VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
MINNESOTA UNITED vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
MLS MATCHDAY #15
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017, 5:00 PM
TCF BANK STADIUM, MINNEAPOLIS, MN.
TV: TSN RADIO: NONE ONLINE: TSN GO & TSNvancouver.ca (AUDIO)
Whitecaps have discussed Atiba Hutchinson: Carl Robinson – The Province
Carl Robinson did nothing to dispel rumours that the Vancouver Whitecaps are keen to bring Canadian international Atiba Hutchinson to Major League Soccer.
Training report: Reyna update, new faces, potential loans – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC returned to training on Tuesday ahead of this weekend’s tilt with Minnesota United FC (Saturday at 5 p.m. PT on TSN and tsnvancouver.ca). Here are some news and notes from the day.
Whitecaps coach Robinson says defender Williams has a future in Vancouver – Metro
Vancouver Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson said defender Sheanon Williams has a place with the club after he serves a suspension stemming from an assault charge last week.
Minnesota United FC to host Portland Timbers for midweek matchup – Vavel
The Loons are on a cold streak, as they are coming off back-to-back losses heading into a home match with the Portland Timbers, who beat them back in week one in Portland.
Seattle Sounders vs. Orlando City SC | 2017 MLS Match Preview – MLS
Orlando City played one of the more dramatic matches of the season on Saturday, coughing up 1-0 and 2-1 leads to fall behind the Montreal Impact 3-2 before Jonathan Spector rose up and headed home a corner kick deep into second half stoppage to give the Lions a 3-3 home draw.
Toronto FC’s Hamilton is a future star – Toronto Sun
It’s easy to forget Toronto FC’s Jordan Hamilton. Try as he might, the club’s 21-year-old striker often is swallowed up by TFC’s big name players, the guys hogging the spotlight.
Galatasaray star Wesley Sneijder might be on the move to Montreal – Mount Royal Soccer
According to Turkish sports website Sporx, Galatasaray star Wesley Sneijder might be on the move to the MLS and the Montreal Impact.
Report: LA Galaxy’s interest in Tigres star Gignac quite real – NBC Sports
Reporter Kristian Dyer says the LA Galaxy has bid $6 million for the services of French striker Andre-Pierre Gignac of Tigres UANL.
DC United swing trade with Houston to acquire Deshorn Brown via allocation – MLS
D.C. United completed the acquisition of striker Deshorn Brown on Tuesday, swinging a trade with the Houston Dynamo to move up to the No. 1 spot in the MLS Allocation Ranking and sign the Jamaican international from the USL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Portland Timbers stadium expansion could net team owners $3 million more in tax breaks – Oregonian
The Portland Timbers are teed up to get even larger tax break for their planned stadium expansion than the one the Portland City Council approved in May: an estimated $5 million in foregone ticket taxes, up from $2 million in the May deal.
Soccer star’s decision: Graduation ceremony or Red Bulls game vs. NYCFC? – NJ.com
Tyler Adams has a decision to make that few 18-year-olds could possibly fathom. He can wake up Saturday morning, put on his cap and gown, and join his classmates for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at his high school graduation. Or he can put on his soccer kit for the Red Bulls that morning, make the 90-minute drive to Harrison and join his teammates for a professional soccer game with 25,000 rabid fans waiting to cheer him on. Tassels? Or tackles?
Caribbean players feel shortchanged on MLS pay – Socawarriors
Caribbean nationals’ fight for equal footing in the North American workplace has extended to the sporting arena, where most players from the region find themselves among the lowest paid in Major League Soccer, although MLS clubs rely on them for important contributions.
Mike Grella: Just Listen for the Sound – The Players’ Tribune
Whenever I heard the sound — one very particular sound — I knew what was coming. Someone was about to score a goal. The sequence is ingrained in my memory. I heard it hundreds of times when I was a kid. And it went something like this:
MLS PHOTOS: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1, FC Dallas 1, June 17, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Monique Lamoureux.
3v3 Live Soccer Tour Comes to Canada
BC SOCCER NEWS
Coquitlam Metro-Ford SC to host the Provincial Premier Cup on June 24th and June 25th – BCSA
Youth teams from the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League will take to the pitches on Saturday June 24th and Sunday June 25th to play for the BC Soccer Provincial Premier Cup. Semi-final matches will take place this weekend setting up what is sure to be a great finals weekend (Semi-final match schedule). With a focus on development, this season marks the first year that all BCSPL franchise teams make the playoffs in their respective age divisions offering teams and players more scouting and development opportunities.
Academy Playoffs Preview: U-18s and U-16s set to make another run – Whitecaps FC
Both Whitecaps FC U-16 and U-18 teams again won the Northwest Division – making it nine titles out of a possible 12. Now the ‘Caps head to Westfield, Indiana for the initial group stage of the postseason. Matches will takes place on Thursday, Saturday, and Monday.
Tough all-MLS playoff draw for Vancouver Whitecaps U16s “doesn’t get much more meaningful than this” – AFTN
After back to back group wins and agonising quarter-final losses in 2014 and 2015, Vancouver Whitecaps U16s were left bitterly disappointed and with “a lot of regrets” to not make it past the first round of the USSDA playoffs last year, after being tipped to make run for the championship.
Highlanders Playing from the Back – Northern Starting XI
This past weekend, Victoria Highlanders FC hosted Portland Timbers U-23 at Centennial Stadium. It was wet and dreary throughout the match, with the 1st eight rows of the covered bleachers drenched in rain while roughly 100 guests watched the match play out. With fans having given up on Highlander’s promise to make jerseys available for purchase online this season, those in attendance continued to hope for a reason to remain optimistic about the team’s chances for the remainder of the Premier Development League season.
Brandon Watson GNAC Male Scholar-Athlete of Year – SFU
During the soccer season, Simon Fraser goalkeeper Brandon Watson was the cornerstone of a Clan defense that proved almost unpentratable. With as good as he was in goal, Watson was just as impressive in the classroom. Both are being recognized by conference athletic directors with his selection as the 2016-17 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Prep starts for provincials – Comox Valley Record
The Marine Harvest Upper Island Riptide is pleased to announce the start of preparations for the 2017 BC Soccer Association’s provincial A-Cup. Three teams (2002 boys, 2003 girls and 2001 girls) will spend the next four weeks in the Riptide Spring Soccer Academy, training together three times weekly.
Some tips from a pro – Comox Valley Record
Following last month’s visit from Carl Valentine, a group of young soccer players were again treated to some fun and skill-building with a former professional. Erin MacNulty, who played in goal for the Canadian Under-20 women’s team, was guest coach at a Saturday clinic for girls at Valley View field.
BC Soccer Web’s 2017 Soccer & Sports Book Recommendations – BC Soccer Web
Over the years, there have been many books on soccer and sport that have given us joy, laughter, and much to think about. We’re happy to share these with you. We’ll be updating this list as new titles become available, so keep checking.
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.
PDL PHOTOS: TSS Rovers 2 Lane Utd. 2, May 12, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
3V3 LIVE NATIONAL SOCCER TOUR COMES TO ABBOTSFORD – 3v3 Live Canada
3v3 Live Soccer Tour and Holbrook Sports Management are excited to announce the expansion of the 3v3 Live Soccer Tour into the Canadian soccer market. With the first event previously announced to take place on the August 19/20 weekend in Surrey, BC, the 3v3 Soccer Tour will expand to Abbotsford, BC, on August 20 and will include men’s and women’s open divisions.
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.
REVIEW: The Miracle Mile. Stories of the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games – BC BookLook
Author Jason Beck is curator of the BC Sports Hall of Fame in BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, and convenor two years ago of an excellent exhibition about the 1954 Games. In his first book, he proves to be a meticulous researcher, a compelling story-teller, and a crafty realist who knows how to hook his readers. Watch how, two pages into the book, he uses filmic technique to evoke the arriving athletes’ youthful buzz and give period colouring and costuming, but then smartly moves his camera in to introduce his stars.
TSS Rovers launch website & 2017 Season Ticket Campaign – TSS Rovers
TSS FC Rovers play their inaugural season in the PDL at iconic Swangard Stadium. Season Tickets are $70 for Adults, $49 for U12 Youth.
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!
To our Readers: A Choice – BC Soccer Web
Soccer has brought us to the United States many times. It’s a great place with decent people. We especially look forward to our Cascadia trips to Seattle and Portland. They’re incredible cities with wonderful supporters. That’s why it was so disheartening to see chaos and fear take hold in the airports and borders of our neighbours to the south.
Victoria Highlanders 2017 Season Passes now on sale – Highlanders FC
Support local soccer on Vancouver Island. Join the excitement of Highlanders FC PDL Soccer!
PHOTOS: CANADA WEST WOMENS FINAL, UBC 3, TWU 0, NOVEMBER 6, 2016 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
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.
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CANADA SOCCER NEWS
First leg of Canadian Championship FINAL between defending champion Toronto FC and rivals Montreal Impact kicks off Wednesday – CSA
The final round of the 10th edition of the Canadian Championship will kick off Wednesday, 21 June at 7:30 ET between the defending title holder Toronto FC and rival Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo. The second leg of the final will be held June 27 at BMO Field in Toronto. Both matches will be available to fans coast to coast on TSN 1, 3, 4, 5 and RDS, the official broadcaster of the Canadian Championship.
Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC | 2017 Canadian Championship Preview – MLS
Toronto FC are one aggregate victory away from winning their second straight Canadian Championship and clinching a spot in next year’s CONCACAF Champions League knockout stage. The Montreal Impact still have something to say about that, though, starting with Wednesday’s first final leg at Stade Saputo.
Hate between Toronto FC and Impact will be on full display Wednesday: ‘We get to crush their goals…’ – Toronto Sun
Millions tuned-in to see Toronto FC come back to dispatch the Montreal Impact in an Eastern Conference final that left a lasting impression. Now, the two sides meet again Wednesday night for what could be the first of five meetings between now and mid-October, when the Reds host the Impact in their penultimate match of the regular season.
Halifax approves soccer stadium for new pro league team – Sportsnet
Halifax is a step closer to capturing a coveted new FIFA-sanctioned professional soccer franchise after city councillors unanimously signed off on a pop-up stadium at a downtown municipal sports field Tuesday.
Pro soccer at Wanderers Grounds an ‘exciting opportunity’ – CBC
Sports Entertainment Atlantic wants to have 14 matches a year over a three-year trial period, complete with concessions and bleachers for up to 7,000 spectators.
Canadian internationals are standouts in League1 Ontario Week 8 – Ontario Soccer
Canadian internationals once again played a big role in the League1 Ontario results in Week 8. Two up-and-coming Canada U17 products – Shana Flynn and Samantha Chang – led Unionville Milliken to their sixth win of the season after a 2-0 win over Darby FC. Women’s division Unionville are the only remaining undefeated women’s team and five points clear at the top of the division!
Register for the Western Canada College ID Camp at Shawnigan Lake
WFC2, USL, NASL & NPSL NEWS
UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
WFC2 vs. OKC ENERGY FC
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2017, 3:00 PM
BUY TICKETS
UBC THUNDERBIRD STADIUM, VANCOUVER BC
LIVESTREAM: WHITECAPSFC2.COM
Fury takes Orlando to school – Ottawa Sun
The Ottawa Fury didn’t just pick up an invaluable three points to vault them all the way from 9th to 5th in the United Soccer League. The Fury, almost as importantly, many have won over a new generation of future fans.
Steel FC Caps Off Perfect Road Trip – USL
Bethlehem Steel FC continues to forge ahead on the road as James Chambers’ second-half goal lifted the side to a 1-0 victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders on Tuesday at FNB Field.
Former Kitsap Pumas coach feeling the Energy in Oklahoma City – Kitsap Sun
A lot that has changed about James Ritchie since he left Kitsap County for Oklahoma four years ago. Of course, the competitive fire is still there, as seen in the calls he protested during Oklahoma City Energy FC’s 3-2 loss to the Seattle Sounders FC 2 Monday night at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila. But he feels like he’s grown exponentially since he took the assistant coaching job with the Energy.
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WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Women’s Sport Week 2017: ‘Shocking’ that Man Utd do not have women’s team – BBC Sport
I think it is shocking that in 2017 a club the size of Manchester United does not have a women’s team, and what is even worse is they will not properly explain their position.
WoSo world remembers Tony DiCicco – The Equalizer
Tuesday we learned of Tony DiCicco’s passing. Immediately, tributes began to pour in from every corner of the globe. From those he coached on the world stage to lives he touched in obscurity there was no shortage of outpouring for the iconic figure.
UEFA partner Leaders to promote Women’s game via Generation XX Series – Inside World Football
European governing body UEFA has partnered with conference organiser Leaders for the Generation XX Series to promote dialogue and profile of the women’s game.
Women’s Under-19 final tournament draw – UEFA
The final tournament features eight teams with the draw splitting them into two groups of four. Draw takes place Friday.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Boca Juniors take Argentine title after rivals Banfield lose – Reuters
Boca Juniors lifted their 32nd Argentine title on Tuesday after closest challengers Banfield lost 1-0 at San Lorenzo to remain five points behind with only one game of the season left.
Di Maria to pay £1.76m fine to avoid jail for tax fraud – SN
Angel Di Maria will pay a fine of £1.76 million to avoid spending time in prison after admitting to tax fraud.
Why are Spanish football stars in legal trouble? – BBC
Spain has attracted arguably the three brightest lights of world football, with Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Neymar all plying their skills in La Liga. Over the past year, football fans have become used to seeing the trio caught up in accusations of tax fraud and other financial crimes by the Spanish courts.
Modric facing perjury probe and prison after allegedly lying to Croatian court over transfer – Inside World Football
Real Madrid star Luka Modric is to be investigated for perjury by Croatian authorities, after giving testimony at the corruption trial of his former manager Zdravko Mamic. If found guilty of lying under oath about when he signed a crucial contract annex, the ex-Spurs and Dinamo Zagreb player could face between six months and five years in prison.
Bayern Munich warn clubs against Robert Lewandowski approach – ESPN FC
Bayern Munich have threatened to go to FIFA if clubs approach Robert Lewandowski, amid speculation that Manchester United and Chelsea have held talks with the striker.
Mohamed Salah: Liverpool in talks to sign Roma’s former Chelsea winger – BBC Sport
Liverpool are closing in on Roma and Egypt winger Mohamed Salah in a deal that could be worth a club record £39m.
Confederations Cup Preview: Germany v Chile – FIFA
This duel in Kazan pits the winners of the opening two Group B matches against each other. Chile scored twice late on to secure a 2-0 win over Cameroon, while Germany defeated Australia 3-2.
Mexico plea to fans over homophobic chant – BBC Sport
Mexico’s football federation (FMF) has asked a “small group” of its fans to stop a chant Fifa says is homophobic.
Chile says it will consider joint bid for 2026 World Cup – Sportsnet
Chile says it will consider bidding to host the 2026 World Cup with some of its South American neighbours.
Chile banking on defensive cover and mental strength – FIFA
Chile are a team who focus on one thing when they take to the pitch: the opposition goal. The full-backs like to get forward, the midfielders hit diagonal balls to catch the rival defence off guard and the forwards waste no time getting into the box.
Bayern Munich replace English fan’s 21-year-old mug – BBC
An English football fan who tweeted that his 21-year-old Bayern Munich mug was “faded and cracked” has been sent a new one – by the club itself.
2017’s TOP SOCCER BOOKS