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.
WEDNESDAY MATCHES, JUNE 20
GROUP A & B
PORTUGAL 1 MOROCCO 0
URUGUAY 1 SAUDI ARABIA 0
IRAN vs. SPAIN, 11:00 AM PT, (TSN)
THURSDAY MATCHES, JUNE 21
GROUP C & D
DENMARK vs. AUSTRALIA, 5:00 AM PT, (TSN)
FRANCE vs. PERU, 8:00 AM PT, (TSN
ARGENTINA vs. CROATIA, 11:00 AM PT, (TSN)
Uruguay limps through dull victory over Saudi Arabia – SBI
For the second time in as many games, Uruguay escaped with three points from a match where the team played far from its best.
Ronaldo’s game-winning goal eliminates Morocco from World Cup – Sportsnet
Off the top of his head, Cristiano Ronaldo scored yet another goal, set a European record and eliminated Morocco from the World Cup.
Bob Lenarduzzi: New-look French depth to be tested against Peru – Windsor Star
France takes on Peru in a key match on Thursday. France won its opener over Australia 2-1 but didn’t look that convincing, while Peru outplayed Denmark and were unlucky to lose 1-0.
3 GOALS IN 15 MINUTES: Russia pummels Egypt at World Cup – Winnipeg Sun
Russia scored three goals in a 15-minute span early in the second half to set up a 3-1 win over Egypt on Tuesday, moving the host nation to the brink of the World Cup’s knockout stage.
Even after World Cup whipping, Salah remains a hero to Egypt – Toronto Sun
Even the top players, at times, are limited by those around them. There are great players whose passports more or less eliminated them from World Cup contention.
Senegal beats Poland 2-1, 1st African win at World Cup – Delta Optimist
Senegal midfielder Mbaye Niang saw the signal from the referee to re-enter following treatment for an injury and jogged along the centre line. Then Niang noticed Poland’s Grzegorz Krychowiak loft a backpass to Jan Bednarek, who hadn’t realized Niang was back on the field.
Serbia won’t ease off against Switzerland at World Cup – Vancouver Sun
Aleksandar Kolarov knows that after victory in its opening World Cup match his Serbia lineup cannot ease off the intensity against Switzerland.
Nigeria World Cup Focus: Wilfred Ndidi insists they will beat Iceland – African Football
Nigerian international midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has urged his teammates to forget about their loss to Croatia and focus on beating Iceland in their next 2018 FIFA World Cup match.
Endurance fuelling Japan’s strong start – FIFA
Having picked up an opening victory over Colombia, Japan find themselves sitting pretty alongside Senegal at the top of Group H. The 2-1 win marked a bright start for the Samurai Blue in Russia, sporting a completely different style compared to the team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
Big brands battle it out off the pitch at World Cup – Yahoo Sports
Soccer fans craving a Kit Kat, Snickers or Bounty snack at Russia’s World Cup soccer stadiums need to do a bit of lateral thinking to get their chocolate fix. For FIFA rules protecting the sponsors and partners of global soccer’s governing body means that the branding of non-sponsors is strictly policed inside all official venues.
Muller and Bierhoff dismiss reports of German disharmony – Four Four Two
The topic of disharmony was raised during Wednesday’s news conference and Germany forward Thomas Muller dismissed the claims.
World Cup 2018: ‘Lionel Messi does not need to win World Cup to be all-time great’ – BBC Sport
Argentina forward Lionel Messi does not need to win the World Cup to be considered an all-time great, says former striker Hernan Crespo.
Denmark players chip in to fly new father Knudsen home – Yahoo Sports
Kasper Schmeichel underlined the importance of family values within the Denmark squad after they paid for Jonas Knudsen to fly home following the birth of his child. The Ipswich Town defender was an unused substitute for Saturday’s 1-0 Group C win over Peru, sealed thanks to Yussuf Poulsen’s second-half goal.
Romelu Lukaku: I’ve Got Some Things to Say – Players’ Tribune
My father had been a pro footballer, but he was at the end of his career and the money was all gone. The first thing to go was the cable TV. No more football. No more Match of the Day. No signal. Then I’d come home at night and the lights would be shut off. No electricity for two, three weeks at a time.
Javier Hernández pleads with Mexico fans to stop homophobic ‘puto’ slur – The Guardian
The Mexico striker Javier Hernández has appealed to his country’s fans to stop their homophobic chanting at World Cup matches, arguing it could lead to further fines from Fifa.
Mexican captain and World Cup history maker Márquez on US sanctions blacklist – Inside World Football
The United World Cup 2026 bid might not be quite as united as its principals claim as US authorities pursue Mexican football legend and national team captain Rafael Márquez, 39, who in the past week has become only the third player ever to appear at five World Cups.
The World Cup pushes racism aside, but for how long? – The Star
The Spartak Stadium had been ground zero for arguably the most taxing pre-tournament concern as Russia prepared to welcome the world. The rotten xenophobia that has been a hallmark of the host nation’s club game for years had the potential to derail the World Cup before it ever got going.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
PHILADELPHIA UNION vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
MLS MATCHDAY #17
SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2018, 2:00 PM PT
PPL PARK, CHESTER, PA.
No fun in the sun; this season needs to be about winning for Whitecaps – The Province
The sun has certainly been shining on the Whitecaps lately. Before the league headed into the World Cup break, they were unbeaten in six, on a two-game win streak and scored more goals than any other MLS team in the past month — including a regular-season, team-record five in their last game, a 5-2 win over Orlando.
Reasons to Watch: Saturday night’s matchup vs. Vancouver – Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union return to MLS action this Saturday when they host Vancouver Whitecaps at Talen Energy Stadium. As we prepare for Saturday’s kick-off which is scheduled for 2 p.m. PT we give you three reasons to watch this inter-conference clash.
Davies thrilled to help bring a World Cup to the country that welcomed him – Coast Reporter
Prior to last week, the biggest crowd Alphonso Davies had ever spoken in front of was a soccer team. So it was a baptism of fire when the 17-year-old walked out on stage at the Expocentre in Moscow on Wednesday to address the over 200 delegates at the FIFA Congress and a world-wide television audience.
Impact cautious against familiar opponent – Montreal Impact
Just 10 days after the Montreal Impact handed Orlando City SC a fifth straight loss at Stade Saputo, beating the Lions 3-0 last Wednesday night, the two teams will be at it again, this time in the Sunshine State, Saturday .
Toronto FC sign goalkeeper Alex Bono to extension – Sportsnet
The 24-year-old from Baldwinsville, N.Y., established himself as the club’s first-choice ‘keeper in 2017 and helped the team to the MLS championship last season.
World Cup turns Toronto FC training centre into giant living room – The Star
A recent four-day break allowed Toronto FC defender Nick Hagglund to combine two of his favourite pastimes — hanging out with three-month-old daughter Eloise and watching soccer.
TFC’s Drew Moor back on field, sees light at end of injury tunnel – Sportsnet
Drew Moor back on the field with Toronto FC was a welcome sight Tuesday, proof that the veteran defender is making progress from the quad tear that has sidelined him since the CONCACAF Champions League final in April.
Domenic Torrent’s absence against Toronto could prove costly – Hudson River Blue
The new Spanish manager has yet to arrive in New York. That could spell disaster.
Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella authors wins, children’s books – MLS
As part of day job, Jeff Attinella looks to put frowns on the faces of opposing forwards. But when the match is over, the Portland Timbers goalkeeper tries to put a smile on the face of his 20-month daughter, Remy Rose. It starts on the field in the postmatch walk around the field to thank the fans and continues when he’s home as the author of children’s books.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
WPSL PHOTOS: TSS Rovers Women 1, Seattle Sounders 1, June 17, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
FRIENDLY: TSS Rovers vs. VMSL All-Stars, June 17, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
Langford CPL team a one touch pass away from being a done deal – Goldstream Gazette
Langford Mayor Stew Young met with B.C. Hydro last week and said it was a good meeting, but there is still nothing concrete to announce about the team yet. But that didn’t dampen Young’s optimism about the future of the franchise.
Residency Week: Hat-trick hero Theo Bair continuing to rise to the big occasion – AFTN
There’s something about USSDA playoff time that seems to bring the best out of Theo Bair. The Vancouver Whitecaps striker hit a hat-trick for the U19s yesterday in a 5-1 trouncing of New England Revolution in their first group game of this year’s playoffs. A year ago he was a spark for the U18s, grabbing a goal and an assist.
Academy Playoffs: U-17s fall 1-0 to Barca Academy – Whitecaps FC
https://www.whitecapsfc.com/post/2018/06/19/academy-playoffs-u-17s-fall-1-0-barca-academy
Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-17 Residency began their run in the Academy Playoffs with a 1-0 defeat versus Barca Academy AZ on Tuesday.
Tolko United off to provincials – Vernon Morning Star
Vernon Tolko United have qualified for the Provincial Youth Soccer Under 14 Boys B Cup July 5-8 in Burnaby.
KYSA round-up to June 17, 2018 – Kamloops This Week
The under-18 Kamloops Blaze girls became Thompson Okanagan Youth Soccer League champions with a 3-1 triumph over the hometown Penticton Pinnacles on the weekend.
Steve Nash Brings the 11th Annual ‘Showdown’ to the LES Tomorrow – Bowery Boogie
Not only is basketballer Steve Nash a co-owner of the Vancouver Whitecaps, but earlier this year, he furthered his passion for the beautiful game by partnering with Bleacher Report Football, and has been providing them with coverage on all things soccer. Thus, the ever growing charity football match.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: KYSA seeks an Executive Director (PDF File) – KYSA
Kamloops Youth Soccer Association has an exciting opprtunity available for an Executive Director.
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
Ottawa Fury FC open their 2018 Canadian Championship campaign against AS Blainville – CSA
Première ligue de soccer du Québec Champions AS Blainville play host in the first leg of the Second Qualifying Round against Ottawa Fury FC Wednesday 20 June kicking off at 16.30 PT LIVE on MyCujoo.tv/canada-soccer.
Fury FC faces another test in Canadian Championship qualifying – Ottawa Sun
The undefeated AS Blainville sits atop the Première Ligue de Soccer du Québec with six wins, three draws and a goal-differential of plus-five.
Warm reception from Blainville fans not likely for Fury FC – National Post
Even with as little as Ottawa Fury FC knows about its next Canadian Championship opponent, it should be aware of one thing: Expect a unfriendly welcome from the soccer faithful of Blainville, Que.
With 2026 World Cup coming to Canada, a look at the legacy other big events have left – Chronicle – Herald
Canada has a mixed history of hosting major international sports competitions, from the financially disastrous 1976 Summer Games to the successful 2010 Winter Olympics and 2015 Women’s World Cup. Here’s a look at the legacy some major events have left on Canadian hosts.
AUDIO: The Lede: What does hosting World Cup mean for Canadian soccer? – Sportsnet
The 2026 World Cup is coming to North America, but what will it mean for Canadian soccer? Jeff and Stephen chat with former U.S. men’s goalkeeper and current FOX soccer analyst Tony Meola about the impact the 1994 World Cup had on the game and the top players in the United States, and whether Canada’s squad will be more prepared to compete on home soil than the U.S. was.
CanPL Q&A with Paul Beirne – Valour FC
The Canadian Premier League is taking its first breaths as professional soccer entity and with every inhale and exhale, Paul Beirne’s belief in the idea becomes that much more steadfast.
L1O Game of the Week: Late equalizer seals Alliance United draw – Waking the Red
In last weekend’s League1 Ontario action, Alliance United took on Master’s FA at L’Amoreaux Park in Scarborough. Here’s how it went down.
What Happened to KW United FC? – Northern Starting XI
I knew when I began to dig into this story that it would be a complicated affair. After speaking to representatives from Ontario Soccer and KW United FC, I found myself with some serious questions that needed to be answered before I could begin to understand what happened with KW United; why was the club being forced to change leagues? What was different about Thunder Bay that allowed it to avoid scrutiny? Most importantly, what prevented KW United from transitioning into League1, and why did the ownership resist such a move?
Soccer may be tops, but it’s not the only sport Lawn’s Brent Hennebury enjoys – The Beacon
Brent Hennebury says most people only know him for his skills on the soccer pitch. The 18-year-old, who is winding down his high school days this month at Holy Name of Mary Academy (HNMA) in Lawn, is in his third season with the St. Lawrence Laurentians of the provincial Challenge Cup men’s soccer league. He also recently committed to play men’s soccer for the Memorial University’s Sea-Hawks.
National sports organizations have to report allegations of abuse immediately – Maple Ridge News
Sports Minister Kirsty Duncan says national sporting organizations will lose their federal funding if they don’t immediately disclose to her office any allegations of abuse or harassment that occur within their ranks.
Canada Soccer Statement on anti-abuse in sport – CSA
Canada Soccer joins the Canadian sport community in calling for greater accountability to eliminate harassment, abuse and discrimination in sport.
Is RoboCup the robotic soccer match Montreal didn’t know it needed? – Edmonton Journal
We could soon be adding professional soccer player to the list of jobs that are replaced by robots in the future. At least, that might come true if RoboCup gets its way.
‘It’s a beautiful idea’: Yoga, soccer to be offered to downtown homeless – CBC Toronto
“Being connected to the real world is such a big step to getting out, to getting settled in your own place,” Coun. Paula Fletcher, who represents Ward 30, Toronto-Danforth, told CBC Toronto Tuesday.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
USL’s Week Ahead – Open Cup Showdowns Precede Matchups Around Playoff Line – USL
Louisville, Nashville square off for place in Open Cup Quarterfinals before fascinating weekend slate.
U.S. Open Cup Fifth Round: A Look Ahead – SBI
The U.S. Open Cup soldiers on amidst the World Cup, and the fifth round of the competition comes to a close with four matches tonight.
Rowdies Strengthen Midfield with Signing of Taku and Oduro – Tampa Bay Rowdies
The Tampa Bay Rowdies have strengthened their roster with a pair of new signings in midfielders Afrim Taku and Dominic Oduro, the club announced Wednesday. The new signings will be eligible to play pending the receipt of the International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and/or visas.
Phoenix Rising soccer eyes growth in Valley Latino community – Cronkite News
In its quest to join Major League Soccer, Phoenix Rising FC continues its push to grow its brand locally, and that includes tapping into the area’s large population of Latinos.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Morgan Brian Leaves France, Signs With Chicago Red Stars – Last Word on Soccer
The U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder has ended her loan contract with Olympique Lyonnais Féminin. The original deal with Lyon was expected to run until June 30, 2020. However, due to injuries and lack of time on the pitch, Brian is heading back to the NWSL.
‘I’ve wanted Christen Press on my team for years’: How Utah brokered the latest NWSL mega-trade – KSL
Somehwere in the limited space of time after Laura Harvey was named Utah’s inaugural head coach in the National Women’s Soccer League and the team’s first match in March, the two-time NWSL coach of the year began spinning a trade idea with Chicago coach Rory Dames.
NOW THAT’S THE SPIRIT: Washington GK Bledsoe named NWSL player of the week – Front Row Soccer
Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe was voted the National Women’s Soccer League player of the week by the NWSL Media Association.
Portland Thorns center back Emily Menges has quietly emerged as an elite defender in the NWSL – Oregonian
She went on to start 22 of 24 games in her rookie season, establishing herself as a consistent defensive option for the Thorns. Since then, she has developed into an indispensable leader for Portland, starting 87 games for the team since 2014 and earning the distinction of club MVP in 2016.
Andreas Heraf stood down from New Zealand football following player complaints – The Guardian
The most powerful coach at New Zealand Football has been stood down following a player revolt over his methods. NZF on Wednesday announced an independent investigation into Andreas Heraf, who doubles as the national women’s coach and the country’s technical director, overseeing the progress of all national teams.
Sky Blue FC, assistant coach David Hodgson part ways – Once a Metro
Multiple sources have confirmed to Once a Metro that Sky Blue FC and assistant coach David Hodgson have officially parted ways.
If the boot doesn’t fit then female footballers should have an alternative – The Guardian
While it is hardly a surprise that male footballers dominate boot marketing, the fact that a large amount of professional female players are wearing men’s or children’s boots surely is.
Sarina Wiegman: The Chance – Coaches’ Voice
We knew it was going to be big. But when the team bus turned off the highway and we saw the huge crowd in front of the stadium – all in orange, all cheering for us… well, then the whole history went through my head. My history. The history of women’s football in the Netherlands. I couldn’t believe this was happening.
‘The fact we exist is huge’: Iran’s women plotting course to world stage – The Guardian
Twelve years ago Kat Khosrowyar arrived in Iran on holiday. Now she’s driving a revolution in women’s football there.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Monaco snap up OL prodigy Geubbels – Ligue 1
Ligue 1 Conforama runners-up AS Monaco have announced the signature of Olympique Lyonnais youth academy prodigy Willem Geubbels, 16, on a €20m transfer.
West Ham signs club record center back from Toulouse – NBC Sports
West Ham has reportedly set a club record with its latest signing under new manager Manuel Pellegrini.
Burnley face Aberdeen in Europa League second qualifying round – BBC Sport
Premier League side Burnley will play Scottish Premiership runners-up Aberdeen in the second qualifying round of the Europa League.
Happy U.S. Soccer Financial Disclosure Day! – Soccer Esq.
Okay, that’s not a real day (and let us hope it never is). But the USSF has finally released its Audited Statement for FY 2017. In that includes an “explanation” of the financials of the 2016 Copa América Centenario. It’s about as clear as mud, especially if you’re not an accountant (and I surely am not). Interestingly, USSF has admitted to some errors in their accounting and thus have “restated” some of their financial declarations around the 2016 event.