COLUMBUS CREW vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
MLS MATCHDAY #5
SATURDAY, MARCH 31, 2018, 12:00 PM, PDT
MAPFRE STADIUM, COLUMBUS, OH.
TV: CTV, TSN 4, TSN 5 RADIO: TSN RADIO 1040 ONLINE: TSN GO
Kei Kamara has “no love for Columbus” as he heads back to face his old team this weekend – AFTN
Kei Kamara is in the midst of his 12th season in Major League Soccer. Three and a half of them were spent in Columbus, over two spells.
Kamara has no love for Columbus, but plenty for Crew’s fans – Edmonton Journal
Kei Kamara is all about the love. He loves the game, he loves his teammates, he flashes a heart symbol after he scores — the symbol of his charitable foundation that helps schoolchildren in his native Sierra Leone.
Kendall Waston makes ESPN’s players’ survey for the most difficult to play against – Eighty-Six Forever
ESPN’s annual MLS Confidential anonymous survey reveals that Kendall Waston is declared by his peers to be the third hardest to play against in MLS. We look at the rest of the results and note what stood out most for us, and get your opinion on the subject.
LAFC adds Portuguese midfielder Andre Horta as designated player – Sportsnet
Portuguese midfielder Andre Horta is joining Los Angeles Football Club as the MLS expansion team’s third designated player.
Bob Bradley: Andre Horta gives LAFC “an ability to control games” – MLS
Three hours before Los Angeles Football Club sent out the press release officially unveiling Andre Horta as the club’s third Designated Player, he scored a goal for his country in Switzerland.
MLS Week 5: Ranking the games – AJC
Ranking this week’s MLS games from best to worst.
Impact’s Ligue 1 veterans weigh in on Zlatan Ibrahimović – Montreal Impact
The world of football stopped spinning for a few moments when it was announced that one of the most prolific strikers in modern football was coming to MLS. Zlatan Ibrahimović’s journey through Europe’s top leagues has entranced a generation of footballers, from his skill on the field to his antics off the pitch.
Houston Dynamo acquire Jared Watts from Colorado Rapids for $100,000 in TAM – MLS
The Houston Dynamo announced on Wednesday the club has acquired defender Jared Watts from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.
Orlando City SC owner sells minority stake to investor Albert Friedberg – ESPN
Orlando City SC owner Flavio Augusto da Silva has sold a minority ownership stake in the organization to Albert Friedberg from the FCMI group of companies, Da Silva has told ESPN FC.
Welcome to the LA Soccer War: A Tale of Celebrities, Money and the Black Army – Bleacher Report
This season, the two traditions of L.A. soccer will converge, now that the underdogs finally have a team to call their own: Los Angeles Football Club.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Whitecaps FC 2018 Showcase makes Newton Athletic Park the centre of the collegiate soccer recruiting universe this weekend – Varsity Letters
It has become an annual event, one which with every passing edition reveals a ceiling just that much higher than the year before. And as the countdown to the 2018 edition of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Showcase weekend hits its stretch drive, one of its visionary founders does his best to describe the surge of upward trajectory this most special gathering has taken since its informal launch back in 2014.
Cowichan United claims George Smith Cup – Lake Cowichan Gazette
In three Vancouver Island Soccer League U21 games this year, Cowichan outscored Vic West 13-3. But coach Tyler Hughes expected things to be different when the teams squared off in the George Smith Cup final at Victoria’s Royal Athletic Park on Saturday.
49ers repeat as Tony Grover Cup champs – Cowichan Valley Citizen
Two seasons, two titles. In their two seasons of existence, the Cowichan Craig Street 49ers have won back-to-back Tony Grover Cup championships, the second one coming on Sunday when they knocked off Gorge 4-1 at Victoria’s Royal Athletic Park.
WolfPack Women’s Soccer goes to Kootenays for latest recruit – TRU Wolfpack
The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack soccer program has had a fair bit of success recruiting out of the Kootenays in recent years. One of the ‘Packs top players on the men’s team is Mitchell Popadynetz out of Nelson, BC.
Wolfpack bolster roster with signing of Nelson’s Julia Burkart – Nelson Daily
The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack soccer program has had a fair bit of success recruiting out of the Kootenays in recent years. One of the ‘Packs top players on the men’s team is Mitchell Popadynetz out of Nelson, BC.
Team 33: What’s the soccer scene like in Canada? – Dublin’s 98 FM
There’s no doubt that ice hockey is the No 1 sport over in Canada. But where does football (or soccer to a North American audience) fit in? This week on Team 33, we were joined by our old friend Cian Roche who moved to Vancouver six months ago and has taken in the local soccer culture.
VISL PHOTOS: 2018 JACKSON CUP FINAL, Gorge FC 3, Lakehill FC 2, March 25, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Monique Lamoureux & Bill Currie.
PHOTOS: VMSL IMPERIAL CUP SEMIFINAL, Rino’s Tigers 3, Club Inter 2 (PKs), March 17, 2018 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Monique Lamoureux.
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.
PCSL CHALLENGE CUP PHOTOS: Vancouver Utd. 3, Mid-Isle Mariners 1, July 30, 2017 – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive Photos for BC Soccer Web by Richard Howes.
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.
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.
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
United 2026 bid promises a new World Cup era with an ‘opening day like no other’ – Inside World Football
The United 2026 bid are promising “an opening day like no other” to herald in a “new era in football”, with three games across the three countries – Canada, Mexico and the US.
Edmonton could host 4 soccer matches if United 2026 FIFA bid selected – Global
New documents show that if a joint-country bid to host the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is successful, Edmonton could host up to four matches — two more than what was in the initial plan.
TFC’s Osorio: Mediocrity not enough under John Herdman – Sportsnet
It’s only been one training camp, one game and one victory for the Canadian men’s team under new coach John Herdman.
Bison soccer wins pre-season tournament – The Manitoban
The University of Manitoba Bison soccer team got a jump start on its 2018 season preparations by winning the pre-season tournament the club hosted this past weekend.
Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute RedHawks say Aloha to Hawaii – Inside Ottawa Valley
RedHawks flocked to Hawaii this March break. The senior girls’ soccer team from Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI) descended on Hawaii to play the global game against international teams.
Airdrie Soccer Team Claims Bronze At Provincials – Discover Airdrie
A local Soccer team came home with a Bronze Medal at the Indoor Soccer Provincials earlier this month.
Thunder Bay turfs plan to build 2 artificial soccer fields – CBC
Two proposed artificial turf fields for Chapples Park in Thunder Bay, Ont., will remain covered in grass.
City seeks Quebec support for sports projects – The Suburban
Using Quebec City’s current $100 million budget envelope for construction, design and renovation of sport installations and recreation sites, Laval has applied for cash under the Programme de soutien aux installations sportives et récréatives – while supporting the Commission scolaire de Laval in a similar program, as well as the privately held Complexe Multi-Sports de Laval.
Familiar names among Sport Newfoundland and Labrador awards finalists – The Telegram
Sport Newfoundland and Labrador has announced the finalists for its annual awards for 2017 and the list of nominees contains the names of many previous winners.
Right to Play kicks in soccer clinic for Island youth – Manitoulin Expositor
Over 100 youth from Sheguiandah First Nation, Birch Island, Aundeck Omni Kaning (AOK) and other Island communities participated. “Everyone was welcome,” said Ms. Williams. “The youngest was five and the oldest was 22-years-old. There was a good mixture with all different levels of ability.”
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Foxes Aim for Breakthrough in S2 Visit – USL
Fresno FC will make its first road trip of its inaugural season as the Foxes visit Seattle Sounders FC 2 looking to gain their first win of the season on Wednesday night at Cheney Stadium.
USL Midweek Preview Week 3 – Energy and Sounders 2 look to bounce back – SBI
Week 3 of the 2018 USL season kicks off with two midweek games for a four western conference teams sitting in the bottom half of the standings.
Know your opponent: Ottawa Fury FC – Toronto FC
Toronto FC II return home to host the Ottawa Fury on Saturday night in their 2018 Home Opener! To get you set here is everything you need to know about the Fury.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC sign defender Noah Franke – Pittsburgh Sports Castle
Another defender has been added to the mix for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. On Wednesday morning, just four days away from their home opener at Highmark Stadium against Penn FC, the Riverhounds SC have signed defender Noah Franke. The deal is for one year with a club option for 2019.
Soccer soars in the Upstate, and the arrival of new pro and semi-pro teams is just the beginning – Upstate Business Journal
Opportunity. That’s what Steven Short and Josh Keller, executives of the United Soccer League’s newly minted Division III, sensed when they arrived in Greenville this past summer.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Five England players in contention for Women’s Footballer of the Year – The Guardian
Five members of Phil Neville’s England squad are in contention to win the Football Writers’ Association’s inaugural Women’s Footballer of the Year award.
Women’s football on the rise with FA on course to hit strategy targets – The FA
The Football Association is on track to double the number of players and fans in the women’s game by 2020.
Portland Thorns owner Merritt Paulson has played pivotal role in advancement of women’s soccer – Oregonian
It was October 2012 when then-U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati decided to call several Major League Soccer owners in hopes of convincing them to launch clubs in the new National Women’s Soccer League.
National Women’s Soccer League Enters Year 2 of Partnership With Lifetime – Sports Video Group
With a little over a year to go before the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is in perfect position to stoke the fires of soccer mania in the U.S., thanks its continued partnership with Lifetime.
Debuts for All Whites as Ferns kick off in States – Voxy
It’s been an exciting period for many of New Zealand’s overseas-based players with several making their debuts for the All Whites while the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) kicked off in the United States.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
International football: talking points from the latest friendlies – The Guardian
Argentina are in a mess, England should go for all-out attack and Kylian Mbappé’s heroics are papering over French cracks.
Italy earns draw vs. England at Wembley after video review – Sportsnet
World Cup-bound England conceded its first goal in more than 10 hours after a video review allowed Lorenzo Insigne to equalize for Italy and claim a 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.
Few positives for Italy after missing out on World Cup – London Free Press
Over 180 minutes of soccer, Italy showed exactly why it is not going to the World Cup.
Injured Messi watches Spain rout Argentina in Madrid – Sportsnet
With Lionel Messi rested, Argentina was crushed 6-1 by Spain on Tuesday, with Real Madrid midfielder Francisco “Isco” Alarcon scoring his first career hat trick.
Fifa investigates alleged racist abuse of France players by Russia fans – The Guardian
Fifa is investigating alleged racist abuse directed at French players by Russia fans during a pre-World Cup friendly between the countries.
Egypt’s frailties exposed in World Cup warmup losses – Metro
With a leaky defence and a one-man attack, the sight of Egypt in a pair of recent friendlies must have been pleasing to World Cup group rivals Uruguay, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Philippines, North Korea and Yemen complete 24-team 2019 Asian Cup line-up – Inside World Football
Next year’s AFC Asian Cup line-up has finally been confirmed after qualifying for Asia’s premier event drew to a close on Tuesday.
US men, Triangle enjoy banner night with 1-0 win over Paraguay – WRAL Sportsfan
A mix of experience and youth took the pitch for the USMNT at Sahlen’s Stadium. Both the U.S. and Paraguay failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup this summer, so with little on the line, both countries are looking towards the future.
Fabio Capello leaves Chinese club Jiangsu Suning – Metro
Fabio Capello has left his post as head coach of Jiangsu Suning, the Chinese Super League club said Wednesday.
Tokyo 2020: FA ‘confident’ of fielding Team GB side at Olympics – BBC Sport
The Football Association are “confident” there will be a women’s football side representing Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Lowdown on the UEFA Europa League quarter-finalists – UEFA
The crunch stage of the UEFA Europa League is upon us; who are the men to watch over the coming fortnight?
Bobby Ferguson: Former Ipswich Town manager dies aged 80 – BBC Sport
He was Sir Bobby Robson’s first-team coach when the Tractor Boys won the Uefa Cup in 1981 and became boss the following season when Robson left Portman Road to become England manager.
FIFA says president Infantino won’t meddle in World Cup bids – Metro
After Morocco questioned Gianni Infantino’s impartiality, FIFA maintained Wednesday that its president won’t meddle in the 2026 World Cup bidding contest and reminded the North African nation to abide by the rules.
Filling Panini World Cup sticker book estimated at £773 – BBC
Filling this year’s Panini World Cup sticker book costs £773.60, twice the cost for Euro 2016, according to maths expert Prof Paul Harper.