also took a lot out of the players at an early stage of the campaign. But at what point do those excuses expire?
Toronto FC desperate for points ahead of first visit to Minnesota – Winnipeg Sun
Toronto FC did not get much time to dwell on yet another disappointing result. Just days after falling 1-0 at home despite being the vastly superior side against the New York Red Bulls, TFC travelled to Minneapolis to take on another sputtering side.
Loons hope they’re facing MLS champion Toronto FC at the right time – Grand Forks Herald
Reigning MLS Cup champion Toronto FC has fewer wins than Minnesota United this season. But Loons coach Adrian Heath expects Toronto to turn it around soon. He just hopes it doesn’t come at the expense of his club when Minnesota (5-10-1) faces Toronto (4-9-3) on Wednesday, July 4, at TCF Bank Stadium.
Big night for Alejandro Silva – Montreal Impact
Just a few hours after Uruguay beat Portugal in the World Cup to qualify for the quarterfinals, Uruguayan Alejandro Silva, featuring in his 15th game for the Bleu-blanc-noir, put in one of his better performances yet in an Impact uniform, and he was rewarded as well, netting his first goal with his new club. His insurance marker would make it 2-0, and give the Impact its third straight win, and fourth in five games.
Dynamo battles back for dramatic point against LAFC – SBI
Many wondered whether or not Los Angeles FC would be a contender or pretender in their debut MLS season. Bob Bradley’s side have shown impressive signs but swallowed a painful lesson on Tuesday night.
Columbus Crew SC Defeats Deportivo Saprissa After Lengthy Rain Delay – Last Word on Soccer
After two and a half hours of a somewhat odd rain delay, the international friendly between Columbus Crew SC and Deportivo Saprissa finally got the green light.
FC Dallas transfers Mauro Diaz to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC – Pro Soccer USA
FC Dallas has transferred midfielder Mauro Diaz to Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC, the club announced Tuesday.
Questions that will define each MLS club in the second half of 2018 – ESPN
With some teams having already played more than half their games, and with Major League Soccer having come out the other side of its World Cup break, this feels like an appropriate juncture to take a hard look at where everybody stands. At the halfway point, which burning question is likely to define the rest of each club’s season?
If you’re a Philly fan, Open Cup means more – Philadelphia Union
The heartbreak of losing two US Open Cup finals at home will never vanish entirely. But keep in mind: Reaching the final twice is pretty rare. Since the Union franchise was born, only Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City, and Philly have made it to the final more than once.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Varsity Letters’ B.C. Recruits List 2018: Where 224 men’s and women’s soccer prospects are headed this coming season – Varsity Letters
Welcome to Day 1 of B.C. Recruits List Week here at Varsity Letters. We will preview a sport a day through this week with the entire list set for Sunday publication.
The 2018 Les Sinnott Memorial Boy’s Provincial Cup Hosted by Burnaby District Youth Soccer Association – BCSA
Burnaby District Youth Soccer Association will play host to the Les Sinnott Memorial Boy’s Provincial Cup on July 5-8. Forty-six (46) under 13 to under 18 boys teams from throughout the province will arrive in Burnaby and take to the fields in hopes of being crowned BC Soccer Provincial Cup Champions.
2018 Youth Provincial A Cup Hosted by Richmond Soccer Association – BCSA
From July 5-8 U13-U18 boys and girls teams from throughout the province will arrive in Richmond British Columbia to compete, within their respective age divisions, for the BC Soccer Provincial A Cup trophies. Richmond Soccer Association will host the competition and all of the 44 teams.
2018 Girls Provincial B Cup Hosted by Kamloops Youth Soccer Association – BCSA
Kamloops Youth Soccer Association will play host to the Girl’s Provincial B Cup on July 4-8, 2018. Forty-nine (49), under 13 to under 18 Girl’s teams from across the province will arrive in Kamloops to compete, within their respective age divisions for the BC Soccer Girl’s Provincial B Cup trophy.
West Van Soccer Club sends five teams to A Cup provincials – North Shore News
The North Shore will be well represented at the BC Soccer Provincial A Cup with seven teams hitting the pitch as the championships get underway Thursday, July 5 in Richmond.
Local Bays United player selected for elite international training program – Goldstream Gazette
Reynolds student and Bays United player Jose Javier Sagaste will live out a soccer dream this summer after being selected to attend the 2018 Generation Adidas International Select Program in Spain.
Call for interest for 2018 TD Diploma course – BCSA
Based on the level of interest, BC Soccer is planning to host a 2-day Technical Director’s course in late November or early December of 2018 (dates and location TBA). If you are interested in this course, please let BC Soccer so they can update you.
PHOTOS: BC Provincial Men’s A Cup: BCT Rovers Tigers Utd. 5, Langley Utd. 2 (XT) – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
PHOTOS: 2018 BC Provincial Cup Parade of Champions – BC Soccer Web
See the winners from the 2018 BC Provincial Cup.
TSS Rovers release Season Tickets for the 2018 season – TSS Rovers
A great summer of soccer is in store at Swangard Stadium with the PDL & WPSL TSS Rovers. Season yickets are only $70.
Victoria Highlanders FC 2018 Season Tickets now on sale – Victoria Highlanders
Spend your summer with the PDL Highlanders at Centennial Stadium for only $75.
Canada’s College ID Camps set for Shawnigan Lake & Kingston, Ontario – Canada College ID Camps
Our purpose is to provide a space where players grade 9-12 can connect with college coaches from all levels in Canada and the USA. We hope to assist in the promotion of youth players into environments which will challenge them academically and athletically after high school.
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
Jeff Paulus takes over as FC Edmonton head coach – Edmonton Sun
Jeff Paulus never envisioned running a professional soccer franchise in Canada when he took up coaching at the tender age of 20. But as a long-time assistant with FC Edmonton and technical director of the club’s youth academy, Paulus was the natural successor to Colin Miller in the latest incarnation of professional soccer in the city.
Jeff Paulus Hopes to Steer FC Edmonton Through Uncharted Waters – FC Edmonton
Paulus is no stranger at Clarke Stadium, having served as an assistant coach, academy director, and head coach of the FC Edmonton Under-18s during the last six years. He credits local soccer figurehead Joe Patrone for his first opportunity with the club, while also citing Stephen Hart, Sean Fleming and Bert Goldberger among his influences and teachers.
From the ocean to the pitch: FC Edmonton coach Jeff Paulus’s career has taken some unusual turns – the11.ca
Paulus spent seven years in the Navy, and did a NATO tour on the HMCS Halifax. He was part of the first NATO fleet to go to Poland when that country entered the North Atlantic treaty. So, let’s just say that the new head coach of FC Edmonton is used to stormy weather.
Sligo Rovers sign Canadian international Twardek – RTE
Sligo Rovers have signed Canadian international Kris Twardek on a contract until the end of the 2019 season, subject to international clearance.
Cornwall applies for $100,000 to help pay for new soccer turf – PEI Guardian
Cornwall council members are crossing their fingers that the province will kick in a little more funding to help replace the turf at the Terry Fox Sports Complex. Council voted unanimously during this month’s meeting to apply for $100,000 from the provincial community revitalization program to help install a new artificial turf, with the overall project having a price tag of about $892,400, including HST.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Indy Looks to Rise Above against Fury FC – USL
As compact as the USL’s Eastern Conference standings are as the season reaches its midway point in Week 17 of the regular season, while Indy Eleven is pleased with its five-game undefeated streak it knows that a run of victories could make a major difference in the race for playoff position.
Match Preview: Toronto FC II at Tampa Bay Rowdies – Toronto FC
Toronto FC II visit the Tampa Bay Rowdies for a 4th of July clash at Al Lang Stadium.
USL’s Week Ahead – Conference Leaders Face Important Road Tests – USL
Real Monarchs head to face Reno, Sacramento; Cincinnati visits Nashville at Nissan Stadium.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: NWSL honors Portland GK Franch – Front Row Soccer
Portland Thorns FC goalkeeper Adrianna Franch was voted the National Women’s Soccer League player of the week by the NWSL Media Association, it was announced Tuesday afternoon.
PFA award for Westfield Matildas star Kerr – FFA
Westfield Matildas and Perth Glory attacker Sam Kerr has capped a remarkable season, named the PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year for the second straight year.
Brooke Elby Ready To Make An Impact In Chicago – Hot Time in Old Town
As the trade deadline approached, the Chicago Red Stars finalized a big midseason deal with Utah and Houston that saw the departures of Taylor Comeau, Samantha Johnson, and Sofia Huerta.
Women’s Super League: Arsenal sign Germany international Tabea Kemme – BBC Sport
The 26-year-old, who can play in defence, midfield or up front, made 140 appearances for Potsdam including the 2010 Women’s Champions League final.
Brazil wins World Military Women’s Football Championship hosted at Fort Bliss – KTSM
Brazil defeated South Korea 3-2 in the gold medal match of the World Military Women’s Football Championship at Fort Bliss on Tuesday night.
Rita Ora with UEFA’s ‘What is Strong?’ campaign – UEFA
A new campaign launched today by UEFA celebrating the physical, emotional and mental strength of women and girls across Europe has earned the backing of pop superstar Rita Ora.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Real Madrid says reports of Mbappe deal ‘completely false’ – Yahoo Sports
Real Madrid has denied reaching an agreement to sign France forward Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.
AC Milan’s Pepe Reina thanks fans after being cleared of alleged Mafia links – ESPN
AC Milan’s new goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, has thanked everyone that believed in him after being cleared by a sports tribunal over his alleged association with people that have links to mafia.
Amazon set to pounce on more European TV rights with LaLiga deal rumoured – Inside World Football
Amazon looks set to make another foray into the domestic European TV rights market, being rumoured to in line pick up the remaining rights packages for Spain’s LaLiga.
How the biggest teams in football could lure Cristiano Ronaldo to their club – ESPN
After Real Madrid won the Champions League in May, Cristiano Ronaldo cast doubt over his future. “It has been great being at Real Madrid,” he said. Was Ronaldo simply angling for a pay rise? Probably. Was he trying to hog the spotlight? Most definitely. But his cleverly worded yet vague statement put the world on notice that CR7 might be back on the market. The latest rumours link Ronaldo with Juventus.
Which USA stars made the biggest splash in Europe? – UEFA
To celebrate Independence Day, UEFA singles out the USA stars who have done the most to light up UEFA’s club competitions.