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WHITECAPS FC & MLS
Whitecaps FC set to kick off season-long road trip Wednesday vs. Montreal Impact – Whitecaps FC
There’s been a lot of talk about Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s improved road form in 2015 – and for good reason. Through six matches away from home, the ‘Caps have come away with three wins while just conceding two goals.
Impact hosts Vancouver Whitecaps FC Wednesday night at Stade Saputo – Montreal Impact
A quick turnaround following Saturday’s loss to the Chicago Fire has Frank Klopas and his squad eager to get back on the pitch against the ‘Caps.
Countdown: Vancouver Whitecaps @ Montreal Impact – Red Nation Online
Canadian soccer fans will get a preview of the 2015 Amway Canadian Championship Final on Wednesday when the Vancouver Whitecaps face off against the Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo. With Vancouver pushing for top spot in the Western Conference and the Impact battling to get back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture following a successful run to the CONCACAF Champions League final, both sides will be focused on league play and on earning all three points.
Facing to coast-to-coast-to-coast trip, Robinson welcomes options at centre-back – The Province
Diego Rodriguez wants a start. Kendall Waston wants a goal. And Pa-Modou Kah wants to keep his spot in the lineup. Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson has some welcomed choice at centre-back this week as he plans to rotate his back four, either in Montreal on Wednesday or L.A. on Saturday.
Andrea Pirlo linked with summer move to NYCFC – SBI
According to a report from Spanish publication AS, the 36-year-old Italian midfield maestro has accepted an offer from New York City FC. The report states that Manchester City and NYCFC CEO Ferran Soriano turned to signing Pirlo after Barcelona midfielder Xavi turned down an offer last summer.
Sounders announce lower-bowl sellout, launch new season-ticket priority list – Seattle Times
The Sounders have sold-out the lower bowl seating capacity at CenturyLink Field for the first time in team history, the club announced on Tuesday. And it is thus launching a season-ticket priority list, both for future lower-bowl openings and potential 300-level ones.
It’s never easy, but MLS teams may be better equipped than ever for Champions League group stage – MLS
Given the resources and talent at the disposal of MLS and Liga MX teams in the CONCACAF Champions League, getting four teams from each league into the knockout round seems like it would be a cinch. But it never quite works out that way.
WFC2 & USL
WFC2 looking for third straight win – Whitecaps FC
The Blue and White are playing with confidence after a pair of entertaining performances at Thunderbird Stadium. The rematch with the Real Salt Lake affiliate will be a good test for head coach Alan Koch’s young squad to see if they can continue their steady improvement on the road.
Catching Up With…. Long Tan – AFTN
Chinese striker Long Tan became something of a minor cult figure during his short time in Vancouver with the Whitecaps. He had chants and he had a fanbase, albeit a small one, itching to see him get more MLS minutes.
FIFA CORRUPTION CRISIS
World Soccer Reacts to Sepp Blatter’s Resignation – BC Soccer Web
Statements from World Soccer leaders on Sepp Blatter’s Resignation
Sepp Blatter investigated by FBI ahead of FIFA president’s resignation– Goal.com
The FBI has started an investigation on Blatter as part of a probe that led to nine soccer officials being indicted last week, a U.S. official confirmed to Goal. Several news outlets across the U.S. and Europe have reported that Blatter could be a part of the alleged corruption concerning the other FIFA officials.
Interpol issues Red Notices for former FIFA officials Warner and Leoz – Goal.com
Former FIFA officials Jack Warner and Nicolas Leoz have now been labeled as internationally wanted persons by Interpol.
Not even Blatter could escape the FIFA storm – Sportsnet
It would be tempting to believe that he saw the light, that a celestial visitor came to him over the weekend and convinced him that the game would be much better served if stepped away.
Sepp Blatter back to work after announcing plans to resign – CBC
A day after announcing his decision to resign, Sepp Blatter was back at work at FIFA headquarters on Wednesday as the worst corruption crisis in the governing body’s 111-year history continued to unfold.
How a curmudgeonly old reporter exposed the FIFA scandal that toppled Sepp Blatter – Washington Post
The biggest news story of the year was breaking, but the journalist responsible was fast asleep. It was just after dawn on May 27 when Andrew Jennings’s phone began ringing. Swiss police had just launched a startling raid on a luxury hotel in Zurich, arresting seven top FIFA officials and charging them and others with running a $150 million racket. The world was stunned.
After Blatter, Who Will Win The Top Job In World Soccer? – Forbes.com
Before we assess the runners and riders we have to take a step back and look at the voting blocks. With 209 members the magic number to get elected is 105 and no one federation can reach such a number acting independently.
With Blatter out, will Qatar lose 2022 World Cup? – Sportsnet
The man who led England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup suggested on Tuesday that while Russia’s tournament in three years’ time was off the table – the preliminary draw is set for July 25 in St. Petersburg – Qatar’s 2022 event could be put in play again, depending on the final destinations of the multiple investigations that suddenly gained added momentum with Blatter’s announcement.
Things That Actually Exist: CONMEBOL Judicial Immunity – Vice Sports
So here’s a weird thing that exists in the world: the offices of CONMEBOL, South America’s soccer confederation headquartered in Paraguay, enjoys judicial immunity thanks to a law passed in 1997.
Fall of the Sepp Blatter dynasty: how Qatar became a frontier too far – The Guardian
For those more comfortable with conspiracies than complexities, that picture of Blatter holding the open envelope to reveal the word “QATAR” will be forever read as a come-and-get-me plea to the US authorities, America having been among the disappointed World Cup bidders.
The Official Book of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. On Sale Now at Amazon.ca
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015
Is Canada the team of destiny at the Women’s World Cup? – Some Canadian Guys
The team burst into the national sporting consciousness with its thrilling and controversial loss to the U.S. in the semi-finals of the 2012 Olympics. Since then, much has been made of Canada’s chances of earning redemption by lifting the championship trophy right here at home in the 2015 World Cup.
Canadian soccer boss says Women’s World Cup can help restore shine on soccer – Vancouver Sun
The head of Canadian soccer says the Women’s World Cup may help restore the lustre of world soccer despite the mushrooming FIFA scandal.
Eniola Aluko: ‘Women’s World Cup will rival men’s tournament’ – BBC Sport
With increased media coverage and a huge north American audience, the tournament is a great opportunity for more people to fall in love with women’s game.
2015 Women’s World Cup: Group C Preview – The Guardian
The holders, Japan, are there to be shot at but have been dealt a kind group and should have little trouble progressing. “We know it won’t be easy to retain the World Cup but that’s our ultimate aim,” their coach, Norio Sasaki, said after they defeated Italy 1-0 in their final warm-up game, and another successful tournament would cement the impression they are here to stay. (Editor’s note: Group C is based in Vancouver for the first two matches)
Vancouver to host FIFA Fan Experience – FIFA
The FIFA Fan Experience in Vancouver is about to open its doors to football fans from all around the world. Come and visit this unique and exciting football experience with your friends and family!
Sweden assimilating to turf, weather in Canada – The Equalizer
Pia Sundhage and the Swedish national team have been training at York University as they prepare for the World Cup. They face difficult competition in Group D as they’ll battle Nigeria and the United States in Winnipeg before travelling to Edmonton to close out group play against Australia.
Sydney Leroux interview: ‘When I put on the jersey, I’m nothing but American’ – The Guardian
From humble beginnings in Vancouver, Sydney Leroux has risen to stardom on the world’s most competitive team. She’s ready for a hostile reception when the women’s World Cup starts.
Vancouver soccer event deserves watching – 24 Hours
FIFA’s failure to corrupt the 2015 Women’s World Cup has got to be a disappointment for them. These people could corrupt a lemonade stand.
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CANADA
Canada MNT selects 23 for CONCACAF Preliminary Round in June – CSA
With the next FIFA World Cup qualifying odyssey set to begin for Canada’s Men’s National Team, Head Coach Benito Floro has named his 23-man squad that will look to get things off on the right foot with a home-and-away series against Dominica.
With Dwayne De Rosario retired, CanMNT turns to MLS youngsters Cyle Larin, Tesho Akindele – MLS
On Saturday, Dwayne De Rosario – who scored 22 goals in his Canada career, including two earlier this year – confirmed that his playing days are over. With DeRo done, questions arose over who would score the goals for Canada with World Cup qualifiers and a CONCACAF Gold Cup on the immediate horizon.
Tesho Akindele named to Canadian National Team ahead of World Cup qualifying matches against Dominica – FC Dallas
FC Dallas forward Tesho Akindele was one of 23 players named to the Canadian National Team today for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Dominica.
Decision made: Akindele on Canadian roster for WCQ – the11.ca
Akindele’s name is on the roster for Canada’s upcoming qualifiers against Dominica; June 11 in Roseau and June 16 at Toronto’s BMO Field. If he gets on the field, the Calgary-born attacker will be tied to Canada.
Tesho Akindele Commits to Canada, Earns Call-Up – Eighty-Six Forever
It’s no secret that the reluctance of dual-national players to commit to Les Rouges has been frustrating for supporters over the decades, to say nothing of the gut-punch it must be for the coaches, technical staff and no-longer-teammates. In comparison, Akindele’s decision to join CanMNT over USMNT is nothing short of a minor victory that can be held up as an example to other on-the-fence players.
De Guzman Named to National Team – Ottawa Fury
Ottawa Fury FC midfielder Julian De Guzman has been named to the Canadian Men’s National Team that will commence their qualifying odyssey for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia later this month. Head Coach Benito Floro announced his 23-man squad earlier today that will face Dominica in a home-and-away series starting June 11 in Roseau before returning to Toronto for the home-leg at BMO Field on June 16.
Scandal and Rumour: Is a Canadian League Close to Reality? – Mount Royal Soccer
In the middle of the FIFA corruption scandal that broke last week with the Swiss and the Americans arresting several high ranking members of FIFA and CONCACAF, a tiny announcement came out of Canada. CSN (Canadian Soccer News) is reporting that a Canadian Soccer League, involving 10 cities ‘across the country’ has been “confirmed”.
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BC SOCCER
Heat Win One, Lose One in Weekend Homestand – KamloopsBC Now
The Kamloops Heat picked up one win and one loss in a pair of home games in Pacific Coast Soccer League action at Exhibition Park over the weekend.
KYSA Hosts UK Touring Team – KYSA
The British are coming! The British are coming! The Kamloops Youth Soccer Association has announced they will be hosting the Moreton School Football Academy U18 Boys team from Wolverhampton, England, in an exhibition game on Friday, June 26th.
Hard luck again for unbeaten Wildcats – Richmond News
McMath doesn’t lose a game but shootout tiebreaker keeps Richmond champions off podium at provincial AAA girls soccer championships in Victoria.
Southridge girls second at soccer provincials – Peace Arch News
The Southridge Storm senior girls soccer team are the second-best team in B.C., after making it all the way to the finals of single-A provincials last week on their home turf.
NASL
Mkosana bags brace in historic Cosmos victory in Cuba – SBI
In a matchup billed a historic event, the New York Cosmos put on a performance to match the occasion. Led by a Lucky Mkosana brace, the Cosmos defeated the Cuban national team, 4-1, Tuesday evening in Havana, becoming the first American professional sports team to play in the country in 16 years.
NASL Is Forging A Relationship With Cuba – NASL
For Bill Peterson, it was the right time to take a bold step and open the door to Cuba. That is why the North American Soccer League’s commissioner decided to pursue a possible international friendly between one of his teams and the national team of Cuba.
Laing named to Jamaican 23-man roster for Copa América tournament – FC Edmonton
FC Edmonton has announced that midfielder Lance Laing has been named to the final Jamaican roster that will see action in this year’s Copa América tournament that kicks-off June 11 in Chile. This will be the second appearance with the senior national squad for Laing, who last competed for his home country in 2012. No official decision has been made on when Laing will depart for the tournament.
Indy Eleven Fires Head Coach Juergen Sommer – Indy Eleven
Indy Eleven Professional Soccer made several changes to its technical staff today, announcing that former assistant coach Tim Regan will take over the club’s head coach and director of soccer operations roles on an interim basis after relieving Juergen Sommer of those same duties.
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WORLD OF SOCCER
FIFA U20 World Cup: USA stick four past NZ – New Zealand Herald
New Zealand’s future at the Under-20 World Cup hangs in the balance, after a resounding 4-0 defeat at the hands of the United States last night.
FIFA U20 World Cup: Mexico’s ‘Chucky’ haunts Uruguay – FIFA
Hirving Lozano may not bear any physical resemblance to a small, evil, red-headed doll, but he still goes by the nickname ‘Chucky’.
FIFA U20 World Cup:Delight amid the deluge as Portugal progress – FIFA
The heavens opened on Day 5 at New Zealand 2015, where the goals continue to show no signs of drying up. A drenched Dunedin and the wettest of Waikato Stadiums in Hamilton witnessed late drama and sumptuous strikes, though Portugal were the only side to succeed in joining USA in the last 16.
Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais to face off in the 2015 French Supercut in Montreal on August 1 – Montreal Impact
The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), Relevent Sports and the Montreal Impact announced Tuesday that French Ligue 1 Champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will face Olympique Lyonnais for the Trophée des Champions 2015 (French Supercup) in Montreal at Stade Saputo on August 1, at 3pm EDT.
The myth that America doesn’t like football – BBC
Football is no longer met with American indifference. Nor any more does it offer proof of America’s sporting isolationism. In this polyglot nation, the game is growing in popularity and importance, an upward trend that will continue long into the future as America becomes less white and more Hispanic.